Ice Dragon Slayer/Chapter 33: Best Partners

Lucy's Apartment, Magnolia:
"Ahhhh! Just what I needed!" Lucy sighed loudly. She was currently in the middle of enjoying her shower, to say the least.
About two weeks had passed since the Edolas incident and about one had passed since Godzilla and the Earth Defenders were welcomed into Fairy Tail. They were still adjusting to their new life among the Fairy Tail mages, but other than that, it felt nice for them to finally get to know a deeper side of the humans. Natsu and Lucy had shared the story's of the guilds many battles and journeys with Godzilla, and he couldn't have more surprised by all the wild adventures they've had. They had spent quite a lot of time time with the King of the Monsters and had become close friends with him.
The rest of the Defenders seemed to be growing quite close with some of the mages as well. Wendy seemed to be growing really close to Rodan, the Master of the Skies keeping his promise to help the Sky Dragon Slayer become stronger. Mira and Lisanna were spending a lot of time with the Mothra twins and the Shobijin, which didn't surprise her that much. She was most surprised, however, when she discovered Erza became friends with Anguirus, the two discovering that they seemed to have a lot in common. Cana had tried to challenge Varan to a drink off again several times, but the gliding Defender had grown a little self-conscious about challenging the Card mage to take him on in anything. Baragon and Gajeel seemed to have a heated rivalry over who was stronger and had gotten into several fights, but each one ended as a draw. Life in the guild had become much livelier since the Defenders joined, which Lucy couldn't have felt happier over.
Lucy sighed again. "One of my favorite things about being back home."
"This tube is pretty great." a voice from behind her remarked.
"Yeah, it's the best." she replied without thinking. Her eyes suddenly went wide when she turned around only to find Cana sitting in the tub behind her with a gloomy expression.
"If you ever want a roommate, I wouldn't mind living here at all." she said in a gloomy tone.
"It seems like your making yourself right at home to me!" Lucy shrieked before turning the water off and sitting across from the Card mage. Cana then sighed. "What's up?" Lucy asked. "Is something bothering you?"
"No, I'm okay but I gotta ask..." She started. "...do you like make a habit of bathing with other people?"
"Do you have a habit of breaking into houses? Seriously." Lucy retorted.
Cana just stared at her. "So how have things been going between you and your dad these days?"
Lucy was slightly surprised. It had been a while since she had seen her father after he started the Fairy Tail/Phantom Lord War in order to bring her back to him. He had come to visit her once after that and told her about how he had lost the family fortune and that he was going to be working a merchant guild in Acalypha. They hadn't spoken to each other since then, but at least they seemed to have buried the hatchet for now.
"Umm...I-I don't know." Lucy stuttered. "Okay I guess, but I haven't actually heard from him in a while."
Cana simply sighed.
"Just spill it already." Lucy said with a reassuring smile. "I'll always listen if you want to talk."
It was then that Cana stood up in the tube and seemed to stare off into space. "...Alright then. I've been seriously considering quitting the guild."
Lucy blinked. Then...
"WHAAAAAAAAT?!"
----Lucy was sitting at the bar in front of Mirajane, who was cleaning a mug, with Plue sitting beside her. Godzilla and Mothra Lea were there to and had heard about what had happened.
"Can you believe that?! I mean, I thought Cana was in Fairy Tail for life!" Lucy exclaimed. "I tried to get her to tell me why, but she wouldn't say!"
Godzilla closed his eyes for a moment. "I wonder what would compel her to do something like that." he said allowed. Lea simply squeaked in confusion, also quite perplexed by what she had heard.
Mira simply smiled. "I wouldn't worry about it. She always starts talking about quitting whenever this time of year roles around."
Lucy eyes got huge. "Say what? Oh no, is something bad gonna happen?"
Godzilla just shook his head. "With all the strange things that seem to happen in this world? It wouldn't surprise me."
Suddenly, Natsu zoomed past the bar with his backpack and Happy flying beside him. "Lets get to work Happy!" he shouted.
"Aye!" Happy responded.
"Hey! If your going on a job take me with you!" Lucy called as the duo rushed past her.
Natsu looked over his shoulder as her kept running. "It's Solo Mission Season! Sorry!"
"We'll hang out with you when we get back!" Happy called.
Natsu suddenly ran straight into Gray, who was in his boxers and just so happened to be running in Natsu's direction. They both shot up and bashed their heads into each other.
"You better watch where your going you pink-haired freak!" Gray growled.
"And you better stay out of my way Mr. Grumpy Panties!" Natsu retorted.
Happy flew in between them. "You two really have time to stand around and argue?"
"Yeah! Good point!" they said in unison. Natsu and Happy quickly rushed out the door While Gray approached the bar.
