A/N- First of all, this chapter got a lot longer than I anticipated. Second, the next chapter is gonna be it. Team Tenrou is coming home! Who's excited! I am.
Please review and leave your thoughts I love hearing from you all. It really makes me smiles and it really makes my day.
Review Questions:
Alexandriasutherland98: yes, other guilds such as Lamia Scale, and Blue Pegasus know about Tawna's leg. I think I mentioned this in the previous chapter, but it is known knowledge in the wizard community that she lost her leg. It's how she lost her leg, that other guilds don't know about. Also, your other questions about the Ice Swords: that question will be answered in the next chapter or the one after.
Disclaimer: I still do not own Fairy Tail. I'm just having fun with the characters.
Chapter 34
Katawna 18 years old
The seas waves clash against the side of the large ship as it travels through the calm water. The air surrounding is thick and hot, and breeze is minimal. The Fairy Tail Guild is out once again looking for any clues about what happened to team Tenrou.
Sitting at the front of the ship are two kids and an exceed. Romeo stares blankly out to the sea ahead. Katawna sits on her knees with her top half of her body draped over the side of the ship. Elie sits next to her best friend rubbing her back as she fights her revolting stomach.
"Hang in there, Tawna," Elie says rubbing circles on the 18-year-old's back.
"Why… does it… take so… long… to get… here?" Tawna struggles through bouts of nausea. They have been on the ship for days. Each time, Tawna feels like her motion sickness get worse.
"I swear," Wakaba sighs watching the kids of the guild from across the ship, "That kid gets worse every time she steps foot on the ship."
"Why do you think I try to keep her at the Guild," Macao sighs, "She has hardly slept, and I don't think she has eaten a thing."
"You wouldn't want to eat anything either, if you were in her shoes." Wakaba says puffing on his pipe, "I do agree though, I rather see her on solid land and not puking her guts out."
"You guys know there nothing we can say or do to keep Tawna off this boat." Bisca adds, "She has chosen to get on this ship every time despite being sick the whole time."
"I know," Macao sighs, "that kid has some determination." He says looking back to the kids, and Romeo is now rubbing the teen's back for comfort.
"Maybe you should go sleep it off?" the pre-teen suggests.
"That's… not gonna… help…" Tawna mumbles to Romeo.
"Yeah, her motion sickness isn't gonna go away." Elie sighs sadly.
Tawna tried to concentrate on the water below them and not on her stomach. They are in the waters of where Tenrou island was located. Looking to the bright blue water below, Tawna begins to feel something.
"Elie…" Tawna breaths, slightly raising her head to look up, "Do… you feel… that?"
"Yeah," Elie says shocked.
"If you're feeling a lot of magic energy, then I'm feeling it too." Romeo adds.
"Is… anyone… else feeling… it?" Tawna asks shakenly turning to the others on the ship.
"I don't think so," Elie says studying their guild mates.
"They are too concerned about the Ethernano levels." Romeo states turning back to the water, "What do you think it is?"
"I don't… know," Tawna breaths, "I want… to find…out."
"Are you gonna jump?" Elie asks.
"I.. think so," Tawna states.
"Dad's gonna have a fit," Romeo warns, "Remember what happened last time. He's not gonna let you on this ship again."
"I think you should do it," Elie says looking to Tawna, "We are all feeling it, we should at least try and figure out what it is."
"That's it…" Tawna breathes, "I'm going… in." Tawna wobbly stands and climbs up onto the side of the ship.
Splash
"Huh?" All the adults say turning their attention to the kids once again. Both Romeo and Elie are looking over the side of the boat. Macao, Wakaba, Bisca, Max, Warren, Jet and Droy all glance to each other and rush to the side of the ship. Out of the water, Tawna's head breaks the surface, flipping her long hair back.
"Katawna!" Macao shouts leaning over the side. Tawna ignores his shouts and alters the water to make an air bubble around her head, and dives. "Katawna Dragneel!"
Tawna dives deep into the ocean, being thankful to be off that puke trap at lease for a little bit. Looking around her surroundings all she sees is blue. The moment she hit the water, the magic energy she had felt got stronger.
She follows this feeling down deep into the ocean. She sees a faint glow and has the faint draw to it. Tawna swims toward it, but as she approaches a current pushes her back. Tawna continues to fight the current, trying to get to the source of the magic energy, she continues until she is exhausted. With one last effort she uses her magic to propel herself to the source. The current got stronger and it hit her like a wall. It burst the air bubble around Tawna's head. Frantically, Tawna swims to the surface, breaking through the water she begins to cough roughly.
"Katawna!" Elie shouts flying to the Dragon Slayer. She lifts Tawna out of the water, and the Slayer uses her magic to get any water out of her lungs.
"There's…" Tawna breathes heavily, "Something down there." She says then begins coughing again. Elie flies over to the ship. Placing her softly on to the ship, her motion sickness comes back and she books it to the side of the ship.
"Tawna, what have I told you about…" Macao starts.
"Macao!" Bisca shouts, "Deal with it later." She snaps kneeling next to Tawna with Romeo and Elie.
The trip back to the Port of Hargeon went smoothly. Not much was said between the members following their efforts to find their missing family. Even though Tawna's motion sickness did not let up, but the air between her and Macao was very heavy.
