AN: So here is the next chapter, and in good time too! I think that was because I have been in a bit of a Fairy Tail mood at the moment. What can I say it is a very fun fandom to write. In fact on my other account I recently started a new story, or rather re-started an old, revamped story. It's called 'The End Times', please do give it ago.
Other than that I've not got much else to say. It was a bit of a pain to write, but it is the opening to a very exciting and dramatic arc, one which will have some great fighting and plenty of other things in it!
So yep, I hope you all enjoy the chapter and please do leave a review.
Thanks for reading.
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or Fairy Tail. Though I would love it if there were a lot more of these crossovers!
( - )
(Last Time)
"I..." Cana began to continue, before pausing for a moment, after which she just sighed and decided to explain everything. "I..."
Staying silent, Lucy listened to Cana's story, her expression going through a myriad of emotion as the older girl poured her heart out and told the blonde all of her troubles and worries.
"And that's my story." Cana finished. "If I don't become an S-Class this time, I'm leaving the Guild. I've already decided that."
"I'll be your partner then, Cana." Lucy declared after a few moments, the expression on her face firm and resolved. "I won't let you quit the Guild! I'll make sure you become an S-Class wizard!"
"Lucy..." Cana replied, beginning to tear up, a genuine smile spreading across her face now.
( - )
Chapter 23
( - )
(On the ship headed to Tenrou Island)
"Urgh! It's so hot..!" Lucy groaned out loud as she lay back on her reclining deck chair, her tanned skin visibly glistening in the blazing sunshine, as the midday sun shone down on her and the rest of the participants for the S-class trials as they sat out on deck. With the blonde having donned a somewhat skimpy swimsuit due to the heat of the day, and the sheer lack of wind, despite them currently being on a large, wooden boat at sea. "I thought it was supposed to be winter…"
"Hot..." Gray echoed, the Ice Wizard in question having surpassed previous levels of lewdness and indecency as he lay on the deck fully naked, his body bathed in steaming sweat as he tried in vain to use his magic to regulate his body temperature. With Gray more than any other on the ship, suffering the most in the boiling heat.
"I feel bad..." Natsu muttered, his voice as miserable as the others. Though for the Fire Dragon Slayer this had less to do with the heat, and more to do with the rolling of the ship. His face by this point having taken on a distinctly greenish tinge, as he clasped his hands over his mouth and staggered around.
"Natsu..." Loke said warningly, the Celestial Spirit himself wearing only swim shorts as he backed away from the sea sick Dragon Slayer. "Don't come any closer."
"I think I'm going to die..." Natsu rasped, turning away from Loke now as he instead leaned over the side of the ship and dry heaved.
"Oh dear, if only Wendy was here and not back at Magnolia, then maybe she would have been able to cast her Troia spell on you." Happy chimed in unhelpfully as he strolled across the deck, looking around in curiousity as he eyed what the rest of the mages present were up to.
With the bikini clad Cana having taken up a positon next to her partner for the trials, Lucy, reclining on her chair as she too took in the rays. The pretty brunette for once not having an alcoholic drink in her hands, after all even Cana knew that drinking alcohol on a very hot day, right before a competition was not a good idea.
Likewise on Lucy's other side was Levy McGarden, who was wearing a slightly more modest swimsuit that the other two. The blue haired girl having also dressed for the occasion, though unlike the other two she was not simply lounging around in the sun. Instead she was getting a bit of reading done to pass the time.
Her partner for the trials however, Gajeel, was just as bad off as Natsu. Noticeably the shaggy, black haired Dragon Slayer was slouched over the back rail of the ship, dribbles of saliva still leaking from his mouth as he finished hurling for the third time this day. His red eyes almost glazed, and his usual tanned, ruddy complexion, now as pale as old milk.
Thankfully the rest of the ship were all downwind from Gajeel, and after the first time he had snapped at Levy when she went to help him, they had all also taken to giving him his space whilst he suffered from sea sickness.
On the other side of the ship to the ill and miserable Iron Dragon Slayer was the final competitor, Mest Gryder. Who, like he had for the majority of the voyage, had been stood slightly apart from the others. With him just staring out to sea contemplatively, instead of interacting.
More than a few of those present had noticed that the usually friendly and affable wizard had been acting odd of late, more insular and introverted than usual. Especially when Makarov and Perseus were around, in fact some had even noted that Mest almost seemed to be avoiding the Guild Master and the Guild's Ace when they were around.
Speaking of the Guild Master, at present he was stood at the back of the ship, quite far away from the hurling Gajeel, chatting absentmindedly to Mirajane and Gildarts. Their conversation not audible to the rest of the ship, though considering the looks they sent some of the competitors, it was clear they were talking about who might be being promoted, and considering this was Makarov, they were likely taking bets on it too.
