Chapter 52

Partners to the End

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

A Few Days Later

Lucy's Apartment

The blonde stood in her shower washing her hair. She turned on the faucet and let the shampoo fall out. "Nothing like a nice long shower after a hard days work."

"This place isn't half bad." A voice said.

"I know right." She agreed before realizing the new voice. She looked over to see Cana sitting in her tub.

"A girl could love a place like this." The brunette said.

"Well this is my place!" Lucy shouted back.

"Don't supposed you got any booze in this place?" Cana asked.

"Not in my house!" Lucy shouted. "Now get out!" The brunette merely huffed at the demand, confusing the blonde as she sat in the tub. "Hey, is something wrong?"

"No, it's just... do you normally just climb into the bath with another person?" Cana asked.

"Do you normally just climb into another persons house?" Lucy chuckled back.

"So how are things with you and your dad?" Cana asked out of the blue.

"Uh, okay, I think." The spirit user replied. "I mean, we haven't talked to each other in a while." Cana let out a sigh in response to the answer. "What's with that response? If something's wrong, just tell me."

Cana stood up and let the water roll of her tanned body. "Okay, I'm honestly considering quitting the guild."

Lucy stared at the other girl in total surprise. "WHAT!?"

The Next Day

Fairy Tail Guildhall

"I'd never thought she'd say that." Lucy told Mirajane as she sat at the bar. "She wouldn't even tell me why she thought like that."

"I wouldn't worry to much, Lucy." Laki said as she took a seat next to the blonde. "She always says stuff like that around this year."

"Is something bad going to happen?" The spirit user asked.

"Job time!" Natsu shouted as he and Happy ran by the bar.

"Hold on, I'm coming too! And don't forget Laki!" Lucy shouted.

"Sorry, it's solo season!" Natsu replied before crashing into Gray.

"Keep your eyes forward, pyro!" The ice mage growled as the two butted heads.

"Is this really the time to argue?" Happy asked, making them split up.

"I'm back." Gray said as he reached the bar.

"Gray..." Laki glared at him as she cracked her knuckles.

"No time for clothes, Laki." He said before turning back to Mirajane, job flyer in hand. "I'm taking this job. Wish me luck." He turned back to the door and raced out.

"I'm taking this job, okay, sis?" Elfman asked as he scared Lucy.

"Be careful." His sister said.

A swarm of guild members surrounded the bar maid and started shouting about who was doing what job. "What is going on!?" Lucy asked as she was knocked to the side.

"You'll understand soon enough." Laki chuckled.

At another table in the guild, Lisanna, Rose and Wendy sat around Carla. "You can see the future?" The two human girls asked at the same time.

"Didn't you hear what the Exceed queen said?" Rose asked back. "It's something that the two of the weirdly share."

"Now that I know about it, I think I have a better chance of controlling it." The white cat added.

"That's so cool!" Wendy cheered for her friend.

"So can you tell me who my future husband is?" Lisanna asked.

"I don't think I can see that far ahead." Carla replied. "But I think I can do this. Look over there." She pointed over to Macao. "I predict that Wakaba will come over and start talking about the guild's younger members... and then Laki will assault them for their perversion."

The other girls looked over and watched as Wakaba walked over. "Yo, Macao."

"Hey, buddy." The Fire user replied.

"Looks like it's time again." The smoker said as he sat down next to his friend.

"Yeah, it takes me back." Macao nodded.

"Remember when we were young?" Wakaba asked.

"And all the crazy times we had." The father chuckled.

"Man, the young ones these days are something else, especially their behinds." Wakaba pervertedly chuckled.

"Your head in the gutter or something?" Macao asked.

"Oh, you a boob man?" The smoker asked.

"Look, I'm a father. I can't be looking at a girls behinds anymore." Macao said, trying to sound strong.

"What about legs?" Wakaba asked.

"Now your speaking my language." Macao nodded. Both felt a dark presence behind them as Laki cracked her knuckles. "H-hold on a min-"

The girls at the table winced with every action Laki did to the two. "You know, I almost feel sorry for them." Rose said.