"I'm back!" Gray said.
Mira giggled. "Forget your clothes again?"
Gray pulled out a request sheet. "No time to worry about it. I'm gonna take this one. See ya!" He then rushed towards the door.
"Bye bye! Good luck!" Mira called.
"He's on a solo gig too?" Lucy asked.
"What's the occasion?" Godzilla asked as well.
"Hey!"
Lucy jumped a little when Elfman appeared from behind her with a request sheet. "This a job for a real man!"
Mira sighed. "Alright. Be careful out there."
Suddenly, a horde of Fairy Tail mages started crowding the bar with request sheets, all telling her which job they wanted to do. Lucy was hiding behind Godzilla with Plue in her arms as they observed the mob of people crowding the bar.
"Why is everyone going crazy?!" Lucy asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Godzilla deadpanned. Lea simply squeaked as she hid behind the King of the Monsters with Lucy.
"You'll find out soon enough!" Mira called from behind the mob.
"Huh? You can see into the future?" Wendy, Lisanna and Rodan asked in unison, while Mothra Leo simply squeaked in surprise.
"Yes. A trait that the Exceed Queen and I share." Carla replied. "Both of us were blessed the the rare gift of clairvoyance. I wasn't aware of it until recently, but I believe I have a small degree of control over it."
"Wow! That's totally amazing!" Wendy exclaimed.
"Sounds pretty snazzy to me." Rodan said.
"So can you tell me which guy's gonna be my future husband?" Lisanna asked.
"I'm afraid I'm unable to see that far ahead." Carla then started looking around. "Maybe...something sooner?" She then pointed towards Macao, who was sitting at another table while reading a newspaper. "Okay, keep an eye on Macao over there. I predict that any moment now Wakaba will walk to him and start discussing the younger folks in the guild."
Wendy, Lisanna, Rodan, and Leo leaned in closer to listen closer. "Let's see." they said in unison while Leo squeaked quietly.
It was then that Wakaba walked up to Macao. "What's shakin' old timer?"
Macao looked up and smiled. "Hey pal."
Wendy beamed. "You were right! He walked up just like you said!"
"Be quiet so we can hear what their talking about!" Lisanna whispered sharply.
"Yeah, I wanna hear too." Rodan whispered as well.
Wakaba took a seat next to Macao. "We're getting to that time of year again, buddy."
"Yeah, it really takes me back." Macao smirked.
"Those were the good old days, weren't they?" Wakaba asked.
"We were full of spunk back then." Macao chuckled.
"Tell you what, this new crop in something else..." He then began to shake his rear. "...especially their dairy air!"
"What?! No way!" Macao shouted as he slammed his hand on the table.
"You more of a breast man?" Wakaba asked nonchalantly.
Macao and Wakaba then glared at each other with fierce smiles. "Look, I'm trying to raise a kid! I don't have time to go around checking out butts!"
"That's right, your a leg man, aren't ya?!" Wakaba smirked.
"Now you're speakin' my language! I'll stand behind a pair of legs any day!" he said as he and Wakaba started laughing. Wendy, Lisanna and Carla giggled from their table.
"That is so cool." Wendy said.
"Yeah, you hit it on the nose." Lisanna complimented. "You didn't tell would be so creepy though."
"Quite honestly, we should have all seen that one coming." Carla said with a small blush.
Rodan, however, just cocked an eye. "...I didn't really get it." Leo squeaked in agreement, the two of them not having fully grasped on the awkwardness of what was said between the two men.
"Still, I'm super impressed." Wendy said while Lisanna nodded.
"Thank you." Carla replied. "But I still have much more to learn on how to properly control it."
Suddenly, a loud series of clanging sounds was heard, the source revealed to be Erza and Panther Lily (in his Battle Form), who were sparing with swords. Their swords were moving so fast it was almost impossible to even see them. Anguirus was watching from the sidelines, a small smile on his face.
Kinanna slightly jumped when she saw the two. "Hey guys, you shouldn't be doing that indoors!"
They weren't listening, however, and continued to clash swords. Erza had a confident smile on her face while Lily seemed to be a little frustrated. After one last strike, the two jumped back and separated.
"Had enough?" Erza asked, sightly out of breath. Lily then became engulfed in a puff of smoke and dropped to the ground in his smaller form, his sword now ten times larger than him.
He wiped his brow with his paw. "It seems I can't stay in my original form for very long." he gasped.
"Still, I find you quite impressive." Erza complimented. "Your blade skills are top notch."
"I agree." Anguirus said as he approached. "I may not know much about swordplay, but I have to admit you have skill."
Lily smirked. "You two flatter me. "I think I should be the one complimenting you, Erza."
Then Gajeel appeared next to Erza. "What do you think, Erza?! My cat is a force of nature ain't he?!"
