Titania and The Hunter

Chapter 78: Jealousy of the Envious

Happy Holidays!

I'm starting to update these stories on AO3, so look out for that!

########Hunter########

"So…any more additions we'd like to make?"

"I'll let you guys figure it out." Gildarts kicked his feet up and leaned back in his chair, "I was gone for three years and you guys know better and I trust you and yadda yadda. Wake me up when-"

"Nope!" Naruto immediately knocked Gildarts' feet off the table and nearly sent the older Mage tumbling to the floor, "You don't get to kick back and doze off, you old codger!" The whiskered man got up in the face of Fairy Tail's strongest Mage and matched his intensity, "First time back in three years and you are going to help us with the selection process!"

"Calm down, fellas." Makarov quickly acted as a mediator before things could get out of hand. A cold sweat ran down his back at the thought of Gildarts and Naruto having a spat in the interior of the guild, forcing Erza to act and Mirajane to run interference before the rest of the guild steadily joined in. That was the stuff of nightmares. The short master sighed and took a sip of his drink, "I think we have our choices down already. We're just making sure there's no one we missed."

"Well, I'm content with the choices, Master." Erza said, sparing a look of pointed attention to the blond Mage in their midst, "I'm just surprised that you're as accepting of these choices as you are."

Naruto puffed out his cheeks and petulantly blew some air, "I'd like to suspend them from joining for a year for stealing the S-Class request - like what happened to me - but I gotta admit…they did a lot of good work this year." Naruto started listing off his fingers, "They stood up against the attack from Phantom Lord. They helped stop Jellal with the Ehterion mess. They made a stand during the Fighting Festival. They helped deal with the Oración Seis. And they saved the guild during the mess with Edolas. As much as I hate to admit it…they did a lot more to help than I did after my slip-up."

"Aww, that's very mature of you, Naruto." Mira cooed and gently patted his head, "You're acting like an actual grown-up, not letting your pettiness take rein in your choices. We're so proud of you." The white-haired barmaid continued to congratulate him in a sincere tone, "You've grown up so much."

Naruto could immediately tell she was mocking him as his eyes twitched, "D-Don't patronize me!"

"Who's a good boy? You are!"

"NOW YOU'RE TREATING ME LIKE A DOG!"

"Okay, that's enough," Makarov waved his hand, "Let's put off the observation of how much of a dog Naruto is-"

"OI!"

"-and get back to the matter at hand." Makarov stretched his arm over the table and pointed to a picture of Gajeel, "We're all in agreement that Gajeel shouldn't be promoted for a while, right?"

"We are." Erza nodded, "We understand how important it is he keeps contact with Raven Tail, and his promotion to S-Class might stress that clandestine relationship."

"And we can't risk that." Naruto nodded, "For the sake of keeping his safety, we can't let him promote. Someone will probably have to tell him that in private. As the one who's been handling his case during his meetings recently, I elect myself to do it. I'll be as tactful and delicate as can be-"

"Naruto, don't do that."

"Don't do that?"

"Make it sound like you're being considerate while you've got a hate boner for the guy." Gildarts stated as the others nodded, "You're being petty and that's all there is to it."

"Hey, I resent that! These things don't have to be mutually exclusive! I can find it hilarious that he doesn't get to promote and be worried about his safety! I'm complicated like that!"

Makarov sighed and rubbed his brow. He then looked down at the selected pictures and nodded, "Alright. I think we have our picks this year. Let's just hope everyone accepts these choices with grace and respect."

"Yeah, I know what guild we're in. I just thought that was the right thing to say."

########Hunter########

Lucy, Wendy, and Carla had noticed a change in the atmosphere of the guild hall. All of the newcomers noticed something was up, but only the three girls seemed to be curious enough to take note of it.

All of their friends and guildmates were focused only on completing requests and jobs. Over the last few days, they'd only spot glances of Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Levy, and other Fairies as they'd arrive from their jobs, make for the request board, and head back out without pausing.

Some of the older members of the guild fondly noted that rushing through multiple jobs at the end of the year wasn't going to do much to help their chances.

