To Amanda: Thank you so much for the compliment! It means a lot! Anywho, I will be writing a side story on how Lucy managed to obtain Loke's key. Also the thing with the keys and Layla will be explained in the later chapters. Lucy's keys will also be introduced in, maybe, the next chapter or so. The matter with her dealing with Motion Sickness though would be a story for another time. *snickers*
A/N: I'm still confused about whether to focus the story on Laxus AND Lucy or just Lucy. On one hand, focusing on both, I would have to rewrite some major arcs. On the other hand, if i just focus on Lucy, I would have the choice on whether to follow the main plot or not. I guess it'll depend on my laziness *cries* Also as you all may have guessed, the fights that i wrote are altered and so is not same as the anime/manga. Anyways enough of that, let's begin the story!
Disclaimer: Mashima Hiro-sensei owns the Fairy Tail Characters!
The Fairy Tail mages gathered around the stage as they waited for their master to announce the exciting news. Wendy Marvel, a polite girl who recently joined the guild, could only look in awe as her fellow guild members watched eagerly at Master Makarov. Her exceed, Charle, looked at their guildmates with disgust, clearly not amused by their barbarian-like actions.
"Alright brats! It's that time of the year!" they all cheered at that, "It's time for the S-class exams!" Erza, Mirajane, and Gildarts, Fairy Tail's strongest member who recently came back, joined the Master on stage.
"For all those who are new, we are going to explain the rules," the Master started, "You are given a one week preparation for the trial."
"Within that week, you are to choose a partner that will accompany you throughout the trials," continued Mirajane cheerfully.
"There are two rules in choosing a partner: first, they must be a Fairy Tail wizard; second, they must not be an S-class mage," said Erza sternly.
"Which means Mirajane, Erza, Master, and me are excluded from the list of available partners," Gildarts added with a grin.
Then, with the rules explained, Master Makarov cleared his throat. "The nominees for this year are:
Natsu Dragneel!
( "Yosh! This year I'm gonna be an S-class wizard!")
Gray Fullbuster!
( " Not a chance flame-brain, it'll be MY year!""Oh yeah?! I'd like to see you try Ice Prick""Stop fighting!" * bonk*)
Juvia Lockser!
( "Eh?!?! Juvia too?!")
Cana Alberona!
( The said girl clenched her teeth together angrily as she stopped drinking.)
Freed Justine!
( "An S-class mage like Laxus-sama and Lucy-sama!" Freed reacted while crying comically.)
Elfman Strauss!
( "I'm a MAN!")
Levy Mcgarden!
( "Finally...")
and lastly... Mest Gyder!
Congratulations you brats! May the best mage pass!" With that, Makarov and the S-class mages exited the stage and left the guild members to congratulate the participants.
The rest of the populace's mood got dampened when they didn't hear their names. Though, in true Fairy Tail fashion, they eventually cheered up and congratulated the nominees.
The nominated people all crowded the bar as Mira went back to her post as the barmaid. "So, who are you guys choosing as your partners?" she curiously asked them.
"I'm gonna partner up with Happy!" Natsu said, all fired up.
"Aye sir!"
"We're gonna train for the rest of the week, I'm all fired up!"
"Aye sir!"
And with that, the duo exited the guild at high speed.
"Bickslow would be my partner for this year, Miss Mira," quipped up the ever so polite Freed, Bickslow at his side. The third member of the Raijinshu could only pout when she heard that. She would get left behind! Oh how she missed Lucy.
"Well...Juvia is.. planning to.. forfeit..." Juvia mumbled shyly. "Now why would you do that Juvia?" Lisanna, Mirajane's recently returned sister, questioned the water mage. "It's...because...Juvia wants to..." "Nonsense! Let's partner up! We're gonna win for sure!" And with that, the Water Mage and the Animal Take Over Mage were partnered up, though not without protest from the former.
