A/N- Warning this is a long chapter!
Thank you so much for all the review about the last chapter, I know it wasn't the best chapter I have written. I did not want to leave out Edolas completely, so that chapter was a compromise, and I took in what you readers wanted from the arc. You all decided to skip it and just have a short blurb of it.
Please review. I love hearing your thoughts. Also, if there is any questions or you just want to talk, do not be afraid to PM me. I love having conversation with you all.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.
Chapter 28
Please read before Chapter!
I am terrified to post the chapter. This chapter was written months ago. The idea for this chapter has been around since the beginning.
I know this chapter may be a shock for some. Only few individuals know somewhat will be happening in this chapter. The things in this chapter have been long thought about. I did not decide what happens in this chapter carelessly. There was months of writing and re-writing, until I finally came to a tough decision.
Few weeks after Edolas
The weeks following Edolas, the guild is in full swing. Fairy Tail has settled into their normal rowdy selves following the return of Lisanna. Lisanna had fallen back into Earth Land's Fairy Tail routine quick. Going on missions with friends and partying with the rest of the guild. As well, the newest little member of Fairy Tail is settling in well with her new family.
Elie has begun to come out of her shy shell, and becoming quick friends with her fellow exceeds and members of the guild. Gajeel has even gained a soft spot for the little calico. Elie fits in nicely with the Dragneel family, she has not stopped smiling since Tawna found her in that tree. Happy has also fallen into a big brother roll towards the young exceed. Just as Natsu does to Tawna, Happy worries and wants to protect Elie. The two even have started arguing like siblings.
Now, that things in the guild have calmed from the last few weeks, the guild finds themselves having a calm lazy day, well as calm as Fairy Tail can get.
"Gray! Natsu!" Will you two stop!" Erza shouts to the two mages that are causing the most ruckus in the guild at the moment.
"Those two sure haven't changed," Gildarts smiles from the bar.
"I sure wish they would change a little bit," Gramps grumbles, "I can't have those two always destroying my guild hall."
"Streaker!" Natsu shouts sending another punch toward Gray.
"Is that all you got Pyro" Gray smirks throwing his own punches.
"Will you two knock it off!" Tawna yells turning around in her seat facing her brother, "We have a mission to get ready for tomorrow." Being ignored, she rolls her eyes and begins to turn back around facing the blue and calico exceeds, who are arguing over a fish.
"Give it back," Elie's little voice shouts swatting her paws at her brother.
"You said, you'd share," Happy argues.
"Happy, Elie, be nice," Tawna asks nicely to the two exceeds in front of her.
"He took my fish," Elie complains with her orange and white ears drooping.
"Did not," Happy scowls.
"Happy, go get your own fish from Mira," Tawna says as Gray kicks Natsu in the stomach sending him against the tables.
"Damn it, Popsicle!" Natsu's hand glow red as he takes a swing at Gray. The Ice mage dodges the punch as Tawna turns around at the table again. Before either Dragneel could react, Natsu's fire punch connects with Tawna's cheek sending her tumbling into the wall behind them. Natsu freezes and the guild hall goes silent.
"Katawna!" Happy and Elie shout, dropping their fish.
"are you okay?" many members of the guild hurry and gather around the small pink headed wizard. Tawna sits up and places her hand on her warm swollen cheek. She searches the concerned faces of her guild family until her eyes land on Natsu. He is still frozen staring at his little sister in horror, as the reality of what just happened sinks in. Katawna gets up and quietly walks over to her brother, climbing on the bench in front of him so her face is almost even with his.
"T-T-Tawna, I-I didn't mean too," Natsu stutters in shock of punching his little sister. A blue magic circle forms around her elbow and travels down her arm, changing her arm to ice as it goes. She pulls back and with an extra boost of magic, punches Natsu in the face sending him flying into the opposite wall.
"WWWHHHAAAATTT!" Shocked voices of the guild yell as they watch Natsu crash in to the wall. Natsu sits up and places his hand on his now swollen cheek as his sister walks over and kneels in front of him. Expecting to get yelled at, Natsu is surprised to see a large smile on Tawna's face.
"There," She smiles, "Now we are even," She laughs placing a hand over her own swollen cheek. Natsu can't help but laugh with her, and slowly the laughter spreads to the guild.
"Man, you are so lucky," Gray laughs, "If she would have started crying, the whole guild would have gone after you."
"Tawna wouldn't cry, she's a man!" Elfman boasts.
"But Tawna's not a man Elfman," Wendy smiles.
"Well, she can take a punch like one." Elfman grins.
"Those two are really something," Gildarts smiles watch Tawna and Natsu laugh. Natsu pulls Tawna into a hug, musing up her hair and Elie and Happy have both joined the hug as well. It's a picture-perfect moment for the siblings, but neither were prepared for what was to come in the next 24 hours.
"You're late!" Erza yells as Tawna, Natsu, Happy, and Elie run up to the group waiting at the front of the guild hall.
"Sorry, we over slept," Tawna pants as they come to a stop in front of the scarlet mage.
"We need to get going, we have a lot of work to do," Erza sighs, "Everyone in the magic mobile," Tawna and Natsu glance at each other and begin to back away from the mobile, "Not so fast!" Erza grabs the two Dragneels before they could make a break for it.
"I'm not getting in that gut bomb!" Natsu shouts.