"Still, it's amazing that she got it right." Wendy said.

"Thank you, but I still have much to learn about this power." Carla replied.

In another section of the guild, Erza and Pantherlily were clashing swords. "This isn't the place to do this, you guys." Kinana said in a fear.

The two smirked before they separated. "Had enough? Erza asked before Lily shrank to the normal Exceed size.

"Looks like I can't hold my original body for very long." The cat said as he wiped sweat off his brow.

"Still, I'm very impressed with your blade work." The redhead told the cat.

"If anything, I could be the one complimenting your skill." Pantherlily replied.

"Told you my cat was the strongest!" Gajeel bragged.

'He really is awesome...' Rose thought before the black cat looked over, making her turn away embarrassed.

"So this is the power of an S-Class wizard..." Pantherlily mumbled impressed.

"Can someone explain why half of the people here are hurrying to take a job and the other half are just acting like normal?" Lucy asked.

"You'll find out tomorrow." Mirajane chuckled as she pulled Laki off of Macao and Wakaba.

The Next Day

The whole guild was gathered around the stage inside the building. "What's going on?" Pantherlily asked.

"Got me." Gajeel answered.

"I think the master is gonna tell us something." Wendy said as she held Carla.

"Couldn't interest me." Carla confessed.

Natsu was fidgeting like crazy until Laki calmed him down. "It's okay." She told him.

"Finally, I can get some answers." Lucy said.

"My heart is pounding... at the sight of my beloved." Juvia said, more focused on her crush.

The curtain raised up and showed Makarov standing in front of Erza, Mirajane and Gildarts. The crowd started mumbling louder before he cleared his throat, silencing them. "In accordance with the tradition of our predecessors, I nearby announce the S-Class promotion trial!"

The whole guild cheered in excitement. "The what class promotions now?!" Lucy repeated in shock.

"Quite and let the man finish." Gildarts said, silencing everyone.

"The examination will take place in Tenrou Island this year, our guild most sacred ground." Makarov continued.

"Any idea what he's gonna make them do?" Lucy asked Max and Warren.

"It's different every year." Max answered.

"In the end, it's just a really tough challenge." Warren added.

"If you managed to pull it off, you get bumped up to S-Class." Alzack said with stars in his eyes.

"The power of your magic, the confines of your character, and the size of your heart." Makarov continued. "These were the things I observed over the last year. The eight participants are, Natsu Dragneel,..."

"Oh, yeah!" Natsu cheered.

"Gray Fullbuster,..."

"Finally time to move up." The ice wizard smiled.

"Juvia Lockser,...

"The master chose me?" She asked surprised.

"Elfman,..."

"Finally gonna give S-Class the man they deserve." The tanned man said.

"Cana Alberona,..." The girl only stared down at her feet. "Freed Justine,..."

"Looks like I'll be in Laxus' footsteps." The greenette said.

"Levy MacGarden,..."

"I'm so excited!" The petite girl cheered.

"And Mest Gryder." The final name was read and the crowd cheered for every name.

"I didn't make it again." Alzack mumbled in disappointment.

"There's always next year." Bisca told him.

"I see... so everyone was trying to impress the master." Lucy mumbled in realization. "That's why they were going job crazy." She glanced over to find Cana wasn't as excited as everyone else. 'Is this why she was so depressed?'

"Even with eight wizards chosen, only one will become an S-Class wizard." Makarov continued, making everyone mumble. "The examination will begin in one weeks time, so I want you all to be in your best shape."

"What the hell!? He picked Juvia over me!?" Gajeel asked in anger.

"Well, people did tell me what you've done to the guild hall." Pantherlily said back. "Looks like they don't trust you yet."

"Thye can trust me plenty!" Gajeel shouted back. "I just.., can't tell them what I'm doing. That's all."

"Talk with Erza about it." The cat suggested.

"It's still too soon for you." The red head smirked.

"This is a load a crap!" Gajeel shouted.

"And once again, everyone goes crazy." Carla chuckled before gasping.

