Tenrou Island arc

S-Class Trial Arc is the 11th Arc of the Fairy Tail series.

Celebrating A Former Member's Return
With Lisanna's returning to the guild, everyone in the guild held a party. Majority of the members were quite happy, but Juvia were saddened by the fact that the relationship between her and Gray were reversed in Edolas. Pantherlily was very surprised by the guild's noisiness and that everyone has magic stored in their body. He managed to calm down with Erza affirming that it's all right. The celebration, however, quickly turned into a brawl when Gajeel wanted the cats to fight each other, and started the fight between members instead. After the fight, with everyone exhausted, Lucy stared at a sleeping Natsu, wondering if he also feels lonely without Igneel. While initially thinking that he was cute while sleeping, she quickly took it back when she was punched through the roof and landed into the river. Natsu then laughs and it is revealed that he was dreaming about fighting Gray.

At the newly established Magic Council, the new members were complaining about Fairy Tail's problems. Despite Org tried to argue in their favor, the new head of the council, Guran Doma, announced that they will force Fairy Tail to disband if they get into trouble one more time.

At the Holy Ground of the Fairy Tail Guild, Tenrou Island, Zeref is attacked by the wolves. Despite his warnings and requests that they leave him alone, his power is activated and kills everything in his surroundings. He then wishes to meet Natsu soon...

The Trial's Humble Beginning
Its the time of the year again, Cana's depression, the request board being crowded all the time, the excitement in the air and Lucy's confusion. All of these is caused by the annual event: the S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial! Makarov announces the venue: Tenrou Island, Fairy Tail's Holy Ground, and the eight participants: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Loxar, Elfman, Cana Alberona, Freed Justine, Levy McGarden, and Mest Gryder. Makarov continues to explain that only one will be an S-Class mage and that each participant needs to have a partner. Charle sees a vision of Natsu crying, Cana crying, a lifeless hand on the ground, and the face of the Killing Wizard. Everyone chose their partner; Natsu and Happy, Gray and Loke, Juvia and Lisanna, Elfman and Evergreen, Cana and Lucy, Freed and Bixlow, Levy and Gajeel and Mest and Wendy. One week later, they went ot Hargeon Port and boarded a ship.

Power and Luck
All the contestants and their partners make their way to the first exam on a ship. When the island was insight, Makarov explains the rules and the paths. There are eight paths; two pairs of paths converge to a 2 vs 2 battle with only the winning team able to pass, three paths where Erza, Mirajane and Gildarts will intercept the contestants, and one path that has no battle. Strenght and Luck are necessary to pass the exam. The contestant race to get off the boat. Freed trapped the other contestants on the boat for five minutes and left with Bixlow. Levy and Evergreen, knowing how to overwrite Freed's runes, manages to escape with their partners. The rest wait five minutes for the runes to disappear. Juvia and Lisanna swims there, Lisanna using Take Over Fish. Happy Flies Natsu, Gray uses Ice Make to slide there. Lucy and Cana then notice that Mest and Wendy had just disappeared and swims there.

Natsu and Happy chose the E Path, believing that Erza will be there, but encounters Gildarts instead. Lucy and Cana was the last to arrive and headed through the C Path and meets Freed and Bixlow. Juvia and Lisanna chose the D Path and faces Erza. Elfman and Evergreen chose the A Path and encounters Mirajane. Gray and Loke battles Mest and Wendy. And Levy and Gajeel goes through the safe route.

Freed and Bixlow decided to lose on purpose since they owe Lucy and Cana. Erza defeated Juvia and Lisanna. Elfman and Evergreen manages to defeat Mirajane by attacking her when she lowered her ground. Gray and Loke easily defeated Mest and Wendy, but are having trouble remembering Mest's background. Natsu loses to Gildarts in battle, but Gildarts lets him pass when Natsu learns to accept defeat. Meanwhile, Pantherlily and Charle are flying towards Tenrou Island because of their bad feeling about Mest...

Grave Searching
Gray and Loke defeated Mest and Wendy, and had continued on with the exam. While they celebrated a little, they thought about Mest's past, but there were just bits and pieces missing somehow. Arriving at the gathering place, Gray and Loke saw Cana, Lucy, Natsu, Happy, Gajeel, and Levy is there already. Makarov showed up and talked about who each fought, and how they won. But when Gray mentioned Juvia, Makarov disappointingly said that she and Lisanna faced someone that refused to hold back... Elfman and Evergreen then showed up, beaten, but stated that they managed to pass. With the five teams that passed there, the second exam can begin.

Back to Wendy and Mest, Wendy was still crying because she couldn't help out at all. Mest cheered Wendy up and stated that there must be some other secrets to Tenrou Island if it's hidden by such a strong barrier such as the secrets of Fairy Tail, and asked her to explore the Island with him. Pantherlily and Charle had arrived, and Lily said that the Prince isn't likely to be the person to make any direct contact, and guessed that Mest may not even be a member of Fairy Tail. The second exam has been revealed, to find the grave of the first master of Fairy Tail, Mavis Vermilion, where Makarov is waiting. With a time limit of six hours, everyone thought that this will be easy. However, seeing the natural habitat and the enormous sized animals, just about everyone had a second opinion. Except Natsu, who pretty much fought every being that came in their way, every other participants and their partners either ran or hid. Natsu and Happy then thought that maybe they should search the top because it's the most suspicious area around.

At the Tenrou Island's resting ground, Erza was cooking when she heard that Elfman and Evergreen was getting married. Mirajane replied that it's probably to catch her off-guard. Mirajane then thought about how their child would look like, and started crying. Lisanna thought about how fitting the couple may be, while Juvia is buring up from the thought of a child. From Erza's words, Fried and Bixlow had gone back to the guild with Gildarts. But when they mentioned about Mest and Wendy, everyone had a bit of memory block about the former. Worried, Erza and Juvia decided to search for them.

