Chapter 20 - S-Class Trials
With Team Natsu
Shagotte let out a deep sigh, "And this incident, the invasion caused by King Faust is the very reason why we had to send you all away." she said.
"What the heck? You lied about us need to kill the Dragon Slayers so that we can escape?" Happy asked with wide eyes.
Shagotte nodded, "Yes, I understand if you are mad that I had to separate you and all of the other unborn exceeds from your families." she said feeling sorry.
"I should be mad, but even then. You didn't really mean any harm. I even made a friend out of Natsu and he's like my little brother." Hpapy said.
"Yeah… hey! I'm the older brother!" Natsu yelled.
"Nope, you're the immature one." Happy said.
"At least Natsu isn't openly insulting someone every thirty minutes." Lucy points out.
Happy deflates, "I'm not mean." he said denying the truth.
"Anyways, I just realized something. Charle, how did you know about the fake mission? Even if the exceeds believed it to be true, all of the things the queen has said are lies." Wendy said.
"Obviously I was intelligent for my age child." Charle said.
Wendy sweat dropped, "Charle, you were an egg when I found you." she said.
"I have to agree with Wendy. Happy is not much more intelligent but he could barely speak and didn't know his own name." Erza explained as Charle's ego deflated.
"That does sound strange your majesty. How did that one know about the false assignment?" Nadi asked very curiously.
Shagotte let out another sigh, "I think it's about time I reveal another truth. Though this is unique only to me for reasons even I do not understand." she started to say.
"Oh? More lies?" Charle asked.
"Charle, enough negativity." Wendy said as she already felt tired.
"To be fair, it's not too powerful as I myself can hardly control it." Shagotte said but Charle didn't believe her. "This is actually a half truth as my elders would often feel pride in this ability of mine. It is a precognitive ability to prophecy the future, although on it's own. The ability is not completely accurate and often hard to perceive." she explained.
"So what, you can time travel for like a split second?" Gray asked, not sounding too sure of what she just said.
"She can see into the future Gray." Lucy corrected.
"Sweet, can you read the winning lotto numbers?" Natsu asked.
"Natsu!" Lucy yelled.
Shagotte shook her head, "As I said, even I am not in complete control of this ability. Charle herself has also obtained this ability and foresaw her attempt to break into the castle through the cave as I predicted as well." she said.
"Wait, so that really wasn't you tampering with my mind, but that doesn't make any sense. How can I have the same ability as you?" Charle asked with wide eyes.
"I can tell you this, the queen is not you from the future." Nadi said as he wanted to skip the stupid conspiracy theories.
"Is it because they're the same type of cat or something?" Natsu suddenly asked. "I mean, you both look the same, except the queen is taller. Is it like a queen bee situation or something?" he asked as he scratched his head.
"Natsu, what are you going on about?" Gray asked.
"Hold on Gray, I think Natsu is onto something." Erza said.
"You're her mother, if not a close relative." Lucy said.
"Preposterous…" Charle said before she was cut off.
"It's true, I had to sacrifice my own child as well." Shagotte said as there was no use hiding it. Now Charle was in a rollercoaster of emotions, "As I said before, I am deeply sorry for the confusion and the trouble I have caused you. If you wish to hate me, then I will not argue." she said feeling deserving of hate.
"Hey don't beat yourself up your highness." Happy said.
"Yeah, I mean you're the leader. Sometimes you gotta make tough calls." Gray said as he didn't hate the exceeds.
"It is understandable, in the end you did nothing wrong." Erza said as the exceeds technically did nothing, but live in their own hedonism on Extalia.
Lucy let out a deep breath, "As a monarch, tough choices must be made like Gray said. It's better to be seen as a tyrant than to be worshipped as a goddess if it means protecting your people." she said surprising everyone. Suddenly it felt like Princess Stella was talking instead of Lucy, "The royal crown is beautiful, but it comes with a lot of weight. It's better for citizens to hate you than to smile before they are forced to suffer." she said.
Shagotte gave a weak smile, "I suppose that is the true meaning of a monarch." she said being thankful for the advice.
"Nonsense! Subjects must be disciplined and be grateful that you are their ruler! What point is there to be hated because you can't grant at least one person's wish!? Appeasing the masses is as pointless as spoiling an ungrateful child who will demand more and more!" Gilgamesh yelled from within Lucy.
'Could someone beat up Gil?' Lucy asked the many heroic spirits.
"What will you all do now?" Natsu asked.
"There are still many other exceeds out there and we all hope to find them. Perhaps we will all meet again in the future." Shagotte said as she felt hopeful.
"But wait! I'm still not adjusting to all of this new information!" Charle yelled.
"You will in time my daughter. If you can create strong bonds with these humans. Then you can grow stronger without me." Shagotte said as everyone prepared to leave. "Good luck Charle and may we meet again!" she said everyone took to the skies and flew away.
"Bye guys!" Happy yelled.
"Bye everyone!" the rest of Team Natsu said as they waved goodbye.
"Hey Lucy, where's Shirou?" Natsu asked.
"SHIROU!" Lucy yelled frantically as she ran around to look for her son.
"I'm here mom." Shirou said while coming out of the bushes.
Lucy let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness." she said as she picked him up in her arms.
Natsu let out a grin, "A good thing too little buddy. We got worried about you." he said as he ruffled Shirou's hair.
Shirou winced as he tried pulling away from Natsu's hand, "There's someone in there." he said as he pointed at the bush.
Lucy and Natsu looked curiously where Shirou pointed. Where they saw a chibi version of Panther Lily come out with a rope in hand. Where he proceeded to drag out Edo Lisanna who he tied up.
"Hey! Do you really need to do that?" Lisanna whined.
"I do." Panther Lily said.
