Chapter 24
Crash, Burn and Death
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Flashback
Location / Date / Time Skip
Route D
In a waterlogged tunnel, Juvia and Lisanna landed on a rock. "Has she always been this powerful?" The candidate asked.
"Pretty much." Lisanna nodded.
"You're going to have to do much better than that, Juvia." Erza said as she stood in green armor. "You'll never make S-Class at this rate."
"Her Sea Empress Armor." Lisanna mumbled. "Your attacks aren't gonna have any effect on her."
Juvia clenched her fist before standing up. "I will defeat you!" She declared before turning into water. She charged at Erza only to be met with her blade. Reforming, Juvia quickly jumped into the air to avoid the sword. "Water Slicer!" She spun around and launched her water blades at their redhead, only for them to bounce off. "She deflected them like they were nothing?"
"I've got you now, Erza!" Lisanna said, divebombing the redhead with wings for arms. Erza flipped up and kicked her down with ease. "Take-Over!" Lisanna charged forward and turned into her rabbit form, only for Erza to jump over her, sending her into the tunnels wall.
"You've improved." The redhead observed. "But you still need to work on your timing, along with your forms."
"What's wrong a bunny?" Lisanna asked.
'Thats it.' Juvia realized. 'She's vulnerable when she dodges Lisanna's attacks. If I time myself right, I can beat her.'
"Fine, is this better!?" Lisanna asked before turning into a harpy.
Erza jumped into the air to kick and Juvia took her chance. "Water Whip!" She's swung her arm only for Erza to slice through it and kick them both away.
"I'm disappointed in you, Juvia." Erza said. "You need to be more creative. Attacking while your opponent fights your partner is the most obvious strategy you could employ. Not only that, but it's an attempt that's easily beatable. I expected more. When we first meet at the Tower of Heaven, you full of determination. There was a fire in your eyes. So where is it now?" She swung her sword and knocked them both back.
Juvia panted as she looked up at the redhead. 'So this is the power of an S-Class wizard...'
Route C
"This just what I needed." The blonde sighed as she floated in a lake.
"How are you overheated already?" Cana asked.
"Not my fault it's so hot here." Lucy replied.
"We need to get going." Cana said.
"Just a little longer, please?" The blonde asked.
"What happened to making me S-Class?" The brunette asked.
"I will, just not right now." Lucy replied.
Route A
Elfman and Evergreen stared at their opponent in fear. "We're screwed..." Elfman mumbled.
"Of all the people on the island." Evergreen complained.
In front of them stood Mirajane in her Satan Soul form. "I'm not holding back on my little brother." She declared.
Route E
"Fair warning, I've never been able to hold back." Gildarts warned.
"I'm all fired up." Natsu cheered before watching Happy drag his bag away. "Happy, what are you doing?"
"Figured we might as well turn around now." The cat said.
"Cut me some slack, old buddy." The pinkette said, cracking his knuckles. "If you think about it, Gildarts should be scared of me. I'm not gonna let up until he says mercy."
"Okay, mercy." Gildarts said.
"Not now! I haven't touched you!" Natsu shouted before igniting his fists. "I got a lot stronger over the last three years. How ' bout I show you?"
"Wait a second." Gildarts said as Natsu charged him. "I'm not ready to fight yet."
"Don't just rush in, Natsu!" Happy shouted. "He can pulverize his opponents!"
Natsu delivered a flaming punch that created an explosion. The dust settled and showed Gildarts had caught the fist. He then opened his palm and blasted Natsu with this own brand of magic. The smoke cleared from that attack to show Natsu was missing. "I told you I'm no good at holding back." Gildarts said
"How could you..." Happy mumbled, bubbling on tears. "You blew him to pieces..."
"He wishes!" Both looked up to see Natsu fall from the ceiling and crash his knee down. Gildarts shifted his feet and crashed the ground under him.