Towards the front of the ship meanwhile, both Erza Knightwalker, Mest's partner, and wasn't that a surprise to the rest of them, and Erza Scarlet were sat together. With Erza Scarlet currently examining Knightwalker's enchanted spear, whilst the other Erza talked her through the spear's different forms. With Scarlet occasionally chipping in with a few facets about her different armours and weapons, and the magical properties and enchantments they had.
For many on the ship, this almost amiable interaction between the two was most shocking. Especially considering that just days ago they had been at one another's throats, with them clashing on many things, such as ideals, personal codes, ideologies and philosophies, the need for Guilds when compared to a unified, nationwide force.
Then again after several days at sea, and in such close proximity, maybe it wasn't a surprise that they had managed to run out of things to argue about.
More than a few on the ship were hoping that this would last once they disembarked on Tenrou Island too. Suffice to say their initial arguing and fighting, along with the burning heat and slow pace of the boat, had made the first day or so of the voyage very uncomfortable.
Standing on against the opposite railing of the ship to the now retching Natsu, was Percy, who for the moment had eschewed his usual outfit. With him going instead for brown, leather sandals and bright orange swim shorts, and nothing else. His newly acquired sword, Rose Espada, having been left back at his house in Magnolia, along with the rest of his belongings, save a few pieces of clothing.
His other sword, Backbiter, meanwhile had also left behin, after all according to him; 'he didn't need it as he was just testing some S-Class candidates on the Guild's sacred island', though not at his house due to it's apparent 'priceless nature'. Though he had claimed to have absolute faith in the person whose hands he had left it in.
Looking out to sea, Percy ignored the feeling of eyes on his back. With both Knightwalker and Scarlet's, Lucy and Cana all having been sending him the occasional looks. Eyeing up his now revealed, tanned, heavily muscled body, their eyes roving over the dozens of faded scars that littered his torso and arms.
None of the four were exactly subtle in their interest, or in one case just appreciation.
Despite that though, Percy neither covered up, nor preened. Instead he continued to stare out solemnly at the sea.
The sea breeze was barely existent, but despite that he felt the calm and tranquillity of being near the sea rushing over him, relaxing him. He loved being at sea, it was where he was not only at his most powerful, but also at his most comfortable.
Looking out at the sea now, he knew that he could happily spend the rest of his life out here, either sailing a boat over the waves, or exploring the depths of the oceans.
Unfortunately though that was not viable. Humans were social creatures by nature and, despite his partially divine heritage, Percy was no different. He required bonds and interactions just as mortals did, otherwise he knew for a fact that the loneliness and isolation would begin to weigh on his mind as it had in Tartarus. In fact so profound was his lack of connections in the Pit that he had in the end attempted to take his own life.
Ironically that was how he had ended up here happy and content, and living a new and exciting life as a wizard of Fairy Tail. Before that however, his life in Tartarus had become so empty, and he had become so crushingly lonely that he had hurled himself into the void of chaos that lurked below the Pit, all in an attempt to end the immortal life that had been thrust upon him.
Impetus the Impaler, the Titan of Mortality, or Bob as Percy had called him, had tried to be kind and helpful when he bestowed his full blessing on Percy. But in the end his blessing had become a curse. Sure it gave Percy his ability to heal others with his silvery fire, but it also had become a chain, one that had bound Percy to life eternal.
All these centuries later, and Percy still didn't know whether he should thank Bob for his gift, after all he had had a great and very long life, or whether he should curse him for the misery he had lived through in Tartarus and the pain that had forced him to the point of trying to take his own life. A pain that had continued even here in Earthland when he was forced to watch on helplessly as those around him wasted away and died.
Pushing away these maudlin thoughts, Percy shook his head.
No, as much as he would love to spend the rest of his life at sea, it just wasn't doable, nor was it something he realistically wanted to do. Mainly this was because he didn't want to force others into that life with him, as he knew if he asked, Erza Scarlet for one, would come with him, probably the other Erza too. But doing so would be unfair, he knew that.
More than that there was also Wendy, and the rest of the Fairy Tail Guild members. He loved being a part of the Guild, and going off on adventures, or exploring the world, or even just hanging around the Guild chatting and drinking. It was something he knew he would miss, so much so that he doubted even he would realistically want to spend the rest of his life at sea.
No, it was little more than a stupid, impractical daydream really, one that he knew he would never go through with. Or at least not permanently. Doing it for a year or so though, maybe even a couple of years that was possible. But it wasn't going to be something he would be doing anytime soon.
Once again Percy shook his head at that, his sea green eyes twinkling in amusement at the randomness of his thoughts. He of course knew why he was musing on such things, it was so he didn't think about the conversation he had had with the young, blue haired girl he had left back at the Guild, Wendy.