Koyuki only giggled and told them it was a secret before ignoring any further questions from them.

Cana was surprisingly sullen and quiet, barely even touching a drop of booze while she was in the guild hall.

And finally, the day came when something was different. The tables had been pushed aside and everyone was gathered in front of the stage with expectations and excitement filling the air.

Alzack shifted in place, "Please pick me. Please let it be me."

"Now don't be disappointed if it's not, okay?" Bisca tried to temper his expectations.

Max brimmed with excitement, "I'm gonna make it this year!"

"Are you kidding? It's me!" Warren argued, "Do you have any idea how many missions I took this year?"

Nab sweated, "I-I didn't do much, but they'll see my focus and determination and recognize that, right?"

The curtain on the stage pulled away and everyone went silent. They all stared up to see Gildarts, Mirajane, Erza, and Naruto standing in a line with Makarov stepping up from the middle. Everyone's mouth shut and you could hear the sound of a pin drop as the short Wizard Saint stepped to the front of the stage.

"…"

"…"

Makarov coughed into his hand, "Yep, it's time for the S-Class Qualification Test!"

"YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The guild hall erupted in a cacophony of wild cheers and excitement as any lid on the fervor was blown off with those few words. The newer members quickly realized why there had been such a rush of jobs and focus from their usually unbothered friends.

"That's right, it's that time of year again. The time when we discover which one of you has grown in strength, ability, and reliance that you might join this coveted group. This year, we'll be taking the test off our shores and to Fairy Tail's sacred ground, Tenrou Island!"

"Tenrou Island?"

"I heard about it, but I don't think I've ever been."

"I heard it's where our guild was born."

"I watched all of you grow over the past year! Each one of you wears the Fairy Tail insignia with pride, and when you do know that my pride in you grows ever stronger! But all of you have exemplified what it means to be Fairy Tail Mages, and as such I offer you the chance to join the next level!"

"Eight?!"

"That's more than usual!"

"Whoa! I might actually have a chance this year!"

Makarov threw out his hand, "After a long and thorough vetting process, these eight Mages have qualified for the exam! Natsu Dragneel!"

"YES!"

"Gray Fullbuster!"

"Heh, about time."

"Elfman Strauss!"

"HAHA! OF COURSE THE MAN WOULD MAKE IT!"

"Freed Justine."

"Finally, a chance to join Laxus' level."

"Juvia Lockser!"

"Juvia? Juvia made it?"

"Levy Mcgarden!"

"Aha, I finally add it!"

"Mest Dryer!"

Mest nodded.

"And Cana Alberona!"

Cana lowered her gaze to the floor.

"The test will be held in one week! During that time, I suggest you train and prepare for the hardest exam of your life!" Makarov nodded sagely, "Now since we have some new members this year, allow us to explain the rules for this year's exam."

Mira smiled and stepped forward, "This year, we're going to implement a team system again. The qualified Mages must partner up with another person from the guild to participate."

"It's another team test!"

"They switch those out every few years!"

Erza stepped up next, "Those participating may choose anyone in the guild to partner up with them, except for the Master and any other S-Class Mage. This is a qualification of your abilities as a Mage - it would defeat the purpose if you had another S-Class by your side to help you through it."

With a smirk Naruto stepped up, "This test was made to push you, pressure you, and even break you down to bits. There's no telling what kind of dangers and enemies you'll meet while taking on the most difficult jobs Fiore has to offer. But fortunately, since we're so nice, we'll let you have an idea this year." Naruto cracked his neck to one side, and grinned when he did it to the other, "If you wanna make it to S-Class, you'll have to go through me."

"And me." Erza followed.

"I'll be there too." Mira cheerfully joined.

"T-They're gonna have to fight the S-Class Mages to get promoted?!"

"I-I'm kinda glad I didn't get picked this year."

"Wait, if Naruto, Erza, and Mira are going to fight, doesn't that mean…"

Everyone off the stage looked in a single direction.

Gildarts finally raised his head with a boyish smile, "I love this guild."