Coming into port, Tawna, as always, is the first off the ship. Catching her shaky breath, she stands up straight throwing her pink hair into a ponytail.
"Katawna Elaine Dragneel!" Macao shouts exiting the ship.
"Elaine?" Tawna turns to face him, "Where did that come from? I don't have a middle name."
"You do now!" Macao shouts, "What the Hell was that! How many times have I told you not to go into that water!"
"Did you not feel it!" Tawna yells.
"Feel what?" Macao scowls.
"That magic energy!" She snaps, "It was so strong, how could you not feel it!"
"You were hallucinating form your motion sickness." Macao snaps.
"I felt it too," Elie scowls, floating near Tawna's head.
"Me too." Romeo states coming off the ship.
"So, you decided to jump into the water without telling us!" Macao yells.
"You wouldn't have believed us!" Tawna shouts, "Obviously none of you felt it!"
"That's enough, Katawna! We're going back to the guild, now!" Macao says walking past Tawna.
"No!" Tawna snaps stepping back.
"What?"
"There's something down there, Macao!" Tawna shouts.
"Katawna, I said enough!" Macao says putting his foot down. "We have a train to catch."
"No," Tawna states throwing her bag over her shoulder, "I'm walking."
"Me too," Elie says landing on Tawna's shoulder as she turns to walk down the port.
"Katawna!" Macao shouts, but the teen continues walking the opposite way.
"Should have guess she was gonna do that," Wakaba states flatly, making Macao glare.
"Let's go," Macao states turning to make their way to the train station.
It's been a couple of days since they returned from looking for Tenrou. Tawna and Elie make their way slowly back to the guild hall, taking a little longer than they should. They are still a day out from Magnolia, they are currently passing through a large town.
"Elie, you didn't need to come with me." Tawna says as they slowly walk through the town's center.
"Macao shouldn't have yelled at you like that," The calico states floating next to her best friend.
"It's okay, Elie," Tawna breathes heavily, "He's just in one of his moods."
"Are you okay, Tawna?" Elie asks looking concerned to Tawna, "You don't look too good."
"I'm fine," Tawna sighs, "I guess, my body still hasn't recovered from over a week of motion sickness."
"Maybe we should rest," Elie suggests.
"I'll be fine, really Elie," Tawna smiles.
"What are you doing out here, Dragneel?" The all too familiar cocky voice of the White Dragon Slayer.
"Yeah, what are you doing on our turf?" The voice of his exceed companion boasts.
"What do you want, Eucliffe?" Tawna sighs, "We are just walking home."
"You two are a little far from Magnolia," Sting states.
"Wow," Tawna says sarcastically, "I didn't realize."
"Someone's in a sour mood," Stink smirks crossing his arms.
"Well, I have had a rough week." Tawna snaps.
"You definitely look rough," Lector smirks.
"Hey, leave her alone," Elie snaps then glances to Tawna, "Tawna?" She says wearily.
"Dragneel?" Sting asks stepping forward. The color of Tawna's face has drained, and her legs give out making her body crumple to the ground.
"Tawna!" Elie shouts as Tawna passes out. Before her body hits the ground, Sting catches her in his arms. "No, no, no, no." Elie says placing her paws on Tawna's face, "I knew you weren't okay. Tawna, please get up."
"What have you guys been doing?" Sting asks looking to Tawna's pale face and back to Elie.
"We got back from another search for Tenrou, a few days ago." Elie says quickly still trying to wake Tawna, "She has dealt with her motion sickness for over a week." Sting thinks for a second then turns to Lector.
"Lector, fly to the guild and make sure Master and Minerva still aren't there," He says standing, easily lifting Katawna in his arms.
"What?" Lector asks, "Are you serious?"
"Just go," Sting says annoyed as he sends his exceed ahead, "Let's go." He says glancing to the calico.
"Go?" Elie asks confused.
"We're going to Sabertooth," Sting states, "She may need medical attention." Elie was going to protest, but seeing Tawna passed out, and very pale, she knows this is the best option for them is to go to Sabertooth.
Back at the Sabertooth Guild hall, Lector flies through the large doors.
"Welcome back, Lector," Yukino smiles, "Where's Sting?"
"Is Master here?" The red exceed asks looking around.
"No," Orga answers from a nearby table, "He's gonna be gone for another week."
"What about Minerva?" Lectors asks.
"She's gone too," Rogue states, "What's this about Lector?" He asks slightly annoyed.
"Ummm," The exceed stutters, "Well.."
"Lector!" Sting shouts from outside the door.
"You're clear." Lector shouts. Sting pushes open the door with his shoulder and walks in carrying the petite Dragon Slayer.
"Oh dear," Yukino gasps covering her mouth.
"Katawna!" Frosch cries seeing the pink haired wizard.
"Sting," Rogue sighs, "What did you do?"
"Why do you assume I did something?" Sting scowls, "We were just talking to her and she passed out."
"Please help her," Elie begs floating near Sting's head.
"Someone call a doctor," Sting states, "The calico said she's been dealing with motion sickness for over a week, she maybe dehydrated."
"I'll call," Yukino says getting up.
"I'm going to go lay her down," Sting states, "When the doctor gets here, send him to my room." He says walking down a nearby hall.
