A/N- I kept my promise! Tank you for the feedback I received, I love hearing you thoughts and they all make me so happy.
This chapter is extremely long!
I would love some feedback on chapter lengths. Do you guys like the chapter between 5,000-8,000 words, or the 10,000 + words like this one.
Disclaimer- I do not own Fairy Tail
Chapter 42
Following Lucy's fight with Raven Tail, both Fairy Tail teams have been on their toes. After seeing what happened to Lucy at the end of the fight, and how Gray was the only one targeted during the first competition, there's no telling what Raven Tail will do. Even though the games are coming to an end for day one, but the crowds are still pumped for the las fight of the day. Fairy Tail team B vs Lamia Scale.
"Our final fight will begin after we clean up the playing field." Chapati shouts excited over the cheering crowds. "It will be between Fairy Tail Team B's, Katawna Dragneel!" he shouts excited. The audience explodes with cheers, mainly for Lamia Scale, with a couple small shouts for Katawna.
"We might actually get some points if Calico goes all out," Gajeel smirks glancing back to the smirking teen.
"Trust me," Tawna smirks cracking her knuckles, "I'm not going to hold back. At least one Fairy Tail team needs to get some points."
"Vs. Lamia Scale's Kar Ricks!" Chapati finishes.
"Who?" Tawna asks confused, but her eyes widen seeing his photo float above the crowd. "No," she whispers with her eyes widening.
"I've never heard of him?" Laxus states.
"Kar is Lamia Scales back up competitor," Chapati explains, "Wizard Saint Jura had to leave early today due to some business. What do you think of this match up, Mr. Yajima?"
"Not sure, I've haven't heard much about Kar, but knowing Katawna, it's not going to be an easy fight." Yajima smiles.
"I don't like the look of him," Gajeel states, "He looks shifty."
"Yeah," Juvia says, "But I'm sure Tawna can take him." Laxus realizes Tawna has gotten quiet. Looking over to her he sees her fists clenched and a scowl spread across her face as she stares up to the photo above.
"Tawn?" Laxus says concerned, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Tawna says releasing her fists and taking a deep breath, "I need to get down to the tunnel," She says turning to door.
"Tawna," Laxus says, grabbing her arm, he knows something is wrong.
"I'm okay," Tawna says turning back, "But I'm sorry about what you are about to see." She says before she disappears to head to the tunnel
"I wonder what's wrong?" Mira asks.
"I don't know," Laxus says glancing down, "But I know it's something."
"She would normally be excited for a fight," Juvia says also concerned. Across the field at Fair Tail Team A balcony, you can hear the loud cheers of Natsu over the rest of the crowd.
"Yeah!" Natsu shouts, "Kick his butt, Bugs!" He yells excited for his little sister.
"Has the fight started yet?" Gray asks as him and Lucy come running from the back with Erza who went to get them.
"Not yet," Elfman says.
"GO TAWNA!" Natsu yells excited. Suddenly his sensitive hearing picks up something from the guild's seats not too far away.
"Wait Elie!" Happy shouts.
"I need to check on her!" Elie yells back, before she flies over head towards Team B's section.
"Elie sounded worried about her," Natsu says concerned looking to Tawna's best friend flies past frantically. "What's going on?"
"I don't know but the match is about to start." Gray says as the field is in it's final stages of being cleaned.
Inside the tunnel, the sound of the cheers rumble against the stone walls. Tawna leans against the wall with her hear hung low, her hands running along the grooves of the cool stones behind her.
"Calm down, Tawna. Calm down." She says quietly. Her mind is going thousands of miles an hour, all the bad memories from that are brought back to the surface. Seven years of nightmares coming back. "Calm down, don't loose your temper." She says to herself once more. "Why does it have to be him, why." Tawna drops her head into her hands.
"Tawna!" a shout bring Tawna out of her thoughts.
"Elie?" Tawna asks raising her head only to be met with a face full of white multi colored fur.
"Tawna, are you okay?" Elie asks placing her orange and black paws on her cheeks.
"Elie," Tawna sighs, pushing her body from the wall. "What am I going to do?" She walks in a circle with her hands raking at her hair, causing her ponytail to loosen with more hair falling around her face.
"Hey," Elie says floating in front of her best friend. "You are going to go out there and kick his ass." The calico says placing her paws on her hips.
"Elie," Tawna says shocked at the calico's language, then shakes her head. "Elie, I can't… I'm going to lose it." She says frustrated.
"Yes you can," Elie says.
"Elie, I'm going to lose control," Tawna states sighing angry.
"Tawna," Elie says grabbing Tawna's face once more, "This is your chance to finally, take out your anger from everything that happened."
"I know, but I'm going to lose it," Tawna says once more, "You didn't see it last time."
"I know you have gotten some control over it," Elie says, "I know you can choose when it happens."
"But what if I lose it again." Tawna asks, as the music begins out on the field.
"Then I say lose it," Elie smirks, "You hold back a lot when you fight. That man does not deserve that from you."
"It's time!" The Capiti shouts, "It's time for Fairy Tail Team B, Katawna Dragneel verses, Lamia Scales Kar Ricks!" Tawna sigh and nods.
"I'm not going to let him win this time," Tawna says determined. She re-does her high ponytail and wipes the doubt off her face. Slowly she leaves her calico friend behind and walks out to the playing field. Stepping out she is met from cheers from the overly excited crowd. Over the shouts and screams, her sensitive hearing she picks up the excited cheers of her brother and team mates. Coming to center, she is met with the man, she never wanted to cross paths with. She feels her anger boiling in her blood, seeing the knowing smirk on his face. The audience isn't prepared for this fight, They may think its Lamia Scale against Fairy Tail. But it is really Raven Tail verses Fairy Tail once again.
"Okay!" Mato shouts excited between Tawna and Kar, "The rules are the same, thirty minutes to fight, winner gets 10 points, or in the event of a tie both teams get rewarded 5 points." The pumpkin headed mascot shouts excited, "Let the fight begin!" The gong rings loud over the stadium, signal it's time to start.
"Well, well," Kar sneers taking a few steps forward, "You've seem to have grown up." Tawna wants to be the one to start this fight, so she does the only thing that comes to her mind, She swings her right leg and it connects to the side of his head kicking him back to the wall.
"Woah!" Chapati shouts shocked, "It seem Katawna is not messing around." Karr stands once again, with rubble falling around him, but only to be punched in the face and kneed in the stomach multiple times by an seething teen.
"She's not even using magic," Lucy says shocked.
"She's pissed," Natsu says watching his little sister in front of them. Tawna stops for a moment as the blonde man stands in front of her with his lacrama floating in his hand.
"You have gotten stronger since the last time we fought," Kar smirks stepping closer.
"A lot more has changed than just my strength." Tawna spits seething with anger.
"Oh, is that so," Kar pressed, "Then you won't mind if I do this!" His lacrama charges with power and lightning explodes out hurdling towards Tawna. Jumping backwards and flipping through the streams of electricity, dodging each one expertly.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but that trick won't work on me this time," Tawna states as she somersaults through the flying lightning.
"Lightning?" Laxus asks shocked seeing his girlfriend dodge the attack that looks a lot like his own magic.
"It seems like she has fought him before," Juvia points out.
"My magic?" Laxus says trying to think about Tawna's past fights, or even ones she has told him about. Tawna lands from the jumps and a magic circle forms in front of her. "No, it can't be?" Laxus says looking up concerned remembering something she told him not too long ago.
She creates a board of ice, jumping on to she surfs dodging the electricity. Within the wave, Tawna collects the lighting so she can use it in an attack. Something she has become an expert in doing, thanks to Laxus.