"Something wrong, Carla?" Wendy asked.

"No, nothing." She replied. 'What did I see?' Her mind showed a tree falling to the ground, Cana crying, Natsu in shock and a hand laying on the ground. The final image was a man with black hair, his clothing blowing in the wind.

"For the clarity of our newcomers, here are the rules of the exam." Makarov spoke up.

"The eight candidates will each choose a partner, who can also train with them for the next week." Mirajane explained.

"A partner?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, it's a battle between a duo teams." Max added.

"This is also a test of the bonds the partners have." Warren chimed in.

"You must obey these two rules." Erza said. "They must be current members of Fairy Tail, and they cannot be an S-Class wizard."

"But that only takes down a few wizards." Pantherlily pointed out. "Erza, Mirajane, and Gildarts."

"Guess a team with them would be a shoo in." Wendy mumbled as Carla kept thinking about her vision.

"We'll explain everything else once we get to Tenrou Island, but know that Erza will be waiting for you." Makarov said, scaring the guild.

"Don't forget about little old me." Mirajane added, scaring them even more.

"Your only chance of becoming an S-Class wizard is beating Erza and Mirajane?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, but they've been ordered to hold back." Max said.

"Still, I do not wanna fight them." Warren said.

"Calm down, ya babies." Gildarts spoke up. "Every S-Class mage before went through the same thing. It's no big deal."

"Hold on..." Elfman mumbled. "Does that mean..."

"No way." Happy mumbled.

"Finally gonna get to beat up on Gildarts!" Natsu cheered.

"Thats not a good thing!" Gray shouted.

"The eight candidates and their partners will meet at Hargeon in a week." Makarov said. "So step it up!"

The crowd soon dispersed as a group gathered around a table. "Take about setting the bar." Gray mumbled as he sat around Lucy, Natsu, Happy, Lisanna, Laki, Elfman, Wendy, Juvia and Carla.

"I still can't believe that this is your first time." Lucy said.

"I'm ready to ace this test!" Natsu cheered. "S-Class is mine!"

"This whole thing has me scared like a girl." Elfman confessed.

"I would be too." Wendy said.

"Well good luck, everyone." Lisanna said.

"That goes double for you, Natsu." Laki said to her boyfriend.

"Wait, you're not gonna be his partner?" Lucy asked.

"Nope. See, me and Natsu made a promise a few years ago." The violette explained. "If one of us gets picked, the other would cheer our hearts out to make sure they win."

Lucy smiled at the loving agreement before she glanced over to see Freed and Bickslow talking. "So, I can count on you?" The vernette asked.

"Not a problem." The masked man said. "With Laxus gone, we need an S-Class wizard to show the Thunder Legion is just as strong as ever."

"Okay, that's a scary dou." Lucy mumbled to herself. "So, who ARE you choosing as your partner, Natsu?"

"Duh, Happy." He answered.

"Hold on a second." Elfman objected. "If this thing turns out to be a big race, then having a flying partner isn't fair."

"I don't see any problem with it." Lisanna spoke up.

"None here either." Gray added. "If this ends up being a fight, he'll instantly turn useless."

"Okay, that's just mean." Happy said. "And I am gonna help turn Natsu into an S-Class wizard!"

"This isn't something you can just break up!" Natsu added. "We can't be standing around here! We got training to do!"

"Aye, sir!" Happy added as they raced out the guild.

Lisanna smiled as she watched her old friend fade from sight. "I know it's been two years since I've been here, but I can't get over that Natsu is strong enough to be considered S-Class." She mumbled. "He's always thought that if he becomes strong enough, he'll be able to find Igneel again. You really picked a great guy, Laki."

"Guess I Did." The glasses wearing girl chuckled.

"I think... I'd like to withdraw from this trial." Juvia mumbled.

"Why?" Wendy asked.

"I'd... rather be someone's partner..." The rain wizard mumbled, confusing Gray.

"She wants to be your partner, not your opponent." Lucy explained.

"I know what your thinking, you blonde bimbo!" Juvia shouted.

"Stop calling me that!" The blonde replied.