Elfman, Lisanna and Mirajane's brother, choose that time to break in. "Lisanna, be my partner for the trials please!" Unfortunately, he was shut down by his sister. "I'm sorry Nii-chan, I already promised Juvia that I'll be her partner."
The Take Over: Beast Soul Mage could only sulk at that. Now who was gonna partner up with him?! Just then, a fan hit his back. "It would be your honor to partner up with me hmph." And now, Elfman and Evergreen paired up, not before bickering.
"Oh man, Loke was supposed to be my partner for this year. Sigh, guess I'm just gonna find another partner," Gray complained.
"I'm hurt that you could just replace me that easily Gray." A voice said. The people at the bar looked at the direction of the voice and low and behold, Loke was standing there in all his glory. His appearance was different from the last time they saw him. Now, he was back to the old Loke they know, green jacket over a darker shade of green shirt, murky cargo pants and all.
"Loke?!"
"In the flesh."
"Can you even join?" Elfman questioned incredulously. "Of course I can, I'm still a mage of Fairy Tail." Loke lifted up his tee and showed of his guild mark at the back.
"But what about Lucy?"
"I already told my Princess. She said okay." He said with a small smile. "She's changed you know."
Gray got up and gave a high-five to the lion spirit. "Okay then partner, let's win this!"
In Levy's case though, Jet and Droy were fighting for the spot as her teammates. The bluenette only sighed as she witnessed her closest friends argue for the last 5 minutes. Eventually, a large, heavy hand landed on her head. She looked up at the offending person and was surprised to see Gajeel.
"I'll be your partner, Shrimp. Gihi." With that, Levy obtained a partner to help her with the trials.
Amongst these noises though, Wendy noticed how the normally exuberant Cana was actually quiet and was shockingly not drinking her usual barrel. This worried her and prompted her to ask the ever so caring Mirajane.
"Mira-san, is Cana-san okay?" Mira looked at the worried Sky Dragon Slayer at let out a small smile at how cute the little Slayer is. "Don't worry about Cana, Wendy. She's usually solemn around these months because of the trials. This is her 5th attempt after failing 4 times." The demoness then let out a small frown.
After hearing that, Wendy let out a determined huff. "I hope Cana-san passes this year's trials. I'm rooting for her!"
[Timeskip]
It had been a few days since the S-class trials nominees announcement. During those few days, the guild was in a festive mood than usual, even when it was cold and snowy outside, and the Young Dragon Slayer was soaking up on the vibrant atmosphere and was in a super cheerful mood.
The same couldn't be said for Charle though. Though her attitude at Fairy Tail was changed during the Edolas Predicament, she was still irritated at the grown members of the guild. Seriously, who gives a child BOOZE?!
Wendy and Charle, dressed in their warm clothes, were walking towards Fairy Hills, intending to go home and relax for the day. That was until they saw a figure lying on the snowy ground, wearing nothing but a bikini top and pants that reached just bellow the knees. The human between the two girls let out a gasp when she was able to recognize the figure.
It was Cana.
"Cana-san!" Wendy hurriedly kneeled in front of her fallen comrade and inspected her. She's cold, Wendy's eyes widen at that realization. "Charle, carry Cana-san please! She might suffer from hypothermia!"
Location: Fairy Hills
Thankfully there was no person inside the building, probably still at the guild, and Wendy was able to treat Cana before she caught anything serious. The brunette was able to woke into consciousness without any suffer.
Wendy then led Cana into the tub and soaked with her. She waited until the older maiden opened up on what was bothering her for her to end up like that. And she wasn't disappointed for waiting.
Cana revealed that Gildarts was her father. She wanted to tell him the moment she arrived at the guild when she was young but she thought to herself that she wasn't worthy of doing so until she becomes an S-class wizard. She then continued that it'll be her last S-class trials and if she doesn't pass she'll quit the guild.
Wendy, not wanting her to quit, declared, "Don't worry Cana-san! I might not be as strong but I'll help you pass the trials!"
