Hello Everyone!
Oh my it has been a long time since I have updated and I am truly sorry! A lot of things came up and not to mention have not been feeling well. I don't mean to not update as much as I had originally done in the past it's just hard with work going on and also I have other projects going on as well. We finally have a cosplay YouTube and also a Facebook page so I've been trying to keep that as up to date as I can along with traveling to cons every now and again and preparing skits. It's hard to find time to sit and update these chapters that I had written and some that need finished. So again my deep apologies for those who have been patiently waiting! Thank you so much guys! Now go ahead and read the chapter! You've waited long enough!
~wolvesfinalden
Fairy Tail: By Your Side
Chapter 18: The S-Class Exams
Time has slipped away for the mages of Fairy Tail as they went through their everyday lives. Duke sat by Lucy in the guild hall as he remembered the short time that had passed when they had arrived home after Edolas. Lisanna was finally home and reunited with her own siblings, he remembered Mira's cries of joy as she hugged her little sister, Elfman was in shock until he finally brought himself in towards the girls.
The wolf smiled at the memory, everyone was in shock when she came back home however it didn't take long for the master to declare a celebration for the return of the young Strauss sister. The wolf shuttered also remembering doing a little babysitting for Lucy and the others as they drank themselves silly. His master was not one to drink all that much to be honest but that night he couldn't even remember how much the poor girl drank. It wasn't until Duke decided she had enough that he called Happy over to fetch Natsu as the white wolf struggled to take his master home. Luckily for him the dragon slayer wasn't too far gone and was able to carry the celestial mage back home.
"Duke! Want some fish?" the canine heard his small feline friend ask him excitedly.
"Fish sounds like a good idea Happy." Duke replied happily.
That was another thing that they had to get used to as well. Thanks to his Edolas' self he was now able to talk to everyone. If he had to be honest with himself, he enjoyed speaking their tongue. It made things a lot easier for him and the others. Lucy got into the habit of talking to Duke more than what she used to now that she knew she would get an answer back and understand what he meant.
Happy hurried over to him as he handed him a fish, which Duke gladly took. He didn't realize how hungry he actually was until the idea of fish came to mind. He quickly scarfed down the fish enjoying every last bite. Happy sat down and leaned against Duke's fur as he ate his fish with him.
The wolf smiled as he watched his friend eat his fish. The two have become closer since Natsu and Lucy were starting to spend a lot of their time together. Duke looked over to the two said mages and watched as they talked to one another. Duke could feel the emotions Natsu was giving off, he had promised to tell Lucy eventually how he felt about her, however it has still yet to be seen.
Feeling a gaze on him Natsu turned around to see the wolf glaring at him. Duke knew that the pink haired man knew what he was thinking so he didn't bother to voice it. Natsu shook his head and mouthed to him 'not yet'. Duke felt a slight irritation but then felt and smelt something on Natsu. When he took a moment to take in his scent he picked up exactly what it was. Fear.
'Humans. She'll never know if you don't tell her. Will you be able to live with that Natsu? I won't do it for you and Lucy won't do it herself. I know her enough to know exactly what she would do.' Duke thought.
"What's wrong Duke?" Happy asked him.
"Nothing buddy. Just enjoy your fish, there's nothing to worry about." Duke told him still locked on Natsu.
Happy looked from Duke back over to Natsu. Happy wasn't blind he knew what Duke had known for a while now. Natsu isn't exactly good at hiding anything from him, not when they live in the same house. He wished he would tell her already but that was going to have to be up to Natsu when the time is right.
"Attention everyone!"
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing turning to look up towards the stage. There standing was Makarov, Mira, and Erza. Duke slowly stood up along with Happy, as everyone began to walk towards the stage. Happy hurried and got by Natsu side while Duke did the same with Lucy. When they got up by the stage Duke felt as Lucy's hand laid on his head.
"What's going on Duke?" She asked him.
"Not sure but I don't think it's anything bad. Everyone else seems to know what's going on. Would make sense we are still fairly new to this guild. This might be an every year thing." Duke explained.
"Could be right. Natsu didn't seem too confused about it but he did look excited, that's for sure." she replied back.
"As most of you know it is time for our yearly S-class exams. Those of you that are picked will compete for the chance to become an S-class mage. Good luck to those who are chosen." Makarov explained.
He then stood off to the side as Mira took the center of the stage. She was holding a piece of paper which Duke assumed was the list of mages that were chosen.
"Alright first up is….Gray Fullbuster!"
