CHAPTER 7

Sasuke had sat Laxus down and told him the whole truth about his past. Laxus had done the same. Sasuke had felt better. They were more open to each other now, and trusted each other. Laxus was pleased to be trusted, but there was a harshness in Sasuke's eyes that Laxus hadn't ever seen previously. He knew Sasuke had been through some rough times, but there was something about him now that made Laxus... uneasy.

He knew it was something to do with the clash with Itachi and Kisame, but he couldn't figure it out. He had tried to question Sasuke about the black markings on his face, but the Uchiha had stubbornly insisted he didn't know what Laxus meant. Laxus had tried to push his doubting thoughts into the corner of his mind, but they stayed, hung around like an unwelcome visitor. Sasuke had more of a one track mind now.

They had been relentlessly trying to track down the symbol which had been present on Itachi and Kisame's cloaks, with Cana sometimes tagging along after she had gained Sasuke's trust after healing them. Their efforts had been fruitless, but Sasuke had refused to give up, and they were following a lead about a murder victim on the outskirts of Magnolia.

The man had been a politician and his autopsy report described an unsual drain of magic before death. This had been connect to when Laxus had felt a suddenly drop in his magic when he was cut with Kisame's sword, which he hadn't mentioned to anyone until recently. Sasuke was good at investigating, and ignoring Laxus's sniggers about a dectective, he had been allowed to examine the body.

"Well, the victim had been thrown off a high place, and I know a couple of locations near where the body was found that involve heights." He murmured.

"Come," He gestured to Laxus and Cana. He nodded to the doctor, and pressed a handful of coins into the man's hand.

They walked to the locations Sasuke had described, Laxus and Cana making small talk at the back of the group. That was one other thing that had changed about Sasuke. He hadn't really one to make a joke before, but he had a small sense of humour. Now, his expression was cold and blank. He was upfront and barely ever made small talk.

Cana wondered whether they should be trying to track down this organization. It sounded incredibly dangerous, and the effect on Sasuke hadn't been good.

But it was a family matter, and Cana knew she shouldn't interfere. She eventually reached their location where they found a small sample of blood. They analysed it and tracked it to a family relation of the victim. They combed the relations of the victim's brother, and over the next month they tracked down a informant.

This was were they were currently, and had they had managed to find the house. Sasuke rapped on the door, but there was no answer. He tried again, but nothing came of it. Sasuke frowned, expecting the worst. Laxus blew the door off it's hinges and they charged inside.

But the informant was already dead, warm blood soaking through his shirt. Sasuke cursed, but activated his Sharingan, combing the room for any traps. When he was sure they were safe, he shut off his Sharingan. Laxus and Cana were searching the man. Cana called him over.

"Look at this!"

A messy word had been scrawled in blood.

Laxus frowned. "Interesting, and very cliche."

"What does it say?" Asked Cana.

Sasuke managed to read the writing through the splatters of blood.

"It says Daybreak."

They went to take the train back to the guild, but it was delayed. They were going to wait around, but they heard a roar and looked around to see a massive monster trashing the town.

Laxus went to fly off to enagage, but Sasuke stopped him.

"Wait. It's strong, definitely S-Class."

But then they saw a blast of energy smash into the monster and sent it reeling. Sasuke, ignoring his own advice sprung into action, chasing after the monster, Laxus and Cana following. They reached a nearby building and got a full view of the monster. Built like a giant minotaur, with heavily armoured crests all over it's body.

Sasuke drew his sword and focused chakra in his feet, springing from rooftop to troop. He focused a large amount of wind chakra into his sword and sliced, managing to severe half of the monsters horn. The monster roared and swiped it's hand. It raked across rooftops, destroying houses. Sasuke broke into a sprint, trying to avoid the sheer size of the monster's limb.

He focused more chakra into his legs and managed to get the end of a rooftop. He focused more chakra and leaped, flying through the air, barely managing to avoid the swipe. He flailed in midair, landing in a roll but debris pelted him, sending him flying backwards. Laxus followed, smashing a solid slab of lightning into the beast's jaw.

