~ Memories ~
Ruby in her once-long scarlet hair with usual twin half pony-tail up, approached Lucy and Mirajane towards the bar. "Hello, Lucy-san, Mira-san." She greeted them with her usual shy smile.
"Hey, Ruby-chan!" Lucy greeted and patted her head. "How's the job?" It's hard to grasp Ruby and Erza are blood-related sisters.
"It was okay and I'm glad Erza-nee (sister) didn't follow me." She laughs nervously while holding her spirit Nikola.
Ruby informed Mirajane to go on a solo quest by herself without Wendy, Carla or Erza. Erza wailed and didn't want to be separated by her sister to go on a quest without any assistance but only her spirits. The elder sibling reluctantly respects her wishes and going to stalk Ruby. Aaliyah refrains Erza from doing it by blackmailing her sweet favorite cake. Until now, Erza wanted her to stop growing and still remain as a child.
"My sweet darling sister gem!" Ruby squeaks in pain by the familiar death hug armor of her sister, Erza. "From this day onward, you're sticking by my side forever!"
"Er-Er-Erza-nee (sister)... you-you're choking me!" Ruby stuttered and trying to remove out from her grasps.
Someone chopped Erza's head to reveal Aaliyah with a disappointed look on her face. "Erza-san, don't you think you're way beyond overprotective?" She asks the older scarlet-haired girl.
Erza released Ruby and she stares at her cerulean eyes. "Aaliyah, what if someone taints her innocence!? Or worse, a boyfriend!?" Her whole body is covered in a red aura and her eyes glittered with flames. "They shall face me if they're worthy of our Ruby!"
"Geh..." Aaliyah steps back and sighs heavily. "Man, you're hopeless. Welcome back, Ru-chan." Smiling weakly and tired of lecturing Erza for being overprotective sister mode. It's hard to imagine how Erza's attitude completely changes when it comes to Ruby.
"I'm back." Ruby smiles back before blinking her eyes. "How come half of the people are taking their jobs whereas the others are way too relax." She walked past them when they're going on a job whereas the others are relaxing.
"You'll find out soon tomorrow, Ruby." Mirajane smiles while wiping off the plates. "Why most of them are eager to go on a quest. Are you planning to get another job, Ruby?"
"Ah, no thank you." Ruby waves it off with a smile. "My spirits deserve rests and one is enough for today." She's not one of those wizards who would do more than one job a day.
"You're not giving us a teeny tiny clue, Aaliyah?" Zara showed up and rests on Aaliyah's head. "Or a hint?"
"Just wait for the announcement tomorrow, Zara-chan." Aaliyah carried Zara in her arms. "Tomorrow is going to reveal." She smiles secretly earning a skeptical look from Ruby and Lucy. The blonde girl thinks it's a good surprise for tomorrow's event and couldn't wait to see their reactions.
All the guild members gathered around to hear Makarov's announcement. Ruby pursed her lips and trying to look for her sister but she isn't here yet.
"Master has a major announcement to make!" It breaks off her searching to find Erza and stares at Wendy.
"I'm not interested." Carla commented bluntly.
"Maybe it has something to do with yesterday." Ruby suggested and smiles lightly. "I mean, I see a few people are excited, anxious and nervous to hear it."
"We finally learn the news about it." Zara commented and clasps her paws together.
The curtain goes up to reveal Makarov and behind him are Gildarts, Aaliyah, Mirajane and Erza. Everyone cheered and eager to reveal the news as Makarov clears his throat.
"As per Fairy Tail's time-honored tradition, I will announce the entrants for the S-class Wizard Promotion Trial!" Makarov declared and everyone cheered.
"Ruby, there's a chance you're taking part in it!" Wendy exclaimed and shaking her shoulder. "You're our S-class Wizard back in Cait Shelter."
"That's different!" Ruby shook her head. "It's impossible, Wendy-nee (sister)! Master Roubaul promote me before and I didn't do any trial. This time is different! We move here, remember?"
