A/N- Hey sorry for the wait, I'm in the middle of trying to move so things got a bit busy. I know you guys understand. This is it, the games will begin in this chapter! Whose ready! I sure am
I want to give a shout out to a fellow reader Alexandriasutherland98. She has a Fairy Tail OC story on Wattpad, called Fairy Tail Sisters Now, Family Forever. Go over there and give her some love!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail!
Chapter 40
Shouts of joy and drunken cheer echo from the small guild hall on the large hill on the out skirts of Magnolia. The Last three months these hills have been quiet, almost silent, with the absence of the rowdy Fairy Tail Guild.
The party is in full swing inside the doors of the guild hall. They had just announced the official team for The Grand Magic games. The fights and drinks are in full swing as the guild awaits one more team to arrive from their training trips.
"When is Tawna getting back?" Happy complains setting on the bar next to Lucy, watching Natsu and Gray fight.
"I don't know," Lucy shrugs, "Master said her the Thunder Legion should be back tonight."
"Well," Natsu says with gray hand press against his cheek, "She better get home soon, I wanna fight her."
"I though you were gonna fight her after the games." Gray say pushing the fire wizard away.
"I wanna show her how strong I got," Natsu boasts.
"Tawna probably got stronger too." Happy states.
"Not second origin strong." Natsu argues.
"She's probably like Erza," Lucy mumbles, "Her second origin, is probably unlocked." She says glance to Erza.
"It's possible," Erza nods, "She's been through trauma in her life, it probably opened when she had the accident when her body went into survival mode."
"I guess that makes sense why she's so strong." Wendy smiles about her best friend.
"That, and a lot of training." Carla states.
"Either way, she's going down," Natsu shouts spewing fire from his mouth.
"Can't you welcome, your sister home, like a normal human being, with a hug." Lucy says annoyed.
"Nah, that's not how Dragneels do it." A voice chuckles.
"Tawna!" Happy shouts happily flying her way. Katawna smiles and hugs her brothers cat.
"Hey," Tawna laughs, scratching Happy in his favorite place, behind the ear.
"Where's Elie?" Happy asks excited.
"She's over with Lily," Tawna says pointing to her calico companion hugging the black panther.
"Hey! I'm your brother, hug me first!" Happy shouts flying to the table and between the two exceeds.
"Happy!" Elie shouts annoyed, making Tawna giggle.
"Welcome back," Erza nods, "Looks like training went well." She says looking at the pink haired wizard. Her petite body is not at skinny as she once was. She has put on some more muscle, making her thin frame slightly curvier.
"Yeah, you look great, you just keep getting prettier," Lucy smiles, "Guys won't be able to keep their eyes off you now."
"They may want to if they know what's good for them." Tawna smirks, knowing Laxus will scare off any guy that gets any ideas.
"True, your brother will go after anything that looks at you." Lucy laughs.
"Yeah, Natsu will take care of it," Tawna says laughing.
"Katawna!" Natsu shouts, "Ready to fight!" He says charging with fist blazing.
"Now, this a welcome I was expecting." Tawna smirks ducking as Natsu flies over her head, making him crash to the ground.
"Natsu is already trying to fight her?" Elie says landing on the bar with Happy.
"It would be a Dragneel reunion without it." Happy states, "Kick her butt, Buddy!"
"Natsu, I see your training got you even more fired up." She laughs as her brother jumps back to his feet.
"Damn right," Natsu shouts, "bring it Bugs!" Natsu smirks.
"I thought we agreed to a fight after the games," Tawna laughs crossing her arms.
"I can't wait that long," Natsu shouts excited.
"Natsu gets really excited about fighting Tawna," Wendy laughs.
"That's when he's the most fired up," Gray laughs, knowing just how this fight will end.
"Come on fight me!" Natsu complains, "fight me, fight me, fight me…" Tawna rolls her eyes and a magic circle forms around her elbow and transforms her arm to ice. Pulling back, she punched him, cutting his 'fight me' chants short and him knocks him to the ground. The guild erupts in laughter, watching Natsu lay on the ground with his head spinning.
"That never gets old." Gray laughs doubled over.
"Sorry Bro," Tawna grins, "I promised to an official fight after the games, and that's what I'm gonna do."
"Yeah, we are still collecting bets for it!" Cana shouts drunk.
"I also, don't want to destroy the guild hall," Tawna laughs, "I am the one who lives here." She says taking a seat at the bar.
"How was training with the Thunder Legion?" Wendy asks excited
"It was great," Tawna she smiles glancing over to the Thunder Legion's table. She smiles slightly when she catches Laxus's gaze and smile.
"Did anything interesting happen while you were gone?" Wendy asks.
"You could say that," Elie interrupts giggling.
"Elie," Tawna hisses, making her calico companion giggle more.
"What happened?" Wendy asks her best friend.
"I'll tell you later," Tawna whispers, "I promise."
"Ooo, is this secret," Wendy whispers back.
"For now, yes," Tawna states, "So, when I tell you, you cannot tell a soul."
