A/N- Thank you guys for all the sweet reviews, they mean so much to me. I'm so excited on where this story is heading. I'm having so much fun writing again!

This chapter will focus a lot on Laxus and Katawna again, so you Laxawna shippers will enjoy it.

Next chapter will be the official start of the Grand Magic Games!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail

Chapter 39

A flash of lightning strikes across the clear dusk sky. The electricity lands and scorches the grass, in the dust from it escaped target. The target fights back creating a steam shield. Riding a wave around her opponent and sending an attack from behind, attempting to catch him off guard.

"Water Dragon Cyclone!" Katawna Dragneel shouts as the steam begins to clear. The whirlpool of water blasts it way to her large Lighting Dragon Slayer. Laxus grins and blast another lightning attack to her, making the water dissipate and splatter.

"Is that all you got, Dragneel?" Laxus smirks as Tawna avoids his lightning, flipping backwards out of the way. Landing easily on her feet, she smirks back with sweat glistening on her forehead. The two had been at this sparring match for a while now. Neither one letting their guard down around the other.

"Don't get cocky, Dreyar?" Tawna smirks placing her hands on her hips. Laxus grins, watching his dragon slayer, ready for a fight. She gets this look of determination that make Laxus fall for her all over again.

Tawna knows the way Laxus fights, he's very calm and collected. He's not one for flashy moves and flips, also being the size that he is. He's not as quick on his feet as Tawna is. Taking advantage, she opts for some quick attacks. She claps her hands together and a handful of magic circles appear.

"Water Dragon Shot Gun!" She smirks as thousands of water shots explode towards him. Before even one could meet Laxus, he disappears in a flash, "Damn it!" Tawna huffs forgetting out his lightning travel. Turning on her heels, she listens waiting for the knowing pop of electricity. When he does this, it'd difficult to know where he will land, and where he is, since Tawna can't sense the water in his body. She has to rely on her sense of hearing.

Crack

Hearing the electricity break, she doesn't have time to move before Laxus lands right in front of her. He kicks her legs out from under her and pins her to the ground. He hovers over her smirking, knowing he just finished this fight.

"I win." Laxus smirks leaning closer to his pink haired girlfriend. Tawna, even though she does like this position he has her in, she doesn't want to go down that easily. He is completely off guard at this moment, so she takes the opportunity to go for it.

"Sorry," Tawna smirks wrapping her arms around his neck and flips him over. Straddling his waist, she leans down smirking, "I win."

"No, I still win," Laxus grins, making Tawna roll her eyes playfully. It's been three months since everyone left for training and Laxus and Katawna started their relationship.

So far, the Thunder Legion's training has been going well. Freed has perfected more enchantments; the whole team has gotten caught in his Rune traps more than once. Evergreen gained more hand to hand combat, which was something she was lacking in her fighting technique. Bixlow, focused on beating Katawna in a fight, which he is still working. Especially since he broke one of her prosthetics, by somehow jamming a branch through the knee joint. Laxus, has gained more muscle and more agility, thanks to Tawna. Finally, Tawna, has also gained more muscles, making her small frame slightly curvier. She has also focused on defense spells, those have usually been her weak point.

"Hey," Laxus says pushing a loose piece of her hair behind her ear, "You ready to head back to camp?"

"Let's hang out for a bit longer," Tawna smiles. The others left the fight ages ago to go eat and laze around camp when they realized the fight was not going to end quick. "It's not everyday that we get to be alone. Especially, since we will be going back to guild soon." She sighs layer her head against his chest.

"Don't remind me," Laxus sighs annoyed, placing a hand on her back rubbing it softly, "What should we do… you know about us?"

"I don't know," Tawna groans sliding off of him and onto the ground, "I feel like we should wait to tell them a little bit longer. Like until after the games."

"You wanna wait, until the games are done?" Laxus asks standing and helping Tawna stand as well.

"I mean," Tawna says dusting off her black socks, "I feel like if we tell them before, all hell is gonna break loose. We don't need a bunch of fighting before the games." Tawna says as she leans against a tree.

"Either way," Laxus says placing and arm above her head, leaning on the tree, "All hell is gonna break loose." He says making Tawna laugh.

