Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its characters.

"Speech"

"Thoughts"

It has been two days since the demise of Trinity Wraith; the council took care of returning the dozens of kidnapped girls to their homes, while the surviving dark mages were imprisoned. Although Guran Doma credited himself and the council for the feat, several people knew it was all thanks to Fairy Tail.

"Do you believe this?" Erza slammed today's newspaper on Makarov's desk, the front cover narrating how the council disbanded Trinity Wraith and saved the captives being held there.

Taking a puff of his pipe Makarov replied: "Let it go Erza, the important thing is that we got everyone back safely."

"You're right master, forgive my outburst. "

"Besides…" Makarov turned from serious to greedy "It sure helps the couple of million jewels they gave us!"

"Ara, Ara. The guild does need some maintenance and a couple of new things."

While Erza narrowed her eyes at Mira and Makarov, Gildarts spoke: "Changing subject; shouldn't we be talking about more important matters?"

"Right!" Putting the pipe down Makarov spoke "The S-class trials."

"Before we nominate candidates, I would like to say something" Once Erza got their attention she continued: "Natsu; he alone was capable of defeating the master of Trinity Wraith."

"And save me, Angel and everyone else." Mira added, knowing where Erza was heading.

"As I was saying, even though he's sometimes immature and childish he has changed considerably over the last few days. Not to mention ever since I started tutoring him on how to properly wield a blade he has shown great improvements in a short time."

"Natsu wielding a sword! Never would have believed it" Gildarts said.

Agreeing with his comment Erza continued: "Counting all of his accomplishments I believe he deserves to be promoted to a fully fledged S-class mage."

"I second that vote" Mira replied "After all, he saved me and he's dating my little sister."

The others sweat dropped at Mira's reasoning "I don't think who he's dating counts for the promotion."

"I agree as well, not on the whole dating thing but on the promotion" Gildarts said, making three votes in favor.

Makarov closed his eyes and deliberated while counting the accomplishments Natsu had reached over the last 6 months; he defeated Erigor, Gajeel (when he was in phantom), Jellal and saved Erza, Laxus, Brain (Zero), helped Mystogan in the liberation of Edolas and most recently defeated Luzbel.

Reaching a decision he spoke: "We need to choose a new candidate for the trials then…"

The matter settled, Erza and Gildartz left while Mirajane stayed behind by request of the master.

"Mira, we haven't had a chance to talk about the incident with Luzbel. No matter what he told you; you, Lisanna and Elfman are not what he claims you to be. You are not part of some cult that worshiped Zeref."

"I know master, his appearance just caught me off guard. " Mira said, referring to how he resembled her late father.

Standing up, Makarov reassured Mira with a comforting gesture: "When you, Lisanna and Elfman arrived to Fairy Tail the first time I instantly knew you were destined for great things. Your parents would be proud with what you have accomplished."

Ever since coming to Fairy Tail she had always considered Makarov like a fatherly figure, wiping a tear she said: "That means a lot coming from you, master."

Grimoire Heart/

The flying base, home to the members of Grimoire Heart, was accommodated to satisfy the needs of those aboard it. Right now Ultear was taking advantage of this as she used the training room to her full contempt; the leader of the seven kin's had hogged the room for the last few days just blowing off some steam due to previous events.

Finishing yet another target she said: "How long are you going to stand there and watch?"

"Until you decide to give the others a chance to use the room" Azuma replied to her.

Sighing, Ultear grabbed a towel and proceeded to leave. "It's all yours."

"Tell me: who was the one that defeated Llyria?"

Stopping for a moment she answered his question: "Lisanna and Angel."

With that piece of information stored, Azuma then said: "Meredy has been worried about you. What happened back there?" the only answer he got was the door opening and closing as Ultear left. Forgetting about it, Azuma started planning for his future confrontation with the white hair girls.

Once Ultear reached her private quarters she stripped and entered the shower. Once below the cascading water her thoughts lead back to the events at Trinity Wraith:

"Why? Why can't your memory leave me alone? Why?" Ultear drove her fist to the wall leaving a large dent in it. While most thought she was mad about the failure of reviving Zeref, the truth was that the memory of a certain ice mage wouldn't leave her head.

"It's what happened, Mira-san!" Lucy explained to the barmaid about Cana's decision to leave the guild "Cana didn't even tell me her reason!"