"Deal," Wendy giggles excited. Tawna knows Wendy won't blab, they have both kept secrets for each other from seven years ago.
"So," Tawna says glancing to the rest of the team. "How was your guys training?" The moment the question leaves her mouth, her old team's head's droop. "Okay… was it that bad?"
"We got some training in," Wendy states.
"Until, Aries tricked us into the Celestial Spirit World." Lucy sighs annoyed, "They threw us a party, since we were gone for seven years. The party just lasted 3 months."
"No way," Tawna smiles, "You guys spent three months partying?"
"Well, one day, celestial time." Gray states.
"We still, got stronger," Natsu shouts, jumping up from the floor. He pauses and placed a hand on his head, "Damn Tawna," He say rubbing the bump on his head.
"Sorry, Bro." Tawna laughs, "I forgot you could never take an ice punch."
"Watch it, or next time I'm going to melt that arm before you hit me." Natsu smirks taking a seat next to his sister.
"We'll see," Tawna laughs, 'You still don't fight back when I use my leg against you."
"I don't want to break it," Natsu pouts.
"Daww is my big brother scared of hurting his little one-legged sister." Tawna says pinching his cheek.
"Hey!" Natsu says swatting her hand away, "Give me a break."
"I'm joking," Tawna laughs, "I just got new legs, and these are amazing." She grins knocking her fist against the sock covered metal. "They are stronger, and the joints are more flexible, so they can take harder hit. One of my previous legs knee got blown out, and Bixlow jammed a branch through the other one."
"Poor Bixlow, got a beating after that." Elie laughs, "Laxus had to pull her off of him."
"Bix deserved it." Tawna laughs.
"Hey! What is this I hear about new legs?" Gajeel shouts from a cross the room, "Where's my snacks?"
"Don't get your panties in a twist," Tawna laughs, "I'll give you the legs later."
"You better, Calico!" Gajeel states.
"You guys must have gotten a lot of training it." Gray nods.
"Yeah, we traveled, camped, and trained." Tawna smiles, "We even took on a few jobs while we were out. It was fun"
"You would have had fun with us," Natsu pouts.
"Don't get me wrong," Tawna smiles sliding a flaming mug in front of her brother, "I missed you all like crazy."
"Really!" Happy shouts happily.
"Hell yeah," Tawna laughs, "Training with them was great, but I kind of missed the rowdiness you guys bring to anything. I also wouldn't expect any less from you guys… and from Team Fairy Tail."
"You heard?" Lucy asks.
"Yeah," Tawna laughs, "Before you guys realized we were back, Gramps gave us a lecture of being late, and told us. Congrats" Tawna grins, "We are actually have a chance this year in the games."
"I would have thought, you would have been in the games, over me." Lucy states
"And me," Wendy adds.
"I expected not to be picked," Tawna states, "I've competed a couple of times, it's your turn to compete."
"Team Fairy Tail is gonna get Fairy Tail back on top!" Natsu shouts to the entire guild.
"AYE!" the guild shouts, clanking glasses together and going back to a party.
Tawna spends her time catching up and telling stories with her team, as well as other members of the guild. It doesn't take long for her to find her way to the Conbolt and Wakaba table. It doesn't take long for Romeo to say something snarky and end up in a head lock from Tawna, and for her to get a lecture from Macao. She also gets to visit with Asuka before she has to go to bed. That little girl missed Tawna like crazy, and clung around her neck the whole time. The night has gotten late, and most of the guild has gone home. Since the Games start in a couple of days, everyone are getting their travel plans in order. Tawna and Elie grab her backpack from the corner of the room and make their way over to a certain metal eating wizard.
"Okay Gajeel," Tawna laughs, "here's your snack." She says dumping out the remains of the branch leg and the full leg onto the table.
"'bout time, Calico," Gajeel grins taking a mouth full of metal.
"What happened to these?" Lily asks sharing a kiwi with Elie.
"A branch through the knee, and a blown-out knee." Elie answers munching on her half of the kiwi.
"Yeah, who knew a branch could destroy a leg completely," Tawna rolls her eyes.
"You get the good stuff," Gajeel says with his mouthful.
"Thanks, Gajeel," Tawna laughs.
"so, why's Sparky's scent all over ya?" Gajeel asks plainly.
"Gajeel!" Tawna hisses, looking around. Luckily, there is still enough noise and people in the guild that no one heard them. "I was training with him and the Thunder Legion, of course I'm gonna smell like them."
"He didn't smell them, he smelled Laxus," Elie states.
"Elie, you are not helping," Tawna sighs annoyed.
"So, you are with him?" Gajeel asks munching on more of her broken legs.
"No," Tawna states, crossing her arms.
"I know, you're lyin'" Gajeel states flatly, "Salamander maybe oblivious, but his scent is even all over these leg chunks."
"Oh, come on!" Tawna huffs annoyed, falling into a chair across from him, "Is it that obvious?"
"Nah, I just caught the scent," Gajeel grunts, "But I wonder what the rest of the guild will do if they find out." He smirks. "Especially yer brother."