"Everyone is gonna go ballistic," Tawna states, "Natsu is going to go on a rampage, as will others."

"I can handle your brother," Laxus says placing a hand on her cheek, "and the rest of the guild. It will all be okay. But I do agree, waiting may be beneficial." He says tilting her chin up with his finger, "For now, lets just worry about us." He smiles, placing a soft kiss on her lips. Tawna smiles into the kiss, knowing he is right. They will take care of the guild later. For now, they have other things to think about. Before she could melt into the kiss, like normal. Tawna's sensitive hearing picks up the sound of a snapping twig.

"Wait," Tawna says quietly pulling away.

"What's wrong?" Laxus asks concerned.

"Someone is here," Tawna says maneuvering around him, facing the trees behind them.

"Is it someone from camp?" Laxus says turning next to her. He maybe a Dragon Slayer, but his hearing and sense of smell is nowhere near Tawna's level.

"No," Tawna says creeping towards the trees, "I feel like I smelled this scent once before, but I don't know who it is. They are coming closer." The sound of twigs snapping and rustling become louder, enough for Laxus's heightened hearing to pick up. Suddenly the sound of a spell breaks through the trees, hurtling straight for a certain Water Dragon Slayer.

"Katawna!" Laxus shouts, diving pushing her out of the way of the blast. Both go sliding across the grass, Laxus shielding Tawna's body with his own. The fire spell collides with the bushes behind them, setting them ablaze. "What the hell was that?" Laxus shouts.

"I don't know," Tawna huffs as the two jump to their feet, ready to attack. Tawna can't help but think that she recognizes this magic and scent. Just a slight recognition, like she has encountered it before. Another attack breaks through the trees, this time they catch a glimpse of the wizard. Laxus raises a fist and, blasts lighting through the trees. That's when the man cuts through the bushes. That's when Tawna recognizes him, he was there that day over seven years ago. The man goes to attack once more, this time showing his guild mark.

"So, he's from my Old Man's guild," Laxus scowls. Then he notices tension coming from Tawna, she's seething with anger. "Tawna?"

"Water Dragon Daggers!" Tawna shouts swiping her arm across her body, "I've fought him before," Tawna say as they dodge fire attacks. Laxus helps by combining Tawna's attack with electricity, making her attacks stronger, but the Raven Tail wizard pays no attention to him, only Tawna. The man jumps towards Tawna, only to be met with a combination of water and lightning.

"Leave her alone!" Laxus growls as the Raven Tail wizard lunches himself at Tawna once more. Tawna dodges his punch and knees him in the stomach.

"What do you want?" Tawna seethes throwing punches and dodging his. They are moving so fast, Laxus cannot use his magic, there's too high of a chance he will hit Tawna. "Water Dragon Talon!" Tawna shouts kicking her leg up, catching him in the shoulder, knocking him back.

"Lighting Dragon Iron Fist!" Laxus shouts, taking his chance to land an attack on the man. The hit stuns him, but he is persistent and takes a cheep shot at Tawna. Swinging his leg around his heel collides with the side of Tawna's right knee. "Katawna!" He shouts as Tawna falls to the ground.

"Ah," Tawna shouts as she collapses to the ground. She tries to stand when her leg gives out, she knows knee of her prosthetic has been blown out, "You bastard!" Tawna shouts. As Raven Tail wizard shoots more attacks to the water dragon slayer. Tawna dodges the best she can on the ground.

"Stay away from her!" Laxus shouts protectively over Tawna and raises his fist and lightning rains down over the man and disappears in lighting and reappearing in front of him. Laxus pulls back his fist and connects it with the wizard's jaw. He falls to the ground, and Tawna stands wobbly, and raises her hand making his body rises from the ground and slams into the tree. Tawna hops over, on one leg and sees the fear in his eyes. Laxus grabs his shirt and slams him against the tree and Tawna releases her grip.

"What do you want?" Laxus glares. He's not a fan of his Father's guild in general, but the fact that one of them attacked Tawna make the hatred stronger.

"I, I," He stutters, "I was sent here."

"Who sent you?" Tawna glares with her eyes red, before fading back to green. The man doesn't answer, just lets out a jumble of stutters, "Who sent you, was it Ivan or Karnik?" Tawna demands. Laxus looks down to his girlfriends, seeing the anger in her eyes. He can't help but wonder who Karnik is, and what happened?