'He destroyed the ground to cushion the blow?' Happy asked. Natsu reignited his fists and started punching before eating an elbow to the chin, a backfist to the face, and a punch to the top of the head, forcing him to the ground. Natsu then spun up and delivered a flaming kick that Gildarts caught. 'Natsu's serious... but he's still smiling.'
Gildarts spun Natsu over his head before tossing him out of the freshly made ring. The pinkette managed to recover in midair before pulling his head back. "Fire Dragon Roar!" He launched a torrent of flames at Gildarts who smiled at the attack.
'You have gotten stronger...' The Crash mage thought. 'I'm proud of you Natsu, the dragon child.' He held out his hand and the flames grew a grid pattern before they dispersed. The grid then traveled to Natsu, to Gildarts horror. "No, not again." He mumbled as Natsu exploded. "I overdid it..."
"How could you?" Happy asked. "This was just a test, and you killed him."
"Relax, he's not dead. It's not that kind of magic." Gildarts said. "Look up." Both looked up to see an rainfall of Chibi Natsu's falling. "Disassembly Magic breaks its target down to tiny pieces. Or in this case, little versions of themselves."
"So many Natsus!" Happy shouted as they started piling around him.
"Don't worry, he'll go back to normal in a bit." Gildarts said. "But this also means you fail your test. I can't-."
"Like hell it does!" The army shouted before argueing with itself.
"This is creepy!" Happy shouted. Soon enough, the mob of Chibi's started rallying at fighting Gildarts.
'Well this is a first.' Gildarts thought with a chuckle. 'No ones ever fought me like this before.'
Years Ago
Magnolia
Gildarts walked through the town before reaching his home. Dropping his bag, he rolled his shoulder. "Good to be home." He said, unaware of the threat looming over him.
"Here I come!" Natsu said as he dropped down. "Fire Dragon Sword Horn!" He hit the ace with his attack before landing on the ground. "Want some more, or do you want mercy?"
"Say mercy!" A young Happy said.
"Kid, I just got back." Gildarts said. "I deserve some time to relax."
"No way! I'm gonna beat your brains out!" Natsu shouted back before jumping up. "Fire Dragon-" Gildarts swung his arm and knocked Natsu through his roof. Happy flew after him before reaching the Slayer, a massive lump on his head. "That guy has gotta be some kind of monster."
"You okay?" Happy asked.
"Don't worry! I'll beat him!" Natsu declared.
Fairy Tail Guild Hall
"Gildarts!" Natsu shouted as he walked over to the ace, who was talking with Lisanna. "I've been looking for you."
"How's your day going, Natsu?" Lisanna asked. Natsu ignored her and jumped Gildarts, who sent him crashing to the floor. "Instant Knockout!" She and Happy shouted.
"You could at least be polite and say hello." Gildarts said.
"H-hello." He groaned out.
"Hes at it again, huh?" Elfman asked. "I'd thought he'd learn by now."
"Like he can ever learn anything." Mirajane chuckled.
"He may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I think his spirit is commendable." Erza said.
"I bet you can't even spell 'commendable'." Mira teased, scaring his brother.
"You trying to say something, then say it, ya scrumpet." The redhead said butting heads.
"Stop acting better than me, or I'll knock your teeth in." Mirajane said.
"Know what happens after hello?" Natsu asked. "Fire Dragon Talon to the head!" He slammed his foot into Gildarts head, making him spit out his beer. Gildarts glanced over, anger in his eyes. He flicked his fingers and sent Natsu out of the guild hall.
"You're on Natsu. Let's do this." Gildarts said, standing up.
"This fight is gonna be way more brutal to ours. Truce?" Mirajane asked as the two girls pulled on each other's head.
"Truce." Erza nodded and the two let go and raced out of the guild.
"Everyone is getting their panties twisted over this." Gray mumbled.
"So you're not gonna watch?" Elfman asked.
"I didn't say that." The ice-wizard replied before looking behind him. "You gonna go watch the fight, Cana?"
"Uh... no, I'll stay here." She replied.
Outside Of the guild hall, Natsu swung his fist only for Gildarts to knock him down. The pinkette got back up and the ace did it again and again as the crowd watched. "You haven't hit him once!" Happy pointed out.