Everyone began to cheer, Duke waged his tail as he heard the ice mage's name called. He won't lie he did grow to like him though it was rather enjoyable to pick on the mage with Natsu a bit.
"I had a feeling he'd be picked." Lucy said smiling.
She then turned towards her wolf.
"Think Natsu will be picked? He is strong though he destroys almost everywhere we go on a job." Lucy said with a little bit of anger.
Duke chuckled a bit remembering their last job. It was rather simple all they had to do was find a few bandits and bring them to the mayor of the small town. Though the four should have known better. When they were out searching Duke managed to find two quickly with Lucy but then the idiot as soon as he found them burned the entire downtown. The mayor was so ticked off at them he took almost the entire award away just to fix it all.
"Don't remind me about that. I still can't get that guys face out of my mind. He is strong though maybe this will make him calm down a bit." Duke said with hope.
Hope was the key word, he was afraid what would happen with him as an S-class mage. He couldn't imagine the master's blood pressure if that happened. Though Duke wouldn't lie it did make him laugh a bit at the thought.
"Juvia Lockser!"
"Juvia has been chosen?" The water mage asked in shock.
"Hmm that's strange why would have Juvia been chosen if she hasn't been in our guild that long?" Lucy asked.
"Don't forget she was part of the elemental four in Phantom Lord. I'm going to guess the master picks those who are qualified by multiple things not just how long you were in the guild, or how many missions you take on. Must be something else as well. Rather smart if you think about it." Duke explained.
"When did you become so knowledgeable?" Lucy giggled at her canine.
"My dear princess, I've always been this way." Duke said back giving off a sarcastic tone with it.
"Elfman Strauss!"
"Cana Alberona!"
Duke looked over to the drinking mage to notice that she seemed off and he couldn't understand why. It was as if she expected her name to be called but at the same time wished that it hadn't. The wolf thought it was strange for the occasion, since everyone else seemed excited about it all. Though he didn't have time to think as Mira was still calling out names.
"Natsu Dragneel!"
Lucy felt as though her heart almost skipped a beat at the mention of his name. She quickly regained herself but not fast enough for her wolf not to notice. He just smirked at her as he began to speak.
"When are you going to tell him?" he asked.
"Duke I don't think he really feels that way, at least not about anyone he never shows it. Not to mention he's a little dense about the subject." Lucy answered.
"I don't think you give him enough credit. I'm sure he does, he might just be that clever at hiding it from those around him. It's easier that way don't you think?"
"Even if he did why do you think he would even feel the same way?"
"The better question is would you be able to live with him possibly never knowing? Even if there is a possibility he doesn't feel that way towards you, at least you got your answer. Though there is also a high chance that he feels the same way Lucy."
"What makes you think that?"
"Observation. He spends a lot of time with you and rarely ever does anything without you or us for that matter. He worries about you more than anyone I've ever seen."
Lucy took in his words as the next names were about to be called. She looked over towards Natsu as he was celebrating with Happy.
Natsu smiled when his name was called he felt an urge of excitement, he then turned to see Lucy smiling at him. His heart nearly flew out of his chest, which was a weird feeling for him if he had to be honest. He stopped looking though when he saw Duke looking over and speaking with the girl. The dragon slayer wondered what they could be talking about and hoped that Duke didn't reveal to her of his feelings for the blonde.
"Fried Justine!"
"Levy McGarden!"
Lucy cheered for Levy happy to see her best friend was able to make it in. Duke wagged his tail too but the way MiraJane was looking towards them he guessed that it wasn't over yet. Though he felt the stare of the woman as she paused and the master came up front.
"That must have been everyone. I'm surprised that Gajeel didn't make it to be honest. When Juvia was called I thought he'd be close behind." Lucy commented.
"I don't think it's quite over yet Lucy. Did you see the way MiraJane looked?"
Lucy thought about it and shook her head no. She had been looking over the guild but hadn't noticed the barmaid's actions.
"She was about to read another name and looked out towards everyone then back at the master. That tells me something is off. I wonder what it is." Duke said looking around.
She followed his gaze and noticed everyone was confused as well. Duke just assumed that everyone caught her look like he did but then again he could miss something else that might be out of the ordinary. This was the first time he and Lucy has ever seen this.
"For our last mage we have picked has been a first in Fairy Tail. This is also the reason why we have decided that this year those chosen will pick partners to aid them during this test." Makarov explained.
Duke looked at the master with an intense glare wondering what he was talking about. Though Makarov caught his gaze and only smiled as he finally read off the mage's name.
"The last mage or duo I should say to compete will be Lucy and Duke Heartfilia!"
