Ember of the Starry Sky

Yukari's dreams were pleasant until something latched onto her like a vice. Her entire body jolted awake as she felt a pressure wrap around her midsection, pulling her into a warm, firm embrace.

"What the—?" she muttered groggily, cracking her eyes open.

The campfire was down to embers, the cold night still as silent as before. Turning her head slightly, Yukari's eyes widened in disbelief. Mirajane.

Mirajane Strauss, infamous for her strength, her violent tendencies, and her ability to make grown men cry, was clinging to her like a koala to a tree branch. Worse, Mirajane's face was buried in her neck, and Yukari could feel her steady breathing against her skin.

"Seriously?" Yukari whispered, trying to pry herself free. She tugged at Mirajane's arms, but the woman's grip only tightened. It was as though her limbs were made of steel cables.

"You've got to be kidding me."

Yukari squirmed, kicking her legs gently to avoid waking the others, but Mirajane didn't budge. Instead, she muttered something in her sleep.

"So warm… so nice…"

Yukari froze, her cheeks heating up. "Oh, great. She's dreaming," she muttered to herself. "What did I do to deserve this?"

She tried again, pushing Mirajane's shoulder. Nothing. A light slap on her arm. Still nothing. The woman was out cold, holding onto Yukari like her life depended on it. Yukari sighed, finally resigning herself to her fate.

"Fine," she grumbled, glaring up at the stars. "This is my life now. Bound to a violent lunatic who snores like a drunk dragon."

Just as she thought things couldn't get worse, Mirajane shifted in her sleep. Her lips brushed against Yukari's neck, and then—

CHOMP!

"OW!" Yukari hissed, clutching the spot where Mirajane's teeth had sunk in.

"Mmm, not bad," Mirajane murmured dreamily, licking her lips. "Your food isn't great, though."

Yukari's eye twitched. "I'm not food, you weirdo!"

Mirajane didn't respond, her breathing evening out again. Yukari groaned, glaring at the sky.

This was going to be a long night.

By the time morning came, Yukari looked like she'd been dragged through a warzone. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were bloodshot, and she had dark circles under them.

Mirajane stirred, her grip loosening. Yukari took a deep breath of relief—until Mirajane's eyes fluttered open. The realization of their position hit her almost immediately.

With a loud shriek, Mirajane jumped back, pointing an accusatory finger at Yukari. "PERVERT!"

Yukari blinked, utterly baffled. "What?!"

Before she could say anything else, Mirajane delivered a stinging slap across her cheek, leaving a bright red mark. Yukari stared at her, utterly dumbfounded, as Mirajane turned bright red and bolted to the other side of the campfire.

Her scream had woken the others.

Gray sat up groggily, squinting into the morning light. "Are we under attack?"

Erza immediately grabbed a stick, ready to fight. "What's going on?"

Cana rubbed her eyes, yawning. "Is someone dying? If not, I'm going back to sleep."

All three turned to see Mirajane standing with her arms crossed, cheeks flushed, and Yukari sitting in the middle of the camp with an expression that screamed I give up.

"Nothing happened," Yukari said flatly, rubbing the red mark on her face. "Just… go back to sleep."

Gray raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure."

Erza tilted her head, her gaze darting between Yukari and Mirajane. "Should we ask, or…?"

"No," Yukari said firmly. "You shouldn't."

Mirajane, still red-faced, muttered something about "keeping warm" before stomping off toward the nearby stream.

Cana shrugged, giving Yukari a knowing look. "Whatever you say, hot stuff."

The group managed to gather themselves and prepare for the day ahead, their earlier awkwardness melting away as they packed up their belongings and bantered like normal. The tension eased when they rejoined the others at the meeting point, where Makarov stood waiting with his ever-present grin.

Hinote stood off to the side, her fiery eyes glinting with amusement as she silently observed her adoptive daughter. Gildarts leaned against a tree, arms crossed, while Gray, Cana, Erza, and Mirajane lined up beside Yukari.

Finally, Makarov raised his arms to silence the chatter. "Listen up!"

Everyone turned their attention to him, the anticipation thick in the air.

"The next and final trial will determine which one of you has the strength, wit, and determination to claim victory," Makarov announced, his voice booming. "This last test will push you to your limits, physically and mentally."

He paused, letting the suspense build as he glanced at the remaining competitors.

Erza straightened her posture, determination written all over her face.

Mirajane smirked, cracking her knuckles.

Yukari crossed her arms, trying not to look as tired as she felt.

Makarov's grin widened. "The final trial is—"

Makarov's grin widened as the group leaned in, anticipation and tension thick in the air. Even Yukari, still groggy from her chaotic night, couldn't help but perk up at the sudden shift in atmosphere.

"The final trial," Makarov began, pacing slowly in front of them, "is not just about strength. It's not just about skill. It's about what truly makes a wizard great your ability to adapt, to think on your feet, and to act as a team."

"Wait, team?" Gray blurted out, his brow furrowing. "But there are only three of them left. How's that gonna work?"

Makarov shot him a pointed look, silencing him with a mere glance. "Yes, team," he repeated, his voice carrying authority. "Erza, Mirajane, and Yukari will each face the trial individually, but their actions will have consequences for everyone."

Yukari raised an eyebrow, still nursing the faint sting of the slap from earlier. "Consequences? That sounds ominous."

Makarov chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing to fear… unless you're unprepared." He stopped pacing, turning to face them with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "This trial will take place in the Forest of Illusions."

The group collectively tensed. Even Gildarts, leaning casually against a tree, let out a low whistle. "Bold choice," he muttered, crossing his arms.

"The Forest of Illusions?" Mirajane asked, her smirk faltering just slightly. "What's the catch?"

Makarov gestured grandly toward the looming treeline in the distance. "It's simple. You'll each enter the forest alone, facing trials designed to challenge your greatest weakness. Your fears, your doubts, your insecurities this forest feeds on them and makes them real."

Erza's eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on her sword. "And what happens if we fail?"

Makarov's grin didn't falter. "Then you'll be trapped in the forest until someone comes to save you. But don't worry; that's not the goal. The goal is to reach the center, where you'll find the Flame of Unity."

Yukari tilted her head. "The Flame of Unity?"

"Only by igniting it with your magic will you pass," Makarov said, his voice steady. "But be warned each of you will face your own trial, tailored just for you."

A heavy silence fell over the group. Yukari sighed. "Great. More drama."

"And one more thing," Makarov added, his grin turning wicked. "The forest has no sense of humor."