"Calm down, she's nit my partner." He told the bluenette. "Ah, here he is how." The whole table turned to see Loke walking over, shocking them all. "We planned this whole thing out a year ago."

"Don't take this the wrong way, Lucy, but I'm gonna have to break things off between us until the trial is done." The spirit told her keeper. "And don't worry, I'm using my own power to come here. So you can use your magic as much as you want."

"You really should have run this by me first, ya know?" She said back.

"Hold on a second." Elfman interrupted. "Wasn't one of the rules that your partner had to be a guild member?"

"Check it out." Loke said as he showed off the mark on his back. "I'm still a member of this guild, so it's my duty to help Gray reach is potential."

"Don't let me down." Gray said.

"Wouldn't dream of it." The spirit replied.

"Since when were these two buddy buddy?" Lucy asked.

"And i want you at your absolute best." Gray told Juvia. "Let's go all out like the first time."

Juvia took that the wrong way and began fantasizing with her and Gray. "Calm down." Laki said.

"I'll help you Juvia." Lisanna said.

"You don't even know her." Elfman objected.

"Actually, Edolas Juvia and me were pretty good friends." She explained. "Besides, you're a lot sweeter than her."

"Lisanna..." Juvia mumbled as the take over mage gripped her wrist.

"Let's do it." Lisanna cheered.

"As long as you're not going after Gray." Juvia said.

"Where did that idea come from?" Lucy asked.

"Why the heck are you choosing her over your own brother!?" Elfman asked.

"Wait, I thought you already had a partner." Lisanna said, making her brother turn to Evergreen at the bar. "She's been like that ever since Freed picked Bickslow."

"Those eyes..." He mumbled. "It's like she's trying to turn me to stone."

Levy sat in the guild as her teammates danced around her in joy. "So who's your partner?" Droy asked. "It's me, right?"

"As if, it's me!" Jet protested. "I'm faster than you'll ever be!"

"You're just saying that because your hot for Levy." Droy replied.

"If you really wanna win, then pick me." Gajeel said from behind.

"Wait, you?" Levy asked.

"I get to beat up anyone I want during this, right?" He asked back.

"I don't know..." She mumbled. "My body is so weak and my magic isn't very strong... we might lose right away."

Gajeel reached down and picked her up by her straps. "Don't just give up before we begin."

"Put me down, please." She begged.

"I'll make you bigger then ever before." He declared, making her blush a little.

Orange Street

Wendy and Carla walked down the snow covered road as they headed back to Fairy Hills. "Is something wrong? The girl asked the cat. "You've been quiet all day."

"I don't know..." The cat confessed. "I've been having these images in my head. This exam... I want you to promise me that you won't be a part of it."

"Don't worry about that." The bluenette replied. "I don't think anyone wants me as their partner."

"Don't be too sure about that, sky maiden." The girls tuned to see Mest behind them.

"Oh, you're..." Wendy started.

"The name is Mest Gryder." He said. "Mystogan taught me."

Natsu and Happys House

"Natsu, the grubs ready." Happy said as he reached the pinkette, staring up at the sky. "Is something wrong?"

"This is my chance..." Natsu mumbled. "I'll become an S-Class wizard."

Magnolia

Lucy smiled as she walked through the streets with Plue behind her. "Check it out, it's snowing." She cheered. "Looks like snow falls here too." She looked into an ally to find Cana passed out surrounded by empty bottles. "What's wrong with you, Cana?" Picking her up, she dragged the brunette back to her apartment.

Laki was walking behind her heading back to Fairy Hills. "Huh, guess she'll be alright." A mumbling noise caught her attention. "Huh?" She looked behind her to see Carla flying in anger. "Hey Carla, what's wrong?"

Lucy's Apartment

"Who, thanks Lucy." Cana said, wrapped up in a blanket. "I'd have frozen to death if you hadn't come along."

"What's wrong with you, lately?" Lucy asked.

"Didn't everyone else tell you?" Cana asked back. "I get kinda crazy around this time of year."

