A/N- You all are killing me with sweetness with all your reviews. I never in a million years would have thought this story would be where it is today. I just want to thank all me readers for supporting it.
Right now, with the votes we do have a clear winner! But I am not going to let it be known until a little bit later! I'm excited for who you guys voted for. I can do a lot with this story. I will say this, you guys must be sticking with the Dragneels falling for Blondes theme. Ooooo! That gives away a little that puts it between the two blondes! Have fun speculating!
Sorry this took a little longer, classes started so it's gonna be at least once a week update schedule now. It just depends on my homework situation.
Review responses:
Cleo9427: I have gotten the question why I had Tawna lose her leg. And From the beginning I knew that she was gonna get hurt somehow. I wrote that chapter, I do not know how many times. I felt her losing her leg is gonna be great character development.
1: When I first starting writing, I had not seen RWBY, but I actually fell in love with that series a few months ago. Yang is one of my favorite characters from RWBY. I love how strong Yang is I knew I wanted Tawna to be like her.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail!
Chapter 30
"Oi, Calico!" Gajeel shouts crossing his arms.
"What?" Tawna grins looking to her fellow Dragon Slayer.
"Get of the damn counter!" Gajeel snaps looking at the one-legged girl standing on the bar putting something away.
"Don't get your panties in a twist," Tawna grins turning on her crutches, "I don't need a babysitter."
"Like hell you do," Gajeel states, "Yer standin' on the bar with a busted leg!"
"First, my leg is more than busted, it's missing," She states pointing to her missing right leg, "Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but I'm not gonna fall. Everyone needs to stop babying me." Tawna says rolling her eyes.
"I'm supposed to be watchin' ya," Gajeel rolls is eyes, "If yer brother finds out I let ya fall off the counter, he's gonna have a fit."
"You can handle my brother," Tawna laughs, "Heck, I could probably kick his butt with one leg. Trust me, Natsu is the one you have to worry about."
"KATAWNA DRAGNEEL!" Mira shouts angrily from the door of the guild, with Lucy following close behind.
"AHH!" Tawna and Gajeel yell as Tawna quickly jumps into Gajeel's arms, both shaking.
"She's the one we have to worry about," Tawna stutters.
"What are you doing?" Mira glares at the Small Dragon Slayer.
"I…um…I" Tawna stutters, "Oh look Gajeel, Lily and Elie need us!"
"Yer right, let's go!" Gajeel stutters and the two run off to their exceeds table.
"She needs to be careful," Mira sighs to Lucy as the celestial wizard takes a seat at the bar.
"You'd never would have thought she lost her leg two weeks ago," Lucy laughs, "She's just tired of everyone fretting over her."
"Tawna has always been like that," Mira smiles, "She has always pushed away help, especially when it's Natsu."
"Speaking of Natsu," Lucy says looking around, "Where is he?"
"He's on a job," Tawna says coming up to the bar next to the celestial mage.
"That's surprising," Lucy states, as Tawna carefully climbs onto the bar stool, "He has been attached to your hip for two weeks."
"I'm glad he's gone," Tawna sighs, "I can't do anything without him fussing over me."
"He does it because he cares, Tawna." Mira smiles placing a cup of ice in front of the young mage.
"I know, "Tawna sighs, "I'm tired of being treated like I'm incapable of doing anything."
"It will get better," Lucy smiles, "It's only been two weeks." The doors of the guild fly open and Porlyusica and another tall man, carrying a long box enter the guild. The healer strides over to Tawna at the bar catching the young girl's attention.
"Come along, Katawna," Porlyusica states passing by the dragon slayer and to the stairs.
"But Natsu isn't here yet," Tawna states climbing off the stool, adjusting her crutches.
"Not my problem," The heal states and continues up the stairs with the man. Tawna sighs and crutches over to the stairs. Looking up to the stairs, Tawna sighs annoyed.
"The one time I need Natsu," Tawna mumbles then glances over to Elie, "Elie, can you help me?"
"Are you sure," The little calico says flying to her Dragon Slayer, "I'm 'fraid I'm going to drop you,"
"You're not gonna drop me," Tawna smiles.