Elfman managed to grab Evergreen and saved her from being slaughtered by a beast. However, Evergreen immediately pushed Elfman away and said that they were merely acting to beat Mirajane. They then noticed someone was coming their way, and it was the Killing Mage. He was shocked by someone else was on the island. As they asked who that person was and charged to fight him, the Killing Mage told them to stay back. He then lost control of his power, and started killing everything around him. Natsu, in a nick of time, saved them. The Killing mage started crying when he saw Natsu, but Natsu demanded to know who he is. Evergreen and Elfman were surprised by the sudden appearence of Natsu, who managed to save them from the Killing Mage's magic. Happy showed up and ask why did Natsu changed his course, but was more surprised to see the area around him withered. As the Killing mage cried, Natsu told him not to interfere with exam, but the Killing mage only cried on and said that Natsu had grown, and wanted to see him. However, still don't recognize him and punched him to the ground. The mage was unfazed and was disappointed by the fact that Natsu still can't hurt him. Yet another wave is about to be unleashed, and the mage tried to warn everyone to run. The wave unleashed, and while everyone else ran away, Natsu ran towards him. With the wave disappeared, everyone seemed alright, but Happy noticed that Natsu's scarf turned black. Natsu became angry by this fact, but Happy theorized that it protected Natsu.

Mest, who may have noticed the wave of energy, was both happy and excited and thought to himself that the killing mage is on this island. On an airship, Ultear said that they have found the Killing Mage, and reported to Master Hades. Hades then recollected the past of a single wizard managed to born thousands of demon, and threw the world into chaos. That man had awakened, and is called Zeref. The Grimoire Hearts gathered, and prepared to strike Tenrou Island.

Demon's Arrival
Natsu stood up, but is really angry at Zeref for changing the color of his muffler because it messes up with his style. Elfman and Evergreen were actually more surprised by Natsu having fashion sense. While Happy wonders what to do with the exam, Evergreen decides to call it off for now. However, Natsu and Elfman rejected the idea because of their personal reasons.

Arriving at Tenrou Island, Master Hades claimed that he has all the keys to unlock what is inside of Zeref. Ultear, however, states that they are facing the strongest guild of Fiore, Fairy Tail. She mentioned that they destroyed one of the guild of the Balam Alliance, and most of the main members on the Island. However, Zancrow does not care, and wants to burn them all to ashes. Caprico also said that he was born for this day. Rustyrose stated a bit of it will become the power of the guild, while Kain Hikaru spoke rapidly that he felt the same. Ultear asked if Meldy could fight, which she quietly replied yes. Hades then declared that this will be the decisive battle between Grimoire Heart and Fairy Tail.

Back on the Island, Lucy wonders where could the grave of the First Master be without a hint at all. Cana then replied that all of the exams so far had a reason. With the both of them realized that the second exam is about intelligent. Cana then asked if Lucy can rethink about the purpose of the exam given by Makarov, and Lucy finally figured it out. As they left, Gray and Loke had been following them, and believed that they are been tested on intelligence and greed.

Levy and Gajeel remained searching for the grave, with Gajeel complaining out loud. Levy was mad that Gajeel only wanted to fight, which Gajeel then patted her head like a child and told her to get stronger if she wants his attention. Fed up, her confidence problem emerges again, and ran away. She cried as she ran, but may realized that she made a mistake. Suddenly, two members of Gilmoire Hearts attacked Levy. Just as she was about to be killed, Gajeel saved her in a nick of time, and told her not to leave his side because she's weak and small. Gajeel then recognized that they from Grimoire Hearts, and Levy wonders why is a dark guild doing here. Gajeel and Levy are faced with two members of Grimoire Heart, Kawazu and Yomazu. Gajeel wondered if Master set this up, but Levy denied and replied that they must have snuck in. Gajeel then talked a bit about becoming a S-Class Wizard, as such one should be able to take care of this mess. Levy was more concerned that one of the Balam Alliance wouldn't attack out of the blue. The goat, Yomazu then mocked about the official guilds and their rules, while the bird, Kawazu, said that war needs no rules. Just as Levy asked about their goal, Yomazu used Orient Solid Script 'Gou', which unleashes a loud noise that makes Gajeel deaf. Had it not been Levy, he would have been sliced in two by Kawazu. Kawazu then followed up with egg buster. To counter the sound effect, Levy used her solid script and silenced the noise. Able to hear, Gajeel counterattacked Yomazu, while Kawazu's eggs were being burned by Levy's Solid Script.

With one slash, Yomazu managed to slash through Gajeel's Iron Scale, while Kawazu fired even more eggs to counter the fire. With a thrust and a powerful slash, Gajeel was cut down. Kawazu and Yomazu then commented about their strength, and believed that they should be able to finish this before the whole guild arrive. Gajeel told Levy to alert everyone, and told her that he could take care of them no problem. Before she leaves, Levy left a Iron Solid script for Gajeel to feast. With his strength replenished, he remembered the time he fought with Natsu, and felt the same as him, and now, he will defeat their enemy. With the knowledge of the entire Grimoire Heart guild attacking, Levy ran as fast as she could to find any member of Fairy Tail. On the way, however, she tripped. Luckily for her, it was Erza and Juvia that found her. Erza and Juvia were concern about the wound that Levy got, but Levy was happy to find them.

Back to the battle, Gajeel attacked with Iron Dragon's Roar. However, it was easily blocked with Yomazu's Orient Solid Script. Kawazu took the opening and attacked with his eggs. As Yomazu fenced, Gajeel countered with a sword of his own, and quickly defeated Kawazu with a slash. However, Yomazu took the opening, and pierced through Gajeel's arms. Gajeel, however, smiled at this and declared that he won't lose. A flashback sequence of Gajeel and Makarov occurred. Makarov told him that Juvia joined their guild, and was worried about him. Therefore, Makarov decided request him to join as well. Gajeel refused, but words from Makarov made him think otherwise. Gajeel then continued to repent for his action, but while Makarov stated that he won't forgive him for that, if he let him fall into the darkness, he can never forgive himself.

