Chapter 3
I'm back! I tried to upload the quickest possible so I hope that you didn't have to wait too much. But now I'm here, ready to fill your hearts of joy. In this one there will be a fight, so be excited for it. And if you're wondering, who's Natsu partner for the exams, read to find out. Now, to the story!
Legend
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Creature/Transformation Speaking"
'Creature Thinking'
Magic Attack
Chapter 3: The S-Class Trials
The dragon siblings were walking back home after the participants of the S-Class Trials were announced.
Natsu couldn't believe he was chosen to be in those exams. He only had been there for a year, and yet, he was chosen.
The reasons that he can be many, but it was still hard to do it. But now he needs to think on the task on hand.
Find a partner for the trials.
The master said that they need a partner to participate in the trials. They had three days to preapere and go to only the master knows.
His first option was clear. His brother.
He looked at him that was hearing something that Wendy was telling him, so he decided to call his attention.
"Gajeel."
Gajeel and Wendy turned to him with curious looks "Yes, Natsu-Nii?"
"Do you want to be my partner for the trials?" Natsu asked him and he looked down.
"I-I can't."
Natsu raised a brow "Why?"
Gajeel hesitated a little before answering "C-Cana asked me if I want to be her partner for the trials and I agree. A-Are you mad at me?" He asked expecting for his brother to feel angry, sad, betrayed something. He knew that most of his friends (Mira, Laxus, Lissana.) Are in the trials or are going to go with someone else as partner in the trials.
"No. Why should I?" Natsu asked and Gajeel looked at him.
"You aren't mad?"
Natsu gave him a small smile "You are helping your friend. That's good. Just make sure to help her a lot. She looks really nervous when she was named."
Gajeel smiled and nodded and then the trio started to walk again. "Besides I already have another option for the trials."
Wendy and Gajeel traded looks wondering who wouldn't be afraid of his brother to actually help him.
'Who is crazy/dumb enough?' Wendy and Gajeel thought at the same time knowing that half Fairy Tail is scared of his brother. And they know that he is really serious and strict when he is focused on something.
'Guess we have to wait...'
*Next Day, Guild Hall*
Grey arrived early the next day of the announcements of the trials. He knows he wasn't elected to participate on the trials but he still wanted to go. So he was waiting, and hoping, that he will be choose to accompany someone in the trials.
He already knows that Cana choose Gajeel to accompany her, Mira will probably choose one of her siblings, and Laxus will never choose him for finding him annoying. Like if he would go with him anyways.
So his hopes are in either Natsu or Erza.
He doesn't have a problem with neither of them. He is friends with Erza for some years now. She is strict and likes to punish those that break the rules, but she would give her life for anyone in the guild.
Natsu, they are something close to friends. He doesn't know yet. Natsu help him train to get stronger, he even spar with him from time to time (Those don't end well for Grey). Grey changed his image from Natsu, since he knee him at the gut, since that night that he offered to train him.
He likes Natsu as a cool guy that help you study for a hard test, and deep inside you want to be like him in some aspects. Natsu seems to tolerate him when he gets to annoying and treats him how he treats the closest persons to him.
Maybe he considers him a friend after all.
"Grey." He heard a voice ask from behind him and turned to see the man he was thinking about.
"Hm, what do you need?" He asked Natsu that was looking at him with his neutral expression.
"Do you want to go with me at the trials?" He asked him and Grey eyes brighten. He is going after all!
"Sure thing! We're the more badass team here! We're gonna kick ass and win!" Grey screamed excitedly and Natsu gave a small smile.
'At least he got motivation...'
"Low it down, Ice Princess." Mira said getting next to Natsu. Lissana following her.
"So, you choose him?" She asked and Natsu nodded and she smirked "I know that you two have a teacher-student relationship and all. But I thought that you had better judgment to this kind of things. I'm the impulsive, you're the rational. Remember?"
"Hey! I'm still here!" Grey shouted. Even though it was just teasing, it still annoyed him.
Natsu shrugged "I think he will be fine. You choose Lissana?" Mira nodded.
"Of course! Strauss sisters, will never be defeated!" She screamed and raised her fist and Lissana nodded.
"Darksoul." Laxus said getting closer to the group. He was being followed by a slim kid, around Laxus age, he had light-green hair that get to his waist, a bang covering his left eye. He had blue eyes and had a pale complexion. He was wearing a knee-length double-breasted coat, of a red color with golden buttons and pink outlines. He was looking a little nervous and uncomfortable.