"Can I use a Lacrama?" Elie asks looking to Rogue.
"Sure," He states, "Over there." He says pointing to the corner of the room. Elie flies over and calls the one place she knows she should, not necessarily wants too.
"Hello," Macao answers from the other side.
"Hi Macao," Elie says quietly.
"Where the hell are you two," he asks angrily, "You two should have been home a day ago."
"If you didn't yell at Katawna like you did, we might have been home already." Elie states crossing her paws.
"Where are you?" Macao questions, "And where's Katawna?"
"We are at Sabertooth," Elie says quietly, "Tawna passed out."
"She what?" Macao coughs.
"We are lucky Sting happened to be there, he caught her, and brought her here for help." Elie says, "I don't know when we will be home, but we'll let you know." Elie states.
"Okay," Macao sighs, "Just call us before you leave."
"It will probably be me calling," Elie states, "You're not Tawna's favorite person right now."
"I figured," Macao nods, "We'll see you soon." Elie nods and the lacrama goes black.
Night has fallen in the Sabertooth guild, many have retired to their rooms for the night. Katawna begins to stir after being out for hours. Taking a deep breath, she catches a familiar scent. It's not one she chooses to be around, but it's one she has come to tolerate.
"Ugh," Tawna groans, opening her heavy eyes, she is met with surroundings she is not familiar with. Looking down to her side, she sees Elie curled up, fast asleep. Sitting up on her arms, she's met with a pounding pain in her head. "Damn," She presses the palm to her forehead.
"Finally up, Dragneel." An all too familiar voice says from the side of the room
"Sting?" Tawna asks confused, "What the hell happened?"
"You passed out," Sting states leaning back in his chair next to the bed, "You passed out hard."
"Where am I?" Tawna says looking around the room.
"My room," He answers flatly.
"What!" Tawna says loudly.
"Calm down," Sting rolls his eyes, "Here," He hands over a glass of ice chunks, "The doctor said you were dehydrated."
"Dehydrated?" Tawna's eyes widen taking the glass.
"Yeah, I guess being a water wizard made it ten times worse." Sting says.
"How long was I out?" Tawna says taking a couple ice chips in her mouth.
"About 10 hours,"
"10 hours!" Tawna's says in shock, "What time is it?" she asks looking out the window to the dark, start filled sky.
"Couple hours past midnight," Stings answer shrugging.
"Damn," Tawna sighs drooping her head, "Macao is gonna kill me."
"It sounds like you and your Master aren't getting along." Sting smirks making Tawna glare at him.
"First, I dive into high ethernano level water, then I scream at him and walk off, now I pass out." Tawna huffs, "I'm in for the lecture of a century."
"You jumped into that water?" Sting asks disgusted.
"There's something down there," Tawna says crossing her arms and leaning against the headboard, "I felt it, Elie felt it, and Romeo felt it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get to it. The current kept pushing me away." She says glancing to the taller wizard next to her, "Never mind," Tawna huffs, "You don't care."
"Well," Sting says standing, "Sounds like you're feeling better, your attitude is back. I'm gonna sleep in our spare room." Sting strides over to a dresser on the other side of the room and rummages through it, "Here," he tosses an old t-shirt into Tawna's lap. Tawna just raises her eyebrow in questioning, making Sting shake his head, "I thought you might want to sleep in something more comfortable and not caked with days of grime. Yukino also left you a change of clothes for when you go home tomorrow." He says pointing to the clothes on top of the dresser. He goes to the door, and stops when he hears Tawna speak quietly.
"Thank you," She says quietly holding the shirt in her hands.
"Don't mention it, Dragneel," Sting smiles slightly leaving the room for the night.
The next morning, Tawna dresses quickly in the clothes Yukino left for her. She had to tie the white crop top into a knot to make it tighter, Yukino is much bustier and Tawna is herself. Pulling on the dark leggings over her leg and metal leg, and slipping her heeled boots over, lacing them up to her knees.
"You ready?" Elie asks smiling, "I already called Macao."
"Yeah," Tawna says, "Let's get out of here." She nicely folds the shirt Sting lent her and places on the bed and they turn to leave. Walking out to their guild hall, Tawna stops at Sting's, Rogue's, and Yukino's table.
"That looks amazing on you!" Yukino says being the first to see the Dragon Slayer, gaining Rogue's and Sting's attention.
"Thanks for the clothes, sorry I had to alter the top," Tawna says indicating to the knot she tied below her small bust, "You're a bit more gifted than I am."
"It looks great!" Yukino smiles. Tawna glances to the others and catches Sting's dark blue eyes staring at her.
"Thanks for the help yesterday," She says rubbing the back of her neck, "We should get going," She says glancing to Elie who smiles and nods. "Thanks again," she says waving as her and her exceed leave the large guild to make their journey home.
Year x791 Katawna 19 years old
The fairy tail guild was quiet, and a sad glow illuminated the air. It's the day before it's been 7 years since the Tenrou Team went missing. All the left-over members of the guild are present, all except for one.
Twelve-year-old Romeo sits in the corner of the guild looking out the window of their small guild hall with Elie.
"It's that time of year again," Wakaba sighs taking a swing of his beer.
"I feel like he gets more depressed every year," Bisca says glancing to the young man in the corner of the guild.