"Is it why you wanted to leave the guild?" The blonde asked, making the card user sink into the blanket.

"This is the fifth time I've been chosen." Cana confessed. "That means I've failed four other times."

"So what? Who cares about something like that? You'll make it this year." Lucy said.

"I'm the only one whose failed four times." Cana replied. "So, if I can't make this time, I'm leaving the guild."

"Hold on. Doesn't that seem a little extreme?" Lucy said. "Lots of people in the guild aren't S-Class."

"I can't be like one of them!" Cana shouted. "I have to become an S-Class wizard... or else I can't speak to him." She told her tale and Lucy's jaw hit the floor as Cana started crying. "That's all there is to it. If I don't become an S-Class, I'll leave the guild. It's that simple."

"Let me be your partner, Cana!" Lucy shouted. "I won't let you leave the guild! I'll turn you into an S-Class mage!" The brunette stared at the blonde and started crying again.

One Week Later

Hargeon

The S-Class candidates arrived at Hargeon and boarded their ship before setting sail for Tenrou.

"So hot..." Lucy complained as she sat on the ship in her bikini, like all the other girls. "Isn't it supposed to be winter? I'd love to be an ice pop, but then Happy would just eat me."

"Too much work..." The cat replied.

"Lucy, I know it's super hot, but could you not sit like that?" Levy asked.

"That's an understatement." Cana replied. "There's no wind here, so this temperature is normal."

"Would you shut up about the heat already?" Gajeel complained.

"Juvia, don't you think you should change out of that?" Lisanna asked.

"No, I'm fine as is." Juvia, the only one not in a bikini, replied. "But what might make me change... is my beloved Gray's naked body!"

"Turn down the heat..." Gray complained, o natural.

"This is hell..." Natsu groaned due to his motion sickness.

"Hey, get away from me, Natsu." Loke said.

"Wendy, please cast Troia..." The pinkette begged before throwing up over the side.

"Can't do it, she's not your partner." The spirit reminded.

"I thought we were about to engage each other in combat, not hang around and shoot the breeze." Evergreen said, fanning herself.

"I'm a man steak over here!" Elfman complained.

"Then go cook over there." She replied.

Lucy hung her head over her chair and spotted a massive tree growing out of the ocean. "We're here." Loke said, making everyone look over the side.

"Took us forever." Gray complained.

"That island is just ugly." Lucy said.

"I think it's kinda manly." Elfman said.

"Looks like someone stacked one island on top of another." Evergreen replied.

"Natsu, we're here." Happy said, trying to wake up his partner.

"Legend has it this Island was once home to all manner of fairies." Makarov said, making everyone look up.

"Is that true?" Lucy asked.

"That I cannot answer." The master said. "But it is the home of our first master, Mavis Vermillion, final resting place."

"And that's how you choose to dress coming here?" Gray asked.

"It's better than being a streaker." Makarov said back.

"That reminds me, please put some clothes on." Lucy requested the ice wizard.

"Now, can I continue uninterrupted, or do you not want to know the first half of the trial?" Makarov asked, fanning himself.

"First round?" Wendy asked confused.

"The master has never been known for the direct approach." Mest told her.

"Pay attention to the smoke on the beach." Makarov said. "Your first target is to head there. Then, select one of the eight paths leading further into the island. Each path can only hold one team, so pick as fast as you can. Once you choose, you'll have to deal with one of these."

A map appeared next to him, showing an outline of what was to happen in the paths. "The ones who pass the first round test will advance to the next stage."

"I don't think intense combat is going to be a fun time." Gray said.

"The hell does serenity mean?" Loke asked.

"Combat is self explanatory." Makarov continued. "Two teams enter, but only one team leaves. 'Intense Combat' is when you must battle one of the three S-Class wizards on the island. Serenity is combat free, but not without its tests. This test takes both teamwork and luck!"

'Since when can you test luck?' Half of the ship asked themselves.

"Let's hope for good luck." Lucy told Cana.

"You do know our odds on hitting serenity are one in eight, right?" Cana pointed out.