"Water Dragon Cyclone!" She shouts as a tornado of water shoots forward, collecting all the electricity and sending it right back to Kar. He grabs his katana that is strapped to his hip, and forms a rune barrier, blocking the attack. "Trust me, I know how to play with lightning," Tawna smirks.
"Gihi," Gajeel giggles and glance to Laxus who rubs his face annoyed at the Dragon Slayer next to him.
"Who is this guy?" Natsu asks looking closely to the man.
"I don't know," Lucy shrugs, "Could it be someone she fought while we were stuck on the island."
"It's possible," Erza states.
"Whoever he is," Gray states, "He is not on Tawna's good side."
"Water Dragon daggers!" Tawna shouts as shards of ice explode to Kar, who blocks once again with his sword.
"Now, now," Kar states stepping forward towards Tawna, "I thought we could forget the past, and start this fight off on a different foot" he sneers putting emphasis on the last word.
"LIKE HELL!" Tawna shouts enraged as she collides her twin water swords with his katana.
"Stop holding back, Tawna!" Elie shouts from the sideline.
"Elie, what's going on," Happy asks concerned about the calico.
"You seem more fired up than normal," Lily adds.
"It's him," Elie she says looking down, "He's the one who hurt her."
"Him?" Happy asks confused looking to Lily.
"You ruined my life!" Tawna shouts kicking Kar back with her right foot, "Water Dragon bomb!"
"What?" The murmur of confused voices echo through the Fairy Tail Guilds teams and members watching the fight.
"You need to learn not to hold a grudge!" Kar shouts swiping his Katawna across his body sending an attack of runes towards the teen. Tawna dodges, knowing what he is capable of. "Why are you running?" He sneers as blasts of explosion magic shoot from the lacrama at the same time she's avoiding the runes.
"Ah!" Tawna shouts as the blast collides with her, tearing her jacket and stockings making her matte black metal peeking through the torn fabric on her right leg. Diving out of the way once more, "Water Wall!" She shouts blocking most of his attacks. Moving the water from the wall, she turns it into a whip and wraps the cold liquid around his ankles and slams him against the wall. "I won't let you win this time!"
"It's him," Elie looks seriously to her brother, "He's the one who blew her into that burning building seven years ago."
"Burning building?" Happy asks then it hits him as it does a few other members of the guild. "Her leg?" Happy shouts, receiving a nod from Elie. Ignoring the shock gasps from the guild behind him Happy looks over to Natsu at Team A's balcony. "It's him, Natsu!" Happy shouts, "He's the one who did that to her leg!"
"HIM!" Natsu shouts angered, seeing his little sister having to fight him once more.
"He's the reason why she lost her leg?" Lucy says placing a hand in front of her mouth.
The shouts of the Fairy tail guild rise above all the rest. Tawna hears the anger in each of their voices as the shouts down to the fight. Laxus's fist clench hearing the shouts of their guild and confirms his suspicions that this the man that made her loose her leg. He glances over to the crowd and catches his father. Leaning back with a knowing smirk on his face, Laxus can't help but have his temper rise.
"It seems like you're not Fairy Tail's favorite person," Tawna breaths taking off her torn jacket, and kicking off her destroyed shoes leaving her in her stockings. Tawna can hear each of her guild mate shouts over power the stadium.
"Don't let him win Tawna!" Elie shouts.
"Kick his butt!" Happy yells.
"Kill him, Bugs!" Natsu shouts seething with anger.
"Show no mercy!" Erza states.
"Shove your leg up his ass!" Gajeel yells.
"Kick his ass, Tawn!" Laxus shouts with just as much anger as Natsu.
"What is going on?" Chapati asks confused, "It seem Katawna has a history with Kar."
"Yes, but not a good one," Yajima states, "Fairy Tail would not hate someone for no reason."
"Go on say it!" Tawna provokes, "Tell the world what you did, Karnik!" She spits his name, she stands straight, showing no fear to this man that has haunted her nightmares.
"I'll just show them!" Karnik growls as a single rune attack hurls through the air and collides with Tawna's right leg, wrapping itself around it.
"AHH!" Tawna shouts as pain shoots through her leg, making her drop to the ground. She knows this pain, it's the same pain she felt that day, a pain she never wants anyone to experience.
"TAWNA!" Members of the guild shout as she collapse to the ground in pain.
"You bastard!" Tawna shouts struggling against the magic but freezes when she hears a chilling shout of a young girl. Her head shoots up and her eyes widen in shock, "No."
"Get out of my head!"
"NO!" Tawna screams hearing her own scream. Struggling to stand, she gapes in horror, her worst nightmare is on display for all of Fiore to see being projected from his lacrama.
"Wendy!" Tawna, with adrenaline pumping through her body, jumps to her feet, and pushes her best friend out of the way. "AHHHHH!" She screams as the electricity hits her ribs and sends her into the clock tower behind them.
"Tawna!" Elie shouts, watching as Tawna's back connects with the corner of the burning tower and she crumples to the ground.
"Tawna!" Wendy shouts in shock. Tawna breathes heavily trying to push herself off the ground, when the sound of snapping wood and tumbling stones echo through the still air. Then the unthinkable happens, the tower collapses, and Tawna lets out a blood curdling scream.
"AHHHHHHHH!"
"STOP!" Tawna screams with tears falling form her eyes. The arena goes silent, with gasps and cries echo throughout, as Tawna's worst nightmare is playing out in front of them.
"No," Laxus says breathlessly as he watches it right in front of him, "Katawna," Him, like many other's in the guild have only heard of this story, very vaguely. This is the part of her life, she never wanted to relive, and now it's happening in front of the entire country.
Team A's eyes have been turned away, being reminded of that day, her screams and cries as they scramble trying to help and save her. Lucy's eyes are flowing with tears, actually seeing the accident happen. Only Wendy, Carla, and Elie saw it happen, the rest of the team saw the after math.
"NATSU!".
Hearing her scream his name, makes Natsu turn away trying to hold back his own tears. His biggest fear almost became a reality that day.
"You monster!" Tawna shouts through the pain standing shaky on her feet. She senses the water in the pipes under the stadium. Through the pain of her leg she punches the ground making the ground vibrate and ripple, as if it was a drop in a glass of water, and out of the dust covered ground explosions of geysers of water erupt around the battle grounds. "Water Geyser!" She shouts directing the water towards her sneering target.
"So, you can still fight!" Karnik shouts, swiping the sword once more, and explosion magic flies toward Tawna.
"Water Dragon Wing Attack!" She shouts darting to her target. Before she could connect, another blast connects with her ribs, making her fall to the ground once more, "Damn," Tawna curses, standing once more.
"Out of all your memories, this seems to be your worst," Karnik smirks walking towards the teen, "But there is one other that's a close second."
"Leave them alone," Tawna growls as she is hit in the chest with another rune spell in the chest. "Ugg!" She groans. Suddenly the memory changes and a different cry echoes from the projection.
"Macao, please tell me it's not true, it can't be true!" She sobs.
"You bastard!" Tawna shouts. She looks to the guild and they are in shock hearing young Tawna's cries, as they realize what memory is playing before them.
"Tawna," He cries shaking his head.
"Macao, no!" Tawna screams.
"Tawna, I'm sorry," Macao says. Seeing her react this way is breaking his heart. She's gone through so much already, she doesn't deserve to go through this too.
"NO!" Tawna shouts turning from the guild and limps out into the pouring rain leaving her crutch behind.
