S-Class Trials
4 years have passed since the formation of team Flaming Sword, and in this time they have grown stronger. Inari is now able to activate his magic at will, using his sword to direct the lightning. The flames are still doing nothing, just surrounding him. They don't have any power in them, just form. However, Inari has grown to be a masterful sword user, and ever since they found a sword called a wakizashi, he had only gotten better.
Erza had grown much stronger than Inari. She had found a way to use requip magic with both her armor and weapons. With the large amount of weapons and armor she stored away, plus her ability use telekinesis and her overall weapon mastery, she was definitely one of the stronger Fairy Tail wizards.
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As the two walked in to the guild one morning, they sensed an ominous pressure around them. The usually noisy guild was subdued, mere whispers going around. Everyone seemed tense, as if waiting for something important. Suddenly, Master Makarov jumped up on to the bar, all noise ceasing. For a moment, it was as if a pin drop could be heard. Then master Makarov burst into a smile.
"It's that time of year again kids! The S-Class Trials are upon us. I have the names on me now!" Makarov
Everyone burst into cheers, because this was the most anticipated event of the year for Fairy Tail. In the last few years, since Gildarts Clive, some of the S-Class mages had retired, so now they were left with 2; Gildarts and Laxus Dreyar, Makarov's grandson. Laxus was the only one to pass within the last 10 years. Inari and Erza looked at each other excitedly. They both hoped to be an S-Class mage, but Inari knew it wasn't his time yet. He still felt something missing from his magic, something that might be a detriment.
"Listen up. The list is as follows: Macao Conbolt; Cana Alberona; Erza Scarlet and, finally, Inari Shinku." Makarov
Everyone cheered. They all agreed that this group had a big chance of at least one wizard making it. Inari looked at Erza, congratulating her as she did him. However, he just thanked her before walking towards the guild master.
"Master, I think I want to sit this one out. I don't feel ready for it, when I'm not even clear on what my magic is." Inari
Makarov was shocked, since he didn't think someone would say no, especially a 15 year old kid. Then he remembered that Inari was right, although he had some semblance of control over his magic, it wasn't perfected. He thought for a moment, before nodding to Inari.
"Listen up. Inari has decided he isn't ready yet, so he will forsake this years exams. Now, before you go crazy, you still didn't allow me to finish the previous announcement. In this exam, you can do it in pairs, so pick your partner well you three." Makarov
The guild looked on in confusion. Why would Inari give this chance up. Did he really not feel ready? Before they could speculate further, the guild master continued.
"This year's location is also special. To the trial participants and their partners, they will get the special chance to go to our guilds holy ground; Tenrou Island." Makarov
The guild was shocked, especially the participating members. Since non involved people couldn't attend the exam, only the select few would have the privilege of seeing the guilds fabled holy ground, and the first master's grave site.
"Now, participants, pick your partner and prepare. A week from now, we leave for the exam!" Makarov
Inari quickly went to Erza to ask if she wanted to pair up. She agreed, since they already worked together normally anyway. He would be helping her, and he would get experience for the time he actually does the exam.
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One week later, Inari and Erza were staring at a giant tree in the distance with awe. They knew that tree was on the legendary Tenrou Island. Landing on the island, they saw the master waiting for them before 3 labeled pathways.
"Welcome to the S-Class trials. Since there are 3 candidates, and 2 S-Class mages, 2 groups will fight an S-Class mage each. The third will get a pass, but has to fight wild animals along their path. Don't worry, all 3 paths are of equivalent difficulty." Makarov
All 3 groups looked at each other before nodding to Master Makarov.
"Now then, I've taken the liberty to assign a path to each group. Erza, the left path. Cana, the middle path. Macao, the right path. Good luck, and have fun. Don't forget to read between the lines." Makarov
Finished talking, master Makarov faded. Clearly, he was a thought projection, but they couldn't tell. All 3 groups immediately rushed to their respective paths. Erza and Inari were quite fast, so after a few minutes, they reached an area that reminded them of an arena.
Standing in the arena was, without question, the strongest mage in Fairy Tail. Gildarts Clive. A crash mage. The ace of Fairy Tail. Inari and Erza tensed up. If this was their test, how would they pass. Gildarts was the strongest in Fairy Tail, besides the master. How could they pass?
"Yo, how's it going. Welcome to your S-Class exam."
Gildarts smile was devilish, and sent shivers through the pair's spines.
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Amidst the endless red flames, with blue lightning sparks, a fox silhouette formed around 2 blazing purple eyes. This fox was burning a darker red than the surroundings, while it's nine tails created purple lightning by rubbing together. Slowly, within the purple eyes, golden pupils appeared as if the eyes were opening. As if sensing the tension in the air, the fox let out a sharp yip as it stirred, rearing it's majestic head to peer into the void.