Baragon, who was sitting nearby, rolled his eye's. "Such a pain..." he grumbled.
Gajeel whipped his head towards the red kaiju. "What the heck did you just call me?!"
Baragon stood up on all fours. "I called you a pain! What about it?!"
"That's it!" Gajeel lunged at Baragon and two began to beat each other senselessly.
Anguirus rolled his eyes. "Seriously? They're fighting again?"
Lily smirked and looked up at Erza. "I assume this is what the guild refers to as an 'S-Class skill level?'"
Lucy, Plue, Godzilla and Lea watched as some of the guild members seemed to be relaxing and doing their own thing.
Lucy deadpanned. "I don't get why so many people are freakin obsessed with going out on jobs while everyone else is just goofing off like their's nothing happening."
Godzilla scratched his chin a little. "Maybe it's some sort of human tradition?" he guessed. Lea squeaked in wonder.
"It'll all make sense to you tomorrow." Mira smiled.
----The next day, almost every member of Fairy Tail was gathered in the guild hall, waiting in front of the stage. Lily stood beside Gajeel with his paws on his hips. "What's all the commotion about?"
Gajeel crossed his arms. "Beats me."
Wendy smiled as she held Carla in her arms. "I think the master is gonna tell us about something big happening."
"Can't say I'm excited." Carla said.
Alzack was pocking his fingers together in anticipation. "What's he gonna say? The suspense is killing me."
Bisca just smiled as she stood beside him. "We worked our little tail's off, right? Don't worry."
Natsu kept shifting his gaze all over the place and flashing with excitement.
Happy smiled and raised his paw at him. "Just calm down Natsu. You got this."
Elfman grinned and had his arms crossed and stood beside Gray. "The tension here's huge. Very manly." Gray chuckled.
Cana just looked depressed.
Lucy stood next to Juvia. "I'm dying to know what's going on."
Juvia clasped her hands together and seemed to be blushing a little. "This is so unbelievably exciting." Hearts suddenly started floating around her head as she stared at a certain Ice Mage. "Gray is almost within reach!"
Lucy sweat-dropped. "Yeah bestow my heart." she said in a sarcastic tone.
The curtain on the stage began to rise. Master Makarov stood up front with Erza, Mirajane and Gildarts next to him. Sitting on the edge of the stage was a spiky brown-haired young man. His name is Ryu Yamamoto, also known as the Chaos Dragon Slayer. The Earth Defenders were there as well, standing next to Erza, but looked rather confused as to why they were there. The crowd began to cheer.
"Here we go!"
"Please don't make us wait any longer!"
"Yeah, just tell us already!"
Kinanna stood among the crowd, looking confused. "I'm still so lost. Tell us what now?"
Gorosaurus leaned his head over to whisper to Godzilla. "Why'd Makarov ask us to be here?"
"He said it was a surprise. We'll just have to be patient." Godzilla whispered back.
Makarov cleared his throat, silencing the crowd. "In accordance with the Fairy Tail guild's time-honored tradition, I will now announce this years entrance for the S-Class wizard promotion trials!"
The crowd bust with exciting cheers and applause.
Lucy's eyes got wide. "This is why everyone's been acting crazy lately!"
Natsu's body was engulfed in flames as he gave a fierce smile. "I'm all fired up now!"
"Please be quiet everyone!" Erza ordered.
"Let the master finish." Ryu insisted.
The crowd became silent.
Makarov gave a serious look. "The trial this year will take place on Tenrou Island! Our guilds sacred ground!"
The crowd began to ooh and aah.
Lucy turned to Max and Warren. "Do you guys know what he's gonna make them do?"
"Well it's something different every year." Max answered.
"It's basically a seriously tough job." Warren continued.
Alzack turned to them and gave a thumbs up. "But if your able to pull it off, he'll bump you up to an S-Class wizard."
Makarov held out his fist. "The strength that you posses inside, your character, and your heart! These are what I considered while making my selection! And I have chosen eight participants!"
The crowd roared with applause.
"Natsu Dragneel!"
Natsu clenched his fist and flashed a look of determination. "Thank you, sir!"
"You got this in the bag buddy!" Happy cheered.
"Gray Fullbuster!"
Gray smirked. "It's finally my time to move up."
"Juvia Lockser!"
Juvia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? The master chose me?"
"Elfman Strauss!"
Elfman grinned. "S-Class deserves a real man like me!"
"Best of luck big brother!" Lisanna cheered as well.
"Cana Alberona!"
Cana looked down at the ground sadly. Lucy noticed this. I wonder...is why she was talking about quitting? She thought to herself.
"Freed Justine!"
Freed gave a determined look. "So I'll be following in Laxus' footsteps..." he murmured.