"Natsu just suck it up, it's only a 30-minute drive." Lucy crosses her arms in front of her chest.
"If Erza's driving, I'm gonna look just as bad, if not worse than him," Tawna sighs pointing to Natsu.
"I can use the Troia spell on you both," Wendy smiles, "This mission shouldn't take us really long, the spell may last until the ride home."
"Please!" Tawna and Natsu fall to their knees, begging their fellow dragon slayer.
"Will you guys hurry it up, we have some goons to beat up," Gray states leaning against the magic mobile as Erza prepares the vehicle to leave. Wendy nods and quickly puts the spell on both Dragneels and Fairy Tail's strongest team piles into the car.
"Where is this job again?" Happy asks setting on Lucy's lap since Natsu fell asleep when the mobile started moving.
"I don't understand how he can fall asleep where ever he wants," Tawna giggles looking at her snoring older brother, "It's in a Cove town, it's a small town over the mountains," She says reading the request sheet.
"Apparently, a dark guild over took the town," Wendy states glancing to sheet in her best friend's hand,
"Does it say which dark guild?" Lucy asks,
"no, but authorities couldn't handle them, especially when they started setting fires and destroying buildings through downtown."
"Natsu should be happy then, he'll get a mid-fight snack," Lucy laughs.
"That will get him all fired up," Tawna grins.
"As much as I'm glad the loud mouth is asleep, I wish we had something to control his obnoxious snoring." Gray cringes.
"Hey, be thankful you don't have to live with it." Tawna elbows Gray in the ribs.
"I'm still trying to get used to it," Elie sighs. Not having been part of their family for long, she's not accustomed to Natsu absurd snoring.
"It's okay Elie," Tawna smiles petting her head, "You'll get used to it."
"You two won't have to deal with it tonight," Wendy smiles, "We're having a sleepover, remember."
"I'm so excited! We haven't had one since before Edolas." Tawna smiles to her best friend, "We need to have a sleepover with Lucy and Erza one of these weekends."
"That sounds fun, I haven't had a sleepover with Erza yet." Wendy smiles.
"Prepare yourself," Lucy sighs, "Erza sleepovers are on a whole new level."
"You should be used to them by now Luce," Tawna laughs just receiving another sigh from the blonde.
Carla sits quietly on Wendy's lap as the rest of the team carelessly chats. She can't help but have a bad feeling about this mission. The white Exceed takes in a small breath as an image flashes across her mind and voices ring through her head. "Get out of my head!" the voice yells along with the images of pink hair and blood flash across her mind. She comes back to reality and glances to the young dragon slayer sitting beside Wendy. Her and bluenett have engrossed themselves in their sleepover plans for the night. Carla can't help but be concerned for Katawna, she's gonna be keeping a close eye on the young mage.
"Carla?" Elie looks over to her fellow exceed on Wendy's lap, "You okay?"
"Yeah," Carla says leaning closer to the young calico, "Try to stay close to Katawna,"
"Why?" Elie asks concerned.
"I just have a bad feeling," Carla says quietly. Elie leans away from her fellow exceed and nods, knowing not to question her any further.
The team soon arrives to their destination, and the town is worse off than they thought. The place is in shambles, buildings are blazing, and older structures are crumbling due to the damage inflicted upon them.
"This is bad," Lucy says taking in the view around them.
"Yeah, they really destroyed the place," Tawna adds with Elie setting on her head.
"Okay team!" Erza shouts gaining the attention of the team, "Natsu look alive!" she shouts at Natsu is still snoring away in the magic mobile.
"Hey Pyro, get up!" Gray shouts throwing a chunk of ice at his head.
"Oww! Ice Princess!" Natsu shouts rubbing his head.
"Listen up!" Erza shouts gaining Natsu's attention, "The dark guild spans over a few blocks here in the town center. We will need to split up, take care of the bandits first, then handle the fires." Erza points to Natsu, "Natsu, Lucy and Happy, you will take the city block to the west. Gray and I will take the north, and Tawna, Elie, Wendy, and Carla will take the East. When all is taken care of we will meet up here."
"Aye!" They all shout.
"Let's go kick some butt!" Tawna smirks.
"I'm all fired up now!" Natsu cracks his knuckles and the teams split up to their designated posts. Carla and Elie fly close to the two young dragon slayers. The block they have been assigned to is in bad shape. It's surprising some of the buildings are still standing, but they may not be for long.
"This is bad," Elie says quietly.
"This place is destroyed," Carla adds.
"Have you seen any of them around yet?" Wendy asks as the two come to a stop in front of a large old clock tower.
"No," Tawna sighs as a large explosion erupts from the west side, "Sounds like Natsu found some. There's too much smoke, I can't pick up any scents. I'm trying to see if I can sense them by focusing on the water in their bodies." Tawna glances to the grove of trees across from the burning buildings. Blasts of magic erupt from the trees. Tawna and Wendy dodge the attacks, "I thought so," Tawna grins, "I'm getting fired up. Water dragon daggers!" She can pin a couple of them to trees, but other have dodge the ice.
"Sky dragon wing attack!" Wendy's wind flings a group of bandits into the trees.
"Nice shot," the two girls say to one another, and giggle.
"Take that!" Elie grins dropping rocks onto some of their opponents.
"Good job, Elie!" Tawna says proudly.