"I-I-Ivan sent us," He stutters, "But I'm under Karnik's orders."

"Laxus, drop him," Tawna say quietly. Knowing he's too beat up to attack, Laxus follows orders and drops him to the ground. Tawna slams her arm into his throat, "Get out of here," She threatens, "make sure to tell Ivan who kicked your ass." She says receiving a terrified nod, "and make sure to tell Karnik to watch his back." She threatens dropping him to the ground, and he scurries off into the forest.

Once he is gone, Tawna drops to the ground in exhaustion and to look at her leg closer. Laxus drops down next her and can see the remnants of anger and frustration on her face as she looks at the damage.

"Damn it," she sighs, "This was my spare."

"Can you move it?" Laxus asks rubbing small circles on her back. Tawna focuses on her leg and the dented and scratched up old metal moves slightly, then falls back to the ground.

"I can't believe this," Tawna sighs tying the sock around the knee. She runs her hand along the metal, up to the point where it meets her heavily scarred skin. Laxus notices the change in demeanor and places a hand on her cheek.

"Hey," Laxus says softly, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Tawna lies, attempting to stand.

"Tawna," Laxus say helping her up and supporting her weight, "I know you're lying. Who was he and what happened?"

"It's a lot," Tawna says looking up to him and placing a hand on his cheek, "I promise I'll tell you. I just want to get back to camp right now, okay?"

"Okay," Laxus nods. He can see whatever it was, it affected her. He has a hunch of what it was, but he doesn't want to pry, "Do you want me to carry you?"

"No," Tawna shakes her head, and wraps her arms around his waist, "I can walk with help."

The two slowly make their way to their small camp, not to far away. Laxus and Tawna traveled in silence, Tawna is too inside her head to speak. Seeing one of the Raven Tail members who saw the accident and who injured her earlier in the fight, brought back some bad memories. Laxus can read her emotions pretty well, and even know she is the master at masking them. He can tell something is wrong. Slowly the two come over the hill and are met with the Thunder Legions camp. The rest of the team with the addition of Elie all sit around the campfire talking, until they see Tawna and Laxus.

"Oh my gosh, Tawna!" Elie shouts flying to Tawna.

"What happened to you two?" Evergreen asks concerned.

"I think their fight got a little out of hand, if you know what I mean," Bixlow laughs, elbowing Freed.

"Grow up, Bixlow," Freed rolls his eyes, "What happened?"

"We had a run in with Raven Tail," Laxus states, helping Tawna set down on a log.

"Raven Tail!" The Thunder Legion shouts.

"Why didn't you call for us?" Freed asks.

"It was only one of them," Tawna states, "We kicked his ass easily."

"Tawna," Elie asks concerned, "are you okay?" she can see the look on her best friend's face.

"He took a cheap shot, and went for my leg," Tawna huffs, "My knee is destroyed," she says untying the sock from around the joint. "I can't even make a patch job, cause someone jammed a branch in my other one, Bixlow!" She glares to the masked mage, making him jump behind Freed.

"Tawna, calm down," Laxus says placing a hand on her back.

"Sorry," Tawna sighs.

"Maybe you should call Dr. Gerald," Elie suggests, "He can't get mad at you for destroying these legs. They lasted for months."

"I guess your right," Tawna sighs, "Freed, do you have the spare lacrama?"

"Yes," Freed nods, digging in his pack and pulling out the round orb, "here you go." He says handing it over.

"Thanks," Tawna says taking the lacrama in her hands.

"I'll take you to the stream," Elie says, "So you can call, and clean up a bit,"

"Thanks," Tawna's smiles, "I'll be back in a little bit." She tells the others as Elie, picks her up and flies her away from the group.

"Is she okay?" Bixlow asks, "She seemed a bit on edge?"

"I don't know," Laxus sighs, "The Raven Tail wizard, really threw her off." He says looking towards the stream.

Over at the stream Tawna sits with Elie on her shoulder, and the lacrama floats in front of her.

"Dr. Gerald," The older man answers, "Aw, Katawna! I was just about to call the guild."