"I know that..." Natsu said.
"That all you got?" Gildarts asked.
"Let me tell you something..." Natsu said as he stood on wobbly legs. "One day, I will beat." He said before falling backwards.
Present
Tenrou Island, Route E
Gildarts smirked at the memory as the army of chibis charged him. "Here we go again." He smirked before gripping his cape and whipping it, knocking wave after wave away. One managed to get past him and began yanking on his face.
"Fire Dragon Roar!" The mob shouted before all breathing fire at the same time.
"You're annoying me!" Gildarts shouted as the mob charged him again. "Time to go back to normal!" He waved his hand and the swarm all gathered together, returning Natsu to his normal size.
"Now's my chance!" Natsu smirked before igniting his fists. "Dragon Slayer Secret Art-"
"Not good!" The ace said.
"Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade!" Natsu swung his arms and blasted Gildarts with an explosion. Happy held on for life as Natsu stared at Gildarts.
"No way!" Happy shouted. "You hit him with full power and he didn't even flinch! It didn't even phase him!"
"Yeah it did! Look closer!" Natsu pointed out. "He tried to stand firm, but my blast knocked him back a few feet!"
'Is that true?' Happy asked before replaying the fight in his head. 'He's right, Gildarts didn't take a single step! Wait, that means Gildarts beat him without even moving!?"
"Not bad, Natsu." The ace said. "This gave me a good feel for you to skill. You might not have beaten me, but I think I can say you passed."
"Screw that!" Natsu shouted. "There's no point in becoming an S-Class unless I beat you!"
"...Figured you say that." Gildarts mumbled as the ground started shaking. "That's why I won't go easy on you. In order to walk the path of magic and reach its peak, you still lack one thing. Let me show." His body burst into a pillar of white magic and the cave filled with light.
Route C
"Is this an earthquake?" Lucy asked as the two girls changed.
"No, it's magic..." Cana replied. "A colossal amount.
Route I
"What's going on?" Brianna asked as the island shook.
"You feel all of that magic power?" Nicholas asked. "It's probably that Gildarts guy... I do not feel sorry for that guys opponent."
Route E
Natsu started in shock before steeling his nerves and walking towards Gildarts. He pulled his fist back to punch, but Gildarts twitched his eye and Natsu froze in his path. Shaking in fear, Natsu stepped back before falling to his hands and knees. Gildarts cut the power and stared at Natsu. "I... I lose..." He mumbled, sweating in fear.
Gildarts smirked as he looked at the pinkette. "I applause anyone who can stand up and face their enemies. But those with the courage to know when to stand down are exceptionally rare. There's nothing with feeling fear. That how we learn our weakness. If you know your weakness, you can become stronger and gentler. A necessity for those who want to be come S-Class. Now that you know, you pass."
Both Natsu and Happy gasped in shock at the decree. "But, I didn't beat you..." Natsu said.
"Go, I said you passed." Gildarts said. "The first round is done, but that's just the beginning. Knowing the master, this is nothing compared to what he has planned. Have confidence, you can do it. Now that we're finahed with your test, let me tell you something as a friend. Powerful magic isn't the end all be all. But I understand your desire to win.
"Because like you, I don't want to lose either. I'll take you on again anytime. Now go make S-Class, ya hear me?" He turned and walked away as Happy walked over to the crying Dragon Slayer.
Off Tenrou Island
Carla, Pantherlily and Slate flew over the sea, a map in the white cats hand. "Tenrou Island should be just up ahead." She said.
"Don't you think Master Makarov will be mad if we just show up?" Slate asked.
"I doubt he'll be angry." The white Exceed replied. "We're just looking around."
"I assume we're here because you're worried about Wendy?" Pantherlily asked.
Carla grumbled before flailing around. "I told I was against this idea, but she went ahead with this anyway!"
One Week Ago
"My name is Mest Gryder." He said. "And I was once Mystogans pupil."
"I had no idea!" Wendy shouted surprised.