Suddenly a lot of people were happy they weren't picked for the exam.

Makarov looked over the crowd, "More information will be given about the exam and what is to be expected as the test begins. Those that were chosen and those they picked as partners…you will arrive at Hargeon Port one week from now to ride a boat that will take you to Tenrou Island. When we return…it'll be with a new member joining us on this stage." He whipped his hand out, "Go, my children! Prepare for the most important test of your lives!"

"And know that only one of you is going to pass this year! Right Master?"

Everyone went silent and Makarov sweated a little as he felt the intense and unnerving focus on the back of his head. He gulped, "W-Well, I mean, that kinda depends on the situation, right? If I see some very exemplary performances out there, I might-"

"You wouldn't cop out on us again, right, Master?" Mira asked with a sweet smile and even bubblier voice, "Because you wouldn't ever do that again, right, Master~?"

Naruto and Erza sighed, "Can't believe she's still hung up about it."

########Hunter########

"I'm heading over now."

"Already?!" They balked in shock as Gildarts started heading for the door, "We just made the announcement! Don't you think you could wait around for a few days before just walking off?!"

"Nah, don't like sitting around anymore. Think I'll just head out and stretch my legs." The strongest Fairy lifted his new leg and flexed his mechanical arm, "If I wanna do my best for the test then I should make sure I'm in top shape. I'll see you guys there."

The other S-Class Mages watched their most senior member walk off without another word. Naruto looked at the girls and pointed in Gildarts' direction in disbelief, "What the hell? He's gone for three years and he won't stick around?"

Erza and Mira shared a look before shrugging. The barmaid went back behind the counter, "I mean Gildarts was always leaving the guild to go on the next request. He spent more time outside the guild hall than in it."

"The call of adventure and questing is always calling to him." Erza nodded, "If it wasn't for his injuries I'm sure he would have already been off to his next job."

"I know, but he was hurt and he's been recuperating here." Naruto huffed as he took a seat at the bar and leaned into his hand, "You'd think he'd want to stick around and hang out for a bit."

"Aww, you missed him."

"No, I didn't!"

Mira giggled and Erza smiled at his futile insistence as the blond man's cheeks turned a little pink in embarrassment. With a quick laugh between them, Erza looked around the hall and saw all the excitement and anticipation still brimming in the Fairies after the announcement was made, "It always gets so much more lively here when the exam time comes along."

"Well, it is a pretty exciting time." Mira smiled brightly, "Someone is going to be joining us in the S-Class soon. That's a big step not just for whoever makes it but for the guild in general. I mean remember when we were promoted?"

Naruto scoffed, "How could I forget? My ears were still ringing a few days after from how loud the party was. Just like Erza's was. Now that was loud."

"No one louder than you." Erza mused with a playful smile, "I swear you were switching between screaming, cheering, and solemnly promising you would become an S-Class next year to reach my level."

"Didn't you try alcohol for the first time during that party?"

"Yeah, we should've seen the signs back then." Naruto said, "But man, I know we can't just let anyone join S-Class so easily, but we might need to consider promoting more than one person at a time." He quickly noticed Mira's point look, "Look, I know you're against it but there are a lot of capable people here in the guild and we could use the boost to our numbers."

"That's true," Erza conceded, "I mean Mira came back into active duty and Gildarts finally returned, but there's no denying that we lost a lot of strength with Laxus and Mystogan no longer part of the guild."

"And Gajeel and Juvia were S-Class Mages in Phantom Lord." Mira reluctantly agreed, "There are more candidates for promotion this year than there have been in a long time."

"Yeah. I mean Mahiro was always strong and could probably get S-Class pretty easy, but she never took as many jobs when she was in the guild because she was more focused on raising Koyuki before she joined the Rune Knights." Naruto looked around the hall, "They might not all have the rank but they more than have the strength to join S-Class."

"But it's not just about strength. It takes a lot more than that to be an S-Class in Fairy Tail." They looked at Erza as she reasoned, "That's the whole point of this exam in the first place. To see if they have those qualities as well as the strength and skills they've honed."