The monster took a step back, and Laxus flew forward, wreathed in lightning. He raised his fist but the monster swatted him like an annoying fly, sending him smashing through a couple of houses. He groaned and spotted Cana sprinting towards the monster. Laxus tried to stop her, but he could barely breathe. Cana threw shuriken at the monster, but it didn't bat an eye. She somersaulted over a high wall and vaulted a fence, spinning in middair to get a better angle.

"Water Style! Water Dragon Jutsu!"

Laxus's jaw dropped as a massive water dragon rose out of a nearby water source. It surged with chakra, turned in the air and smashed into the monster. That was extremely impressive. Cana was a support mage, but the idea that she could master such an advanced jutsu, especially at a young age, was amazing.

But it wasn't enough. The monster had been distracted, but now it was back on the offensive. Cana managed to avoid damage, using acrobatics to dodge the attacks. But it was short-lived. She got to close, and a hand swept across to grab her.

However, Sasuke had managed to dash in front of Cana and was blocking the attack with his weapon, lightning sparking everywhere.

"Cana. Move." He managed to say through gritted teeth. The girl jumped back, but the ground was weak, and she tumbled to the ground, knocking herself out.

The monster flexed it's arm, sending Sasuke flying away. He flipped through the air, digging his sword in the ground to stop his slide.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu." A dragon of flame soared through the sky, burning out against the monster crested arm, which was held up in defence. It left a sizeable scorch mark, and sent the monster reeling, but it didn't go down.

Laxus's magic sparked, launching him towards Sasuke. He landed and they both looked up at the monster.

"We're screwed aren't we?"

"Yeah."

Lightning flared around Laxus, and chakra began to flicker around Sasuke. But before they could attack, a figure appeared in front of the monster.

"Purgatory Dragon's Blazing Hell!" Flames coated around the figure's fist, and the figure cracked the monster across the jaw. The monster fell backwards, but as it did, scathing flames inveloped the monster, burning it. Even from their positions, Sasuke and Laxus could feel the heat on their faces. Was that Dragon Slayer Magic? It seemed to involve heat. But the flames were extremely hot, even more so than Natsu's, who was always saying no other flames were hotter than his.

The monster fell, defeated and burned. Who was this figure? They were strong. They had taken out this formidable monster his ease. The figure somersaulted several times and landed, revealing a man with medium-length, wavy and spiked orange hair that divided out at the top in a shape similar to rabbit ears; he had thick eyebrows and a scar was present over the bridge of his nose. He was dressed in fancy white, black, and red robes and wore simple boots. On his back was a large wheel of blades on his back resembling a dharma wheel.

"Do not worry!" The figure out streched his hand in a dramatic gesture. "The strongest of the Ishgar Kings, has decended! He is a God! God Serena!" He flung out his arms and looked to the sky.

Laxus was the first to speak. "This guy is the strongest wizard saint."

"Yes!" God Serena pointed at Laxus. "He knows of my godly status! Now, anyone want an autograph?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in Alvarez?" Laxus scowled. He hadn't taken a liking to this individual.

"Alvarez?" Sasuke asked.

"The neighbouring nation." Laxus told him.

God Serena butted in. "I was on magic council buisness, and I happened to by nearby."

Sasuke clenched his fists. "What were you thinking?" He growled. "You've destroyed most of the town."

God Serena shrugged. "A small price to pay for seeing me in action."

Sasuke went to draw his sword but Laxus stopped him.

"We need to go search for Cana, c'mon."

They were walking off when God Serena called after them.

"But I've heard all about you, Sasuke Uchiha. Are those eyes just for show?"

In a flash Sasuke was in front of God Serena, sword whipping round. But the Wizard Saint just caught the blade without trouble. He laughed.

"I look forward to seeing you again."

Sasuke's eyes burned with rage. This man had a quality like Itachi. Not the arrogance, but the fact he knew exactly what to say, and had the power to back it up. Laxus put his hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"That's enough."

Sasuke glared at God Serena, but retreated, following Laxus.

Laxus shook his head. "You shouldn't of done that. The old man says he's the most powerful wizard on the continent. He's number one of the Wizard Saints."

Sasuke didn't say anything.

They eventually found Cana. Sasuke hoisted her into a piggyback and carried her back to the guild. They also picked up the half of the monster's horn. They dropped Cana off at Poryliusica's, and ignoring her complaints, walked back to Fairy Tail.

