A/N- You are all so amazing! I love you so much. All of your reviews and messages bring me so much joy and happieness. I'm so happy you are enjoying the story so much. I know I have said this before, but I never thought this story would get where it is today. Few years ago I was only a bored, freshman in college just trying to pass some time. Never I thought this would be my most popular story.
Sorry, this is another filler chapter, the next one should start the Starry Sky Arc.
I just want to thank you!
Disclaimer: I still don't own Fairy Tail
Chapter 37
Following the Dragneel's fight, the rowdy members of Fairy Tail, along with the few members of Lamia Scale, all go file back into the guild hall to share drinks and to divvy up the bet winnings. Clustered together in the corner of the guild, Natsu, and Tawna, along with their team and a couple others gather around the hear about Tawna's White Dragon Salyer mode.
"Tawna," Happy asks sitting on the table with the other exceeds, "How do you know how to do that?"
"It was amazing!" Wendy smiles.
"Whose magic did you eat?" Natsu asks peering close the side of his sister's face, making her laugh.
"I've been able to do it for a little over a year." Tawna shrugs. "It's White Dragon Slayer Magic," Tawna says raising her head to Natsu and a shooting a glance to Gajeel and Wendy.
"Dragon Slayer?" Natsu says widening his eyes, "What do you mean Dragon Slayer?"
"There are other Dragon Slayers?" Lucy asks surprised.
"I never heard of any other Dragon Slayers," Gajeel huffs.
"They are my age, they joined a guild in the last five years or so. I have gone on quite a few missions with them in the past couple years." Tawna states, "Sting Eucliffe, the White Dragon Slayer and Rogue Cheney, the Shadow Dragon Slayer."
"So, you ate Sting's magic?" Lucy asks, "Like Natsu ate Laxus magic?"
"Did it taste good?" Natsu salivates.
"Eww, trust me," Tawna says disgusted, "It was not on purpose." She says glaring at Elie who lets out a laugh.
"It was funny, though." Elie giggles, "And it was partly your fault."
"What happened?" Gray asks curious.
"That idiot hit me in the middle of a fight." Tawna huffs, crossing her arms leaning back in her chair, "I was already fighting the biggest dude there, and the next thing I know, I have face full of white magic and I got slammed into a tree."
"Tawna was not happy," Elie laughs with the rest of the group.
"I can only imagine how mad you were." Natsu laughs.
"Oh, I was pissed," Tawna says, "I stopped fighting the guy, and went after him. He got a face full of metal."
"She kicked him so hard, she nearly knocked him out." Elie states.
"Yeah, Elie had to pull me off him." Tawna laughs.
"Knowing you, you probably would have killed him," Gray laughs, making the rest of them laugh.
"What guild are those two in." Erza inquires.
"Sabertooth." Tawna states.
"Sabertooth?" Gray asks.
"I've never heard of them." Natsu states.
"Sherry said something about them earlier." Lucy says, "She said to ask, you about it." She says looking to Tawna, "Well she said ask the Runt, I figured she still calls you that."
"I'm the one who has worked with Sabertooth the most." Tawna sighs, "They are considered Fiore's top guild."
"They are the top guild now!" Natsu shouts, "What about Fairy Tail?"
"We are at the bottom," Tawna sighs, "Since you guys went missing, things got rough. We had lost all of our top wizards. So, we barely got any job requests."
"What about you?" Wendy asks, "They said you were always on missions."
"When I was able to take jobs again, I started to gain popularity. So, I started getting specific job requests." Tawna states.
"Sabertooth, can't be that strong." Natsu pouts.
"They are strong," Tawna states, "Over the years I have gotten offers to join multiple guilds, but I've gotten the most from Sabertooth. Though, I would never join a guild like theirs."
"What is wrong with their guild?" Erza asks.
"They are all selfish, and only care about themselves. It is difficult to get into Sabertooth, and if you don't live up to it's master's standards, you are kicked to the curb." Tawna states, "They are the farthest thing from what a guild should be."
"So they are run like a dictatorship?" Carla asks.
"Pretty much," Tawna states. "But because of their standards, they have some of the strongest wizards of this age."