Breaking Yomazu's sword, he declared that he's a Fairy Tail Wizard, and finished with Dragon Slayer's secret art. As all three of them fall, Levy brought back reinforcements. However, Yomazu noticed that the main force had arrived. Knowing the seriousness of the battle, Erza declared that the exam is now on hold, and launched a signal flare to let everyone know what's going on.

The Seven Kin Of Purgatory
With a Red Signal Flare, just about everyone on the island noticed what was going on. Natsu wonders if it was that guy, while Happy explained the meaning of the signal, an enemy attack. Natsu replied that doesn't matter who it is, but whoever wants to fight Fairy Tail, he will fight them back.

Seeing the red flare, Cana wasn't amused. She doesn't care if there's any enemy, she's going to continue with the exam no matter what, especially when it matters to her status with Fairy Tail. Gray and Loke showed up behind them, and told her to calm down. When Lucy and Cana asked what are them doing there, Loke almost told them that they have been following them, but Gray stopped him and replied that it's not important. With Gray and Loke convincing them to go to the meeting spot, Lucy asked just what's going on.

Erza re-equipped back to her ususal armor. Levy told Erza and Juvia that she will take Gajeel back to the camp. When Juvia asked what does she plan to do, She wants to find Mest and Wendy because of the possibility that they got lost. Before that, Erza decided to interrogate Yomazu. Though he initially laughed at her, with a giant bump on his head, he revealed everything, include Zeref, Grimoire Heart, and The Seven Kin Of Purgatory.

Mest and Wendy noticed the red flare, but when Wendy asked about the meaning of the flare, Mest got 'distracted' again. However, he's worried that 'they' are moving before the main squad arrives. Charle and Pantherlily arrived, and told Wendy to stay away from Mest. Charle asked who Mest really was, but when going with the same lie, Lily transformed back and explained Mystogan's personality. With a bit of theory that the prince would never take any apprentice, his magic ability, Pantherlily demanded to know who he really was. Mest, however, teleported in front of Wendy, and grabbed her away from the blast. When Mest asked who did that, the tree erected a face, and reveals that he's Azuma, a member of the Seven Kin. Mest now reveals everyting, that he's a member of the Magic Council, and was searching something to disband Fairy Tail, but with both the Grimoire Heart and Zeref, he imagines how his promotion will be if he succeed in finishing the job himself. But in case of emergency, he had a battleship ready in case something happens. The battleship, however, was destroyed in an instant, surprising everyone to say the least. Now completely revealed, Azuma request that he begin his job if Mest doesn't mind.

At the grave of the first master of Fairy Tail Guild, Makarov is apologizing to Mavis Vermilion for letting enemy on Tenrou Island. He wish to take full responsibility for this, and asked him to protect the guild members on the island. Natsu heard some explosion, and Happy believed that the enemies are there. The duo decides to investigate.

With Azuma blew up the Magic Council's ship, everyone around the vinicity were surprised to say the least. Pantherlily charged towards Azuma, but was blasted at point-blank range. Emerging from the smoke, he punched Azuma back. However, Azuma weren't fazed much, and counter-attacked with explosion. Quickly, Wendy casted both of her supporting spells on Lily, and requested Mest to help her defeating Azuma.

Azuma and Lily continued their battle, and with a command from Charle, Lily flew up to distract Azuma from the real attack coming from Wendy and Mest. However, Azuma casted a strong explosion and effectively defeated all of the other participants. Seeing the tower of flame, Natsu and Happy sped up to the location of the destruction.

On the Grimoire Heart Guild's Ship, Ultear changed her cloth to get ready for war. The rest of the members of the Seven Kin of Purgatory were getting ready pumped up, but were shocked when everyone noticed that Makarov has been waiting for them. Hades was more than delighted to see this, while Makarov wants them to disappear. About 48 years ago, Makarov was declared the third Master of Fairy Tail by the second. With the Grimoire Heart guild arriving, Makarov attack the ship. Although Grimoire Heart countered with the Cannon Jupiter, he was barely fazed and countered with a kick. With the ship nearly destroyed, Ultear restored it with the Arc of Time. Hades told Caprico to bring everyone onto the island while he will deal with Makarov. Makarov then started to activate Fairy Law when Hades showed himself.

On the island, Natsu found Wendy, Charle, and Pantherlily all lying on the ground. Seeing Mest, Natsu questioned forcefully, but a change in attitude when Wendy told him that Mest is from the Council. As Charle told them the main enemy, Lily saw Caprico releasing an abundant amount of bubbles onto the island. Each of the bubbles carry an enemy, especially the Seven Kin of Purgatory. Noticing the people, Zeref wonder if another war is about to begin.

With the time being up, Makarov is about to activate Fairy Law, was more surprised to see Hades activating Grimoire Law. The both of then stopped the magic, and Makarov recognized Hades as the second master of Fairy Tail, Purehito. Makarov was shocked by Hades' real identity, and was caught off-guard with a bit of beating. Shrinking down to it's original size, Makarov asked why is Hades in a Dark Guild. Though Hades replied about judging with merely good and evil, Makarov told him that mentality of Fairy Tail should never change. Makarov requested Hades to leave as he doesn't want to fight him, but Hades refused, resulting the two Guild Masters to battle. Surprised by the Hades' casting speed, Makarov was forced into the defensive. However, as Makarov recovered, he was already surrounded by yet another spell by Hades. The attack was enough to shake the whole island, and left Makarov badly hurt. The heart problem, however, is Makarov's main concern, and Hades immediately noticed. As Makarov asked what had happened, Hades punched him onto the ground while talked about his journey of tracing magic back to its roots. Hades then told Makarov that Fairy Tail's era is over as he left, but Makarov took this advantage for one final counterattack only to be punctured by a magic blast from Hades. Somewhere far away, Laxus is walking in the desert. He suddenly gets an uneasy feeling.