"Have confidence in yourself, child." Carla scolded the scarlet-haired girl. "Don't belittle yourself! You're one of the strongest mage, Ruby."
"Quiet, everyone!" Erza scolded them.
"Our master hasn't finished yet." Gildarts spoke up.
"Please let him continue, everyone." Aaliyah spoke up while crossing her arms to observe them.
Everyone goes on silent and waiting for Makarov to speak up. "This year's trial will take place on Tenroujima Island... our guild's holy ground! Your strength! Your hearts! Your spirits! I've spent the last year ascertaining them all." He clenches his hand into fists. "There will be nine participants! Natsu Dragneel! Gray Fullbuster! Rubina Hart!"
"Eh!?" Ruby exclaimed with a shocked look on her face. She isn't expecting to take part in the trials.
"Do your best, Ruby!" Wendy clasps her hands with a proud look. "I always support you 100%!" She's happy for her foster sister to get nominated for the exam. It gives Ruby an opportunity to become an S-class Wizard again.
"Can't I just back down?" Ruby whimpered and feeling dreadful to take part in the tests. She's too minor to participate in the test despite being 11-year-old.
"Juvia Lockser! Elfman! Cana Alberona! Freed Justine! Levy McGarden! Mest Gryder!"
"Now I see!" Lucy exclaimed and placing her hands on the waist. "So everyone was trying hard to get picked for this!" She sweatdropped to see Ruby's terrified expression. "Ruby-chan, you aren't thrilled about this test."
The scarlet-haired girl sniffs and rubbing her eyes. "I'm scared and too young to take it!" She wailed and Wendy laughs nervously. "Wendy-nee (sister)!"
"There, there, Ruby-chan." Wendy patted her head and smiles softly. "You shouldn't doubt your abilities, Ruby. I'm sure there's a reason why Master chooses you."
"Really?" Ruby sniffs and wiping off her tears. "Don't you think I'm too young to take it?"
"No, I don't think so, Ruby." They turned around to face Levy with a sympathy smile. "You see... Aaliyah is the youngest mage when she took this exam before."
"Really?" Lucy blinks her eyes with an awestruck look. She actually thought it's just a rumor about her being the first female youngest mage. The rumors are true and Aaliyah showed a lot of potentials to become an S-class Wizard and a former top ten Wizards Saint.
"Hard to believe isn't it?" Levy giggles behind her hand. "Aaliyah almost gave Master a heart attack when he saws her raw power and potential."
"Aaliyah-san is really strong!" Wendy's eyes twinkle in amazement and smiles at her adopted younger sister. "Good luck Ruby-chan and everyone!" She shouts to give them luck.
"From this group, only one person will successfully pass!" Makarov explained to everyone regarding the upcoming exam. "The trial will take place in one week's time. Shape up in the meantime!"
"One person?" Ruby muttered with a worried look on her face. "I wonder what kind of an exam I'm going to face."
"Don't look so worried, Ruby!" Zara patted her head. "You're going to ace it!"
"You're giving me too much pressure, Zara." She sighs heavily and pushing her glasses up.
"Damn you! Erza and Aaliyah!" Gajeel swears and gets frustrated for not being chosen as one of the participants. "How did the Usagi-chibi (little rabbit or short rabbit) gets it and I don't!?" Ruby flinched and holds Lucy and Levy's arm.
Erza's eyes twinkle in amusement. "Gajeel isn't ready and my gem showed a lot of potentials." She muttered under her breath before glancing at Aaliyah. "Thank you for your input, Aaliyah."
Aaliyah smiles softly. "Ru-chan reminds me of ourselves when we were young." She spoke softly and glancing at the young scarlet-haired girl. "I have a feeling she's going to give us a surprise after one week."
"As we have some newcomers here, we'll go over the rules." Makarov spoke up once everyone are silent.
"The nine chosen participants are to select a single partner within the one week preparation period." Mirajane explained the rules for the exam.
"We can get a partner?" Ruby whispered in a hushed tone.