( - )
(A few days previously)
"Wendy." Percy said softly, looking down at the diminutive girl as he did so, his face carefully composed as he pondered over what to say next.
Currently the two of them were stood at the docks in Hargeon Town, both of them standing off to one side of the rest of the Guild members that had come with them. With the participants in the trials and their partners, along with the Guild's S-Class wizards and Guild Master, boarding the ship headed for Tenrou Island, whilst several others, including Elfman and Lisanna Strauss, Juvia, Bisca, Alzack, Macou, Wakaba, Romeo, Jet and Droy, along with a dozen or so others waved them off.
"When do you get back?" Wendy spoke up, looking up at him now, her wide, hazel eyes boring into Percy's sea green ones. Her attention entirely on the older man to the exclusion of all else, even as her companion, Carla, stood beside her, her paw resting comfortingly on the girl's leg.
"Hopefully it should only take a week. A couple of days there, a couple of days on the island and a couple of days back." Percy replied softly, his hand twitching as he fought down the desire to ruffle her hair or pat her on the head. This wasn't the moment for that.
Instead he knelt down so he was at eye level with her. "Look Wendy, I know I said we would talk about this whole, father and daughter business, and I really did mean that. When I get back from the S-Class trials, I promise I will take however long I have to off Guild activities so we can sort this out."
Wendy nodded at that, but didn't look convinced, and honestly Percy couldn't blame her. Ever since they had gotten back from Edolas, a couple of weeks ago now, he had not confronted the issue of Wendy's paternity. Instead he had made excuses, such as the S-Class trials, and other Guild business. All because he wanted to avoid the issue, whilst he collected his thoughts.
He had had children before after all, and it had never ended well. Not that there had been anything wrong with his children though, no, for the most part they had been great! Instead the issue had been that they had all been mortal, and so had eventually been taken either in battle, or by disease, or by time. Unfortunately none of his children had inherited his Demigodly blood or abilities, nor partial his immortality.
Why this was he didn't know. Maybe it was because he was no longer on earth, and so the connection he had been born with to the domains, one which had prevailed even here in Earthland, could not be replicated within his children. After all Percy wasn't a god.
Or maybe it was the nature of the people of Earthland, and the way Ethernano effected their bodies. Percy was no scientist so he couldn't say, but what he did know was that none of his children had inherited even a sliver of his Demigodly abilities as he knew a Legacy should.
"And that's a promise Wendy. I know you are confused about all of this. I mean, so am I! But together we can sort this all out." Percy continued earnestly. He had to do it, he knew that much. This was a confused young girl, his possible daughter, and he owed it to her to resolve things. He had to take responsibility.
Once again Wendy sent him a nervous, and slightly weak smile.
"You know what, I will give you a token to seal my promise." Percy said in the spur of the moment, unbuckling Backbiter from around his waist as he did so, before he wrapped the leather belt around it and offered it to Wendy. "This is my sword, Backbiter, it is the most important thing I own, the last link I have to my homeland, my family and my origins. More than that it is also an incredibly powerful and priceless magical item. I'm offering it to you now with the promise that you can look after the sword whilst I'm gone, and only have to give it back to me after you feel I have lived up to my promise!"
It was an odd gesture, but one he hoped would have meaning. The blade meant an awful lot to him, and by entrusting it to Wendy whilst he was gone, he was hoping to add weight to his promise.
Wendy blinked in surprise as she reached out and took the sword, her arms sagging slightly at its weight, before she wrapped both arms around it and hugged it to her. Her large brown eyes back on Percy now.
She understood the meaning behind the gesture.
Standing up straight again, and ignoring the odd nakedness he felt now that he did not have his sword on his immediate person whilst awake, for the first time in many, many years, Percy instead smiled down at his possible daughter. "Stay safe Wendy, as I said, I promise we'll sort it all out when I get back. I promise!"
"Ok," Wendy nodded, a genuine smile on her face as she looked up at Percy. "I'll see you in a week then."
"Absolutely." Percy replied, a wide grin on his face as he ignored Carla's cynical harrumph, and instead reached out and ruffled Wendy's hair. "Now, I think I best be off. I don't want to be holding the rest of them up after all!"
Wendy nodded at that, her disposition outwardly brighter as Percy gave her one last pat on the head and smile before he turned and headed up the ship's gangplank. Wendy following along behind him, before she joined the rest of the well-wishers as they waved the others off on their journey.
"Bye! Bye everyone! Be safe!" Wendy called out, her voice almost getting lost amongst the others as the gangplank was raised and Percy used his abilities to cast off, the boat rapidly departing the shore.