Dragon Slayer vs God Slayer: Natsu vs Zancrow
With Makarov laying on the ground defeated and Hades leaving victoriously, all the Fairy Tail members are battling with the lesser members of Grimoire Heart Guild. Natsu easily defeats all lesser members that attack him, while Happy lures some members into a trap. Pantherlily feels disdained because he has run out of magic and can no longer fight in his battle mode. Wendy wonders where Mest has gone, Charle tells her not to worry about him right now, and Lily asks if she can heal. Unfortunately, she can't.

When a member fires a flame attack Natsu, he eats it up and counters with a flame attack of his own. As the lesser members worry, Zancrow shows up and declares that he will take care of them. But when the lesser members tell him to watch out because the salamander was strong, the grin Zancrow holds quickly changes, and he burns his allies while declaring that Grimoire Heart is the strongest guild. Natsu is angry, but Zancrow merely attacks Natsu with his flame. Natsu surprisingly can't eat Zancrow's black flames, and even shows a bit of damage from the attack, all while Zancrow declared that they are on different level. Elsewhere, Caprico has teleported other lesser members of Grimoire Heart away from Lucy, Gray, Loke, and Cana, while telling them that he will be their opponent. Both Loke and Lucy are surprised to see him, but for different reason. Meredy has met up with Erza and Juvia, and has changed her objective to defeat them. Rustyrose meets up with Evergreen and Elfman, but due to his strange appearence, Ever calls him an idiot. Meanwhile, Mirajane and Lisanna meet with Azuma, who notes that Fairy Tail is even weaker for having not only children and cats, but also women fighting for it. Kain Hikaru and Ultear faced no one.

At the edge of the Tenrou Island, Hades confidently states that Makarov's members have no chance of winning against the members with the power of the lost magic. Starting the battle with some fierce barrage, Natsu attacked Zancrow. However, Zancrow merely blocked them with no effort. While Zancrow claimed that he learned the style from Hades, Natsu laughed at the fact that Zancrow learned it from a human, while he learned from a dragon. The two launched their flare attack, but Natsu was the loser of the battle. Zancrow then burned everyone else watching because they were annoying. Angered, Natsu attacked with his Roar, but was eaten by Zancrow, and countered with a flame of its own. Unable to eat or block the flames, Natsu was blasted off a cliff. Elsewhere Lucy, Cana, Loke, and Gray were getting beaten by Caprico alone.

At the bottom of the cliff, Natsu got up and caught the scent of a dying Makarov. He rushed there to check his condition, but Makarov told him that they have no chance of winning the battle. Though Natsu told Makarov that he will win, Makarov still requested that they run. In the midst of their argument, Zancrow caught up with Natsu, and mocked Makarov for losing to Hades. Natsu, now trembling, wonders if what he felts right now is fear, which Zancrow mockingly confirms. Natsu, however, realized that this is a different fear from what Gildarts talked about. With the flames surrounding Natsu, he screamed that he will defeat Hades and will not forgive any of them. Hearing what Natsu declared, Zancrow stood up towards Natsu and threatened that he won't make him joke about that. Natsu took the first strike, but the opponent remained unfazed. The two fought, and Zancrow scold him that the difference between the god flames and dragon's fire. Natsu then punched a tree towards Zancrow, but he punched through that and struck Natsu with a grappling black flame. With the flame burning Natsu, Zancrow got caught off-guard and was grabbed by Makarov. However, with little magic power left, He was getting burned as well, yet Makarov didn't care.

Suddenly, Natsu's magic disappeared, suprising Makarov, but laughed by Zancrow. The Black Flame, however, was consumed by Natsu, and Zancrow released himself from Makarov's grasp. With the declaration that all of them will go back, Natsu combined the flame of both the Dragon and the God, and struck Zancrow. With Zancrow defeated, Natsu told Makarov that it's time to fight back. However, before he could finish, he fainted.

Struggle of the Faires
At the camp site, Mirajane and Lisanna are taking heavy damage from Azuma's explosion attack. While Azuma mocked the guild, Lisanna urged that Mirajane to use Satan Soul. However, it wasn't a magic that can be used all the time. Upon hearing that, Azuma recognized that name, and requested to fight the demon, going as far as binding Lisanna up with a tree bomb. In an instant, Mirajane transformed, but she knew that she can't last long. The two brawled and matched blow for blow, but Mirajane was still distracted by her sister being made into a hostage, and couldn't concentrate fully on the battle. Mirajane then fired her strongest attack, but was only able to damage Azuma somewhat. With little time left, Mirajane chose to shield Lisanna from the blast. However, she told Lisanna that she believes that there is someone that can defeat Azuma. With the blast engulfing the entire camp, Lisanna started to cry for her unconscious sister. Azuma, however, could only look away from that scene, and left the camp.

At a different place in Tenrou Island. Ultear finally found Zeref. While Ultear was crying for joy of finding him, Zeref could not be angrier. In the woods where the Dragon Slayer and God Slayer fought, Wendy was busy healing Natsu's wounds. However, it was no use as the scarf was somehow interfering the healing. Makarov, despite injured, requested Wendy to revert the scarf first. Ultear, who finally encountered Zeref, couldn't be happier. Zeref asked what she wanted, and Ultear requested for his existance. The Black Wizard, however, refused as he doesn't want to see anyone else dying, and requested them to leave. With his intimidation, Ultear was left paralyzed.