"We'll show them up!" Natsu boast standing on his chair, "We'll become the strongest guild again!"
"Aye!" Happy cheers.
"Someone is eager," Lucy giggles.
"I'd say," Tawna agrees laughing with her team.
"Hey, Natsu." Happy says, "We should go check on our house."
"Why, it should be fine," Natsu says leaning back in his chair, "Tawna was here."
"Natsu, I haven't been in that house in seven years." Tawna says.
"What!" Natsu shouts, "Why!"
"You knew I didn't like being there without you!" Tawna scowls, "Do you really expect me to live there after you disappeared?"
"Oh, Happy we need to go!" Natsu shouts grabbing his blue companion and run out of the guild. Making Tawna roll her eyes.
"I should go see about my apartment," Lucy states looking to the door.
"Yeah, Wendy and I should go check out Fairy Hills." Carla says looking to Wendy.
IT has been a couple days since the Dragneels fight, most of the guild has gone their separate ways to their apartments, and homes after seven years of being away. Only a few members are spending the night in the guild, due to having to find other places to live. Natsu and Happy are at their old home, Lucy is in her apartment, after finding out about her father's death, a letter arrived with enough money to cover rent from the last seven years. The other wizards in the guild are in their homes in the dorms, with their rent debt. So since jobs have started to come in more, since word got around that they were found, many have been taking jobs to pay for their expenses.
Night has fallen over the small guild, and sneaking down the stairs is Katawna, still in her black shorts, and loose crop top she wears to bed. Stepping over a few members scattered on the floor with her bare feet, she makes her way to the door and out to the night air. Stepping out into the cool air, she looks up to the stars scattered above and full moon above.
"Katawna?" A deep voice echoes in the dark making Tawna jump slightly.
"Damn it, Laxus," Tawna hisses, "You almost gave me a heart attack." She says looking to Laxus who is seated on the ground leaning against the side of the guild hall, looking up to the stars.
"What are you doin' up?" He asks as Tawna slides down to sit next to him.
"What, am I not allowed to star gaze?" She asks raising an eyebrow.
"It's 2 a.m.," Laxus states, "You went to bed hours ago."
"I should be asking why you are out here?" Tawna scowls.
"Wasn't tired," he states flatly, "Are you gonna tell me why you are out here or not?" Tawna sighs and leans back against the wall. Out of everyone in the guild, she knows he won't blab.
"You tell anyone, I will kill you," Tawna states sighing.
"Deal," Laxus agrees
"Nightmares."
"Nightmares?" Laxus says surprised, leaning forward slightly to look at her. Her dark eyes look down sadly, and slightly embarrassed.
"They have been happening for seven years," Tawna says looking up to the fireflies buzzing against the star filled sky, "I'm 19, you'd think that a nightmare shouldn't affect me like this. With normal nightmares, I can tell myself that they aren't real. This one I can't, because it really happened." She says pulling her right knee to her chest., "It's been seven damn years, I don't need to be reminded every night. I already am reminded of it every day."
Laxus looks at the her and begins to put the puzzle together. At first, he thought she was talking about loosing everybody, but seeing her body language, he knows what the nightmare is about.
"Its about your leg, isn't it?" He asks taking her by surprise. Tawna's dark green eyes widen and look over to his golden ones.
"Yeah," She sighs, "It's been the same dream since the accident happened." She glances over to the lightning mage, "Sorry, that Dragon you gave me has lost its nightmare touch. Well, at least for this one."
"You still have that old thing?" Laxus asks shocked, it's been 14 years since he gave it to her.
"Of course," Tawna laughs slightly, "It's sitting on my windowsill."
"I just never expected you to keep it this long," Laxus shrugs.
"I wouldn't get rid of it," Tawna smiles to Laxus, "because you gave it to me. Also, who knows," She shrugs, "I may give it to my future kid. Maybe it will ward of nightmares for them, like it did for me." She smiles.
"I would have thought you would have given it to the Kid," Laxus states.
"Asuka has slept with it a couple times, but she's prefers sleeping with Elie, in stead of a stuffed animal." Tawna laughs, "Poor El, she hides when it's time for Squirt to go to sleep. That kid has a death grip."