"I don't wanna hurt you," Elie looks down.
"I'll carry you," Lily flies over meeting Tawna and her small exceed.
"Thanks, Lily," Tawna smiles as he picks her up and easily flies her up to the second story.
"It's not a problem, Katawna," Lily nods setting her down. As Lily flies back to Gajeel's table, the guild doors fling open once more.
"That was a great job, wasn't it Happy?" Natsu boast entering the guild.
"Aye Sir!" Happy cheers.
"Natsu!" Tawna shouts from the second floor, "Hurry, Porlyusica is here."
"How did you get up those stairs!" Natsu shouts back, making Tawna roll her eyes as him and Happy walk to the staircase.
"Lily helped me, hurry!" Tawna shouts disappearing into the infirmary with Natsu and Happy not far behind.
"She is getting her leg?" Lucy asks looking to the she demon behind the bar.
"I think so," Mira smiles.
"I would have thought she would be more excited," Lucy says glancing up to the second floor.
"I've noticed Tawna has gotten really self-conscious about her leg," Mira sighs.
"Now that you mention it," Lucy thinks, "I have notice she's only here or at her and Natsu's house. She doesn't go many other places."
"Maybe this leg will make thing better," Mira states looking up to the second floor.
Up in the infirmary, Tawna sits with her leg outstretched on the bed letting Porlyusica check things over.
"Well, everything looks as it should," Porlyusica states, "This is Dr. Gerald, he specializes in prosthetic limb of wizards."
"Good to meet you, Katawna." The tall doctor smiles shaking her hand, "The leg we have for you today, is just your basic Connection Prosthetic."
"Connection Prosthetic?" Tawna asks confused, glancing at an equally is not more confused Natsu.
"It uses Connection Magic," Dr. Gerald, "It can connect to your nerves and you will be able to move the leg yourself." He explains as he pulls out the shiny metal leg.
"That's cool!" Natsu grins.
"It's shiny!" Happy cheers, eyes sparking looking at the artificial leg.
"This is a basic one," Dr. Gerald says placing the leg in front of Katawna, who stares at it speechless. "Once you get used to having a prosthetic and you can walk, run, and jump with little to no issue, we can replace this one with one you can focus your magic through."
"My magic?" Tawna asks looking up.
"Yep," The doctor smiles, "You will be able to use your magic through that leg, as if it was your real leg. It will come in handy when you can take missions again." He hands the leg to Katawna, who just holds it, unsure what to do with it. "I heard you are very talented with magic. Connection Magic is very simple to do, you should have no problem preforming this spell. Go ahead and slide the leg on."
Katawna places the leg at the right thigh and slides it on. Looking at the leg, she still feels self-conscious about it. It's a normal artificial leg, it has toes, a foot, ankle, and a knee. All the parts she is missing.
"Good," Dr. Gerald smiles, "Now, I want you to place a hand on each side of the leg where it connects to you, and focus your magic energy on connecting your nerves to the leg." Tawna nods and places her hands on the cool metal. She focuses her magic all to the leg, directing the connection of leg to her nerves. Two magic circles appear on either side of the leg and a sound of a click echoes. As the connection happened, Tawna's eyes widen in surprise.
"I think you did it, Tawna," Elie grins widely from Tawna's shoulder.
"I think I did," Tawna says surprised, It doesn't feel like her old leg, but it's a weird sensation.
"How does it feel, Bugs?" Natsu asks.
"It's strange," Tawna says quietly, "My body knows there something there, but it can't feel anything, cause it's metal."
"Well done, Katawna." Dr. Gerald smiles, "I know it feels weird, but you will get used to it. I want you now to try and move the foot." Tawna looks the foot, in her mind telling it to move. Her's, Natsu's, Happy's, and Elie's eyes widen when the foot and toes begin to move.
"I moved it," Tawna says surprised.
"Well done," Doctor says clapping his hands, "Now, your body needs to have an adjusting period to the leg. I want you to keep moving your ankle, foot, toes, and knee, to get your body used to it. We will have therapy few days a week, and hopefully we can have you walking assisted by crutches in a couple weeks." He says receiving a nod from Tawna. "Before I go, I want to see if we can get you standing. Natsu, if you could get on one side of her to help support her."