"If you tell anyone, especially Natsu," Tawna says standing leaning forward towards him, "I will freeze you from the inside out, and break off your limbs one, by one."
"I'm not scared of you, Calico." Gajeel smirks leaning back crossing his arms.
"You tell anyone, and you can say goodbye to getting my leg scraps." Tawna says crossing her arms.
"Fine," Gajeel states, "I'll keep it quiet, yer lucky I like you, and your spare legs are good, but when the whole guild goes after Sparky, I'm not holding back."
"Deal," Tawna agrees, and glances to Lily and Elie, "That threat goes for you too."
"No worries, Katawna, you secret is safe with me." Lily smiles.
"I'm not worried about you, Lily." Tawna smirks, "Elie, is another story though."
"Hey, I'm your best friend, and I already knew!" Elie complains.
"Calm down," Tawna laughs scratching her multicolored ears, "I'm joking."
"Good," Elie laughs. Tawna bids bye to the table, leaving Elie to flirt with Lily, and makes her way over to Laxus next to the window.
"Uggg," Tawna groans leaning against the windowsill.
"What, did Metal Head ask for more legs?" Laxus asks looking out the window.
"He knows," Tawna sighs, "About us." She whispers. Even though there still is a buzz of noise in the guild, it's still better to keep their voices to whisper.
"How'd he find out?" Laxus asks quietly.
"He caught your scent on me." Tawna states.
"Damn," Laxus sighs annoyed, "Is he gonna snitch?"
"He said he wouldn't," She says looking up to her Lighting Slayer.
"You trust him?" He asks raising an eyebrow.
"Don't worry," Tawna laughs, "I threatened to freeze him from the inside out and break off his limbs."
"And when that didn't work, what did you do?" Laxus asks, knowing Gajeel would have never believed a threat like that from her. Tawna sighs receiving a deep chuckle from her boyfriend.
"He agreed to keep quiet after I threatened to not give him anymore legs." She huffs.
"I thought so," Laxus laughs, "Wait, you said he caught my scent, why didn't your brother catch it?"
"He is pretty dense," Tawna sighs, "I think he was too fired up about fighting me to notice."
"Let's hope it stays that way until after the games," Laxus states.
"Knowing him, he's gonna be fired up until a week after the games are over." Tawna laughs.
"Laxus, Katawna, I need to talk to you two." Gramps voice echoes through the guild. The two freeze, and glance to each other wondering if he heard one of the two conversations. "As well as, Gajeel, Mira, and Juvia." Hearing the other names they relax and walk over to the bar.
"What's up, Old Man?" Laxus asks as they approach his seat at the bar.
"Yeah, I got some eatin' to do," Gajeel states standing next to Tawna holding the prosthetic she gave him by the calf and munching on the thigh.
"Must you eat it like that," Tawna asks discussed.
"Like what?" The metal eating Dragon Slayer asks.
"You're eating my leg like a turkey leg." Tawna states scrunching her nose.
"So," Gajeel scowls.
"Katawna, Gajeel, save this argument for later," Gramps states, raising a hand, stopping the two dragon slayers from starting a potential argument."
"What do need, Master," Mire ask sweetly.
"Well, I have been reading this year's rules for the games, and I came across something, that may help us." Gramps states. "Apparently they have changed somethings for this year. Including how many teams can compete."
"What are you saying, Gramps," Tawna asks.
"This year, each guild can enter two teams to start off in the prelims. So, I want you five to be Fairy Tail Team B."
"What!" Gajeel shouts, "I don't want to be part of that freakshow!"
"I don't have any objections" Laxus states crossing his arms, "But getting put on the B team is kind of insulting."
"I thought you might say that," Gramps states, "How about if I sweeten the deal."
"What kind of deal, Master?" Juvia asks.
"the winning Fairy Tail team gets to do whatever they want to the losing team for one entire day." Gramps grins.
"So, like a punishment game." Lily states.
"I bet it's exactly like a punishment game." Elie says.
Gramps looks to the five wizards standing before them, each thinking about the deal he had just given them. Knowing his children, he knows they can't pass up the opportunity to torment each other.
"I guess with that deal," Gajeel state munching on more of Tawna's prosthetic, "I'm in."
"Yeah, I'll do it," Laxus states smirking.
"I'll be happy to compete," Mira grins, "This is exciting!"
"What about you Tawna," Gramps says looking to the Dragneel.
"I get to be in the games, and I have the chance to make my brother do whatever I want, there's no question," Tawna grins, "Hell yeah I'm in!"
"I thought so," Gramps laughs, "What about you Juvia?" He glances to the water wizard, who currently has hearts in her eyes.
"Uhh," Tawna says looking at her fellow water mage, "I think she's dreamin' about what she is gonna do to Gray, so I think she is in."
"Good," Gramps states, "Let's show what Fairy Tail is made of this year."
"Aye!" Fairy tail Team B shouts ready to make Fairy Tail number one, once more.