"What the heck is going on here!?" Natsu asked.
Suddenly, Lisanna tackled Natsu in a hug, "Natsu!" she cried out.
"What is going on?" Lucy asked.
"Hey, where's Gajeel? He said he would take me on as a partner. Since I'm stuck here now, I want him to make good on that deal." Lily said just as Gajeel ran up to him.
"No way! I got my own kitty cat now!" Gajeel yelled excitedly as he crushes Lily in a hug.
"This hurts!" Lily yelled.
"This is really confusing. That giant exceed got smaller and now Lisanna is here." Lucy said as she started thinking.
"Hold up! Aren't you the other Lisanna? What are you doing here then?" Natsu asked as he pushed Lisanna away.
Lisanna looked a bit sad, "It's a long story, you see. After the S Class mission with Mira and Elfman. Elfman hit me really hard and I was taken away in this bright light." she started to say.
"Thinking about it, Mira never told me much about Lisanna." Lucy spoke up.
One day, while helping Mira in the guild's library before the original building was destroyed. Lucy found an old painting from Reedus where it showed the birth of Happy. However, Happy was drawn as a dragon since Natsu still believed the Exceed to be a dragon at the time. Actually before he hatched, Natsu thought he was Igneel's egg.
"Actually, now that I think about it. I never saw a body when they said you died. The funeral wasn't open casket or whatever it's called." Natsu said.
At the time, him and some of the others were squeamish. So Natsu just followed Erza's assumption that Lisanna's body was in bad shape or that it was a sign of respect as to not give the Strauss siblings too much grief. Even Lisanna felt surprised by that, did they bury the Lisanna that was from Edolas?
"AHHH! Who did they bury!?" Natsu yelled.
Lisanna recoiled in surprise, "I don't know, but that's not the end of my story!" she replied.
"Happy! We gotta go buy some shovels! Mira and Elfman buried someone alive!" Natsu yelled.
"Aye sir!" Happy yelled as the two ran off to the general store.
Lisanna sighed, "Still the same as ever. Oh by the way, I don't think we've met. Well… not Earthland you. You're Lucy right?" she asked as she looked towards Lucy.
"I'm not as hostile as Lucy Ashley." Lucy said reassuring her.
"Thank goodness. By chance, do you have anyone named Juvia in the guild?" Lisanna asked.
There were many strange characters that Lucy saw in the Edolas Fairy Tail guild. Like her tomboyish brute of a counterpart or the Cana who wants to be ladylike and dislikes alcohol. Mirajane was still the same despite a slight difference in clothing styles. However, Juvia is one of the biggest surprises Lisanna will get. Especially as Lisanna became close friends with Edolas Juvia.
"Yeah, she's Gray's betrothed." Lucy answered.
"That's nice to… JUVIA AND GRAY ARE GETTING MARRIED!?" Lisanna asked with a shocked face.
"Yeah, I was surprised by the other Juvia. Our Juvia is overly attached to Gray and gets jealous when other women are around him." Lucy answered as Lisanna's face was still filled with shock.
"Hey, is that Lisanna?" Gray asked as he and Erza arrived to hear the commotion.
"HOW DID YOU GET MARRIED AND WHY IS WENDY SO TINY!?" Lisanna asked, still looking shocked.
"Shouldn't you be more worried about seeing your siblings again?" Lucy asked as Lisanna calmed down.
A couple minutes later
Having realized what Lucy said, Lisanna dropped everything and ran towards the graveyard where her siblings were. Having decided to put all the current events in the past two years aside. Immediately heading towards her family who have been in grief for so much time. Prefereably before Natsu arrives with those shovels in an attempt to find out who or what they buried.
"Mira! Elf!" Lisanna shouted as she ran across the rain covered ground.
After repeatedly calling out to them. The two perked up and wondered if they were hearing things. However, it wouldn't be too long until their imagination would be turned into a reality.
"It can't be." Elfman said as he turned around first.
"Lisanna?" Mirajane asked as she also turned around.
And then, the broken family was now fixed. As Mirajane extended her arms and caught Lisanna who threw herself at her sister. Lisanna and Mira embraced in a tear filled hugged as Elfman did the same. Hugging both of his sisters in what he believed to be a miracle from the heavens themselves. Team Natsu watched and smiled at the group as they saw the siblings feeling happy after two years of grief.
"We should give them some privacy." Erza said.
"Then who's going to stop Salamander when he gets his hand on a shovel?" Gajeel asked as Erza sighed.
Her little brother is more than likely going to find a shovel. That or something to rip open the earth and see what was buried two years ago. Even if the casket is empty, it still would be a disturbing action.
"Thinking about it, what do we do with the grave now that Lisanna is actually alive?" Gray curiously asked.
"I have no idea." Gajeel asked as everyone shook their head.
"Should have just released a boat and set it ablaze like my people." Beowulf said in Lucy's mind.
"It does save time and money for a funeral." Siegfried said.
"Then we are sharing the same boat." Kriemhilde said, sounding very possessive.
At the guild
Moriarty groaned as he held his head, "I'm gone one moment and now I am back. I cannot fathom how this effects the guild." he said before going behind the counter.
"Was the guild even conscious when this happened?" Archimedes asked as he took a seat.
"An extraordinary tale to say share. It does not matter who remembered it, for those who experience the events that have unfolded." Shakespeare said as he started writing the tale of Edolas. "Especially a unique cast. I am not one for overly changing one's character, but for one's self to be different and the same. Now that is food for the mind. My most favorite part is the drunk becoming a proper lady." he said while pointing at Cana.
"Hey! I'm a proper lady!" Cana yelled before letting out a burp.
"I suppose standards have fallen." Shakepeare said earning a glare from Cana.