Natsu nods and comes to the side of the bed. Tawna turns carefully, using her hands to help lift and assist her leg over the side of the bed. She slides herself to the end of the bed and place her feet on floor. With Natsu's help, she pushes off the bed. Struggling to catch her balance, she leans against her brother to gain stability.
"Okay, Katawna, I want you to start putting some weight on the leg," Gerald says. Tawna nods and slowly tries to distribute her weight between her legs. Her knee weakens under the weight and it begins to shake slightly.
"Ah," Tawna gasps as the knee buckles and Natsu catches her before she falls. Resting some of her weight on Natsu, she stands straight again.
"Okay, you can sit down," Dr. Gerald nods as Natsu helps Tawna back onto the bed, "It will take a while to get used to. When you begin walking there may be a limp for a short while, but over time it will fade." He says. Dr. Gerald and Porlyusica bid their goodbyes leaving the Dragneels alone with their exceeds. Natsu turns and looks to his little sister. Tawna's hand runs along the metal, she almost looks sad.
"Bugs?" Natsu asks gaining her attention. Tawna jumps slightly at the sound of his voice, "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Tawna lies. She grabs her crutches and heads to the door, "Let's go," she says quietly. Natsu decides not to push his curiosity any further and follows her to the door.
"Come on," Natsu says kneeling in front of his sister, "I'll carry you down the stairs," Tawna nods and carefully climbs onto his back, handing her a crutch to each Happy and Elie. Coming down the stairs, Tawna feels the eyes of her guild members on her, but she tries to push away her insecurities. Natsu takes Tawna to the table their team has decided to resign at along with a few other members of the guild.
"Tawna," Wendy smiles, scooting over in her seat, giving her best friend enough room to sit and to elevate her leg on the bench.
"How'd it go, Kid?" Gray asks sitting across from the girl next to Juvia who is trying to gain his attention.
"Good," Tawna says placing a hand on the leg, "It's just strange,"
"I sure it will get better with time, Tawna," Erza encourages the girl.
"I know," Tawna states, "It just feels weird. I know there is something there now, and I can move it, but it cannot feel anything with it."
"It will take some time," Lucy smiles to Tawna, "You'll be running around in no time."
"Causing just as much trouble as you did before," Natsu laughs placing a hand on his sister's head.
"She'll probably cause more trouble," Gray adds laughing.
"Gray, Darling that is not very nice," Juvia states holding onto Gray's arm.
"It's okay, Juvia," Tawna smiles, "He's probably right." She says making the small group laugh.
The next week goes by seamlessly. Tons of jobs are being taken due to the S-class trial quickly approaching. Every day, while Natsu and Happy were on missions, Tawna was up in the infirmary working hard in physical therapy.
Lucy sits at the bar talking to Mira when the young Dragon Slayer exits the infirmary upstairs. Lucy looks up to the stairs and see Tawna. Instead of crutching down the stairs, she hands her crutches to Elie and slides down on the banister.
"Tawna!" Lucy shouts as the girl lands at the bottom, making the girl laugh. Tawna adjusts her tall socks, she has started wearing since she got her new leg, and Elie hands her crutches back and she move over to her team mate.
"Calm down," Tawna grins. The Dragon Slayer's mood has been slowly getting brighter, and back to normal. As she gains more mobility, the guild sees her start goofing off and joking around like she did before the accident. "It's quicker than crutching down."
"Carla is right," Lucy shakes her head, "You are reckless."
"You're just now realizing this?" Tawna giggles as Natsu sprints by with Happy by his side.
"Let's go, Happy!" Natsu shouts.
"Aye Sir!" Happy shouts.
"Wait, if you're going on a job, take me with you!" Lucy shouts turning in her seat.
"Sorry, it's solo mission season!" Natsu shouts running straight into Gray. The two shout at each other for a moment before they go their separate ways. A wave of members of the guild take jobs and run out of the guild hall.