At another battleground, Elfman and Evergreen are battling against Rustyrose and his summoned monster. Despite their best effort to fight back, it was no use and were nearly defeated. Afterwards, Rustyrose revealed the true reason for coming to the island, to acquire Zeref. And members of the Seven Kin of Purgatory revealed their ultimate goal. Going back to where Ultear and Zeref was, Zeref was defeated by Ultear because he has yet to be awakened, and Ultear screamed that she has captured Zeref. The Sun began to set, and an unconscious Zeref is in the arms of Ultear. Ultear then told him that she will make him the King for the sake of the great magic world.

Rustyrose, who stood triumph, heard that Elfman complained about their ideals while talked about the world. However, Rustyrose laughed, and talked about the true horror of Zeref's power. The two fought again, but Elfman was pushed back easily. Catching Rustyrose's arm, Elfman took over his arm, and countered. The attack, however, was diverted with Rustyrose's transformed shield, but it was a diversion all along to take his glasses. Elfman then told Evergreen to turn him into stone, but that failed do Rustyrose wearing another set of glasses. The two of them were knocked down, and Rustyrose revealed his magic, the ability to materialize anything he wants. With it revealed, he finished the team off with a tower explosion. Before the explosion, the two of them thanked each other for being there.

At the woods, Natsu, with his scarf reverted to normal by Wendy, woke up. While Makarov remained immobile, Natsu caught the scent of the guy he met on Galuna Island and decides to head where he is.

Spirit Battle: Caprico vs Leo
At the destroyed battleship of the Magic Council, Rahal commanded the subordinates to aid the wounded and prepare to attack the Island. Just then, Mest showed up and told revealed everything that had happened on the island after verifying that the communitcation Lacrima was operational. Rahal couldn't believe his ears, and fears that the Chairman, Guran Doma, may fire etherion to rid the world of evil. Mest opposed, but it wasn't to them to decide in the end.

Caprico, who stood triumphly on the top of a ruin, was bombarded with comments about the said plan. While Caprico symphasized for a moment, he still wish to continue with the plan. Just as Gray was about to fight back, Loke told them to leave and find other members, while he will take care of the goat. Gray questioned his motive, which Loke revealed that Caprico's magic can weaken the magic of human. He also revealed that his magic won't work on spirit, and Caprico himself is one as well. As they left, Lucy told Loke that he better come back, which Caprico noticed that something was similar.

The two of them clashed, but neither of them seemed to have the upper hand. But Loke was more surprised to see that Caprico had lasted over 17 years without a master supporting its magic. Caprico then asked about Lucy, and the real reason why Loke wanted to fight him one-on-one. Caprico then noticed that Lucy is the child of Layla Heartfilia, and swore that she will not let her get away. Caprico, who now knows Lucy is Layla's daughter, summons another human to eliminate Lucy. However, Loke easily defeated the summon, causing Caprico to send a wave of knights towards the opening of the wall. However, Loke quickly went towards the opening, and defeated the wave of summon with Regulus.Loke now questioned what happened to Caprico, as his new master should be Lucy because of Layla. Caprico then explained that he broke a taboo, and was now cursed with this body, leaving Loke confused. With Caprico starting to cast a spell on himself that will fuse with the target, Loke realized that Caprico has a human fused within himself. Trying to stop the fusion, Loke punched Caprico with Regulus, but was too late in the end.

Now fused with Loke's body, the possessor now prepares to finish Lucy off in order to become human once again. However, Caprico suddenly struck back with Regulus, and the possessor, who Capricon calls Zoldeo, was both surprised and was forced out of Leo's body. Landing on his face, Zoldeo questioned how Caprico was able to move, which the latter replied that Loke transferred Regulus to him at the last second in order to defeat Zoldeo. Zoldeo fades away shortly after as he was now a spirit without a body. Afterwards, Caprico explained everything about his past with Layla and Zoldeo, and decided to fulfill his promise with Layla by becoming Lucy's Celestial Spirit. Lucy, who noticed her key were glowing, replied that Loke had won to Gray and Cana.

The Grave's Location and Tag Team Battle
Walking down the path, Cana suggested that they split up and find the members of Seven Kin of Purgatory. Lucy quickly protested, and Gray believed that this is not the best idea either. However, Cana gave her reason that they can find and eliminate the enemy faster if they split up. The trio agreed, and Gray separated from Cana and Lucy.

In another battleground, Meredy summoned abundant amound of magic blade to attack Erza and Juvia. While Erza effortlessly dodged the attack, Juvia, even with the water body, was damaged by the magic blades. Yet Meredy remind cold towards her enemy and her words. Natsu continued to followed the scent he noticed while Happy followed behind. With a slip on a leaf, Natsu slid down a slide, along with motion sickness. Landing in front of Zeref, the ground below Natsu quickly birthed a tree. Sitting on the top of the tree was Ultear, and Natsu noticed that she's the one with the scent. Ultear then wonders if he was also after Zeref, to which Natsu replied that he isn't, and will not forgive any of them. The two of them started to fight, but with Ultear being serious, Natsu was forced onto the defensive side of the battle.

At the ruin of the Tenrou Island camp, Levy and Lisanna was tending the unconscious Mirajane and Gajeel. As Lisanna blamed herself, Elfman, who was carrying Evergreen, showed up and said that their enemy are too strong. Levy then decided that they need to unite their strength if they are to win the battle. Cana started to ask about the grave of Mavis Vermilion, and Lucy revealed that where the grave is most likely to be at. But just as she was about to finish, Cana casted a sleep card spell on Lucy. As she left, she apologized to Lucy. Suddenly, Kain Hikaru showed up in front of Lucy. Seeing the unconscious Lucy, Kain Hikaru prepares to stump her to her demise. Lucy, however, woke up in a nick of time to dodge the attack. As she just woke up, she had no idea what happened, including Cana's whereabouts. Lucy desperately asked for the safety of Cana, but Kain replied that he doesn't know or if it matters as he will kill her on the spot. As Kain prepares, Lucy stared at him and declared that she will defeat anyone that opposes Fairy Tail.