"Well, we won't know until the exam is underway." Mira put down her glass and cloth before leaning on the counter and looking between her best friends, "I'll be leaving in a few days for Tenrou Island. Want to help set up the exam for Master before everyone arrives. What about you two?"

"We need to figure out who will take care of Koyuki while we're gone."

"Hopefully we'll be back before Mahiro takes some time off for Christmas, but we might need to wait until the choices of partners are made."

"Right, because I'm not going to be around to look after her this year." They all looked out over the guild with curiosity, "I wonder who will be a part of the test this year?"

########Hunter########

"Natsu, dinner'll be ready in a minute!"

"Got it!" The Dragon Slayer said in the middle of his set of push-ups. There was a circular space in the patch of snow he was training in where the heat and flames from his body melted the snow. He continued to train with an eager grin on his face and flames around his body, "Just let me know when it's done and I'll be right in, buddy!"

"Aye sir!"

With Happy by his side, Natsu knew he had this exam in the bag. He'd be an S-Class before the end of the year!

########Hunter########

"Thanks for coming back to help me, Loki."

"No problem." Loki sat back in his chair with his hair cut shorter to be in the style it was when he was still a Mage of Fairy Tail. The Celestial Spirit smiled, "I just hope Lucy won't be too lonely without me to be by her side while I'm gone."

"I doubt she'll even notice."

"Damn, that's hurtful."

Gray passed his partner a mug and they both toasted to a hopeful victory in the exam to come.

########Hunter########

Juvia blushed in quiet embarrassment while clutching her towel to her naked chest and body. Even though the Water Mage usually showed little apprehension or embarrassment while with others, that all changed when she had no clothes to cover herself. The powerful young woman became quite timid while sharing a bath with others, a fact the others who shared a bath with her in the guild hall or Fairy Hills quickly noted.

Lisanna giggled lightly while washing the reluctant blue-haired woman's back, "I'll never understand why you're so shy when in the bath with us, Juvia. You look absolutely beautiful."

"B-But Juvia isn't used to showing other people her naked body." The former Phantom Mage mumbled while her cheeks were flushed red, "Taking a bath with other guild members isn't something Juvia had ever done before coming here."

"Well, skinship is a staple of growing closer here in Fairy Tail!"

"J-Juvia is aware." She solemnly admitted, "Erza-San was very adamant about sharing the bath when Juvia first joined the guild."

"Yeah, that sounds like Erza. And now it's something we're doing too!" The youngest Strauss sibling pumped her arms in excitement, "We'll be able to secure your future as an S-Class together if we join forces!"

"Lisanna-San, Juvia was thinking about…maybe forfeiting…a-and then she could join Gray-sama-"

"That isn't gonna work, Juvia." Lisanna quickly shot her plan down, "Not only shouldn't you give up this chance, but Gray's already teamed with Loki, and once his mind is decided he isn't gonna give up that easily." She smiled, "Plus, don't you want to become an S-Class and join the ranks with Mira-nee, Erza, and Naruto?"

She knew it was a great honor to be chosen but she wasn't entirely thrilled to be competing against her beloved. The thought of fighting Gray for this promotion and possibly taking it from him was terrifying. She'd rather surrender and help him earn the rank. That was the right thing to-

Lisanna smirked cheekily, "You know, S-Class Mages have quite a bit of pull in the guild. And if you became one, you could choose other people to come with you on S-Class jobs. To far away places. All by yourselves. Just you…and someone else~."

Juvia's ears grew in size as they pondered on the unsubtle suggestion Lisanna was making. All business now, Juvia looked back at her partner, "Go on."

Lisanna was proud to have some of her sister's people reading skills down pat.

########Hunter########

Bickslow's totems floated around him as he smirked and looked at his partner's back, "You sure about this?"

Freed didn't need to answer. He was resolute in his decision…and knew there was no question about what he had to do next.

########Hunter########

Evergreen sat at the counter of the bar with a pensive look on her face and her cocktail in front of her. She crossed her legs and casually swirled her drink around in her hand as she stared ahead at nothing.