"Levy McGarden!"
Levy smiled brightly. "I'm so stoked about this!"
Jet and Droy appeared from behind her with hearts flying over them. "Levy is totally gonna win this one!" the cheered in unison.
"Drake Frost!" 
"Wait, what!" Drake exclaimed in surprise. He wasn't expecting to be considered for the S-Class promotion exam after the whole Daphne incident.
"Congratulations!" Sarah cheered for him.
"And Mest Gryder!"
A man wearing a red and orange stripped, high collar sweater with short black hair, black pants, emerald turquoise eyes and three distinct scars on the left side of his face, looked around as the other mages cheered for him.
"Mest!"
"He almost made S-Class last time!"
Alzack slumped on the ground, his face turning grey from disappointment. "I worked so hard. So why didn't he pick me this year?" he sulked.
Bisca put a hand on his shoulder. "It's bound to happen someday. Buck up."
Gildarts grinned.
Lucy put her hands on her hips and smirked. "Oh, I get it now. Everyone wanted Master to pick them for the trial, so they worked their butts off to impress him."
Wendy smiled brightly. "I know you can do it you guys!" she cheered.
Godzilla and the other Defenders were quite surprised. "This must really be a big deal for them." Kumonga said.
"No kidding." Varan said. "I guess we now know what all the fuse was about."
Godzilla watched as Natsu seemed to be arguing with Gray and smirked.
Master Makarov continued. "Although eight wizards have been selected, only one will emerge victorious! The trial will begin in one weeks time, so you better step up your preparations!"
Gajeel looked less than thrilled. "How come he picked Juvia but I get passed over?! I thought the old man liked me more than her!"
Lily glanced up at him. "You seem to have a shady reputation in the guild for some reason. I get the feeling they don't trust you."
"What?! That's crazy!" Gajeel shouted in comical anger. "They can all trust me just fine! I...just can't really tell them what I'm really doing around here..."
Lily smirked. "Take it up with Erza."
Said Requip mage smiled at him darkly. "Sorry...but your not ready yet."
"This whole thing sucks!" Gajeel roared.
Carla crossed her arms and smiled as the guild went crazy with excitement again. "And as usual, everyone losses control." Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock and horror.
Wendy looked over at the white exceed. "Hey, is there something wrong Carla?"
"No, I-I'm fine." she replied, but then narrowed her eyes. So strange. What was I seeing? she thought as she replayed the visions in her head.
Roots falling...
Cana crying...
Natsu looking horrified...
Someones limp arm on the ground...
A black haired man standing among a dying forest...
Golden spore falling from the sky...
King Caesar's eyes glowing while roaring...
Anguirus laying on the ground covered in cuts and bruises...
Rodan on his knees with a massive scar on his chest...
The Mothra twins crying out in fear...and...
A crystal-like monster standing over a battered Godzilla!
The visions ended and Carla was bristling in fear. 'What was that?!'
She was interrupted by the master, who was continuing his announcement.
"For the benefit of our newcomers, lets go over the rules of the challenge, shall we?"
Mira continued for him. "The eight participants will each chose a partner. This person will also be allowed to train with them during the week leading up to the event."
"A partner?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, ultimately it's a battle between two person teams." Max said.
"A big part of it is putting their friendships to the test as well." Warren added.
"Observe these two rules when choosing your partner." Erza continued. "First, they must be a member of Fairy Tail. And second, your partner can not be an S-Class wizard."
Gajeel grunted while Lily thought it over. "But that only rules out a handful of people. So neither Erza, Mirajane, nor Gildarts can be chosen."
"I guess a team with those guys on it would be pretty hard to beat." Wendy said to herself. Carla stood with her arms crossed, still going over what she saw.
Makarov continued. "We'll reveal all the particular details of the trial once we'v arrived on Tenrou Island, but know that you'll have to get passed Erza to claim victory!"
The crowed screamed in fear.
Mirajane smiled brightly and raised her hand. "And I'll be doing my very best to help weed out the rest of you right beside her!"
The crowed screamed louder.
Lucy put her hand over her mouth. "So the only way for someone can become an S-Class wizard is by defeating Erza and Mirajane?"
"But the rumor has it they've been ordered to hold back a little bit." Max confirmed.
Warren gave a small smile while sweating a little nervously. "I still don't envy anyone that has to take them on."
Gildards smiled. "Quit your belly aching. The three of us had to go through this trial. It's only fair you do to."
Elfman's eye's went wide. "No way. He said 'the three of us?'"
"Sweet tuna!" Happy exclaimed in shock.
Natsu's practically jumped up from excitement. "I'm finally gonna get to fight old man Gildarts?!"
"That's not good news!" Gray shouted to him from behind.