Before the battle started, however, Kain pulled out a doll and asked Lucy to give him some of her hair because for his magic to work, it requires a piece of hair. As he explains the magic, Lucy retorted that she won't give her any, leaving Kain surprised. Kain then decided to demonstrate to the nonbelieving Lucy, and Lucy quickly used it to attack Kain. After a bit of demonstration, Kain snatched the doll back and begin to charge Lucy. As she ran, she summoned various other Celestial Spirits to counterattack, only to be defeated upon summoning. With Lucy send flying by Kain's attack, she noticed that by changing the doll's property, it can also change the possessed to that element. Just as Lucy is about to be crushed by Kain, Natsu showed up and kicked Kain towards the tree that Ultear made. The respective teammates asked why were they doing in that area, and while Natsu, Happy, and Lucy decide to put the exam aside to form a team. Natsu and Lucy begin to face off against Ultear and Kain Hikaru. Kain however tells Ultear he can take care of it while she gets Zeref back to the ship. Ultear obliges and heads off while Lucy exclaims they can't let them take Zeref.

Natsu charges in but Kain engages him. Lucy goes to help but suddenly finds she can't move. Kain shows that he managed to grab a strain of her hair and put it on the voodoo doll, thus is now in control of her body. He then forces Lucy to fight Natsu, the dragon slayer realizing using the doll increases her strength. Natsu manages to subdue Lucy while Happy grabs the doll away from Kain. Kain knocks him away but Natsu manages to get the doll, only to get smacked into some rocks and trapped under rubble. With Lucy's magic completely drained, she left helpless as Kain beats on her. Natsu urges Lucy to run but she refuses, stating she wants to be together with everyone. Just as Kain about to kill her, Natsu uses the doll to manipulate her body and throttle Kain. He then combines his fire magic with the doll to give Lucy his power. Then throws the doll to Happy who uses his speed, in conjunction with Natsu's fire magic to have Lucy preform a flaming drop kick into Kain. Knocking out and defeating the Seven Kin member.

The Strength of Emotions: Juvia vs Meredy
The time of the day is now dusk, and Lucy along with Happy tried their hardest to pull Natsu out of the rock. This led to Happy questioning why doesn't Natsu just destroy the rocks with his flame. Afterwards, they tried to find Zeref, but had already taken away by Ultear, and Natsu couldn't trace his smell because it's blocked by something. From Natsu's speech, Lucy realized that the Grimoire Heart must have came here by a ship, and ask Happy to look for it. However, his magic power is already used up, and they decide to go back to Wendy's location. At the E Route of the first exam, Cana is determined to become an S-Class. There, she noticed a ray of light.

Meanwhile, Gray was thinking about Cana's decision, and noticed that she has yet to drink since she came to Tenrou Island. Hearing a rustle of the leaves, he took a look, and found a woman resembling Ur carrying Zeref. Thus, he decide to investigate. At the Grimoire Heart Airship, Hades was eating, while an unknown figure known as Bluenote was asking when can he join the battle. Placing his hand on the table, he used his magic to submerge the ship to prevent detection. Hades told the guy to stay, but Bluenote said that one more of the Seven Kin of Purgatory falls, he's joining the battle.

At the remains of the Magic Council battleship, Rahal and Doranbolt were discussing about Bluenote. Just as Rahal is about to contact the Headquarter, Doranbolt took the Communication Lacrima, and teleported to Wendy's location. There, he told everyone that he's here to help out by taking everyone from the island. Everyone present, however, refused. Despite the convincing argument from Doranbolt, Natsu refuted that he will take care of anyone that dare to oppose the guild.In the battle between Meredy, Erza, and Juvia, Juvia had been the main target of Meredy's assault. Erza questioned, and Meredy replied that she had ranked the order of defeat, and Juvia was next. As Meredy explained the rank of kill, she revealed that Gray Fullbuster is ranked the very last one she will kill because he was the one responsible for killing Ur. At that moment, Juvia was enraged upon hearing that, and rain started falling again.

Despite Erza trying to calm her down, Juvia struck Meredy with a powerful blast of water. While Juvia dominating throughout the battle, Erza was more surprised to see Juvia's true power. Juvia then request Erza to find Wendy and Gray, to which the latter complied. Meredy tried to stop Erza from escaping, but was stopped by a water pincer attack. The two force resumed their battle. Gray, who continued to stalk Ultear, wondered if she was going to regroup with the Master of Grimoire Heart. While in a rocky region of the Tenrou Island, Azuma met up with Rustyrose. The two of them shared their experience against members of Fairy Tail, with each of them taking opposite side about their strength.

Back at the battleground between Juvia and Meredy, Meredy felt lucky to have met someone that has strong feeling towards her ultimate target. She then linked Juvia and Gray's senses together, including all the pain they would suffer. Further enraged by Meredy's resolution, Juvia's magic grew and counterattacked against Meredy. In desperation, Meredy linked herself to Juvia, and revealed that no matter who dies in that battle, Gray will die with the loser. Feeling pain, Gray wonders why he there are feelings pouring into him, and if it has anything to do with the mark. Knowing that their feelings are linked, Meredy prepares to suicide, but stopped by Juvia with a blow to her own leg. Meredy then explained more about the magic, but Juvia tried to convince that all three of them will live.