"Bye! Bye Erza, bye Natsu, Lucy, Levy, Gajeel and Gray, bye Master and Mira, bye dad!" Wendy's barely audible voice called out, even as the ship continued its journey, rapidly leaving the mainland behind as Percy instead guided it towards the distant Tenrou Island.
"Bye Wendy." Percy muttered under his breath as he stood on the bow of the ship alongside several others, his sea green eyes fixed on the rapidly receding shore, and on the head of long, blue hair he could just about see among the other well-wishers in the distance.
( - )
(In the present)
A small smile played across Percy's lips as he thought back on his last conversation with Wendy. In fact a large part of him was nervously excited to return.
Sure the idea of having a fully mortal child again made him worried, just like his budding relationship with Erza, which while not officially consummated so to speak was certainly heading that way.
But even so, life went on, and if a person refused to live it then what was the point?
That being said it was difficult sometimes, to constantly lose the ones you loved whilst you lingered. It hurt, and it became a constant, ever-growing hurt that never really, truly healed.
At the same time though, the fleeting happiness he received from these connections and bonds he did create, they were worth all the pain that he knew would follow.
"Percy, you idiot." Percy mumbled to himself, shaking his head as he once again realised that he had already made his decision on what he was going to do. Both in regards to his relationship with, Erza, and his future relationship with his possible daughter, Wendy.
"I can see it!" Loke's voice suddenly shouted out, distracting Percy from his thoughts, and attracting the attention of the rest of the ship's occupants as they all looked to the front of the ship where Tenrou Island was now visible in the difference. The gargantuan tree that dominated the island, visible from miles around.
Lucy, Natsu, Gray and all the others who had never seen Fairy Tail's sacred island before, all gaped at the huge tree in the middle of the island as the ship rapidly approached, goaded on now by Percy's powers. With the tree noticeably sporting what looked like a second, smaller island on top, nestled amongst the branches.
"That's Tenrou Island?" Lucy asked to the ship at large.
"Yes, this is the birth place of Fairy Tail's First Master, Mavis Vermillion." Makarov stated softly, a slight smile on his face at the sight of the familiar island.
"It's also where I first met her, many years ago." Percy tagged on, his tone musing as he looked upon the island with nostalgia. "That was back when Precht, Warrod, Yury and I were all members of a Treasure Hunters Guild, or rather they were I suppose. I just kind of tagged along for the ride."
Percy smiled here, his features shifting up into a bright, enthusiastic look, a noticeable change from his usually stoic or serious expression, with him only usually showing hints of amusement and happiness on his face when in large groups, and certainly not being as openly expressive as he was now.
"Warrod, Precht and Yury, those three helped found Fairy Tail along with Mavis didn't they?" Levy asked nervously from the side, looking at Percy with growing amount of awe now. The short, blue haired girl having never really interacted with Fairy Tail's Ace before, as she had neither sought him out to train or go on missions with, nor been loud or obnoxious enough to be reprimanded. The nervous girl instead merging into the background when compared to the louder members of the Guild.
"Yes, Fairy Tail was founded soon after we all met up. Though that was more due to Mavis and her tenacious ways than due to us." Percy replied easily, his smile as bright as before as he favoured Levy with a fond look. "I'm surprised you know about that though. Most of the members of the Guild only know of Mavis who was the First Master, and maybe Precht who was the Second. They tend to forget about Warrod and my own parts in the events that led to the creation of Fairy Tail."
"That's because the others prefer to fight and drink, as oppose to reading." Levy replied dryly.
With Erza Scarlet giving her own response at nearly the exact same time. "Well, if you ever bothered to share your history and the things you have done, more people would know. But instead you prefer to keep your memories and experiences to yourself."
"You have a point there Levy." Percy nodded to Levy, after which he sent Erza an amused look. "And as for what you said Erza. I'm not about to start talking about myself constantly, not without reason. If you want to hear my stories you have to first ask."
"I have asked before." Erza shot back, a frown on her face. "But you avoid answering."
"Well I will admit there are somethings I would rather avoid speaking about, or at least in public." Percy shrugged, before pushing on when he saw the look on Erza's face. It was one he recognised, as it was often followed by a long argument. "But anyway, we're almost to the island now, and I think Makarov wants to say something."
Erza frowned slightly at that, though she couldn't help but smile a few moments later when Percy sent her a wink.
Not noticing this Knightwalker jabbed her Earthland counterpart in the ribs with her elbow and sent her a mocking smirk. This in turn led to Scarlet jabbing her back, after which the two began to tussle, whilst also pretending not to be squabbling.
Rolling his eyes at this display from the two grown women, Percy looked over at Makarov expectantly.
"Percy's right, before we arrive at the island I want to announce the details of the first part of the trials." Makarov said bluntly, wiping some sweat off of his brow as he did so, his gaze momentarily shifting to the blazing sun overhead. "But first, I want all the S-Class wizards off of the ship, you already know what you've got to do! You've all done it enough times by now, you lazy brats!"
