"If there are no more questions…" The Guild Master paused for a few moments, ensuring there was no one else that was going to interject.
"LET THE TRIAL BEGIN!" Gramps yelled.
Immediately, all sixteen wizards ran towards the dark cave entrance. Wendy glanced at her companion. "Which way should we go?"
"I think we should let the others pick first." Lucy slowed down, allowing the wizards to get ahead of her. The Celestial Mage chose a leisurely pace, as opposed to the sprint of her competitors.
"Really? Why?" The Sky Dragon questioned.
"The odds of getting an S-Class wizard diminish considerably with this plan." Carla pointed out. "It's more likely that someone else will fill that spot. However, the chance never truly goes away."
Lucy nodded in agreement. "If I do have to fight Gildarts or Mirajane, I'm going to take my sweet time getting there. Might as well not waste the energy until I need to." She thought realistically.
As they reached the multi-forked entryway, the blonde noticed every path that was already taken had a small banner placed over it. This left route number five, one of the surprise routes for the Celestial Mage and her companions. The three ladies walk the path, noticing that it was impossible to see the light at the end.
"When do you think they'll attack?" Wendy questioned, referring to Grimoire Heart.
"I'm not sure." the young blonde was honest, shrugging her shoulders in uncertainty. "For now, they think they have the element of surprise. I bet they'll use that to their advantage for as long as they can."
"It's unnerving… Not knowing when they're going to launch their offensive." The white Exceed glanced around, noting the evenly spaced torches to light their way. As she looked ahead, she noticed there was still no sign of an exit.
"Whatever happens, we're going to fight together until the end." Lucy was determined. After all that she's been through, the Celestial Wizard was ready for it to end. Dico and the rest of Grimoire Heart tore her friends and family apart. They were going to pay for all of the damage they've caused.
Several minutes passed in silence. The only sound that was heard were the footsteps of the two ladies. Each Wizard in their own head, thinking about the events that will transpire in a few minutes to hours.
"Lucy…" The Sky Dragon Slayer was the first to break the silence.
"Hm?" The Celestial Mage raised a brow.
Wendy looked down, watching as her thumbs twiddled. "I want to ask you something…"
"Sure thing!"
"You seem pretty determined. More than I've seen before." The young bluenette began. "I just want to make sure you're okay. You've been through so much. I don't want you to lose sight of yourself."
The blonde mage smiled. "I appreciate you worrying about me Wendy. Even though I've lost people that are close to me, it doesn't compare to the pain I would feel if I lost one of you guys." Lucy glanced at her companion. "Fairy Tail is my home. I'm going to do everything I can to protect it. I can't do that if my head is fogged by revenge."
"I'm glad to hear it." The young Dragon Slayer grinned happily. "One more thing?"
"Ask away."
"Like I said earlier, I noticed you've changed a lot since coming back. The amount of magic power you've obtained in such a short amount of time is incredible!"
"I have Natsu to thank for that." Lucy grinned. "I gained a lot of this power after the Unity Spell."
"That's kind of what I wanted to ask about…" The young Dragon Slayer mentioned sheepishly. "What does it feel like. To be bound to someone else in that way?"
"It's something that is hard to describe." The Celestial Mage noted. "I'm aware of his emotions as well as my own. It can be a little overwhelming at times. But, the closeness I feel to Natsu is something I never want to give up."
"I hope to feel that someday…" The Sky Dragon Slayer mumbled quietly to herself.
The trio finally noticed a light at the end of the tunnel. The Celestial Mage's eyes widened happily. She picked up her pace, going from a walk to a jog. Lucy was thankful that she waited in the long run. It seemed as if she picked a route that was free of all conflict. As Wendy, Carla, and Lucy reach the end of the tunnel, they are greeted with their Guild Master sitting on a large stump.
Makarov had a smile on his face. "Congratulations! You're the first contestant through the cave."
"Really?" Lucy said excitedly.
"Yes! The Serenity route treated you well." Gramps nodded.
"What is the next step, Master Makarov?" Carla asked curiously.
The Guild Master leaned back, laying down on the stump he occupied. "We'll wait for the others to join. There could be up to five more joining us."
What are the others going to do after they lose?" Wendy questioned.
"They'll assist in the 'judging'." Gramps explained. "Their main objective is to ensure everyone's safety. The S-Class mages on the island will give them further instruction. They'll be searching for injured allies, as well as Grimoire Heart Members."
Natsu picked up speed, leaving everyone in the dust as he sprinted to the main hall. The Dragon Slayer chose the fourth route, opting for the 'surprise'. His companion was right behind him, acting as a personal cheering squad.
"Yeah! Natsu! We've got this!"
"S-Class status is just within reach," Natsu grinned. "I can almost taste it."
"Aye!"
The duo ran down the darkened corridor. It was a long hall that seemed to stretch for miles. After several minutes of running, the Dragon Slayer felt like he wasn't getting anywhere.
"How long is this hallway?" The blue Exceed wondered. "I feel like we've been running for miles!"
"You haven't been running anywhere." Natsu grumbled playfully. "Someone's lucky enough to have wings."
Minutes passed, and finally the two wizards came to a large room. Natsu immediately stopped in his tracks at the opening of the area. Seeing his long time friend wasn't something that he expected to find.
"Gray? What are you doing here?"