"Sounds like someone else," Laxus laughs nudging her.
"Hey!" Tawna laughs elbowing him in the side, "I wasn't that bad."
"Yeah, you're right," Laxus smiles, "Your problem was falling off everything."
"Can't argue with you on that." Tawna giggles, "I still fall of the counter, now. Having a fake leg doesn't help my clumsiness either."
"How many time did I catch you from falling?" Laxus asks glancing over to Tawna.
"I don't even know," She laughs running her hand through her pink hair, "I fell off that bar so many times. We have a photo album in there, and there is at least ten pictures of you diving on the ground to catch me."
"Well, I wouldn't have had to if you just learned not to walk on the counter." Laxus states.
"I still haven't learned," Tawna laughs, "but now when I fall, it's because something happens with my leg." She says patting the matte black metal.
"Sound like that leg is a blessing and a curse." Laxus says glancing down to the leg.
"Yeah," Tawna sighs, "It has come in handy, but it can be challenging. If it gets destroyed in a fight, then I have to rely on an ice leg."
"Well, you definitely know how to fight with it," Laxus admits, "It was impressive."
"Uh, thanks," Tawna says blushing slightly. "but, I wouldn't count that fight as impressive. It was just me kicking Natsu's ass."
"Well, if you ask me, he was asking for it." Laxus laughs.
"I could have ended that fight, before it even started," Tawna laughs with him.
The two wizards sit, in the night air talking and catching up. Both telling stories of past travels and adventures, That Tawna went on in the last seven years, and where Laxus traveled before Tenrou island. The sky begins to change colors as dawn approaches, and Katawna and Laxus realize they have been talking all night.
"I should get in the guild before Macao wakes up from his drunken state." Tawna states standing from the ground.
"I should get going too," Laxus states flatly rising.
"You're leaving?" Tawna asks surprised, they have only been home for less than a week.
"Yeah, the Old Man is close to kicking out, and if not him, Macao will." Laxus states.
"It's still stupid, that they won't let you back in," Tawna huffs, "Would have stayed if they had reinstated you into the guild?"
"Possibly," Laxus shrugs.
"What about the Thunder Legion?" she asks.
"I said my goodbyes to them yesterday," Laxus says crossing his arms, and leans against the side the guild, "They will be fine, especially since I know you will keep them in line."
"Where are you going to go?" Tawna asks sighing.
"I don't know," He shrugs, "I may travel around, a bit." Hearing his answer, Tawna sighs and looks up to him. Without her heels she only comes up to his mid chest, with them, at least upper chest.
"Hold on," She says, turning to the door of the guild and disappearing inside. It's still early in the morning, so of those who were passed out in the hall, none have woken up. Laxus sighs and rests against the wall, waiting for the petite Water Dragon, waiting the sun begin to rise. A few minute later, Katawna emerges from the hall, carrying a bag.
"Here," She says draping the bag over his shoulder, "This has enough food to last you a couple days." She states. Laxus looks surprised. "Don't be a stranger, okay." Tawna says quietly. "If you need anything, you know where to find me. Even if it's just someone to talk to." Laxus looks down to the young woman before him and can't help but smile.
"Thank, Katawna." Laxus smiles.
"I'm not joking." Tawna smiles back, "If you need anything, and I mean anything. Call me, I'll be able to track you down, and find you." She winks, "Thanks for the talk last night, it was nice to talk to someone, who doesn't act like I'm twelve." Hearing that, Laxus remembered, she had gotten into a few arguments with Natsu in the last couple of days, over him treating her like a kid.
"Enjoyed it too," Laxus states, "And for the record, you have definitely grown over these last seven years, but no matter how I look at you, I can't see that little kid anymore." He says turning to leave, "See ya around, Katawna." He says waving heading down the hill.
"Let him back into the guild," Tawna demands following Macao around behind the bar.
"Katawna," Macao sighs annoyed from the teenager, "Will you stop?" He says turning to his 'daughter'.
"No, let him back into the guild," She huffs crossing her arms in front of her black crop top.
"Katawna!" Macao shouts.