"It seems your life has been full of despair and tears." Karnik smirks. "Too bad." He mocks as the memory changes.
"No!" Tawna sobs, "This can't be happening!" She looks to the water and see her refection, but instead of seeing her face, she sees Natsu's. "AHHH!" She screams slamming her fist against the water, freezing it instantly. She crawls over to the bridge and take shelter from the pounding rain.
"Natsu," She bawls pulling her knees to her chest, burying her face into her knees. "You can't be gone, you just can't."
"Tawna," Natsu says shocked, seeing how she reacted when she was told they were missing.
"It broke her," Lucy says through tears.
"No wonder she wasn't the same during the seven years," Gray adds.
"Ooo," Karnik snickers, "There seems to be some memories you have tried to hide, and forget about."
"No!" Tawna screams as the headache caused by the runes increases, making her stumble on her feet. She tries to throw another attack towards him, but he has other plans.
"Sit down!" He shouts with a jet of runes connecting to her wrists then rune chaining her to the ground in a kneeling position.
"You Ass!" Tawna shout angerly, struggling against her resistance. She pauses hearing the memories playing above. He using every single bad arguments, and bouts of depression Tawna has been through against her.
"I hate you!" a young Tawna shouts facing her brother.
"I hate you!" Natsu screams back, both with their foreheads smashed against each other.
"ugggg!" She screams in frustration, turning to walk away.
"Where do you think you're going?" Natsu shouts back.
"I'm sleeping in the guild tonight!" Tawna shouts slamming the door to their small home.
Time fast forward to other fights between the two over the years. Every shout and scream, insult and punch.
"Stop!" Tawna begs still trying to break free from her bonds. Some of her least favorite memories are fighting with her brother, and she rather forget them, and Karnik knows that.
Natsu looks down ashamed seeing those memories, sure they have had their spats, but he never knew that they were some of Tawna's least favorite memories. It's not like he enjoys fighting with his little sister either, sometimes you can't help it.
"Oooo," Karnik sneers walking around Tawna, taunting her, "It seems there was a fight, that didn't turn out to be in your favor. Kind of like now." He smirks as the memory flashes to the mission she took before the seventh anniversary of Tenrou disappearance.
"Where are you," A taunting voice echoes through the swamp. Tawna's back is against a tree, her legs shin deep in murky water. Trying to control her breath, she has already been ambushed and beaten pretty badly, with a black eye, split lip, and a few broken ribs. "Come out where ever you are," The voice echoes once more.
Tawna's senses are over whelmed by the amount of water surrounding them and she has lost track of her hunter. Turning her head against the tree, then back to the other side she is caught off guard when she sees an axe swing towards her. Dodging out of the way it connects and sticks in the tree where her neck once was.
"Found you!" The tattered and deranged mob boss sneers pulling, yanking the axe from the trunk and launches after the teen. Tackling the girl into the water, Tawna attempts to fight back, but is over powered as she is pinned on her back. Her eyes widen seeing the axe coming crashing down towards her head. Acting fast she freezes her hands and stops the axe inches from her face. Feeling the pressure of the mob boss pressing down on the ice, causing it to crack. Tawna bites her lip as she feels the blood run down her hand.
"After the fight, didn't seem to work out in your favor either." Karnik teases as Tawna struggles against her restraints. She needs to stop this.
"Chill Macao," Tawna snaps back, "I'm about to think I shouldn't have come back early."
"Don't tell me to chill," He scowls, "especially when you come back looking like Hell."
"If I wasn't injured, I wouldn't have come back for another week!" Tawna glares standing. The two wizards stand face to face. Everyone in guild is watching as their argument unravels, "At least I came back in one piece." Tawna says turning to go up the stairs.
"Barely," Macao glares, "Where do you think you're going?" He snaps as Tawna makes it up half the stairs.
"To bed," Tawna snaps, "I'm tired of the lecture." She rolls her eyes.
"Katawna, what would Natsu think of you right now!"
"Don't even go there Macao," Tawna growls.
"I'm going there, Tawna," Macao crosses his arms, "You know, just as well as I do, that Natsu wouldn't put up with any of this. He would have made you talk and tell what happened."
"FINE!" Tawna shouts, "You wanna know what happened?" Tawna shouts walking down the stairs stopping in front of Macao. "I got ambushed, okay!" The members of the guild gasp, "While I was tracking the gang, they were tracking me. I let my guard down of one moment and they attacked, I was out numbered at least 20 to 1!" Tawna breaths heavily as she finishes yelling. Macao is just staring at her with his eyes widened and speechless.
"Tawna," Elie says softly landing on her shoulder, trying to calm the Dragon Slayer down.
"Now," Tawna huffs, "If you excuse me, I'm going to bed." She turns and stomps up the stairs and disappears into her room. The rest of the guild sits in silent as they hear the door slam.
The memory morphs from some of her fights with Natsu and Macao and turns into teenage Tawna slamming the door to her room in the new guild hall. This memory makes Tawna freeze, and panic rises in her eyes.
"NO!" Tawna shouts banging her knee against the ground. The water gushing from the now broken pipes around the ground, it jets forward toward Karnik but the no avail it falls short.
Tawna has tears streaming down her face as the door slams and the wall shake, with photos and books tumble to the ground from the force. She slams her back against the door and slides down the ground. Her eyes travel to her right leg.
"Ah!" She screams in frustration, banging her fist against the metal and the memory moves from Tawna and to the wall with photos, maps of the ocean, and newspaper clippings. Suddenly her right leg slams against the wall and falls to the ground with a thud. In the back ground is Tawna sobbing, with the clash of lightning and rain pelting against the window.
"It seems this was one of your lowest points," Karnik smirks walking around the bound teen, "It seems like you almost did something drastic." Gasps echo from Fairy Tail's seats, as they realize what Karnik is implying. Tawna hangs her head in shame trying to hold back her tears.
"Bugs," Natsu says speechless looking down and seeing the hurt and regret of his little sister's face.
"Is he implying what I think he is?" Lucy asks with her hand covering her mouth only the be answered by a few nods. Over at Team B's seats there is a similar gasps and looks of disbelief.
"Katawna," Laxus says with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.
"Sparky," Gajeel say seriously, "Did you know that?" As much as Gajeel makes fun of the younger Dragon Slayer, he does care about her. She was the first person t fully welcome him into the guild, he looks at her like a little sister, as does many of the guys in the guild.
"No," Laxus say honestly. Looking to the rest of the guild he can see the look of shock and sadness on each of there faces. Everyone in the guild has always cared about Tawna and have always done their best to give her the best life. No wonder, they are all affected by this, knowing that she hit that low of a point.
"But I didn't," Tawna says through the grit of her teeth. "You know why I didn't?" She asks, yanking her wrist in their bonds and breaking free, standing shaky on her feet, the runes still connected to her body. "Because I remembered all the good memories I have had." Suddenly the memories begin to change, and morph into something else.
"What's going on?" Karnik states confused, pouring more magic energy into controlling Tawna's memories, but she's not going to let him, not this time.
Tawna smiles, clutching her jacket close to her body, "Are you excited?"
"Yeah," Natsu smiles, "I have been waiting for this for so many years."
"You're gonna kill it," Tawna grins.
"Thanks, Bugs." Natsu smiles musing up her hair.
"Are you bummed you can't compete this year?" Natsu asks.
"Yeah," Tawna sighs placing a hand on her sock covered leg, "It would be cool to see Tenrou Island, but it makes it all a little better to know I'm competing next year."
"You're gonna do great," Natsu grins.