This was the moment Elfman decided to stiffly slide up, a put-upon frown plastering his face as he approached the woman at the counter. With a sigh, he leaned against the bar and nodded to her, "So, Evergreen, can you help me?"

Ever didn't look up from her drink, "Help you with what?"

"With what - are you kidding? With the exam! I need a partner!"

"And this is how you ask for help?"

"Are you serious?! You pretty much mean-mugged me all day long demanding I come over and ask for your help!"

"Took your sweet time."

"Do you want to be part of the exam with Freed and Bickslow or not?"

Ever gently picked up her drink, "This is a pretty half-assed way to ask for a favor."

"Oh forgot this." Elf man turned with a scowl, "There's no rationalizing with this woman!"

"Elfman, don't give up!" The Take-Over Mage looked aside and saw Macao, Wakaba, and a group of other Fairies sitting at a table and watching the train wreck with amused smiles on their faces. The older man urged Elfman back over, "You gotta stay on topic! Don't just walk away before you even broach the subject with her!"

"What am I supposed to do?! She wants me to make some damn big show of it when I know she wants to be a part of the exam so she doesn't feel left out!" A vein pulsed in Evergreen's hair as Elfman looked at the others, "Would any of you want to be my partner in the exam?"

They looked at each other curiously, "The same exam where Natsu will be punching everyone that gets in his way while we also might have to fight Erza, Naruto, Mira, and Gildarts?" With a unanimous shake of their heads they denied the burly man his request, "Nah, we're good man!"

A defeated sigh dragged out of Elfman's lips as he huddled back to the bar and sat by Ever's side. As a tense moment passed, his thumbs twirled around before he spoke, "As a man, I cannot let this chance to promote pass me by. I need to do whatever I can to pass the exam, and I need a strong and capable partner as support. And who better to ask for help than…than the true Fairy Queen of Fairy Tail?" He droned, feeling ashamed just for spewing out the lines before he looked at her, "So will you help me?"

"Compliment her hair!"

"What does that have to do with anything?!"

"Nothing, but it'll probably help! Ever, would it help if he complimented your hair?"

The bespectacled Mage pursed her lips and swirled her drink around charmingly. She shrugged, "It probably wouldn't hurt."

Elfman's face slammed into the bar counter with a groan. Being a man was never a path of luxury and ease…but maneuvering through the landscape that was a woman's ego might have been too much for him to handle.

########Hunter########

"This'll be our chance! We can go all the way to the top and crush everyone else that gets in the way! Salamander! The exhibitionist! Juvia – not because she got picked instead of me but because she's our enemy now and she must be crushed!"

"Gajeel-"

"Plus a chance to take a shot at the S-Class jerks too! Titania! Demon! The old grouch! And Hunter - especially Hunter!"

"Gajeel-"

"Now I've already come up with some preliminary strategies. They mostly involve you locking other people in place as I kick them in the nards! If they end up being a girl, I'll just kick them a few extra times! Then-"

"STOP!" Levy slammed a heavy book into the back of the Dragon Slayer's head to stop his rambling. As Gajeel was sent reeling and he dropped to a knee cradling his head, the short blue-haired girl frowned at him, "Can you please not rattle off a bunch of plans to beat up our friends like that! It's super creepy!"

"Ah, you brat!" Gajeel cursed while rubbing the sore spot on his head, "You can't think of them as comrades anymore! Until you win the exam, they're your enemies first and foremost!"

"Ugh, this is a headache." Levy rubbed her temple and deflated, showing a defeated expression as she shook her head, "Maybe this was just a bad idea. We probably shouldn't even go through with it."

"What?" What are you talking about?!" Gajeel jumped back up to his feet in indignation, slamming his hands on the table as he glared at the Solid Script Mage, "You don't mean you're gonna withdraw from the promotion, right?! That's stupid!"

"I know I finally got accepted to take part in the exam, but I don't know if I'm ready," Levy answered honestly. Her self-confidence was as low as it could be as she hung her head, "I mean even if I did take part in the exam, I don't think I'd be ready to fight people like Natsu or Gray or any of the S-Class."