"Yes, Laxus?"
Laxus smirked and pushed forward the kid that was behind him "This is Freed Justine. My partner for the trials."
Freed stretched his hand towards Natsu "Greetings Darksoul-san. My name like said before is Freed Justine. Pleasured to meet you."
Natsu shook his hand "The same. And just call me Natsu. Laxus is the only idiot that calls me by my last name."
Laxus let out a growl for being called idiot "Whatever, we're going to defeat you," He pointed at Natsu "The demon witch," He pointed at Mira "And whoever are your partners."
"You wish you could defeat us." Grey said from his seat and Laxus looked at him, then at Natsu that remained looking at him with a neutral look, then a Grey, then at Natsu and smirked.
"Yes. We're going to win."
Natsu smirked "We'll see Laxus."
"We will see."
*2 Days Later, East Forest*
Two days later, the 5 participants and their partners had in front Magnolia's East Forest and Makarov and a tall muscular man with slicked back orange hair that reach his shoulders and a stubbly beard. He was wearing a long, black, high collared, tattered cloak with shoulder blades, a belt, and loose fitting black pants that are tucked on some boots. This man is the ace of Fairy Tail, Gildarts Clive.
"Welcome to the East Forest!" Makarov introduced waving his arms in the air "Due to some problems we're doing the trials in here instead of our usual place. But details aside let's go to the hard part." Makarov said turning serious.
"As you can tell, it is really late, and because of that it is hard to see in the darkness." Makarov started to explain, and in fact it is late. 12:00 to be exact. "And because of the change of location, the exam will be different." He announced.
"Your objective it's to find three lacrimas that are hidden in different parts of the forest. They're really small and have certain light. But don't worry, I'll give you a clue from where the last one is." Makarov said and Gildarts stood forwards and took something from his pocket.
"It is with me." He said showing everyone the lacrima.
"I know that you guys aren't older than 18, but I like to do anything serious. So don't expect me to hold back." He said turning serious.
"But then how we'll take the lacrima!?" Levy asked next to Erza. She was the partner that Erza choose. Gildarts chuckle.
"That's up to you." Then he walked back to the forest leaving the participants ready to go.
5 minutes later and Makarov looked at the kids grinning. "It's time to go! Remember; you only have three hours to find the lacrimas and come back here. Good luck!" At the signal each duo ran towards the forest in different directions.
"This will be fun." Makarov said and went to find something to drink.
*Natsu and Grey*
Natsu and Grey stopped under a tree to think their strategy. "So what's your plan?" Grey asked Natsu that closed his eyes.
"He must have hide them in someplace where it is easy to find but hard to get out..." Natsu muttered and Grey raised a brow.
"What do you mean?"
Natsu opened his eyes and looked at him "There is a river in here, right?" Grey nodded "Let's go there."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Let's go." Natsu ordered and they both left towards the river.
*Laxus and Freed*
"What do we do now, Laxus-san?"
Laxus heard Freed question him. He was looking at the direction where he smells Grey. It was hard to track Natsu. 'Maybe he hides his odor...'
Shaking his head to get those thoughts out of his head. "We follow Darksoul. We need to take out the biggest threat first. And who knows, he might give us a lacrima."
Freed nodded firmly ignoring the little voice in his head that screamed 'This is a bad idea!'
*Erza and Levy*
"Erza-*PANT*-Can we-*PANT*-Rest?" Levy begged her partner that stopped running. Levy leaned against a tree.
"I'm sorry Erza. I know that I'm weak. You should have chosen someone better."
Erza just put a hand on her shoulder to comfort the younger girl. "Don't say that. You ate great as you are. Know, think of somewhere where the master could have hidden the lacrima."
Levy nodded and closed her eyes. After some moments she opened them again. "I got an idea. Maybe at Porlyusca house. It might be there. And if it's not there, she might give us advise."
Erza nodded "Good. Let's go."
*Cana and Gajeel*
"Got anything?" Cana asked her partner that was sniffing the air.
"Laxus and that Freed guy went towards Grey. Erza and Levy are going towards Porlyusca house." He told her and she nodded. She knows they might be the weakest team here so her plan is to steal the lacrima and then run away.
She is pretty sure they would not make it out alive if they interfere in Natsu's and Laxus fight. So that leaves two options. That make her realize something.