Duke and Lucy were caught by surprised and looked at each other in shock.
"Us why us? What have we done to be picked for this?" Lucy asked him
"My guess would be all those little adventures we were on. After all it's not like every guild has a celestial mage equipped with a magic wolf. That's rarity at its finest."
"With that in mind those chosen will select a partner to help them out during the exams as I said earlier however the exception will of course be Lucy and Duke who will work together as a team. Keep in mind those that you pick as partners will not be able to achieve S-class wizard only the wizard they are helping. Duke and Lucy however as I said before are a team to start with, therefore both will be treated as one mage in their entirety."
Everyone began to talk among themselves, some believing that it was a little unfair as Lucy and Duke would both become S-class if they would win but the partners of the others would not. They became louder as they began to argue with one another.
Lucy looked to Duke then back to everyone. She didn't think it was fair either but she didn't ask for this. She didn't even know why the master even chose them in the first place, let alone compete together and possibly rank up together. Duke noticed her distress and nuzzled against her, not wanting her to become upset with those around them.
It was that moment that Duke saw Natsu push his way through towards Lucy and Duke. Duke perked up when he saw the dragon slayer's concern. Figured he could smell her distress a mile away if he was looking for it.
"Lucy." Natsu said.
Lucy looked up to the boy as she clung to him. She was worried that everyone would turn on her but there he was, standing beside her not even giving a judgmental stare. Duke then saw Happy hurry after and clung to Duke as he sat on his back and looked back over to the stage.
"Natsu. I don't want anyone angry with me." She said.
"No one is Luce. Probably just at the master. Everyone knows that he is the one that decides what we can and can't do during these things. No one will blame you." Natsu reassured her.
She then looked up and saw that no one gave her a glare. No one bother to turn on their own celestial mage nor her canine for that matter. They only stared at their master who looked like he was about to speak again.
"I can hear you all saying that this might deem unfair. Though the way I look at it, it is all fair game my children." Makarov then looked and smiled when he saw Duke standing in front with Natsu holding Lucy closely.
"Duke will be with Lucy until the end of time. He is also the same as her celestial spirits as they aid her in battle. Which will not deem unfair in the slightest as that is her magic power. The way I see it I see you all have a challenge ahead of you. If you want to be an S-class mage then I suggest you stop your whining and train up to show us all exactly what you can do!" he shouted.
Everyone then began to cheer in excitement. Natsu smiled and looked back at Lucy who was smiling at the master's words. He was right, no matter where she went or walked, Duke was the same as if he were her own spirit. The difference was he was always there right at her side. No matter what may come.
"See everything worked out. Nothing to worry about. Now we'll just have to train and get ready for this thing. It'll be a week from now until it finally begins." Natsu told her.
Lucy then laughed and looked at him. This week would be full of training and preparing and the girl had to admit that she was ready for anything to come her way. Looking down at Duke she smiled knowing very well that he had her back.
The week flew by quickly for everyone as the day came to board the ship that would take them to Tenrou Island. Duke and Lucy were on their way there way, he looked up to see her worried expression.
"Don't worry Lucy you did well in training, the exams should be no problem now." Duke said trying to ease his master's mind.
"You're right but I still don't think I'm at everyone else's level."
"Sure you are and I'll be there for you as well. We'll take them by storm."
She smiled now excited for the exams. Without Duke she didn't know what she would do. They reached the port, sighing she leaned down and began to stroke her partners fur. Duke wagged his tail enjoying being petted, it didn't happen to often but he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it, he was still a canine after all.
"Duke!" a voice called.
The wolf turned only to be talked by a small blue blur. He looked down to find happy clinging to his chest.
"We haven't seen you in forever!" the cat cried.
"It hasn't been that long surely Happy." Duke laughed.
Lucy laughed at the cat. She had to admit it was a long time since they had seen them since they saw each other normally on a daily basis. She then saw Natsu walking towards them.
"I see Happy already found you." Natsu said with a small laugh in his voice.
"How could you tell?" Lucy said a little sarcastically.
Natsu looked up at the ship and sighed.
"Do we really have to go on the ship to get there?" he groaned already feeling the motion sickness coming his way.
"Awe Natsu it won't be that bad." She said.
"Easy for you to say."
Lucy then sighed she had read up on some ways to help settle motion sickness however she didn't come up with a whole lot of things to be honest. Most people kept their mind focused on other things that way they didn't feel themselves moving. In Natsu's case she found was mostly impossible. One trick seemed to work which was sleeping or the occasional help from Wendy. Though too much of that would prove to wear off and not work anymore because his body would become immune to it.
