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"I'll take Lucy on!" A male voice shouted.
July 8 X794, Morning, Magnolia Town; it has been a week since Lucy's return at the guild. From hearing that she will be participating on this years' S-Class Promotion Exams until the sixth of the month, she has been training non-stop. The one who chose her as an opponent is surely a force to be reckoned with. She didn't even know if she can win against him. She has stayed late to perfect every technique her Spirits could make, using intelligence and versatility to her advantage. Yesterday was different. It was the death anniversary of her mother. All trainings were put to a halt. As promised, she introduced Laxus, who gathered up the courage to ask her out after all the commotion on her birthday. She told her mother and father about all the destruction that happened after that. Natsu was livid and challenged Laxus to a duel. The same with Gray and Erza. Laxus won.
The next day, he took her to an expensive restaurant. Of course, Jason as nosy as her was, heard about this and sent paparazzi to cover the momentous event. They just sighed when they noticed that they were being followed. They forgot that they still have to solve their 'pregnancy issue'. Due to the complex circumstances they have undergone, they simply stated that they just started dating and that Lucy was not pregnant, although Laxus, being Laxus said that in the future, probably 30 babies. After that, no one could ever believe that Jason of Sorcerer Magazine squealed like a little girl.
The whole time Laxus was with her in Acalypha, he was smiling like a teenage boy taking his girl to prom, although he was a bit sad for Lucy because she was an orphan. When Lucy is talking to the graves of her parents, he can only stare at her, conversing with her departed loved ones like they were still of this world. She was happy to introduce him and he was also glad to be introduced to her parents. It was like a normal courting all hormonal teenagers do except he was 26 years old and Lucy's 20. It was late when they returned yesterday. The sun has almost set, so like a gentleman he was, he escorted her back to her apartment and bid her farewell. He can't yet enter her apartment and get all steamy. That would be taking things faster and he doesn't want to rush her. Remember, Dreyar men were all gentlemen. Like his Gramps always say.
Today was different. Lucy has to focus because she will definitely win. She has to. No matter who the opponent was, she will defeat them, so Lucy woke up when it was still dark and trained in a nearby forest. Sunrise followed and she went home to take a bath and pack her things. She was dressed when she heard a knock at her door. Must be Laxus. She took her bag, her belt, her keys, her whip and most especially, the necklace her boyfriend has given her. It was one of the most treasured things she has. She descended the stairs and opened the door. She was right, there stood, in board shorts and wearing a collared shirt. The first three buttons were undone, exposing his collar bone and a little bit of his chest. He was looking summer-y with a bag slung over his right shoulder.
"Hey, how long are you undressing me with that look?" He chuckled.
"Hmph!" Lucy jokingly stomped forward as she finished locking the door.
"Aw, come on! I know you want it!" Laxus followed her, still chuckling.
"Okay, Laxus, that was really egotistic." Lucy stifled a laugh.
"Hey, hey, hey, You wanna hug me?" He stretched both of his arms, gesturing for her to dig in. He was laughing now, voice booming.
"Okay, okay, okay." Lucy hugged him as she joined in his laughter. He really was a ton full of muscles. She can't even breathe. She lightly punched him that earned her another chuckle. She wiggled but Laxus only tightened his hold.
"Baby, can you breathe?" He asked her, laughing then released her and gave her a single rose. "I got this from Jamaica."
"Aw, that's so sweet Laxus. Thank you!" she blushed.
"Just a 'thank you'?" Laxus pointed at his cheeks, smiling. Lucy knew that. He wants a kiss then so be it. She stood on her toes. That man is a bear. Just as her lips could his cheeks, Laxus turned his head and kissed her on the lips.
"Hey!" Lucy was surprised.
"I know you want it! Hahahaha!" Laxus ran, leaving her flabbergasted. He left her.
"LAXUS!" She ran after him. She will absolutely make him pay for that.
Tired of running around, Lucy forgot on what she was about to do. She was greeted by her teammates together with…everyone at the guild doors. They were all waiting for her. Turns out, everyone wants to see this year's exam. So much for being so excited and waking up early. She was late again.
"Sorry, everyone." She smiled nervously.
"Lucy, I was wondering. Where did you get that?" Erza asked. They were now at their ship going to Tenrou Island.
"What?" Lucy answered her question with another question.
"That." Erza pointed on the necklace she was wearing.
"Ah, this! Laxus gave it to me." Lucy held the pendant in her palm. Uh, oh, wrong move. Mirajane was now marching towards them with a grin plastered across her face.
"Ara, ara, did I just heard Laxus?" The Demon chimed.
"Is it a Celestial Spirit Key?" Juvia joined them. She was curious about it too but was too shy to be the first to ask.
"No. It's just a normal key. " Lucy said.
"Wow! The crystal changes colors! Juvia would like it if Gray-sama would give her one of this!" Juvia exclaimed in wonder.
"It sure does! Are you really sure it's just a normal key?" Thankfully, Mirajane forgot about the reason she stomped her way towards them.
"Yeah, why?"
"Nothing. Anyways, about that Laxus thing." Mirajane's eyes perked up again.
"Uhhh…"
"Hey, can I borrow my girlfriend?" Laxus interrupted them, smiling as he led the blushing Lucy towards the railings.
"Okay…" she sweat dropped when she turned to thank him for that one. She forgot that Laxus has motion sickness too. She chuckled at the condition of the poor man.
"Hey! What's that about?!" Laxus still managed to complain. She just sighed.
"Hey, Laxus, thanks for that. The apartment, I mean."
"No problem, Blondie. Besides that money I gave you was the reward given to us back at Oshibana. You defeated that thing. Not me." Laxus said, walking away from the railing and sat down in a nearby chair to relax, exposing his bare, hot, hard and delicious meat of chest. Yes, this was her boyfriend. Hers and only hers. She walked towards him and massaged his temples.