"He's starting to lose faith in them," Macao sighs, "He get more pessimistic this time of year."
"At least, he doesn't run off, like Tawna," Max adds sighing.
"Tawna has her own way of dealing with everything," Macao says, "As much as I hate it, I can't stop her from taking jobs."
"But the jobs she takes are so dangerous," Bisca sighs, "She didn't even take Elie on this one, because of how dangerous it was."
"She does it to get her mind off things," Wakaba says, "but one thing about Tawna is, she never takes on a mission she can't handle. This job is supposed to last two weeks and she has already been gone for a week."
"I just hope she comes back in one piece." Bisca says glancing to the door. Over the years, she has gotten closer to Tawna, becoming a like a big sister to her. Sighing she glancing to her five-year-old daughter Asuka is fast asleep on Alzack's lap. Since she was born, Tawna and Asuka have had a connection. Her daughter is the only person who can get a true smile out of the nineteen-year-old.
The sun has set when the doors of the guild are pushed open. A thin figure limps into the small guild hall, gaining the attention of the members. Her long wavy pink hair tied up into a pony tail, her arms and her exposed mid-drift are covered in scrapes and bruises. Her right shoulder drooping slightly and both her hands bandaged.
"Tawna?" Bisca looks up to the nineteen-year-old entering the guild.
"What happened?"
"Why are you back early?"
"What happened to you?" A bunch of questions bombarded the girl all at once as each member of the guild voiced their concerns for her.
"Giver her space," Macao shouts over the commotion. Bisca has already helped Tawna in a seat at the bar to assess her injuries.
"Tawna," Bisca asks softly placing a cloth to her split lip and handing her and ice pack for her black eye, "What happened?"
"Nothing," She answer shortly looking away.
"Tawna, don't be like that," Elie says landing next to her best friend, helping clean up the scratches on her arm.
"Something obviously happened," Macao scowls.
"It was just a tough mission," Tawna glares back, "I'm fine."
"I'm gonna pop your shoulder back, this may hurt," Bisca says maneuvering the teen's shoulders back into it's socket. Tawna's grits her teeth as the bone get put back into it's socket.
"A dislocated shoulder, split lip, and black eye don't scream, I'm fine, to me," Macao states, "Not to mention that limp.
"It's fine," Tawna snaps, "It's not the worse that has happened to me," she says standing, limping over the stairs.
"Tawna, do you need to see Porlyusica about your leg again?" Macao asks.
"No," She sighs turning, "I just landed from a jump wrong, I'm fine." She snaps.
"and wasn't this supposed to be a two-week mission?" he probes
"I would have thought you would have been happy to see me back early," Tawna says sarcastically, "Trust me, I wasn't planning on being back this soon."
"Katawna!" Macao snaps, "Watch the attitude." He says crossing his arms.
"Chill Macao," Tawna snaps back, "I'm about to think I shouldn't have come back early."
"Don't tell me to chill," He scowls, "especially when you come back looking like Hell."
"If I wasn't injured, I wouldn't have come back for another week!" Tawna glares standing. The two wizards stand face to face. Everyone in guild is watching as their argument unravels, "At least I came back in one piece." Tawna says turning to go up the stairs.
"Barely," Macao glares, "Where do you think you're going?" He snaps as Tawna makes it up half the stairs.
"To bed," Tawna snaps, "I'm tired of the lecture." She rolls her eyes.
"Katawna, what would Natsu think of you right now!"
*gasp*
Tawna stops mid limp on the stairs, looking down the ground and gripping the railing. She slowly turns back to Macao glaring. The faces of the rest of the guild looks to the teen with gaped mouths.
"Don't even go there Macao," Tawna growls.
"I'm going there, Tawna," Macao crosses his arms, "You know, just as well as I do, that Natsu wouldn't put up with any of this. He would have made you talk and tell what happened."
"FINE!" Tawna shouts, "You wanna know what happened?" Tawna shouts walking down the stairs stopping in front of Macao. "I got ambushed, okay!" The members of the guild gasp, "While I was tracking the gang, they were tracking me. I let my guard down of one moment and they attacked, I was out numbered at least 20 to 1!" Tawna breaths heavily as she finishes yelling. Macao is just staring at her with his eyes widened and speechless.
"Tawna," Elie says softly landing on her shoulder, trying to calm the Dragon Slayer down.
"Now," Tawna huffs, "If you excuse me, I'm going to bed." She turns and stomps up the stairs and disappears into her room. The rest of the guild sits in silent as they hear the door slam.
"I think you went a little too far this time, Macao." Wakaba sighs taking a puff from his pipe.
"I think, I actually agree with you," Macao sighs dropping his head.
"Maybe you should go up and apologize." Alzack suggests.
"I'll do it tomorrow," Macao sighs, "She needs to cool down."
Next Morning~
Most of the guild has arrived for the day. Today is a rather quiet day, it has been seven years without team Tenrou. Alzack, Bisca, and Asuka are sitting at the bar eating, but Bisca cannot help but look over to the teen at the end of the bar.
"She's okay, Bisca," Alzack says glancing over to Tawna. Her long legs dangle from the tall bar stool, and is heavily leaning on the counter on her elbow and her other arm and shoulder is tightly wrapped poking at her rice in front of her.