Percy laughed at that, before nodding. After which he ran to the side of the ship and leapt off of it, diving through the water without so much of a splash as he did so.
Similarly, Mira, giggled slightly at the Master's words, after which she sent the assembled wizards a wave, before she used her Take Over magic to change into one of her winged Satan forms, which she then used take to the air, shooting off in the direction of the island as she did so. Followed closely by Erza who, after re-equipping into one of her winged armours, gave them all a nod before she grabbed the complaining Gildarts and flew off in the direction of the island.
"Brats." Makarov grumbled, again, though he noticeably smiled underneath his bushy white moustache. Not only because he was actually very fond of his S-Class wizards, just like he was all of his children. But also at the thought of calling Percy a brat, which was especially amusing considering Percy was old enough to be Makarov's many times great grandfather.
"Right, now that those lazy layabouts are gone I can continue, now listen up! Soon, you will see smoke rising from a clearing just off of the coast? First, head there. Once you arrive, you will find that there are six paths available for the five teams to take. Though I will say that only one group can enter each path."
With that said Makarov pulled a rolled up chart out of his pocket, which he then showed to the assembled mages. Even as a small column of smoke began to rise from the clearing on the island, as one or other of the S-class wizards obviously arrived and got to work setting up the task. "And here's what waits for you on each path."
The gathered contestants crowded around the chart, all of them eyeing it up cautiously. Who knew what the crafty old Guild Master would have in store for them, though considering the S-Class wizards that had been sent to the island they knew that whatever they would be facing, it would not be good.
"Only the teams that get through this task will clear the first part of exam." Makarov declared, an evil smile on his face as he watched their facial expressions. Surely by now they all knew that the S-class wizards they brought with them would be the ones testing them. Only now they would know just what that test would be.
"Battle?" Levy asked nervously, staring at one of the paths, all of which weren't number. With this path, like the others, have a small bubble in the middle of the path, with the word 'battle' written within. Noticeably this bubble had two pathways leading to it, and only one leading away from it.
"It says 'battle' for two of the paths, 'Hard Battle' on the other two of them, and then 'Impossible Battle' on the final two paths." Lucy noted as she scanned her eyes over the six paths.
"In the 'Battle' route, two teams will meet up, and only the winning team will be able to proceed." Makarov explained, his smile widening as he saw their looks of comprehension, it was so fun to mess with his children sometimes. "In the 'Hard Battle' routes, you will have to defeat an S-Class mage in order to proceed, either Mira or Erza. If you go down one of the two paths with the 'Impossible Battle', well, then you will be facing either Perseus or Gildarts."
Lucy, Cana, Mest, Happy, Gray, Levy and Loke all looked horrified at the task, all of them sending looks of shock and fear at Makarov. The crazy old man really expected them to fight not only the S-Class's like Mira and Erza, but also Perseus and Gildarts too. That was surely suicide!
Natsu, Gajeel and Erza Knightwalker though merely grinned excitedly.
"I hope I get either Perseus or Gildarts!" Natsu said enthusiastically, slamming his flaming fists together in front of him, ignoring Happy's moan as he did so, though by now the Exceed was well used to his partner's 'eccentricities'. "That or Erza, I would fight Erza too if I can!"
"I've fought Perseus before, if you want to be crushed underfoot then go right ahead. My aim though, my aim is for Scarlet! I want to fight her, no I want to destroy her!" Knightwalker spoke out next, her dark eyes flashing and her grip on her spear tightening.
Mest, noticeably groaned as he saw her actions, he probably hadn't realised that he had partnered up with a battel fanatic.
Gajeel merely sniggered creepily. "I don't care who we go up against, I just want to smash some heads!"
"That's not the point of this exercise, Gajeel…" Levy groaned, rubbing her temple tiredly as she saw the red eyed Dragon Slayer's eager grin.
"And Levy's right! Your goals in this first exam are 'Power', 'Skill', 'Adaptability' and 'Luck'!" Makarov shouted, gesturing around at the assembled mages as he did so. Wondering as he looked around at the mixture of expression on their faces, whether any of them would actually figure out the test and pass it.
"If it's luck, we might be able to do this!" Lucy chirped up, perking up at the thought of avoiding the S-Class wizards entirely. She would much prefer to fight one of the other teams.
"We have very little chance of running into a weaker team." Cana sighed pessimistically from beside Lucy, sending the blonde a pitying look as she did so. "The only ones I'm confident in facing are Levy and Gajeel. Maybe Natsu and Happy too, since Happy is no threat."
"Oi!" Gajeel growled, not liking the idea that Cana thought him a push over. Whilst Happy just looked mortified at her frank assessment of him.