Fiore's capital is buzzing with excitement as the Fairy Tail Guild arrives. The festival celebrating the games is in full swing, vendors and flower stalls line the streets, as a certain pink haired dragon slayer and her exceed walk through the busy streets.
"It's bee a while since we've been in Crocus." Elie smiles hoover next to her best friend's head.
"I know," Tawna smiles, "I forgot how massive this city was." Tawna looks around to the venders and gathering fans and wizards ready for the games tomorrow. "We better go search for other's in the guild."
"Yeah, maybe Natsu's team has showed up." Elie says looking around.
"Leave it to them to be the last ones to show up." Tawna laughs as her and Elie stroll through the busy streets. Suddenly something is placed on Tawna and Elie's heads, along with a couple arms draping over Tawna's shoulders and one grabbing her hand.
"Miss Katawna," Hibiki say smoothly
"It's nice to see you," Ren says in his usual stoic voice
"You keep getting more beautiful every day." Eve ends with his usual compliments.
"Damn it," Tawna sighs annoyed, hearing the familiar three voices, "Do you three enjoy annoying me?"
"You look truly stunning today," Hibiki from the Blue Pegasus guild greets with his arm around her shoulders. "Is this a new jacket, it looks absolutely gorgeous on you." He asks indicating to the black cropped jacket buttoned under her breast, over a white crop top.
"Your hair is quite fitting for this flower crown we bought you," Eve says as he still kneels with her hand in his, "We thought your wavy pink hair would go quite nice with the white flowers, and Elie would look good in the pink flowers."
"Will you three please leave me alone," Tawna huffs taking her hand from Eve, and untangling Ren's and Hibiki's arms from around her. "I know two of you have girlfriends," She states crossing her arms facing Ren and Hibiki, "Now, what would they think about you buying another girl flowers?"
"Men, leave this maiden alone." Another smooth voice states making Tawna's skin crawl.
"Yes, Master," The Trimens bow.
"Oh no," Elie and Tawna cringe glancing to each other.
"sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, your parfum is as intoxicating as ever, Miss Katawna!" Ichiyia says coming behind the teen.
"You especially leave me alone!" Tawna shouts turning and kicking the small man down the street.
"MAAAANNN!" Ichiyia shouts as he slams into a wall, then drops to the ground. Tawna huffs and brushes off her shorts and socks and continues her way.
"Nice shot," Elie laughs landing on Tawna's shoulder, "You would think he would learn to stop doing that."
"You'd think," Tawna sighs, "Who do you think bet I was gonna hit him before the game started?"
"Probably Wakaba," Elie laughs, "Alzack keeps having faith that you can hold back. So, he's probably out of some money."
"Yeah, I'll win that money from Wakaba in the next card game." Tawna laughs as she looks ahead. "Hey, it looks like Natsu and them made it." She smiles seeing Gramps and a few other guild members gathered with them reading the rule book.
"So, we have to back by midnight?" Lucy asks
"Reminds me of that fairy tale about the glass slipper."
"That means we have plenty of time!" Natsu shouts excited seeing the time is barely past one in the afternoon.
"Aye," Happy cheers, "let's explore!"
"Be careful, we don't need you guys destroying stuff," Tawna smirks coming next to Alzack and Bisca.
"Tawna!" Asuka shouts, wiggling from her father's arms and to Tawna.
"Hey, Squirt," Tawna smiles lifting the child onto her shoulders.
"Why are there flowers on your head?" Happy asks.
"They're pretty!" Asuka grins kicking her legs.
"Yeah, you never seemed like the flower crown type." Gray states.
"Trust me, I'm not." Tawna states, "I had a run in with the Pegasus boys." She says rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, Ichiyia got quite the kick," Elie states fixing her own crown.
"Dang it," Alzack sighs, "Now I owe Wakaba money."
"He sniffed me," Tawna argues, "You'd hit him too. Ask Erza, the only way to get him to go away is to slightly injure him."
"I'm sorry to say, but she is right." Erza says crossing her arms, "Ichiyia is not an easy pest to get rid of."
"Weren't you with Laxus?" Gramps asks.
"He went to meet the Thunder Legion, they were coming in on the next train." Tawna explains, "Elie and I wanted to make sure Natsu and them got here, then we are going to hunt them down."
"Well we are here, and ready!" Natsu shouts excited.
"Tawna, where did they get that flower crown, I kind of want one," Lucy smiles.
"I don't really know but think there are tons of flower venders on the next street over. You should be able to find some there." Tawna smiles.
"Let's explore!" Natsu shouts running off.
"Aye!" Happy cheers.
"Hey, wait for me!" Lucy laughs running after them.
"Remember you need to be back at the hotel by midnight!" Erza reminds them as they all run off in different directions.
"Don't destroy anything and behave yourself!" Tawna shouts
"We got it!" Natsu shouts back as they are already halfway to the next street.
"Okay," Tawna smiles lifting Asuka from her shoulders, "I have to go find, the Thunder Legion. Have fun, Squirt."