Cana just gave a weak glare.
"And one more thing." Makarov announced. "To make this year more exciting..." a wicked smile appeared on his face.
"...each team gets to pick up to one or two members of the Earth Defenders to participate with you during the event."
The crowd was silent for a moment.
"SAY WHAAAAAT?!"
Rodan rushed up to Makarov with a glare. "Hold up! You never mentioned this!"
"That's why I said it was a surprise." Makarov grinned madly.
"C'mon Rodan. It can't be that bad." Anguirus said before smirking. "Besides, this may be your chance to show off a little speed."
That seemed to catch Rodan's attention as he smile brightly. "You had me at 'speed'! Alright, I'm game!"
"Now hold your horses, speed demon." King Caesar said as he turned to his leader. "Godzilla, what do you say?"
Godzilla closed his eyes for a moment. He could sense all eyes were on him, but he didn't really care. After a couple seconds, he opened his eyes and grinned.
"Very well. We accept."
The crowd screamed in fear again.
Gorosaurus winced at the screaming. "So damn noisy." he muttered.
"This is gonna be a blast!" Rodan shouted triumphantly.
The Mothra twins squeaked in excitement.
"Finally, this might actually be entertaining." Baragon grinned.
"Your in a good mood Baragon." Manda said.
"He's just excited." Kamoebas replied.
"This might end up being the most fun we'll have in this world." Zilla smirked.
"Yeah! We'll crush their skulls!" Kumonga declared.
"A little too far, Kumonga." Anguirus pointed out.
"Sorry." he sighed.
Makarov nodded at Godzilla, who nodded back, before turning to face the crowd again. "The eight participants I named earlier and their chosen partners are asked to meet at the port of Hargeon one week from today! So get to work!"
----After the crowd had dispersed, Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Wendy, Elfman, Lisanna, Happy and Carla all took a seat at a table together.
Gray crossed his arms. "Man, they set the bar crazy high this year."
"I'm kinda surprised none of you have ever been chosen for this thing before." Lucy said.
"I'm ready for the big time!" Natsu shouted. "S-Class here I come!" He shot his head skyward and released a torrent of flames from his mouth.
Elfman put his hands on the sides of his head. 'I know I'm the manliest guy in the guild, but I'm scared as a little girl right now!"
"It sure sounds tough to me." Wendy said.
"Good luck everybody!" Lisanna cheered.
Lucy turned around to see Freed talking to Bickslow. "I'll be counting on you."
Bickslow smiled. "Don't worry. I got your back, old buddy. We need an S-Class man in our ranks now that Laxus ain't around. He's got big shoes to fill, but I can't think of anyone who could do it better." He then spread his arms out. "We got to show everyone the Thunder Legions still got!"
Freed nodded and turned to two others. "I trust you will help us too, yes?"
Kamoebas nodded. "Fear not. If these trials are as important as Makarov claims, we'll do our best."
"Yeah!" Kumonga shouted. "We'll rip them limb from limb!"
"Your getting too over excited Kumonga." Kamoebas deadpanned.
Lucy looked on from her spot at the table. "Looks like Freeds partner's gonna be Bickslow, Kumonga and Kamoebas." She turned around looking nervous. "I think they'll probably be a pretty tough team to beat, don't you think?"
"Geez Lucy. Way to be encouraging." Happy sweat-dropped.
"Speaking off partners." Lucy started. "Do you guys know who your gonna choose yet?"
Natsu turned to Happy and smiled. "I'm going with my little buddy, of course!"
"Aye!" Happy said.
That didn't seem to sit right with Elfman. "Hey, not so fast there pinky! If this ends up being some kind of race, having a partner that can fly is an unfair advantage!"
"Well it seems fair to me." Lisanna said.
"I'm cool with it too." Gray smirked. "If this ends up being a battle it'll be a disadvantage."
"I'm sitting right here you know." Happy said, looking slightly down.
"Then perhaps I can help fill that role."
Everyone at the table turned to see Godzilla standing behind Natsu. "Perhaps I can be of services to your team?"
Natsu grinned. "Heck yeah! Were gonna dominate these trials!"
Everyones jaws hit the floor.
Happy pumped his fist in the air. "Your just jealous cause you know we're gonna make Natsu an S-Class wizard!"
Natsu crossed his arms. "Well you better get over it cause there's no way your breaking up our team!"
Happy started flying towards the door. "Lets go pal!"
Natsu ran beside. "Screw a bunch of sitting around! We got training to do!"
"Aye, sir!" Happy shouted.
"Hey! At least be a little patient!" Godzilla called as he followed after them.