"Hey, what about Mira and Lissana?"
"Weeeell..."
*Mira and Lissana*
"This is a bad idea Mira-Nee." Lissana whispered to her sister. They were hiding in some bushes and Mira was watching at Gildarts (that was sit against a tree with his eyes closed) like a predator.
"Of course, it isn't." Mira whispered back "If I want to become a S-class wizard I must defeat someone strong as him."
"You know, it's rude to talk about someone at his back." Gildarts said from his position and opened one eye to see Mira jumped out of the hidding place.
Lissana followed after letting out a sigh. She knew this would happen.
*River*
"Here we are."
Grey and Natsu were standing at the shore of the river and they were looking at the water to find the lacrima.
If it was here for starters.
Natsu was trying to concentrate on the river to find anything, but due to the darkness it was hard. Even if the lacrima had its certain light, it was impossible to see inside the river.
"Grey, freeze the river." Natsu ordered him and Grey nodded and froze the river. Then they started to walk on the river and they were looking down trying to find anything.
Grey then bumped with Natsu's back, because the later suddenly stopped. Grey was about to ask why he stopped but Natsu talked first. He pointed at the ice floor and it was a tiny light coming from there. "There."
Grey grinned "Great! Now, how do we take it out?"
Natsu pushed him away from the river and stomped the frozen water, breaking most of the ice, making Natsu fall where the Lacrima was located.
Some moments later Natsu emerged from the river and one hand balled in a fist. Grey went to help him get out. "You got it?"
Natsu nodded and opened his fist revealing the lacrima "Of course."
Grey grinned "Awesome! Two more too go!"
"Exactly." A voice said from behind the bushes and they turned around to see Laxus walking, smirking smugly.
Natsu looked at his rival with narrowed eyes "Laxus. Your partner already got bored of you?" He asked trying to push Laxus buttons, but he just scoffed.
"As if. He is more like... Preparing this ambush."
At those words Laxus, Natsu and Grey were surrounded by a wall of runes. Then Freed came out of the bushes. "All done, Laxus-san."
Laxus smirk got even bigger seeing the confused face of Grey and the serious face of Natsu. "I'll explain. This is a barrier that prevents anyone getting out and anyone trying to get in. It will disappear once it detects that only one team is able to continue."
Natsu got himself in a fighting position, Grey noticed this and followed the action. Laxus let out an amused chuckle and Freed got in a fighting stance. They were about to clash when...
A part of the barrier seemed to break into pieces and the barrier dissolved. Freed looked shocked "Wh-What?"
Natsu and Laxus eyes narrowed at the direction the barrier was destroyed. "Gildarts..." They said at the same time.
Natsu didn't know the man. He just had heard of him and his power from Mira and Lissana, and it sounded terrifying.
'But not as father's...'
"Laxus." Natsu said calling the attention of his rival.
"What?"
"Let's make a truce."
This surprised everyone present. "What?" Laxus asked again, making sure that he listen well.
"What you heard. You and I both know that we can't beat Gildarts by ourselves. But if we join forces, we might have a chance."
Laxus thought about it a little. "What about his lacrima?"
Natsu shrugged "Will cross that bridge at that time."
Laxus smirked. He liked working with his rival. He was strong and have a good mind while fighting, and he wasn't annoying. He stretched his hand "You got a deal Darksoul."
Natsu shook his hand, while grey and Freed were watching by the sidelines "They forgot about us." Grey told him and Freed nodded.
"It seems like it."
"Okay let's go." Laxus said and started to walk towards where he smelled Gildarts, Freed next to him.
Grey was about to go after them when Natsu stopped him, by grabbing his arm. Before he could ask why he stopped him, Natsu hold in front of him the lacrima. "I want you to hold this. If something goes wrong, I'll do a distraction while you ran."
"But-"
"Grey. Please."
Grey let out a sigh and took the lacrima and saved it on his pant pocket. 'I'll have to make sure to not lose this...' Grey though, decided to not lose his pants.
"Now let's go." Natsu said and they went to catch up Laxus and Freed.
When they managed to get to them, they saw Laxus attacking Gildarts, that wasn't even moving to block, or destroy, his attacks.
Also leaning against a tree was Mira and Lissana. They seemed to have battled Gildarts for a while now.
Natsu went to their side to see they were okay. Lissana was knocked out and Mira was barely awake. "Are you okay?"
Mira smirked at him "I had been better."