"So that guy uses Dragon Slayer Magic right?" Sasuke asked.

"Yeah and I think he's got a lacrima implanted in him, just like me."

Sasuke shook his head. "Ever since I mastered my basic eye abilities, I can almost always indentify if someone uses magic or chakra, the type and the volume of their magic. That guy had eight lacrimas, all Dragon Slayer lacrimas. He's a hybrid."

Laxus didn't say anything. When they got back, Makarov called his grandson over, seeing the shock on his face.

"What happened?"

Normally Laxus would've sneered and said nothing. But this was improtant.

"We had a run-in with God Serena."

Makarov's eyes widened. Laxus told him about the incident. The Master shook his head.

"You've made a mistake. You must avoid him at all costs."

After the meeting with God Serena, Sasuke seemed more like his old self. Laxus supposed that the Wizard Saint had been a good vent for Sasuke's hate towards his brother.

Everyone was glad Sasuke was more himself, especially with the rumours of the upcoming S-Class trials. Sasuke stood at the bar, talking to Erza.

"So the S-Class trials?"

"Yes, S-Class mages." Erza brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "Like Gildarts."

Sasuke had never been the one eager to fight like Natsu, but the mention of Gildarts made his pulse race. He wanted to fight that man more than ever.

"Is it a test?"

"The format and location are different each year."

"Do you want to enter?"

"Yes."

Sasuke smirked. "That sounds like you."

Erza smiled. "You'll be chosen. You're definitely strong enough."

"You think you'll be chosen?"

"I'm not sure."

"Yeah, I think you will be."

Erza lowered her voice. "I heard you had a run in with a Wizard Saint."

"I did."

"What was it like?"

"He annoyed me."

"You know he could destroy you right?"

"I know. But he won't always be stronger than me. One day, I'll be able to cut him down."

"Do you really think that?"

"I know that."

"Well, the S-Class trials are the first step towards more strength."

"I'm ready."

Soon Makarov announced the candidates for the S-Class trials. However, Sasuke wasn't on that list, but Laxus was. He wasn't bitter, but dissapointed. But he was sure the Master had his reasons for not picking him. He had found out that Fairy Tail hosted S-Class trials once a year. There were different scenarios you had to pass. This was because being an S-Class mage wasn't just about combat strength.

The Master had certain qualities that people had to have to become S-Class. But some years people hadn't passed and it was possible for S-Class mages to step down.
The S-Class jobs were hard, and not every mage could keep up. The trials were done in pairs, which had suprised Sasuke. One would pass, the other would assist them in the trials.

Sasuke predicted that Laxus would pass. He could be arrogant, but he was smart and powerful. Laxus also had that hunger to change that Gildarts was Fairy Tail's only S-Class mage.

They had both grown stronger, Laxus gaining more control over Dragon Force and Sasuke gaining more power over his Sharingan. They were ready to take on the trials.

New teams had also formed, along with new members joining.

There was Team Shadowgear who was made up of Jet, Droy and Levy McGarden.

Jet had orange hair, and couldn't stay still. He used High Speed Magic, which true to it's name enhanced the speed of the caster.

Droy had black hair in a style of a sprouting plant. He used Plant Magic, utilizing nature and plantlife.

The last member was Levy McGarden. She was shy, timid, blue-haired girl who used a very interesting style of magic. Solid Script Magic. It was a style of letter magic, which was complex and required imagination to make the most of. Solid Script Magic took a bit of practice to get to a level which meant you could use it in combat. But Levy could already create a couple of words, and if you could do that, you could create any word.

But you could interpret and use the word in different ways. For example, the word light could used to illuminate a room or burn someone. But her confidence slowed her progress. She had potential, but she was hindered.

Sasuke realised he was staring at her. With his height, dark hair and eyes, his scowl, and his burning stare, he could be intimidating. Levy blushed and looked away. Sasuke approached her.

"Sorry." He tried to lift his scowl off his face.

"It's ok." The girl looked at the ground.

"Have a little more confidence." Sasuke didn't know where that had come from.

"Thanks, but I'm weak."

"Everyone was weak once." Sasuke told her. Some people still are, he thought to himself.

