Fairy Tail: Falling Towards the Chaos

Chapter 25

Slumped over a beach chair on the deck of the ship, Lucy panted as the heat beat down on her. Happy laid next to her on the table, panting the same way, as if they were melting.

Dressed in a bikini, Lucy couldn't even bring herself to care about her modesty, all she cared about the fact that she was overheating and the fact that it felt like she was going to pass away from the intense heat. Everyone around her shared similar complaints, and Lucy could only wish that they'd reach their destination soon.

Natsu stood across from them, belching over the railing next to Loke who looked absolutely disgusted.

They still hadn't spoken, but he'd ruffled her hair on the way onto the ship — whatever that meant. His reaction to her becoming Cana's partner for the trial was anything less than favourable; he'd punch a hole in one of the pillars at the guild before stalking off somewhere to sulk, presumably. She'd stared after him in confusion while Gajeel went on about how much of a "moron" Natsu was and that he needed to get it together.

Oh, right. Imprinting.

She exhaled, bending back over the chair, peeling her eyes open as she noticed something in the distance. They were steadily approaching an island with a large tree, and Lucy hastily scrambled to her feet, peeling her sticky skin from the plastic chair. She was in awe, she'd read as much as she could about the holy ground of their guild. Was this it?

"Apparently, fairies used to live on this island," Lucy said, sharing her knowledge with Happy.

"Yes, indeed, this island is also the resting place of Fairy Tail's first master, Mavis Vermilion," Master added, appearing from the cabins, "I will start explaining the first part of the trials now."

"Do you see the smoke rising up from the beach to the left? You must head there first," Lucy looked over her shoulder to watch the smoke trail up into the sky, before turning back to Master who continued to speak, "there are a total of eight paths and only one group can enter each path. Some of you may battle or pass quietly, the choice of path is completely up to you." He explained thoroughly.

Then, a bell rang, presumably signalling the start of the trials. Natsu and Happy immediately dove off the bow, getting blocked by an enchantment. Freed and Bixslow chuckled at the angered look on Natsu's face, flying off towards the island. Everything was happening so fast. In a minute, Levy had rewritten the rune for her and Gajeel, allowing them to dive into the ocean as well. Somehow, Evergreen and Elfman had managed to get through as well, which left Team Cana, Team Natsu, Team Gray, Team Juvia, and Team Mest on the ship.

Lucy waited anxiously for the enchantment to dissipate, fixing her bag and belt on her body. Cana's face was filled with determination, hands braced against the railing, ready to pounce.

A hand brushed hers and Lucy's head snapped to the side. Natsu's lips were pursed, and his gaze was focused steadily on the purple runes glittering around the edge.

"Good luck," he said gruffly, and she nodded in affirmation.

In the next two minutes, the runes dissipated and everyone charged off the ship with a shout.

Let the games begin.

-----

"These bugs are quite interesting, I can't believe this was the last path available too," Lucy murmured, observing the light bugs; their little bodies lighting up the cave they had begun to walk through.

"Shh, I can hear someone," Cana whispered hurriedly, grasping her cards. Lucy fell back quickly into silence as they heard footsteps approaching and low chatter. They walked forward slightly, taking note of the banner draped across the ceiling.

This was a battle route.

"I knew it! Cana and that cheerleader chick,"

"It's Lucy!" Lucy corrected, annoyed, as she took in the sudden appearance of Freed and Bixslow. Both the men held mirroring smirks, and she could feel a sense of dread begin to settle in her stomach; Cana hadn't been able to beat Freed, much less lay a finger on him, and Lucy had the assistance of Loke when she fought Bixslow.

"Only the winning group can pass through the next gate," Bixslow informed them.

"I'm sorry, Cana, but this is as far as you go," Freed stated plainly.

"I have my own reasons for trying to become S-Class! Try and stop me!" Cana shouted, readying herself for the fight to come. Lucy shucked off her bag, tossing it into a nearby corner, taking hold of her keys once more.

"However, before we begin, how about putting on some clothes first, ladies?" Freed suggested, a faint blush dancing over his cheeks.

"Well then, this is going to be fun!" Cana exclaimed with a smirk, throwing a few cards towards Freed.

-----

The battle between the two members of the Thunder Legion and Team Cana was almost comical in Lucy's eyes. She fought a smile as she rinsed off the residue of dirt and grime off her body. She felt a bit winded, though; did she really summon that many spirits during the last battle?

She needed to pace herself; she'd work herself into a seizure quickly if she used her magic supply too recklessly. She couldn't let Cana down.

Pulling on a top and a skirt, Lucy followed quickly after Cana who led the way into the clearing where the other participants had gathered. Gray, Loke, Gajeel, Levy, Happy, and Natsu were already there; lounging about. Gajeel looked irritated, while Loke and Gray talked about the route they went on. Levy just seemed happy to advance; a feeling Lucy shared. Greeting her loudly, Happy flew straight into Lucy's chest, nuzzling her bosom.

The blonde giggled, hugging the blue cat back, before fixing her eyes on Natsu's unmoving form in the corner, sitting on a log. His body looked battered and bruised, his fringe falling into his eyes. He held his chin in his hand, looking off into the forest, seemingly deep in thought.

"It's... a long story," Happy paused, almost unsure of what to say but sensing Lucy's confusion.

She took small steps towards the Fire Dragon Slayer, hesitating slightly. She brought herself to stand directly in front of him.

"You're okay, right?" she whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder delicately. In an instant, his hands shot out and enveloped her waist, he buried his face in her stomach much like his smaller companion and Lucy felt a bit at a loss. Happy hopped out of her arms, ambling over to Levy.

"I'm still upset with you, okay?" Lucy sighed, bringing up her hand to stroke his head. Her fingers carded through the pink locks, untangling it as she smoothed each strand.

"I know, I'm sorry," the words were so quiet, Lucy can barely believe they came out of his mouth. Instead, she concentrated on her breathing as the two held each other in silence. She didn't think she had to respond to the quiet apology, and she'd rather not have that type of conversation in front of everyone else.

"Is that everyone?" Master asked, calling everyone's attention while walking towards the group of participants. His weary eyes scanned over those left standing.

"Well, Cana and Lucy beat Freed and Bixslow in a battle route and passed," he stated, the two girls locking eyes across the clearing with a wide grin, "Natsu and Happy overcame Gildart's barrier." at his words, Natsu grumbled, burying his face — if possible — deeper into her stomach as if trying to hide as everyone around them shared their disbelief.

"Levy and Gajeel got lucky and managed to get the quiet route," Master continued, "while Grey and Loke beat Mest and Wendy in a battle route."

"Wait, so what happened to Juvia?" Grey inquired, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, Juvia and Lisanna unfortunately met her," Master shivered, facing away from the ice mage, "the female knight who knows no mercy."

Silence filled the clearing.

To be continued...