"What is going on," Lucy asks watching her fellow guild mates, "Why is everyone going crazy,"
"You'll found out tomorrow," Tawna laughs, "Come on Elie," She states hobbling over to Wendy and Lisanna's table.
"Hi Tawna," Wendy smiles as she comes over to sit with them.
"How's Therapy," Lisanna asks smiling to the pink haired pre-teen.
"It's okay," Tawna sighs, "I can stand without support now, but walking isn't going very well." Tawna looks down sadly and places a hand on her metal leg.
"You took a couple steps today," Elie says standing next to Carla on the table.
"Don't worry, Tawna," Wendy smiles, "It'll get easier."
"That's what everybody keeps telling me, I'm just waiting for it to happen," Tawna sighs, "So what were you guys talking about." She says trying to change the subject.
"We were talking about Carla's clairvoyance," Lisanna smiles.
"It seems that I have gained some control over it," Carla grins from the table.
"Really," Lisanna grins leaning forward against the table, "You can tell the future?"
"Yep," Carla nods.
"That's amazing!" Wendy cheers.
"Can you tell me which guy in the guild is gonna be my future husband?" Lisanna smiles.
"I'm afraid I'm not that advance yet," Carla laughs.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, Lizzy," Tawna laughs, "But I don't think the guys in this guild are husband material."
"Give them a couple years," Lisanna smiles, "They'll calm down."
"I'll believe it when I see it," Tawna smirks crossing her arms then looking back to Carla.
"How much control do you have over it?" Elie asks looking to her fellow exceed.
"I may not be able to see far enough ahead to see whose marring who, but I may be able to predict something sooner," Carla answers looking around the guild hall, "There, keep an eye on Macao," She says pointing to the older wizard, "I predict any moment now, Wakaba is going to walk up to him and start talking about the young members of the guild."
"Let's see," Lisanna and Wendy say placing their concentration to the dark-haired wizard. While Tawna turns her attention to her book. Soon after Wakaba walks up and leans on Macao's table.
"Hey, what shaking old-timer," Wakaba smiles.
"Hey, Pal," Macao smiles putting down his newspaper.
"You were right!" Wendy squeals.
"Shh," Lisanna shushes, "We can't hear what they are saying."
"It's getting to that time of year again," Wakaba states setting next to his old friend.
"Yeah," Macao smiles, "It really takes me back to the good old day."
"You're telling me, we were full of spunk back then." Wakaba laughs.
"But these kids now sure out something," Macao smiles.
"Especially their derriere's" Wakaba smirks.
"What, no way!" Macao shouts, "I'm trying to raise a kid, I don't have time to be checking out butts."
"Oh that's right you're a leg man," Wakaba smirks.
"Wow you were right," Wendy laughs nervously after eavesdropping on the two's conversation.
"Yeah," Lisanna grins, "But you should have told us it would be so creepy."
"I could have told you guys that," Tawna laughs putting down her book.
"Well you do hang around those two often," Carla states.
"I'm still impressed, Carla." Wendy grins to her exceed.
"You're so smart Carla," Elie grins to her friend.
"Oh Elie," Carla smiles, "I have some old clothes that may fit you."
"Really!" Elie shouts excited, "I would love them."
"Good," Carla smiles placing a paw on Elie's small head.
"Tawna," Wendy grins, "Wanna have a sleepover tonight?"
"Sure," Tawna grins to her best friend, "Natsu is probably going to be home late anyways," She says as the they slide out of the booth.
"You never had a sleepover with me when we were little," Lisanna states handing Tawna her crutches
"Sorry, Lizzy," Tawna laughs, "But Mira scared me back then. I couldn't imagine spending the night in the same house as her." She giggles.
"Now that I think about it," Lisanna laughs, "I don't blame you. Now you two have fun tonight."
"We will," Wendy grins as the two girls wave and walk and crutch to the bar.
"I don't get it," Lucy states looking to the rest of the bar as the two girls approach, "Why is half the guild so concerned about missions, then the others are screwing around in the guild."
"Don't worry Lucy," Tawna laughs, "You'll find out tomorrow."
"Where are you two off to?" Mira grins.