Lisanna awed at the sight of the servants, "So many new faces." she said.
That's when the whole guild stopped what they were doing. When the realized that Lisanna had returned. Of course, the young girl was practically friend to everyone with her kind and friendly personality. Naturally, everyone was practically in tears when they saw that she was alive and healthy. With Master Makarov coming up and happily awaiting to welcome her back.
"Lisanna, this is an amazing surprise. I'm very happy to see you are back." Makarov happily said before Lisanna tackled him in hug.
"I missed you too master! I missed all of you!" Lisanna cried out as Makarov let out a pain filled groan.
"I see… let's celebrate… after I get an ice pack for my back." Makarov said in a strained voice.
"My sister is back everyone! Time to party!" Elfman yells out as a guild brawl goes off.
Lisanna giggled, "I see not much changed. Except for the building itself." She said. "Well that and you Mira." she said.
"I'm still the same silly." Mira said denying that her personality changed.
"Nope, you're different. The other Mira acts like this." Lisanna said confusing her real sister.
"I think you need to explain what happened." Mira said before she heard cracking in the distance.
"Luce watch out!" Natsu yelled.
"Right after we take cover." Mira said as she lifted up Lisanna by the waist.
Lisanna felt surprised and scared, "What are we taking cover from?" she asked.
*SLAM*
Lisanna let out a scream of fright, "Oh my gosh!" she yelled.
For what Lisanna saw was one of the pillars in the guild collapse due to the brawl. With Lucy being the unfortunate victim as she didn't notice it in time. The youngest Strauss was horrified and thought that one of the guild's shenanigans finally killed someone. Only to realize that the real terror was what Natsu and the rest of the brawlers had caused.
The pillar was surrounded by a black mist as it slowly shattered.
(Re: ZERO OST - Satella)
"Take cover!" Natsu yelled only to be dragged by a purple ethereal hand. That slowly dragged him and several others towards the pillow, "NO! NO! SAVE ME!" he yelled.
Suddenly the mist died down and Black Lucy in Stage 2 appeared. Her apathetic eyes looked towards Natsu as he was slowly pulled in. Natsu paled at the sight of the Holy Maiden turning into the Dark Maiden.
"AVENGE ME! AVENGE ME!" Natsu yelled as he knew he was doomed.
"No one is that crazy Natsu." Happy said as he was wearing new clothes.
"Why is Happy dressed like a priest?" Lisanna asked.
Suddenly Happy pulled out a tip jar, "Praise the Dark Maiden! Praise her acts of justice!" he said. Then a salmon fell into his jar, "Thank you almighty one!" he said before biting down on the fish.
Lisanna and Mira sweat dropped, "That's a new gimmick." Mira commented.
"Does this happen often?" Lily asked.
"Every couple of weeks. I deal the physical punishment, evil Lucy can handle the mental punishments." Erza answered as she ate her cake in peace.
"This is not manly!" Elfman yelled as he was dragged in as well.
"I guess I'll leave it alone." Lily said as everyone screamed in terror.
Just as Kotomine's daughter, Caren, had arrived to see the commotion. Though unlike most of the guild. The little girl did not look at all disturbed or frightened that Lucy's dark sadistic side was released.
"Caren." Lucy said without turning her head. "Please pick up a tool and help me administer discipline." Lucy said without much emotion in her voice.
"Very well." Caren said as she gave a gleeful smile.
(End of Song)
The next day
Natsu and most of the men were groaning in pain, "We really have to schedule these brawls or something." he said.
"I wasn't even a part of that fight and I still got hit." Gray muttered as she lied on Juvia's lap.
"Poor Gray-sama, your nurse is here to heal you." Juvia said.
"I'm hungry." Gray replied.
Juvia giggled as she brought out a lunchbox, "I brought you your favorite." she said.
"What? Juvia brings you food now?" Natsu asked.
"Yeah, I cooked all the food I like for her one day. So that she can learn what I like." Gray answered.
"And vice versa." Juvia happily replied
Natsu rolled his eyes, "You two are taking this husband and wife thing really seriously." he said.
"We are not married!" Gray said.
"Not yet." Juvia whispered.
Natsu laughed at the response only to scream in pain, "It still hurts." he said.
"Then take it like a man." Happy said.
"Shut up you traitor." Natsu said as Happy ate all of his "donations" from last night.
Finally there was Lucy who looked disoriented, "I hate my second stage self. The first one is like annoying brat, but the second one is exhausting." she whined.
"Then you might want this. It's good for headaches." Mira said as she placed a drink in front of Lucy.
"Thanks Mira." Lucy said as Mira smiled.
"Whoops!" Lisanna shouts in the back as she dropped her tray.
Mira sighed, "I'm really happy about seeing Lisanna again, but I can't help that she's a klutz." she said.
"Her magic isn't back yet?" Lucy asked.
"It's there, but my little sister hasn't used it in so long. She's having more issues than Elfman did even I barely got my magic back." Mirajane said surprising Lucy.
"You finally got it back?" Lucy asked excitedly.
Mirajane nodded, "Yeah, I was training with some of the ladies and ended up helping me awaken to it." she answered.
"That's cool, so what magic do you use?" Lucy asked as Mirajane never told her.
"That's a surprise." Mirajane said followed by a giggle.
Suddenly Makarov grabbed everyone's attention, "Listen up brats! Drop everything and pay attention!" he yelled. Everyone went quiet, "Firstly, no this is not some Magic Council crap. Those idiots should have stayed retired if you ask me." he said.
Most of the guild laughed at the comment. The council did not like them so they did not like the council in return. It sounds petty, but by now, everyone understands the reason for the hate.