"Teams of two are gonna battle it out." Max commented as he heard her hushed tone.
"Part of this trial is putting their friendships to the test." Warren pointed out and Ruby nodded her head in understanding.
"Not only they're one of the participants but they're also my friends as well..." Ruby commented and glancing at each one of the contestants. "This test is going to be a rival for us."
"There are two rules when it comes to choosing a partner." Erza spoke up with a serious look and glancing at Aaliyah.
"First, the partner must be a member of Fairy Tail." Aaliyah spoke up in a soft tone. "Second, the partner can't be an S-Class wizard. If we caught anyone that their partner is from a different guild, S-Class wizard, or someone else, he or she is immediately disqualified."
"That essentially rules out people like Erza, Mirajane, Aaliyah and Gildarts, huh?" Lily spoke up while watching them.
"Partnering with Erza-san or Aaliyah-san would make for an overpowered team!" Wendy exclaimed and Ruby nodded her head.
"I think it's a fair rule because we're going to show our best abilities without partnering them." Ruby commented and glanced down at her spirit keys.
"We'll announce the details of the trial once we're on Tenroujima Island, but Erza will be serving as a hindrance again this time."
"Huh!?" Most of the guildmates are shocked to hear Erza is going to involve the test.
"And I'll be hindering everyone as well!" Mirajane spoke up happily while raising her hand.
"Huh!?"
"Didn't see that coming?" Aaliyah laughs softly and smiles gently at them. "They're not the only ones who're doing hindrance but including myself as well." Her eyes twinkle in mischief and glancing at the nine participants.
"D-don't tell me they have to beat people like Erza, Aaliyah and Mira to become S-Class!?" Lucy asked with a disbelief look while covering her mouth.
These young female mages aren't going to go easy on them especially they're strong and powerful wizards. Most of their guildmates are terrified of them because they wouldn't hesitate to fight unless you provoke either of them. Behind their calm, serene and stoic expression, these ladies shouldn't underestimate them.
"Well, apparently they do hold back somewhat..." Max trailed off his thought and Ruby immediately shook her head.
"I finally reunite with my older sister." Ruby gulps nervously. "She's not going to hold back like Aaliyah. Both of them are going to take this job seriously to criticize our battle with them."
"Ruby, did you finally understand the exam quickly?" Zara asked with a curious look.
The scarlet-haired girl nodded in response and glancing at them. "I do and they're not the type of people of holding back. I'm not sure about Gildarts-san or Mira-san though..."
"Quit griping. All S-Class wizards have had to go through this." Gildarts spoke up once he noticed their priceless reaction.
Natsu is happy to find out Gildarts are joining the girls to become a hindrance examiner whereas the others are terrified to stumble into him. Between the four of them, Gildarts is the most dangerous S-Class mage to deal with. Makarov cleared his throat. "The nine selected members and their partners will gather at Hargeon Port one week from now. That's all!"
~Memories End~
~Present~
Celestial stops showing her memories at them after revealing what the exam is all about. "After we defeated Grimoire Hearts, there's a black dragon came out of nowhere to attack us." She explained softly.
"All of us are still injured after the fight and we have no idea why that dragon suddenly showed up." Kitsune spoke up and crossing her arms with a grim look. None of them could ever forget Acnologia's final attack before they're being sent to Earth by Mavis. It traumatized them a lot especially since Makarov nearly got killed because of it.
"Most of us don't have enough magic to defeat him..." Angel gulps and hugging her arms. "All we did are holding each other's hand and vowed we're going home to Fairy Tail together..."
"The next thing we know, the three of us came out of nowhere from Arthur's house." She gulps and stares at the brunette boy. "We didn't know how it happens but the first Master explained our mission is to stop the enemy lurking from the darkness."
"Which enemy are you girls referring to?" Robin asked curiously.
"We manage to stumble one of the Grimoire Hearts, Lust, and-"
"Mendez clan member." Celestial cuts Kitsune off gently. "We don't know their true agendas and the first master chooses us to help you guys."
