Chapter 9: Fighting the Queen
'Thinking' – thoughts
"Speaking" – speech
'Thinking' – Dragon/God/Beast thinking
"Speaking" - Dragon/God/Beast speaking
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its characters they are property of Hiro Masima.
Just a general response to anyone with OC suggestions: I will be introducing them during the time skip so feel free to give me suggestions. I won't be overloading the amount of OCs I put into this story so be aware of that. Thank you to all of you who gave me suggestion so far.
Kriim-Sauce786: It does seem similar, yes and I think there is a good chance I will take inspiration from his abilities if I am stuck with thinking of spells for Lisanna's take-over. Natsu being like Gildarts with how he goes on missions will fit in with what I have planned so thank you for that suggestion. I will have Griffin's Haven share a friendly relationship with the town and the roles you have suggested are a good fit. Pairing wise, Mira will be involved there and how I will spark it will have something to do with one of your previous reviews, but that is all I will say on that matter. I want Natsu to join the GMG for one fight I want to showcase that I hope you will all enjoy.
SoundwaveDragon: This review gave me an awesome idea that I hope will be a surprising twist. Zancrow vs Wendy will happen but I doubt you will predict how things will turn out *laughs evilly*.
-Fairy Tail's Ship-
Most of the mages of Fairy Tail looked at the two retreating figures of Freed and Bickslow in stunned silence.
"That has to be against some kind of rule Gramps," Gray called out in anger now that he was already behind in the race to S-Class.
"Patience my boy, this is not a race," Makarov said from his position on the upper deck.
"But he'll have the entire area covered in traps by the time we get there," Gray complained.
"There are advantages to being with Freed for such a long time. These tunes are quite simple," Evergreen said with a light pen in her hand.
"True, rewriting this is a piece of cake," Levy said with a smile and a light pen of her own.
A cheer rose from the group as the two women rewrote the runes on the side of the ship. Their cheers didn't last long as they soon came to realise that once the two were done, only Evergreen, Wendy, Levy and Gajeel were able to get out of the temporary prison.
"Why can't we all get out, I thought you rewrote the runes?" Lucy asked.
"Sorry Lulu, but I assume Ever did the same as me and only rewrote it for us and our partners," Levy said with a smirk before swimming to land behind Gajeel while Evergreen picked up Wendy and flew over with her wings.
The five minutes passed agonisingly slowly for the participants, but once they finally disappeared Gray was quick to freeze a path to the island. Juvia had Panther Lily fly her over while Bisca and Alzack made a break for it, following on Gray's icy floor, leaving Lucy and Cana to play catch-up.
-With Wendy and Evergreen-
They had arrived at the location where the entrance to caves awaited them, all numbered A to H. They had noted that one of the caves had been blocked off, probably the cave Freed and Bickslow chose, and proceeded to move into cave B.
As the two female mages made their way down the dark tunnel Evergreen looked over to the small bluenette.
"No need to be nervous Wendy, nothing will be able to defeat the two of us," Evergreen said in an attempt to cheer the girl up.
"Maybe, I just hope we don't face one of the S-Class mages. You know I don't really like fighting, but I will not back off, I won't disappoint you," Wendy started with a worried expression before determination filled her eyes.
"Remember we are in this together, you help me out with your enchantments and some supportive magic while I take the role of damage dealer, just like we did with those Vulcans three days ago," Evergreen tried to instil confidence in the girl.
"I'll fight alongside you, it's the least I can do since you and the rest of the Thunder Legion help me out when I was down and continued to do missions with me," Wendy said with a confident grin as she looked up at the brunette.
"We couldn't just leave you, especially since we had an idea as to what it feels like to see the one you look up to leaving the guild, and not on the best terms," Evergreen replied with a comforting smile before a frown formed on her head at the end.
"Thank you," Wendy said with her kind and innocent smile before her eyes widened in alarm.
"What's up?" Evergreen asked as she looked around her with keen eyes to see what startled the girl.
"I know what route we chose," Wendy said in an eerie tone as she slowly advanced, eyes darting from side to side. Evergreen stayed silent as the tunnel opened up in a large cavern with ruined buildings and puddles scattered across the cave floor.