"Looks like six is the maximum number of teams that can make it to round two." Evergreen pointed out.

"How the hell are we gonna best Erza or Gildarts if we pick them!?" Elfman asked.

"Quit wimping out already." She scolded the candidate.

"At the same time, three teams is the minimum number that can pass." Levy pointed out.

"Calm down, we'll pass." Gajeel said.

"Very well, let the S-Class trial begin!" Makarov declared.

"Wait, we're still in the ocean." Loke pointed out, making Makarov smirk.

"Let's go, Happy." Natsu said, making the cat pick him up. "See ya on the island!"

"Get back here, Natsu!" Gray shouted before watching the two crash into an unseen wall.

"Enchantments?" Cana asked before the edge of the boat glowed in the ruins.

"Calm down, it'll just last five minutes." Freed said as he and Bickslow flew to the island.

"I still say you should have trapped them forever." The doll user said.

"Now where's the fun in that?" Freed asked back.

"Gramps, do something." Gray shouted.

"Would you all calm down?" The master told them. "It's nit a race."

"And what happens when he covers the whole place in these kinda traps?" The maker mage asked.

"Let me out!" Natsu shouted, banging on the wall.

"Hold on, can't Levy undo this stuff?" Happy asked.

"This shouldn't be a problem." Levy said as she rewrote the enchantment.

"Nice!" Lucy and Cana cheered.

"Too bad I only wrote me and Gajeel in!" Levy smirked as she and Gajeel jumped off the boat.

"What happened to being friends?" Lucy asked.

"Maybe next time." Levy said. "See you on the island."

"No fair!" Natsu shouted at the swimming bodies.

Evergreen was holding her own light pen as she did the same. "Glad you let me tag along now?" She asked Elfman.

"Holy cow, that's cool." Elfman said.

"I can handle the toughest enchantments easily, this is nothing compared to them." Evergreen said as she finished the rewrite. "Let's go!" Both dived into the water as the other teams glared at them.

"How much longer are we here for?" Lisanna asked.

"Another four minutes." Juvia answered.

"Memo to self, don't piss Levy off." Cana said.

Four minutes passed and the enchantment faded away. "About time!" The rest of the teams said.

"Don't hold back, Lucy!" Cana shouted.

"Move it, Loke!" Gray shouted.

"Only if you put pants on!" Loke replied.

"Happy, let's go." Natsu said as the two took off.

"Ice-Make: Floor!" Gray shouted before freezing the water, letting him and Loke skate to the island.

"Well, that works." Lucy said.

"Are you sure you can stay with me?" Juvia, in her water form, asked as she and Lisanna swam to the island.

"Don't worry about me." Lisanna said as a fish.

"Looks like fish are fast too." Cana said.

"Stop gawking, we're in dead last!" Lucy realized.

"Calm down. Wendy and Mest haven't even left yet." Cana said, looking up. The only thing she found was air. "When did they go!?" Both girls took off swimming. "Book it, sister. I'm an not coming in last!"

Natsu and Happy reached the smoke cloud, finding four of the routes closed off. "So, which one do we take?" Happy asked.

"That one!" Natsu pointed to the E route. "I bet that's the one with Erza in it!"

"Why that one then?" Happy asked.

"Because I'm finally gonna beat her!" Natsu said before charging into the cave. The entrance then turned into a grid and an x hovered over it.

Cana and Lucy finally reached the island, only to find seven paths closed to them. "I can't believe that we're dead last." Cana mumbled in disappointment.

"Calm down." Lucy said, walking forward. "They say the best is for the last and that's us, the best. Now let's go make you S-Class, Cana."

"Thanks for the positivity." Cana said before they walked into the last cave.

"I didn't think caves were so bright." Lucy said about the bugs floating around them.

"It's the spirit flies." Cana said. "They love this island because of the heat."

"About time someone showed up." A voice said.

"Who's here?" Cana asked.

"Wait a minute..." Lucy mumbled before looking at the Combat banner. "This is bad!"

Freed and Bickslow stepped out and faced the two girls. "Cana and the blonde... Nice." The masked man said.