"Macao, you know he deserves to be reinstated." Tawna argues, "Especially after what he did at Tenrou."
"Child," Gramps says calmly from the bar, "I will forever be grateful for what the boy did, but the decision is final.
"Ugg!" Tawna shouts in frustration, "Are you kidding me? Laxus deserves this."
"Enough, Katawna." Macao puts his foot down, "It's too late anyways, he left this morning."
"I saw him leave this morning," Tawna states, "You know I can track him down in a heartbeat."
"It's final," Macao snaps, "Now, enough."
"Uggg, you're impossible." Tawna groans walking away from the adults. Macao leans against the counter rubbing his temples.
"Think you have a few more grey hairs, Macao." Wakaba laughs.
"Knock it off," He glares causing Wakaba to laugh harder. Soon the guild began to become more lively as everyone started to arrive, it drink, eat, and take jobs. Natsu and Happy run into the guild and head strait for the request board.
"It's been too long!" Natsu shouts running to the board, "Let's find a job, Happy!"
"Aye!" Happy cheers, floating next to his head.
"What are you two up to?" Tawna asks coming to stand next to her brother with Elie on her shoulder.
"Job searching," Happy grins.
"At least we are starting to get jobs again," Elie states, looking at the board.
"How about this one?" Happy says holding a flier. Natsu takes it and reads over it.
"So, all we have to do is catch this dude, Velveno?" Natsu asks. "And they'll pay us 4 million jewel!"
"Damn," Tawna says glancing at the request, "That's a good chunk of change."
"Alright," Lucy grins over Natsu's shoulder, "I'm broke and a huge chunk of cash is just the thing I need."
"I feel like I have seen this job request before," Tawna says taking the paper from Natsu.
"Yeah," Lucy says looking at the flier, "Did Gray almost take a job, like this one time?"
"This is the same one," Happy adds, "But back then the reward was much lower."
"For some reason, this dude is much more valuable now." Natsu states.
"Who's the client?" Lucy asks
"Count Balsamico?" Natsu says reading the paper, "That's a sour name." He laughs.
"I've heard of him," Elie adds,
"Yeah, the Balsamico family holds some huge magical ball every seven years. Apparently, the party is very exclusive, you can't even get in the door, unless you're a wizard. I think the next one is this weekend." Tawna explains.
"Then it's settled," Happy cheers, "We'll crash this rich guy's party this weekend, and walk out 4 million jewel richer!"
"Sound good," Natsu cheers, "I'm fired up now!"
"This is gonna be great!" Lucy smiles next to Tawna and Elie, as Natsu and Happy go to run out the door. "Wait!" Lucy shouts stopping the two boys, "If we are going to a big fancy ball, we are going to have to work on our dancing skills.
"What!" Happy squeals,
"Dancing?!" Natsu shouts
"Yeah!" Lucy smiles grabbing Natsu's hand, "Let's go!" She grins dragging him outside to the back of the guild. Tawna glances between Happy and Elie and grins.
"Well, I'm not missing this," She grins going out to watch them, followed by the rest of the guild. Tawna takes a seat with Romeo on some spare boards with the two exceeds, watching Lucy attempt to teach Natsu how to dance.
"Okay," Lucy says standing across from Natsu, "I'm going to teach you the basics. Now, take my hands."
"Ugg," Natsu groans, "This is embarrassing." As him a Lucy start to dance.
"What are they doing again?" Romeo asks from the side line
"Lucy is attempting to teach Natsu to dance," Tawna giggles.
"It's called ballroom dancing," Happy grins.
"Why are they doing it?" Romeo asked confused, as Natsu steps on Lucy's foot.
"Oww!" Lucy shouts.
"Sorry," Natsu apologizes.
"Hey, at least I'm not the only on in this family with a lead foot," Tawna grins.
"Tawna!" Natsu scowls, causing the nineteen-year-old to laugh.
"So it's a foot stomping game?" Romeo asks.
"It's actually the opposite," Kianna laughs.
"If you know the basics," Mira grins, "You can meet a stranger at a ball and be able to move your body in sync with theirs."
