The Shadow Goddess

3

Content warning for bodily injuries and eye gore

It was that time of year again in Fairy Tail, something those who've been a member for at least a year call "Solo Mission" season, but in actuality, it was the S-Class trials, a series of difficult tests a select group of wizards must do to become an S-Class wizard.

The eight participants had already been selected and announced that day, so everyone was gearing up for training and figuring out who to partner with since the trials were still a secret.

Della sat at a table with her older brother, who was still pouting, as the master had chosen Juvia to be in the running and not him.

"It's okay, Big Bro, you'll get it next time. Master's probably being cautious and stuff." The blonde spoke as she pet Pantherlily, who she was hugging in her arms. "I thought he liked me more than her, at least. I deserve to be in the running just as much as anyone!" Gajeel pouted like a teenage girl who's crush picked another girl. The little girl giggled at her brother, making him pout more.

"Maybe you can be Juvie's partner. You're not Gray, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind working with an old teammate." "I'm afraid that wouldn't work either, as Mirajane and Elfman's sister, Lisanna, offered to partner up with her. She doesn't look too happy about it, but I doubt she'll change her mind if it isn't Gray," Pantherlily pointed out as Della brought the exceed up to her face and nuzzled him.

The iron dragon groaned and leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling and muttering things under his breath.

"Della, would you please stop messing with my fur, I'd greatly appreciate it." "I can't help it, Lily, you're so soft and cuddly! Much better than Kumori, no offense to them." The exceed wasn't happy with all the attention, but he still couldn't help but smile. "You definitely are just like Edolas Della, that's for sure."

The blonde gave a big, toothy smile as she giggled and nuzzled the cat more. "I'm a kitty in Edolas too, right? It's too bad I was stuck here when she left, I bet she was the cutest!" Pantherlily chuckled, but turned his head when he heard a commotion going on. The girl holding him noticed and looked to where he was staring.

A few tables over, a familiar female mage was sitting while two male mages fought over who got to be her partner for the S-Class trials. Miss Levy McGarden, leader of Team Shadow Gear, and her minions, Jet and Droy. Just from where they were sitting, the two could tell she was a little worn out by the arguing.

Della and Pantherlily looked at each other, looked back at Levy, looked at Gajeel, who was still in his own little world, then looked back at each other, smirking and nodding.

"Hey, Gajeel, why don't you be Levy's partner?" "Yeah! No offense to them, but Jet and Droy wouldn't be the best people to help her get to S-Class." The male lifted his head and looked at the two, an eyebrow raised. "Why that little girl of all people? I don't think she'd want to pair up with me anyway."

Della grumbled a little as she thought about it, before smiling. "Hey, she did help during the Battle of Fairy Tail. If not for her, you might not have been able to fight Laxus since she cracked Freed's code." The iron dragon only frowned more, thinking about the incident, but didn't seem fully convinced. "You might be able to fight others in the guild if you team up with her." "Well, when you put it like that."

Pantherlily rolled his eyes while the little girl giggled as the mage got up and went over to the young woman. He got up behind her menacingly and spoke to her, before picking her up by the back of her dress. She squirmed about, trying to get out, before the male said something that got her to calm down. She was reluctant, but agreed, much to Jet and Droy's dismay.