"The name is Lucy!" She shouted.

"Looks like you won't make it to round two." Freed said.

"Lucy, how bad are we screwed? Cana asked.

"If we're talking in number form, eleven thousand." The blond replied, equally scared.

"The only way out is for one team to win." Bickslow siad, pointing at the door. "But it ain't gonna be you two."

"Sorry about this, Cana, but this is where your trial ends." Freed told the brunette. "I have to follow in Laxus' footsteps."

Cana was taken back a bit before steeling her nerves. "Fat chance, bub. That S-Class ranking belongs to me, and you two are just standing in my way."

The teams stared at each other as Lucy dropped her backpack. "Before we start, could you two put on some real clothes?" Freed asked.

"Dude, are you crazy?" Bickslow asked as Lucy covered her chest.

"It's an unfair advantage." Freed mumbled as he blushed.

"What's wrong, shy?" Cana asked as she threw a magic card at him. The card exploded and turned into bikini clad women that surrounded Freed.

"The hell kinda of perverted magic is this?" Freed asked as the women hugged. "Get these women off of me!"

"Are stupid? You're living every straight guys dream." Bickslow said back.

"That's his weakness?" Lucy asked.

"Looks like it." Cana chuckled.

"To bad that won't work on me." Bickslow said.

"Take him out, Lucy." Cana said as Lucy pulled out a key.

"On it." The blonde said as she held the key to the ceiling. "Open, Gate of the Maiden - Virgo!"

A puff of smoke later, the maid appeared in a bikini version of her outfit. "Ready to serve you, mistress." She said.

"What is wrong with you two?" Freed asked.

"Didn't you hear me? I love this kinda show." Bickslow said as his dolls flew forward.

Virgo started rambling about her 'tenants' before getting smacked around by the totem, sending her back to the spirit world. "Why would you call her?!" Cana asked.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." Lucy said before the dolls started swarming them.

"Thats right, giggle for me." Bickslow chuckled. Cana threw some cards at the dolls, only for them to miss. "That won't work, Cana. Go get 'em, boys."

The dolls flew at Lucy and she panicked before pulling out another key. "Open, Gate of the Ram - Aries!" In a puff of pink smoke, the spirit appeared.

"W-what do you want me to do?" The girl nervously asked.

"I don't care, just do something!" Lucy shouted as she kept dodging the dolls.

"O-Okay..." The spirit nodded before throwing up her hands. "Wool Wall!" Pink wool filled the cavern and trapped the girls opponents.

"What the hell is this stuff?" Bickslow asked as he tried to pull himself out. "And I thought the bikini babes was the weird part of this fight."

"This sensation... it's like I'm inside of a cloud." Freed said, still surrounded by the models.

"Dude, are seriously going through puberty right now?" Bickslow asked before getting kicked in the face by Lucy.

"I knew that would work!" Lucy cheered. "Once I took out his babies, he's wide open."

"Lucy, I'm gonna go home now, okay?" Aries asked before returning to the spirit world.

"Don't think I didn't hear your little scream." Cana teased. "You really need to think of a better name than that."

"Please, make this stop." Freed begged before the girls returned to card mode.

"Crap, they wore off." Cana said.

"That was absolutely embarrassing." Freed said. "Now it's time to make you pay. Dark Éciture: Wings." He gripped his sword and summoned his wings before taking to the air. Cana tried to throw some cards at them, but he sliced them apart. He then swung at Cana who jumped back.

"Okay, let's try this. Prayers Fountain!" She threw a card to the ground and it exploded into streams of water.

"That won't work!" Freed shouted as he sliced the liquid before it could damage him.

"Water..." Lucy smirked before crawling forward.

"Lucy, don't." Cana shouted back. "This isn't like normal water, it could kill you just by touching it."

"It's not like we have any other options." The blonde replied, sticking a key into the stream. "Open, Gate of the Water Bearer - Aquarius!"

The mermaid appeared out of the stream, anger in her eyes. "Again with the bikinis!?" Freed asked.