The Ice Wizard rubbed the back of his head. "It's a long story…"
"Well start talkin'.." The Fire Dragon Slayer crossed his arms. We've got the time.``
The black haired mage nodded, starting with the most recent change in events. "As you know, I was supposed to be at Grimoire Heart on an Undercover Mission…"
"Yeah?"
"One of the members flipped out on Juvia and I. If I'm being honest, I don't really know what that guy's deal was. He was pretty messed up from the Drip he was consuming. Anyway, he locked the two of us in a closet, saying he would leave us there until they were finished with the Raid. Leo helped us escape…" Gray continued to tell the events of what happened after they were teleported away from the Dark Guild's Headquarters.
Loki, Juvia, and Gray appeared in the Guild Master's office. They all fell to the floor after being teleported into the room. Each of them groaned, rubbing the body parts that ached from the fall.
"What are you three doing here?!" Master Makarov was completely shocked. He wasn't expecting anyone to be here at this hour, let alone three wizards supposedly on a mission.
The trio explains their previous predicament. Given the circumstances, they felt it was the best course of action to come back.
"I didn't want to leave Erza…" Gray's head hung. "I hate feeling like I abandoned her.."
"You did what you could to survive." The older wizard reminded him. "I'm proud of the progress you did make."
"Thanks Gramps…" The Ice mage sighed.
"What happens now?" Juvia questioned.
"Hmmm." The Guild Master sat back down at his desk. He rested his chin against his hand, contemplating their next move. "It poses an issue if Grimoire Heart sees you. At this moment, who knows how many of them are aware of your 'traitor' status. We may be able to use it to our advantage."
"I gotta go to Tenrou." Gray interrupted. "I have some unfinished business with one of their guild members."
"Are you sure that's a good idea, Gray?" Loki raised his brow. "I know you want to get your revenge against Dico, but-"
"That bastard has what's coming to him! Not only for me, but for Lucy and her friends."
The gray haired wizard could see just how determined the young mage was. Although it was extremely dangerous, the Guild Master decided to allow it. He could provide some good intel into their fighting styles.
"Here's what we're going to do." Gramps caught the group's attention. "Gray, you're going to Tenrou Island. You'll assist one of your fellow wizards in the Promotion."
"Juvia." The Guild Master looked at the bluenette. "I would like you to stay here in Magnolia. Since it's possible few know you're a part of the guild, I think you could still work as a person on the inside."
"How? I'm sure Dico's told everyone what happened."
"Never underestimate human nature, Juvia." The older wizard pointed out. "Many in Grimoire Heart could also see how untrustworthy he is, and not believe a word the man says."
"You're going to be crucial to our operation." Gramps smiled at the bluenette. "Our members will be filled in. They'll act as if they don't know you until the time is right."
"I arrived on Tenrou with the group. I was below deck and snuck into the cave like Gramps told me." Gray finished his recollection of the events. The look on Happy and Natsu's features were unreadable.
"Where's Erza?" Natsu inquired.
"She was able to fully integrate herself into the guild." Gray hung his head low. "She's here on the Island. Fortunately for us, she was strong enough to gain the attention of the Seven Kin of Purgatory. They all think she's competing for their own version of a 'promotion'. She'll be fighting with Grimoire Heart until it's time."
"Fighting… Against Erza?" Happy's eyes looked as if they were going to bug out of his head.
The Fire Dragon Slayer grumbled, rubbing the back of his head. "I can't exactly say that's good news… But it's good that she was able to stay in disguise for this long."
"Don't rub it in.." The Ice Mage rolled his eyes. "I can't believe we were picked out by a lunatic!"
"Try not to beat yourself up." Natsu tried to cheer his friend up. "I mean, the two of you made it weeks before this happened. That's better than any undercover work I've done."
"You've never-"
"That was my point, Gray." The Dragon Slayer continued. "At least you've tried. I don't think I have what it takes to be an 'undercover agent'. I'm proud of you for doing everything you could. Thank you."
The newly shirtless mage was shocked at his fellow guild mate's attitude. It wasn't like him to admit his own faults, let alone show gratitude to someone else for not completing their mission. "Uh… Sure thing Natsu."
"So, are we supposed to fight you?" The blue cat questioned, breaking the touching moment.
The Ice mage chuckled as he shook his head. "Whoever crossed my path gains me as an ally in their journey. At least that's what Gramp's said."
"Awesome!" The Dragon Slayer flashed a toothy grin. "Then let's get out of this place!"
Natsu, Happy, and Gray continue their journey through the cave. Their walk was mostly silent, aside from the Ice wizard asking the occasional question. He wanted to know what life in Fairy Tail's been like since they've been gone.
It took several minutes for them to reach the other side of the cave. Happy was the first to notice the light at the end of the tunnel.
"Hey, look!" The blue Exceed pointed.
"Awesome! We're almost through!"
The trio ran towards the light. As they reached the exit, the Dragon Slayer noted they weren't the first ones to reach the finish line.
"Hey! How long have you been here?" Natsu pouted, hoping to be the first one through. Lucy gasped, ignoring the question posed by her partner, instead she ran towards the Ice Wizard and embraced him.
"Gray!" Wendy screamed as she followed the Celestial Wizard's lead. She could feel the tears begin to sting her eyes.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" The blonde wrapped her arms around the dark haired mage. "Where's Juvia? Erza?"
"All of the contestants will need to know what's going on." Master Makarov commented from behind them, a clear smile on his face. "We'll have plenty of time to explain once everyone's arrived. For now, let's enjoy this amazing weather!"