"Bye, bye!" Asuka shouts waving as Tawna goes her separate way from her guild mates.
"Make sure you also in your designated hotel at midnight too, Child, "Gramps reminds, now that Team A is out of sight.
"I think you need to worry about Team A more than us." Tawna laughs turning to walk the opposite direction.
"Do you have an idea where they are?" Elie asks setting on Tawna's shoulder.
"Laxus said they are going to be around the food stands," Tawna states, "Knowing Bixlow, he's probably stuffing his face."
"yeah, you are probably right," Elie laughs, "So, how's the secret keeping going?"
"Better than I thought, as long as Gajeel keeps his mouth shut until the games are over." Tawna rolls her eyes.
"He will, he won't give up missing out on not legs." Elie laughs.
"Why do you think I threated to take them away." The water dragon slayer laughs as her and her calico companion stroll through the streets.
"It's Katawna!"
"Katawna Dragneel!"
"Katawna!"
"Can we please get your autograph, and your cat's too?" A few shouts of glee echo through the crowds. A bunch of young girls come running up with pens and paper.
"Hey!" Tawna smiles, "Of course you can." She says kneeling down with Elie and signing each one of their piece of papers. She even poses for a few picture taking by the girl's parents. Tawna has always been popular with the young kids. Many of them grew up hearing about a young wizard beating the odds. Tawna does enjoy meeting her young fans, they see her as role model, someone to strive to be like.
"I see you have some little fans there," Laxus's deep voice chuckles.
"Hey, guys." Tawna grins from signing the last of the girls autograph books.
"Thank you!" the girl's shout in excitement.
"You're welcome," Tawna smiles standing, "I hope you guys enjoy the festivals and games." She waves goodbye to the girls and their parents and meets the Thunder Legion.
"I didn't know you has such a young fan base," Evergreen states.
"Yeah," Tawna smiles, "I have always been popular with them, apparently I'm a role model to them. Are you guys ready to see the festival?"
"Let's go!" Bixlow shouts excited running off with his babies.
"Bixlow, wait!" Freed shouts annoyed.
"Can't you sit still for one minute?" Evergreen sighs running after him with Freed.
"He's excited," Elie states taking her favorite spot in Laxus's head.
"Excited is an understatement," Laxus says shaking his head. Laxus to Tawna and notices her flower crown, "What's with the flowers?"
"Blue Pegasus," Tawna huffs annoyed making him laugh. Tawna rolls, her eyes and glances behind her large statured boyfriend and notices a little girl holding one crutch and her right leg wrapped in bandages looking at her. Tawna smiles and waves. The little girl looks surprised and quickly hides behind her mother's legs.
"Hey?" Laxus says waving an hand in front of her face.
"Earth to Tawna," Elie adds.
"What?" She says surprised.
"I said we should go find them," Laxus states referring to the Thunder Legion who is off running amuck the festival.
"Yeah, let's go," Tawna says glancing back to the little girl as they walk away. She can't help but wonder about the young girl, she reminded Tawna of herself when she was young.
The Night goes on seamlessly. They wondered from vender to vendor and exploring the capital. The sun has now set and the stars are shining above the busy city. Laxus, Tawna and Elie have split up from the rest of the Thunder Legion when they went to Fairy Tail designated bar, that Gramps and the rest of the guild has claimed.
"So, do you have any idea why the contestants need to be back in their hotels by midnight," Laxus asks as him and Tawna stroll through the streets.
"Who knows," Tawna shrugs, "Every year is something different. It could have something to do with the games, or they don't want the contestants showing up hungover to the qualifiers."
"Yeah, I remember a few years ago, half of Quatro Cerberus showed up drunk." Elie laughs floating between the two.
"But that's normal for them," Tawna laughs as they hear a commotion down the street.
"What's going on?" Laxus asks.
"Probably a fight," Elie states, "That's a normal occurrence when a bunch of guilds get together like this."
"Well that explains why I smell Natsu over there," Tawna sighs annoyed. "I told him to behave himself."
"We better go check on them," Elie states.
"Yeah, we don't need a bill for property damage," Laxus states. The three walk down the street to the commotion and as they get closer, Tawna catches to other scents she recognizes. Laxus and Tawna push through the crowds until they see Natsu face to face with another wizard.
"Natsu, what did I say about behaving yourself," Tawna says stepping through the crowd with Elie and Laxus staying back next to Lucy.
"Well, well, Isn't it the natural disaster herself," The blond wizard sneers.
"I thought I smelled a rat," Tawna glares, "What the hell are you doing, Eucliffe?"
"What, is that the welcome I get? We haven't seen each other in a while." Stings smirks leaning forward close to Tawna's face. Seeing him do this, makes Laxus's fist clench slightly.
"I would greet Zeref himself, better than you." Tawna snaps.
"Woah, someone is feisty," Sting says touching his fingers to her chin, making Laxus's jealously rise a bit higher.
"Get away from her!" Natsu glares protective over his little sister.
"You better back off, Eucliffe. If you know what's good for you." Tawna threatens slapping his hand away.