"Participant Evergreen and partner Wendy, your trial starts now," a voice called out from the top of one of the buildings. Wendy ad Evergreen both felt a chill run down their spine as they recognised who the voice belonged to.
Two pairs of eyes travelled upwards to where the root of their fears stood. They first saw the black boots that ran up their owner's legs to below their knees, next came the blue skirt that linked with the silver breastplate that was decorated with the Heart Kreuz logo along with a pair of gauntlet-covered hands resting on the hips of the person. The scarlet hair that framed the face of the terrifying 'Titania' of Fairy Tail cemented what the two wished to be false.
Evergreen and Wendy had to face Erza Scarlet as their opponent in the S-Class trials.
-With Freed and Bickslow-
Freed stood up just as the set of runes he worked on vanished. He and Bickslow had arrived at the cave a while ago, and seeing that no S-Class mages were meeting them and a barrier blocking them from advancing further, they knew it was a battle route.
"Got all your things set up?" Bickslow asked. He was sitting with his back against the cave wall while his totems were floating around him.
"With these traps, our victory is almost assured. All we have to do is to lure our opponents into them and let the runes do the rest," Freed said.
"I hope you made some improvements from the ones you used last time," Bickslow commented as his babies chanted "Let's forget that".
"These are designed differently, while those I used last time were focused on the participants taking each other out these have their focus on draining magic and reflecting it. Also last time the incentive that made those traps work was the hostages we had," Freed explained. Though he knew the guild had forgiven them, he still felt remorse over the dark patch in the guild's history.
"All things considered, these runes sound more like you. Diverting attention and outsmarting your enemies, you never really were one for forcing things upon others," Bickslow said with a chuckle while his babies chanted "Smart Freed".
"Indeed, though these preparations can be undone quite easily if we face the wrong opponent," Freed said with a frown.
"And who would these 'wrong opponents' be?" Bickslow asked while his babies chanted "Wrong opponent".
"Firstly Evergreen and Wendy. While Wendy doesn't know all of our capabilities, she has been on most of our recent missions though the problem with that team is Ever. She knows basically all my runes as well as your spells," Freed started.
"One downside of facing against teammates," Bickslow agreed while his babies chanted "Teammates".
"The other team is…" Freed started before falling silent as the two heard voices nearing them.
"Damn, I was hoping to face off against Titania," a gruff male voice sounded from the other open entrance to the cave.
"So you can smell them, who are we up against?" a female voice asked. There was a slight hint of relief in her voice since her male companion confirmed that their opponent wasn't Titania.
"Those two guys from Fantasia, Gihi," the male voice said as Free and Bickslow heard footsteps nearing the large open cave.
"Seems like Lady luck isn't on our side. Well, guess we will have to do this the old fashion way," Freed said with a sigh as the forms of Levy and Gajeel stepped into the cave.
-With Bisca and Alzack-
The gun-slinging duo of Fairy Tail carefully moved through the dark are their route had led them on. They suddenly felt a slight tremor rushing through the ground and in an instant Alzack had drawn his pistols while Bisca re-quipped her sniper rifle.
"See anything?" Alzack asked the green-haired woman next to him. He patiently waited as she scanned the area through her scope.
"All clear. I guess it must have been some of the other contestants," Bisca replied as she lowered her gun.
"I really hope we don't meet Erza or Gildarts," Alzack sighed.
"Agreed, whoever meets them will have the hardest battles, but the other teams aren't pushovers either," Bisca agreed with his statement as the two neared a cave opening.
"Well thank you for the kind words Bisca, but I think you made one mistake," a voice said from the opening.
"While I will agree with you that Gildarts will be the hardest battle, you have just stumbled upon the second hardest battle in this trial," another voice said.
"Little overconfident there aren't we, Gray?" Alzack smirked as he and Bisca walked into an open area with multiple stalagmites and stalactites, guns in hand.
"Guns against ice and light, I wonder who will come out on top," Loki said as he and Gray dropped into battle stances, Loki holding his right wrist with his left hand while Gray had his right fist on his left palm.
In response, Bisca scooted back and levelled her sniper while Alzack took a stance, ready for a quick draw.
-With Lucy and Cana-
The two bikini-clad girls finally made it to the after a long swim. The two made their way to the smoke signal and were met with seven of the eight routes being blocked.