"Alright brats on the ship! It's time to move out!" the master called them.
Everyone then boarded the ship or in Natsu's case was drug on the ship. Lucky for him that Lucy and Duke were there or poor Happy would have had to do it himself. When on the ship she put him in a lawn chair for the time being. Wendy would have offered to help if she hadn't been on opposing teams. Even though the little dragon slayer felt awful for the older dragon slayer.
"Don't worry about him Wendy he'll feel better when we hit land or stop moving that is." Lucy assured her.
As Lucy watched over the boy Duke took into account for what exactly they were up against. Everyone would be deemed as an enemy to him when they got to the island. He knew the scents of everyone for the most part. The biggest mystery was Mest. He walked over to the mage carefully studying him only to find that he spooked the man.
"Hey away with you!" he shouted.
Everyone turned to them as Mest began swat away the wolf. Duke being in a clear mind tried to reason with man and apologize for startling him.
"Listen I'm sorry I startled you, no need to try and bat me away like an angry cat." Duke said beginning to get a little angry with the man.
Mest paused when he saw everyone was looking at them. Looking nervous he then walked away quickly shooting a glare at the wolf before he was out of range.
'Now that was strange. Sure a wolf is not exactly a normal thing to see but then again neither are the exceeds. Besides I've been around long enough to not startle anyone here.' Duke thought.
That's when the wolf got curious. He'd never seen him before but knew of him. Though that man seemed to not know him at all. He couldn't even remember his scent. Could it be that he was not actually in Fairy Tail? Duke shook his head. No that couldn't be, the master would have figured that much out by now, let alone wouldn't pick him for the exams.
The white wolf looked back towards where the man walked. Unless of course that's exactly what he wanted.
'I'll be keeping a watchful eye on you Mest.' Duke thought before turning back towards Lucy and Natsu, who hadn't saw what happened.
Natsu eventually was able to endure the motion sickness and they helped him over to the group who was gathered together. The master had called everyone to the main deck, he was about to explain the exams or at least part one.
"Alright now that everyone is here I'll explain the first task you all will face. As soon as you get to the island you will notice caves or pathways labeled with letters above them. Each one of you will pick a different path, depending on who gets there first that is. Through those paths lays one of our S-class wizards on each one or may connect you to another path making to teams face each other and the winner will be able to go forward while the other fails. Only one of these paths is our safe route which of course is a freebee for those fortunate enough to choose such a path. Once you get to the end is where we will see who passes round one and moves on for further instruction." The master explained.
Everyone nodded their heads showing they understood. Smiling the master went on.
"Alright kiddos if you all understand then get ready because round one starts….NOW!"
Everyone stared at each other shocked.
"Wait now?! We haven't even gotten there yet!" Mest yelled.
Others agreed chiming in but Duke looked at Lucy and motioned for her to come. The two quickly snuck away from the crowd before anyone could make a move.
"Come on you want to win right?" Duke whispered as he ran forward to the edge of the ship.
"Well yeah but what if he was joking?" Lucy asked/whispered.
"Believe me he's not. Now come on before they all get the hint."
Lucy jumped up beside him and climbed on his back as Duke flung himself off. Remembering from his times in Edolas and with a little extra training he called forth his wings easily now as he flew them towards the island.
Duke looked back to see if they were moving yet and that's when he noticed Freed wasn't too far behind them. The wolf figured he'd use an enchantment, which had been the key reason why he encouraged his master to hurry. They were stuck there for several minutes when the barrier would dispel at least that's what he heard when Natsu and Happy tried to fly out.
"I see that's why you were trying to hurry you clever canine." Lucy chuckled at her partner.
"Can't let him be the first one to get there so easily can we?"
"Not at all, now let's get moving."
Natsu was on the floor of the deck still from when he and Happy tried to leave the boat. He was pissed about Freed's barrier but gave him credit for being clever. He looked around and saw no one else had been able to leave so that made him feel a little better. That is until he notice two very important people or at least one person and one canine missing.
Looking around he saw no sign of them and it wasn't until Gray and Loke said something that he was able to find out. Natsu heard someone say that atleast it's only Freed and his partner that got away but that was when Loke spoke up. The spirit chuckled at first before he even spoke.
"That's not true. I don't know if you noticed but another duo is gone and have been before Freed even put up his enchantment." Loke said.
"Loke you're kidding right? I see everyone else still here." Gray said.
Natsu then decided to speak up.
"Nope Loke's right Gray. Look around and think have you seen a certain wolf anywhere or even Lucy for that matter?" Natsu said looking at him.