"How many dimensions out there?" Kid Flash asked with a bewildered expression. "Ruby you have to tell me your experienced from that exam!"
"No." Kitsune immediately answered. "We're friends but that exam is classified information. You can only know it if you're our guildmate and get chosen to take the exam."
Kid Flash pouts and crossing his arms. "No fair. To think only one person will become an S-Class wizard. I wonder what type of exam are they going to get through."
Kitsune smiles gently before she shaking her head. "We're changing the topic now. Anyone wants to reveal anything aside from us?" None of them didn't speak up. "Okay, here's the plan. You guys should pretend that you're not expecting to see each other again." She exhales softly and stares at them with a serious look. "I know how to fool them around."
Celestial gulps nervously and steps back away from the blonde girl. "Your mischief side is starting to show, Aaliyah." She whispered and Kitsune chuckled.
"It's fun to fool your enemy." The blonde girl winks behind her half mask. "I have a reason why I chose my alias Kitsune, Ru-chan."
Santa Prisca || December 30, 17:57 ECT ||
"Guys, reinforcement time." Artemis called her friends to help Superboy, Miss Martian and her out.
"Expect the unexpected!" Angel showed up and attacked Cheshire.
Kitsune appeared in front of Bane and kicks his face. Bane grunted in pain but smiled wickedly to see her again. "If it isn't my favorite vixen."
"You and I have a score to settle." Kitsune commented coldly before they collide with each other for a fight.
Saber and Aqualad blocked Luther, his assistant and unconscious Queen Bee to escape. "Neither you, nor Queen Bee is going anywhere!" Aqualad declared.
"Surrender now." Saber ordered them.
"Young men, if you expect to detain me... contact my Attorney." Luther pointed out.
His assistant's arm turned into a blaster to attacked them. Celestial helped Robin knocking down the men using Sun Ce's form "Tetsu no ken! (Iron fists!)" Her fists glowed and punching them.
Artemis and Angel are grunted in pain as Cheshire pointed her swords at them. "You know I don't tolerate disobedience, Artemis!" Sportsmaster swings his mace.
Artemis turned around and hold Angel close. "Sure, dad! Jade and I learned that the hard way." She commented as Kid Flash showed up to tackle Cheshire.
The yellow speedster is about to tackle Sportsmaster but he throws him over the tree. Angel turned herself into an adult form and swinging her blades at him.
Kitsune jumps over Bane to cut the tube on his neck and a blue magic circle appeared. "U~ōtādoragon: Hōkō! (Water Dragon: Roar!)" Water burst out from her mouth to slam him in the tree as Robin electrified him.
Angel carried Artemis back as they fly to dodge Sportsmaster attack. Sportsmaster somehow trapped inside of the silver liquid to immobilize him. He looks behind to see Cheshire is behind him. "Jade!" He called out his older daughter.
"Sorry, dad." Cheshire removes her masks with a smug look. "In this family, it's every girl for herself." She blends in the darkness to escape.
"Jade!"
Angel lowered Artemis down and releasing her. Artemis walked slowly towards her beloved father to kick his face. The half-Exceed smiles and giving Artemis a high-five. "I'm proud of you, sis."
"Thanks for helping me out, Angel. Aren't you suppose to look after Celestial?" Artemis asked her curiously.
"She can look after herself and Robin is stuck with her." Angel commented and they both giggle knowing Robin is making sure Celestial won't do anything stupid.
Kid Flash is joining the two girls as Artemis throws the mask at him. He approached them slowly before grabbing the mask. "Souvenir..." Artemis muttered with a smile.
Angel silently smiled while gazing at the orange sky.
"It is always like this!" Raquel commented as she feels satisfied for helping them out.
"We usually do like this." Celestial muttered and smiles in amusement.
"Hey, disaster averted..." Robin hugs Celestial behind and she squeals in surprise. "Feeling the 'aster'."
"Mou, you need to stop demolish the words, Robin." Sighing heavily and leaning on him.