Mest shot his head up to the sky with his mouth open. "I'm surprised he never talked about me, because he told me all about you."
"What are you doing?" Wendy asked.
"I want to know how fresh snow tastes." He said.
"He's... odd?" Carla said, trying to be polite.
"I need your help." He said, not looking at her.
"When you talk to someone, you're supposed to look at them!" Carla shouted.
"Sorry, but I get distracted whenever I want to know about something." He said, looking at her. "Please, say you'll jelp me. With you at my side, I know I'll become an S-Class Wizard. So will you help me?"
"But I'm not that strong." She pointed out.
"The answer is no!" Carla shouted.
Mest stayed still before floating in the water. "So this what river in the middle of winter feels like."
"You cannot partner with this cretin, Wendy!" Carla shouted.
"He's weird, but he doesn't seem that bad." The bluenette chuckled. "And I feel like I owe him, for Mystogan. He did so much for me and I never paid him back."
"You've done more than enough!" Carla shouted. "You helped saved Edolas!"
"Only because the others helped me." The girl pointed out. "I couldn't have done it on my own. I feel like I owe him so much more."
"Don't even think about it!" The Exceed shouted.
Present
"In the end she ignored me, claiming that she wanted to pay of the debt to Mystogan." Carla said.
"And you two didn't speak to each other for a week because of that?" Slate asked.
"She's more stubborn than she looks." The female replied.
"Same goes for you." Pantherlily chuckled.
"Honestly, I couldn't care less about her teaming up with that creep Mest." She continued. "It's trial itself that has me on edge. I have a bad feeling about this."
"Another clairvoyance attack?" Slate asked.
"I'm not sure. It's so broken, I can't put anything together." Carla replied.
"Personally, Slate and I are more concerned about this Mest fellow." Pantherlily said, confusing Carla as Slate nodded. "He said he was Mystogan's pupil, but that doesn't sit well with me."
Combat Route
"You two, do your skills warrant such confidence?" Mest asked Loke and Gray.
"Careful, here they come." Wendy said before Mest dodged a punch from Loke before jumping back.
"I don't care about Mest, but I feel bad about hurting you, Wendy." The spirit said.
"I ain't holding anything back!" Gray said before bringing his hands together. "Ice-Make: Hammer!" He summoned a mallet of ice that flew at the two opponents, only for them to move out of the way. He turned and blocked a kick from Mest before throwing a punch.
"Sky Dragon Roar!" Wendy chanted before breathing out a tornado. Loke countered with a beam of light that met the wind.
"I got your back! Ice-Make: Floor!" Gray chanted before freezing the ground, causing Wendy to trip. Mest went in for another punch, but gray moved. Loke threw one of his own and Mest dodged it, only to be blinded by the Lokes spell. Gray fired an Ice Cannon and knocked him out.
Wendy looked up to see Mest out and Gray and Loke surround her. "I told you, I'm not holding anything back!"
Route A
Elfman and Evergreen stared at Mirajane in a mix of horror and surprise. "You can't fight us if you can't move!" Evergreen said, taking off her glasses.
"That only works if I look in your eyes!" Mirajane said, taking to the sky.
"Good thing that's not my only spell." Evergreen said, summoning her own wings. "Fairy Machine Gun: Leprechaun!" She waved her arm and bullets of fairy dust shot forward. Mirajane merely threw a ball of darkness at her, sending her bouncing into a rock.
"Evergreen!" Elfman called out before turning to his sister. The two stared at each other before Elfman triggered his magic. "I didn't want it to come to this! Full Body Take-Over: Beast Soul!" He charted his sister and threw a punch, only to have it caught.
Mirajane smirked before pushing it to the side and kicking him back. "It's over." She held out her hand and summoned a ball of darkness magic.
"Wait!" Evergreen said, holding her arms out.
"Think that will stop me? I'll blow you both away." The model said.
"Before you do, there's something you need to know." Evergreen said, making Mirajane confused.