"We barely started and we are already in last place," Cana said with a defeated tone. Her goal of S-Class is so much further away, not that she had much confidence in her fifth attempt.
"This isn't so bad, you what they say. The best is left for last. We will definitely get you to S-Class," Lucy tried to comfort her partner.
"I guess," Cana said with a grateful look before the two moved into the last cave. The two girls made their way through the cave system on high alert, not wanting to be ambushed by another team or S-Class mage. The splashing of waves caught the attention of the two along with what sounded like footsteps.
"You hear that?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, sounds like we will soon find out who we are up against," Cana replied.
The two slowly made their way into an open sandy area with waves washing up against the shores. On one of the boulders, a blue-haired mage sat with a downcast expression while a small black exceed took practice swings with his small sword as he advanced around the boulder.
As soon as the two girls came into view the gazes of the mage and exceed shifted to them, one filled with a sense of relief while the other had a hard focused gaze.
"Juvia is happy to see that her opponent won't be her beloved Gray, and it would just be her luck that it is love-rival who came to face her," Juvia said in a steady tone as she stood up.
"It will be an honour to do battle with you," Panther Lily said as his form grew larger along with his sword.
"This won't be the easiest battle, but if we can keep Lily at a distance we should be able to win the ranged battle against Juvia," Cana quietly said, cards appearing in her hand.
"I have an idea how to deal with Lily," Lucy said as her hands moved to her keys.
-With Max and Mest-
The two males walked through a dark tunnel. Mest was quietly talking to himself about how he must follow in his master's footsteps while Max merely followed the strange mage.
"I just want to make sure about our plan, I will be in charge of distracting our opponents with my sand magic while you use your teleportation magic to take them out?" Max asked. He wanted to shift his attention away from possibly facing a strong team or S-Class mage and talking about their strategy was the easiest option.
"Yes, we will show our opponents our teamwork and I will claim the spot Mystogan left in S-Class," Mest said with confidence.
"I think I see something," Max suddenly said as he slowed his pace alongside Mest. The two mages saw a large figure waiting in the dark. Max felt a sense of dread as a firefly started lighting up the figure.
"Seems like luck wasn't on your side guys, I have to warn you, I have trouble holding back," a deep male voice said.
"We're dead," Max said as fear filled his heart. Mest felt a cold sweat forming on his back. Gildarts Clive, Fairy Tail's ace, one of the most powerful mages with his dangerous Crash Magic. This battle won't last long.
-With Wendy and Evergreen-
"As an S-Class mage of Fairy Tail, you must have quick decision-making skills," Erza started before she called out "Re-quip: Heaven's Wheel Armour" as a bright light covered her. Moments later a set of swords came flying out of the golden light, straight at the two participants.
With a shout of "Dodge" coming from Evergreen the two participants tumbled out of the way of the attack before readying themselves for what was to come next. Evergreen opened her wings and started to take to the sky while Wendy moved to a defensive position among the ruins.
"Fast wind that run the heaven… Vernier. Power of the stout arms that tears heaven… Arms. Guard that protects heaven Armor" Wendy called out a golden glow formed around Evergreen as the enchantments took effect.
"I don't appreciate you sending those swords towards me and Wendy, so I think some punishment is in order," Evergreen said as she rose above Erza's height. "Fairy Machine Gun: Leprechaun" Ever shouted as she waved her arms out to the side and released a torrent of energy needles at the knight.
"I hope you have improved since last time, otherwise this is where your trial ends," Erza said as two swords formed in her hands. Erza stood her ground as she started to slice away at the energy needles. A small smirk formed on Evergreen's face as she saw the effect her energy needles had on Erza's swords thanks to Wendy's enchantments.
"I applaud you for the strength you have gained since our last battle but it is time for me to make my advance," Erza said as she increased the speed she was slicing the energy needles and started to advance on Evergreen, missing the smirk Ever had. Soon she heard a crack as one of her swords failed her as burst into pieces, causing a barrage of the needles to hit her, sending her back to the ruin she started on.
"Seems like I misjudged the power provided by Wendy's enchantments, well done. Another thing an S-Class mage should have is risk assessment, the ability to quickly determine where the greatest threat will come from and dealing with the threats in a manner that keeps damage and threats to others at a minimum," Erza said as she started to glow golden again.