"She looks exhausted," Bisca says looking down. Tawna's eyes are slightly puffy, dull, and empty.
"Mama," Asuka asks looking up from her seat on the counter, "Is Tawna missing her brother?" Bisca cannot and smile at her daughter's question.
"Yes, Honey." Bisca nods, "Today is going to be really hard for her." Asuka nods then looks to Kinana behind the bar.
"Can I have an apple juice," the young kid smiles.
"Asuka, you've already had some juice." Alzack says at Kinana places a small juice box in front of the girl.
"It's not for me," The five-year-old smiles. The little guns mage stands and walks on the bar to where Tawna is sitting. Sitting next to one of her favorite people, Asuka puts the juice box on the counter and scoots it closer.
"What are you doin' Squirt?" Tawna sighs glancing at the kid.
"I got you juice," Asuka grins, "When I'm sad, juice makes me happy." Tawna sighs and drops her head slightly.
"Squirt, go back to your parents." Tawna says as she rubs her hurt shoulder, "I'm not in the mood to do anything today."
"But you're sad," Asuka pouts and glances at Tawna as she cringes as she moves her shoulder. The five-year-old, stands after getting an idea. She hurries to the other end of the bar to talk to Kinana. Tawna glances over to the kid, then goes back to poking at her food.
"Tawna, she's just trying to cheer you up." Elie says sitting next to her best friend.
"I know," The teen says quietly, "I don't want her disappointed, when it doesn't happen." Tawna hears foots steps coming up the bar once more. Knowing it was Asuka, she didn't bother to glance up. Feeling slight pressure on her shoulder, Tawna freezes. A cooling sensation follows the pressure. Looking over, Asuka is standing next to her placing an ice pack on her shoulder. Tawna's fork drops from her hand, landing with a loud clank, gaining the attention of the entire guild.
"Tawna?" Elie asks, then realizes tears are welling up in the Dragon Slayer's eyes. The tears spill over her cheeks, and lets out a cry she is unable to hold in. Turning to Asuka, Tawna brings the small kid into a hug as she cries.
"I don't understand," Alzack says glancing to his wife.
"It was just an ice pack," Bisca states confused. From behind them they hear another member of the guild sniffling. Bisca and Alzack turn and see Reedus sniffling as he finishes painting the two kids. "Reedus?" Bisca asks.
"I can tell you why she's crying," He says pulling out an old painting, "I painted this 14 years ago." He hands over the painting to the young couple and they both let out a gasp.
"It's Katawna and Laxus," Alzack states, looking at the picture of little five-year-old Tawna putting an ice pack on sixteen-year-old Laxus.
"Wee," Reedus nods, "She did the same exact thing as Asuka did, 14 years ago." He says through tears. The guild members glance back to the two kids at the end of the bar.
"Tawna," Asuka says pulling away, looking the teen in her tear-filled eyes, "Can you tell me stories of everyone who is gone?" Tawna's eyes widen at the request. The young girl has never asked for story of them.
"Sure, Squirt," Tawna says wiping tears from her eyes, "I just don't know where to start."
"Katawna," Reedus's voice rings out rummaging through his bag, "This was meant for your next birthday, but it is finished now. Reedus pulls out a thick book, and placing it in front of the Dragon Slayer, "It may help to have some picture to go along with your stories." Opening the book, Tawna's breath hitches in her throat, and more tears spill from her eyes.
"Reedus," Tawna says through tears. The book he handed her is a photo album filled to the brim with pictures and memories of her 14 years in the guild. "Thank you," She looks up to the painter.
"Is that you?" Asuka who has now found her way into Tawna's lap, points to the first picture. Looking down, Tawna realized the picture is the very first picture of her in Fairy Tail. Her little five-year-old self is grinning widely peeking out from behind Natsu.
"Yes, Asuka," Tawna says wiping the tears from her eyes, "That's me, when I was your age." Tawna Picks up the young girl and they move to the couch in the corner of the guild, setting Asuka back on her lap with Elie and the large album on her legs.
"That's when you were little?" Asuka asks studying the picture.
"Yep," Tawna states, "And this is my brother when he was Romeo's age." Tawna smiles slightly looking at the memory. She looks up and finds the certain fire mage in the guild. She spots him the corner by the window. "Romeo, get over here." She states gaining the attention of the 12 year old.
"Get over here son," Macao smiles, "These stories may cheer you up too." Romeo slowly makes his way to the couch and sits next to Tawna.
"Who's that?" Asuka points to another picture, two adult wizards sit grinning, one with a pompadour and a pipe hanging out of his mouth, and the other with dark blue hair, spiked up slightly in the front, and a little facial hair with little Tawna sitting on his lap, all three of them grinning widely. Tawna smiles softly and giggles.
"That's Macao and Wakaba," Tawna says glancing to the two men who have taken seats behind the couch, looking over the kid's shoulders.
"Really?" The five year old says amazed.
"Yeah," Wakaba laughs, "Those were the days. The days Tawna wasn't out causing trouble."
"What are you talking about," Macao states, "She has always caused trouble."
"I wasn't that much of a trouble maker." Tawna smiles up to her two favorite adults.
Turning a few more pictures, they stop momentarily at the photo of when Happy hatched.
