Ember of the Starry Sky

The sea sparkled under the blazing sun, but the scene was anything but serene. The S-Class Trial had barely begun, and chaos was already unfolding. While most competitors floundered in the water, Yukari Hoshizora had decided she wasn't about to get her clothes soaked she had a better idea.

Planting her feet firmly on the edge of the boat, she smirked at the others struggling in the waves. "Good luck with that, amateurs."

Golden flames erupted from her back, forming magnificent, fiery wings. With a powerful flap, she launched herself into the air, soaring toward Tenrou Island like a blazing comet.

"YUKARI!"

She barely had time to register the shout before Mirajane Strauss appeared out of nowhere, latching onto her leg like an overly clingy octopus.

"Let go!" Yukari yelled, trying to shake her off.

"Not a chance," Mira replied, her grin positively wicked. "If you're flying, I'm hitching a ride!"

"Great. Just what I needed," Yukari muttered. She flapped harder, trying to maintain altitude.

Below them, Gray tried to solve his swimming problem by freezing the water into a makeshift path. It worked for approximately ten seconds before the heat melted it into slush.

"Stupid heat," he growled, slipping and falling face-first into the water.

Erza, meanwhile, had decided to swim. No complaints, no shortcuts—just sheer determination. "Victory doesn't wait for the lazy," she declared, leaving Cana behind as she powered through the waves like a human torpedo.

Cana, who was floating on her back and sipping from a flask, waved lazily. "Yeah, yeah, you do that."

Up in the sky, Yukari was still fighting her unwanted passenger. Mira's grip was unrelenting, and Yukari's patience was wearing thin.

"I'm not a taxi service!" Yukari snapped, trying to kick her off.

"And I'm not letting you get ahead!" Mira shot back, laughing.

With a frustrated growl, Yukari performed a sharp barrel roll. Mira screamed, her grip slipping. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Watch me."

With one final spin, Yukari sent Mira plummeting into the sea below.

As she hit the water with a loud splash, Mira's voice echoed up to Yukari: "You'll pay for that, Hoshizora!"

Yukari didn't even bother looking back. "Yeah, yeah. Get in line."

She refocused on the island ahead. Tenrou Island was a majestic sight: steep rocky cliffs, vibrant vegetation, and the enormous Great Tenrou Tree towering above it all. The shimmering waterfalls cascading into a serene lake below made the island look almost peaceful though Yukari knew better.

"Almost there," she muttered, her fiery wings propelling her forward.

But just as she neared the shore, a loud, familiar voice cut through the air.

"YUKARI!"

She glanced back and groaned. Mira had activated her Satan Soul form and was now flying after her like a demonic missile.

"Of course," Yukari sighed. "Because nothing's ever easy."

She flapped harder, her wings blazing brighter as she surged ahead. Mira was closing the distance, but Yukari was faster barely.

As she reached the shore, Yukari wasted no time. The starting point of the trial split into several paths marked with large signs: A through G. She glanced over them quickly before darting toward Route B.

"Later, Mira!" she called out, vanishing into the dense foliage.

Behind her, Mira landed with a scowl, her form reverting back to normal. "You won this round," she muttered, sprinting toward a different path.

Yukari, meanwhile, raced down the narrow trail of Route B. The path was winding, surrounded by thick jungle on both sides. The air was hot and humid, but she barely noticed, her fire-infused body regulating her temperature with ease.

After several minutes of running, the trees parted, revealing a clearing. And there, standing in the middle, was none other than Laxus Dreyar.

"Great," Yukari muttered, slowing to a stop. "At least it's not Hinote or Gildarts."

Her relief was short-lived. Laxus narrowed his eyes at her, electricity crackling around him. "What's with the face, Hoshizora? You think I'm some kind of pushover?"

Yukari sighed dramatically. "Oh, don't get me wrong. You're plenty strong just not as terrifying as those two."

His jaw tightened, lightning sparking in his fists. "You've got some nerve, kid."

Yukari crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Look, I don't have time for this. Can we skip the macho posturing and get this over with?"

Laxus growled, his pride clearly wounded. "Fine. Let's see how cocky you are after this!"

With a roar, he unleashed a bolt of lightning, aiming straight for her.

"Dawn Shield!" Yukari shouted, summoning a shimmering golden barrier of flames. The lightning slammed into it with a deafening crack, the energy dispersing harmlessly into the air.

Laxus raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Cute trick. Let's see how long you can keep it up."

He shot forward, electricity crackling around his fists as he swung at her. Yukari ducked, flames flaring around her feet as she propelled herself backward.

"Is this all you've got?" she taunted, forming a blazing sword in her hand. "Dawn Blade!"

The fiery weapon sliced through the air as she lunged at him, forcing Laxus to step back. His eyes narrowed as he dodged the swipe, sparks dancing around his body.

"You've got some nerve," he muttered, electricity gathering in his palms. "But you're way out of your league, kid."

He thrust his hands forward, releasing a barrage of lightning bolts. Yukari spun, her wings of flame flaring out to shield her. "Wall of Fire!" she called, creating a blazing barrier that absorbed the attack.

As the smoke cleared, Yukari smirked. "For someone who talks big, you're not hitting very hard."

Laxus's expression darkened, his body crackling with more energy. "Oh, you're gonna regret that."

Before he could unleash another attack, Yukari's hands ignited with golden flames. She flung them toward him, creating a rapid volley of fiery orbs. "Fire Rain!"

Laxus dodged most of them, but a few grazed his arms, leaving scorch marks on his jacket. His eyes burned with fury as he charged forward again, his fists glowing with raw power.

The jungle around them shook with each clash, fire and lightning illuminating the battlefield as their battle raged on.