"Sorry, you would had missed me there, I've been traveling for the last few months." Tawna says rubbing the back of her neck, "I am having a bit of a leg crisis, though."

"How badly did you destroy them this time?" Gerald asks.

"First off," Tawna laughs, "I didn't destroy them this time, others did that honor for me. The knee in the one have on now, has been blown out and my other one has a branch through the knee."

"Wow, branch through the knee, that's a new one." Gerald nods, "Well, I was gonna call you, cause I had a new leg that I thought you would like."

"Really?" Tawna sounds intrigued. "Whatever it is I'm sure I will like it."

"Great," Gerald nods, "I'm going to be in Cove Town on some business, would you be able to meet me there by tomorrow?" Tawna pauses momentarily, hearing the name of the town.

"Uh, yeah." Tawna nods, "We are actually close by."

"Great," Dr. Gerald boasts, "I'll see you tomorrow." He says as the lacrama goes black. Tawna lies back on the ground groaning loudly.

"Tawna, are you okay?" Elie asks.

"I'm great," Tawna says sarcastically, "I have to go back to the place I lost my leg, and I fought one of those Raven Tail wimps that were there." She says sitting up.

"Who was it," Elie asks concerned, "Please tell me it wasn't…"

"No," Tawna shakes her head, "It was the one who burned my leg." Tawna sighs and buries her head in her hands. "What am I going to do, Elie? I don't know how I'm going to react going back there. I've avoided Cove Town for over seven years."

"Tawna," Elie says setting on her lap, "you need to calm down. Have you talked to Laxus?"

"No," Tawna shakes her head, "All he knows about my leg is what I told him when I was in the hospital."

"He doesn't even know it was Raven Tail!" Elie shouts flying to Tawna's eye level.

"Shhhhh! He'll hear you!" Tawna hisses coving the calico's mouth, "I was scared to tell him, I know he's wondering, especially after today."

"You need to tell him, Tawna." Elie says, "you can't keep this from him."

"I know," Tawna sighs, "I've been wanting to tell him, but I just don't know how."

"How about this," Elie states, "Why don't you and Laxus go to Cove Town, while the rest of us head towards the guild. We can meet up in a town closer to Magnolia. It will give you two time to talk."

"What about you, Elie," Tawna asks, "I don't want to leave you behind."

"I'll be fine," Elie smiles, "We've been together for over three months. It will only be two days max, and I know you and Laxus need some a lone time. I know you would do the same for me."

"Thanks Elie," Tawna smiles, "I'll make sure do the same for you and Lily," she winks.

"Tawna!" Elie blushes causing Tawna to laugh harder.

"Calm down," Tawna giggles, struggling to stand on one leg, "We should get back to camp."

"Let's go," Elie nods, gabbing the back of Tawna's top and carry her back to camp. Coming back to the Thunder Legion, Elie places Tawna down on the log next to Laxus and takes, her now usual spot on his head.

'Hello, Katawna," Freed greets, "We were just making plans on starting out journey back to Magnolia, tomorrow."

"Sounds good," Tawna says as Laxus places and arm around her shoulders, "But I need to pick up my new leg tomorrow." She says glancing up to Laxus, "Wanna take a detour to Cove Town with me tomorrow?"

"Sure," Laxus smiles, "We can all meet up later, before we get to the guild."

"Sounds like a plan," Evergreen nods with the rest of the team.

The team sits together around the fire, laughing and talking about their journey over these last three months. Even Bixlow tried to challenge Tawna into one more fight, but Tawna used blood grip and threw him into the bushes. The team spent their last night together until the moon was high in the sky. The team all scattered to their designated tents. Laxus carries Tawna to their tent at the corner of camp, with a seeping Elie on her stomach. Once in the ten, Tawna places Elie in her hammock at the peak of the tent, and they change into their sleep clothes.

"Hey," Laxus says catching Tawna's attention, "What happened out there today?" He asks. Tawna turns in his purple button up and black short, putting her long hair into a braid.

"I promise to tell you tomorrow," Tawna sighs, "When we are alone."

"Okay," Laxus says placing a hand on her cheek then brushing a piece of hair from her face, "I just want to make sure you are okay."

"I'm okay, for now," Tawna smiles, placing her hand over his, "but tomorrow may be hard for me…" she pauses, "Cove Town is where it happened." She says quietly looking down to her right leg."

