Ember of the Starry Sky

Yukari's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted toward the center of the forest. The faint sound of footsteps behind her spurred her on, each beat of her boots against the earth a declaration of her determination. She had come too far, fought too hard, to lose now.

Breaking through a dense thicket, she stumbled into a clearing illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. In the center stood an ornate pedestal made of blackened stone. At its peak rested a torch, unlit but emanating an aura of ancient power.

Her mind raced as Makarov's instructions came flooding back: The goal is to reach the center, where you'll find the Flame of Unity. Only by igniting it with your magic will you pass.

Breathing heavily, Yukari approached the pedestal, her flames flickering to life in her palms. She raised her hands, concentrating her energy. "Alright," she muttered. "Let's light this thing up."

Her golden flames surged forward, wrapping around the torch. The fire sputtered at first, but then roared to life, transforming into a brilliant blaze of crimson and gold. The clearing was bathed in its light, and Yukari stepped back, shielding her eyes from the sudden brilliance.

Seconds passed, each one dragging on like an eternity. Had she done it? Was she the first?

Suddenly, a slow clap echoed through the clearing. Yukari whirled around, her heart in her throat.

Emerging from the shadows were Makarov, Hinote, Gildarts, Cana, and Gray, all grinning as they approached. Yukari's eyes widened. She hadn't even noticed them arriving.

Makarov walked forward at an agonizingly slow pace, his expression unreadable. Each step felt like a lifetime, and Yukari's heart raced so fast she thought it might burst.

"Did I—" Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to ask. "Did I make it? Am I first?"

Makarov stopped in front of her, his small frame somehow towering with authority. He studied her for a long moment, the silence stretching unbearably.

Then, finally, a small smile crept onto his face. "Yukari Hoshizora," he said, his voice loud and clear. "You are the first to ignite the Flame of Unity."

For a moment, Yukari didn't move. The words took a second to register, but when they did, she let out a joyful scream and leapt into the air, pumping her fists.

"I DID IT!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the forest.

Cana and Gray ran up to her, grinning. "Nice work, kid!" Cana said, clapping her on the back so hard that Yukari nearly stumbled. "You earned it."

"Not bad," Gray added with a smirk. "But don't let it go to your head."

Minutes later, the sound of heavy footsteps announced another arrival. Erza emerged from the trees, looking utterly exhausted. Her armor was battered, her hair disheveled, and sweat dripped down her brow.

When her gaze landed on the blazing torch, her shoulders slumped. The disappointment on her face was palpable, though she quickly masked it as she approached Yukari.

"Congratulations," Erza said, her voice steady despite the flicker of regret in her eyes. "You earned this victory."

Yukari smiled, bowing her head slightly. "Thanks, Erza. You did great, too."

They exchanged a firm handshake, mutual respect passing between them.

Barely two minutes later, Mirajane stumbled into the clearing. Unlike Erza, she made no effort to hide her frustration. Her usually cheerful face was twisted into a scowl as she glared at the torch.

"Third?" she muttered, crossing her arms. "I can't believe this."

Erza, unable to resist, smirked. "Looks like someone couldn't keep up."

"Oh, you want to say that again, Scarlet?" Mirajane shot back, stepping closer.

"What, can't hear me over your own whining?" Erza retorted.

The two lunged at each other, fists flying, but Makarov intervened before things could escalate.

"Enough!" he bellowed, delivering a swift knock to both their heads. The resulting bumps were comically large, leaving both women rubbing their scalps and muttering apologies.

Once order was restored, Makarov cleared his throat, and the gathered group fell silent. Hinote and Gildarts stepped forward, flanking the guild master.

"Now, then," Makarov began, his tone solemn. "It is time to announce this year's new S-Class mage."

Yukari's heart pounded again, her hands clenching at her sides.

Hinote spoke first, her fiery presence commanding attention. "Yukari," she said, her voice filled with pride, "you've come far since the day I found you. Today, you've proven not just your strength, but your spirit. You've earned this."

Gildarts grinned, adding, "Welcome to the big leagues, kid."

Makarov nodded. "Yukari Hoshizora, you are hereby named an S-Class mage of Fairy Tail. The youngest in our history."

Cheers erupted around her, and Yukari felt her knees go weak. Gray and Cana patted her on the back, Erza offered a small smile, and even Mirajane managed a begrudging nod of approval.

The group returned to the base camp on Tenrou Island, where a grand feast awaited. Food and drink flowed freely, laughter filling the air.

Cana challenged both Gildarts and Makarov to a drinking contest, which quickly devolved into chaos as the three of them tried (and failed) to outdo one another.

Meanwhile, Gray and Erza sat with Hinote, asking her for advice on improving their magic. Hinote seemed amused, offering sharp quips and occasional nuggets of wisdom.

Yukari, however, found herself standing apart from the festivities, her thoughts swirling as she watched her guildmates celebrate. She didn't notice Mirajane approaching until the girl tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey," Mirajane said, her voice softer than usual. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

Yukari blinked, surprised, but nodded. Together, they walked away from the camp, the sounds of laughter fading behind them.