Mira just giggled, happy with a certain decision they had reached moments ago. "Don't worry about it. Around this time of year, Cana always says that."

While Lucy wondered what Mira meant she saw several mages desperate to complete jobs. Every time Lucy asked if she could join them, they turned the offer down.

"Great! I'm short of money for this month's rent." Lucy thought, however, there was still someone she hadn't asked: "Mira, do you know where Natsu is?"

"The same place as yesterday, and the day before" Mira replied smiling, the blond celestial mage knowing where he was; training with Erza.

While Lucy avoided being stomped to death by mages requesting jobs, Lisanna and Wendy heard what Charle was telling them.

"Foresight?"

"Right" The white exceed said to both girls "Like the queen said, I have the ability to see the future. After some time of knowing it, I've been able to control it a bit"

"That's amazing Charle!" Wendy replied while Lisanna decided if she should ask her or not:

"Hey? Who will be my future husband?"

"I can't see that far into the future" Charle answered to Lisanna "But isn't it obvious? After all, you spend an awful lot of time with him."

Lisanna blushed at who Charle was referring to; even after dating him for a while, she was still unable to control her nervousness when talking about their relationship with others.

In the back of Fairy Tail:

"Again!"

Natsu charged at a full grown pantherlily and engaged him in a sword parry. While still not in the same level of speed as Erza, Natsu was getting there. For the sparring Natsu limited to only use his sword, that means no fire attacks.

After a few more parries Erza called them off: "Enough! That's good for now."

Natsu panted a bit as he sheathed his sword while pantherlily returned to his original size.

"Not bad Natsu" Lily said panting a bit.

"With more work you could even match me" Erza added while Natsu grinned at the praising. Erza was still wondering what had compelled Natsu to ask for sword training; at first she thought the sword, Yamato, was somehow cursed, but after seeing Porlyusica she had reassured them that the sword was fine. It was one thing a cursed sword, and having an evil wielder was another.

"So Natsu, are you prepared for tomorrow?"

"Yeah" The dragon slayer replied while Lily was confused.

"What's happening tomorrow?"

"Oh that's right! You haven't heard." Erza said to the exceed "Each year the S class trials are held to test 8 mages for a promotion to s class. Several mages like me, Mira and even Jellal (Mystogan) from edolas have reached our current rank thanks to the trials."

"I see, even the prince managed to accomplish it" Pantherlily mused "So that's why a lot of mages are requesting jobs; to improve their chances of being selected." Seeing her nod he then turned to Natsu "why aren't you doing the same, Natsu?

"To be honest I don't know" the slayer said "Something tells me I need to be better prepared. That's why I'm improving my skills with this sword. If I do get nominated good, if not then there's always next year"

"You really have changed Natsu…" Erza thought, seeing the more mature thinking of her fellow mage.

The next day:

Almost every mage from Fairy Tail was present for the event. While new members (like Lucy, Gajeel and Wendy) wondered what it was about, others eagerly waited for the candidates to be revealed.

"Are you alright Natsu?" Happy asked his long time friend, Natsu, with Lisanna next to him.

"Yeah, why u ask?"

"For starters, you're not bouncing all around like every year." The exceed said.

"I am excited, believe me" Natsu replied "but there's no need to be anxious if they're gonna reveal the candidates soon, right?"

"I guess"

Before Lisanna could say something, Makarov appeared alongside Erza, Mira and Gildarts.

"Yeah! It's finally here!'

"We were waiting for this!"

"Hurry up and announce it!"

"Who's in it this year!"

Clearing his throat to speak, Makarov addressed the mages present: "In accordance with Fairy Tail's oldest traditions, from here on out I will announce the S-class mage advancement examinees."

Lucy's eyes widened at the announcement: "S-class mage advancement exams!"

"This year's testing ground is Tenrou Island, our guild's holy ground."

While Lucy asked around what was needed for the exam, Makarov continued: "Your powers, hearts, spirits… I've been observing you over the past year. But, before I reveal the eight candidates I have an announcement to make."

The mages focused their attention to the elder mage as he spoke: "While it is rare, sometimes a mage is granted a special promotion. After some deliberation, we (motioning to the present S mages) have reached a conclusion. Natsu, come over here!"

"Huh?" curious, the slayer did as told and climbed the podium. Once there Makarov revealed the rest.