"My money is on you this year Natsu," Tawna smiles up to her brother.
"You usually bet against me in everything, why the change of heart?" Natsu smiles.
"I want you to win," Tawna smiles, "You deserve this."
"Thanks, Bugs," Natsu pulls her into a hug, "I'm gonna win this year, just you wait."
"Then I'll follow up and win next year," Tawna grins, "The Dragneels will take S-Class two years in a row!"
"Yeah!" Natsu cheers. Tawna grins and grabs a handful of snow and throws it in his face. "Hey!" Natsu shouts, throwing his own ball of snow at her. The Dragneels turn into the seated snow ball fight. The two's laughter echoes through the hills around their home. Natsu picks up Tawna on his back and spins her round in the falling snow.
"Huh?" Natsu says looking at the old memory.
"When was that?" Gray asks.
"Was that after S-class announcement?" Erza asks.
"It is," Natsu nods smiling at the memory. He has always cherished their talks by that cliff, no matter how old she gets.
"What's going on?" Karnik curses trying to gain control over the memories.
"This is strange," Chapati states, "It seems Kar has lost control of the memories he's using." The memories change again, and again, each one, happier than the other.
"Yeah, Natsu and I have had our fair share of fights, but we are siblings." Tawna says focusing on the memories she is overriding Karnik's magic with. "and we are Dragneels, fighting is in our blood."
"You tell him, Bugs!" Natsu shouts.
Another memory floods the screen, ad Karnik struggles to gain back control. But Tawna knows this memory needs to be shown, and will not give him back control easily.
"I just want to know why this happened to me!" She shouts. "All of it!"
"Tawna," Macao says trying to calm her down.
"Whatever life was trying to teach me, I learned my damn lesson!" She says angrily, "This was supposed to make me stronger? I don't see it!"
"Tawna, you are the strongest person I have ever met!" Macao stands gaining her attention.
"That's just it!" She states, "My whole life I have been called strong! Strong for my age, strong for my size, strong for a girl with a fake leg!"
"Cause you are!" Macao shouts, "You are strong, Katawna. I don't think there is one person on this earth who could have endured as much pain as you have, without killing themselves. That's what makes you strong, you are still here, fighting!" He places his hands on her shoulders.
"It's hard being strong," Tawna states, "Cause no one ever asks if I'm okay, they just assume."
"Tawna?" Macao says surprised as she steps away from him.
"I fight everyday just to get out of bed," She says with tears starting to well up in her eyes, "I take these hard missions to get my mind off everything. I just wish everything was back to normal, before they disappeared, before I lost my leg!" Tawna cries. Macao pulls the teen into a hug, she grabs onto his shirt and cries in to his chest, "I-I-I miss them." She sobs.
"I know you do," He says placing a hand on her head, "We all miss them."
"And what teenager, get's along with the Father all the time," Tawna says sincerely, "No matter how far I fell, Macao, along with everyone else was always there for me."
Sniffling is heard from the Fairy Tail's balcony, and Romeo looks behind him and up to his father.
"Dad, are you crying?" He asks .
"No," Macao says sniffing and turning his head. Only to receive an elbow for Wakaba, "Yess!" He sobs.
Memories of Tawna and Wendy's sleepovers, missions, Finding Elie, Tawna getting to see everyone after her accident, sleepovers with all the girls in the guild, birthday parties, and fun Fairy Tail brawls. Flash quickly across the projections.
Soon memories of the last seven years flash through Tawna's memory, her with Asuka, her babysitting Asuka, and Tawna singing and dance as her, Romeo, Elie, and Asuka clean the guild hall, then passing out on the sofa.
"I thought I was supposed to the 'Debbie Downer' of the gild?" 18-year-old Tawna says to Romeo as they both watch the rest of Fairy Tail sit depressed after yet another failed search mission.
"Me too," Romeo states, receiving a slight punch from the teen. Tawna glances to Asuka setting on the counter, pouting because everyone is sad. She sees the radio right next to the four-year-old and smirks.
"I know how to get the mood better," Tawna shows a rare smile and reaches over and turns up the music and grabs the 11-year-old.
"Huh?" Romeo shouts as he is dragged out from the bar and is twirled around with Tawna to the music. Tawna spins him around in the middle of the guild until a smiles and laughter erupts from his lips, and then they grab other members of the guild to join in. The memory ends with Tawna grabbing Macao to dance with he rest of the guild, turning the vibe from sadness to cheer.
"You!" Karnik shouts as the memories fly by through on the screen above, he has figured out that Tawna is the one who is changing the memories. Tawna pushes herself from the ground, struggling with the runes still one her body and pain searing through her skin. The runes have destroyed her sock and her matte black leg is in full view of the world.
"I may have had a terrible past, but I have more happy memories than bad ones," Tawna huffs through the pain as the memories of team Tenrou coming back, and them going on missions again, and fighting and partying.
"Natsu" Tawna whispers looking surprised to her long lost older brother.
"Come here," Natsu says opening his arms for a hug.
"NATSU!" Katawna sobs running to her brother, she jumps and wraps her arms around his shoulders. Both lose their balance, and the reunited Dragneel siblings drop to their knees in a hug. Placing a hand on the back of her head, Natsu pulls Tawna close, holding her tight in a hug, with his own tears escaping his eyes. "I missed you so much," Tawna sobs into his shoulder…
Tears fall over the cheeks of many of the guild members surrounding the siblings. Those who have watch Tawna grow up these last seven years, finally see a glimpse of the old Tawna. She can finally be happy again. Those who were on the island watch and see all the pain Tawna had experienced finally be lifted off her shoulders.
"It's okay," Natsu smiles through his happy tears, pulling back to look to his sister's face, "We're home, and we aren't going anywhere, Buggy."
"I cherish every good memory I get," Tawna breathes, "Because, you never know when you may lose those people again." Tawna is unable control which memories are being shown, the most prominent happy memories are playing in order. That's when her resent memories of the last three months are shown.
Hanging out with the Thunder Legion and leaving for training. The night Tawna and Laxus sat outside near the campfire, his jacket around her and them both falling asleep together. Training memories flood the screen, Tawna sitting on Laxus's back as he does pushups, Laxus putting Elie holding a rock on her back while she does them. As well as, everyone getting trapped in one of Freed's enchantments, on many occasions.
Tawna and Laxus are walking back to camp from a day of training when they collide with an invisible force. Both tumbling to the ground with a thud. The two look up grumbling and see purple rune glisten in the sunlight.
"FREED!" The two shout annoyed.
Time passes and Tawna lays on her back with her legs resting against the rune wall, and Laxus sitting against the opposite wall both with cards in their hands.
"Got any 7s," Tawna asks sighing, not knowing how long they have been in the rune.
"Go fish," Laxus mumbles, when the barriers drop and both look at each other, then the Rune's mage standing not far away.
"FREED!" Both shout and jump to their feet and chase after him
The memories of practicing and training, even of Bixlow jamming the branch through her leg, and her going after him with a straight leg limp, and memories of her, Evergreen, and Elie having girls night in tents.
Then, Tawna and Laxus standing in a clearing looking up at the cloud filled sky when rain begins to pelt down around them.
Laxus grabs his jacket and quickly holds it over Tawna's head, forgetting the fact she could just alter the water around them. Tawna has other plans and grabs his wrists, making him drop the coat, and spins him around in the pouring rain. The two pause face to face, and they lean in and share their first kiss.
"WHAT!" The whole guild shouts in shock seeing the two kiss, followed by a montage of most of the appropriate kisses they shared along with laughter and smiles shared.
