Zeldris sat in a booth on the 2nd level of the guild, relaxing after finishing a solo job, Romeo and Terra Mere sat across from him, reminiscing on the previous month's jobs and adventures. It had been a blur since they defeated the Albion in the desert city and Turmoil and her crew after that. The trio had joined with Freed to perform a play at the Sharazad Theatre that was as embarrassing as it was popular with the kingdom.
Additionally, the trio spent a solid month and a half on a job providing protection for transports. Finally, as November dragged into early December of that year solo job season began, Zeldris found himself doing many jobs including searching for a lost magical ring, restoring an eternal flame, and performing a magic show that went rather well.
"Romeo" Zeldris asked "I know you and Mira said this is typically solo job season but why is everyone seeming to go crazy with these jobs" referring to the mob of people that forced Mirajane to become a turn style in accepting job request paperwork.
"They're getting ready for the master's announcement this afternoon; with a little bit of luck you might be involved with it" Romeo implied.
Zeldris shrugged and sipped on some more water, not paying attention to the time as many members slowly poured into the guild, seeming to proportionally increase with the amount of freezing rain that fell outside.
It was now four pm in the afternoon when practically every guild member crowded the main floor in front of the stage that was near the bar area. The green curtain with an orange guild logo then raised to reveal master Makarov, Erza, Mirajane, Laxus, and (describe Gildarts), the master spoke to the crowd.
"In accordance with our time honored tradition, I am proud to announce the contestants for the year 793 S-class promotion trial! This event will happen on our guild's sacred ground, Tenroe Island. The following wizards are; Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Lockser, Lucy Heartfillia, Wendy Marvell, Elfman Strauss, Gajeel Redfox, Cana Alberona, Freed Justine, and Bickslow. These ten wizards will need to meet in Hargeon at ten am in one week.
Erza then finally spoke "when choosing partners, you must observe these two rules, they must be a member of Fairy Tail, and must not be an s-class wizard".
Makarov then continued "this year's trial will focus on speed and combat, so choose your partner wisely".
"And" a tall, powerful looking man added "we've been told to go all out on you".
The collective mood of the wizards who were chosen fell in shock to his words.
Zeldris turned to Romeo who like himself was looking down from the railing and asked, "who is that man?"
"That's Gildarts Clive, he's the strongest wizard in the guild!" Romeo responded.
Zeldris nodded, talking out loud "I wonder what it would be like to fight him?"
Romeo looked at him as though he had a death wish "you can go do that man, but don't be surprised when he beats you senseless, he makes beating Natsu look like squashing a bug" he remarked.
Zeldris nodded, taking stock of what Romeo said as he joined Romeo and Terra Mere back at the booth where they were originally sitting, with a few minutes passing, when Freed and Bixlow came to their table.
"Hey, you two, what's up?" asked Romeo, looking to the wizards who stood at the booth.
"We've come to discuss partnering with the two of you for the S-class trial" Freed said.
"From our previous jobs, and the rumors about you both mean that you two would be perfect" added Bickslow.
"So, I wish to partner with you Zeldris" continued Freed.
"And your flames and my babies will make an awesome combination" Bickslow added.
"Fire Sane Magic, Fire Sane Magic, Fire Sane Magic" remarked the floating dolls.
"Now that that's settled, we both need to go about our training" Freed finished.
"Aye sir!" remarked Zeldris and Romeo in unison.
"Take care Terra Mere, see you soon" Romeo then remarked, Terra Mere waved trying to be friendly, but as soon as they were out of sight she started pouting, upset she was to be separated from her closest boyfriends.
An hour had passed as Terra Mere sat in the same booth, grumbling about not being able to join her friends in the S-class trial when Cana walked up, and sat down across from her.
"Hey girl, are you just sulking here alone?" Cana asked,taking a sip from a bottle of booze, looking ever chipper.
"Freed and Bickslow stole my boys to take part in that stupid s-class trial, and I'm plotting to see how I can get to this Tenroe island on my own" Terra Mere remarked, grumbling.
Cana nearly spat out her drink "Hold on girl, I've got the solution for you, I'm looking for a partner in the S-class trial, and between the fact all the men around here want to get into my pants and the rumors about you make you very worthwhile as a partner" Cana finished.
Terra Mere looked at Cana surprised and nodded, nearly choking on her water "yes, I'll be your partner Cana! And we will make you an S-class wizard!" A smile now forming on Terra Mere's face as the two left to go train and get ready for the S-class trial.