"That sounds cool," Romeo and Kianna smiles.
"It sounds terrible," Tawna grumbles.
"Aw," Mira smiles to Tawna, "Don't you want to find your true love on a dance floor?" She says dreamily.
"I can tell you this," Tawna laughs, "Whoever I fall in love with, I guarantee I will not meet them on a dance floor."
"Hey!" Gray jumps in joining Lucy and Natsu, "What are you two doing, playin' some kind of game?"
"It's not a game!" Lucy shouts.
"Let me play with ya!" Gray shouts discarding his shirt and grabbing Lucy's hands.
"You just got disqualified!" Lucy shouts kicking the ice mage away.
"Gray, put your shirt back on," Tawna states annoyed. As Erza comes to join the dance party.
"Well, you may not be aware," Erza begins, "But I have been known also as the Dancing Demon."
"You were?" Natsu shouts terrified.
"Oh no, this can't be good" Tawna states as Erza requips in to a flowy dress.
"No, I don't think this will end well," Elie adds.
"Ready!" Erza shouts, "Let's dance," She grabs Natsu from Lucy and begins to spin him furiously.
"I guess Erza was right abut her nickname." Happy adds.
"Yeah, you have to be some type of demon to make someone that sick." Elie laughs.
"Yeah, but it doesn't take that much to make Natsu sick," Tawna laughs as Lisanna takes over from Erza still twirling Natsu furiously, and Erza has grabbed Elfman. Everyone begins to pair off to dance. Wendy and Warren, Happy and Carla, and Romeo and Kianna.
"May I have this dance, Elie?" Lily comes up asking for Elie's paw.
"Of course," Elie grins running into the crowd with her kiwi sharing buddy.
"Katawna?" Freed steps up next to her, "May I?" he asks in his proper voice.
"Okay," Tawna agrees bit grudgingly, "But, I'm warning you. There is a high chance I will step on your foot."
"I'll take that risk," Freed smiles taking her hand and they both join the dance party the guild had created.
That weekend, Natsu, Tawna, Lucy, Erza, Gray, and the exceeds with Warren and Elfman all arrive outside the Balsamico estate for their job.
"Wow, this place is huge," Tawna says steeping up to the door.
"Yeah," Lucy grins, "This place definitely looks like I would hold a magical ball." The doors to the estate open and standing before them is a beautiful young woman appears.
"I think you are a little early," The woman says in her quiet voice.
"We are here to see the count," Gray answers.
"Of course, you are," The woman smiles, "I'm Acheto, and my father is Count Balsamico." She smiles.
"We are with Fairy Tail," Tawna states ignoring Warren's telepathy ogling of Acheto, "We are here about the job request, your father posted at our guild."
"In that case," Acheto smiles, "I'll take you straight to him." She says opening the door for the Members of Fairy Tail. Following her to a sitting room, where they are met with a very stout man with a sour looking face.
"Good evening," The man says, "I am Count Balsamico."
"He has a sour face!" Natsu laughs.
"And a sour name to go with it!" Happy shouts with him.
"Knock it off," Tawna warns bobbing the two in the head.
"Don't screw this up!" Lucy shouts to her partners.
"Let me get straight to it, "The count starts, "First and for most I care about the well being of my daughter, who means everything to me."
"They why did you give her such a silly name!" Natsu laughs.
"Natsu!" Tawna shouts annoyed. Followed by Erza punching him and Happy into the wall.
"I apologize," Erza states, "Please continue."
"The ball being held this evening, is very special," The Count starts again, "My daughter's future husband will be chosen. Every seven years, our family brings out a precious ring, that has been passed down in the Balsamico family for generations."
"SO, you don't want Velveno to steal it?" Tawna asks looking over Lucy's shoulder at the request form.
"that is correct," The count nods.
"Given his appearance," Erza states looking at the wanted picture, "Wouldn't be easy to see him try to slip in?"
"Yeah," Tawna adds, "Someone with a two-foot-tall afro isn't hard to miss."
"He is very skilled in transformation magic, and magical drain." The Count adds.
"Magical Drain?" Elfman asks.