A flashback reveals Meredy's past showing the town she was in was in ruins. Ultear, Kain, and Zancrow met up with the young girl, and Ultear tried to calm the crying girl. Despite Zancrow's protest, Ultear let her live and took her into Grimoire Heart. Years later, Ultear and Meredy were talking a bit, and Meredy had proclaimed that Ultear is her mother. Back in the present, Juvia ran up and hugged the sad girl. She demanded that she must live. Meredy realized that not only was their senses were shared, the emotion was also shared among them. The two of them eventually lost their will to fight, and laid on the water. In Gray's area, he noticed that the mark has disappeared. However, Ultear sneaked up behind him, and asked if he was following her. Ultear then introduced herself as Ur's daughter, and told him that she is an ally.

The Strongest of Grimorie Heart and Cana's Secret
Flying in the rain storm, Charle returned to report to Natsu and the others about the status of the Fairy Tail members at the camp and the location of the enemy's boat. Lucy suggest that they go to the camp as well, and Wendy quickly support that idea. Natsu then turned to Doranbolt and tell him to stop the council for them, along with Lucy and Wendy saying that they will take care of Zeref and Grimoire Heart. Despite Doranbolt's protest, the members of Fairy Tail Guild remained obstinate towards their decision. Ultear and Gray met up, and the latter is still confused by what the former said. While Ultear continued to comfort and convince Gray, he didn't buy any of it, and were furious that Ultear is planning to use Zeref. However, Ultear revealed that it was all the will of Ur.

Erza was still trying to find Wendy, but was intercepted by Azuma. Azuma then told Erza that he took care of Wendy, causing Erza to coldly stare at him. At Grimoire Heart's Airship, Hades was surprised that Meredy was defeated. When he tried to contact Bluenote, he had already left. As he sighed, he apologized towards Makarov about using him to fight. At the campsite, Lisanna and Levy were ecstatic to hear from Pantherlily that Natsu and them are regrouping. However, Rustyrose showed up and ruined the atmosphere. As he continued to talk in shakespearean, Lily hoped that Natsu's group would arrive sooner.

Natsu's group continued towards the campsite, only to find Bluenote in front of them. While Natsu demanded for the identity of the mysterious member, Bluenote, with a whiff of his hands, increased the gravitational force around Natsu's group, effectively immobilize and damage them at the same time. Bluenote then asked for the location of the grave of Mavis Vermilion. Cana, who reached the grave of the first master, was surprised to see the grave was glowing. Cana manages to reach Mavis Vermilion's grave, noticing the glowing light radiating from it and tries to touch it. But the magic hurts her upon contact. Runes comes up explaining that one of the three great magics rest within the grave, Fairy Glitter. Back with Natsu's group, Bluenote Stinger continues to demand the Fairies take him to the grave, telling them of the magic and his wanting to obtain it. Natsu insists he doesn't know what he talking about, to which Bluenote continues using his gravity magic on them. He then notices Marakov and decides to ask him. Natsu dares him to try while the rest of his team comment on how powerful Bluenote is. Lucy begging someone to help them.

Meanwhile Cana desperately asks that she won the S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial Test, commenting the last 12 years were for this moment. In a flashback, its revealed that after her mother died. Cana was to live with her father which lead her to Fairy Tail Guild. Said father turned out to be Gildarts Clive. However he didn't recognize her when they first met much to her dismay. She then joined Fairy Tail, hoping he would notice her but no sooner then he would come back he would leave for work again. Soon Cana became too scared to tell him the truth about her as he was a powerful mage popular with the guild. She then resolved to take the S-Class Trials. Citing if she passed, she would feel worthy enough to tell him. However her first attempt ended in failure. Mirajane and Erza joined the guild shortly after and over time became S-Class mages, causing her to feel she was falling behind and couldn't live up to her father. Cana then decided if she couldn't pass this time, she would leave the guild and town forever.

However she remembers Lucy's declaration to help her pass the test. One of her cards glows and she look at it, revealing its a special card she gave to Lucy in case something happened to her. Realizing she been a fool, Cana cries out she never meant to betray her friends. Throwing away her own goals, she cites she just wants to help her friends. Begging Mavis to lend her the power to help her friends. Its then she allowed to touch the grave, a voice lecturing her that mistakes are something that grows the heart and bestowing Fairy Glitter on her. With this new power, Cana rushed off to save her friends. With Bluenote walking towards Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Wendy, Charle, and an injured Makarov, Cana, with the Lucy Help Card pointing direction, rushed towards their position. Reaching the destination, Cana attacked Bluenote with her cards, only to be repelled by Bluenote's technique. As Cana charged up Fairy Glitter, Bluenote used his gravity to force her to lose her balance. While Bluenote was in awe with what that magic could be, Cana apologized to Lucy about her actions, but proclaimed that she will defeat Bluenote if it hits him. Lucy was happy to see her, and asked if she got that magic from the grave. Natsu, however, wasn't exactly at happy because of the trial. Cana told him to forget about that for now, and request him to buy some time for the magic to charge. Before she could finish, however, Bluenote used his magic to push everyone away.

Bluenote was disgusted by the fact that Cana got the magic he was looking. However, he was happy to take the magic away from her. Cana explained that only the members of the guild can use the magic, not someone like him. Bluenote then starts to explain the origin of magic, and as he levitated Cana, he explained that the one that's closer to the origin of the magic can use any kind of magic. He taunts Cana that it's an extremely powerful magic that collects and concentrates the light of sun, moon, and the stars, and someone like her can't use it. As Bluenote was about to kill her, Natsu, who was still under the effect of the gravity, launched a roar towards the ground, and struck Bluenote with it. Distracted by the attack, Cana took the opportunity and fired Fairy Glitter. The attack, however, was parried onto the ground, and Bluenote further taunted her about her magic and her Fairy Glitter.