"Anyways, I'm here to announce the most important event of the year besides Ms. Fairy Tail!" Makarov said as everyone was silent again. "For one of you will get the chance to become S Class! That's right! The S Class trials are finally here!" he exclaimed.
The entire crowd got excited and cheered. Suddenly, Nab was tossed away from the job board. As every wizard in the guild starting taking jobs and asking Mira to approve of them.
"Uh, what's going on?" Lucy asked.
"Basically, everyone who wants to qualify for the S Class trials has to take on a lot of jobs. Of course, they have to be done correctly and without issue." Mirajane said while rapidly approving each job.
"Wow, I bet a lot of people feel spite that Master already promoted me." Lucy said.
Mirajane gave her an annoyed stare, "Have you not met Evil Lucy?" she asked sarcastically.
"Oh yeah." Lucy said realizing any fear and spite would have to get through her dark half.
"HAHA! While you kids are out there doing jobs. I'm going to on a dangerous quest." Gildarts spoke up.
"Leaving on a job already Gildarts?" Mirajane asked.
"Not exactly, but it is a quest." Gildarts said as he put on a headband. "The most dangerous one in Magnolia Town! Kotomine's Ramen and Curry challenge!" he said while giving a thumbs up.
Lucy sighed, "Good luck." she said as he left out the door.
"That prize will be mine!" Gildarts yelled.
Happy followed him while wearing his priest outfit, "Can someone tell me if Gildarts has any next of kin? I have to do last rites." he said.
No one noticed Cana giving a sad look before looking back at her beer.
A while later, Kotomine's ramen
Gildarts was sweating and panting, if it weren't for the fact that his body is in perfect shape (not counting his wounds from his last mission) then everyone would assume that he is losing a fight. Instead, the ramen he was eating was beyond his imagination.
"If I had this ramen with me when I fought that bastard. I would have won." Gildarts said as he looked up to Kotomine's dead eyes.
"You should eat more and speak less. The noodles are going cold." Kotomine said.
"Like that's possible!" Gildarts yelled as he did not believe the noodles could go cold.
Meanwhile Happy continued reciting final rites and other prayers and religious actions. As if he wanted to help Gildarts move onto the next life without pain and feel eternally at peace in the pure lands. However, it seemed like the Ace of Fairy Tail is more than likely feeling like he's in the underworld with how much ramen he has to eat and he still wants to try the curry challenge.
Perhaps Happy should have prayed for strength instead of salvation of the soul.
"Oh? You're done?" Happy asked curiously.
"I did it." Gildarts said as his body started melting.
Kotomine nodded, "Congratulations." he said as he started clapping. "You win a photo on the wall and a coupon for more ramen." he said.
"Worth it!" Gildarts said before he collapsed onto the ground.
"Now then, we will take the picture and then move onto the curry." Kotomine said before Gildarts lost consciousness.
"He's dead." Happy said without checking.
"I will postpone the challenge then." Kotomine said as he gave Happy a fish.
Just then, Natsu came running in, "Happy, we gotta go! We got lots of missions to do if we want to make it to the S Class trials!" he said. He then noticed Gildarts on the ground, "Hey old man, are you dead?" he asked.
Only to hear Gildarts moan in pain as he attempted to regain consciousness.
"I guess he's not. Anyways, let's go little buddy." Happy said.
"Aye sir!" Happy said as he grabbed his fish.
"Ramen for the trip?" Kotomine asked.
Natsu gave him a blank face, "No." he said before running and leaving a trail of smoke behind him.
Kotomine looked at his food and smelled it, "I see, it's undercooked." he said before putting the plate down.
A month later
As with the announcement of the S Class trials. Just about everyone in the guild was desperate to get as many jobs done. However, that all ends today as Makarov has compiled a list of the eight candidates he has chose to participate in the trials on Tenroujima. Makarov stood at the front of the stage of the guild and cleared his voice as everyone paid close attention. As even the elderly guild master can sense the anxiety and impatience within everyone.
"Alright brats, listen up. Eight of you are given this golden opportunity to take on the trials on Tenroujima! Except, only one of the eight of you will have that title!" Makarov yelled.
Everyone cheered as Makarov grabbed the list he made. Starting with the very first person on his list.
"Natsu Dragneel!"
Natsu let out a laugh, "S Class here I come!" he yelled.
"Gray Fullbuster!"
Gray snickered, "Someone has to bring the flame brain back to earth." he said arrogantly.
"Elfman Strauss!"
"Yeah! I'm a real man!" Elfman yelled loudly.
"Levy McGarden!"
Levy looked surprised, "Really? I guess this is an honor." she said.
"Go Levy!" Jet and Droy cheerfully shout.
"Mest Gryder!"
It was hard to remember Mest, but he didn't say anything while he was selected.
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Me!? But… I have compete with Gray-sama?" Juvia asked with a sad face.
"Cana Alberona!"
Cana let out a weak smile, 'I will pass this year. If not… I'm leaving the guild.' she thought.
"And finally, Freed Justine!"
'I will win, for Laxus.' Justine, president of the Laxus fanclub, thought with great passion.
"And that's all! We will be meeting at the docks in Hargeon and before that. Everyone who's name I've announced will need a partner. You can choose anyone from the guild minus the other S Class wizards, the servants and your fellow competitors." Makarov said, finally finished with his speech.
Though quite a few wizards were quite downtrodden at not being picked. Though with their personalities, they settled with either partnering up with an S Class candidate or waiting until next year's trial. With some already getting quiet handsy and aggressive with their approach.
Such as Gajeel persuading Levy to take him as a partner instead of Jet and Droy. Lisanna convincing Juvia to take her since the former used to be friends with Edolas Juvia. Which ended with Juvia accepting so long as she does not so much as look at Gray. Elfman was sad that his sister didn't want to be his partner so he had to settle with Evergreen who forced him to be her partner. Natsu picked Happy with the latter quickly agreeing.