"Are you really gonna let these two kids and a couple cats beat you!" A man with flowing blonde hair and scruffy beard growls to the men surrounding the girls, "take care of them." Tawna and Wendy stand back to back taking in deep breaths.
"Water Dragon…"
"Sky Dragon…"
"Roar!" Both girls let out their roars sending the men flying to the ground.
"Water Dragon Currents!" Tawna shouts surfing around the men confusing them as Wendy hits them with blasts of air.
"Ready Elie?" Carla shouts as the two Exceeds pick up two men.
"Ready!" The young calico says struggling to hold up a grown man.
"Put me down you damn cat!" The man Elie is holding shouts.
"Actually, we're exceeds," Carla answers as the two of them fly towards each other colliding the two men.
"Good work!" Wendy grins to Elie and Carla.
"Do you know what dark guild this is?" Carla asks floating between the two dragon slayers.
"Not yet, I haven't caught a name of the guild or seen a guild mark on any of these men." Tawna answers turning to Wendy, "but, lets finish these guys off," She smirks.
The two girls make quick work of the majority of the guild members. When an attack of fire comes from the edge of the grove towards Tawna. She didn't have enough time to jump out of the way and her leg is caught in the flames making her hiss in pain.
"Katawna!" Carla shouts concerned.
"Tawna!" Elie shouts at the same time flying towards her pink haired companion.
"I'm fine." Tawna hisses in pain to the two exceed, "Carla, help Wendy, and Elie stay back, I can handle him." Tawna looks to her right leg and notices blisters start to form. She raises her hand above her head and forms a cyclone of water, "Water dragon typhoon!" She sends the storm to the fire mage sending him in circles back into the grove.
"Tawna, are you okay?" Wendy asks looking to her leg, "Let me heal it."
"I'm fine, we can heal it later" Tawna states, "This is nothing compared to getting burned by Natsu."
"You men are pathetic," The blonde man huffs stepping forward from the grove of trees. A lacrama hoovers above is gloved hand and a katana strapped to his hip, "You can't beat a couple little girls? I don't understand why Master Ivan hasn't kicked you to the curb."
"Master Ivan," Tawna's eyes widen, then her eyebrows furrow into to glare.
"They're stronger than they look, Karnik," One of the men groan from the ground.
"I'll just have to take care of them myself," Karnik snaps grabbing the sword from his hip. Swiping it across is body ancient scrawl appears. Blasts erupt from the spell and drives toward the two dragon slayers.
"Water Wall!" Tawna jumps in front of Wendy and the Exceeds, blocking the attack, "Water Dragon Wing Attack!" The attack knocks Karnik off balance momentarily then turns to the small wizard scowling.
"My, my, such a powerful attack from such a little wizard" The man sneers, his white teeth contrasting against his dark skin, "A little wall of water won't save you from my other spells, little girl."
"Water Dragon Daggers!" The ice flies past the man standing before them, ripping his jacket and a few chunks of his blond hair fall to the ground. Karnik growls and look up and catches a glaring Katawna. "I wouldn't be so cocky, you Raven Tail scum," She spits, she turns slightly and he catches her guild mark on her shoulder blade.
"Raven Tail?" Wendy questions.
"You little Fairy Tail brat," He interrupts charging swinging his sword, bringing it down towards Tawna. The blade connects with ice, "What?" Looking over the sword he notices the small dragon slayer grinning blocking the attack with an ice arm.
"Water Dragon Talon!" Tawna kicks her leg up to his stomach and the spell exploding outward. The man in blown back toward the trees.
"Tawna," Wendy shouts worried. Her best friend turns changing her arm back to normal, unscathed.
"I'll handle him," Tawna scowls, "There are still a few more of his allies," Wendy nods and begins to jump into a fight.
"Tawna be careful," Elie says weary, "He seems dangerous,"
"I'll be okay," Tawna reassures, "Stay back okay, we don't want you getting hurt."
"But Tawna," Elie begins to protest remembering Carla's request, but is cut off when Karnik crawls out of the trees.
"You runt!" Karnik snaps.
"What, me?" Tawna taunts, "You can't take a hit like a man," She grins placing her hands on her hips.
"I'm not gonna be taken down from by the likes of you, Squirt," Tawna's eyes go from playful to anger.
"Don't call me Squirt!" She snaps. A large magic circle appears out of her hand and cyclones of water drill towards her opponent, colliding with an enchanted barrier. He swipes his katana across his body, rune appears and barrels towards Tawna, hitting her in the chest, taking her breath away.
"Uggg," Tawna gasps as the runes connect with her body, "What is this?" she asks looking to the runes scrawled across her chest, "Ugg," She groans as a headache becomes present, "What is this?" Tawna struggles, "Is it some kind of Runes magic?"
"Tawna!" Elie shouts flying towards her Dragon Slayer.
"Elie, stay back!" Tawna shouts holding her hand out motioning for the small cat to stop, "He's dangerous," She breathes through the painful headache.
"Hmm," He smirks, "It seems you have some strong memories with the name Squirt."
"What?" Tawna snaps, "What do you know about my memories." She scowls holding her head, struggling to stay standing.
"You were correct, my magic is a form of Rune magic," He sneers, "But it's different than your typical runes, mine can connect to memories. I can use your memories to my advantage." Karnik smirks.
"Water Dragon Cyclone!" Tawna glares attacking him with the powerful tornado of water.