"Logically, only a maximum of four teams will pass the first stage." Levy said, with her, unlike Gajeel, focusing on the task at hand and not what the others were saying. Though she did understand where Cana was coming from, she didn't fancy facing off with Natsu, Gray or heaven's forbid Erza's doppelganger, Knightwalker, either.
"Make that two!" Gray shook his head, licking his lips nervously as he looked at the others. "Gildarts' and Perseus's are labelled impossible for a reason."
"You could probably throw Erza's route in their too." Loke tagged on cynically, he might be a Celestial Spirit, but at the moment he was only relying on his own power, as such he knew he might be in over his head when facing off with a truly powerful S-class wizard.
"Mira's no slouch either." Cana shook her head, the barmaid might now be semi-retired, but that made her no less dangerous.
"So in the worst-case scenario, only one team will pass." Levy sighed, her expression pretty miserable now.
Conversely her partner, Gajeel, merely grinned, using her head to lean his elbow on as he looked around at the others, his red eyes gleaming manically as he did so. "Cool!"
Several of those present, including Levy herself, rolled their eyes at the Iron Dragon Slayer's words and actions. The man had always been pretty abrasive and aggressive, it was really not a surprise that he would act in such a way after hearing the news.
"Enough talk, it is time for the first part of the S-Class trials to begin!" Makarov yelled, drawing everyone's attention back to him as he did so, before he then grinned as he looked around at all the assembled wizards. "From this point on, you can consider this year's S-Class Trial officially begun!"
"Huh?" Gray frowned.
"But... aren't we still on the ocean?" Loke tagged on.
"We've got this, Happy!" Natsu exclaimed, jumping up and letting Happy grab him after which he hurled himself into the air, with Happy holding onto his back as the two soared into air and headed off in the direction of the island. "We can choose our path first!"
"Aye, sir!"
"You cheater!" Gray roared after him, his brow furrowed as he saw that the usually dense Fire Wizard was already ahead of the rest. "Damn you, Natsu!"
Cana's eyes widened as she saw this, the pink haired Dragon Slayer rapidly shooting off towards the island. With Gray and Loke running after them, both of them leaping off the ship, only to land on a sudden ice slide/ path that Gray made under them with his magic. One which they then began to sprint along, the ice structure breaking apart behind them as Gray undid it, so as to not to help the competition.
"Dammit!" Gajeel cursed, also seeing the others heading off, even as he grabbed Levy by the collar of her shirt and leapt off of the side of the ship. Levy trailing after him with a squeak as they crashed into the calm waters, though she recovered quickly as the both of them began to swim for the shore.
"Erza!" Mest called as he ran over to the scowling red head. "Give me your hand, I can use my Teleportation Magic to get us over there!"
"Than do it!" Knightwalker replied, gripping Mest's shoulder as she did so, only for the two of them to vanish in a gust of wind. Both of them then appearing in mid-air fifty odd metres away, only for them to disappear again, as they jumped several more times using Mest's magic, each time appearing closer and closer to the coastline.
"Cana come on!" Lucy suddenly shouted, grabbing Cana's hand as she then tugged her along. "We can't let them all get ahead of us!"
"Right!" Cana nodded, getting her head back in the game now as she saw the four other teams had already set off. With the teams of both Mest and Erza, and Natsu and Happy, having already made it to the coast. Both of them getting first pick of the routes. On top of that Gray and Loke were very close to reaching the coast too, with Gajeel and Levy swimming along after them.
"Don't worry about the rest of them, there will still be two pathways for us to choose from. Besides at this stage it's all about how lucky we are when choosing paths!" Lucy shouted, even as she leapt off of the side of the boat and into the warm water below. Cana following closely after her.
Nodding her head at Lucy's words, Cana knew she was right. At this stage it didn't really matter whether you were first on the island or last, the pathway you chose could lead to anything. It was all just based on luck. "Come on, there is no rush. We should conserve our strength."
"Right!" Lucy nodded, both of them swimming towards the shore now. Following after Gajeel and Levy who were a hundred or so metres ahead. The other three teams all having already landed on the island by this point, and chosen their paths as they rushed forward to complete the first stage.
( - )
(On the Island, with Natsu and Happy)
"This island..." Happy muttered, as both he and Natsu walked along the thick, tangled, over grown coastline, heading for the small pillar of black smoke just ahead of them. "I can feel great magical power coming from the land."
"Yeah..." Natsu nodded, his own eyes wide as he looked around at the wild, and odd looking flora. With his attention soon moving to the clearing they had just entered, and the six pathways that could be seen leading from it, each of which had a glowing letter over the top of it. "Looks like we're the first ones here... which one do you reckon we should take?" He then asked, nodding at the six available pathways.