Then there was Gray who made a partnership with Leo prior to Lucy's arrival at the guild. Meaning his contract with Lucy was put on hold for the time being. Nobody knew where Mest wandered off to so his partner is a mystery for now. Finally, Cana just left for the night without telling anyone.
Later, at Lucy's apartment
With all of the commotion with the S Class trials being finished. Lucy continued working on her stories. Currently, she was finishing up the story of Gilgamesh's lifetime. Though the story is relatively short, Lucy decided to mess around with the King of Heroes by putting it on last. Even going as far as to finish the story of Ozymandias before him. At least now, it felt satisfying to end the king's story.
To fail in his ultimate quest to obtain immortality, only to realize that it wasn't meant to be. Happily understanding his place in the world as being more than a normal human man, but at the same time a god. Yet, living forever would mean that he could not be the type of king he is meant to be.
"Now this is true acceptance. Sometimes we understand all of these sad facts, but never comprehend them until they happen." Lucy said as she finished the final chapter.
Only to stop as her barrier detected someone and it wasn't her landlady. Lucy stood up from her desk and looked outside. Where she found Cana shivering in the cold winter air.
"Hey Lucy, can I come in?" Cana asked.
A few minutes later
Unfortunately for Cana, due to the cold winter season arriving. The lover of alcohol started to catch a cold. It didn't help that Cana likely had a dislike for t-shirts. So being a kind friend, Lucy let Cana have a warm bath in bathroom while having Virgo make a hot soup for the girl.
"Feeling better Cana?" Lucy asked as she put her manuscript away in a secured safe.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Cana said as she came out.
"It's fine, so what did you… why did you pick the smallest robe?" Lucy asked.
For some reason, instead of one in Lucy's size. Cana picked the smallest robe that hardly covered her ample chest. Lucy didn't even buy a robe that small, it somehow shrunk in the wash! To this day, Lucy is trying to figure out how it shrunk since she couldn't detect magic or anything on it.
"It's cool." Cana said, ignoring her friend's stare.
"Promise me that you'll wear a sweater when you leave." Lucy said.
Cana shrugged, "Anyways, I wanted to someone to talk to. With the S Class trials coming and stuff." she said.
"Oh yeah, congrats on the nomination." Lucy happily replied.
"Thanks, but since we're friends and all. I really need someone to confide in." Cana said as Virgo gave her the soup.
"Sure, you can trust me with anything." Lucy said as she nodded at Virgo.
"I will wait downstairs." Virgo said.
As the Celestial Spirit left the two alone. Cana took a moment of silence to herself before explaining her backstory. Going all the way back to when she was a toddler and joined Fairy Tail after her mother passed away. Which immediately hooked Lucy in as she also lost her mother at a young age. The reason Cana joined after her mother's death was to find her father.
"…his name is Gildarts." Cana said surprising Lucy.
"Wow, Cana I never knew. Still, I only recently met Gildarts, but I haven't seen you two get close. Are you two not close?" Lucy asked.
"It's not like that Lucy. Gildarts doesn't know about me and… I haven't told him either." Cana said.
"Why?" Lucy asked.
"I feel pathetic. Gildarts is the Ace of Fairy Tail. Literally the strongest and most respected guy in the guild and I'm just plain Cana." Cana replied.
"Cana, Gildarts is a nice guy. I don't think he cares about status." Lucy said, trying to reason with her friend.
"Well maybe it matters to me. I just can't face him and I don't think I can try if I don't make S Class this year." Cana said.
Lucy sighed, "That's not you Cana. You need to learn to love yourself. Status doesn't mean everything." she said. "Still, if it matters that much to you. How do you want me to help? I can't really be your partner since Master Makarov promoted me due to my exploits." she said.
Cana sighed, "Holy Maiden had to purify the sinners." she said.
"Okay, that sounded really creepy. You didn't have to describe my freelancing job like that." Lucy said.
Suddenly, Lucy and Cana stopped as they heard the door open, "Welcome home boys. Will I be punished for greeting you?" Virgo asked.
"Is she always like that?" Cana asked.
"Bind." Arthur said.
Lucy sighed, "Yes, unfortunately." she said as she heard Virgo drop to the floor.
Soon after, Arthur came in with Virgo tied up and hanging over his shoulder. Followed by Shirou and Ventus following close behind him. All three boys looked at the two women and wondered what was going on.
"Is this a bad time big sis?" Ventus asked.
"Uh well… actually…" Lucy said as she started thinking.
Two days later
Cana felt better, not just because she was quickly treated and did not end up getting the common cold. Though that is also a good sign of fortune. Now, she was standing at the docks and ready for the S Class trials. Standing beside her, was none other than Ventus who Lucy forced into being her partner. Though Cana was initially hesitant, Lucy guaranteed that Ventus is quite skilled in a fight.
"You excited?" Cana asked.
"I didn't want my sister's evil side to threaten me so…" Ventus trailed off with a sigh.
"Hey, don't be a downer. This is a big event. So think about it as training for the future." Lucy said as she showed up.
"What are you doing here Lucy?" Cana asked curiously.
"The master wanted me to help with something in the background. I can't say what is though." Lucy answered.
"I smell sadism." Ventus said earning a glare from Lucy.
"With that attitude, you're just begging for my dark side to appear." Lucy responded just as Makarov appeared.
"Hurry it up brats! You get one chance to be S Class and that chance is gone once we depart!" Makarov yelled.
"You heard the old man." Cana said with a snort.
"Yeah, why do we have to go to an island anyways?" Ventus asked.
"Tradition." Cana answered as Shirou arrived.