"It's a type of magic, where a wizard can temporary copy the type of magic of anyone he comes into contact with." Tawna explains, "So he if he touches you, he can use your magic for a short time."
"I wanna use magic like that!" Natsu cheers.
"Bro, you are the last person who need that kind of magic," Tawna shakes her head.
"I trust the safty with the ring with you," The Count states, "Make sure he doesn't get the chance to steal it, and I want you to capture him and put him behind bars, where he belongs!"
"We'll catch this clown," Natsu grins.
"Yes, we will, sir," Erza states.
The Wizards are escorted to their dressing rooms, to get ready for the ball, and Warren and the three Exceeds take their places outside to run surveillance. After getting ready, Lucy exits her dressing room in her maroon dress with a slit up the skirt to be met with Erza.
"Are you ready Lucy." Erza boast standing in her purple dress with a similar slit on the side of the skirt, similar to Lucy's.
"Holy Fashion statement!" Lucy shouts in amazement, " You're really not playing around."
"We maybe here on business, but we still need to play the part of elegant party goers." Erza states as Wendy exits her dressing room in her cute pink dress, with light pink bows.
"Do I look okay?" Wendy asks nervously.
"You look adorable," Lucy smiles.
"Thanks," Wendy smiles, "I don't usually dress up like this," She says looking around. "Where's Tawna?"
"I'm here," Tawna says annoyed. Stepping out of her light blue high necked, sleeves dress with a slit up to her hip and thigh high black heels.
"You look amazing!" Lucy shouts.
"I feel ridiculous," Tawna huffs crossing her arms.
"Seven years, and you still hate dressing up," Erza laughs.
"Well, if any guys come up to you tonight, They Natsu and the guys are going have a coronary." Lucy laughs.
"Great," Tawna rolls her large eyes annoyed
"Now!" Erza boasts, "We must take our places on the dance floor!"
"She is way too, excited." Lucy laughs nervously
"I'd say," Wendy smiles.
"I'm sorry for the poor guy who dances with her." Tawna states as the make there way to the ballroom.
"Here, I'll cast a Troia spell on you, just in case," Wendy says quickly placing the spell on Tawna as they walk.
"Thanks," Tawna smiles to her best friend. The four girls enter the vast ballroom, floating dance floors scatter the room, and a large intricate clock is in the center surrounded by two stair cases. As classical music plays above.
"Warren," Erza says in their head with warrens telepathy, "Any sign of Velveno?"
"Not yet," Warren answers, "I have surveillance lacrama all over the palace, but so far no sign of him."
"Keep your eye out," Tawna answers in her head.
"Will do!" Elie answers.
"Yeah if we spot anyone suspicious, we'll let you know." Happy cheers.
"Where are the boys?" Lucy asks looking around.
"I see them," Wendy says pointing to the food table.
"We should have known they would be by the food." Tawna states as the girls make their way over to Natsu, Gray and Elfman.
"Well since the girls are here, I guess we better start mingling." Gray states.
"I swear if anyone comes near Tawna, I'm gonna punch 'em." Natsu growls watching his sister as guys begin to ask the girls to dance. A masked man comes up to Tawna bowing slightly, the guys watch as Tawna's nose scrunches and walks away.
"I don't think you need to worry," Gray laughs to Natsu as Tawna approaches the guys.
"I'm already tired of this," Tawna huffs crossing her arms.
"You didn't let that guy down easily," Gray laughs.
"Good thing she did, I was gonna punch him." Natsu huffs.
"Get over it Natsu," Tawna rolls her eyes, "I really don't feel like breaking any feet tonight."
"Maybe it will keep these guys away from ya." Gray states flatly.
"You too Gray?" Tawna sighs exasperated, "Really, I'm 19." She sighs annoyed.
"Hey!" Warren's voice echoes, "Watch the guys Erza and Lucy are dancing with." He says, "Tawna, play wallflower and watch the entrance."
"Thank goodness," Tawna sighs in relief as she strides over to the wall next to the large open doors. She keeps watch as the members of her team cause chaos in their dances, while staying in the at the wall herself. Tawna has been slightly on edge since they arrived in the ballroom. Since the accident and her ever reoccurring nightmare, being around giant clocks are not her cup of tea. She's not scared of them or anything, but they tend to bring back unwanted memories.