"LAXUS!" Gramps shouts angered followed by Natsu and a few other of the guys in the guild.
"I'm going to kill him!" Natsu shouts struggling against Lucy and Gray's hold.
"This is not the time!" Lucy shouts holding the fire mage back from running over to Laxus in Team B's balcony.
"Damn," Laxus sighs rubbing his temples.
"Gihi," Gajeel giggles glancing over to the lightning mage.
"Oh my," Mira smiles widely.
"You bitch!" Karnik shouts, cutting off the happy memories.
"Sorry," Tawna smirks standing straight, "Did I mess up your little plan?" She asks innocently.
"Katawna! What's going on with Laxus!" Natsu shouts, making his little sister roll her eyes.
"Do you really think this is the time to discuss it, Natsu!" Tawna shouts annoyed.
"Have you two done it!" Cana shouts drunkenly over the crowds cheers for the battle.
"CANA!" Tawna and multiple other guild mates shout annoyed.
"Sorry, I'll ask you later!" Cana grins. Tawna rolls her eyes then she senses Karnik moving. He shows up in front of her with his katana drawn. Tawna doesn't have time to draw her swords, and knocked on her back, only her ice hand stopping the blow.
"This seems familiar," Karnik taunts, referring to one of memories that graced the lacramas.
"Yeah, and you wanna know how that fight ended!" Tawna snaps placing her legs on his stomach and kicking the older wizard over her head. Yanking the sword from his grip and throwing it across the arena as she stands. Karnik growls scrambling to his feet, pulls back his arm and swings punching Tawna in the face. She stumbles backwards slightly but looks up with a glare so cold it could turn man to stone. She wipes the blood from her split lip. "Big mistake." She scowls swinging her ice arm and punches him, following the hit she swings her right leg and connects it to the side of his head.
"You think I don't know you're only weakness." Karnik huffs, standing to his feet.
"Water Dragon Roar!" Tawna shouts sending him backwards into the wall, making the brick crumble. Raising her hand above her head a large magic circle appears, "Water Dragon Hurricane!" She shouts as the large tropical storm collides with waves and pillars of water, and hovers over Karnik, collapsing in on him.
"You persistent little Runt!" Karnik coughs, he calls his katana back to his, and through Tawna's attacks the swords flies through the air and collides with it's target. All of Tawna's attacks come to a halt. Her mouth gapes open in shock and looks down to her right leg. His sword went right through the metal, leaving a large hole in her right thigh. Tawna's leg wobbles until it gives out as she falls to the ground.
"Damn it!" Tawna curses looking down to her leg with the gears and wires coming out of the hole. Gasps and shouts erupt form the stadium as she collapsed. "You asshole!"
"This is your one weakness," Karnik smirks as more explosive magic directs it's way to Katawna, ground, Tawna rolls out of the way of the attacks, doing the best she can to keep standing with the now useless leg. "You're nothing without that leg." Karnik mocks as more explosions cause dust to rise through the stadium, "You are weak… Ugg!" Suddenly something collides with his head.
"Did she?" Gajeel asks looking down to the settling dust.
"That's my girl," Laxus smiles seeing his girlfriend standing in front of everyone on one leg, and her right leg detached and on the ground near Karnik.
"Did she just throw her leg!" Natsu and Gray shouts shocked.
"You're wrong," Tawna scowls stands in her most vulnerable state, "My leg does not define me, that leg gave me life." More explosions make their way to her, she jumps and flips backwards on one leg, sending her own water attacks at the same time. "If it wasn't for that leg, I wouldn't be here right now!" Tawna shouts.
"You need to know your place!" Karnik shouts.
"No! "Tawna shouts standing as straight as she can, "You do, Water Bomb!" she screams sending bombs exploding to her enemy.
"Like Hell!" Karnik shouts as large amounts of magic energy form out of his lacrama, he releases his most powerful spell on Tawna. She tries to block it, but The spell collides with Tawna's chest and sends her into the wall, crushing the bricks and rubble falling around her.
"Oh man, could this be the end for Katawna?" Chapati shouts.
"I wouldn't count, Katawna out yet," Yajima states smiling. "Kar has a lot more injuries than she does."
"You know," Tawna's voice says through the dust. Tawna emerges, shorts full of dirt, shirt torn in a few places, and her hair falling down her back, being broken free from her ponytail and her right leg replaced with an ice leg. "It takes some balls to piss off a member of Fairy Tail," She says walking forwards from the bricks.
"That spell should have knocked you out of the competition." Karnik says shocked, "it should have killed you!"
"But, you," Tawna shakes her head, looking up her eyes are red with anger, and magic energy building a swirling around her, "You must have a death wish, because pissing off a Dragneel is the last thing you will ever do!" The magic energy explodes around Tawna, icy blue scales cover her leg, arms and face. Some scales gathering at her forearms and calfs forming fins. Her irises turn red and finally her hair fades from pink to jet black.
"No way," Natsu says in shock.
"What's going on?" Lucy asks confused watching the magic power build around Tawna.
"It's Dragon Force." Natsu says in awe.
"Did you know she could do that?" Gajeel asks looking over to Laxus.
"No idea," Laxus shakes his head as he watches every move she makes.
"I cannot believe it," Chapati shouts, "It seems that Katawna has gone into Dragon Force!"
"What!" Karnik shouts taking a step back. Tawna's black hair flows furiously in the wind. Suddenly the a large magic circle explodes above the arena, dark clouds form darkening the sky.
"OH MY GOSH!" Natsu and Elfman shout in shock looking to the sky above. Tawna continues to walk forward towards Karnik as magic energy begins the grow. The water surrounding the arena begin to move and flow to the field flooding the stadium. Tawna raises her hand creating a few more magic circles below the others.
"Water Dragon Secret Art!" Tawna shouts, "Neptune's Wrath!" The dark clouds implode down onto the fighting field. Flooding the arena, carrying Karnik off in currents and whirlpools. The water dashing around Tawna without even lifting a figure. Karnik is rushed and crashed around the as if the Water goddess herself is carrying him off to sea. Tawna floats above the water, just as Sirens do in those shipwreck stories, guiding those in the ship to their death. With just a thought, no movement of an arm or hand, Tawna locks Karnik in the one spell she wanted to avoid, Blood Grip. In Dragon force her grip is impossible fight.
What the hell!" Karnik coughs, suddenly not being able to move. With just the look to wall, Tawna raises him above the water, then slammed against the water cover wall.
"Was that Blood Grip?" Lucy asks in shock, "she's not even lifting a finger!"
"She's really been holding back," Natsu says amazed, remembering all the fights she has seen her in since they returned.
Tawna moves her arms creating tornadoes of water and slam them against Karnik's blood held body. Waves and shards of ice raise up behind Tawna's body, causing the water to dissipate. Still holding her grip, Tawna rushes with the waves behind her and crushes her arm into Karnik throat with one arm and holding a jagged piece of ice to his throat, with the waves freezing around Karnik's body.
"Come near me again, and I will kill you." Tawna threatens throwing the ice to the ground, shattering, and Karnik collapse to the ground, unable to move. The crowd is silent at first, then cheers erupts starting from Fairy Tail, then spreading to the rest of the crowd.
"I cannot believe it!" Chapati shouts, "The winner is Katawna Dragneel!" More screams and cheers fill the space, the scales from her body have now vanished, and the tips of her hair is slowly fading back to pink. She hobbles over to where her busted leg lies in the middle of the field. She bends down and holds it in her hand. Melting the ice from her scarred thigh, she stand looking to the crowd, she thrusts her hand holding the leg in the air above her head, and more cheers erupt.