Gray looked puzzled and then realized they were nowhere to be found. Natsu then laughed at him.
"Oh shut up Natsu! You probably didn't notice until Loke said something!" Gray yelled.
Natsu glared at him. How dare he!
"I knew before Loke even said a word ice for brains! Don't you'd think I'd notice when both my team mates are missing?" Natsu asked.
"Well no matter right now they're both beating all of us right now." Gray said.
Natsu knew that was true but he wasn't mad he was excited for them. He didn't count himself out yet but he sure wouldn't be too upset if those two came out on top. Only a few seconds left now and Natsu was least to say fired up.
Duke and Lucy landed on the island, stopping to look for a path Duke sniffed his way around. He could smell Erza down one path, Mira down the opposite one, and Duke nearly shivered when Gildart's scent hit his nose from the path in front of them. Differently not that one.
"Which one Duke?" Lucy asked.
"Well not the far ones and surely not the one in front of us. Unless of course you would like to face off Gildarts, Mira, or Erza right now." Duke said simply.
"We might have to eventually but let's stick around long enough to get passed round one at least." Lucy said looking at the remaining paths.
Duke took another look around and found that only one seemed like the best option. He ran forward and looked her way. Motioning for her to take the path he chose. She quickly followed him. Duke began walking in front looking for any sign that they had run into another group.
Lucy looked around hands by her keys ready for anything that might pop out at them as they made their way down through the path. Duke was a little relieved that they hadn't found anything yet. Not that he didn't want to get into a fight but it was still their guild mates they were going against and who wouldn't be a fan of getting a free pass for the first round?
As they reached what they both assumed was the middle of the pathway, Duke started to pick up strange scents. Granted it was probably from the island so ignored most of them but then he noticed one of them was getting stronger. Stopping Duke started growling letting whatever it was know to either back off or expect a fight.
Lucy watched her wolf get into a fighting stance and she readied her keys. Watching closely to see what it was that was slowly approaching them. Duke began to fluff up his fur making him look a lot bigger than what he was, seeing this surprised Lucy and that told her that this wasn't anyone or anything he knew.
"Duke what is it?" Lucy asked.
"I'm not sure but prepare youself it doesn't smell all too friendly." Duke called to her.
Lucy got out Virgo's key ready to call her at a moment's notice. Duke lowered and got closer to whatever it was and what came out surprised the two of them. There standing against the wall was a wolf, much bigger than Duke. He looked a lot older as well. His fur was jet black and as he turned towards us Lucy noticed the bright red eyes he had. It made her shudder remembering Edolas Duke. However this was far from the other version of her wolf. Even she could tell this wolf was not friendly by any means.
"Humans and wolves shouldn't live together, nor work together. Wouldn't you agree? Son of Fang." It said.
Lucy froze as well as Duke. The white wolf shot up and growled at the wolf at the mention of the name. The blonde had only heard that name mentioned a few times as a kid but even she knew who it was.
The black wolf looked on at the two and started to laugh as he saw them both in perfect view for the first time.
"Then again how could you? When you company her?" He spoke.
"Leave her out of this!" Duke shouted back.
This only caused the black wolf to smirk again.
"Son of Fang and Daughter of Layla. We will meet again when the storm begins." The wolf said.
"No you don't!" Duke yelled.
He then charged at the wolf and pounced. When he was about to land on the black wolf he was gone. Vanished. Nothing was left but thin air where he had been standing. Duke hurried and looked around, sniffing the air, anything to find a trace of him. Nothing.
"Duke." Lucy whispered.
Duke looked back to see the tears in her eyes. He ran back to her and comforted her the best he could and coaxed her to keep walking. Whatever it was is gone now and they had other things to worry about. Though now he could only think of one thing and couldn't help but focus on that as they walked to the exit.
'How did he know them?'
Well there you have it! Thanks for reading you guys and also thanks for being patient. It takes a lot of time to sit and write these stories and sometimes I don't have enough time to sit and write a chapter in a sitting like I used to. So now I have to reread and go back and figure out where I left off which is also a good thing seeing as that was something I needed to improve at so a little bit of a blessing in disguise. Though fear not I have a lot typed up for the next chapter already so it shouldn't take nearly as long to finish and I have some free time on my hands this week. So you will for sure hear from me soon! Thanks guys and as always if you haven't already and enjoy the story go ahead and fav/follow this story. It will keep you up to date when the next chapter comes out, which is very helpful now that I don't update regularly and don't have a schedule to go on! Thanks guys and until next time!
~wolvesfinalden