Natsu smiled at her "Get Lissana and yourself out of here. Laxus and I will take care of the rest." Mira scoffed at that.
"Yeah, and you will keep the lacrima."
"Yes." Natsu deadpanned and Mira smiled, and then turned serious.
"I'm not leaving."
Natsu looked at Grey "Take Lissana out of here. We'll handle the rest."
Grey wanted to protest, but seeing the tone of the situation he just nodded and put Lissana over his shoulder "You better get the lacrima." He told Natsu that nodded.
"No worries there."
Grey nodded and left with Lissana on his shoulder. Natsu saw them disappear in the forest, to then turn to Mira "You stay here."
Mira rolled her eyes "Sure, dad."
Natsu didn't say anything, he just stood up and went next to Laxus that was panting slightly. Gildarts already was the ace of Fairy Tail for a reason. Laxus was realizing that.
"You took your time flirting, Darksoul." Laxus said noticing him at his side.
"Where's Freed?" Natsu asked, ignoring Laxus remark. He narrowed his eyes seeing Laxus smirk.
"I send him after your Ice friend. Do you really believe I wouldn't suspect why you stay behind us for a while?"
Natsu clicked his tongue. His plan had been seen clearly by his rival. "Whatever. Grey isn't weak. But now let's focus on the situation at hand." Natsu said, referring at Gildarts, and got into fighting position.
Laxus nodded and turned at Gildarts who smirked "So you two against me? That doesn't sound fair."
Natsu didn't answer he just ran to him, and backed his fist that got covered in grey destructive magic.
"Chaos Dragon Iron Fist!"
Natsu roared and hit Gildarts in his gut, pushing him back a few centimeters. "That's all you got?" Gilsarts asked to push Natsu's bottons. But...
"Lighting Dragon Iron Fist!"
Laxus zapped in front of Gildarts and punched him square in the face, making him go some more centimeters back.
Gildarts felt both attacks but nothing he couldn't fight back. He smacked Laxus towards a tree and then kicked Natsu towards Laxus, crashing against him.
"You two are a good team." Gildarts told them. "But you two still needs more experience to fight me."
"Buuuut, you pass."
This confused both Natsu and Laxus, and in their expression they asked what does-he-mean and Gildarts smiled "The master and I both knew you couldn't take me even if everyone ganged against me. So you guys have the-"
"I don't accept this." Natsu interrupted him.
"Eh?" Was the next word that came from Gildarts mouth.
"I agree with Darksoul. We're not going to accept that, without beating you." Laxus said to add surprise to Gildarts.
After a few seconds, Gildarts regained his composure, and smiled. "Fair enough. Then attack me with all you have!" Gildarts screamed at the end and both dragon slayers prepare for their strongest attack.
"Chaos Dragon Roar!"
"Lighting Dragon Roar!"
They both screamed at the same time and from their mouths it came, a lighting magic beam from Laxus and grey destructive energy from Natsu. The attacks combined making it a gigantic yellow with grey details.
Gildarts just smiled and put his open palm in front of him. When the attack collided with his palm, it started to destroy at the touch. Gildarts didn't even flinch. When the attack stopped, Gildarts hand was not even burned a little.
"W-What?" Laxus asked to no one in particular with a shocked expression.
"He even didn't flinch..." Natsu said with wide eyes. But then he noticed that in the floor something was shining.
And in a closer look it was the lacrima.
'It might had fallen during our last attack...' He thought.
He quickly made a plan, and looked at Laxus that hadn't noticed the lacrima. "Laxus."
"What?"
"Hit him again with your iron fist."
Laxus nodded and zapped in front of Gildarts "Lighting Dragon Iron Fist!" He roared and hit him in the stomach.
Before Gildarts could slap him away or say a comment, Natsu sprinted towards them and grabbed the lacrima.
"Chaos Dragon Claws!"
He said, and using the attack as propulsion to get away, leaving both men alone and confused.
"He escaped with the lacrima..." Laxus said noticing when he grabbed the lacrima.
"Hmm, he is smarter than what he looks." Gildarts said but then he looked around. "Where did the girl go?"
*Grey and Lissana*
"What happened?" Lissana asked waking up and Grey stopped and help her to get up but she still lacked strength, so she laid down against a tree.
"You passed out, and Natsu told me to take you out of here."
"Oh, then thanks for your help. But I need to go and help Mira-nee." She answered and tried to get back up, and failed once again.