The young boy ran up to Lucy and hugged her legs. Lucy smiled as she rubbed the back of Shirou's back. Where she broke the hug and bent down and met Shirou's gaze.
"Promise to be good while I'm gone?" Lucy asked.
Shirou promised, "I will, I'll miss you mama." He said.
"I'll miss you too. Just listen to Arthur while I'm gone okay?" Lucy asked. "Hey is something wrong?" she asked, now noticing a strange look in her son's eyes.
"Nothing mama.' Shirou said.
"Shirou, be honest." Lucy said.
"I feel weird, I'm still not used to calling you that. I called you big sis for so long, but…" Shirou felt hesitant.
"But?" Lucy asked.
"I love you, but I'm still feeling weird adjusting. I can't even remember you like Arthur does." Lucy said.
Lucy gave Shirou a warm smile, "It's okay Shirou, sometimes I feel lost too. But I do know one thing." she said. "You're my family and even before I knew who you were. I loved you like family because you're one of the most special people to me." she said.
Shirou still felt a bit lost.
So Lucy decided to pull out a little pendant, "Here Shirou, if you still feel confused and have doubts in yourself or anything in life. Just hold onto this. Your grandma Layla gave this to me before she passed away." she said.
Shirou smiled as he took the pendant, "Okay." he said before hugging her one more time.
"Good, now wait here. I'll be back soon and we'll have a new S Class mage in our guild." Lucy said making Shirou let out a laugh.
As this exchange happened. Cana held a hand over her heart at how sweet this moment felt. Cana started thinking about what Lucy said back at her apartment last night about Gildarts accepting Cana regardless of status.
The next day, at the guild
Things continued as usual, only now everyone had less restraint now that Makarov was gone along with Erza. Then there was Black Lucy who wouldn't just suddenly appear and terrify everyone. The closest form of leadership the guild had was Macao who volunteered to step in as a volunteer as a temporary leader. This really did make some of the guild question the concept of the leadership of the guild since most of the guild were basically allowed to do whatever they want.
Then there were the heroic spirits who could be summoned by the magic of everyone in the guild. Especially some of the more prominent leaders of the past who tried arguing about who should be in charge. So now, Macao found himself in some sort of political debate of some sort.
"I am an extraordinary king. You are all fools for thinking that this takes more time to think about." Caster Gilgamesh announced. "In fact, only I can lead us to success. Let me be permanent leader once Elder Makarov returns." he said.
"Listen not to the golden man, for he is wise but not completely humble!" Nero yelled.
"We cannot give everything the people want, Emperor of Rome. Besides, at least I died without letting my kingdom collapse." Gilgamesh replied. Caligula growled at Gilgamesh, "And keep your dog on a leash." he commanded.
"Do not call my uncle a dog! You swine!" Nero yelled.
"Everyone be quiet! We are here to think about the guild and it's future! Not bicker amongst each other!" Orion screamed, making the political leaders be silenced.
"I never expected him of all people to sound reasonable." Max said.
Orion suddenly puffed up his muscular chest, "I should be leader, because only then. Every man would have a harem!" he announced.
Suddenly a few of the men in the guild started cheering and whistling for Orion. Only to be silenced by Artemis who fired several dozen arrows into her boyfriend. Despite being in the form of a teddybear, the Virgin Goddess is still a dangerous servant and proceeded to remind Orion of such a fact. Meanwhile Apollo just watched the insanity unfold.
"Paris should be guild master." Apollo said as he sat on top of Paris' head.
Macao and Wakaba sighed, "Is this necessary? It's just more trouble for all of us altogether." the former asked.
"I guess, at least some people care enough to sit down and listen." Wakaba said as he pointed at the crowd.
Which was mainly Nab, Max, Warren, Laki, Artoria, and Sakata sitting in front of the candidates. Though it only looked like Sakata already had an idea of who he was voting for. Though it could be considered cheating on Gilgamesh's part since Sakata said he would vote for whoever is "golden" which means cool in a way. Gilgamesh is literally golden and thus is slowly swaying the Heavenly King.
"I don't know, King Gilgamesh brings up good points." Sakata said as he scratched his chin.
"I think the concept of democracy is already failing." Artoria said with a sad face.
Wendy looked at the debate from the background. Wondering if this really is a serious issue instead of just a few servants being crazy and not having any power over the guild in the end. As Wendy hesitated as to whether or not to take a seat and watch. Charle's eyes widened as she started having a premonition. No thanks to her mother, Queen Shagotte, telling her almost nothing about her power. Then again, it made sense now.
Charle was foretelling of strange scenes that looked familiar but did not quiet understand them. Overall, it almost felt like the time she understood the layout of the underground of the Royal Capital's castle back in Edolas. However, this time it was not the vision of the overview of some land she now recognized.
Instead, Charle saw an island she had never visited before. Charle witnessed what appeared to be fires and the signs of war. Along with two dragons trying to tear each other apart in a fight.
"This is bad." Charle muttered.
"What's bad Charle?" Wendy asked.
"We need to leave. Go grab the boys and tell them to pack up." Charle said confusing Wendy.
Meanwhile, on Tenroujima
A dark haired young man in a black outfit with a white toga could be seen walking across the natural landscape of the island. Where he then bent down and cupped his hand into a nearby stream of water. The man took a drink and enjoyed the peace until he heard the sounds of loud crunching. The man sighed as he looked and saw gray haired man with glasses lying by the water and enjoying the food he found around the island.
"Do you need to disturb me wherever I go?" the man asked.
"Shut up. I'm minding my own business, you followed me." the other man replied. "A guy can't eat when some other man just walks in on him. It's rude to stare ya schmuck." he said.