"Re-quip: Adamantine Armour" Erza called out as the silver and black armour covered her form and one half of the shield that accompanied the armour appeared in her left hand. "Re-quip: Spear of Lightning" Erza called out as the spear the accompanied her Lightning Empress Armour appeared in her right hand. Using the half-shield Erza blocked the rest of the energy needles Evergreen fired her way while sending three different bolts of lightning from the spear. One heading towards Evergreen one towards Wendy's location and another that was sent off into the distance.
"Wendy you deal with your bolt," Evergreen shouted out as she took flight to dodge the bolt racing towards her. Once the bolt sped past her she was about to turn on Erza again when the bolt suddenly changed direction and headed back towards her.
Wendy jumped out of her cover and took a deep breath. "Sky Dragon Roar" she called out and a tornado of wind met the bolt of lightning that was sent her way. While Wendy knew Erza had more power than her she was relieved when the bolt dissipated thanks to her attack.
Wendy turned to see whether Evergreen had dealt with her bolt that came to her when her eyes widened in horror. Seeing the brunette flying around with a lightning bolt following her was unsettling since the Dragon Slayer recalled Erza firing three bolts of lightning.
Evergreen was too occupied with the bolt following her to see the third bolt racing towards her. It was a blessing that she had a partner though. Thinking quickly once she saw the bolt racing towards Evergreen, Wendy jumped up into the air and called out "Sky Dragon Wing Attack", grabbing hold of the air whips that her magic formed, Wendy swung them at the third bolt moments before it struck Evergreen.
Evergreen was surprised by the harsh winds she felt behind her as she tried to escape the lightning bolt that followed her, but after seeing another bolt veer off and destroying an old wall she understood what almost happened.
Deciding to stop the cat chase, Evergreen sped up before turning around and extending her hands in front of her before calling out "Fairy Scatter Shot: Gnome" Evergreen called out and released multiple small orbs towards the lightning bolt that was barrelling towards her. The orbs surrounded the bolt before exploding, dissipating the bolt of lightning.
"It's time we go on the attack again Wendy," Evergreen called out to her partner, receiving a nod from the girl.
"Come at me and see if you can overcome my power," Erza challenged, as she called out "Re-quip: Black Wing Armour", revealing her black set of armour that has been the cause of fear for those who faced her.
"Fairy Bomb: Gremlin" Evergreen called out. This was the first time Erza noticed the small golden particles that had surrounded her. A moment later a powerful explosion rocked the cave.
"I applaud you using my attack to discreetly set this up, but sadly the activation of that spell is its downfall," Erza commented from behind Evergreen. She had dashed out of the blast zone with inhumane speeds, appearing behind Evergreen with her sword ready to strike.
"You think I wasn't aware that you could dodge that?" Evergreen asked with a smirk. Erza's eyes widened as she felt a breeze picking up behind her.
"Sky Dragon Gale Force Arrow" Wendy called out as she released highly compressed air in the shape of an arrow at Erza. Before Erza could dodge Evergreen had grabbed hold of her arm, preventing Erza from moving out of the way of the powerful attack. As the attack hit the scarlet knight Ever released her with a shout of "Fairy Scatter Shot: Gnome", firing off her close quarter attack to add to Wendy's spell before flying over to Wendy to catch her before she fell back to the ground.
The duo landed on the ground and looked at the cloud of dust where Erza impacted the cavern wall.
"Do you think we got her?" Wendy asked as she tried to catch her breath. She had released a massive amount of her magic with that last attack, hoping to end this battle.
"I'm not sure but I do hope so," Evergreen said taking in a deep breath. The dust started to settle and revealed Erza standing in a large crater. Scratches covered the knight and cracks could be seen in her amour.
"Distracting our opponent and trapping them in the way of a powerful spell, a good strategy and another trait an S-Class mage requires. Now let's see how you deal with an opponent that isn't just testing certain traits. Come at me with all you have or you will fail," Erza said before calling out "Re-quip: Armadura Fairy Armour". She was covered in pink armour with numerous wing-shaped designs and two swords with wing-shaped guards appeared in her hands before Evergreen and Wendy stood a warrior of Fairy Tail, one of Erza's strongest armours that symbolized her pride at being a member of the guild.
