Prologue
Lightning always seems to crash on the harshest of days for me. Even now, my brother and I are being forced out of yet another one of our homes, but it can't be helped, I can't afford to pay this month's rent. I was just lucky a flash storm hit Clover Town, otherwise we would have been kicked out this morning. At least this way, we have time to pack and we can use this time to leave without being noticed. I threw my bag over my shoulder and silently peeked through the door, motioning to my brother that it was time to leave.
As we ran through the harsh rain, my brother kept his head low as if he was upset or something. I couldn't just leave him like that so we stopped inside a nearby café. It was closed, that is, until I broke it open, thankfully no one was there. We sat down at a table by the window, leaving a trail of water. We were completely soaked.
"What's wrong, why did we stop here?"
"I should be asking you. You've been staring at the ground since we started running. What the heck is going on with you, Tanzeru?"
He slouched a bit in his seat and turned his head to look out the window. "I just don't get why we have to travel from town to town so often. If we can't afford rent, how come we can afford two tickets for a train to Magnolia? Can't we just use you're wind magic to fly there, huh Karina?"
"Idiot, I told you before, my power isn't strong enough to carry two people and I'm not leaving you behind. Plus, we're not paying for the tickets, we're sneaking on."
I could see his frown drop lower as he rested his head on the table and stared out the window. I knew he didn't like the idea of sneaking on the train, he didn't like the idea of doing anything illegal. Right now, I wish I could tell what he was thinking. His wet, white hair was stuck to his face and his misty blue eyes looked sad. I couldn't help but stare at him for a moment, glancing down on his shoulder. He may have been wearing a shirt, but I could still see a part of his scar. The scar… that I caused all those years back, but, I don't have time to dwell in the past right now. I got up and left the café. I had to clear my mind. Tanzeru ran out behind me calling for me to wait but I pretended like I didn't hear him and kept walking. Finally, he caught up to me and grabbed my shoulder.
"Geez, what happened to not leaving me behind?" he said sarcastically. I couldn't tell him what I was actually thinking.
"I just figured that we should have a race to the train station. We already fell behind schedule, but if we run our fastest we could catch the train."
"Oh, so you were just trying to catch a lead, you little cheater." with his tone of voice, I couldn't tell whether he believed me or not. I stuck out my tongue and ran. I could feel a smile creep up on my face. I could definitely enjoy moments like these since no matter how hard he tried, he could never beat me athletically.
…
When Tanzeru finally reached the train station, I could see the clouds clearing up. He leaned on the wall next to me panting like a dog during a hot summer's day. From the distance we could hear the train's whistle. Judging by the time, it was the train to go to Magnolia, so it was just about time to execute the plan. After we get on the train, when the guy comes around for the tickets we'll just cause a commotion and make it last until the end of the train ride. Then we'll run off and hide out. The plan was vague enough to work.
I could hear the conductor yell out, "All aboard! Train to Magnolia leaving in three minutes." I nonchalantly walked up to the line until I felt someone pull me back. It was Tanzeru.
"Listen, I know you don't like the idea of sneaking on the train, but…", he cut me off.
"Its not that, just look!" He pointed to the front of the line, where a short man in a blue uniform was collecting tickets.
Damn! I didn't expect this. No matter though, I can think of a plan within three minutes. As time went by Tanzeru began to panic. The conductor called out again, "Train to Magnolia leaving in thirty seconds! All aboard who's going abroad!" Finally it hit me!
"Tanzeru go up there and chat with the little guy. When you see me run on board, push the little guy down and get in behind me. If I time it just right, the doors should close behind us." And just like that we ran to our various destinations. Tanzeru ran to talk to the ticket handler, while I made a little stop. I grabbed the lever for the emergency brake and pulled it out of its socket. I stuffed it in my bag and looked around to make sure no one was looking. Then, I ran top speed to the train. I saw Tanzeru look at me before he pushed the ticket handler down. In a panic, hoping he won't get caught, he ran inside the train ahead of time.
The doors were beginning to close and I still wasn't inside. I picked up the pace, running faster than I ever thought I could. I jumped in the train, barely making it. "Good job!" Tanzeru gave me a thumbs up. "Thanks to you I almost got left behind. 'Good job!' Don't screw with me!" I don't think I've ever been so angry before.
Out the train window, I could see the ticket handler scrambling to find the emergency brakes, so I tapped on the glass to get his attention, then I pulled it out my bag. I only wish I could hear what he was screaming, but the train was about to pull off, all I could hear were the wheels screeching.
Suddenly as we began moving, everything seemed like it was spinning. I could barely hold back the barf building up in my mouth. My body became light and I fell back into the chair. I could hear my brother yelling.
"Karina! Big sis, are you okay!"
I could barely build up the strength to respond, "I forgot I was motion sick."
This is going to be a long, two hour train ride. Ughh!
And here ends the prologue that will begin an exciting chapter for Fairy Tail. Will this mean new allies or new enemies? I can't tell you now, but you'll find out soon. Plus, you can check out another story I'm working on, its called Prince of Warfare. See you soon, hopefully by next week Friday!