Gajeel nearly exploded, "Are you serious?! They're a bunch of weaklings I could best with both arms and a foot tied behind my back!"

Levy rolled her eyes exhaustively, "Yeah, I know you think, but in reality, they're some of the strongest, most capable Mages in Fiore. And I…" She looked herself over sadly before closing her eyes, "I can't measure up."

"Because you're tiny?"

A vein throbbed in her head, "I meant that more figuratively than literally."

"Oh."

"Because it applies to your height too." Gajeel continued, motioning with his hands as they got smaller and smaller, "Because you are tiny."

"That's it," Levy quickly popped out of her seat and walked away, "I knew this was a bad idea."

"Wait! Wait, don't go!" Faced with Levy's annoyance and refusal to participate, Gajeel suddenly felt like he was floundering in place. He rushed over, blocked the short Mage's path, and grabbed her shoulders, "Just hold on a sec!"

"Let go." Levy pouted, "I don't wanna participate with you anymore."

"I said hold on!" The Iron Dragon Slayer panicked before quickly taking a calming breath. His eyes slowly narrowed with determination, "Look, you wanna win that promotion, right?"

"Gajeel-"

"No, forgot about everything else!" He bent over to look Levy in the eyes, "Forget about everyone else. Forget about not being strong enough. For about that. Listen, can you look me in the eye and tell me there isn't any part of you that wants to be an S-Class?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"One I gotta hear your answer!"

"Of course, I want to be an S-Class! Everyone does!" Levy's eyes lowered, "But I can't-"

"No, nothing else!" Gajeel pressed on, "That desire to be an S-Class! That's all you need to focus on! Look, everyone else has that desire too. I've got that desire - but I've been denied and I'm guessing a certain whiskered jackass is to blame." He muttered to himself before looking back at Levy, "That desire is all you need to focus on. If we have to fight, I'll make up where you think you're lacking."

Levy looked anxious and uncertain. But then with slightly pink cheeks she looked up at the pierced man and met his eyes, "You…you think we can do this?"

"Absolutely!" He grinned and bared his teeth, taking a hand off his shoulder and presenting his fist to her, "What d'ya say? That desire burning enough to best everyone else in the way?"

"…"

"…"

Levy knocked knuckles and their partnership was set.

########Hunter########

Carla had been trying to develop her Precognition since they had returned from Edolas. She had focused and trained with her new ability to try and see into the future. Since she was able to see glimpses of years ahead when she was born to cobble together some kind of mission, it stood to reason she could do it again with a more developed and focused mind. But unfortunately, she'd only ever gotten flashes of stuff that would happen just moments before it transpired.

Except for a recent incident.

When the S-Class Exam was announced and everyone was celebrating getting a chance to join the upper rank, she caught glimpses of events that had yet to happen.

Natsu trembling on his hands and knees.

Cana weeping and crying.

Naruto was seated in the dirt looking uneasy as someone held his black sword.

It was all confusing and hard to interpret, but there were two images she saw that she couldn't quite understand.

A black-haired young man she had never seen before…

And a young brunette girl's back as she stared out into open water.

Carla wasn't sure what any of it meant, but it made her uneasy. She didn't want herself or Wendy to get involved in the S-Class Exam in any way.

This is why it was so irksome when that scarred-faced man appeared in the night to talk with Wendy and ask for her help in the exam. The only thing that made it worse…

Mest floated in the ice-cold river as it snowed, "So this is what a river is like in winter."

"WENDY, YOU CANNOT TRUST THIS WEIRDO!"

"B-But Carla, Mest-San said he was Mystogan's apprentice. If he's asking for help-"

"Then he can ask someone else! You don't need to do anything for him!"

"But I want to!"

The Dragon Slayer and Exceed pair frowned at each other as Mest slowly drifted down the river.

########Hunter########

"Aw, dammit," Lucy sniffled and rubbed her eyes dry. With a moan she looked over at her house guest, "I wasn't ready to cry my eyes out."