"I can take you," Sting smirks standing up straight.
"Sting, back off." Rogue states crossing his arms.
"You can beat her Sting," Lector states crossing his arms.
"You stay out of this," Elie snaps to the other exceed.
"I'm not scared of a One-Legged Runt." Sting smirks. The entire crowd goes silent with a few gasps. Laxus's temper rises along with Natsu's hearing the comment about Tawna.
"What did you say?" Natsu growls standing.
"Natsu, don't!" Lucy shouts, grabbing his arm holding him back.
"That's it!" Tawna shouts furious, throwing her flower crown to the ground dives for the Light Dragon Slayer. Laxus acts fast and grabs Tawna mid-air holding her back. "Laxus let me go!"
"No," Laxus says flatly trying to keep his own temper in tack. He would love to electrocute this loser, but he knows that won't be good before the games.
"He's not worth it, you two!" Lucy shouts struggling to hold back Natsu with Happy.
"Calm down," Laxus says as Tawna struggles against his grip.
"If you want to see some Saber action, you will have to get past the qualifiers," Sting smirks, "Then maybe we'll have a real fight on our hands. But that's a stretch for you losers."
"Just you wait," Natsu growls.
"Fairy Tail has some tricks up their sleeves this year," Tawna huffs still being held by Laxus, "this is year Fairy Tail going to rise to the top."
"Let's get out of here Sting," Rogue states, "They aren't worth our time."
"We'll see you in the games, maybe." Sting smirks turning to walk away with their exceeds in tow. Once they are gone, and the crowd dissipated. Laxus let's Tawna down and Lucy and Happy let's go of Natsu.
"The nerve of that guy," Natsu snaps.
"Fairy Tail gets through the qualifiers or not, I'm kicking his ass." Tawna huffs.
"You've kicked it before," Elie states, "And he deserves it."
"Are they always like that?" Lucy asks.
"Yup," Tawna rolls her eyes, "Their whole guild is like that."
"Don't worry, Tawna," Natsu says holding up a fist, "I'll make sure to give him a beating he'll won't forget."
"Thanks, Natsu," Tawna says rolling her eyes. She looks up to the near by clock and back to Natsu and Lucy. "It's getting late, you two better get back to your hotel, or Erza will kill you."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Lucy says, "Let's go Natsu."
"Fine," Natsu huffs still fuming.
"Good luck," Tawna waves as they leave. "We better get going too," Tawna says looking up to Laxus.
"Yeah, we don't want to miss the curfew."
"I'll see you guys later," Elie says, "I'm going to be with the rest of the guild in the bar."
"Okay, bye El." Tawna and Laxus wave as they begin to hurry to their hotel. The streets are still filled as they maneuver their way through. Passing by an abandoned ally, Tawna is suddenly pushed inside and pushed against the wall.
"Laxus, what the hell…" Tawna starts, but is cut off by Laxus's lips pressed against hers with a hand wrap around her waist and one inn her hair. After a few moments he pulls away both catching their breath. "What was that about?" Tawna asks, "Not that I'm complaining or anything."
"Sorry," Laxus says catching his breath as well, "He was getting' to close to you." He mumbles.
"What was that?" Tawna smirks, "Is the Big, Bad Laxus jealous?" She could see the slight blush on his cheeks as her turns away slightly annoyed. "He is?" Tawna grins.
"You know how hard it was not to hit that Saber Trash, especially after the leg comment." Laxus huffs crossing his arms.
"You do not have to worry," Tawna says placing a hand on his cheek, "Trust me, I would have loved to see you electrocute him, but we have the Games to think about."
"That's why I didn't," Laxus sighs smiling.
"Let's hurry," Tawna says quickly giving him a kiss before they finish making their way to the hotel. They both climb the stairs quickly and push open the door to Fairy Tail Team B's room with only a few minutes to spare.
"Oh goody, you're here," Mira smiles.
"Yeah, we were getting worried," Juvia says standing from one of the beds.
"So, where have you two been?" Gajeel says leaning against the wall.
"Tawna and Natsu almost got in a fight with the Sabertooth Dragon Slayers." Laxus states flatly.
"Damn, Calico," Gajeel laughs, "save it for the games."
"You could have let me get one punch in," Tawna huffs taking off her jacket and adjusting her white crop top.
"No," Laxus states.
"You know he deserved it," Tawna complains.
"What did they do?" Juvia asks curious.
"Besides calling me a Natural Disaster," Tawna huffs, "Sting, called me a One-Legged Runt."
"Well, he's not wrong about the Natural Disaster part," Gajeel states grinning.
"Gajeel!" Tawna shouts throwing the pillow at him.
"Gihi," Gajeel giggle catching the pillow easily in his hand, "Someone is still riled up."
"You're an idiot," Tawna rolls her eyes only to be hit in the face by the same pillow. "you ass." Tawna shouts as her and Gajeel jump head first into a small fight.
"What are you gonna do now, Calico," Gajeel laughs having put Tawna in a headlock, mussing up her hair.