"Sleepover," Tawna smiles, "When Natsu comes back, tell him I'm with Wendy and I'll see him tomorrow morning before Gramp's announcement."
"Will do," Mira smiles, "don't stay up too late tonight."
The two girls and their exceeds bid good-bye to the guid and make their way to the girl's dorm. While Carla gathers her old clothes for Elie, Tawna and Wendy gather the junk food and take a spot on the floor.
"Tawna, look!" Elie cheers flying out to her and Wendy, "It fits!" Elie land showing off one of her new outfits. A small blue and white shirt and skirt.
"It looks good on you Elie," Tawna grins.
"You look like a little sailor." Wendy smiles.
"Thanks," Elie blushes.
"And there is more where that came from," Carla grins landing next to Elie.
"This is so nice," Tawna grins falling back onto her back with her hands behind her head.
"Natsu has been getting on your nerves, huh?" Wendy laughs.
"Don't get me wrong," Tawna says sitting back up, "I know him and Happy mean well, but they are suffocating me."
"They care about you," Carla adds.
"I know," Tawna smiles, "But I'm glad it's solo mission season. It means I get some time for myself. Though I wish I could go out on single missions." She says placing a hand on her stocking covered fake leg.
"What is going on in the guild?" Wendy asks, "What is solo mission season?"
"It's the week leading up to the announcement of the S-Class trial." Tawna smiles.
"What's the trial?" Carla asks setting next to Elie.
"Gramps picks a handful of wizards from the guild to participate and compete for the title of S-Class." Tawna explains, "Whoever wins gets promoted to S-Class."
"That's why some members have been going crazy with the missions," Carla nods, sharing half of her toaster pastry with Elie.
"Yup," Tawna nods, "Natsu has been going crazy. He really want's S-Class. If Natsu actually takes this seriously, he could get it." Tawna sighs.
"Tawna, you sound kind of bummed," Carla states.
"I really wanted to try to get in the trial this year," Tawna sighs, "Not necessarily to win S-Class but, just to get the chance to participate."
"I'm sure you will be at the top of the list for next year," Wendy smiles trying to cheer up her friend.
"Thanks Wendy," Tawna smiles. Wendy smirks and grabs a handful of popcorn and throws it at Tawna.
"Hey!" Tawna laughs.
"Wendy!" Carla reprimands, causing Elie and Tawna to laughs.
"Enough S-Class talk," Wendy smirks, "Now tell me, who is this boy you met that Cana told me about."
"Uggg!" Tawna groans, "Cana can't keep anything to herself."
"So, what's the story?" Wendy nudges.
"It was nothing," Tawna laughs, "It was the day we got dragged into Edolas. I was wondering around in the rain and came across this boy who was soaking wet. All I did was give him my umbrella and used my magic to dry him off. Then we went our separate ways. I didn't even get his name."
"Maybe you'll see him again," Wendy laughs.
"Not gonna lie, I wouldn't mind, he was kind of cute." Tawna laughs, "But seeing him again probably is slim to none."
"This is not appropriate talk for two girls." Carla snaps.
"Calm down," Elie laughs, "We all know you have a thing for Happy, you just don't want to admit it."
"I do not have a thing for that Tom Cat!" Carla snaps causing all the girls to laugh.
It had been a while since they have had a sleepover, Tawna hadn't smiled or laughed this much since the accident. It's nice getting take her mind off her leg and therapy and enjoy the night.
The guild was full and bustling in the morning. Everyone is gathered around the stage waiting for Gramps S-Class announcement. Tawna has found herself next to her brother in the crowd. Natsu can't stay still he is so excited.
"Natsu calm down," Tawna laughs watching her brother.
"Yeah Buddy," Happy smiles, "You got this."
"Yeah," Elie grins floating next to Tawna's head, "You worked hard." The curtain to the stage begins to rise and the members begin to cheer. Standing on the stage is Gramps, Erza, Mira, and Gildarts.
"It's time for Fairy Tail's time-honored tradition once again." Gramps starts, "I will not announce the entrees for this year's S-Class Promotion Trial!" The guild cheers with excitement.
"So this is why everyone has been acting crazy!" Lucy shouts putting the pieces together.