"From this day on you are hereby granted the rank of S-class mage!"

"Whaaaaat?" Several voices shouted after the news reached their ears. None more surprised than the slayer himself.

"But...why?" for once Natsu was at loss with words, on one side he was surprised, but on the other side he was confused on why was he promoted.

Seeing his expression, Makarov explained; "Because you deserve it! All here present will agree with me that although you're not the strongest or smartest you have demonstrated time and time the greatest quality of our guild: to always fight for what's right and help those in need."

Instead of jealousy, the mages chanted Natsu's name in celebration for their nakama. Looking from his friends to his girlfriend, Natsu got the reassurance he needed: "Alright! I accept!"

"Good. As such you will help us in the examination of the candidates at Tenrou Island." With that said, Makarov watched as Natsu took a spot next to the others while before he would cause a ruckus: "Erza was right, he has matured a bit."

"Moving on! The eight candidates for this year are: Gray Fullbuster!"

While still annoyed for Natsu's promotion (at the same time glad for him, although he would never reveal it) Gray was confident with his nomination: "Finally, this day has come. You'll see flame head! I'll reach and surpass you soon."

"Juvia Loxar!"

"What? Juvia will also participate?" The water mage asked to no one in particular.

"Elfman!"

"Only those that are men become S-class!" Elfman exclaimed while being cheered by his siblings.

"Cana Alberona!"

The beautiful girl said nothing as she heard her name, almost like something troubled her.

"Freed Justine!"

"I will succeed Laxus and take the spot he left vacant." The leader of the thunder god tribe said.

"Levy Macgarden!"

'What! Me?" The blue haired girl was surprised by her nomination while Jet and Droy cheered for her.

"Mest Glider!"

The mysterious man remained quiet while others whispered about him. Being Mystogan's apprentice there was little anyone knew about him.

There was still one mage left to be revealed, while some speculated who it was, Makarov ended the mystery:

"Lisanna!"

"What!" If anyone was surprised it was her. "But why me? Surely there's more qualified mages than myself?"

"As I said at the beginning, I have been observing you over the last year." Makarov said to Lisanna "In your case the last few weeks, but in that short time you have improved greatly , that's not even counting your experiences in Edolas."

"I guess" Hearing him, Lisanna accepted his decision, albeit not entirely confident about herself. While the remaining mages either celebrated for their friends or mopped for not being chosen, Lucy noticed Cana's mood and wondered if it had something to do with the incident from before.

"This year, there will only be one winner." Makarov said when the commotion lowered "The exam will be in one week. Everyone, be in the best condition that you can be in."

"W…why am I not in it…?" While Gajeel asked, Lily explained to him the reason: he was still not completely trusted by the others. Plus, he hadn't really done that much missions anyway.

"That's not true!" Gajeel exclaimed, referring to his undercover mission at Raven's Tail "But…I'm not allowed to speak about it."

"It's too soon for you." Erza said to the fuming Iron slayer. "Next year maybe"

While Natsu bragged to Gray, Charle had a vision: The fairy tail mages defeated, Cana's sorrow over something, a fellow mage dying but whom? All of this related to a young black haired man.

"W-what's this feeling?" Charle asked herself, not knowing what to make of her vision.

Once the rules had been explained the mages gathered around tables and discussed about the exam. One; each candidate required a partner to participate (s-class mages were not eligible). Two; with Erza, Mira, Gildarts and now Natsu blocking their path the chances of actually becoming an S class were slim.

"Anyway, have each of you chosen your partners yet?" Lucy asked to the present candidates.

"Actually…umm…Juvia want's to decline this exam."

"Huh? Why?" Wendy asked the water mage.

"Because… I wanted to be…partnered with…"

Not hearing her Gray asked "What did you say?"

"I said…Juvia…"

Taking it to herself, Lucy answered for her "She wants to be your partner." She forgot to mention the hidden meaning on her words 'in more than one way'.

Seeing her talk to her precious Gray-sama evoked a reaction from Juvia: "You see! You're so lost for him, Lucy!"

"That's not the case, really!" The blond stellar mage said in her defense.

"Sorry, but I already have a partner." Gray said, just as Loke approached them.

"Loke!"

"It's been a while, everyone." The celestial spirit said to the people present. "Sorry Lucy, but I'm negating our contract for the duration of the exam. And don't worry; I came here on my own power."