"Let go of me," Tawna complains fighting against his grip, "Gajeel!"
The clock finally strikes midnight and the bell of a clock tolls and everybody's attention is drawn outside the hotel balcony.
"Attention all participants participating this year's Grand Magic Games!" A high-pitched voice echoes, "Good Morning!"
"Hey, Metal Head, Tawna! "Laxus shouts getting the two Dragon Slayer's attention.
"It's coming from outside." Juvia states.
"It must have to do with the games," Mira adds as the team walks out to the balcony of their hotel. Outside, a large hologram covers the center of the city.
"Is that a pumpkin?" Gajeel asks.
"That's the Game's mascot." Tawna states as he begins to speak once more.
"We need to narrow down the 113 teams down to 8 so this is the beginning of the Preliminary Round," The Pumpkin shouts.
"138?" Juvia asks, "There can't be that many guilds."
"There's not," Laxus states.
"Each guild got to enter two teams this years, so they doubled the competition." Mira states.
"This must be why we all needed to be here at midnight, with all these teams, they need to narrow them down quick." Tawna says.
The rules for the preliminary round are simple," The pumpkin announces. Suddenly the hotel begins to shake and the hotels begin to rise.
"What the hell?" Gajeel shouts as their hotel rises higher and higher into the air.
"I already don't like this round," Tawna mumbles placing a hand over her mouth and taking a step back from the railing, as they rise higher and higher.
"You are competing in a race, the finish line is at the colosseum!" The pumpkin announces, "The first 8 teams to reach it will move on to the Grand Magic Games."
"They are really changing it up this year," Tawna says looking out to Crocus, still not liking how high they are.
"So all we have to do is make there, sounds easy," Gajeel states.
"Look," Juvia says pointing ahead of them as a wooden path way forms.
"It's a path," Mira says as the mascot begin speaking again.
"You are fee to use magic anyway you see fit, there are no restrictions," He announces, "But remember all 5 members must pass the finish line in order for it too count. Also, we are not responsible for any loss of life in the labyrinth."
"Did he just say labyrinth?" Laxus asks looking to see where the paths end. Above the city sits a large structure with twist and turns.
"It's a maze," Juvia adds.
"This maybe harder than we thought," Laxus states.
"So let the Grand Magic Games Preliminary round, Sky Labyrinth, begin!" The pumpkin shouts as his hologram fades.
"Let's go!" Gajeel shouts, "Let's go, Calico!" He says turning to see Tawna frozen in fear. "This is no time for you to be 'fraid of heights!"
"I-I-I" Tawna stutters, not able to get a word out.
"Sorry, Tawna," Laxus apologizes, "But we don't have anytime to waist." He says throwing her ofver his shoulder.
"Laxus, NO!" Tawna shouts terrified as the team jumps onto their path and running to the labyrinth. Team B sprints to their entrance, and upon entering they are met with a large three-dimensional maze.
"Damn," Gajeel cursed seeing the Labyrinth.
"This isn't going to be easy." Mira says.
"Put me down!" Tawna shouts pounding on Laxus's back.
"Fine," Laxus sighs setting her on the ground.
"You know I hate it when people do that to me!" Tawna scowls.
"There was no way you were gonna get up here yourself." Laxus says crossing his arms.
"Fine," Tawna sighs knowing he is right. She looks around and sees the maze before them, "This place is huge."
"You can say that," Juvia states standing next to her fellow water wizard.
"We need to make our was to the colosseum," Mira says looking around, "From our hotel it was straight ahead."
"We don't have much to go off right now, so let's head that way," Gajeel states as he begins to run ahead with the rest of Team B behind him. Running upstairs, down stairs. The world outside of the labyrinth begins to tilt. They go through a door, only to be spit out in a different part of the Labyrinth.
"I don't think this is working," Tawna says as they pause on a platform, "No matter which way we go, we aren't getting any closer."
"she's right," Laxus agrees, "We need another plan."
"Hey, Calico," Gajeel asks.
"What Gajeel," Tawna sighs annoyed.
"Why aren't you a scared, puke mess?" He asks, "I would have thought sparky would be carryin' ya the whole time."
"I don't know," Tawna shrugs, "I don't feel sick, and even though we are really high up, I don't feel scared. I don't like it, but I'm not terrified."
"Let me explain!" a hologram of the mascot pops up. "The Labyrinth has a spell over it, so those with motion sickness, and fear of heights will have an equal chance of participating." He says as he disappears once more.
"Well, that's convenient." Juvia states.
"We still need a plan," Mira states thinking, "What about a map?"
"I don't think that will work," Tawna states, "this places is so complicated. I mean we went straight for twenty minutes and we got nowhere."
"That is true," Juvia states, "There has to be other way to get there."
"I didn't even see a path way to the colosseum," Laxus states looking through the labyrinth to the colosseum.
"It has to be a spell," Tawna sighs, "we went through a door and ended up here. A different part of the maze. Maybe a door leads to the colosseum."