"Happy," Elie smiles sadly.
"That was the day he hatched," Tawna places a hand on her best friend's fluffy head.
"I really miss his snarky comments," Elie says with her ears drooping.
"I do too, El" Tawna smiles sadly, "I also miss him making fun of Lucy."
"He was good at that," Elie smiles. The small guild slowly turns through the album telling stories and laughing at memories they have shared, and those they have shared with those in the guild. Currently they are paused at the picture of Natsu and Tawna after they have punched each other in the face. Tawna hesitating to continue, knowing what pictures are coming next.
"Tawna," Asuka's little voice says quietly from Tawna's lap.
"Yeah, Squirt." Tawna says smiling slightly.
"Your leg isn't metal in these pictures," the little girl says slightly confused. The guild was laughing at the memory on the page, but was silenced by the young one's question.
"Asuka," Bisca states, "Honey." Tawna raises her hand to her older sister figure.
"It's okay, Bisca." She says quietly and turns the page. There in the center of the page is a picture of a hospital room.
"What's this?" Asuka asks looking to the pictures on the page. Twelve-year-old Tawna sits in the hospital bed, holding her old dragon stuffie to her chest, with her left leg stretched out in front of her and her bandaged amputated right leg straight in front of her. "Your leg is missing!" the five-year-old shouts.
"I got really hurt when I was Romeo's age," Tawna tells the young guns mage.
"You got hurt?" The small child asks looking up at the pink haired wizard.
"Yeah, "She nods, "I got hurt so bad, the doctors had to take off my leg."
"The day this kid got hurt," Macao says placing his hand on Tawna's head, "It was one of the scariest days I think this Guild had ever seen."
"Why did they take it off?" Asuka asks turning her head to look to Tawna.
"Well," Tawna says trying to find the words to explain, "Because, how bad my leg was hurt, it wasn't working anymore."
"Oh," Asuka says looking back to the pictures on the page. Tawna smiles sadly, knowing many of these pictures, were her last pictures with some of these individuals. Pictures of her, Natsu, Happy and Ellie, to the Thunder Legion squeezing her in a hug, and Gajeel and Lily, and many more. She has pictures of everyone who visited her in the hospital. The only picture that was missing was Laxus, but Gramps and Gildarts were the only one in the guild who knew he visited her.
They turned through the next few pictures, ones of her in guild after getting released from the hospital. She hadn't gotten her prosthetic yet. She sadly smiles as she looks at the picture of Natsu holding her in his arms, Natsu looking annoyed and Tawna grinning and laughing, throwing her arms into the air. She cannot help but giggle at the photo of Gajeel and herself. Gajeel was supposed to be watching her while everyone was on missions, before S-Class trial was announced. He was standing with his arms crossed, scolding Tawna who is standing on the counter with her one leg.
Turning the page once more, Tawna's breath catches in her throat. The largest picture on the page is of her and Natsu. Natsu holding Tawna in a tight hug, grinning widely and proud. Tawana had just taken her first steps with her new leg. This was also the last photo of the two of them, cause that was also the day they left for the trial.
"Tawna?" The teen is brought from the pictures by the sound of a child's voice, "You're crying." Tawna touches her cheeks and feels tears that have escaped her eyes.
"Sorry," She says quickly wiping them from cheeks, "I'm okay." Tawna closes the album and puts a fake smile on her face, "That's enough for today, how about we go outside to play, Squirt?" She says to the child on her lap.
"Okay!" Asuka grins hopping off the teen's lap. The Child grabs Tawna's hand and drags her outside.
Later that Night…
Everyone in the guild had gone home for the night. Macao watches as the last members exit the door, leaving the guild quiet. The older man looks to the corner of the guild, to the table by the window. Tawna sits there quietly with the album open. Her long pink hair pulled up into the pony tail, and her jean shorts, stockings, and tight crop top have been traded for loose crop top, black shorts, and bare legs. It's not very often she exposes her prosthetic, but when she's in the guild the matte black metal leg will not always be covered. Macao grabs two mugs from the bar and makes his way over to the teen.
"Here," He says placing the mug of steaming liquid next to the album. Tawna looks up with sad eyes. Macao looks to the picture on the page and see all the pictures of her in the hospital.
"I'm sorry Macao," Tawna says softly holding the mug close in her hands.
"Tawna, what are you sorry for." He asks taking a seat across from her.
"I shouldn't have acted like that yesterday." She says quietly looking back to the pictures, "Looking at all these pictures…" She pauses trying to find the words.
"Katawna," Macao says, "I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have used Natsu against you."
"But, you were right," She says looking up with the large dark eyes, "Natsu would have been furious at me. I understand why you were so mad at me yesterday."
"It's terrifying every time you go on a mission alone, especially when you come back looking like you did yesterday." He states looking to the album, and to the picture of Tawna, Romeo, Wakaba and himself, "I have always seen you as my own daughter, I worry about you, we all do. I don't know what we would do if we lost you."
"I didn't know you guys felt that way," Tawna says sadly.
"Of course we do," he says looking up catching her sad eyes, "You may not know this, but you are what's keeping this guild together. You have kept us fighting.
"I just feel like Natsu wouldn't be proud of me." She says looking down to her lap.