The man moved away as to ignore the other man. As he continued to move in his own direction. The man briefly looked up and stared at the trees almost as if something of interest was there. A moment later, a dark aura was released from the man's body. Causing all of the nature within distance of him to completely shrivel and die. When it was over, there was nothing.
Except for a dark voice with a pair of eyes that judged his every action.
"Thou hath killed what does not react. Does though never feel regret or seek redemption for many deaths?" asked a dark voice.
"I do not, I cannot feel anymore." the man replied.
"Thy continuous existence is a work of contradiction. Thus, existence is caused by causing the unnatural. At the same time, it as I said. All is contradiction." The voice adds.
"And what does that mean for you?" the man asked. Only receiving silence on the other end, "I see today is not filled with as much violence as I expected." he said before moving on.
"And does that excite you?" asked a third voice.
"No, it infuriates me if anything. Especially you of all people." the man said as he saw a man in the distance. "Solomon." he said.
"I fail to see your reasoning, Zeref." Solomon replied as the servants watched the most evil dark mage's actions.
Lancer Buddha
Grand Assassin King Hassan
Grand Caster Solomon
"I tire of this." Zeref said as he turned away from them.
With the S Class candidates
As the boat sailing towards the island that is sacred to the guild. Makarov stopped in the middle of the ocean just as they were a kilometer or two away from land. Makarov nodded to Lucy who nodded back and started flying towards the island.
"Hey, where's Lu-chan going?" Levy asked.
"Luce, you better not be rigging the the trials!" Natsu yelled.
"Yeah! It's not manly!" Elfman yelled.
"Settle down brats!" Makarov yelled, causing them all to shut up. "Now listen up, you already know the story behind Tenroujima. It dates back to younger years of our guild's founder and very first master, Mavis Vermillion. So here's the challenge." he said.
Unknown to the group of S Class candidates. Lucy, like the other S Class mages were already preparing something special to spice up the challenge. Notably, Makarov asked for Lucy to place a few servants around the island to mess with the pairs as they travelled to reach their end goal. Meanwhile the other S Class mages were going to battle it out with any of the pairs that ran into them. Similar to what the servants are doing, but the easy part about them is that they can be avoided unlike the S Class mages hidden among some of the paths.
Makarov went on to explain the full challenge.
"The first challenge, you have to get off this boat and swim to the shore. Secondly, there are eight tunnels for each pair to go through. Three of them contain an S Class wizard waiting for you to fight." this revelation scared some of them.
The weakest among the S Class Wizards had to be Mirajane due to only recently regaining her power. However, all of that ample strength is no joke. Especially with all of the effort she put into training. Erza and Gildarts are no joke either and they're not going to let anyone pass for any reason except for defeating them.
"One of the other tunnels is an easy path with no challenge. The other four remaining tunnels, are actually two that connect. So two teams will actually battle it out. The winners move onto the final challenge." Makarov finished. "What are you brats waiting for? The challenge starts now!" he yelled.
"Way ahead of you old man!" Gajeel yelled as Levy jumped onto his back.
(Kingdom Hearts OST - Terra Theme)
The Iron Dragon Slayer already jumped overboard and started swimming with all of his might. This angered Natsu who immediately attempted to jump off after Wendy healed his motion sickness. Only to smash into a barrier similar to Freed's magic from when Laxus attempt to rebel against the guild.
"Sorry guys! All is fair in love and war!" Levy yelled from the water.
"Cheater!" Natsu yelled.
"Fair play Levy, but this is child's play." Freed said as he broke a piece of the barrier.
Only to fix it once he and Bickslow managed to cross through the barrier. Leaving everyone trapped on the ship again.
"I can break it. I studied Freed's magic long enough to handle small barriers." Evergreen said as she tried breaking the barrier as well.
Ventus sighed as he brought out his keyblade, "I think I remember doing something like this before." he said as he stabbed his key into the barrier. "Come on, it worked once before!" he yelled as the barrier started to crack.
"Wait, could you have done this when Laxus tried to betray us?" Cana asked.
"I don't know, I never thought about it. Besides, that barrier was more complicated." Ventus answered before the barrier collapsed like broken glass.
"Good job Ven!" Cana said as she patted the boy's head. "We can just swim there now." She said as everyone started jumping in.
Minus Natsu who was being carried by Happy. With everyone doing their best to make it to the island first. Ventus tapped onto the metallic spaulder on his shoulder. Causing his entire body to be enveloped in a bright light before being covered in a silver-blue colored armor with his keyblade transforming into a hoverboard.
"Cana, we can just fly over there like Natsu." Ventus said only to find Cana had stripped down to her bikini.
"Oh… yeah that sounds more efficient." Cana said.
Ventus blushed under his helmet, "Whatever, I'll carry you…"
Cana proceeded to jump into his arms, "Let's go then!" she said.
Ventus mentally groaned, 'Why?' he asked before flying into the sky while carrying Cana like a bride.
Surprisingly, during the whole trip to the island. Ventus' concern never shifted from Cana's exposed body to accidentally dropping her due his short stature and his eye speeds on his keyblade. Luckily, Ventus didn't accidentally drop the card mage during the whole trip. Going as far as to carry her until they went into one of the tunnels.
Cana's tunnel
"Can I put you down now? My arms hurt." Ventus whined.
"Then don't offer to carry a lady." Cana replied.
"I meant for you to just grab onto my shoulders or waist. You jumped into my arms." Ventus said as his arms ached.
As Cana came down and looked around the cave. Her eyes widened as she realized who here opponents were. Freed and Bickslow had arrived and looked confident in their abilities.
"Looks like we have an easy match, right Freed? Freed?" Bickslow asked.
Freed covered his eyes, "Put some clothes on woman! Do you not have any decency!?" he asked with a red face.