Ignoring Charle's protest about how dangerous it is, Cana lounged at Wendy and trapped her in a hug while crying, saying "thank you's" over and over again.
One week later after the announcement, the nominees and their partners stepped onto Hargeon Harbor. Tension was high in the air as they eyed each other. From here on out, they were enemies, all aiming to pass.
Makarov looked at each of his children and couldn't help but give out a proud smile. They've all grown up from the little kids he took care of and as the father of the guild pride swelled from his chest. He observed the candidates and their partners.
Lisanna and Juvia
Natsu and Happy
Levy and Gajeel
Freed and Bickslow
Elfman and Evergreen
Gray and... Loke?
Mest and Karl ('A new recruit' he mused)
and...Cana and Wendy
They all boarded the ship that was going to take them to Tenroujima, the sacred island of Fairy Tail and the place where their first guild master's grave was located.
They had a current predicament though. Although they already knew when they set off that it was going to be a hot day, they didn't expect a sudden heat wave to occur and so they were all forced to change into their swimwear, aside from the Fire Dragon Slayer because: 1) He was practically in his zone, immune to heat; and, 2) Was unable to move due to motion sickness and Wendy, who was glancing apologetically to him, couldn't cast Troia on him since they shouldn't help each other out. That's why, even if he wanted to change, he was immobile.
Complains were heard throughout the ship deck. Some were lazily laying down to preserve energy, while some were absolutely not moving at all. They all quieted down when Master Makarov emerged from the captain's cabin.
The Master cleared his throat, "You all see that island over there? That island is where our founding master, Mavis Vermillion, body's rest. Your first task is to head towards the smoke. When you get there, you will see 8 caves, each cave can only let pass one pair." He then produced a map of some sorts out of thin air. "Four of the caves have the words 'battle,' in which you will fight your fellow participants. Three of the caves has 'hard battle,' in which you will fight either Erza, Mira, or Gildarts," everyone, except for the motion sick Natsu paled at this, "And finally, only one pair can go through the peaceful route. So everyone, Good Luck! May the trials...begin!"
"Eh?!?! Here?!" everyone shouted but was unluckily ignored by their master. And with that, the S-class exams began.
The exams were going smoothly. Teams were getting eliminated and they were given the second task of finding Mavis Vermillion's grave. Alls was going well until Grimoire Heart attacked Tenroujima Island and forcing the S-class trials into a hault.
It was also revealed that Mest and Karl were spies from the council, and that they were to infiltrate the guild. They later fled from the island, though not without attempting to persuade the guild members that it was dangerous and that they should get out of there. Of course, just like in Fairy Tail fashion, they all refuse to retreat and all swore to protect their sacred island.
Everyone was injured, and at some point, everyone lost their magic powers. Luckily, Erza was able to defeat Azuma, the one responsible for destroying the tree that is sacred to the island, and everyone was able to get their magic back.
Now, Team Natsu was at the entrance of the ship of Grimoire Heart, intending to defeat Hades, who injured their master badly and instigated the attack.
After sending Charle, Happy, and Pantherlily on a mission to find out any other clues that could defeat the previous Master of Fairy Tail, the pressure was real for Team Natsu as they were the ones tasked in facing the main villain.
It was Natsu, Erza, Gray, and Wendy against the guild leader of Grimoire Heart. Having suffered from their previous battles, it was expected that their current battle isn't doing well. It was then that one of Purehito's, also known as Hades, attack hit Wendy.
"Katsu"
The other three could only scream as they watch the youngest of them take the burnt, leaving only her clothes on the floor. They despaired thinking that the little one was lost to them until a clock-like thing was seen to the others on the roof. There was Wendy, inside the clock, naked but otherwise okay. The team let out sighs of relief.
"Good thing I made it just in time."