"Tawna," Laxus says seeing her on the verge of tears, "Come here." He says pulling her into a hug, "It's going to be okay."

"I have avoided that place for over seven years," Tawna says holding tight onto him, "I'm scared, I'm going have flashbacks."

"Hey, look at me," Laxus says leaning back and tilting her chin up, "It's all going to be okay, I'm going to be right there with you."

"I know," Tawna smiles, "I'm glad I don't have to go there alone,"

"I will never leave you alone," Laxus says kissing her softly, "I promise."

The next morning, they all wake early to clean up camp and get ready for their journey back to Magnolia. All of them have a pack thrown over their shoulder, even Elie has her own little backpack.

"Okay," Freed says handing over a spare lacrama, "if you two need anything, just give us a call. We should be able to meet in Central tomorrow after noon."

"Yep," Tawna says placing the orb in her pack, with her leg with the branch jammed in it, sticking out. "Elie, you sure you don't wanna come along?"

"Nah," Elie smiles, "Ever needs at least one other girl here." She laughs.

"Okay," Tawna laughs.

"Okay," Laxus says, "Let's get going, we are already going to be late getting back to the guild."

"Travel safely you two," Freed says waving.

"See ya soon," Laxus says as the two groups turn separate ways towards their destination. Tawna and Laxus walk slowly due to her busted leg. The night before, Tawna was able to tie some fabric around the knee joint, and with her normal socks giving it some stability. Cove town is not far from where they camped, maybe only an hour trip. The two travel in a comfortable silence, Laxus can tell his Pink haired girlfriend is on edge. He just wants to make sure she is okay.

Coming over the hill the bustling town comes into view. The Town has gotten larger over the years, but there is still a familiar small-town feel, with all its old buildings.

"This is it," Tawna says quietly. She's trying to stay calm and not think about what happened here.

"You ready?" Laxus asks squeezing her hand gently.

"Yeah," Tawna nods, "I was gonna have to come back here sooner or later." She says as she catches a glimpse of the rebuilt clock tower. Suddenly memories a flames and blood flash across her mind, making her intake a sharp breath.

"Hey, hey." Laxus say stepping in front of her, "Look at me." Tawna's eyes blink a few times coming back, catching her breath.

"I'm sorry," Tawna apologizes catching her breath, "I don't know if I can do this?"

"You don't need to apologize," Laxus says, "I know you can do this, Tawna." He says placing a kiss on her forehead and pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you," She says pulling from the hug taking a deep breath, "Let's go." Laxus nods and takes her hand they slowly make their way into the town. Cove town is bustling this early in the morning, kids and adults doing their daily arrans. Laxus and Tawna make their way through the crowds until they are standing in front of the local healers. Knocking a few times, Dr. Gerald opens the door.

"Ah Katawna!" Dr. Gerald smiles opening the door, "Glad you made it." He says pulling his favorite patient into a hug.

"Thanks for having some spare legs laying around." Tawna smiles, hugging him back.

"Katawna, trust me," Gerald laughs, "From the time you were 13 I made sure to keep legs on hand for you."

"Yeah, yeah," Tawna rolls her eyes, "I know, I'm hard on legs." She laughs then turns to Laxus, "This is Laxus,"

"Nice to meet you," Gerald smiles shaking his hand. "Let's get in here so I can measure your leg, so I can make adjustments" Laxus and Tawna enter the small building, and Gerald pulls out the new leg from behind the counter. "Here it is," Gerald smiles placing it on the counter.

"Wow," Tawna says with her eyes sparking. The leg is matte black like her old one, but the gaps between the joints are smaller and the metal edges meet in front rather than the sides.

"Yup, I think this one is the best one yet," the doctor smiles, "Like your old one, it's fire, rust and water proof. I made the joint gaps smaller, changed where gaps on the thigh and shin are from the side to the front should make it stronger, when you stop attacks with your leg, like I know you like to do, and finally the biggest improvement is the joints."

"What did you do differently?" Tawna asks looking closer to the leg, making Laxus smile seeing how much she goes crazy for new legs.