"Eh?" Cana asked.
Bickslow sweat dropped, "Freed, if I'm being honest with you. Cana is only showing like 10% more skin." he said.
It is true, Cana never seems to wear a shirt and as far as she cared.
"I'll put my pants on later! Let's fight!" Cana yelled as she pulled out her cards.
Bickslow chuckled, "That's cool! I'm not into fashion anyways. Right babies?" he asked his floating tiki heads.
"Fever Pitch!" Ventus yells as he charges at Bickslow first while Cana goes for Freed.
"Do you really need fight that way!? I will let you change first without me striking you! Gentleman's honor!" Freed yelled.
Only for Cana to tackle him into the ground, "Don't care!" she yelled as Freed continued to freak out.
With Emperor Mateus
The former emperor of Palmecia walked into the lab he gifted to Daphne. Where he immediately found the eccentric woman studying a small salamander contained in a large pen.
"How are things progressing?" Mateus asked.
"The little critters are growing fast your majesty. I swear, it was only yesterday that these things were just embryos." Daphne answered while eating her Matamo-chan.
"And when do you suppose they will be ready to be released?" Mateus asked.
"You want me to breed them just to run free?" Daphne asked with a confused expression.
"No, released into my army." Mateus corrected.
"Oh, I see. Well then, depends on how fast they grow." Daphne said before the salamander scratched the plastic window of the barrier. "Maybe another week. These little critters can already fly, but they need teachers. I ain't no trainer." she said.
"That can be arranged." Mateus said as he plotted as to how to domesticate the creatures.
"A good thing you had these little scales and such. Would have taken me years just to make another dragonoid." Daphne adds.
"A good thing you have proven to be competent. I expect the same results in the future." Mateus said before leaving the lab.
Leaving Daphne to shiver, "I hate micromanagement. That's why I ran my own business." she said before grabbing another box of Matamo-chan.
Daphne sure loved her Matamo-chan as it was probably her only legitimate business. Seeing as her attempted stunt with the dragonoid failed before it started. Still, even that thing paled when compared to the Dorma Anim from Edolas. Even if Daphne only received the damaged fragments along with the few plans that still existed. All thanks to that man in black that gave Edolas Fairy Tail their weapons.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Omake - Daphne's Advertisement
Ikaruga is a very unique dark mage as her guild is primarily known for specializing assassination. Her team, Trinity Raven, is not one to be considered weak as they have killed many high ranking figures and never failed a mission. At least until now, seeing as Jellal was not her real client, but rather it was Mateus. As mentioned before, Ikaruga is a unique dark mage.
Beautiful, elegant, stoic and very talented in her sword art. However, all of that was gone and replaced by a woman feeling sheer terror. Now bound, gagged and forced to face her torturer as she's threatened with tools that had filled her sleep with endless nightmares.
"Hi there everyone! My name is Daphne and today, my friend Ikaruga is here with me today to present my Matamo-chan!" Daphne said as she presented the box of her disgusting snack.
"MMMMPH!" Ikaruga screamed through the cloth around her mouth.
"Don't mind my silly friend everybody. I have to keep Ikaruga restrained so she doesn't eat all the product like last time." Daphne said as Ikarug agave her a face filled with dread. "Now then, let me tell you this. My Matamo-chan ain't just delcious, but it's nutritious, it improves eyesight and hand coordination. As well as giving you enough fill to feel like you ate bacon and eggs." she explained.
The pink haired swordswoman panted as she looked around for a way to escape. Ikaruga has been forced to eat that disgusting food ever since the emperor imprisoned her for her failure. Now she just wanted to run and never look back. Only to find herself being pulled in by Daphne who removed her cloth.
"Show them how much you love it Ikaruga!" Daphne said.
"No, please… OOMPH!" Ikaruga tried to plead only for Daphne to shove the food into her mouth.
"See? It's mighty tasty and chewy too!" Daphne said as Ikaruga looked ill. "Now then, call today within the next five minutes and I'll add the noodles as part of the bundle. Wait here, I gotta go get the box." she said as she left the camera's focus.
For an entire minute while Daphne was gone. Ikaruga continued to struggle before finally spitting out the Matamo-chan. She let out a gagging noise before spitting her saliva onto the floor.
"Please help me. That woman is a psychopath and I can't stand it anymore." Ikaruga said as her eyes swelled with tears. "My name is Ikaruga of Death's Head Caucus. I don't care if I'm arrested by this point. Someone please get me away from here!" she pleaded.
That's when Daphne's voice was heard, "You better be advertising my Matamo-chan Ikaruga. I don't want you trying to eat the product again." she said as she started walking back.
"Please help me! This is being filmed in a hidden location in Ishgar on the coast of…" Ikaruga said before shoving the cloth over her mouth again.
"Now what did I say? You're talking nonsense so you can have them all for yourself aren't ya?" Daphne asked as Ikaruga kept pleading for help. "Oh well, everyone the number is down here. Now I know the lines are busy, but it's worth it. So worth it, we gotta get rid of all of this before Ikaruga eats it all." she said.
Ikaruga continued to shake her head and plead for a rescue of any kind to the camera.
END OF OMAKE
NOTES: Also, for some announcements. A friend of mine, Aclux, posted an interesting challenge for all of you writers or aspiring writers. If you like One Piece and World of Warcraft. Then hopefully some of you are interested in taking on the challenge of making Luffy's crew navigate through the world of Azeroth. Of all the hijinks they can get into, who wouldn't want to see that?
Anyways, Aclux has the details and rules for the challenge on his profile. Be sure to look it up if any of you are interested. Everyone else, I hope to see you for the next chapter.
Unless Daphne forces all of you to eat her Matamo-chan which is not FDA approved by the way.