Cana was stunned by the fact that he was still standing, while Bluenote explained that he can extract the magic by killing her. Just as Bluenote was about to succeed, Gildarts showed up and blasted Bluenote away from his daughter. With anger veins popping out of Gildarts's face, everybody else could not be more glad to see the ace of Fairy Tail.

Reinforcements Arrive: The Island's Final Battles
Bluenote, who was pushed back, acknowledged the foe in front of him was no other than Gildarts. As Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, and Cana were delighted to see the ace, Gildarts told them to get away from this place. With that said, Gildarts charged towards Bluenote. Casting his magic, Bluenote made the ground that Gildarts was running on flipped upside-down. Gildarts, however, used his Disassembly Magic to shatter the ground, and the two titans struck each other on their fist. In moments, the crater of the battlefield grew, and everyone else were sent flying. Bluenote was more surprised to see him being overpowered by Gildarts, while Wendy told them that it's best to listen to what Gildarts requested.

Back at the main camp, Rustyrose was being overpowered by Freed Justine and Bickslow, whom returned to the island when they saw the signal flare. Though Rustyrose told them that they're still no match for his magic, Arc of Embodiment, Bickslow never planned to fight him fairly, while Freed commented that he committed the crime of hurting their comrade. Despite Rustyrose's counter, he was quickly on the defensive with the power of Freed and Bickslow combined, and the feeling that he was feeling was fear. Rustyrose, despite feeling fear, regains his resolve and unleashes a spirit attack on Bixlox and Fried. Bluenote and Glidarts are still pounding away at each other. Erza continues her fight against Azuma, the two being on even ground. Azuma pauses, glad to fight against someone as strong as her, asking Erza if she agrees. Erza comments she only wants the power to protect her friends.

Hearing this Azuma reveals his powers is a Lost Magic called the Great Tree Arc, allowing him to make explosions of the fruit grown on the trees but his true powers lie in the earth around him. He then uses his magic to uproot the tree of the whole island. Upon doing so, all the Fairy Tail members start to lose their magic and cannont move. Which is especially not good for Gildartz, Fried and Bickslow as their opponents start to gain the upper hand. Azuma reveals that the tree bestows divine powers to those that bear the Fairy Tail mark. Upon taking control of the tree and uprooting it, their powers are now being sapped away. Azuma then challenges Erza to beat him to save her friends.

With the tree under Azuma's control, all the fairies find themselves weakened and those still fighting are powerless against their opponents. Ultear comments on this new development while Meredy tries to pull Juvia to safety, wondering why she doing it. Back with Erza, she asks Asuma why he allowed her to continue moving which he answer he wants to see fight her when she fully serious, though promises to return the power if she defeats him. Erza takes the challenge and engages him once more. Erza charged towards Azuma while requipped to Heaven Wheel Armor, and struck with Blumenblatt, only to be blocked by the trees. Azuma then counterattacked, and slowly chipped off the Heaven Wheel Armor, forcing Erza to return to her usual armor. Erza then requipped to her Flight armor, and dealt damage to Azuma. But as she was about to strike again, Azuma merged with the trees, grabbed her by the ankle, and countered with Tower Burst. Knowing she's in trouble, and with the Armadura Fairy and Purgatory armor damaged, she switches to her simple cloth form and decides to rush him in a single sword slash. Focusing all her power into her blade. The two attack one another, but Azuma uses the branches of the tree to take hold of her limbs, holding her in place then blows her up. With that Erza lays defeated before him. As this happens, in a prison cell in a city, Jellal senses this and mutters Erza's name.

One of the guards take note of Jellal's mutterings causing another guard named Nadara to come by and mention that Jellal was the one who brought down the old council. Nadara tortures Jellal for a bit with his magic staff, thinking he trying to beg for food. But it turns out he begging Erza not to lose. Back on Terou Island, his words reach Erza who manages to revive and get back on her feet. She convinces herself that Jellal not there before continuing her attack. She manages to force Azuma on the defensive for a bit but he once again bounds her arms and legs. Ah she does, she remember when Jellal gave her the name Erza Scarlet back when they were slaves due to her hair color. Azuma hits her with another Tera Kuramare explosion. As she starts to fall, she see a vision of Natsu asking if she going to give up. Visions of the other Fairy Tail members run through her head, strengthening her resolve. She apologizes to them, mentioning that shes used to protecting everyone when in truth she was the one being protected. She comes out through the inferno straight at Azuma. He looks on in shock at first before commenting on their conviction being their true strength and calling them a splendid guild. Erza lands the finishing blow, defeating Azuma. Jellal somehow feels this and smiles to himself.

Trivia

 * The inner cover of Volume 24 included many S-Class material that was originally planned, remained, and/or cut out:
 * Natsu and Happy's potential opponent had also included Gray and Loke before settling on Gildarts.
 * Mirajane was suppose to have won between Elfman and Evergreen.
 * It involves showing us where former characters are at this point such as Laxus after Makarov was defeated and Jellal after Erza was beaten.
 * Cana and Lucy beating Freed and Bixlow was planned out, along with the battle between Juvia and Lisanna with Erza.
 * Gajeel and Levy were suppose to fight Mest and Wendy, with the latter team winning the battle.
 * The Killing Wizard was originally not supposed to be Zeref and had quite a few other names, including 'Touma', 'Mafuyu', 'Fuyuki', etc. But Death Magic remained.
 * Cana suddenly snuck out of the team, by putting a sleeping spell on her partner, Lucy and worked alone for personal reasons. "Lucy went to find Cana for that reason"
 * The following are potential spoilers, whether the story will progress/reveal the info is yet to be determined, all of which were included from the inner cover of Volume 24:
 * Gray participating the exam for the second time.
 * Some info regarding Makarov's would die in the battle was circled, but parts about him dying was blurred. Whether this will occur or not will be revealed in the future.
 * The Island contained the secrets of Fairy Tail, and may be revealed in the course of battle.