Lisanna watched them leave and smiled. "I know I've been gone for two years, but still. I can't believe Natsu's gotten strong enough to be in the running for an S-Class rank." She then turned to Lucy. "He's always believed that if he can become a more powerful wizard, he'll be able to see Igneel again." She tuned back to the door again. "He probably has twice the motivation for moving ahead than anyone else."
"Maybe so." Lucy said as she looked to the door as well and smiled. 'Good luck Natsu. You'll see him someday.'
Juvia began to shift uncomfortably in her seat and was blushing uncontrollably. "I think...I might prefer to withdraw from the trial this year."
Wendy and Carla looked at her with surprise. "Huh? But why?" Wendy asked.
"It's just...I'd rather be somebodies partner than rival." she answered, still shifting in her seat.
"Say what?" Gray asked as he leaned over towards her, causing her to flinch a little.
She looked at the floor shyly. "Well, I mean...If I...If it were my choice..."
Lucy leaned in to whisper to Gray. "I'ts obvious she'd rather be your partner."
"You think?" Gray said as if it was obvious.
"Don't you dare try to steal him away from me!" Juvia shouted as she pointed a shaking finger at her with tears coming from the corners of her eyes and her body surrounded by a dark aura.
"I would never do that!" Lucy retorted.
"Be honest with me Gray!" Juvia begged. "Would you rather have this blond bimbo on your team?!"
"Simmer down, okay?" Gray said. "I've already got someone lined up."
"You do?" Lucy asked.
At that moment, Loke appeared in a dark suit with a white under shirt and a red tie. "Long time no see, you guys."
Lucy flipped. "Your using one of my spirits?!"
"Seriously?" Elfman asked with wide eyes.
"We worked this whole thing out a year ago." Gray said. Lucy was too stunned to speak when Loke approached her.
"Please don't take this too hard Lucy." he said as he adjusted his tie. "But I'm gonna have to put a hold on our contract while I team up with Gray. Just in case your wondering, I used my own power in order to pass through the gate." He then began to take off his suit. "So don't worry about running out of magic power because of me."
Lucy stared at him with wide eyes and her body trembled for a moment before she finally managed to speak. "Kay. But I kinda wish you would've run this by me first."
"Wait a minute, Loke." Elfman interrupted. "Are you still a full fledged member of the guild?"
Loke shrugged off his under shirt to reveal his green Fairy Tail mark on his back. "See? I'm still a proud Fairy Tail wizard and as such it's my duty to help Gray reach his full potential and make it to S-Class."
Gray smirked. "I appreciate the help buddy."
Loke smirked back. "You can count on me."
"I don't remember these two being each others BFF's before today." Lucy grumbled.
"And it's a good thing I already chose my other partner." Gray said as another figure walked up to the table.
King Caesar grinned. "I'm prepared to ensure your victory."
Now Lucy looked freaked. "You're using the guy who ripped monsters in half?!"
"Relax, I don't plan on going that far." Caesar reassured her, much to Lucy's relief. "Besides, I'm also hoping to face Rodan in this trial."
Wendy tilted her head in confusion. "Rodan? Why?"
"We had a bet a while back to see which of us could be as strong as Godzilla and this S-Class Trial is just as good a time as any to settle that bet." Caesar replied with a nod.
"That's the spirit." Gray said before turning to Juvia. "So feel free to come at me with everything you've got. We'll get hot and heavy like the first time we met."
Juvia, however, misunderstood what he meant by that and gasped. "Hot...and heavy?!" She then began to imagine her and Gray holding hands while they were both half naked. Her face turned bright red. "I don't think I can handle it!"
"Easy there, girl." Carla said.
Lisanna stood up in her seat. "Hey, I'll be on your team Juvia."
"You barely even know her." Elfman said.
She then flashed a peace sign. "Actually, me and the Juvia back in Edolas came to be really good friends. Not that your anything like her. Your a lot sweeter."
Juvia looked slightly touched. "You would choose me?"
Lisanna grabbed Juvia's hands and smiled. "So what do you say?"
Juvia gave her a suspicious look. "I suppose so, but I have a feeling your just using me to get to Gray like all the other girls around here."
Lucy sweat-dropped. "Why is she so paranoid?"
Lisanna turned to the table next to them. "Is it okay if we borrow Mothra Leo?"
The Shobijin, who were sitting at the table right next to them with the larvae, smiled. "Not at all. Leo is quite eager to finally put his skills to the test." Leo came up to them and squeaked happily, causing Lisanna to giggle. "Perhaps you could use another partner." The Shobijin continued. "Since Juvia's magic is water..." They looked around for a moment before the caught of the Defender they were looking for.
"Manda! Would you mind joining Juvia, Lisanna and Leo?"
Manda grinned as she slithered over to them. "Of course. It might be just prove to be a good challenge."