"What a self-serving spirit." Lucy thought.

"What about the rule of only Fairy Tail mages eligible for partners?" Elfman asked.

Removing his shirt, Loke showed them the Fairy Tail stamp on his back. "As you can see, I'm still a mage of Fairy Tail." Seeing Lucy transfixed on his bare back he winked at her "See something you like, Lucy-hime?"

"W-what makes you say that?" Lucy asked with a small blush adorning her face. Urging to change topic she asked Lisanna "What about you, Lisanna? Who's gonna be your partner?"

"Aye, and it can't be Natsu this time." Happy added.

"Me, of course!"

Turning around Lisanna greeted the new arrival: "Angel, you're back! How was the mission?"

"Lame" the white haired celestial mage answered "the rumor turned out to be false; there was no gold key in there, only a silver one."

"A gold key! Why didn't you tell me about it?" Lucy asked to her former rival, while Angel merely giggled.

"Why do you think? I wanted that key for myself. Besides it turned out to be fake, so you didn't miss anything."

"I think the real question we should ask is: since when do you and Lisanna get along?" Charle asked.

"Don't get me wrong, I still consider her a rival." Angel said as she locked eyes with Lisanna "but I tolerate her more now."

"Yeah, you could say we're friends now" Lisanna added "Well, almost friends."

"Wait a minute Lisanna, I don't have a partner now!" Elfman exclaimed to the group, Juvia was on the same boat than him, but she was too engrossed in one of her fantasies (due to a commentary from Gray) to even care.

"Someone has been sending you some passionate glances for a while now" Lisanna said as she pointed to the bar where Evergreen was looking at him. While it could be interpreted as a passionate look, the ones present knew better: she was pissed because Freed chose Bickslow as his partner and not her. If she had to team with Elfman to get payback then so be it.

"By the way, where's Natsu-kun?" Angel asked, earning a frown from Lisanna.

"Why do you want to know?"

"I heard he got promoted and i want to 'congratulate him' myself." Angel said.

Not letting her 'partner' get to her nerves, Lisanna said: "He's somewhere thinking about the exams. Which reminds me… Actually, I'll go look for him, see ya later."

Once Lisanna left, Angel was approached by Loke: "Angel, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Still remembering his lasts words, Angel felt uneasy with him, but she didn't let it show. "Sure"

Going outside it was Loke who spoke first: "Angel, I just wanted to apologize for what I said before."

"It's ok" Angel said waving a hand "There's no excuse for what I did."

"I'm partly to blame as well" Loke said "If I hadn't stayed in the human world maybe she would have had a better chance to defend herself. But the past is the past, forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive." Sharing a small smile Loke headed back to the guild.

"One more thing: although I don't have a contract with you, I'm still a Fairy Tail mage. If you ever need my help you just need to call my name and I'll help you, ok?"

"I'll keep that in mind."

Once he was gone, Angel saddened. While her problem with Loke was resolved, she still felt her battle for Natsu's affection was farther and farther each day.

Sighing, she also headed back to the guild when she collided with someone causing the two of them to fall down.

"Sorry…"

"It's ok." Angel reassured to the woman in front of her. Seeing all of her tarot cards on the floor, Angel reached out to help her gather them, but she barely touched one when Cana stopped her.

"It's ok, I got it!" Cana said a bit too loud, which she instantly regretted. Angel, however, paid no mind to it.

"If you say so"

Once Angel left, Cana grabbed the last of her cards and hastily put them inside her pouch before heading out. If she had paid more attention she would have noticed the card Angel touched before was the grim reaper.

As she expected, Lisanna found Natsu in front of the place where they hatched Happy's egg. Even with the bond broken she was still able to find him with ease.

The dragon slayer had a pensive look on his face as he gazed at the small hut and to where Lisanna's 'grave' was located. Luzbel's words still echoed through his head; he needed to get stronger and act more serious if he wanted to find Igneel and protect his loved ones, now more than ever with his unexpected promotion to S-class. As Lisanna embraced him, Natsu smiled; feeling her slender body grinding itself into his back. Turning around he kissed her, trailing soft kisses down her neck causing her to moan.

"Natsu-kun, remember your promise?" Lisanna asked between kisses.

"Yeah" The slayer replied as he roamed his hands all over her. "What about it?"