Without giving the two a moment to compose themselves Erza called out "Fairy Burst". The swords were quickly covered in a coating of vibrant green energy before Erza lunged forward. The energy in the swords was shot out towards the two with incredible power. With no time to dodge Evergreen shifted her position to cover Wendy before calling out "Fairy Guardian: Golem" spreading her arm outwards, a golden glow formed around the ground at their feet before a figure rose from the ground ad intercepted the powerful energy beam.
The resulting explosion rocked the cave and sent the two participants flying. The blast had sent rubble flying in all directions but thanks to the golem Evergreen summoned only the smaller stones made it to the two women. With scratches covering the two and blood dripping from their wounds as they impacted the cave wall the end of the battle drew near.
"Evergreen," Wendy shouted in worry as she saw the brunette sliding down the cave wall. The older woman had more injuries since she protected Wendy from the blast and Wendy immediately brought her glowing hands closer to her so that she could heal the damage.
"Seems like we lost this one," Evergreen said with a cough.
-A dark room-
"Is our spy in place?" a male voice asked.
"Yes, the infiltration went smoothly," a female voice answered.
"Then prepare to mobilize our forces, once the time is right we will strike and they will be cast to the history books where they will soon be forgotten," the male voice ordered.
'Fairy Tail, it won't be long now before you will seize to exist,' the male thought as a barely noticeable grin co seen forming on his shadowed face.
-With Gildarts-
"You still have a long way to go before you are ready for S-Class," Gildarts said as Mest fell to the ground next to a defeated Max. It didn't take the Ace long to defeat the two mages but now he stood with a frown on his face.
'Natsu, wherever you are I do hope you are all right and the darkness hasn't claimed you. You are the light this world needs yet you have a past shrouded in darkness. I will come and find you once we are done here, that I swear,' Gildarts thought as he started moving to the exit, seemingly haven forgotten the two unconscious mages he had defeated as his thoughts travelled to the young mage he saw as a son.
Once Gildarts made his way out of the caves he saw the old guild master sitting on a stone.
"Who were the unlucky team to face you?" Makarov asked his ace.
"Mest and Max, while Mest is a powerful mage he is still a long way from being ready for S-Class," Gildarts answered getting a hum in agreement from Makarov.
"Well, I doubt any of the other teams will be done with their first trial any time soon so if you wish you can wander around a bit. Be back in about an hour, if all the participant who passed the first trial are here, I will announce the next trial," Makarov said.
With a nod, Gildarts made his way into the lush forests of Tenrou Island. He wanted to let his mind wander to more location Natsu might be and plan his movements for once the trials were done and there was no better way for him to get thinking than to wander around nature. With his traveling nature, Gildarts had found that walking under the shade of trees had a comforting and calming effect.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, Gildarts le out a sigh. 'Your sporadic nature and unwavering wish to find your Dragon makes it hard to think of possible places you might be. One thing that helps is that the Strauss siblings are presumably with you,' Gildarts thought as he began to shift his thought from where Natsu might be to where the group as a whole might shelter.
His thoughts were interrupted when he came across a black-haired teen dressed in a black robe and white toga lying with his back against a tree.
"And who might you be?" Gildarts asked the teen as his eyes narrowed.
"A person? I'm confused, why would you come to such a desolate place?" the teen asked.
"This is our guild's sacred grounds, and we don't take too kindly from strangers trespassing," Gildarts said with a threatening tone finding its way into his voice.
"Forgive me, I was under the impression that this Island was uninhabited and I was unaware this Island was under the control of a guild," the teen said in a calm voice.
"Well, I will have to ask you to come with me so that I can make sure you leave," Gildarts said as he took a step closer.
"No, stay back. If you value your life do not come closer," the teen quickly shouted the first part before adding the last part in a tone.
"Since you are just a kid I will pretend I didn't hear that threat," Gildarts said as a small portion of his magic started to leak out of him.
"It wasn't a threat and I do not wish to fight you. I will leave this island peacefully just please, don't come near me," the boy said in a calm yet sad tone. Gildarts was surprised that the boy remained so calm but hid it well as he kept a stern expression on his face. Suddenly the boy looked startled as he staggered back and grabbed his head.