"I'm all fired up now!" Natsu shouts erupting in flames.
"Bro," Tawna laughs at her brother's excitement, "Cool it, I can't hear." She says adjusting her crutches.
"Please be quiet everyone!" Erza shouts from the stage.
"Shut up and let the Master talk," Gildarts states gaining the rest of the guild's attention back to the stage.
"The trial will take place on our guild's sacred ground, Tenrou Island." Gramps states proudly.
"Tenrou," Tawna says with her eyes sparking, "No way, that is so cool!"
"The strength that you possess inside," Gramps starts, "your character, and your hearts. These are what I considered while making my selection. I have chosen eight participants for this year's trial!" The guild goes quiet awaiting the names, "Natsu Dragneel,"
"Thank you, sir," Natsu smirks.
"Yeah!" Tawna cheers dropping her crutches and hugging her brother, "I knew you could do it!"
"Yeah you got this in the bag, Buddy!" Happy smiles.
"Go Natsu!" Elie cheers flying in circles.
"Gray Fullbuster, Juvia Locksar, Elfman, Can Alberona, Freed Justine, Levy McGarden, and Met Rider." Gramps says proudly finishing the names and the guild erupts in cheers for their fellow wizards.
"I get it," Lucy smiles, "Everyone was working their butts off in hope that the master would pick them,"
"Good luck you guys!" Wendy cheers, "I know you can do it."
"There is one more name!" Gramps shouts gaining the attention of the guild once more, "There was originally nine participant this year, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, this wizard will not be able to compete this year. But this wizard is guaranteed a spot in next year's trial." Gramps pauses momentarily looking into the crowd, "Katawna Dragneel."
"What?" Tawna gasps turning to look to the stage in shock, "Me?" That guild erupts in cheers once more and Tawna feels herself being lifted.
"Yeah, Buggy!" Natsu cheers hoisting her up onto one of his shoulders.
"I hope you will be strong enough to compete next year," Gramps nods.
"Don't worry," Tawna grins from Natsu's shoulder, "I'll be stronger than ever." As the cheers around them begin to die and Natsu sets Tawna on the ground, and Gramps begins to speak once more.
"Even though eight wizards were chosen, only one will emerge an S-Class wizard!" Gramps states, "The trial will begin in one week's time, so you better prepare yourselves."
"each of the participants will all choose a partner," Mira grins.
"Your partners must be a member of Fairy Tail, and they cannot be an S-Class wizard." Erza adds.
"We will reveal all the particular details when we arrive at the island, but do note, you will have to get past Erza to claim victory." Gramps adds causing the guild to shriek in fear.
"And I will be doing my very best to help weed out the rest of you," Mira grins innocently making the guild shriek more.
"Wow," Tawna laughs, "They're not messing around this year."
"Quit you belly aching," Gildarts smiles, "the three of us had to go through this trial, it's only fair you get to too."
"Yeah," Natsu shouts, "I finally get to fight Old Man Gildarts!" He cheers.
"That's not good news!" Gray shouts.
"This amount of money I would pay to see Gildarts pumble Natsu into the ground," Tawna whispers giggling to Elie.
"The eight participants I named earlier and their partners will meet at the port of Hargeon one week from today. So, get to work." Gramps states and leaves the stage. The guild begins to disperse to their separate tables and bar stools. Natsu, Tawna, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Elfman and Lisanna, Wendy, and the three exceeds all have taken seat at a long table near the door.
"Man," Gray states, "They are really setting the bar high this year."
"I'm actually surprised none of you have been chosen before for this thing," Lucy smiles.
"this is my year," Natsu boasts, "I'm ready for the big time! S-CLASS HERE I COME!" He shouts spewing fire from his mouth.
"Stop it," Tawna elbows him in the ribs, "We don't need you burning down the guild." She laughs.
"Have you guys thought about whose your partners are going to be?" Lucy asks, "It looks like Freed and Bixlow are partners, they might be a hard team to beat."
"Way to be encouraging," Happy pokes fun at his favorite blonde.
"I'm taking my little Buddy," Natsu grins, "Right, Happy?"