Tawna watches as Gray gets into an Ice Make fight with the woman he was dancing with and Erza requips into her costume form that play they all did ages ago. Suddenly the Count and his daughter appear welcoming everyone to ball. She shakes her head as Acheto asks Erza for the first dance, and smiles seeing Wendy dancing with a boy her age. Well, her physical age that is.
Ding Dong
Ding Dong
Tawna's eyes widen hearing the toll of a clock. With each toll, she flinches, fighting back tears and flashbacks. Quickly she takes the opportunity to sneak out the door next to her, to try and get herself together. She knows she may be needed if The convict shows up, but she will be useless if she's fighting flashbacks.
Over by Warren and the exceeds they watch carefully as the clock begins to toll.
"Oh no," Elie says with wide eyes.
"What?" Happy asks concerned, "Did you see something, Elie."
"Where's Tawna?" Elie asks urgently.
"I don't know," Warren says looking at the lacrama, "She's not were she was a moment ago."
"What's wrong?" Carla asks concerned.
"I need to find her," Elie says sprouting her wings, as one of the lacrama alarms begin to sound.
"Elie, you go do what you need to do," Warren states, "We will go check this out."
Elie nods and flies toward the ballroom, trying desperately to find Tawna. The Clock has since stopped ringing, but who knows how long she will be fighting a flashback. Flying pass the doors and down the hall, she finds Tawna seated on the ground under a large window with her hands over her ears and her eyes closed tightly.
"Tawna," Elie shouts land near her best friend. She can see that her breathing is heavier and quicker. "Tawna!" She shouts landing on the teen's knees. She softly places her paws on her arms and guides them from her ears.
"Elie?" Tawna asks opening her tear -filled eyes.
"It's okay," Elie says softly, "It's over, it's okay." Tawna nods softly dropping her hands to her lap and catching her breath. "Are you okay?" Elie asks concerned.
"Yeah," Tawna nods, "I'm okay," she says wiping her eyes. Hearing the commotion coming from the ballroom, Tawna stands and dusts off her dress. "I should get back in there."
"Are you sure?" Elie asks.
"I'm okay, Elie." Tawna reassures.
"Okay, but I'm coming with you." Elie says reluctantly believing she is okay. Tawna nods and the two begin there walk back to the ballroom. As they approach the large doors, they see Velveno being escorted out by guards. She walks past them and back with her team.
"Hey, where did you go?" Gray asks glancing up.
"I thought I heard something in the hall, so I went it investigate it." Tawna lies quietly, running her hand through her hair.
"Well you missed all the action," Elfman boasts as Warren and Happy and Carla joint the party.
"That's okay," Tawna says looking down to the floor. Natsu looks concerned to his little sister. It may have been seven years, but he can still tell when something is wrong. Also looking at the look on Elie's face, she looks concerned too.
"Tawna," Natsu says as the others begin to enjoy the rest of the ball. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Natsu." Tawna sighs looking away.
"Tawna," Elie says landing on her shoulder, "You need to tell them."
"Tell us what?" Happy asks setting on Natsu's shoulder.
"Bugs," Natsu says concerned.
"I had a flashback, okay." Tawna snaps, "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap." She sighs rubbing the back of her neck.
"A flashback?" Natsu says surprised, "From what?"
"Natsu, Happy," Elie says softly, "It was the clock."
"The clock?" Natsu says confused, then puts the pieces together, "Did the clock going off cause it?"
"Yeah," Tawna says quietly
"Are you okay?" Happy asks.
"I'm okay," Tawna says looking to her brother and cat, "But I'm not in the mood for a party, so I'm gonna go change and sit outside. You enjoy yourself and come get me when you guys are ready to leave."
"Okay," Natsu agrees. He would like to push to get more out of her, but he knows that isn't going happen. He pats her head, getting a smile from her and they go their separate ways for the rest of the night.
A/N- wooo, sorry again for such a long wait. Next chapter starts the Starry sky arc. It's exciting we are getting closer and closer to GMG!