"I don't know, which one do you want to pick, Natsu?" Happy replied indecisively.
"Um..." Natsu muttered as he looked from pathways, 'A' to 'F', before he pointed at the one labelled 'E'. "That one! 'E' it must stand for Erza!"
"Why would you pick Erza?" Happy asked worriedly, biting his lip as he looked between the other options. Personally he would rather fight one of the other pairs, that or face off against, Mira, who was at least more likely to show mercy than Erza, Gildarts or Perseus.
"It's because I want to beat her, of course!" Natsu shouted, after which he ran down the 'E' route.
He already had his plan in place, first he would defeat Erza, and the he would fight and beat Laxus, after which he would face off with Gildarts, until finally he would battle Perseus. He would fight his way up the Fairy Tail hierarchy until he stood at the very top.
"Wait for me, Erza, because I'm coming to kick your arse!"
( - )
(On the Island, with Lucy and Cana)
Running up from the coast, Cana and Lucy knew they were trailing the rest of the pack. The moment they reached the clearing with the six pathways, they immediately saw that four of the pathways, 'A', 'B', 'D' and 'E' had been blocked off by glowing, red barriers. The letter's overhead, now shot through with a red cross.
"Four are closed off." Cana said calmly as looked around the routes, her hair still wet as it trailed down her back. Though the rest of her was rapidly drying in the midday sun. "Ok... that gives us the choice of 'C' or 'F'. Huh, I'm feeling lucky. My name starts with 'C', so let's take that."
"No problem!" Lucy nodded, smiling as she saw Cana's confidence. Despite them arriving at the island last, the older girl had not let it get to her. She was still positive and confident, a far cry from her depressive attitude a week previously. "We're going to make you S-Class no matter what!"
Cana smiled softly as she heard that. "Thanks, Lucy, for everything!"
With that said they both ran into the cave, a red barrier forming up behind them the moment they did so. As they ran, the both of them could only wonder just what lay in store for them at the end of this path.
( - )
(With Natsu and Happy)
"Erza!" Natsu shouted loudly as he ran down the path, Happy nervously flying after him. "Get out here already! Let's fight!"
"But we're not sure if Erza is down here, Natsu." Happy replied shakily, his eyes flitting back and forth in the darkness of the cave.
"No way!" Natsu protested angrily. "I went down the 'E' path to fight Erza! I'm going to beat Erza here and then become an S-Class mage! I know it!"
"Natsu!" Happy cried, getting his attention as he pointed forward. "I found the way out!
"Someone's there." Natsu noticed as he ran for the opening Happy had pointed at, both of them then emerging into a massive cavern, one which was pitch black around the outside, but lit up in the centre by what looked like dozens of golden orbs that were floating around overhead.
"Who?" Happy muttered.
Soon enough though Happy's question was answered.
The first the two of them saw of their opponent was a metal leg, which stepped into the light, followed by a tattered black cloak that billowed around the figure. Upon revealing himself fully, the man smirked, inwardly laughing at their shocked faces, his bearded, tanned face splitting open to reveal a row of gleaming white teeth as he grinned over at the shell-shocked Dragon Slayer.
"Gildarts!" Natsu gasped out, paling considerably, even as Happy started looking a little faint.
"Yo, Natsu." Gildarts replied, raising his hand in a wave. "Looks like you got unlucky this round.
In response to that statement, tears began to well up in Happy's eyes. "It's over..."
"You know I hate holding back." Gildarts continued as he saw the Fire Dragon Slayer's blank face, reminding Natsu of what was in store for him if he chose to fight.
Natsu trembled as he heard that, but only for a moment, before he narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth. His lips curling upwards as he began to smirk in anticipation. "Now I'm really fired up!"
( - )
(With Erza and Mest)
"Hurry along Mest, I want to face down Scarlet!" Knightwalker snapped as she strode ahead of the thin, dark haired mage. Her spear in one hand and a scowl on her face as she looked ahead and through the gloom at a barely visible light ahead.
"We don't know for sure we'll be fighting Erza Scarlet!" Mest complained as he struggled to keep up with the intense, red haired warrior. Already he was regretting bringing someone so strong-willed along with him, he definitely should have gone for the meeker and shyer Wendy Marvel.
That being said when he had heard of Erza Scarlet's long lost, and previously unknown identical twin sister appearing at the Fairy Tail Guild all of a sudden, he couldn't resist trying to find out more about her.
"I suppose not, but that would be my preferred opponent!" Erza replied sharply as she strode through the lit doorway and into a wooded grove, the scent of sea air hitting her senses even as the sun shone down from overhead, creating dabbled shadows as it shone through the canopy overhead.
Almost immediately her spear, the Ten Commandments, was held at the ready in front of her as she immediately locked onto the figure waiting for them in the centre of the peaceful grove.