Tawna can feel the effects of how much magic energy she expelled, and now that her adrenaline is dropping, she's feeling the fatigue set in.
"TAWNA!" A smaller voice shouts from behind her. Looking over her shoulder she see's Elie flying towards her, and collides hugging her neck, "You did it!" Elie cries happily, "You won!" Tawna smiles and places her free hand on the calico's head.
"I wasn't going let him win a second time," Tawna smiles.
"Tawna!" A few more voices shout not to far. Looking up, Fairy Tail Team B run on to the soaked and destroyed field. Laxus is the first to reach her, and wraps her in his arms hugging her tightly. Tawna doesn't hesitate and wraps her arms around him.
"Sorry," Tawna apologies knowing she outed their little secret.
"I don't care about that," Laxus says placing a kiss on her head, "I'm just happy you're okay." He wraps his fur coat around her shoulders and easily lifts her into his arms. Her broken prosthetic in her lap, and Elie on her head, and he carries her with the rest of Team B behind them back to Fairy Tail's infirmary.
Team A all are quiet and look at each other, before they shout.
"Tawna, Tawna, Katawna!" They all shout repeatedly running from their balcony and into the stadium, to find their Water Dragon Slayer.
"Tawna!" Natsu shouts as they slam open the door, with the rest of the team behind him to see that Gramps and the Thunder Legion has already beat them in there. Looking to the bed, Tawna sits on Laxus's lap, bruises and scratches cover her body. Her hair is still half black, the pink is slowly coming back.
"I'm okay Natsu," Tawna smiles seeing her brother, "I can't say that this leg is." Tawna laughs, causing team a to giggle and smile. Knowing she is okay, and happy is all they needed to know.
"I don't think there is no saving this leg." Laxus states looking at the damage.
"Elie," Tawna says glancing to her Exceed, "Can you get my spare leg, it's in Laxus's bag."
"I'm on my way!" Elie nods, "I'll grab you a change of clothes too." She says flying out of the room.
"Thanks," Tawna nods, then glances to her leg in her arms, "Here Gajeel, knock yourself out, you kept your end of the deal." She mumbles tossing the destroyed piece of metal his way.
"What deal?" Natsu scowls mainly at Laxus but at Tawna as we/ll.
"I knew about 'em," Gajeel says through a mouthful of metal.
"He knew!" Natsu shout angry causing Tawna to quickly stand on her one leg in front of him, "Who else knew!" On cue the Thunder Legion all drop their heads, and they hear Wendy speak up from the bed next to hers.
"I knew," She says quietly.
"Wendy knew too!" Natsu says angry.
"Don't get mad at them!" Tawna shouts, "Those three were with us," She says pointing to the Thunder Legion, "Gajeel figured it out, and I told Wendy because she's my best friend!" Tawna say angry as her hair begins to fade back to black.
"Tawna, calm down," Laxus says standing, "Your hair is turning black again," Natsu turns his attention toward the large wizard with his hand on his sister's back.
"And you!" Natsu says getting in Laxus's face, "Who gave you the right to even touch her!"
"Excuse me!" Laxus asks angry clenching his fists as more shouts erupt from those in the room with Erza and Gray arguing with the Thunder Legion over the matter, Gajeel leaning back just munching on the leg watching everything go down, and Lucy standing back not knowing what to do with the rising tension in the room.
"I don't need your permission to do anything!" Tawna shouts to her brother.
"You didn't think to tell me!" Natsu snaps.
"Maybe because I knew you would react like this!" Tawna shouts with her hair completely back to black as her temper rises.
"ENOUGH!" Gramps shouts above his children, cutting of all arguments in the room. "We will discuss the matter later," He snaps, "For now, let Tawna rest she had an emotional fight." He says glancing to the teen as her tips begin to fade to pink once more. The door opens and Elie comes in carrying a leg, and a stack of clothes. She pauses seeing the tension in the room.
"I'll come back later," She says going to turn.
"Elie, come here." Gramps says waving the cat into the room, then glances to the rest his children, "All of you, back to the bar." He says then glances to Tawna, "Well done today, Child." He nods, "It took great strength to do what you did today. I am proud of you."
"Thanks," Tawna mumbles looking down. She looks up and look to Natsu, he quickly turns away and is the first one out the door, slamming it open. Everyone begins to file out the door, going to head for the bar, where she is sure they will continue the Laxus fight.
"I'll wait outside for you," Laxus says being the last to leave the room, leaving Tawna in the infirmary to get changed.
Laxus waits out in the now deserted hall, leaning against the wall as he waits for her to get cleaned up. He rubs his face and groans. Knowing all hell is gonna break loose once again when they get back to the rest of the guild. But they both knew this was going to happen, it didn't matter when the guild found out it was going to happen. Getting pulled out of his thoughts, he hears the echo of footsteps coming down the corridor. Expecting it to be Natsu coming back for more, he looks up and see Macao walking slowly with his hands in his pockets. Laxus sighs, dealing with her brother was bad enough, but dealing with the man who was practically her father seemed worse. Coming to halt, Macao looks to the younger wizard leaning against the wall.
"Are you here to yell at me?" Laxus asks mumbling looking to the side. The greying blue haired mage, casually shakes his head.
"Only want to talk," The previous guild master states. Seeing the lighting mage has already had enough of the yelling for the time being, he sighs and begins, "I have never approved of anyone she has been with in the past. They were all jerks." He says about Tawna's past dating experiences. "I see her as my own daughter, so seeing her come home date after date, pissed off and angry, broke my heart. I'll be the first to agree, especially after everything that has happened to her, she wasn't the easiest to break down those walls she built."
"What are you getting at, Macao?" Laxus asks slightly annoyed.
"You may not be my favorite person," Macao states.
"Thanks," Laxus rolls his eyes, but is surprised to hear a slight chuckle from the man next to him.
"You may not be my favorite person," He repeats, "But, after seen those memories today of you two, I've never seen her smile like that." He says with a slight smile on his face, catching the Lightning mage by surprise. "I would say if you hurt her, I'm going to hurt you, but I know in the rare chance it happens, Tawna will be the first to kill you." Laxus can help but smile at the comment, knowing fully it is true, "But I will tell you this, as long as you keep that smile on her face, we will not have a problem."
"I guarantee," Laxus states, "We won't have a problem then." He says seriously.
"I know we won't," Macao nods glancing to the door of the infirmary.
"She should be done getting dressed," Laxus says, "You can go talk to her if you want." Laxus smiles. Macao nods and goes and knocks on the door.
"If you are here to yell at me, go away," Tawna's annoyed voice echoes from beyond he wood. Macao slowly open the door and see's Tawna setting on the bed sliding on a pair of flats, her hair finally almost back to pink besides the very tips of her hair. To his surprise she isn't wearing stocking, her prosthetic is in full view, and she is in a tight sweater dress.
"I just came to talk to you," Macao says quietly shutting the door behind him, "I already talked to Laxus, you two are fine."
"I know," Tawna smiles slightly, "I heard."
"You little eavesdropper," Macao rolls his eyes.
"Sorry, Dragon hearing couldn't help it." She sighs, "I'm sorry what you saw today."
"Don't be sorry, Kid." Macao says taking a seat beside his daughter, "You couldn't control it. I'm just glad you are okay."
"Thanks," she say looking up suspicious to Macao, "Why are you so chill? Everyone in the guild is at our throats. I would have expected you'd be one of them." She asks causing the older man to laugh.