Breaking the kiss she said: "It's time to collect."

Knowing what she meant he asked: "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure" Showing him her neck she waited for him to mark her again. Seeing the determination in her, Natsu dug his fangs on her soft flesh eliciting a small gasp from Lisanna. As before, once finished, a small fire seal appeared where he had marked her before vanishing from view. The only remaining sign of his marking was the bite mark on her neck. This time the magic drain wasn't as much as the first time for the dragon slayer.

"Here" Natsu handed her his scarf, putting it around her neck both returned heading back, hand in hand.

"Natsu-kun, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why are you training with that sword?" Lisanna said, referring to the katana strapped to Natsu's belt.

"Luzbel…he said I would need it." Natsu said "I would have thrown it to his face, but something tells me I'll need it one day."

Seeming to accept his answer she replied "I see."

Changing topic he asked: "Have you picked a partner yet, Lis-chan?"

"Yeah, you wouldn't believe who it is."

While both headed back to the guild, Gildarts watched them from afar.

"Natsu, Lisanna, I'll go ahead and wait for you at the island." Even thought Natsu was not competing in the exam he still wanted to fight Gildarts, a request the ace of Fairy Tail would grant before the competition began.

Night had fallen over Magnolia, and with it a small blanket of snow. While Gray headed back to his house by chance he stumbled upon a familiar figure.

"Cana?"

The card user was sprawled on a dark alley, by the quantity of snow above her Gray estimated for a while now. Quickly, he cradled her unconscious form in an attempt to reanimate her.

"Cana! Wake up! Listen to me! Wake up!"

Groggily opening her eyes Cana faced one of the persons she had wanted to avoid. Trying to stand up she stumbled back to his arms as he catches her.

"Sigh…when you will learn, all that drinking is not good for you."

"Back off. You wouldn't understand." Trying once again to stand she found herself being stopped by Gray's hold on her "Let me go, Gray."

"No. And you're right; I wouldn't understand since you keep it all to yourself."

Sarcastically laughing she replied: "What do you care? You rarely talk to me nowadays."

"What?" Caught off guard Gray looked at her while Cana cursed her slip of tongue

"Nothing, just let me go" she struggled for a bit, but still tipsy and being cradled by Gray she found her actions futile.

"Not until you answer me! What's wrong with you?"

Giving up she decided to just spill it out and regret it later after her drunken stupor ended: "Since when do you care? Ever since you formed a team you rarely even talk to me? Not to mention I'm completely invisible ever since Juvia appeared in your radar!"

Confused by her outburst Gray asked: "What do you mean by that? And what does it have to do with Juvia?"

"God, you are so blind. Seeing that Gray was still lost she added: "Fine, then let me show you instead!" without warning, Cana pressed her lips to his, at first Gray was shocked but soon found himself returning the kiss. Senses kicking in, Cana realized what she was doing and abruptly ended the kiss before running away.

"Wait!" Gray ran after her but Cana proved she was not only good with cards but also a fast runner. Losing sight of her Gray punched the ground in frustration.

"Cana…"

A.N.

While at first it was going to be a short chapter it somehow expanded to 10+pages. As you already read, this will be prelude to the S-class trials (with a few changes as you can see, wink wink). This was supposed to be the official end of this story, but i decided to expand it due to the feedback from my loyal readers.

Natsu's promotion and Lisanna's nomination actually fits more than you think, after all Natsu has accomplished he well deserves to be an S-class, although Lisanna was only nominated for the sake of the story (even though her strength is now closer to Mira). I was also gonna throw a lemon scene between them but decided against it, it's too soon anyway, maybe after the time skip...

While no official pairings have been decided, I feel more inclined to do the following:

Juvia x Lyon, Loke x Lucy, Gray x Ultear or Gray x Cana.

These last two seem interesting to write, let me know what you think.

Thefolklistener: Thanks for the review, if ya need more help with your fic let me know.

Hinata3487: Don't worry, they got their bond back. Tnx for the review.

NekoiKurona: Thanks for the review, and yeah it kinda sucks when the main character thinks like that, but we sometimes need the angst to make a good story.

To the rest…wait! That's all the reviews. Thanks for the Fav adds. I don't know when will I post another chapter, just stay tuned and I'll try to update as soon as I can.

Demonwithasoul

P.S. Say no to SOPA, PIPA and ACTA