"Maybe," Mira states as they hear some voices near them.
"It's another team," Juvia points out, as a jumble of shouts erupts from them.
"Sounds like they are annoyed with he maze too," Tawna states as a purple light begins to flash outside, "what's going on?" she asks as the ground starts shaking, and the platforms begin to tilt.
"this place is moving!" Gajeel shouts. The other guild that was near them begin to fall from the stairs and down out of the Labyrinth.
"Grab on to something!" Laxus shouts as they begin to tilt sideways. They got to the point where they are unable to stand on their platform any longer, so they are forced to jump down to another. Tawna is the last to jump, but when she lands, the Labyrinth gives one last jolt and she losses her balance.
"Ahhh!" Tawna shouts as she grabs onto the platform with one hand.
"Tawna!" Mira and Juvia shout. Quickly Laxus drops down to his knees and grabs Tawna's arm and easily pulls her up. Getting her on the platform she sits on her knees holding her head, like she always does when it comes to heights.
"Did I mention, I already hate this," Tawna says between breath and Laxus helps her stand.
"So what now," Gajeel asks complaining.
"We need to keep moving," Mira states.
"If we stay in one place for too long, we will either get ambushed by another guild," Laxus says as they hear shouts and explosions of other guilds fighting each other, "Or we are not going to finish." The team nods and they begin running higher into the maze. Going through more doors and ending up at cliffs and other parts of the labyrinth. Their troubles keep rising as every so often the maze moves, and tilts, setting them back.
"So, now what?" Gajeel asks annoyed, "We aren't going to get anywhere is this place keeps movin'"
"We need to get some place where it won't set us back if it moves." Mira says looking around.
"Where can that be," Juvia asks, "Door and path leads us to a different part of the maze."
"What about the middle?" Tawna asks deep in thought.
"What about it?" Gajeel asks.
"Well, Laxus already pointed out, there is no path leading to the colosseum." Tawna explains, "So we said it has to be a door, or something that will lead us there. It has to be in the middle of the maze."
"It's worth a shot," Laxus states, "It's the only place we haven't tried."
"It does make sense." Juvia nods.
"I say we do it," Mira smiles.
"I don't care, I just wanna get out of the thing," Gajeel complains, "Lead the way, Calico."
Quickly, Team B races to the middle of the maze. Proving difficult to get there as the maze shifts and moves each time. As well as, other guild trying to lower the number of teams in the Labyrinth, though those fights prove to be easy for Team B. Finally, coming to a door, Tawna pushes it open and a single path lays ahead of them. She looks to her team mates and they nod and they run in, slamming the door behind them.
"what is with this place?" Gajeel shouts confused, "Why is the ground on the sky?" He says looking up to green grass and blue water above them.
"The Game designers are not playing around," Tawna says looking around.
"Wait," Laxus says looking to the blue 'sky' below them.
"It's painted on," Juvia says surprised looking below their path.
"There is another path above, it leads to water." Mira says pointing to the land overhead.
"How are we supposed to get up there?" Gajeel asks as the ground begins to shake once more.
"I think, I know how," Tawna says as their path they were flips and the greenery over their heads become the ground. Team B shouts as they fall to the grass beneath all landing with a thud."
"This place is giving me a headache," Gajeel complains rubbing his back as he stands.
"Hopefully we won't be in here much longer." Laxus says rubbing his neck. "So which way from here?"
"I say we head to the water," Juvia states looking towards the path leading out to sea.
"It's the only option we have right now," Tawna states, "And we haven't seen another team in a while, so either we have figured out the maze, or we are completely lost."
"Might as well," Gajeel shrugs, "If anything goes wrong, at least we have two water wizards." He says looking out to the small ocean.
"Let's go," Tawna smirks, "We have a maze to finish." She says as she begins to run a head with the others trailing behind her. Team Be gets farther and farther out to see, on what seems like an endless cobble stone path.
"This place is strange," Juvia says looking to the water around them.
"Very," Tawna agrees, "whose idea was it to put a whole damn ocean in this place?"
"I told ya these Games are a freakshow." Gajeel grumbles.
"The path is changing," Laxus states looking ahead. The path changes from straight to stairs crossing forward and back until it reaches something.
"What is that?" Gajeel asks.
"It looks like a door." Mira smiles, "Could that be the end?"
"There's only one way to find out." Tawna smirks as they quickly make it over the cobblestone, the only sound echoing beside the ocean, is the sound of their shoes and heels clicking along the path way. Climbing the final stairs, they are met with the final door, with the word 'GOAL' over it. Catching their breath the door opens an the Games mascot stands before them
"Laxus Dreyer, Gajeel Redfox, Juvia Lockser, Mirajane Strauss, and Katawna Dragneel, congratulations Team Fairy Tail, you have conquered the Sky Labyrinth in second place." The pumpkin cheers. Team B looks to one another smirking knowing they have done it. Fairy Tail is one step closer to being Fiore's top guild once more.
A/N- I'm sorry again for the wait. I hope you enjoy it, and I love you!