"Tawna, be careful," Elie begs.
"Do you really think a little water is gonna beat me?" He sneers as the lacrama begins to glow as magic energy begins to build, "You're nothing but a kid," He states dodging Tawna's attacks, "You need to remember where your place is!" The lacrama explodes with lightning magic. Tawna tries to dodge, but with each movement her blistered leg seers in pain and she can feel herself beginning to feel low of magic energy.
"Lightning?" Tawna gasps shocked trying to dodge the attacks.
"You seem to have strong memories of lightning connected to the name Squirt," Karnik sneers, "and it seems you had a strong connection to Master Ivan's son."
"Those memories are not for you to play with!" Tawna growls trying to ignore the pounding in her head.
"It's the best way to win a fight," He smirks, "Some memories are the best weapons, don't you think, Squirt."
"You Bastard!" Tawna screams using whatever energy she has left to dodge his attacks, "Get out of my head!" Hearing those words Carla pauses and quickly turns to Wendy.
"Help Tawna!" the Exceed demands.
"Huh?" Wendy breathes heavily also running low on magic energy.
"Elie, get Tawna out of there, NOW!" Carla shouts.
"I can't!" Elie cries, "There's too much lightning, I can't get to her!"
"Water Wall!" Tawna yells grits her teeth as another lightning attack comes toward her. The spell blocks a few of the lightning strikes, but a few break through the wall of water, and it connects with her stomach.
"No, Tawna!" Elie shouts as Tawna's body hits the ground.
"Katawna!" Carla yells.
"Tawna!" Wendy shouts trying to come to her aid, but Karnik had other plans. The lacrama charges once again and a powerful blast of lightning erupts, barreling towards the Sky Dragon Slayer.
"Wendy!" Tawna, with adrenaline pumping through her body, jumps to her feet, and pushes her best friend out of the way. "AHHHHH!" She screams as the electricity hits her ribs and sends her into the clock tower behind them.
"Tawna!" Elie shouts, watching as Tawna's back connects with the corner of the burning tower and she crumples to the ground.
"Tawna!" Wendy shouts in shock. Tawna breathes heavily trying to push herself off the ground, when the sound of snapping wood and tumbling stones echo through the still air. Then the unthinkable happens, the tower collapses, and Tawna lets out a blood curdling scream.
"AHHHHHHHH!"
"Tawna!" Elie cries flying into the wreckage.
"Tawna!" Wendy screams running through the smoke and dust trying the reach her best friend.
"Katawna!" Carla shouts as she flies after Wendy. The blue headed mage and Exceeds freeze as they see their friend. Tawna is pinned beneath burning rubble, and there is lots of blood coming from beneath the wreckage.
"Katawna, no!" Elie bawls landing next to her head.
"No," Carla gasps seeing the blood surround the young mage.
"Tawna!" Wendy runs and kneels next to her fellow Dragon Slayer.
"Wendy," Tawna breaths, her face has paled, "I-I can't g-g-get o-out," She struggles hissing in pain as the fire from the tower licks against her legs, "My leg… I can't feel my leg!" She shouts panicked.
"We're gonna get you out," Wendy says panicked, "Elie, try and keep her calm," Wendy say as her and Carla quickly begin moving and knocking rocks from on top of Tawna, and try pulling her out from under the rubble. As they attempt to free the girl, Carla glances back to the grove of trees and Karnik and the other members of Raven Tail have run off.
"Tawna, you're going to be okay," Elie says with tears in her eyes, "You're okay."
"AHHHHH!" Tawna lets out screams of pain as they try to get her out, but they are only able to get her left leg out. Thankfully it was just pinned under the rubble, but the amount of blood coming from her right leg is alarming. Wendy tries to heal the leg from under the bricks and stone, but is unable to stop the bleeding.
"Wendy," Elie cries, "There so much blood."
"We need to get her out," Wendy cries as she panickily tries to dig Tawna out from under the large stones, "She's losing a lot of blood." The pool of blood around Tawna's right leg is getting larger by the second.
"Wendy," Tawna breathes, her vision is starting to blur a bit and her eyes start to droop as she fights to stay conscious, "Natsu."
"Carla, get Natsu!" Wendy shouts. Carla doesn't answer and flies toward the west side, "Stay awake, I need you to stay awake." She says as Tawna continues to fight consciousness.
"Elie, keep her awake." Wendy say quickly.
"Tawna, don't go to sleep," Elie says lifting her head with her black and orange paws.
"NATSU!" Tawna with whatever strength she has left, screams with tears streaming down her face.
West Side
"That should do it!" Natsu grins as he sucks up the last bit of the fire.
"aye sir!" Happy smiles floating next to his head, "You sure showed them Natsu!"
"That was easier than I thought," Lucy smiles, "These guys didn't put up much of a fight, we should start heading back to…" Lucy is cut off by what sound like a scream, "What was that?" Lucy asks, then looks to Natsu who is frozen in horror, "Natsu?"
"Natsu, that sounded like…" Happy says wearily.
"No," He breathes in unbelief looking to where Tawna and Wendy were posted. Then, in the distance they see a large tower crumble followed by a blood curdling scream.
"AHHHHHH!"
"KATAWNA!" Natsu sprints off down the street heading in the direction of the collapsed building. Lucy and Happy follow behind.