Levy smiled, although she still looked doubtful.

"You know, my teacher told me something once. Strength isn't just about power. Your strength is what you make it. If you have confidence, you are truly strong."

Levy perked up at that. She seemed more cheerful after that. Sasuke shook his head. What was he doing giving throwaway advice like that? Putting the experience out of his mind and turned to three white-haired children. They were Mirajane, Elfman and Lisanna Strauss. They were all white-haired and used the same magic. Takeover Magic. It used souls to change the properties of the caster's body and give them different abilities.

Lisanna, who was a sweet little girl that you couldn't get angry at, used Animal Soul. Elfman, who wore a smart blue suit used Beast Soul. Sasuke knew Elfman was disapointed about not being able to manage a Full Body Takeover like his other siblings could. But Beast Soul was hard to control and Sasuke knew he would get there eventually.

Mirajane was a goth. She wore dark, short clothing and she insulted a lot of the other members. But she was strong. She used Satan Soul which gave her the power of demons and was formidible. She was the only one that seemed to be able to annoy Erza. They often fought, but they were evenly matched. The Strausses had made a team, the Take Over siblings.

It was unusual, especially with siblings with the same magic. But they all had potential. Lisanna had even helped Natsu hatch an egg which had revealed a blue cat which had been named Happy.

Sasuke had been wondering where the trials would take place. He soon got his answer. Makarov was standing on the railing of the second floor.

"Listen up brats, the location for the S-Class trials will be-"

Natsu leapt at Sasuke, yelling his usual challenge.

"Quiet Natsu." Sasuke slammed him into the ground.

"- an island very special to Fairy Tail, Tenrou Island!"

Everyone in the guild immediatly started whispering. Sasuke leaned in to Laxus.

"Where's Tenrou Island?"

"It's the location of the First Master, Mavis Vermillion's grave. It's practically sacred for Fairy Tail."

Sasuke had never heard much about the First Master. He wondered why the grave was far away from the guild.

"I will wait for you at the base of the island's tree. The trials will began as soon as the island comes into sight. You have forty-five minutes."

"How will we know where to go?" Someone else asked.

The Master chuckled. "Trust me, you will."

The next day they were standing by the harbour. Laxus wore a shirt and jeans. Sasuke wore a black robe coming down to his ankles, with a white sash across his waist. A white X of fabric was across his chest, his sword was secured on his waist and he wore a bandage round his forehead. Him and Laxus were talking when a thought projection of Makarov appeared in front of them.

"A couple of details. You have to get halfway to me without being seen. As for the rest, you'll see."

He disappeared. Only then did the participants notice that there was only one rowing boat. Laxuus offered Sasuke his hand, but Sasuke shrugged it off. He smirked at Laxus.

"Race you."

He focused chakra onto the soles on his feet and stepped onto the water. He looked at Tenrou Island. It was beautiful. It was covered in forest with steep areas of rock covering the island. A rock platform jutted out, and on it was a massive tree. Branches curved round each other, making up the giant trunk. Leaves covered the top of the tree.

"That's the Great Tenrou Tree, legend has it that it will protect all members of Fairy Tail who are on the island."

"Really?"

"Maybe. The First Master was brilliant. She could of found a way to protect her guild, even in death."

"Even in death..." Sasuke turned to see Laxus covered in lightning.

"Come on then." He taunted.

Sasuke began to run across the water, throwing it up behind him. Laxus turned into lightning and streaked past Sasuke. As they got close to the shore, Sasuke leaped, landing in a roll. He stood beside Laxus.

"Alright, let's go."

A/N: Had some issues with my internet so I couldn't get this chapter up for a while. We see God Serena here, much earlier then we do in the manga/anime. I found him rather hard to write, so let me know what you think. The S-Class trials have begun! Makarov has his reasons for not choosing Sasuke, which you will see later. Sasuke has been distracted from tracking the organisation. As for the location of the trials, Tenrou was the only canon location I could think of, and I don't want to use any non-canonical locations yet.

As for Fairy Tail, Eileen is Erza's mother, which many saw coming. As for Queen of Dragons, I mean...?. New Fairy Tail chapter tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, and leave a follow, favourite or a review.

Cheers,

Katsu :)