As one, Team Natsu looked at the source of the voice and who they saw made their eyes widen. It was Lucy Dreyar. She looked different to them. She wore a pink (wow they never thought that LUCY would wear pink) tank top paired with denim shorts, with it being held up by a belt which is where her keys and a whip were attached. Her hair was down and on her feet were red high heels. On top of all of that, she wore a beige cloak.
"Miss Lucy, I'm afraid my time is up. Good day." The now recognized clock spirit disappeared with a poof, leaving Wendy behind with new clothes.
"Ah, Lucy Dreyar. One of Makarov's grandchildren. What a surprise!" Purehito exclaimed gleefully. "Lucy! What are you doing here?" questioned Erza. "Loke relayed to me that you guys were attacked on Tenrou Island after he defeated Capricorn. I got a bad feeling and immediately set off with Laxus."
"Laxus?!"
As if saying his name summoned him, Laxus made a big entrance by destroying the roof of the ship. Laxus wore a black shirt underneath a white coat that reached his knees. He donned on black cargo pants with an also black boots. On his head were his usual massive earphones. A beige colored cloak, not unlike Lucy's, finished his look.
Lucy let out a whistle at her big brother.
"Always one for dramatics, Nii-chan."
"You know me so well, Lil' sis."
Wendy took this chance to get up and join her teammates' side. She knew if the watching Dark Guild Leader noticed, she would be doomed.
Purehito let out an amused and dark chuckle at the Dreyar siblings. Not only did he get rid of Makarov, he also would get the chance to get rid of his precious grandchildren. Seeing them distracted, he unleashed another powerful attack.
"Celestial Dragon's Heavenly Sphere!"
"Lightning Dragon's Heavenward Halberd!"
Luckily, Lucy managed to defend the unsuspecting team and Laxus was able to cancel out some of it.
Laxus immediately attacked Hades while his little sister, who put down her defense shield, stepped back in line with Team Natsu. Lucy watched her nii-chan continuously attack Grimoire Heart's master. She knew that Laxus, no matter how strong he was, was at a disadvantage and she couldn't just be the one to help him. Making a split-second decision, she turned to the injured Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Wendy.
"Listen," she started, "I know you guys are exhausted and injured but I can't be the only one to help my brother there." She caught their attention. "I'm gonna heal you guys and boost you up. I'll practically be a liability there after that so I'm going to be supporting you from behind."
Comprehending what she said, the Team all nod as one as determination settled on their faces. Lucy gave off a smile as she chanted,
"Oh Great Heavens,
Grant thy priestess with your holy light,
Shine on with your prowess,
As we eradicate the corrupt,
We ask thy aid!
ILLUMINE ETHEREAL!"
A bright light illuminated from Natsu, Wendy, Erza, and Gray as they felt their strength, magical and otherwise, return and boosted. When it died down, Lucy let out a sigh as she fell to her knees, panting.
"Lucy!"
"Lucy-san!"
Shouts of concern and worry of her name were heard but she didn't care. "You idiots! I'll be fine, just give me a minute or two. Get your heads back in the fight. You have a guild master to defeat."
Laxus could only see his sister reassure- er scold?- the worried Team Natsu with his peripheral view since he refuses to even take off his eyes on Hades. 'Stupid. I told her not to over do it, Sigh. Guess I- no we- have to finish this off real quickly.'
As if sensing her brother's somewhat gaze, Lucy looked at Laxus. Her expression seemed to convey that She's fine and that He should focus on the main task at hand.
All of them unleashed an attack on Hades, thinking that it would affect him more if they combined their attacks together.
"Heaven's Wheel Blumenblatt!"
"Ice Make: Cannon!"
"Roar of the Fire Dragon!"
"Wing attack of the Sky Dragon!"
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!"
Lucy was assisting and staying alert in the case that one of them needed some support. She got ready and it was evident by her glowing eyes.
However, no matter how strong their attacks were, Hades wasn't affected by it, albeit he did have some scratches here and there. They all panted out, almost all of their magic reserves were empty, trusting their last attack to do the final blow. It was all for naught however.