"NATSU!" Tawna's pained voice slices through the smoke-filled air.
"TAWNA!" Natsu shouts running faster hearing the pained cry of his sister.
"Carla!" Happy shouts as the white exceed approaches the trio.
"Natsu, hurry it's Tawna," Carla quickly says with tears falling from her eyes. Natsu feels his stomach drop seeing the exceed's white paws are stained red with blood, Tawna's blood. Carla flies ahead showing the way to the fallen clock tower. Natsu gasps as they approach the rubble.
"Tawna!" Natsu yells when he sees his little sister covered in dirt, ash and splattered with blood, pinned beneath the burning debris.
"Natsu," Tawna cries as her brother approaches, reaching her shaky arm out towards him.
"Natsu!" Wendy looks up with tears falling from her eyes and her hands covered in Tawna's blood, "help, please." Natsu quickly eats the flames from around Tawna and Wendy. Dropping to the ground, he pulls Tawna's top half into his lap.
"We can't get her out," Elie bawls, "She's losing so much blood."
"No, Tawna!" Lucy gasps as her and Happy approach the scene.
"Katawna!" Happy cries flying to Natsu's shoulder. Tawna's breaths are becoming more erratic, and her temperature is rising.
"What happened? We heard a…" Gray starts as him and Erza sprint to the scene.
"Tawna!" Him and Erza shout as they realize what has happened.
"We need to get her out!" Wendy cries, "She is losing a lot of blood."
"Gray help me pry the stones up, so they can pull her out." Erza shouts requipping a sword and Gray making his Ice Excalibur. Lucy, as well, summons Taurus to help lift the large rocks.
"Bugs, stay awake," Natsu begs with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.
"Natsu," Tawna cries, "Help." A few tears spill from his eyes hearing the pain in her voice.
"We're gonna get you out, Buggy," Natsu tries to sooth, "You're gonna be okay."
"I… I can't… feel my leg," She bawls gripping onto Natsu's vest.
"It's going to be okay," Happy cries jumping down next to Elie by her head.
"Ready, on three!" Erza shouts, "One, two, three!" The three pry up enough of the rubble for Natsu to pull Tawna out.
"AHHHHH!" Tawna screams as she is dragged out from the rocks. Happy pulls Elie into a hug as she begins to cry harder seeing Tawna's leg. None of them were prepared for what they saw. Once they get her on her back with her head in Natsu's lap; they see the whole damage of her leg.
"No," Natsu lets tears fall from his eye seeing his little sister's right leg. It's mangled. From mid-thigh to her foot is covered in at least third degree burns. The metal hands and gears of the clock had shattered in to shards, caused large wounds slice over her thigh, knee, and calf oozing blood. Two shards are sticking out of her calf and thigh. Lucy covers her mouth in shock seeing the damage done.
"We need to get the metal out!" Lucy shouts kneeling beside Tawna.
"We need to be careful there is an artery in the thigh. If we hit it, she will bleed out." Wendy says through tears as she continues to try and stop the bleeding with her overly exhausted magic.
"Natsu," Tawna says between her quick breaths, tears are falling from her eyes as she lets out a groan in agony arching her back.
"Shh, I'm here," Natsu runs his hand through her hair, "You're gonna be okay, I promise." He says as she lets out a cry.
"Tawna," Happy cries while holding Elie close, letting his new little sister cry into his shoulder.
"Natsu brace her!" Erza demands, "Gray pull out the one in her calf, Wendy you need to be the one to take out the one in her thigh."
"I-I can't," Wendy stutters.
"Wendy, you are the only one who knows where the artery is," Erza says softly. Reluctantly, Wendy nods and her and Gray prepare to pull out the shards of metal. "Ready?" The two nod and Erza glances to Natsu and Lucy.
"It's okay Tawna, we're here," Lucy says grabbing Tawna's blood stained hand.
"W-we're *hic* here *hic* Tawna," Elie hiccups as her and Happy grab her other hand.
"It's going to be okay." Natsu soothes Tawna's crying.
"Okay, on three," Erza counts down, and carefully and quickly Wendy and Gray pull the clock pieces from her leg.
"AHHHHH!" Tawna lets out a cry of agony as more blood begins to spill from the wounds. Gray and Erza quickly put pressure on the heavily bleeding wounds. Katawna grips Lucy's hand tight as tears stream down her face and arches her back. Tears fall from Lucy's eyes at the sound of the young girl. Natsu can't hold himself together. Seeing his little sister in this condition is breaking his heart. Even Erza and Gray are having trouble hearing her distressed cries.
Wendy quickly tries to stop the bleeding, but she is only able to slow it. She tries to heal more of the leg, but is unable to.
"I-I can't, I'm too low on magic energy." Wendy cries, "I can't help her." She bawls as Tawna's eyes droop shut.
"Katawna!" Natsu shouts as his little sister passes out and her body goes limp in his arms.
"No, Tawna!" Elie and Happy cry shaking her arm slightly.
"Carla fly and get Porlyusica. Get her to the guild as fast as possible!" Erza demands, "Lucy, Gray help Wendy splint her leg, I'm getting the car." Erza runs and Carla flies away toward Magnolia. Natsu removes his vest and Gray removes his jacket and use it to secure the splint they made from pieces of wood and to try and stop the bleeding.
"Tawna," Happy cries moving to Natsu's shoulder.