"You shouldn't move. Both of you." A voice said and they turned where the voice came and they saw Freed coming out of the bushes, with some branches stuck on his hair.
"You. What do you want?" Grey asked turning to him.
"I would like for you to give me the lacrima you and Natsu-san found."
Grey stiffened and by instinct put his hand on his pocket where he had the lacrima. Lissana perked up at that.
'Grey have a lacrima?'
"Never." Grey said and Freed nodded.
"Well then. I will-" He was interrupted by the sudden kick that he received at the head by part of Natsu, knocking him out.
"Grey, I got the lacrima, let's go find the last one."
Grey grinned "All right!"
"Wait, did you beat Gildarts?" Lissana asked and Natsu looked away.
"Not exactly..."
"Then how did you get the lacrima?" Grey asked. He thought that Natsu beat Gildarts too.
"Long story. Now Grey, take Lissana out of here, while I go search the last lacrima."
"Like hell! I'm your partner, not your sidekick!" Grey said and expected to Natsu to tell him to get out but instead he just nodded.
"Fair point. Sorry Lissana, but you will stay here until Mira arrives."
Lissana was about to say something when...
"OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOOOOOOOOD!" Was heard coming their way and it came from the bushes, revealing a panicked Gajeel, running towards them with his eyes closed. That's is the most reasonable reason why he crashed against his brother.
"Natsu-Nii! Protect me!" He screamed and got behind Natsu that looked at him confused.
"From what?"
"We stole the lacrima from Erza, and she is chasing me!" He screamed and Natsu catch a glimpse of the Lacrima, his brother was holding in his hand. And he got another plan in mind to win this.
"Are you sure?" He asked the younger boy with a raised brow.
"Eh?" Gajeel said and Grey and Lissana looked confused at them.
"I mean, that what you think is a lacrima, might just be a shining rock." Natsu explain and Gajeel widen his eyes and looked at the lacrima at his hand.
"B-but it looks like-"
"Have you ever seen a lacrima from close?" Natsu questioned interrupting his brother that looked at the lacrima in silence.
"I-I-I..."
"Give it to me and I'll tell you if it is real." Natsu said with his hand extended and open waiting to get the lacrima.
"Oh, thanks." Gajeel smiled at him and handed him the lacrima. Once in his hands, he put it into his pocket.
"Thanks for your help. Grey, let's go." Natsu said and Gajeel smile fall.
"You tricked me!"
"Sorry, but it was necessary to avoid hitting you."
"You tricked your own brother. That's disgusting!"
And from the bushes, Erza jumped out and landed in front of the group, swoard at hand. Levy came after her, breathing heavy.
"You're here to get the lacrima back?" Natsu asked eyeing Erza that nodded.
"Yes. Now give me the lacrima or suffer." Natsu smirked at that comment.
"Like if you could actually make me suffer."
Erza was going to make her attack but Cana came running out of the bushes "Gajeel! Do you still have the-Shit..." She said seeing Natsu and erza already there and her partner cowering in fear behind Grey.
"It seems that the party already started..." Mira said getting next to her sister.
"And I'm here to finish it." Laxus stated getting next to Freed that was just waking up.
There was a tense silence. Each member went to their respective partner. They made a circle and each other were eyeing anyone in silence.
"Well isn't this nice." Gildarts said coming out of the bushes and attention shifted to him. "This was a great show you know? But sadly I came to put an end to this." He took one step forward and the kids took one step back.
"Now,"
"Who wants to go first?"
And done! I know, I know. I uploaded the last chapter, god know when, to end this one in a cliffhanger. But for you to know I had been really nervous because school started again. And for the record: I hate my new classmates. Anyway, letting at a side my murderous thoughts towards them, I hope to upload the new chapter soon. It'll probably be shorter but I'll pack action on it. I swear on my account. If I don't, you are welcome to let me rot in a hole. And before I leave, a question for one of my future proyects:
Which character you like the most?
Law (One Piece)
Shaco (LoL)
Hit (Dragon Ball super)
To clarify; I won't make a fic of any of this game/Anime, it's just the characer personality and powers. Now, remember to review, your opinion is very valuable to me, PM me if you have a suggestion or question, Follow and Favorite. Also I'm looking for a Beta Reader, if someone is up to the challenge.
Till Next Time.
Roy D. Harper.
Next Chapter: Versus the Ace