Ember of the Starry Sky

X779 – Four Years Later

The Fairy Tail guild hall had transformed into an even louder, more chaotic mess over the past four years. New recruits added fuel to the fire literally. Natsu Dragneel, a hot-headed fire dragon slayer, joined in X777, followed by the Strauss siblings Mirajane, Elfman, and Lisanna in X778.

Oh, and Happy.

The talking, flying blue cat hatched from an egg Natsu had found, and while most of the guild thought it was adorable, Yukari wasn't so easily impressed.

"What even is that thing?" Yukari had asked Hinote one day, pointing at Happy as he zoomed by yelling, "Aye, sir!"

Hinote had raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Beats me. Magic's weird. Just go with it."

But "just going with it" was easier said than done. Especially when the guild's new members seemed determined to drive Yukari insane.

Natsu, for one, constantly challenged her to see whose fire magic was stronger. Every single time, he'd end up on the floor after a single punch.

"Do you even think before you talk?" Yukari would sigh, walking away as Natsu twitched in defeat.

Then there was Mirajane, who had made it her mission to challenge Yukari ever since she'd been flattened for stealing her chocolate. Their rivalry had become infamous, with Mira grinning like a maniac every time she issued a new challenge.

"Still not over that chocolate, huh?" Yukari would ask, dodging yet another attack.

"Never!" Mira would shout back, laughing as if the whole thing were a game.

And if Mira wasn't challenging Yukari, Erza was fighting Mira. The two girls had become rivals almost immediately, their clashes shaking the guild hall on a regular basis. Between Erza's blunt determination and Mira's mischievous energy, their constant battles had Makarov tearing his hair out.

Yukari, meanwhile, spent most of her time avoiding everyone.

"I can't even go to the guild anymore without someone trying to fight me," she'd complained to Hinote one day.

Hinote had smirked. "That's your problem, kid. Figure it out."

But all of that chaos led to this moment: the S-Class Trials.

For the first time, Yukari had been deemed ready to compete. Hinote had finally given her permission, though not without a pointed warning.

"Don't embarrass me," Hinote had said. "And don't die. In that order."

Now, on a boat heading toward Tenrou Island, Yukari stood alongside her fellow competitors: Gray, Cana, Erza, Mirajane, Wakaba, and Macao. The heat was oppressive, the sun blinding, and the salty breeze only made it worse.

Gray, predictably, had already stripped down to his boxers.

"Too hot!" he complained, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"Put your clothes back on, exhibitionist!" Erza snapped, glaring at him.

Yukari smirked, standing tall and unbothered by the heat. At fourteen, she had grown into a striking figure. Her height had shot up to 1.65 meters, her once jet-black hair now streaked with fiery red, and her toned muscles a testament to years of relentless training.

"Some of us don't need to melt to stay cool," she teased Gray.

Gray shot her a dirty look. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in, Miss Fireproof."

Mira grinned, leaning against the railing. "You're not the only one with tricks, Yukari. This year, I'm taking you down."

"Get in line," Erza interrupted, arms crossed. "That victory will be mine."

The two girls locked eyes, their rivalry flaring once again. Sparks practically flew as they squared off, ignoring everyone else on the boat.

"Will you two knock it off?" Yukari groaned. "We haven't even started the trial yet, and you're already exhausting."

Cana laughed, sipping from her flask. "Four years, and they're still at it. Some things never change."

As the island loomed closer, Makarov stepped forward, his small frame commanding respect despite his size.

"Listen up!" he called out, silencing the group. "This year's S-Class Trial will test your strength, strategy, and resolve. The first challenge is simple: make it to the island. Once there, you'll choose one of five routes, marked A through G. Each route leads to a different destination Hinote, Laxus, or Gildarts. One route is safe, while others will pit you against your fellow competitors. Choose wisely."

His gaze swept over them, sharp and knowing. "And if you don't make it to the island, you're out. Got it?"

"Simple enough," Gray said, cracking his knuckles.

"Speak for yourself," Cana muttered. "I'm not looking forward to swimming in this heat."

Yukari rolled her eyes. "I'm just hoping I don't get stuck with one of you idiots."

"Keep dreaming," Mira shot back, her grin widening.

Erza said nothing, her expression as serious as ever.

Makarov raised his hand. "On my mark… three, two, one GO!"

The boat erupted into chaos as the competitors leapt into action, diving into the water and racing toward the shore. Yukari surged forward, her eyes locked on the island, her mind focused.

The S-Class Trials had officially begun.