Combat Route
Mest snapped his eyes open and found Wendy staring at him. "You're okay." She cheered.
"They've got every right to be that cocky if they can fight like that." He said, rubbing his head.
"They don't mess around." Wendy said.
"I won't give up!" He said, standing up. "I will follow in my masters footsteps! Come out and face me!"
"Uh... they went on ahead." Wendy mumbled out.
"You gotta be kidding me!" Mest shouted.
"They best us and moved on while they were passed out." Wendy continued.
Mest stared at the path out of the cave before hanging his head in dejection. "How could I fail two years in a row?"
"It's my fault..." Wendy cried out. "I tried my best but I just wasn't good enough."
"Don't cry. It's not your fault." Mest said. "Don't be so hard on yourself."
Further in the cave, Gray and Loke were celebrating their win. "We made it through the first round!" Gray cheered.
"Let's hope guys like Natsu and Freed got knocked out." Loke said as they walked forward. "Then it'll be a walk in the park."
"Please, like the path to becoming an S-Class Wizard was gonna be easy." Gray said.
"I know, but the two of us made beating Mest look easy." The spirit said.
"Was he always that weak?" Gray asked. "I get that Wendy was a disadvantage, but I feel like he was stronger."
"Probably because you've gotten stronger." Loke suggested.
"Huh, this is a first. I can't remember if I fought him before." Gray said. "And I never forget a fight."
"Sure that's nit because he beat you so bad?" Loke chuckled.
"Mest managed to get pretty far in last years trial, right? Who was his partner again?" Gray asked.
"Weird, I keep getting a blank." Loke said. "Every time I start thinking about Mest, I hit a wall. I can't remember anything past it." The two walked in silence before they reached the exit of the cave.
"Gray, Loke!" Lucy cheered as they waited at the entrance. "I knew you guys would have no problem make it past the first round."
"Nice work." Cana smirked.
"I told you we were lucky to get the Serenity Route." Levy told Gajeel.
"Lucky!?" Gajeel asked. "I didn't get to punch anything!" A rock was thrown down and hit him on the head.
"Quit complaining, slaghead." Nicholas said from on top of the rock. "Or the next one is gonna hurt."
"You wanna die, pumice for brain!?" Gajeel shouted.
"What are the odds that you both pass?" Brianna asked with a sigh.
"We were the only ones who passed the first round?" Gray asked. "Where's Natsu?"
"He's over there." Happy pointed out.
"What happened?" Loke asked.
"It's a long story." Happy said.
"Well, looks like our winners are now here." Makarov said, walking forward. "Well, these are the results thus far. Cana and Lucy defeated Freed and Bickslow in Combat." Grays jaw fell open. "Natsu and Happy surpassed the obstacle known as Gildarts." It then hit the ground. "Levy and Gajeel, as well as Brianna and Nicholas, choose the two Serenity Routes. Aren't you lucky?"
"I think it's sucky!" Gajeel shouted back.
"Gray and Loke defeated Mest and Wendy in Combat." Makarov continued.
"Juvia didn't even make it past the first round?" Gray asked, making Makarov groan. "What's with the look, gramps?"
"Luck was not on Juvia and Lisanna's side." The master said. "Their route lead to she who knows no mercy!"
"Elfman and Evergreen aren't here. What happened to them?" Lucy asked Cana.
"Well, process of elimation means their route lead to..." The brunette started before both gulped. "Mirajane..."
"I do not envy them." Brianna said, remembering what she saw during Fantasia.
"I could take her, but those two didn't stand a chance." Gajeel chuckled.
"Don't count us out yet!" Everyone turned to see Elfman and Evergreen walk out of the forest. "Didn't think we could beat my big sis, did ya?"
"Guess who's going to round two?" Evergreen teased.
"How'd you beat Mira!?" Happy asked.
"A real man doesn't... brag about his wins." Elfman mumbled back.
"Let's just say we took advantage of her distraction." Evergreen added.
"What did they do?" Lucy asked.