"I may see you as my daughter," He smiles, "But you are also an adult, I've learned the hard way that trying to stop you from doing anything is impossible. Even when it comes to dating."
"I wish Natsu was like that," Tawna sighs, "He was angry. I have never seen him that angry with me."
"Well, you are his little sister, I think he is just hurt that you didn't tell him." Macao explains.
"I was going to tell him," Tawna says sighing once more, "I was gonna tell him alone, after the games, this was the last way I wanted him to find out."
"You need to tell him that," Macao says placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You haven't been the most open with him since they got back."
"I didn't want him to know how I felt during those seven years." She says sadly, "And now he saw everything, as did everybody in the guild."
'No one is going to see you differently," Macao reassures, "Especially Natsu, you just need to drop those walls you keep building, and let him back in."
"I know you're right," Tawna smiles as the two stand, "Thanks, Dad." She smiles as she pulls him into a hug.
"Good luck with the rest od the guild, Kid," He smiles pulling away then looking down at her dress, "Don't you think that skirt is a little short?" He asks seeing it end above her mid-thigh, her whole leg and scar in view.
"Okay, don't take this Dad thing too seriously." Tawna rolls her eyes as the two go to leave the room.
Later that night, at the guild's chosen bar, the anger shouts of guild mate bombard Laxus from the moment him and Tawna entered. All except Natsu who sits glaring at his sister and boyfriend from the bar.
"Can everyone just shut up!" Tawna shouts above the voices. Making the voices come to halt. "What is wrong with all of you!" She places her hands on her hips looking everybody in the eye. "You are focusing all of your anger at Laxus, when it takes two to start a relationship."
"I don't understand why you kept it from everybody," Gray states crossing his arms.
"Do you think we wanted the whole guild breathing down our necks, watching our every move?" Laxus scowls looking to the crowd gathered in front of them.
"Do you think I wanted everyone to find out the way you all did?" Tawna asks scowling, "No. I never wanted everybody to find out like this!" Tawna explodes having had enough. "What do you all want from me, you want me to apologize for living my life, and that this one little thing we kept to ourselves is a sin!"
"Tawna," Laxus says placing a hand n her shoulder, "Calm down."
"No!" Tawna snaps brushing off his hand, "You should all be ashamed of yourselves! Laxus is one of us, he is a member of Fairy Tail, you should all be happy I'm dating someone in the guild. I know for a fact, you would not act like this if it was anyone else in the guild." She shouts to her Guild family. "I don't care what your problem is with our relationship, but you need to get over it." She huffs turning to head to the door, "You all need to stop acting like children, and treating me like one. I'm almost 20 years old, I can make my own decisions." She says pushing through the double doors and out to the quiet night in Crocus. Everyone stand stunned and silent, glancing at Laxus, who is even stunned by her outburst.
"Hasn't she been through enough today?" Laxus scowls to the rest of the guild, "This is the last thing she needs to deal with."
"Laxus," Gramps states flatly, hopping off the bar and walking towards, "You and I need to talk." He says as he goes out the door. Laxus sighs annoyed and follows his grandfather out the door.
"She has a point," Lucy sighs, "She's not a kid."
"I guess you're right," Gray sighs as well, "Right Natsu?" only to be met with silence. "Where did that Flame Brain go?" he asked looking around, no one had seen him leave, but they all have a hunch who he was going to find.
Out in the city, Tawna walks along the cobblestone paths as her feet carry her to a small bridge with the city's river flowing under it. She just need to clear her head, from all the yelling and shouting. She feels bad for yelling at everyone, but it's what was needing to be done. Everyone needed to hear it. She looks down to the water below, it flows slowly under the bright moon above, the soothing sound manages to calm herself down. She concludes it's going to take the guild some time to get used to it, not just the fact that she is dating, but that it is Laxus.
"Umm, Miss K-K-Katawna," A small voice stutters, pulling the teen from her thoughts. Turning she sees the little girl she noticed in the flower festival before the games begin, the one with crutches and tightly wrapped leg.
"Hello," Tawna smiles kneeling down to the small child, "What's your name?"
"Kara," She says shyly as her mother walks up behind her.
"I hope we aren't bugging you," Her mother says sweetly, "She has been talking about meeting you for what seems like forever."
"You are not bugging me at all," Tawna smiles, Kara sort of remind her of herself, when she was young. "I love meeting young fans."
"Can I have your auto graph?" Kara asks holding out a small note pad and paper.
"Of course," Tawna smile taking the pad from the kid, and write a note, and signs it. Handing back the paper, she receives a large smiles from Kara.
"Thank you!" She grins as she engrosses herself in reading the note. Tawna smiles and stand next to her mother who smiles happily at her daughter.
"Thank you," She smiles to the teen.
"No need to thank me," Tawna smiles, "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to her leg?" she asks curious.
"She got sick," Her mom says looking to her happy daughter, "The infection attacked her leg, we learned recently that she's going to lose it."
"I'm so sorry," Tawna says sadly knowing exactly what the little girl must be feeling.
"She took it hard," Her mom says softly, "We all did, but then she heard about you. She read every article, magazine, and every interview about you. She just couldn't believe that there was a Guild wizard that was just like her." Her mom looks to the petite wizard and smiles, "You gave her hope, when she lost all of it." Tawna can't help but smile. Kneeling down to Kara she smiles.
"It's scary isn't it?" She asks softly smiling.
"Yeah," Kara nods nervously, "Were you scared?"
"Extremely," Tawna smiles, "Though you have more time to take in than I did. I learned I was going to lose my leg hours before it happened. I was terrified."
"Is it going to be hard?" Kara asks quietly.
"Recovery isn't easy, Kid." Tawna says placing a soft hand on Kara's shoulder, "But I know you are strong enough to get through it." Kara wraps her arms around the wizard, catching her off guard. Tawna smiles and wraps her arms around the kid. Standing she smiles to her mother. "Let me give you the contact information for Dr. Gerald. Her prosthetic is going to be on me."
"Oh no, you don't have to," Her mother stutters causing Tawna to laugh.
"I want to," Tawna smiles, writing down the contact information. Not far away Laxus leans against a brick wall in an ally way watching Tawna.
"Laxus," Gramps says pulling his attention away.
"What," Laxus asks annoyed, "Are you going to lecture me too."
"No," Gramps sighs, "I just want to know what your intentions are?"
"My intentions?" Laxus asks raising an eye brow, "I'm not going to hurt her Gramps." Laxus sighs glancing back to Tawna by the bridge. "You know I would never hurt her. She's the one person who I can be myself with."
"I just want to make sure you two know what you are getting into." Gramps in a careful tone.
"We do," Laxus states, "I love her Gramps," he smiles watching as the kid Tawna was talking to left and Tawna climbed on the ledge and sits watching the water flow below, "I wouldn't trade her for anything."
"I'd never thought I'd hear you say that about someone," Gramps says watching the Water Dragon Slayer as well.
"I never thought I would either," Laxus smiles with his eyes not leaving his Dragon Slayer.
Tawna sits with her legs kicking, using her magic to move the water with each kick, she pauses when she catches the scent of a campfire. Silently, Natsu sits next to his sister watching the water flow back and forth.
"I've never seen you this angry before," Tawna says breaking the stillness.
"How do you expect me to act," Natsu snaps, "You're angry too, you blew up at the entire guild."
"Yeah, cause they were acting irrational," Tawna rolls her eyes annoyed, "I'm not mad at you because you're angry. You have every damn right to be angry with me." Tawna snaps turning to her brother.
"Finally, we agree on something, Natsu mumbles.