"Buggy we're gonna get you help," Natsu says as a few tears stream down his face. Then looks to little Elie, "Come here El," Natsu says through tears helping the other Exceed onto his other shoulder. Lucy wipes tears from her eyes and turns to Wendy trying to get her to calm down.
"Wendy, everything is gonna be okay, she's gonna be okay." Lucy says pulling her into a hug.
"I couldn't help her!" Wendy cries harder in Lucy's arms.
"Get in!" Erza shouts bringing the magic mobile to a screeching halt. Natsu carefully picks up his limp sister and hurry into the vehicle. Gray, Wendy, and Lucy sit across from Natsu holding Tawna close to his chest, Happy on one of Natsu's shoulders and Elie sitting on the passed-out pre-teen's stomach. "Everyone hold on!" Erza steps on it speeding down the road.
"Wendy calm down, you're gonna hyperventilate," Gray says placing a hand on the blunette's head. Lucy wraps an arm around her and looks to Natsu across from them. Tawna's face is very pale and contorted in pain. Yesterday, the two siblings were so happy, smiling and laughing, but now Natsu's worse nightmare is happening. Natsu pulls her close and supports her head on his shoulder. They sit in silence for a few moments until Happy glances to Tawna's leg.
"Natsu, her leg! It's bleeding more!" Happy cries looking at her right leg oozing more blood. Wendy looks up and cries harder into Lucy's side.
"Tawna," Elie cries curling close onto her stomach.
"It's my fault," Wendy stutters, "It's all my fault." Gray quickly removes his shirt and ties it around her thigh and add pressure in hopes it will slow long enough to get to the guild.
"Wendy it's not your fault," Gray says softly.
"Can't you freeze the wounds Gray?" Lucy asks pulling Wendy close.
"With her magic, she will either end up melting it or give herself frostbite," Gray says kneeling on the floor of the mobile. Tawna begins to move slightly in Natsu's arms letting out a cry of pain.
"Ahhhh! Ahh!" She cries.
"She's waking up!" Happy says worried.
"Shhhh, shh Buggy." Natsu's arms tighten around her as he looks down to her pained stricken face. Her eyes open and then immediately shut in pain.
"Ahhh… Na-N-Natsu!" Tawna's blood stained hands grip to his scarf.
"Shh, Buggy I'm here," Natsu says as tears fall from his eyes, "We're almost there, you're gonna be okay. Everything is gonna be okay." He says trying to comfort his little sister. Her pained cries are making Natsu struggle to keep it together, he can't do anything to take away the pain. Tawna's blood stained hand grips Natsu's scarf until her knuckles turn white.
"We are in Magnolia!" Erza shouts over Tawna's cries.
The Guild
The large guild door open slightly as a tall pink headed older woman and the white exceed enter the hall.
"Send them straight up!" Porlyusica demands to Carla.
"Porlyusica?" Gramps asks from sitting on the bar next to Gildarts, but is ignored as the healer strides right past him.
"If it is as bad as you said it is, it will need to be treated immediately," She says marching up the stairs to the infirmary.
"Carla, what's going on?" Gramps asks slightly concerned. Before Carla could answer a commotion is heard outside the guild. The doors slam open and Gray and Erza come running in.
"Out of the way!" They shout, each holding a sword clearing the way of any guild mates.
"Waaaa?!" Gramps shouts then notices their hands are stained in blood. The guild goes silent when a sound of a pained scream echoes from outside the doors. Gramps and Gildarts mugs hit the ground shattering as Natsu runs into the guild carrying Tawna with her right leg limp and dripping with blood.
"No," Gramps whispers seeing one of his children covered in blood.
"Tawna's hold on!" Natsu begs as he runs her through the center of the guild with Happy floating next to them and Elie holding onto Natsu's shoulder. Tawna screams in pain gripping her brother, then her eyes begin to droop.
"She's passing out again!" Elie cries.
"Buggy, look at me!" Natsu cries, "Don't go to sleep, you need to stay awake!" Natsu begs as he runs past Gramps and up the stair to the infirmary with the door slamming behind them. The guilds stays silent in shock, the only sound is Wendy's crying echoing through the guild hall.
"What happened!" Gramps asks still in shock looking to the team each stained with Tawna's blood.
"It's my fault!" Wendy cries, covering her face with her blood and dirt covered hands.
"Child, it wasn't your fault." Carla flinches as a muffled scream is heard from upstairs.
"Yes, it was," Wendy sobs, "If she didn't push me out of the way, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the bleeding" Lucy pulls Wendy against her, trying to comfort the young dragon slayer as Carla explains what happened.
"We were able to get her left leg out with only a few scratches, there was nothing we could do about her right one." Carla looks down, "If it's anyone's fault it's mine. My clairvoyance has been more active and I saw a vision of pink hair and blood. I should have said something. I told Elie to keep a close eye on her, but when the fight got dangerous Tawna pushed her back so she wouldn't get hurt. I shouldn't have let her fight that man alone."
"Carla, you couldn't have known if your vision was gonna happen or not. It's no one's fault." Erza states. "If it's anyone's fault, it's that dark guild's."
"Did you kids find out what dark guild it was?" Gramps asks trying to get more information.
"Sorry Master," Erza glances down, "I failed to get that information."
"Natsu and I didn't figure it out either," Lucy sighs.