"Take him out now!" Lucy shouted. The mermaid merely glared at her before slamming her jar on the other girls heads. "I said take him out, not us!" Lucy shouted.

"Why is it that every time you call me you're in less clothing than the last time?" Aquarius mockingly asked. "You really think you can get a man with that kinda body?"

"You wanna end up as shark food, tuna breath?" Cana asked in a blonde anger.

"Cana, don't..." Lucy begged as the spirit glared at the brunette.

"Can't you see who's the enemy and who's a friend?" The card user asked.

"All women are my enemies." The mermaid replied. "Don't think you can tell me what to do just because of your body. A woman like you has no chance of getting a man."

"And I'm gonna take dating advice from you, skankapus?" Cana asked as the two glared at each other.

"I think I'm just gonna stay here." Lucy said from the side lines.

"Sorry, but I'm going to meet my boyfriend." The spirit said before fading.

"Why do I even still have her!?" Lucy asked in anger.

"Excuse me." Freed said, catching the girls attention. "Can we please get back to the trial now?"

"Please tell me you have a plan." Lucy begged Cana.

"Just one." The brunette said as she pulled out another bikini girl card.

"I don't think Freed is the kinda guy who'll fall for the same trick twice." Lucy said.

Cana threw the card and the girls surrounded the runesmith. "Oh, come on." He complained.

"No way, he did!?" The blonde asked in shock.

"Cana, please. Where's the honor in this?" Freed asked.

"Here's your honor!" Cana asked, launching even more cards at the man, trapping him in a cage of women.

"Never thought I'd see this." Lucy mumbled. "Wait... Don't we have to beat him to move on." Cana gasped at the revelation. "Can't you make them fall on him?"

"Think, Freed... there has to be a way out of here." He mumbled before noticing a rock instead of a stack of women. "There you are!" He sliced the rock apart and ran out, only to get trapped in a circle of cards.

"Say good night, Freed." Cana teased as the cards activated and shocked him. "We- we actually did it?"

"Look, the door is open now." Lucy said, pointing ahead.

"Alright!" Cana cheered as she high fived Lucy. "We passed the first round! Let's go!" The two raced into the open door and left the room.

Minutes later, Bickslow sat up in annoyance. "You sure you're good with this?" He asked as Freed woke up as well.

"I am." He replied. "If it was anyone else, I'd have gone all out. But after what we did to them during Fantasia, we've paid our debt to them."

"I still say I got the raw end of the deal." Bickslow replied.

"Maybe I did." The vernette chuckled.

"That reminds me, weren't you gung-ho about become an S-Class wizard?" The masked man asked. "What happened to following Laxus?"

"Thats not what's important to me." Freed replied. "What is is being in Fairy Tail. Besides, I believe that he will return one day."

"I still can't get over how lucky those two were to face us." Bickslow chuckled.

Route E

"Erza, come out here!" Natsu shouted. "I wanna fight, so let's do this already!"

"Natsu, we don't even know if she's here." Happy pointed out.

"No, route E has got to stand for Erza!" Natsu shouted back. "I'm gonna beat Erza and become S-Class at the same time."

"Natsu, the path ahead is wider." Happy pointed out.

Spirit flies danced around as one hovered around a boot. "Someone's here." Natsu mumbled.

"Is it Erza?" Happy asked. Both stared at the silhouette before they went wide eyed at Gildarts face.

"Looks like luck just isn't on your side today." Gildarts teased.

"We're doomed." Happy said deadpan.

"Listen good, kid. I always had a hard time holding back." The mage warned. "If you wanna run, how's your chance."

Natsu lit his body on fire as Gildarts approached him. "I'm all fired up!"

I'd never thought I'd agree with Bickslow on anything, but he's right. Most men would kill to have that kinda power. But is anyone else curious why Cana has so many of those bikini girl cards?

Last chapter, I got a review saying I haven't used Laki's personality (and her weird way of speaking) right and I agree. I've thought of way to incorperate into his story, the only question is do you guys want me to. Let me know in the reviews and see you in the next chapter.

Beta read by JBallinR12.