"Oh no, here it comes," the boy said in a frightened tone. Gildarts eyes widened as he felt a powerful dark magic beginning to rise from the boy. A swirl of black magic surrounded the boy and the grass at his feet instantly withered, leaves that fell from a nearby tree crumbled into nothing and a sense of dread washed over Gildarts.
"Crash Barrier" Gildarts shouted as the black mist started to expand outwards. A white barrier formed between the two but Gildarts quickly jumped back as the grass behind his barrier withered.
As soon as the black mist came it was gone, leaving a desolate landscape in its wake, Gildarts having retreated far enough to be out of its range. Balling his hands into fists and covering them with his magic while taking a fighting stance, Gildarts prepared to face off against this new threat.
A quick scan of the area revealed that the boy was nowhere in sight. Quickly closing his eyes and allowing his magic to spread out, Gildarts tried to find the magical signature of the boy but came up empty-handed. 'Whoever that was has a dark power and a level of strength that concerns me. I'll have to keep an eye open for him during the trials,' Gildarts thought as he lowered his guard and relaxed his stance, yet staying alert at all times.
'The boy didn't have any malicious intent in him and I couldn't sense any form of deceit when he said he didn't want to fight. I'll keep this to myself for now and keep an eye open for him,' Gildarts decided, not wanting to spoil the chance of S-Class for the participants who are still in the running.
-In a dark cave-
A black-haired man with a scar on his cheek regained consciousness just as a dark power sparked for a mere moment. 'He's here, there's no doubt about it. That was his magic power,' the man thought with glee.
-In a dark room-
"We have found his location," a beautiful woman with dark purple hair said as an image of an Island with a large tree on it appeared in the crystal ball she held in her hand.
"Soon I will finally meet the man who showed the world the terror of dark magic. The abyss of sorcery will be mine and their blood will soak the island they hold so dear," a man grinned as five more figures shifted in the dark room.
-With Wendy and Evergreen-
'I'm sorry if I was able to dodge that last attack you wouldn't have had to protect me and we could still have won," Wendy said in a downcast voice as a tear started to form in her eye. She knew Evergreen would have been able to dodge the attack with her natural speed and the Vernier enchantment, but she stayed to protect her since she wouldn't have been able to get out of the blast.
"There is no need to apologise, what sort of partner would I be if I let you get hurt just to win?" Evergreen comforted the bluenette with a kind smile.
"But now you won't be able to advance, if only you choose someone else…" Wendy tried to keep the blame on her but she was silenced when a comforting hand rested on her shoulder and she looked into Evergreen's eyes.
"Wendy, you are the perfect partner, don't sell yourself short. You have the power of a dragon in you, sadly it was the knight who won this round, there's nothing to be sad about and I'm sure even Natsu would be proud of you," Evergreen softly said to the girl.
Wendy was surprised to hear this and a small smile formed on her face at the mention of her big brother.
"We aren't defeated yet," Wendy said as she wiped her tear away, her tone of voice sounding similar to what her pink-haired role model and big brother would have when things weren't looking all that favourable.
"You sound just like him. I think we have one more strategy we try," Evergreen said with a proud smile as she leaned closer to Wendy's ear and started whispering the plan.
The dust had settled and Erza started to make her advance. She was surprised to see Evergreen standing defiant against her but quickly connected the lack of large injuries to the defensive spell she used and Wendy's healing abilities. She saw an exhausted Wendy to her left and determined that she had used the last of her power to heal Evergreen.
"This is where your trial ends, but be proud of what you accomplished," Erza said.
"Don't be so cocky Erza, you haven't won yet," Evergreen said as she reached for her glasses.
"Your partner is defeated and you don't have the power to stand against me. You should realise that by now," Erza said as she raised her swords.
"There is still one trick up my sleeve," Evergreen said as she took off her glasses and her eyes started to glow.
"Have you already forgotten last time, your eyes have no effect on me," Erza said with a sigh as she closed her left eye.
"Fairy Machine Gun: Leprechaun" Evergreen called out. Erza started to pick up speed as she sliced the energy needles during her advance, keeping her left eye closed as to not fall victim to Evergreen's Eye Magic.