"There, feeling better?" It was peaceful. Too peaceful. Where on Earthland was Natsu? Well, it's a ship then probably, he has a hurling fest with Gajeel and Wendy. And their Exceeds might be cheering for them.
"It would feel better with a kiss." The Dragon Slayer opened his eyes and smiled tauntingly at her.
"Not this time, Sparky." She chuckled which earned her a disappointed scowl from the man.
"Brats! We're here!" Macarov announced. All of the members converged in a single area.
They were now nearing the island. It was nostalgic for both Laxus and Lucy. This was the very place that started it all. Never have they thought that they arrived here as strangers and then return as lovers. They both smiled at the memory. One month can really change things.
"Okay, participants, the examinations will start the moment you step foot on the island. I want you to give all of your best. Am I understood?" Makarov shouted as they docked the island."
"Yes!" Everyone answered.
"Considering everyone's ability to destroy things, the fight will be held here at the bay. I don't want any of you to further the damage done in the caves and tunnels. This is a sacred ground. First pair, you may now take your place." The Master said. He was worried that the rock formations here will be reduced to rubble so he spent the whole trip trying to decide where to hold the examinations. It was a last minute decision.
Erza and Cana were the first to enter, both poised for battle. The Card Mage was the first to attack but Erza quickly sliced each piece of paper without even requipping to any of her available armors. She was calm in the duration of the battle and when her opponent ran out of cards, she prepared to attack her. The other was quick enough to evade and jumped a good distance from Titania. Cana recited the incantation for Fairy Glitter then blasted Erza with the mighty light of the sun, moon and stars. It was thanks to her ability to requip fast that she was able to block the blunt force of the attack. Adamantine Armor really lived up to its name. Cana almost jumped in joy when she saw that her opponent was starting to sway around but ultimately she was quickly defeated when the red-haired mage requipped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor and used her Blumenblatt spell on her. Another defeat for Gildart's daughter. Although he wasn't here, Cana could feel that his father was cheering for her elsewhere and that is enough to keep on trying until she became an S-Class.
The next battle was what people called the most unfair. Mirajane, despite being one of the most powerful mage in Fairy Tail, even on par with Erza was quickly defeated because Freed was her opponent. The green-haired mage was quick to write his runes. The rules inscribed in these runes were that anyone who was caught in it or be touched by it will be unable to use magic until he says so. Unfortunately for the Strauss, she was touched by one before she could use her Take-Over. Freed Justine was not just fast in writing his runes but was also on his feet. That was what caught her off-guard. Being a gentleman, Freed didn't attack his opponent after that. He merely escorted her back to their resting area. And just like that, the second battle was done without shedding blood.
The third battle was dubbed the 'incentive battle' because it was a fight between Gray and Juvia. The raven-haired man said that if she managed to defeat him, he would agree to take her on a date. Of course, the Water Mage was very ecstatic. Everyone was drowned in tears of her joy. She imagined all sorts of 'things' they would do before they run into the sunset or sit in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. And never missing a chance to rub it in to her love-rival's face. Juvia proclaimed to Lucy that it was her, Juvia Lockser was the one picked to be Mrs. Fullbuster. Lucy just sighed. She thought it was only an exam. Where on Mavis did marriage came into the picture? Coming back into the battle, Gray was taking blows after blows of highly pressurized water from his opponent. He was almost overwhelmed when he used his trump card. The final attack that will allow him to win this and save him from the wedding Juvia is mentally preparing. He used the good ol' Fullbuster charm. He stripped in front of her. Consciously. It worked. Juvia fawned over him, marveling at his naked figure. He saw his chance, froze and defeated her. Juvia just cried but this time in sorrow.
The fourth battle was the 'Dragon Battle'. It was a fight between Gajeel and Laxus. Truth be told, Laxus was originally going to pick Lucy but a certain idiot took her before he could. In his irritation, he released lightning after lightning. Gajeel, on the othe other hand, returned his attacks with enthusiasm. He was on par with him. It was an intense battle. There were sounds of flesh being punched, bones cracking and fried hair smelling. They all though that it will end in a tie. Both Dragon Slayers were in their Dragon Force. Different elements clashed, almost destroying everything. Fortunately for the audience, who were cowering in fear, it ended quickly when Laxus poured more of his magic in his Lightning Dragon's Roar, overwhelming Gajeel.
"Last participants, you may now take your place." Makarov said.
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu grinned.
A/N: Hello, everyone! I am truly, madly, deeply and sincerely sorry for the late update. I was too caught up in writing *ahem, Spoiler Alert* Lucy's fight that I forgot that I still have to write this chapter. Anyways, thank you for those reviews. I'll update maybe tomorrow. I'm not sure because I'm getting busier these days.
Miss Jester61: I'm doing better now. Thanks for that. I'm sorry if I made the first four fights very short. I really can't find the 'drive' to prolong their fights. :)
Lightningeye: Thank you for the complement. I did realize that I made some errors so I edited it a bit. Thanks! :)
mromero18: Here's the answer to that. It was none other than Natsu.
Bentears: Hahaha. Thanks for that one. I do hope I managed to capture the 'feels' of having overreacting friends. :)
Bloody Amethist: Thanks for that! :)
Paname: Thank you! I've been trying to write one of those humorous chapters when Fairy Tail was being, well, Fairy Tail. :)
xxxLucyxharemfanxxx: That was one of the greatest complent I've ever received. Thank you. And here's the person who really challenged her. :)
XLALUX: Thank you for that! I promise I'll keep on updating until I finish this story. :)