"I do," Tawna says annoyed, "I kept everything from you, and I'm not just talking about Laxus, everything that I went through in the last seven years." She says with tears threatening to fall from her eyes, "I never wanted you, of all people, to know I felt the way I did." She say letting tears fall from her eyes. She feels a warm arm wrap around her shoulder, Natsu didn't say a word, but he pulled her into a hug allowing her to cry into his shoulder. "You saw everything today, everything I wanted to forget out and ignore." She cries.
"Bugs," Natsu says stroking her hair, "It's okay."
"It's not okay," Tawna snaps sitting up with tears streaming down her cheeks, "You know it! I should have never kept it from you. You're my brother, I used to tell you everything. But after the accident and you all disappearing, I closed myself off from everyone. So, go ahead, tell me everything your mad about!"
"Okay, fine," Natsu snaps, "I'm mad that you kept everything from me. Since we got back, I always thought that something was off, but no matter what I said you gave me he same answer, 'your fine!" Natsu says angerly, "You acted too calm and acted like everything was fine during those seven year. You brushed it off like it was nothing the moment we call got back."
"Maybe cause I wanted to forget about everything!" Tawna shouts back, "I wanted things to go back to normal after everything that happened!"
"You knew damn well nothing was going to be the same, Tawna!" Natsu fumes pointing at his sister, "You tried to hide, and act like nothing happened. You of all people know you can't live in the past!"
"Can you blame me for trying!" Tawna cries, "I lost seven years with you. I lost everything, I almost lost myself in everything!"
"And that scares me!" Natsu shouts, "I almost lost you once, and now I find out I almost lost you when I wasn't even here!"
"It destroyed me even knowing I had those thoughts, Natsu." Tawna weeps, "If it was me missing, you would have never given up looking for me. It kills me to know I almost gave up on everything! You may not know this, but just like your worst nightmare was losing me, mine was losing you." She shouts burying her face in her hands. "So, can you blame me for wanting things to go back to normal, and forget everything that happened?"
"Bugs," Natsu says softly placing a hand on her back, "I don't blame you for anything, it just hurts that you didn't trust me enough to tell me everything." He sighs.
"Natsu," Tawna says wiping the tears from her cheeks, "It wasn't that I didn't trust you. I would trust you with my life. I was scared that you would be disappointed in me."
"I would never be disappointed in you," Natsu says quietly, "I'm extremely proud of you, especially after today."
"You're just saying that," Tawna mumbles looking down to the water flowing below, "You were just yelling at me."
"Yes, I'm upset," Natsu admits, "but I'm proud of what you did today. You kicked ass!" He grins, making a small laugh erupt from Tawna mouth.
"I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of winning," She says, "Not again. I risked losing control to do it."
"You are like me," Natsu states, "Your magic amplifies when your emotions are involved, but what do you mean by losing control?"
"Dragon Force," She admits, "Every time I activate it… it's like I lose all control of my magic."
"You gone into Dragon Force before?" Natsu asks surprised.
"I got hit in a fight pretty hard in a fight a few years back, and it just happened." She explains, "It took Elie and hour to get me back to reality. I would go off and train for days at a time to gain control over it, but there are still times when I lose it. It get to the point that my hair starts to turn black when I get angry."
"It didn't look like you lost it," Natsu smiles, "You showed that Raven trash what you are made of."
"Thanks, Bro," Tawna smiles, "It felt good to finally face him. I feel like I've gained some closure over my leg. Even though he showed the world my worst memories, I feel oddly calm about the whole thing." She says kicking her legs once again, swaying the water blow with each movement.
"Your best memories over powered the bad ones though," Natsu smiles looking down going silent. Tawna sighs knowing where the conversation is heading.
"Look, about Laxus," Tawna starts, "I know you're not happy about the whole thing, and this is not how I wanted you to find out. I wanted to sit down with you and tell you myself. You deserved better."
"Out of everybody," Natsu sighs annoyed, "Why Laxus?" Causing Tawna to smile slightly shaking her head.
"Growing up in Fairy Tail, we have all been raised to believe in fate, "She smiles turning to look at her older brother, "As much as I hate to admit it, I think I was fated that day to get hurt, cause I wasn't supposed to be on Tenrou, for many reasons. I grew up, I'm now the same age as you, and closer to age of many of our friends and allies. I mean those seven years were a blessing in disguise. Now, I'm closer to you than I ever was, I'm better friends with everyone because I'm the same age now." She explains, "I can't tell you why it was Laxus, but I can tell you it was fate that brought us together."
"I hate it when you pull the fate crap on me," Natsu pouts.
"Natsu," Tawna smiles placing a hand on his shoulder, "I maybe the same age as you now, but I'm will always be your little sister. You're aloud to be protective over me, especially when it comes to me dating."
"I'm just afraid he's going to hurt you," Natsu huffs.
"I know Laxus hasn't had the best past with the guild," Tawna smiles, "But he has with me. If I was you, I would be happy it was Laxus."
"Why do you say that?" Natsu questions sitting up straighter.
"Who is one person that you trusted to watch me when I was younger?" Tawna asks, "It was Laxus. You trusted him back then that he wouldn't hurt me and that he wouldn't do anything to me. So, why can't you trust him now?" Tawna can tell she pulled the right string, seeing Natsu groan and throw his hands up in the air.
"I still don't like it!" Natsu complains crossing his arms pouting, causing Tawna to giggle.
"If I let you do the 'big brother' talk to Laxus, will that make you feel better?" Tawna teases unable to hold back a laugh. Natsu playfully scowls at the giggling slyer next to him and shoves her.
"Woah!" Tawna shouts as she begins to fall into the river below. Reaching out to try and catch herself, she grab on to her brother's leg.
"Hey!" Natsu yells as he is pulled into the water after her, both landing with a large splash. The two siblings cough a few time standing in the waist deep water for Tawna and hip deep for Natsu. She flips her drenched hair from her face and both her and Natsu catch eyes. Seeing her brother just as soaked, she can't help but burst out laughing, causing Natsu to begin laughing as well.
"Hey!" A small voice calls down from above. Looking up the two see a pair of blue, and multicolored ears peaking over the bridge, and Laxus looking over the side. "Are you two good now?" Happy asks.
"Yeah," Tawna laughs glancing to her equally wet brother, "I think we are good." She grins.
"You two have a strange way of working out your problems," Laxus chuckles looking down to the two Dragneels below.
"You got that right," Elie adds laughing as Laxus reaches down giving his hand for Tawna. She jumps slightly to each it and he begins to pull her up.
"Hey!" Natsu shouts at the Lightning Slayer, "I wanna talk to you!" He demands placing his hands on his hips.
"Find a way out of that river Salamander, and I'll give you the time of day." Laxus smirks helping Tawna climb over the ledge.
"Happy, help me out of this hole!" Natsu shouts stomping his feet, when another splash of water covers his head. "HEY!" He shouts up to Tawna. She had dried herself with her magic and dropped the gathered water on her brother's head. Laughing she glances over to his exceed.
"If you make him climb out of there himself, I'll give you a fish," Tawna bribes pushing her now fluffy pink hair from her face.
"Fishy!" Happy shouts excited with hearts filling his eyes.
"Come on!" Natsu complains as he begin trying to climbing out of the river, being amusedly watch by the ones on the bridge. Tawna laugh along the others watching her brother try and fail to get out. Even though this day had it's faults, it ended on a good note.
A/N- Wow that was long chapter, but I'm actually pretty proud of it. Yet again I'm sorry the wait for these two chapters. I really need to try better. I get my large shoulder brace off next week so hopefully I can write more.