"Don't talk like that Tawna. I know for a fact, Natsu would be so proud of you, everyone who was on Tenrou would be proud of you." Tears start to spill over Tawna's cheeks, "Tawna you have been to Hell and back. Within weeks, you lost your leg and everyone you were close to, including your brother. You trained hard to get where you are today, you use your leg to your advantage, you're highly skilled with hand to hand combat, and not to mention you can beat everyone in this guild in a fight without breaking a sweat. You have been recognized as one of the most powerful wizards, you take on missions I don't think your brother would be crazy enough to take on alone." Macao says looking his "daughter" in the eyes. Tawna's eyes well up in tears and they spill over her cheeks.
"I can't help, but feel horrible," She cries, "I should have been on that damned island, it should have been me too!"
"Katawna!" Macao shouts coming to sit next to her, "But it wasn't you! I would bet everyone on that island were happy you weren't there. You're the one who is still here now. You have kept this guild together, if something would have happened to you, I don't even know what would have happened to this guild." Macao state holding onto Tawna's shoulders.
"I feel like I have let them down," She says through tears.
"You haven't Tawna," Macao says softly, "You cared so much for this guild, that you put all of your money from missions into this old place. You have been an amazing role model for both Romeo and Asuka. Also, you have not stopped looking for them. Even with your extreme motion sickness, you get on that boat every time to look for them. Even when I banned you for stepping foot on that ship, you got on it to help search. You have done nothing to let them down."
"Macao," Tawna says quietly holding back more tears, "You and everyone have taught me my whole life that things happen in life to teach us a lesson and to make us stronger." She says standing, "I just want to know why this happened to me!" She shouts. "All of it!"
"Tawna," Macao says trying to calm her down.
"Whatever life was trying to teach me, I learned my damn lesson!" She says angrily, "This was supposed to make me stronger? I don't see it!"
"Tawna, you are the strongest person I have ever met!" Macao stands gaining her attention.
"That's just it!" She states, "My whole life I have been called strong! Strong for my age, strong for my size, strong for a girl with a fake leg!"
"Cause you are!" Macao shouts, "You are strong, Katawna. I don't think there is one person on this earth who could have endured as much pain as you have, without killing themselves. That's what makes you strong, you are still here, fighting!" He places his hands on her shoulders.
"It's hard being strong," Tawna states, "Cause no one ever asks if I'm okay, they just assume."
"Tawna?" Macao says surprised as she steps away from him.
"I fight everyday just to get out of bed," She says with tears starting to well up in her eyes, "I take these hard missions to get my mind off everything. I just wish everything was back to normal, before they disappeared, before I lost my leg!" Tawna cries. Macao pulls the teen into a hug, she grabs onto his shirt and cries in to his chest, "I-I-I miss them." She sobs.
"I know you do," He says placing a hand on her head, "We all miss them. The guild is not the same without them. I hate to say it, but I even miss the fights." He feels Tawna's body begin to shake slightly, and he catches a slight giggle.
"Really?" She says pulling away and looking up to Macao.
"Really," He smiles, "And every time I look at you, I can't help but see parts of everyone in you."
"How so?" She raises her eyebrow.
"Every time I see you curled up in the corner with a book, you remind me of Levy and Lucy. Or the way you use your swords, I see Erza and even Freed. The way you jump into a fight, reminds me of all the guys. The way you tell Romeo to be a man, shows me you hung out with Elfman too much." He says receiving slight laugh from the teen. "Asuka and your relationship reminds me of what yours and Laxus was. You even gave her your old nickname."
"Yeah, I guess everyone rubbed off on me in some way." Tawna says flipping through the album once again. She pauses on one of the many pictures of her and Natsu.
"But," Macao says sitting next to her, "You remind me of Natsu, every day." He slips to the spot in the album of pictures of the last seven years in the guild. Pointing to a photo of her and Romeo arguing, "The way you and Romeo fight, reminds me of you and Natsu." Making Tawna smiles slightly, "You two have the same exact smile. Every time you get fired up for a fight you get that same damn smirk on your face as Natsu did. Not to mention how impulsive and cocky you get, is something you definitely learned from your brother." Macao laughs, "You even rest your hands behind you head and scratch the back of your neck when you speak sometimes, just like Natsu." He smiles turning to the picture of Tawna sprawled out on the couch, passed out asleep, "You even sleep like him sometimes."
"I never realized how much I acted like him at times," Tawna says looking down to the pictures before her.
"You may have some similarities, but you both are still completely different." He says, "You may get impulsive, but you tend to think things out a bit more. You are very independent, smart, and not to mention you can pack a kick," Macao laughs pointing to the picture of Tawna kicking Ichiya into the wall during their last holiday party. He looks over to Tawna and sees a small smile on her lips. "You have grown into an amazing young woman, you're no longer that little kid."
"I guess you're right," Tawna says as Macao stands to leave for the night.
"You have made us all so proud, and I know Natsu and the others would be proud of you as well." He says turning to the door, "Night Tawna."
"Night," she smiles, "And thank you."
Tawna grabs her mug and album and moves to the table and chairs next to the window, so she can look at the starts. She turns back in the album and looks at all her memories of her and Natsu.
"Tawna?" hearing her name she turns and sees Elie fly down the stairs in her pajamas.