"Back to the trial." Makarov said. "As it stands, there are six teams that passed. Natsu and Happy, Gray and Loke, Levy and Gajeel, Brianna and Nicholas, Cana and Lucy, Elfman and Evergreen. Congratulations on passing the first round, now let's move on to the second round."
"Natsu, how much longer are you gonna be depressed for?" Happy asked.
"I'm not... I'm just think about something." The Dragon Slayer answered.
"You thinking!?" Happy asked. "Careful, you might hurt yourself!"
"How little do you think of him?" Lucy asked.
Remember Gildarts words, Natsu smirked before standing up. "Gray, Cana, Levy, Elfman, Brianna. Only one of us is gonna become an S-Class Wizard, and that's gonna be me! I'm all fired up now!"
"I'm about to give you instructions for the next part of your trial, so listen up." Makarov declared. "Your next task is to search the island for the grave of the first master, Mavis Vermillion."
"Come on, gramps. That's too easy." Natsu said.
"You have six hours to find it." The master said back. "Is that challenging enough for you? I'll be waiting for you there."
Combat Route
Wendy was still crying as Mest sat next to her. "If you keep it up, your face will stick like that." Mest teased. "Listen Wendy, do you know why this place is sacred to Fairy Tail?"
"It's because our first master is buried here." She replied, wiping her tears away.
"Yeah, but that can't be the only reason." He said. "This island is protected by a powerful force field that shields it from outsiders. It's impossiblee to find, no matter what magic you use. Mavis was special, but I don't think she's worth all this security. Supposedly, there's a big secret regarding the fairy tail guild hidden here."
"Do you know what it is?" Wendy asked.
"Not a clue." He replied, standing up. "So, you wanna do something exploring?"
Tenrou Shore
"The prince, er, Mystogan, felt it was best to avoid contact whenever he visited." Pantherlily said.
"I've been told that he would put everyone to sleep when he dropped by?" Carla said. "I assume it was to prevent anyone seeing his face."
"And that is where the suspicion comes in." Slate said.
"What are you two saying?" Carla asked.
"Its nothing but speculation, but we're not sure that Mest is a member of the guild." Pantherlily said.
Tenrou Island
"Please, don't eat me!" Lucy begged as she and Cana ran from a giant lizard.
"Pick up the pace, Lucy!" The card user shouted befor the lizard tried to chomp on Lucy.
She lurched forward and the teeth barely missed her. "Pretty please with extra sugar!" She begged as the lizard chased her.
Elsewhere in the island, Gajeel and Levy were hiding from a massive beast. "I hate this island." Gajeel complained.
"I'm starting to think I might die here." Levy mumbled.
The massive beast lurched away and Nicholas and Brianna popped out of the ground. "Once again, quick thinking saves our life." Nicholas smirked before they rose up.
"This is starting to feel a little too familiar." Brianna said.
"This is only a bump on my road to becoming S-Class!" Gray said as he and Loke fled from a flock of angry birds.
"Whatever you say!" The spirit replied.
"Follow me, Evergreen!" Elfman shouted as the two were chased by a massive swine.
"I don't take orders from you!" She shouted back.
"Stop bothering me, or I'll char ya!" Natsu shouted before punching an animal back.
"There's no stoping Natsu when he wants something." Happy sighed. "Ready to get moving?"
"One second." He replied before pulling on the creatures face. "You tell where the first masters grave is right now or I'll burn you."
"That's insane!" Happy shouted.
"I don't know..." The beast said.
"That's cool." Natsu said.
"It answered back!?" Happy asked in shock.
"How does gramps expect us to find Mavis' grave if he didn't give us any clues?" Natsu asked as the two walked into the forest.
"Guess it's gonna be harder than we thought." Happy realized.
"You know, this island is kinda funky looking." Natsu mumbled.
"Yeah, so?" Happy asked.
"You wanna go see the top of it?" The pinkette asked.
"Oh, yeah!" The cat cheered.
"I knew teaming up with you was a good idea, little buddy. Let's go!" Natsu cheered.