Hades exchanged blows with everyone, kicking Natsu away, slapping the Titania, punching Gray and Wendy. Lucy, being back-up, helped in catching them incase they'll fall on sea. Laxus was the only one to keep up with him, but even he stood no chance as Grimoire Heart's master attacked him with magic.
Laxus, almost down and exhausted, called out to Natsu and practically demanded that he eat the lightning. There, Natsu transformed into what is called Lightning Flame Dragon Mode. He called out attacks with out of this world caliber but even that was all for nothing against Hades.
Hades let out a deep, dark chuckle at the Fairy Flies. "It's useless. I won't sustain heavy attacks, or even die, at your flimsy attacks. Now, it's my turn!"
He slammed his palms together, making an action similar to one of the 3 great spells in the Fairy Tail Guild. His next words made Lucy, Natsu, Laxus, Erza, Gray, and Wendy freeze in fright.
"Grimoire Law"
But, unexpectedly, he froze and started clutching his left chest, near where his heart is located. "Brats, what did you do?!"
Finally. Lucy let out a chuckle. "You didn't think I just stood by while they attacked you, did you?" With this she smirked. A pink haired maiden appeared beside her with a poof.
"I did it, Princess. Punishment?"
"No Virgo, no punishment. Great job you can go back now."
With a bow, she disappeared, once again with a poof. The rest of the mages only looked dumbfounded. She then explained, the smirk still not leaving her face
Five Minutes Earlier
While Hades was distracted by her friends (should she call them that?), Lucy summoned her beloved celestial maiden. "Virgo, I need you to go and find the source of his magic power and put a stop to it." "As you command, Princess."
With a bow, Virgo went underground. She followed the huge surge of magic powers and arrived at a dark room, only illuminated by a glowing, large heart. She soon also noticed three exceeds attempting to destroy the piece of machinery.
Happy, noticing the unusual presence in the room, trembled and called out in a fearful voice, "Who ever is there, I have a fish and I'm not afraid to use it." This, of course, earned Lily and Charle's attention. The both of them faced where Happy was looking and found a pink haired woman, dressed in a maid outfit with cuffs on her wrist.
"Worry not, I am not here to hurt you. My Princess tasked me to destroy the source and that is only what I would do. "The trio of exceeds visibly relaxed, but still put their guard up incase she'd go back on her word. True to her words, with a quick attack using her chains, the pinkette destroyed the specimen they previously looked at.
With another bow, she said, "I am now done with my task, good day." And she disappeared with a poof. However, the exceeds' troubles weren't over. Stomps of footsteps echoed in the room before the doors burst open. "Seize them!" one of the men exclaimed.
Lily, Charle, and Happy could only run as the men tried to take them down. "HELP US!!"
Now
"Curse you, you brats!" Hades was now on the floor, breath ragged. He never thought that there would be a day that he'd be defeated by Makarov's brats.
Team Natsu, plus Lucy and Laxus, cheered as they finally defeated the mastermind. Their celebration was cut short however when a stampede of footsteps became louder and louder.
Lily, Happy, and Charle burst through the now destroyed room of the ship, followed by dozens of guards. They knew they didn't stood a chance, their magic reserves were close to none and they didn't have enough strength to move. They were practically close to crawling as it is!
Luckily for them, and unluckily for the guards and Hades, the rest of their guild mates arrived and with a slap of Master Makarov's now enlarged hand, dozens of guards were swept away.
With the men out of the way, Fairy Tail won the fight against Grimoire Heart.
The Raijinshu, noticing the presence of Laxus and Lucy, didn't waste any time in approaching the duo. They immediately latched on to the two blonds, crying and hugging the life out of them. The whole ordeal was comical to the ones watching. It didn't escape Lucy's eye that Jiji went to say something to Hades amongst the crowd but she let it pass. Now wasn't the time to dwell on that!
To be continued...