"Aye Sir!" Happy cheers with fish in his mouth.
"Should have seen that coming," Tawna rolls her eyes.
"Hey that's no fair!" Elfman shouts, "If this turns out to be some kind of foot race, having a partner who can fly is an unfair advantage."
"so that would mean Freed and Bixlow would be unfair too," Tawna smirks, "Freed can use Runes to make wings and Bix can have his babies fly him."
"Oh shut it," Elfman pouts.
"I'm okay with the cat," Gray smirks, "If this turns out to be some sort of fight, he would be at a disadvantage."
"I'm sitting right here, I can here you." Happy pouts.
"It's okay Happy," Elie smiles, "You're not completely useless in a fight."
"Thanks," Happy states, "I think." The cat stands up on the table and throws his fist in the air, "I'm going to be the one making Natsu a S-Class wizard!"
"Yeah," Natsu shouts, "There's no breaking up our team!"
"Let's go, Pal!" Happy cheers.
"Screw all this talking, we got training to do!" Natsu shouts as him and Happy sprint out of the guild.
"Wait!" Tawna shouts turning around, "How am I gonna get home!" but it was too late, Natsu and Happy were long gone. Tawna turns around and sighs glancing to Elie. "looks like we are hobbling home."
"I'll fly you home later," Lily's deep voice echoes jumping onto the table.
"Really?" Tawna's eyes light up, "Thank you!"
"Not a problem," Lily says taking a seat next to Elie, "I'm happy to help."
"I think I'm gonna drop out of the competition," Juvia says fidgeting in her seat.
"but why?" Wendy asks concerned.
"I'd rather be somebody's partner," Juvia mumbles.
"I bet she rather be Gray's partner," Tawna smirks.
"You're yelling me." Gray sighs annoyed, "I already have a partner."
"Really, who?" Lucy questions as someone walks up to the table.
"Hey, long time no see," Loke smiles greeting the table.
"You're using one of my spirits!" Lucy shout causing the rest of the table to laugh.
"Loke!" Tawna cheers.
"We worked this out a year ago," Gray smiles.
"Sorry for the late notice Lucy," Loke smirks, "But I'm gonna have to suspend my contract for a little bit."
"Umm sure," Lucy stutters.
"Hey Kid," Loke smiles to Tawna, "I heard what happened, how's the new leg treating ya?"
"I'm doing okay," Tawna smiles, "I can stand, but walking is a bit difficult." She shrugs.
"Hey, Tawna," Lucy smiles looking over to the girl, "Who would have you picked as your partner if you could have competed this year?"
"Wendy, of course!" Tawna smiles.
"What!" Wendy shouts in shock making her best friend laugh from across the table.
"You better get used to the idea," Tawna smirks, "You're gonna be my partner for next year trials. We are gonna kill it next year."
"Yeah!" Wendy cheers.
The rest of the day went quick, most of the participants have been paired off. Including Levy and surprisingly Gajeel, Elfman and Evergreen, and Juvia and Lisanna.
"Thanks again, Lily," Tawna smiles as her Elie wave goodbye to their friend.
"You're welcome, you ladies have a nice night." Lily nods and flies back to the guild hall. Tawna looks up to sky as the snow float peacefully to the ground. Looking to their small home, Tawna notices Natsu sitting out near the cliff.
"You go inside and help Happy with dinner," Tawna smiles to Elie, "I'll be in, in a minute."
"Aye!" Elie grins and flies into the house. Tawna carefully crutches over to Natsu and slides to the ground a comfortable distance from the edge of the cliff.
"If you keep coming out here without a coat, you're gonna catch a cold." Tawna smirks, saying the same thing Natsu says to her every time she's out here.
"Isn't that my line," Natsu smiles turning to his little sister, "How did you get home?"
"Lily gave me a lift," Tawna smiles, clutching her jacket close to her body, "Are you excited?"
"Yeah," Natsu smiles, "I have been waiting for this for so many years."
"You're gonna kill it," Tawna grins.
"Thanks, Bugs." Natsu smiles musing up her hair.
"Are you bummed you can't compete this year?" Natsu asks.