Makeshift Camp
"No way!" Erza shouted as she was cooking. "Elfman and Evergreen said they're getting married!?"
"Yep." The model nodded. "It completely caught me off guard and that was their opening to attack."
"Why didn't you tell me!?" The redhead asked, pointing the ladle. "This obviously means they've been dating a while if theyre getting married, but you never mentioned it."
"I think they just wanted to say something shocking to throw me off." Mirajane replied. "Guess I've still got a lot to learn."
"What if it wasn't a strategy?" Erza suggested.
"Remember who we're talking about." Mirajane reminded. "Knowing my brother, I doubt that's true. I can't imagine the two of them getting together and having babies." Her mind traveled and created the ugliest baby, making her sob.
"No need to cry." Erza said. "It's kinda cute depending on how you look at it."
"Now that you mention it, they'd make an awesome couple." Lisanna said.
"They're gonna have babies..." Juvia mumbled, steam rising off her head.
"Hey, what happened to Freed and Bickslow?" The youngest Strauss asked.
"Apparently, they went back to the guild with Gildarts." Erza answered.
"Talk about impatient." Lisanna huffed. "They could have stayed to watch the rest of the trial."
"I'm more worried about Mest and Wendy." Erza said.
"They should have been here by now." Mirajane added.
"They probably just forgot we were supposed to meet here." Lisanna suggested. "So this Mest guy... I don't know much about him since I didn't run into his counterpart in Edolas. Did he join the guild during the two years I was gone?"
"I don't know, did he?" Her sister asked Erza.
"I feel like he's always been a member." The knight replied.
"Doesn't make much of an impression, does he?" Lisanna joked.
Juvia, her face a normal color again, stood up. "I volunteer to look for them. I'm starting to worry."
"You two stay here." Erza said, taking off her apron. "I'll go with Juvia on her search."
'I wanted to ditch them and cheer my beloved!' The rain woman thought in anger.
With Elfman and Evergreen
"A real man shouldn't run from his enemies!" Elfman shouted as he and Evergreen continued to run from the pig.
"Stop this real man stuff or I'll finish you myself!" The girl shouted in annoyance.
The pig raised its hoof and brought it down. "Look out!" Elfman tackled Evergreen and the two tumbled down a rocky hole.
The pig reached down for them as the hit the bottom. Evergreen realized her position and pushed Elfman off of her. "Don't you dare start thinking I'm into you because of what I said to Mira! I was trying to throw her off her game, not express a desire to hook up with you!"
"Where's this coming from?" He mumbled to himself. "Still, thanks for coming up with that trick. Hard to believe a nice girl could come up with such a naughty plan."
"You make it sound dirty." She replied.
Footsteps caught their attention as they turned to see a man walk out of the forest. "People... I don't understand. Why are on such a desolate place? I was told this island was uninhabited."
"Well, you were wrong." Elfman said.
"You're trespassing!" Evergreen added. "Only members of our guild are allowed here."
"Tresspassing?" The man asked. "I didnt know this island was controlled by a guild."
"It is!" Elfman shouted.
"Stay back!" The man shouted, holding out his hand. "If you value your lives, stay away from me. I'll leave the island peacefully. Just don't come near me."
"What's wrong with him?" Evergreen asked.
"Don't know, but he shouldn't be here." Elfman replied.
The man gasped before grabbing his head. "Here it comes... the predatory death... I can't stop it." He mumbled. A dome of black magic surrounded him before it flew towards the wizards, killing everything it touched.
The wizards stood in place, paralyzed by fear as the power looked closer. "Get down!" Natsu shouted before pushing them both to the ground, letting the dome pass over them. He looked up and stared at the man.
The man stared back at him and started crying. "Natsu..."
"Who are you?" The pinkette asked. "Answer me!"
I could have easily put Levy and Gajeel up against Brianna and Nicholas, but I have plans that require them both to be in play. Still, hope you'll stick around for them to come to fruition.
Sorry for the delay. Something was up with the site and I couldn't post, or do anything really.
Beta read by JBallinR12.