"Ouch, I'm not sure whether or not I should be offend!" Mirajane Strauss mused as she smirked at Mest and Erza, her tone not as soft as usual, and instead more demonic.
This was something that her appearance seemed to reflect as her long, smooth, silky white hair was suddenly wildly and spiky and sticking upwards, her facial features also looking sharper, crueller and more angled. With her outfit having changed from her maroon dress to a very revealing maroon coloured, skin tight body suit. Most obvious however was the large scaled tail that shifted about behind her, the pair of leathery, bat like wings that extended from her back, and her gauntleted, claw like hands.
"The Demon of Fairy Tail." Mest muttered nervously, taking a step back as he saw the dangerous gleam in Mira's eyes as she looked between the two of them, and then licked her lips.
"Is that what you call her?" Knightwalker asked bluntly, before she shook her head, her long red locks flicking back and forth as she raised her spear and settled into a fighting stance. "All I see before me is prey! Now come at me demon!"
( - )
(With Gajeel and Levy)
Running forwards, both Levy and Gajeel soon emerged from their pathway, both of them soon finding themselves in what looked like a sea cave, one that was partially open to the air, as cool wind blew in from the nearby sea, whistling as it passed the surrounding pillars of rock.
"Where's our opponent?!" Gajeel growled, looking around as he tried to find the powerful S-Class wizard they would be facing.
"I'm not sure." Levy muttered as she looked around, looking for any sign of one of the S-Class wizards.
"Wait, I hear something!" Gajeel growled, raising his hand as he tilted his head to the side. With his heightened senses he could hear footsteps in the distance, two pairs. "Hn! It looks like we'll be facing off with another group!"
"Oh, I wonder who it is." Levy wondered, as both she and Gajeel turned to the entrance on the opposite side of the cave to them,
Soon enough though, she had her answer as two shapes loomed in the darkness, only to reveal themselves to be the bikini clad Cana and Lucy, both of whom looked shocked to find themselves facing off with Gajeel and Levy.
"Hn! Good an easy fight!" Gajeel grunted, laughing creepily as he crouched down, preparing himself for a brutal and swift fight.
"Oh no," Lucy muttered, pulling out one of her Celestial Keys and her whip, even as Cana pulled out her deck of magic cards.
"Don't worry Lucy, we can take them!" Cana replied reassuringly, a slight grin on her face as she saw Levy and Gajeel had also started preparing for a fight.
( - )
(With Gray and Loke)
Jogging along the pathway they had chosen, both Gray and Loke were side by side as they eagerly emerged from their chosen route and into a large cavern.
Only for them to land with a splash into the knee deep water that covered the floor, water that noticeably rose and fell with the sea as sea water visibly rushed in through gaps and holes in the walls and floor of the cave, and then receded just as rapidly.
"You finally made it!" A loud voice sounded out enthusiastically, as Gray and Loke looked around at their surroundings.
Swivelling both of them looked to the sound of the voice, only for them to both pale immediately.
"Perseus!" Gray gasped out, taking a step back as he saw the Ace of Fairy Tail, the God of Fairies himself, standing a few metres ahead of him. The Ace's sandal clad feet standing on the surface of the water as if it were solid rock.
"Please, just call me Percy." Percy replied, before with a splash he released his control of the water and landed in the knee deep pool below him. "Honestly though, I was beginning to grow bored before you arrived, I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't get to fight, and that no one had chosen my route. Obviously though I'm in luck!"
"G-Gray…" Loke stuttered, taking a step back as he felt the immense pressure coming off of Percy's unassuming form, the water below him rippling and the walls and roof of the cave beginning to shake.
"I know." Gray nodded, gritting his teeth as he tried to quell his fear. Percy might feel like he'd been lucky, but they definitely hadn't been. "It's fine though, if we work together we can beat him!"
Loke sent Gray an incredulous look at that.
Percy however just smiled. "That's the spirit, now ready yourselves. This is a test after all, and I'm not going to be holding back much!"
Gray and Loke shared one last look as they head that, before without another word they nodded their heads and leapt into action.
( - )
(Elsewhere)
Unknown to all those on the island, several miles off of the coast of Tenrou, a large, black airship determinedly flew through the air, its magic powered engines flaring as it made rapid progress towards its destination. The symbol of a thorny heart clear for all to see on the side of its hull.
( - )
AN: So what do you all think? Despite this only covering a small span of time there was quite bit of stuff happening. On top of which it does show who was left behind, and who was brought along. Plus we've got some exciting fights coming up, and lots more!
Thanks a lot for reading and I hope you all continue to support and read the story. Please do leave a review, and if you have any questions then feel free to PM me, I'm usually pretty good at replying.
Catch you later.
Seagate.