"Agreed." Aqualad nodded his head. "This has been a good day."
Saber realized something. "Kitsune, you're supposed to go to the party with the League!" He reminded her.
"Shoot!" Kitsune jumps in surprise and looking at Celestial. "Celestial, please ask Sora to send me back to the cave. Black Canary is going to lecture me for being late."
Celestial laughs nervously and immediately summon Sora. They both left as Raquel whistles in amusement. "Your abilities never cease to amaze me, little red."
"Thanks, Raquel." Celestial whispered shyly.
The Watchtower || December 30, 23:46 EST ||
Kitsune finally manage to get the party on time but somehow, the place is completely empty. She sniffs as the whole League are in the other room and decided to masks her presence to hide. Silently watched and remembering Saber's investigation behind the mole is true.
"Override, Batman, 0-2." Batman overrides the system.
Kitsune wanted to stop Batman but she can't blow her cover and watching the scene unfold. "Recognized." The computer announced as the zeta tube opened to reveal a man with a scarred face, Lust and David are invading inside of the Watchtower. "Access, granted. Vandal Savage, A-0-4. Lust A-0-5. Draco A-0-6" The whole League excluding Red Arrow are bowing down at him.
Kitsune finally know David's real name as she clenched her hands tight to see two dark wizards are having an alliance with Vandal Savage. It makes her wonder what their real agendas to team up with a villain like him.
Red Arrow shook his head to regain his senses. Blinking his eyes and starting to realizes his own mistakes. "I... I was the mole?"
"Yes... you were." Savage answered whereas Lust smirked in response.
Savage walked towards the window to see the sun is setting down. The iris blue-haired girl clicking her tongue and sighs heavily. "Poor Robin hood, he doesn't know all this time we control his mind."
"Tch..." Draco clicks his tongue and crossing his arms. "Why is that pesky dragon being chosen than that brat?"
Lust rolls her eyes. "Your obsession towards the little red never ceases to amaze me. I mean, we can just ask Robin hood to kidnapped the Celestial wizard before this thing happened."
"You two are the ones who crashed the play back at France!" Red Arrow exclaimed to see them again.
"Ditto..." She shoots using two fingers at him. "Speaking of a crash, where is the giant lizard? Isn't she suppose to-"
"U~ōtādoragon: Muchi! (Water Dragon: Whip!)" Kitsune wraps the whip around Red Arrow and pulls him close.
"Kitsune!" He gasps in surprise to see her and noticing she's not brainwashed yet by them.
"I hate you for nearly tearing the Team apart and accusing one of us might be the mole." Kitsune spoke up softly before pushing him behind. "You're their friend and I can't abandon you."
"You showed up at last, little vixen." Lust licks her lips while gripping the handle of her whip.
"You're the famous Kitsune I heard about." Savage smiles darkly to see Kitsune in a flesh. "I send some of my people for you to join us but clearly you stayed with them like a loyal dragon."
"I would say this a million times, I would never join people like you." Kitsune declared coldly before glancing at Red Arrow. "On my signal, you need to leave now." She whispered it to him.
"What? Leaving you behind from the likes of them?" Red Arrow hissed in a low tone.
"Between you and me, you stand no chance against them." She retorted back calmly. "Don't look back. U~ōtādoragon: Arashi no hanburingā! (Water Dragon: Hambringer of the storm!)" A huge storm appeared to trapped them inside of the giant swirl. "Now!"
Red Arrow clicks his tongue and heading towards the zeta tube to escape from their grasps. Kitsune silently smirked and stares at them once the storm disappeared. "It's just us."
"You're a fool to think you can stand against us!" Draco appeared in front of her. "Kurisutarumeiku: Yari (Crystal make: Spear!)" Kitsune bends down and sweeps off his feet.
"U~ōtādoragon: Wārupūru! (Water Dragon: Whirlpool!)" Spinning her feet to create a huge whirlpool to wash them away. "If it means to push you guys away from Red Arrow, I can and I will!"