At the docks the following morning almost everyone was sporting one hell of a hangover, the exceptions? The eight most powerful mages Fairy Tail has to offer who stood proudly at the front even Lucy, who after a pep talk from a certain lion spirit of hers, was feeling even more confident in herself.

Flashback

"LUCY!"

Said girl jumped back yelling in complete shock, hitting her head into the door and the poor shaking dog spirit she was holding poofed back into the spirit realm. All of her Zodiac spirits were in her apartment; Taurus and Loke rushing to flirt with celestial mage, Sagittarius and Virgo complimenting Lucy on her progress, Aries hugging Lucy and apologizing, Cancer smoothing out Lucy's hair and styling it, Capricorn standing by Lucy telling her how proud Layla would be, and Gemini, Scorpio, and Aquarius, standing in the back waiting for their turn.

"Guy what is all of this?" Lucy asked looking around at all her spirits and what they did. Her apartment was decorated with streamers and starts hanging from the ceiling, a gift on her table, and when Virgo moved to the side she saw a cake in the form of Fairy Tails symbol.

"Isn't it obvious?" Came Scorpio's response. "We're celebrating!"

"Lucy, you've been selected to take part in the S-Class Trails that's not a small feat so yes it's time to celebrate!" Loke took her hand, he was practically shaking with excitement, and brought her to the table. He handed her the small gift and told her to open it. And when she did she started sobbing. "Uh Lucy? Are you alright Princess?" Loke saw how she was clutching the gift and knew what needed to happen. "Guys Lets finish celebrating after the trials for now I think our princess needs a minute."

The other spirits seeing the hint of worry on Loke's face all nodded and one by one poofed back to the spirit realm saying goodbye to their loving master.

"Loke, I don't deserve this. I shouldn't be participating on the Trials and I certainly can't accept what the spirit king has given me, I don-" She was cut off when Loke pulled her into a hug.

"Lucy where is this coming from? You are plenty amazing you can summon two spirits -maybe three if you tried- at the same time something very few others are able to do, you treat us as friends and as equals not like your slaves, and I know you are strong I've seen you fight I've fought by your side again and again. And the Spirit King himself believes in you so why don't you?" Loke pulled back from the embrace and looked into her eyes, eyes that slowly started to stop crying.

"I know what you and everyone else thinks Loke, it's just hard for myself to see it not when it feels like I'm constantly being protected and saved by everyone else."

"Well, now is your chance to prove that you aren't a damsel in distress, take it and show everyone what Lucy Heartfilia is made of." Lucy was about to thank him until he added, "And then we can celebrate with a romantic candle lit dinner. Just the two of us," He winked.

"You damn perverted Lion!"

Loke laughed as he dissipated back to the spirit realm leaving Lucy alone with her thoughts and the letter from the Spirit King, telling her about a lost magic that will become new again. She wasn't sure what he meant but it will come clear eventually she thought.

As she was deep in her thoughts Makarov showed up and started his announcements "Alright brats listen up! It's time for the first Challenge!" That snapped Lucy right out of her thoughts and all contenders stood at attention.

Gray spoke up, "But Master we aren't even on Tenrou yet!"

"I know boy just listen!" Master looked at the eight, "The first challenge will be a race to Tenrou the boat is only for the other guild members, unless you really think it would be faster." As he was speaking he noticed two certain dragon slayers about to team off with their exceeds, "And no outside help will be allowed Natsu and Gajeel! The only help allowed is if you team up with one of the other contestants. Everyone else get one the boat we leave in five."

"Yo Frostbite I have an idea!" Natsu yelled over to Gray.

"You know if you want someone to help you, insulting them probably isn't the best way to go."

"Yeah, yeah just hear me out on this!" Those two walked away discussing Natsu's 'great idea' but it couldn't have been too bad if Gray was actually listening.

Wendy was standing by Gajeel when Levy ran around him and grabbed her hand, "Wendy! Me and you I have a brilliant plan!" Dragging her on to the boat.

"Eh? Um are you sure Levy?" Wendy asked a bit uncertain.

"Absolutely!" Levy leaned down to whisper in her ear "after all only us two can make enough wind to keep those sails filled." Wendy's eyes Lit up in understanding.

"Juvia what do you say girl me and you? I haven't teamed up with you yet plus I'm sure the Rain Woman would be really helpful in this sort of challenge," Cana Smiled.

"Of course Cana I'm the two of us could think up something, after all now that my beloved Gray chose the pink haired idiot I don't see what I have to lose."

"Eh Riiiight," her smile started seeming a bit forced now.

"Bunny girl, you and me have this in the bag." Gajeel spoke up seeming to come out of nowhere.

"Uh What do you mean Gajeel?" Lucy seemed a bit lost I mean even Natsu chose someone different what could she do in a race over water? …. Wait a minute. "Aquarius?"

"Well no shit!" He sounded a bit exasperated "During the games she took out almost everyone, even beating Juvia plus doesn't she rule water?"

"Well yeah but she'll probably leave before we get halfway there to get back to Scorpio."

"Then bring him out too to cheer her on! Jeez bunny girl and I thought you were the smart one."

Lucy felt like hitting herself, why had she not thought of that before exactly?

"OK Brats it's go time! The other S-Class mages are already on Tenrou you will be judged on cleverness in this this challenge. Let's Go!"

Juvia and Cana jumped into the water. Juvia created a wave to pull them along.

"Solid Script: Wind" / "Sky Dragon Roar!" Both shouts could be heard and then Fairy Tail's boat was off to a decent start.

"Ice Make: Raft!" Gray and Natsu jumped in and Natsu then used his flames to propel them…. Which worked for all of five seconds "Natsu what the hell happened?" Gray asked turning around only to see a motion sick Natsu. "HOW DID WE FORGET YOU'RE USLESS ON A BOAT SON OF A- No don't you dare puke in here! NOOO!"

"HAHAHA" Gajeel couldn't stop laughing after hearing Gray's struggles, "Ok Bunny Girl do your stuff!"

"Open Gate of the Scorpion: Scorpio! Open Gate of the Water Bearer: Aquarius!" When the spirits arrived one was pissed and confused and the other was confused and excited.

"Do you enjoy ruining my dates? Huh?" Aquarius looked down at Lucy striking fear into her heart.

"I'm sorry Miss!"

"Calm down babe let's see what our Lady Lucy wants."

"Thanks Scorpio. What I need is for you to cheer on Aquarius while she shows off and Aquarius I need you to show off by propelling me and Gajeel out to Tenrou."

"Alright go on baby show me your stuff I want to see you give it your all!"

"Anything for you Sweetie!" She lifted her urn "Bye Lucy! Bye metal freak nice knowing you!" and with that Lucy and Gajeel were blasted so hard they were at Tenrou with a couple minutes going so fast Gajeel had to make a shield to break their fall.

Once they were all settled they looked around to realize Aquarius didn't just drag them into it but everyone else as well.

"oops…'"