"I heard Tawna say something," Carla says, "She got pretty angry after she heard their master's name."
"What was their Master's name?" Gramps pushes.
"Ivan," The guild gasps, then shouts of anger erupt, all knowing the history of the two guilds.
"It was Raven Tail?" Erza growls.
"Ivan has gone too far this time!" Gramps seethes then flinching as another screams echoes from upstairs.
"Enough!" Gildarts shouts, silencing the guild, then turns to Gramps, "Calm down Master," He says placing a hand on his shoulder, "It can be taken care of later, right now we have other things to worry about." He says glancing up to the second floor. "Did you catch the name of the wizard she fought against?"
"I'm sorry, they said his name but I cannot recall," Carla states, "He seemed to use some kind of Rune and lacrama magic. He was able to connect to her memories."
"Her memories?" Gramps asks, "How so?"
"I am unsure," Carla admits, "I didn't catch everything that was said between the two, but I did hear him say that she had strong memories of lightning and a nickname. Then he made lightning magic from his lacrama" Gramps eyes got widened.
"I can't believe it," Gildarts growls pounding a fist on the bar, "Out of all her memories…"
"He used her memories of Laxus against her." Gramps finishes, glancing up to the second floor as the infirmary doors open.
"Who has O blood type!" Porlyusica shouts leaning over the railing too the guild below. A few hands raise through the guild mates and Porlyusica's eyes fall on a certain green haired mage with his hand held high. "Freed, can you donate some blood."
"Of course, I will do anything to help Katawna," Freed says standing from the Thunder Legion's table.
"Is she gonna be okay?" Bixlow asks. The three members of the Thunder Legion are concerned for the young slayer,
"Pease tell us she is," Evergreen cries with tears straining her cheeks. Since Laxus left, they have gotten closer with Tawna. She's almost like part of the team, they take her on almost all their missions.
"She's stable for now, but she is in desperate need of blood. Come Freed, we will go into the other room." Freed nods and quickly makes his way to the second floor.
A couple of hours go by with only a couple of cries echo from the upstairs. The sun is beginning to set and no one in the guild has left for the night. They are waiting to hear news on their small dragon slayer. It's been quiet up there for a while now. The rest of the team has been cleaned up and Lucy and Carla and trying to coax Wendy to eat something. The poor child is devastated, she witnessed the whole thing. Finally, the sound of an opening and closing door is heard upstairs. Gramps walks to the end of the bar followed closely by the rest of the team. Porlyusica strides down the stair and comes to a stop in front of Master.
"So, what's the verdict?" He asks, and the rest of the guild become silent, waiting to hear about their little Dragon Salyer.
"Katawna is lucky to be alive. If it would have taken any longer to get her to me, that injury could have easily killed her." A few gasps are heard through the guild hall and the team standing before the healer.
"What about her leg?" Gramps asks. Porlyusica sighs and glances down momentarily.
"The damage is extensive," The healer starts, "I'm sorry to say, but Katawna is going to lose her leg." The members of the guild gasps hearing the news.
"No," Wendy and Lucy cry covering their mouths with tears forming in her eyes once more. The whole guild is speechless. Macao and Wakaba are frozen in shock, and the Thunder Legion's mouths are hanging open, and Evergreen lets out a small sob with new tears streaming down her face.
"There has to be something else we can do," Gray says stepping forward.
"Porlyusica," Gramps states, "are you sure, is there really nothing else you can do?" The healer calmly nods.
"I have exhausted all options," The healer states, "Her leg is severely crushed, her wounds are getting infected, and her muscles are shredded. It is unfixable, even past Wendy's healing abilities. At this point, if Katawna keeps the leg, she will have a very long, painful recovery, with an extremely low chance of ever walking again. Amputation is the best option, the recovery will be quick and she will be guaranteed to do everything she can now, but with a prosthetic."
"If she keeps the leg," Lucy looks down, "She will never get to go on missions again."
"That is correct," Porlyusica nods, "Katawna is very strong and has a large will-power, she will find a way to get through it."
"How is she doing right now?" Gramps asks.
"She's asleep," She starts, "Once I got her stable and gave her the blood Freed donated, I was able to give her very powerful potions to stop any bleeding and to combat the infection that is trying to set in" She sighs, "The girl will be taken to Magnolia Hospital tonight, the operation will be immediate. I would suggest only those who were on the mission and Makarov to go up and see her tonight. The rest of you must wait until tomorrow, at the hospital." The healer says receiving a collective sigh from the guild.
"How did Natsu take the news?" Gramps ask standing.
"She is lucky to have a brother that cares so much for her," She states, "He is having a hard time wrapping his head around everything, but at this moment, him and exceeds are relived that she is going to be okay." The healer looks to the door then back to Master, "I will be stopping by the hospital tomorrow morning, after she wakes up."
"Thank you," Gramps says relived and motions to the team to go upstairs, "You go up first, I will be up in a little bit." Erza, Gray, Lucy, Wendy, and Carla all hurry up the stairs and softly knock and enter the room.
Natsu looks up from his seated spot on the edge of the bed then back to Tawna. Her face is still pale and dark circles lie under her eyes as she peacefully sleeps. Both Natsu and Tawna are cleaned up and in a change of clothes. Happy and Elie must have flown home to grab some clean clothes, along with Katawna's stuffed dragon Laxus gave her 7 years ago. Most of Tawna's body is covered in blankets except for her thickly wrapped bandaged and splinted right leg which lies elevated on pillows.