"Yeah," Tawna sighs placing a hand on her sock covered leg, "It would be cool to see Tenrou Island, but it makes it all a little better to know I'm competing next year."
"You're gonna do great," Natsu grins.
"My money is on you this year Natsu," Tawna smiles up to her brother.
"You usually bet against me in everything, why the change of heart?" Natsu smiles.
"I want you to win," Tawna smiles, "You deserve this."
"Thanks, Bugs," Natsu pulls her into a hug, "I'm gonna win this year, just you wait."
"Then I'll follow up and win next year," Tawna grins, "The Dragneels will take S-Class two years in a row!"
"Yeah!" Natsu cheers. Tawna grins and grabs a handful of snow and throws it in his face. "Hey!" Natsu shouts, throwing his own ball of snow at her. The Dragneels turn into the seated snow ball fight. The two's laughter echoes through the hills around their home. Natsu picks up Tawna on his back and spins her round in the falling snow.
"Soups on!" Happy shouts from the window of their home.
"Coming!" The siblings laugh together then disappear into their home.
The week leading up to the Trial was filled with training for the participant and their partners, and extra physically therapy for Tawna.
Natsu and Happy drop Tawna and Elie off at the guild in the morning of the Trial, before they left for Hargeon. All the participants were there saying their farewells and seeing where everyone's bets were placed. Natsu and Happy were busy talking to other members of the guild, while Tawna was trying to get her brother's attention.
"Natsu," Tawna states standing at the end of a row between tables, but Natsu is too fired up to hear or pay attention.
"He's excited, Tawna." Elie states floating next to her head.
"I know," Tawna sighs, "I just want to show him." She says looking up to her brother across the hall.
'You're going down Popsicle!" Natsu shouts to Gray and Loke.
"In your dreams Pyro!" Gray smirks.
"Save your fighting for the Trial," Lucy laughs standing next to her partner Cana.
"Natsu!" Tawna shouts a little louder, but just getting ignored again, "Natsu!" Getting fed up with being ignored Tawna throws one of her crutches at her brother.
"Ow!" Natsu shouts holding his head looking down to the ground, "What the Hell, Tawna?" Natsu shouts, only to be hit by her other crutch, "Tawna, you need these," Natsu sighs annoyed.
"Shut up and watch," Tawna smiles.
She slowly places her right leg in front of her and puts weight on. With a bad limp she takes another step, using the back rest of the benches to keep her balance. She continues to take the steps toward her brother at the end of aisle in front of the door.
"Natsu," Happy says amazed. Natsu's eyes widen and a wide grin spreads across his face.
"She's walking," Natsu says quietly at first, but with each determined step Tawna takes toward him, his excitement grows, "TAWNA'S WALKING AGAIN!" Natsu shouts. The entire guild watches with excitement and cheer as their little Dragon Slayer takes her first steps again. Macao and Wakaba have happy tears in their eyes seeing their favorite pre-teen walk again, and the Thunder Legion cheering loudly for their little team member.
"Oh my goodness," Lucy says covering her mouth.
"Yeah, Kid!" Gray cheers with Loke.
"Go Tawna!" Wendy shouts to her best friend and she gets closer to Natsu. Tawna begins to struggle a bit towards the end, but there is determination in her eyes.
"You got this Tawna!" Natsu cheers her on.
"Go Tawna!" Happy cries happy tears. Tawna takes her last few steps to her brother and fall into his arms. Natsu catching her in a hug. Both Dragneels hug each other close smiling widely as Tawna catches her breath. Cheers erupt from the guild as she makes it to her brother. Reedus takes this opportunity to paint the portrait of the siblings as well.
"I'm so proud of you!" Natsu grind widely looking down to his little sister. "When I get back you better be running." He says proudly.
"When you come back you better be an S-Class Wizard." Tawna smiles up to her brother.
"Don't you worry," Natsu smiles pulling away, "See you when this is all over, Bugs. Love ya."
"Love you too!" Tawna shouts waving with Elie floating next to her head, "I'll see you when you get back, good luck!"
A/N- The ending of this chapter was hard, especially since we know what is coming. Please Review! I love you all!