"I wasn't trying to make it a sob story, by the way." Cana informed her friend with a light chuckle. The normally inebriated Fairy sat cuddled up in a blanket after Lucy had found her passed out in the snow after a wild binge. After being brought in and asked about why her mood had been fluctuating so much, Cana told Lucy the story she had never told anyone in Fairy Tail before.

"Yeah, well, it's still a pretty sad story." Lucy mumbled while drying her nose, "And you won't just tell him outright?"

"No. I won't. I…I can't bring myself to do it." Cana pulled her knees in and hung her head, "Not until I'm S-Class."

"Then let me be your partner!"

Cana looked up with wide eyes to see Lucy's narrowed and determined ones, "Lucy-"

"So you can tell him the truth, I'll help make you S-Class!"

"I mean…you know it's not gonna be that easy, right?"

"It never is! But I'll still do it!" The blonde promised, "Let me help you, Cana!"

Cana sniffled and gave a small nod, "Thanks, Lucy."

########Hunter########

"You got everything?"

"You bet!" Naruto said with a grin as he patted his bag eagerly, "Change of clothes! Toiletries! Extra snacks! I got it all!" The whiskered blond brimmed with excitement while listing everything off to Koyuki, "I'm about to be the best obstacle for the exam that I can be!"

"Yeah!" Koyuki raised her arms and cheered in response to her older brother's excitement, "You show them whose boss, Onii-chan!"

"You know it!"

"Alright, don't make too much of a scene." Makarov chuckled and tried to stifle the Mage and little girl's celebration. He looked over where a giant pile of suitcases was waiting just on the dock, "Well, Erza, I'm surprised you packed so light."

"Well, we aren't going to be gone for long. I thought we would just need the essentials; spare clothes, some food, tents for housing, some disposable furniture so that we can be comfortable and rest." Erza nodded proudly at her studious preparations, "Plus a couple of swimsuits so I can be comfortable."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You brought swimsuits?"

"Of course."

Mira smiled, "I didn't bring a swimsuit but I brought a lot of bright and breezy clothes. I mean the ocean in that area gets super hot very quickly. You'll melt if you wear your normal winter clothes."

"What?" I thought that was just a suggestion because we were going out in the water!" Naruto looked down at his heavy jacket and pants to keep the winter breeze from sending a chill up his back, "Dammit! I only packed warm clothes! Oh crap!"

"Don't worry," Erza patted his back, "I already considered that this might happen. I packed some extra clothes in the bag. You're set."

"Oh…I love you."

"I know."

"That reminds me," Mira quickly stepped up between them, "I'm not sure how long the boat trip will take, but I think we should all enjoy the trip together. On the deck. In public." She darkly stressed the point with her lovely smile, "Because I'm not suffering through this trip alone while you're down in your cabin playing bend the pickle."

"B-Bend?"

"Okay, that's enough you three." Makarov stepped in before their conversation could turn blue, "Mira, let's go over the checklist one last time. When you get there, along with making sure Gildarts hasn't broken everything, I need you to set up paths…"

Naruto sighed while he watched Makarov lead Mira away, "Well, if it's gonna be warm," He pulled the orange fox beanie off his head, "I guess I won't need to take this." He got on his knee and pulled it over Koyuki's head, "You mind keeping this warm for me?"

"Hehe," The little Senju giggled as she pulled the beanie down a little tighter, "You bet!"

"We'll only be gone a few days." Erza said gently while kneeling to join them, "If you want we can come back over after our part in the exam is done-"

"No!" Koyuki shook her head with a pout, "I'm not a baby anymore! I know you two have an important job as S-Class, and you should see it through!"

"Alright, if you say so, big girl." Naruto patted her head with a giddy smile, "Just take care and behave yourself at Fairy Hills with some of the other girls until we get home, okay?"

"Mahiro should come back soon after." Erza smiled, "We'll have a big celebration for the end of the year like usual."

"Okay!"