"Over the years, we have tried to make the joints stronger, especially the knee, with stronger and harder metal. But I think the solution is to make them more flexible, so it can take harder hits with out shattering on the first blow." He says picking up the leg and bending it at the knee and twisting it slightly.

"Wow," Tawna says in awe.

"Okay," Gerald says, "Lets go in the back, so I can get measurements. The leg should be ready by tomorrow morning. I can see if I can fix one of your legs, so you can at least walk normally."

"Okay," Tawna nods, pulling the bench jammed leg from her pack handing it to Gerald.

"Hmm," He says surprised trying to wiggle the branch loose, "That's in there tight, I think the leg you have on now maybe more salvageable than this one."

"I figured," Tawna says, then turning to Laxus, "I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Okay, take your time." Laxus smiles and takes a seat in the waiting area as his girlfriend disappears in the back. Laxus couldn't help but smile at her. Even though she has a love hate relationship with her fake leg, she still gets excited about a new design. All because the leg gives her the freedom she wouldn't have had with her actual leg. Laxus remembers hearing something while he was on Tenrou, that if Tawna was to keep her leg, she wouldn't have had even walked again. Who knows what would have happened to her if she couldn't go on missions. He does know, she would have never stopped trying to walk. At least with these legs, she can do everything and more. Seeing the smile and smirk she gets on her face when she gets in a fight, he can't help but smile to.

After fifteen minutes, Tawna comes out from the back room, walking much better than she had been.

"We will need to come back in the morning to pick up the new one." Tawna says smiling, "But he was able to a fix job on this leg." She says tugging up her sock a bit more. "The branch leg is history, he was able to take it a part and give me the pieces so Gajeel can have a snack when we get back." She laughs.

"Great," Laxus laughs, "Lets go, restock on some supplies, and find an Inn for the night." He smiles.

"Sounds good," Tawna smiles. Laxus can tell that Tawna is still struggling with anxiety being here. But at least she is able to put a smile on her face, that is genuine and not fake.

The two travel a few blocks over to the local market, that is packed with adults and kids a like. Laxus and Tawna gather food and other supplies. While at the market a group of kids got excited when they spotted Katawna. Laxus couldn't help but smile, seeing her smile and interact with the kids. It looked like it got her mind of everything that had happened.

"Okay, Tawna," Laxus says, grabbing the last of their supplies, "You ready to go to… Tawna?" He asks turning and finding her missing. Looking for the iconic pick head, he spots her standing looking at a clock tower.

Tawna looks up to the old tower, placing her shaky hand on the corner of the new bricks. She looks up the tower and notices some old bricks are mixed in with the new. The old clock tower looks like it's been standing for decades, like nothing bad had ever happen there. Tawna wishes nothing had ever happened there. Glancing down to the ground, Tawna notices some discoloration of the cobblestone street. Some are replaced, but others are forever stained with a rusty dark red hue.

"Katawna," Laxus says placing a hand on her shoulder, "Are you okay?" he asks.

"Yeah," Tawna says placing her hand over his, "It looks like it's been here for ages, doesn't it?" She asks quietly.

"This old thing has a pretty sad past," An old woman states nearby, "A young girl was almost killed, when it collapsed years ago. Apparently, she lost her leg from the accident. I wonder where how she is doing now. I can't remember her name. She was named after a weapon?"

"A sword, she's named after a sword, and she's doing great," Tawna says softly, looking to the old woman.

"You know her?" The woman asks curious.

"You can say that," Tawna smiles, "She didn't have an easy life after the accident, but she doing great now."

"That's good to hear," the old woman smiles, "I'm sorry Hun, I didn't get your name."

"Katawna," Tawna smiles, "you ready, Laxus?"

"Yeah," Laxus says surprised, then they glance back to the old woman, who put the pieces together, from hearing her name.

"I'm glad you are doing okay," The woman smiles.

"Thank you," Tawna smiles and turns to leave with Laxus.

"You handled that a lot better than I thought you would." Laxus says wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"Me too," Tawna sighs, "I thought I was going loose it when I saw it, but I think it's what I needed. I oddly feel calm." She smiles slightly looking up to her Lightning Dragon Slayer.

"Do you feel you got some closure?" Laxus asks as the approach their Inn.

"Not, yet." Tawna states flatly, "there still one more thing I need to do before then." She says as they go to check in.