Elfman suddenly started crying waterfalls. "I can't believe you'd do this to me little sis! Your gonna make your own flesh and blood go through the trial without a partner?!"
"No. You've been getting such and intense stare I thought you already had someone." Lisanna said as she gestured to the bar. Elfman looked and saw that Evergreen staring at him from her seat with an emotionless gaze. "I think she might be a little upset that Freed teamed up with Bickslow instead of her." Lisanna suggested.
Elfman stared at back at Evergreen, completely nervous. "She's looking right at me." He suddenly shuddered in fear, causing Lisanna to look at him.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked.
"Her 'intense stare' is actually more like...petrifying!"
----Natsu rushed towards Godzilla before he brought his fist back and cloaked it in fire. "Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Godzilla blocked the attack with his arm, but was slightly pushed back by the force of the punch. He spun around and slammed his tail into Natsu's stomach, but the Salamander quickly recovered and flipped back to his feet.
Godzilla smirked. "Impressive. You have a lot of skill for a human your age."
Natsu grinned. "Thanks. I learned from the best. It's all thanks to Igneel!" Flames shot from his feet as Natsu flew right towards Godzilla with his body engulfed in flames. "Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!" Natsu rammed Godzilla in the stomach, causing him to skid backwards. Natsu's feet lit on fire again as he rushed the kaiju with a kick. "Fire Dragon's Talon!" Godzilla caught the flame-covered foot and threw the Dragon Slayer away from him. Natsu skidded backwards but then rushed him again.
Happy was watching from a small ridge. 'Natsu's lucky he's got Godzilla to help him train. Now no one can take him down.' he thought.
Natsu jumped into the air and spread his arms out. Then, a ball of fire engulfed each hand and slowly grew in size. "The flames of my right hand and the flames of my left! Put them together!" he chanted as he slammed his palms together, the two balls of fire merging into one massive ball of fire than before. Natsu roared. "And this is what you get! Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!" Natsu sent the massive fire ball flying towards the King of Monsters. Godzilla crossed his arms as the attack hit him. He was slightly burned, but nothing too serious.
Godzilla grinned. "Good. Now...lets see if you can take this on!" Godzilla's spines began to glow and cackle with blue light as his eyes turned white He reared his head back as the inside of his mouth glowed with blue light. Natsu stood his ground, ready to meet the attack. Godzilla shot his head forward. "Atomic Roar!" Godzilla's beam blasted from his mouth and flew towards Natsu, who watched as the beam approached.
Natsu slammed his fists together before taking a deep breath. "Fire Dragon's Roar!"
The two attacks collided and clashed for several seconds before they exploded and sent the two flying. The two got up and observed the massive crater made by their attack. Godzilla sighed. "Well...that was something."
Natsu laughed. "Are you kidding?! That was awesome! You really are strong!" Godzilla just smiled at the compliment.
"Ready to keep going?" Godzilla asked.
Natsu grinned as he got into a fighting stance. "Hell yeah!"
Watching from afar, Gildarts crossed his arms and smirked as he watched from afar as Natsu continued to clash with Godzilla.
"Guess I better be heading to Tenrou Island." He turned and started walking away. "I'll see you there Natsu."
----Back at the Fairy Tail Guild Hall:
Jet and Droy were doing a happy dance as they cheered for Levy who was sitting in front of them while smiling.
"Master chose you!" Jet cheered.
"You gonna be an amazing S-Class wizard!" Droy said. "Your gonna pick me to be your partner aren't you?"
Jet glared at him. "You instead of me?! I'm a hundred times faster!"
"Let's face it, I'm the better fighter." Droy shot back.
"Whatever! You've just got a thing for Levy!"
"Oh and you don't?!"
Levy began to grow tired of listening to her teammates argue, but before she could try to stop them, she felt a presence towering over her from behind.
Gajeel crossed his arms. "If you wanna make it to S-Class, you should pick me instead of those two clowns." Jet and Droy's jaws dropped.
Levy looked over her shoulder at the Iron Dragon Slayer with shock. "Seriously?!"
Gajeel grinned. "I get a chance to beat up on all those other idiots if we do this, don't I?"
Levy looked back at the ground sadly. "I guess there's gonna be some fighting involved. And I'm so puny and weak. We'll probably just lose right away."
Suddenly, Gajeel grabbed Levy be the scruff of her neck and lifted her off her seat with just one hand. "Don't go wimping out before the whole thing even starts, you hear?" he said as Levy started flailing a little. He then narrowed his eye's at the Solid Script mage. "I'll make you bigger than you've ever been little girl." he grunted. Levy stared at him and blushed a little while Jet and Droy went completely white from disappointment. Lily crossed his arms and smirked.