Soon enough, it was time to set off. The S-Class Mages carried the cargo onto the ship and started on their way. Erza, Mirajane, and Naruto waved goodbye to Koyuki and Makarov. It would only be a few days until the old master arrived with the examinees while the young girl would wait at the guild hall.

Makarov let out a tired sigh and shook his head, "This exam takes so much out of me every year. Maybe I should consider a written test instead?" He turned, "C'mon Koyuki, let's head home. Don't tell your brother and sister but we can stop for a treat along the way…Koyuki?"

The little Senju stood on the dock…looking out over the sea…with tears filling the corners of her eyes.

"Koyuki?" Makarov stepped up to her, "Are you okay? I'm sorry they had to leave, but they'll be back soon."

"I know." The little brunette nodded while drying her eyes, "I know they have work to do, and they leave all the time. I'm not sad about that. But…" Koyuki gripped the hem of her skirt, "I don't know…I don't want them to go."

Makarov gently patted the young girl's head to try and console her as they watched the boat fade into the distance.

########Hunter########

"So many keys…I'm surprised we were able to finally gather them all."

"It took a lot of time."

"And a lot of killing!"

"But finally…finally we'll have a world of magic like the Black Mage dreamed of."

"Indeed, the time has nearly come for our objective's end." The gruff, commanding older voice said from the depths of darkness, "Tell me where this search has led us to after all this time."

"Readings say that our is in on…Tenrou Island! South of Fiore!"

"Hades-sama?"

"Heh, I suppose this is ironic."

"Sir?"

"Never mind. Chart our course and make our way to Tenrou Island. We'll find him there…and finally find the truth of magic."

########Hunter########

"Man, this takes a lot of work!" Naruto sighed as he placed some markers down while helping prepare the island for everyone's arrival tomorrow. The whiskered blond frowned and scowled over at his partner, "I wish you would have done some of this damn work while you were here several days in advance!"

"Hey, Master didn't have an idea of what we were doing just yet! Don't bitch at me!" Gildarts frowned in return, "If all you're going to do is complain then let me help now."

Naruto lurched back, "No can do! This is a lot of delicate work that needs to be done, and there's no way you won't screw it up now!"

Gildarts threw up his arms, "Ugh! Just make up your mind! Do you want my help or don't you?!" The older S-Class frowned and looked at the whiskered blond before letting out a stiff chuckle, "What the hell are you wearing anyway?"

"Erza packed my breezy clothes." He pulled at the bright tropical shirt and shorts he was wearing, "I gotta wait until everyone gets here before I wear some of my normal clothes."

"You look stupid."

"You should be glad I didn't wear the speedo she packed. I don't even know why she brought that."

"I can think of a reason or two."

Naruto blew a raspberry as Gildarts gave a hearty laugh. As the strongest Fairy looked out over the landscape of the island and admired the view, Naruto pulled himself up the hill to see where he should mark next-

"Whoa!"

"Hmm? What's up?" Gildarts climbed up to his side to see what had Naruto so pale, "Oh! Y-Yeah, that ain't pretty."

Despite how peaceful, warm, and lively Tenrou Island was, the two Mages were surprised to find an area of the island that looked so desecrated. The grass was brittle and dead. The earth was dried and cracked. The trees were withered and hollow. Even the water was black and tainted. And carcasses that could have been wolves or deer had died and decayed so badly that only splotches of skin and fur covered their bones.

Gildarts grimaced, "That's nasty. Probably best we don't let anyone come this way."

"W-What could have done this?" Naruto asked, almost tempted to step over to the dilapidated portion of the island's ecosystem. But Gildarts grabbed his shoulder and pulled him in, "But-"

"Look around. This part didn't decay naturally. I'm not sure what caused this…but it's best not to mess with it until we're sure. Master will be here tomorrow…we can let him know then."

Gildarts made his way back down and Naruto spared one last look at the drained and lifeless area before following after him.

It was only moments after they left that the sounds of sandals aimlessly clapping against the sand and dirt away from them could be heard. As a dark and broken man slowly dragged himself through the forest and away from life.

########Hunter########

Done

Oh man, we're getting into this arc! I'm looking forward to this! So much fun!

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