Having to focus all her attention on the needles as she advanced Erza didn't see Evergreen's smirk nor did she see the twitch of her hand. Erza was shocked when the barrage of needles suddenly stopped once she was barely out of striking distance of the female member of the Thunder Legion though her attention was drawn to a voice from her left. Snapping her hear to the left Erza's eyes widened as she saw a swirl of blue hair with a single streak of pink before hearing the call of "Sky Dragon Roar".
Pouring all of the magic she had left in her Wendy send a raging tornado of air from her mouth towards Erza. Not having any time to respond Erza was flung towards the ruined buildings in the cave.
"Well done Wendy, I knew you could do it," Evergreen cheered as she caught the young girl just before she collapsed. Wendy had used up all the magic she had in that last attack but a proud smile was plastered on her face.
The sound of clapping stopped their celebration as shock took over their faces. They turned to see Erza walking out of the destroyed ruins. She was heavily damaged with bruises and scratches covering her form but a proud expression was cemented on her face. Erza was back in her Heart Kreuz armour as she made her way over to the two exhausted mages.
"Evergreen, you have shown all the traits a Fairy Tail S-Class mage needs. Strength, intellect, an understanding of strategy, but most of all you shoed the trust in your comrades. When you used yourself as a decoy to keep my attention away from Wendy so that she could deliver the final blow you placed all of your trust in her. Fairy Tail mages always have their family to rely on and the only way we can truly grow is with the help of others. Congratulation on passing the trial," Erza said with a smile.
"Wait we don't have to beat you to pass?" Evergreen asked with a shocked expression. Wendy felt a sense of relief washing over her. When Erza was still standing after that last attack she was sure they wouldn't be able to defeat her, a thought Evergreen shared. Wendy wasn't aware of it but Evergreen was ready to surrender if they had to continue the battle, she knew Wendy was out of magic and she didn't want to put her in needless danger.
"Even though you have to be a powerful mage to become S-Class, there are a lot of other factors. Master Makarov told us that we had to use our own judgement to determine whether the participant we faced had what it took to become S-Class. It would be asking too much for you all to face me or Gildarts with the only way to pass being victory in battle," Erza said.
"That does make sense," Evergreen said with a shiver running down her spine as she thought about the team having to face Gildarts.
"So we can continue?" Wendy asked with an exhausted expression.
"Yes, continue through that tunnel and you will reach a clearing where Master will be waiting," Erza said as she pointed to the far side of the cave.
Evergreen and Wendy made their way out of the cave as Erza remained for a moment longer. 'I'm glad to see you forming bonds with the guild after the Fantasia fiasco,' Erza thought with a pleased expression though it quickly morphed into a frown. She heard Wendy's encouraging tone that resembled the Fire Dragon Slayer.
'Something doesn't make sense about that day. Why would Natsu follow someone who hurt a member of the guild?' Erza thought back to the day the Strauss siblings and Natsu left the guild. Even though she stood by the expulsion of Lisanna something just didn't sit well with her. Natsu was always protective of the guild members so seeing him siding with someone who seriously hurt another member was something that went against his entire personality.
Shaking her head to rid it of these thoughts for the moment Erza turned and started heading out of the cave system. 'For now, I must focus on the trials. Once things quiet down again maybe I can consult master about this," Erza thought.
-Outside the Griffin's Haven guildhall-
Natsu was sitting with his eyes closed, a look of intense concentration on his face as embers of dark red flames sparked at his fingertips. Lisanna was sitting opposite of him with a pair of white fox ears on her head. The two had been training their new powers, Natsu wishing to gain control of the dark flames while Lisanna was forming her bond with the spirit, Kyuubi.
A small smile formed on Natsu's face a he felt an intense feeling of pride though he wasn't sure why. Dismissing it for the moment he returned his focus on his dark flames.
A start to the S-Class trials for Fairy Tail and the darkness they will soon face. Now I wanted to ask you guys if you wanted to see some of the other battles of the first round. I will keep them short if you want to see them otherwise I will just start the next chapter with Makarov talking about the second trial. Either way, the next part of the story will have a greater focus on Fairy Tail and Wendy rather than Natsu. I already know where the arc will end and how but what happens in between can still be altered. I won't be focusing on Griffin's haven that much because all they are doing is training their new magic, nothing interesting. The plan I have for the time-skip will show some of their new magic though as they adventure and grow in the absence of Fairy Tail. Leave a review with your thoughts and I will see you all next time.