The two get in their room by the time night begins to fall, and clouds move in, and rain begins pelting against the window. Laxus comes out of the bathroom following his shower to see Tawna setting on the bed, already in his purple button down and black shorts, and hair dried from her shower. Her eyes are lost in thought looking at her right leg and running her hand along the dented and damaged metal.

"How are you doing?" Laxus asks setting next to her on the large bed.

"I'm doing okay," Tawna says still looking at her leg.

"I'm glad," Laxus smiles placing a hand on her own, "You've been really on edge, since yesterday."

"I know, I'm sorry." Tawna says quietly, "I guess I should tell you what happened."

"You know, you don't have to." Laxus says concerned.

"I want to," Tawna says, sighing trying to figure out how to start. "The man we fought yesterday, was there the day I lost my leg."

"What? Him?" Laxus says with his eyes widening.

"Yes," Tawna nods, "We were fighting Raven Tail, and my leg was severely burned, by him." She says placing her hand on the heavily scarred skin of her thigh. "most of this scaring is from him.

"Raven Tail did this," Laxus asks trying to keep his temper intact, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to get yourself in trouble back then." Tawna says turning her face away from his. Laxus looks at her concerned and places a soft hand on her cheek.

"Tawna, what about your leg?" He asks softly.

"The man I mentioned yesterday, Karnik," Tawna frowns, "He was the one who did this. He's the one who blew me into the clock tower!" She shouts angrily, "The worst of all, he used your magic against me!"

"Wait," Laxus says while trying to calm her down, "my magic?"

"He can connect to a person's memories," Tawna says dropping her head, "He called me Squirt, and I lost my temper. That's when he used his magic to use my memories of you against me. Because of him, I have to live with this." She says with indicating to her leg.

"Katawna," Laxus says tilting her chin up so her eyes meet his, "calm down, please."

"Sorry," Tawna sighs, "I should be okay with it by now."

"You have every right, not to be." Laxus says rubbing his thumb against her cheek, "You got hurt, you had to learn how walk, run, and fight again. The worst of all, you had to do it all alone."

"Laxus," Tawna says with a few stray tears fall from her eyes, only to be wiped away by his thumb.

"It's okay, if you're not okay with it, but you have found how to live it." Laxus smiles, "You have taken something that should have handicapped you, and you made yourself stronger."

"I don't feel strong, though," Tawna sighs, "In fights, other's go straight for my leg. They know, if they knock out my leg, I'm at a disadvantage." She says running her hand over the dented metal.

"Tawna, that doesn't make you weak." Laxus says pushing a loose piece of hair from her face, "They know you strong, so they take cheap shots, but you don't put up with it. You can still kick their asses with one leg." He says gaining a small light from the Water Dragon Slayer.

Tawna looks up to his eyes and then back to her leg. She decides to do something, that she never thought she be comfortable doing around anyone, beside Elie. She places her hands on either side of her prosthetic and hears the audible click. She slowly slides the leg from her scarred thigh and places it on the floor.

"Tawna," Laxus says surprised seeing her remove her leg.

"I don't feel comfortable going without my leg," Tawna says placing her hand on the marked skin, "But, I do around you." She admits, "I know it's not the prettiest thing in the world, but…" She is cut off but Laxus kissing her.

"I think it's beautiful," Laxus smiles, "and thank you for trusting me."

"I've always trusted you," Tawna smiles, "And I'm not gonna lie, it feels nice taking it off. It's not the most comfortable thing to sleep in." She says giggling making Laxus smile.

"Let's get to bed then," Laxus says kissing her forehead, "We have a long journey tomorrow."

"Yeah, don't remind me." Tawna sighs smiling falling back on the bed. Laxus lays back with her and pulls her close to his bare chest. Tawna looks up to his golden eyes and says something she didn't think she would ever say to any guy. "I love you, Laxus."

Laxus is caught by surprise hearing those words come from her. He smiles and presses his lips firmly to hers and wraps his arms around her slim waist.

"I love you, Katawna." He says smiling. Tawna kisses him back and lays her head on his chest, and the two enjoy their last night alone, until they return to the guild tomorrow.

A/N- Grand Magic Games starts next chapter! I love you all, please review and let me know what you think!