"Hey, El." Tawna says making room on the table for her, "Couldn't sleep either?"
"No," Elie says sadly, "I also thought I heard you crying."
"Yeah," Tawna sighs, "Macao broke me down." She says handing her mug to Elie to share. Elie takes a sip on the hot chocolate and looks to album, her eyes falling to one of the pictures of all the exceeds together. "You really miss them."
"Yeah," Elie's white and orange ears droop, "I miss them a lot," she says with tears falling from her eyes.
"El," Tawna says placing a hand on her head, with tears welling up in her own eyes.
"Sorry," Elie sniffles wiping her eyes.
"Don't be sorry," Tawna sniffs, "You're the one who was always keeps it together."
"I know I wasn't in the guild very long before everything happened, and I wasn't as close as you were to everyone, but I miss them so much." Elie cries.
"Don't talk like that Elie," Tawna says wiping tears from her exceed's cheeks, "You were just as close as any of us were to them." Elie looks up to her and Tawna motions her to come sit in front of her. "You lost people too." She says pointing to a picture of Elie and Carla, "You lost your best friend," then to the calico and Panther Lily, "Lily wouldn't share his kiwis with just anybody. You two were really close."
"That's true," Elie smiles slightly, "He wouldn't even give Gajeel a kiwi," she says making Tawna giggle.
"You also lost your brother," Tawna says sadly pointing to a picture of Elie and Happy hugging.
"Happy really was a good big brother," Elie smiles sadly.
"I remember," Tawna smiles, "Right after I found you, Happy stayed up all night with Natsu."
"Why did he do that?" Elie asks confused looking up to Tawna.
"He was trying learn how be a big brother." Tawna looks to Elie and sees more tears forming in her eyes.
"He was a great big brother," Elie sniffs,
"Happy always worried he wasn't doing a good job." Tawna smiles
"He was the best." Elie smiles, "but he did learn from the best."
"Yeah," Tawna smiles looking to a picture of Happy and Natsu, "Natsu was the best big brother." She feels tears spill over her cheeks looking at the album, she had never realized how many pictures had been taken of her and her brother. "I couldn't have asked for a better big brother. I miss him so much." She cries.
"Tawna," Elie says through tears hugging around the Dragon Slayer's neck, "Natsu loved you so much."
"I would give anything to see him again," Tawna cries, "Hell, I would give anything just to argue with him one more time."
"You two were good at arguing," Elie says through sniffling.
"So were you and Happy," Tawna says wiping tears from her eyes, "The one thing I wish did more often, was tell him that I loved him."
"Tawna," Elie says, "He knew you loved him."
"I know," She says turning to the picture of all four of them in the hospital after Tawna's accident, "but we never said it aloud very often."
"But you two showed it," Elie smiles sadly, "you guys didn't have to say it. Natsu showed it through being protective of you."
"He was very good at that," Tawna smiles, "As much as I hated it, I do miss it. I wonder if he would still be as protective over me now?"
"I think he would be worse," Elie giggles, "Especially, with all the guys trying to get on dates with you." She says making Tawna roll her eyes.
"He can scare those guys off," Tawna huffs, "The moment they find out I have a fake leg, they run off anyways."
"You don't want them anyways," Elie smirks, "We both know you have your eye on a certain wizard."
"Oh hush," Tawna rolls her eyes, "I do not."
"Keep telling yourself that," Elie grins, "You guys llllliiiikkkkkeeeee eeeeaaccchhh oootthhheerr!"
"Elie," Tawna laughs, "Happy would be so proud of you." She shakes her head.
"He's not here to do it, so someone has to." Elie smiles looking back to the picture in front of them.
"I know that I am older now," Tawna smiles looking at the album, "But do you think Natsu would still call me Buggy?"
"I think he would," Elie smiles, "No matter how old you get, you will always be Buggy to him."
"I like to think that," Tawna smiles, "He didn't call me it all the time, but I can't picture him not calling me Bugs or Buggy. Just like I can't picture Gajeel not calling me Calico." She says looking up to the starts out the window. "I just wish I knew where they all are right now." She sighs.
"I do too," Elie adds, "I'm sure where ever they are, they are hearing stories of a famous Water Dragon Slayer kicking butt with her cute calico Exceed sidekick." Ellie smiles make Tawna grin.
"You're probably right," Tawna smiles, "Let's just hope they don't hear about my last mission," she says making Elie giggle, "Let's go to bed." Tawna says closing the album and standing.
"Good idea," Elie smiles climbing onto Tawna's shoulder, as they she climbs the stairs to their room. Tawna opens the door to her room and sets the album on her desk. Her room is small, just with a bed, Elie's bed on the windowsill and a small desk, with pictures covering the walls of her missing family and friends, along with pictures of the current members of the guild. A couple shelves cover the walls filled with books and her old stuffed dragon. Elie hops off Tawna's shoulder and curls up in her bed as Tawna crawls into her own next to the window.
"I love you, Tawna," Elie whispers.
"I love you too, Elie," Tawna smiles turning her body to look out the window, looking to the stars, before sleep takes her she whispers, "I love you guys, where ever you are."
A/N- I know this is really long, but I did not want to split it into two chapters. Please tell me what you think. I cannot wait to write the next chapter. I'm excited to have everyone back together.