"How is she?" Lucy asks softly as they enter the room shutting the door behind them.
"She's gonna be okay," Natsu says softly not wanting to wake her, as he runs his hand through her messy hair.
"She's a tough girl," Erza smiles.
"I'm glad she's gonna be okay," Carla smiles from Wendy's shoulder, "Is there any other injuries beside her leg?"
"She has a couple cracked ribs, those will heal quick though compared to her leg," Natsu sighs looking to his little sister, "I'm guessing Porlyusica told you,"
"She's strong, Natsu. She will be up to the challenge," Gray says as Tawna begins to stir. A small squeak escapes her lips as she opens her puffy eyes.
"Natsu?" She asks softly glancing up to her brother.
"Tawna!" Happy and Elie smile next to her head,
"Hey Buggy," Natsu smiles moving hair from her face, "How you feelin?"
"Tired," she answers quietly.
"That's to be expected, you have been through a lot child," Gramps says as he enters the room.
"Gramps," Tawna smiles turning her head toward the door. She smiles seeing the rest of the team there as well. She reaches up and scratches Happy behind the ear as the cat nuzzles himself against her cheek, and Elie snuggles into her lap.
"Do you remember anything?" Gray asks creating an ice chunk for her to nibble on.
"I was thrown into a building, then it collapsed," Tawna says quietly as she accepts the ice from Gray, "The rest of it is a little fuzzy,"
"I'm sorry Tawna, If I would have paid more attention this wouldn't have happened," Wendy says looking down.
"It's not your fault Wendy. If I didn't push you out of the way, it could have been you." Tawna says to her best friend, "But I think we are gonna have to postpone that sleepover," She smirks slightly making Wendy smile. Tawna turns her head to Natsu, "What did Porlyusica say about my leg?" Tawna asks quietly.
"Tawna," Natsu sighs looking down, trying to find the words say, "You're gonna be taken to the hospital in a little bit, and…" He pauses struggling to say the words. He glances and meets his sister's tired dark green eyes, "you're gonna lose your leg." He struggles to say.
"What, no?" Tawna asks with fear flashing through her eyes, "I- I'm g-g-gonna lose m-my l-leg?" She stutters as her lip begins to quiver.
"I'm sorry, Katawna," Natsu says looking down sadly, "There's no other option." He looks down to his sister and see tears welling up in her eyes, "Everything is gonna be okay, Buggy. I promise." Natsu says stroking her hair trying to sooth her.
"The most important thing is you're okay, Katawna," Gramps smiles, "It's never a good feeling of seeing one of my children hurt." He sighs, Natsu smiles and places a hand on her head and she leans closer to him and Happy crawls onto her lap next to Elie making the tired girl smile.
"I think we should leave Tawna to rest for the night," Erza says, "She will need to gain her strength back."
"Is there anything you need Child?" Gramps asks.
"I'm okay, thank you," Tawna says quietly.
"Night Tawna, we will see you tomorrow," Wendy smiles waving. The rest of the team waves goodbye and leave to room. Tawna feels Natsu wrap and arm around her shoulders pulling her in for a hug and both Exceeds cling to her neck.
"I'm so happy you are okay," He says quietly, "You scared me."
"I thought we were gonna lose you," Happy cries.
"I've never been so scared," Elie says through tears.
"I'm sorry," She says quietly hugging them back gripping the back of Natsu's vest tightly in her hands. Natsu smiles and wraps his scarf loosely around her neck.
"Don't be sorry, you couldn't control what happened." Natsu says softly, "The important thing is that you're safe now."
"I'm scared," Tawna admits with tears spilling over her cheeks once more. Natsu hold onto her tight rubbing her back.
"I know you are," He says softly, "But everything is going to work out for the best." Tawna nods softly and leans against her brother and falls asleep. Not long later Elie fell asleep snuggling as close as she could to Tawna. The poor thing has had a long day too. Then a soft knock is heard at the door.
"Gildarts?" Happy asks as the crash wizard enters the room.
"Sorry, she just fell asleep." Natsu says looking up.
"It's okay, I can see her tomorrow," Gildarts smiles looking to Tawna, "I actually came up here to talk to you, Natsu."
"Me?" He asks confused.
"I want you to know that I'm proud of you." Gildarts smiles sitting in the chair next to the bed, "You handled this situation better than I ever would have thought you would."
"She was in so much pain, it hurt so much to watch it." Natsu says looking down, "I tried everything to keep her calm, even though I was terrified."
"She sure gave everyone a scare." Gildarts softly pats her head.
"I have never been so scared in my life." Natsu says, "No fight or battle could have ever prepared me to see my little sister under a pile rubble covered in blood. I can't believe I almost lost her."
"If anyone can get through this, it's Katawna." Gildarts says, "She's strong and definitely stubborn enough not to let this slow her down."
"Yeah," Natsu smiles, "That's for sure," Natsu subconsciously runs his fingers through her hair receiving a small sigh from Tawna.
"Natsu," The fire Dragon slayer looks up to Gildarts who is smiling, "You two are lucky to have each other."
A/N- I'm sorry! I was terrified to post this chapter. But everything will work out, I promise. Please review I wanna know your thoughts. I love you all.