Gajeel, while still holding Levy, turned to two kaiju who were sitting nearby and pointed at them. "Oi! Blue boy! Dog breath! Your joining our team you hear?!"
Gorosaurus and Baragon grunted in annoyance. "We have names you know." Gorosaurus muttered.
"As soon as these trials are over, I'm kicking his ass." Baragon growled.
----It was night out and it began to snow as Natsu sat on a small ridge close to his and Happy's cottage that looked over Magnolia. He watched over the town with a sorrowful expression. He then looked down and clenched his scarf before looking up at the sky. Happy came running out of the house with some cooking utensils in his paws.
"Soups on! You ready to eat?" Happy called. Natsu didn't answer and continued to look at the sky. "Is there something wrong Natsu?" Happy asked.
Natsu was quiet for a moment, but then smiled. "I'm finally getting my big chance, and I will be an S-Class wizard."
Happy stared at him for a moment before smiling. "Aye!"
Godzilla watched Natsu from the door of the cottage. He had remembered something Lucy told him during his and the Defenders first week of being in the guild.
"You may not see it, but you and Natsu are more alike than you think."
Godzilla smiled a little. 'Perhaps we are.'
----Wendy was walking through the empty streets of Magnolia with Carla in her arms when she felt something was wrong.
"How come you've been so quiet today?" she asked the white cat in her arms. "I wish you'd tell me what's bothering you."
"I'm not sure. I keep having these strange visions of something going wrong at the trial." she replied softly. She then gave a stern look. "I don't want you to have any part of it. Understand?"
"Don't worry." Wendy said. "I don't think any ones gonna pick me to be their partner."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Sky Maiden."
She turned and saw a man standing behind her. She immediately recognized him, sort of. "Oh, it's you. Who are you again?"
The man gave her with an expressionless look."My name's Mest Gryder. I was Mystogan's pupil."
----"Wow! Check it out Plue!" Lucy exclaimed as she and the dog spirit walked through the town towards her apartment. "I didn't think it ever snowed in Magnolia."
As she continued to walk down the empty streets, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She looked down an empty alley and her eyes practically popped out of her head.
Cana was partially buried in snow and was surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol. She was dead drunk.
"What are you doing passed out in the alley way?!" Lucy screamed.
----Cana leaned up against the side of Lucy's bed with a blanket wrapped around her and sighed in satisfaction. "I owe you one. If you hadn't noticed me I would've frozen my butt off out there tonight."
"No joke. Now you wanna tell me why you've been acting like such a lunatic lately?" Lucy asked in concern.
Cana chuckled a little. "You mean Mira hasn't already told you about it? I get kinda crazy around S-Class trial time. It happens every year."
Lucy straitened up in her seat. "Does this have something to do with you saying that you wanna quit the guild."
Cana sighed and looked at the floor sadly. "...This will be my fifth trial. That means I've tried four times, but I've never been able to go all the way. Cause I suck."
Lucy smiled reassuringly. "Don't be silly. Is that all? Just because you haven't made it yet doesn't mean you can't."
"I'm the only person who's failed four times." she said as she continued to look at the ground. "That's why...this'll be my last one. If I don't pass it this time, I'm gonna leave Fairy Tail."
"Hey now, there're plenty of guild members who aren't S-Class-"
"Well I don't want to be one of those losers, okay!" Cana yelled, causing Lucy to flinch a little. "...I have to be an S-Class wizard or I'll never be able to look him in the eye."
Lucy sat across from Cana as she explained her reason for becoming an S-Class wizard. She was completely blown away by what she was hearing and was stunned into silence for a moment when her speech ended.
"Do you understand?" Cana asked quietly. "That's why if I don't make it this time...I'm quitting Fairy Tail for good." Lucy hung her head down. "My mind is made up."
Lucy shot her head towards Cana with tears in her eyes. "Cana will you please let me be your partner?! Fairy Tail just wouldn't be the same without you!" She stood up abruptly. "I promise I can help you become an S-Class wizard!"
Cana stared up at her with tears as well.
"Thank you..."
----The participants of the S-Class wizard trials and their chosen partners, both human and kaiju, all made their way through the port of Hargeon.
King Caesar walked with Gray and Loke, Mothra Leo and Manda with Juvia and Lisanna, Zilla and Anguirus with Elfman and Evergreen, Kumonga and Kamoebas with Freed and Bickslow, Rodan with Wendy and Mest, Gorosaurus and Baragon with Levy and Gajeel, Varan and Mothra Lea with Cana and Lucy, and finally, Godzilla with Natsu and Happy.
They watched with anticipation as a huge ship sailed into the port with a big, red Fairy Tail symbol on the sail, ready to set sail for Tenrou Island and the S-Class Trials.
Little did any of them know though, it was not going to end well.