A/N- Thank you so much for the support, I love and care about every one of you. Thank you for sticking with this story and liking the direction I have chosen to go with it. You have made me proud of what I have written again. I have deleted that A/N chapter, because, like many of you have said, don't listen to those people. Which is true.
The day I wrote that A/N, I was not in a good place that day. I was working 3 jobs at a time, I was exhausted, and had had a really bad day at work. When I got into my car after work and saw that I had a couple reviews, I was so happy. When I read them and saw that they were just someone telling me that there was no development and that Tawna's leg didn't add anything, it just took from something. I got upset and angry and started doubting myself… OVER TWO REVIEWS! Two freaking reviews made me feel like that.
Now, seeing how many of you are so supportive and helpful, it makes me go back to the way I used to be. I don't care what some people think. I'm writing this story, and I am going to do what I want. I have always been the type of writer who wrote what I wanted. I don't care about symbolism and choosing to write a certain event for a reason. I wrote Tawna having Pink hair cause I wanted her to, I wrote her losing her leg cause I WANTED TO, I wrote her with Laxus not only because I wanted to, but because you all voted on her love interest. The moral is that I'm going to write this story how I want to and how I want to. If people love it, great, and thank you. But if you dislike it, that's okay too. We are all aloud to have our own opinions.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive with this story for so long, you are the real reason I was able to keep it going, even with my MIA moments that have happened all too often.
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, this will pass in no time. I am in good health as is my family. I have faith this pandemic stuff will not last long and we will be able to go back to our normal lives, but till that time I thought getting out a chapter might help lift some people's spirts.
I know some things may seem stressful, but don't listen to the media, I say only listen to sources like the CDC and WHO when it comes to the current events. The rest of the media is fear mongering, and causing panic in those around us, when panic is not needed. We all just need to be calm and keep an open mind about the future. Cause this will all pass; it will not be forever. I am a fellow anxiety suffering and I know seeing all the click-bait "news" articles can seem scary, but if we all do our part and do social distancing, wash our hands, and ect we will be fine and hopefully flatten the curve of this. If anyone needs to talk, I always welcome PM's..
Now, without further ado, grab a drink, grab some chicken nuggets (gluten free chicken nuggets for my fellow gluten free peeps out there) and get ready for chapter 44!
I have another story in the works for a potential Avatar the Last Airbender story. Not sure how far I will go with it, but I'm writing it on the side when I get writers block for this story. Not going to post it for now, but we will see. What do you all think?
Sorry for the long A/N!
Disclaimer: Sorry to disappoint, but I still don't own Fairy Tail.
I know this whole guild having fun and chatting thing got long, but I thought Tawna needed some bonding time and the guild needed some fun.
Chapter 44
Day two of the games to a close after an intense fight between Saber Tooth and Mermaid Heel. As night has fallen, all the guilds have settled into their designated hotels and bars. Out in the quiet night Master Makarov walks with the game commentators, making their way to Fairy Tail's claimed bar.
"It's an honor for you three to join Fairy Tail for part of the night," Master nods has he leads Chapati, Yajima, and Jason to the bar.
"We thought it would be nice to spend time with the competing guilds and get some Lacrama vison footage of the events," Chapati states with a Lacrama vision camera floats next to them, "We've heard your Guild is quite the party."
"This is going to be so cool!" Jason shouts excited, "I will be able to get such great shots for the behind the scenes of the games issue of Sorcerer's Weekly!" Jason's rumbustious voice echoes through the quiet night.
"I did tell my children to be on their best behavior tonight," Makarov says as he pushes open the door only to be met with the sound of shouts and shattering glass. A mug flies past Master and the officials heads smashing into the wall, causing them to freeze.
"FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!" chants fill the air as a blur of pink and burnet scuffle in the center of the room.
"So cool!" Jason says not being able to contain his excitement trying to capture photos of the fight, buzzing around the scuffle like a fly, along with the floating camera.
"Bets! Place your bets here!" Max and Warren shout with two mugs of cash in front of them. Master stands frozen, but not surprised at the scene in front of him.
"Kick her ass, Bugs!" Natsu shouts cheering on his little sister who is throwing punches with Cana.
"Go Tawna!" Happy cheers from the bar next to his best friend. The guild is fully engulfed in the tussle between the two girls. It's not every day Tawna starts a fight, she will jump into one that was already started but only really starts fights with Natsu and sometimes Gajeel.
"What's happened to make Tawna so mad?" Lucy asks leaning against the bar next to Natsu. "Her hair is even turning black."
"Cana has been teasing her about Laxus all day," Elie shakes her head, "I think the wedding comment made her snap." She says watching her best friend try to pin Cana to the ground. Cana using her size against Tawna easily flips the now fully black haired Tawna over her head.
"Macao got mad at that comment," Gray states watching the fight, "I'm surprised Flame Brain didn't lose a gasket about it," He say glancing to Natsu.
"I've never thought of Tawna as the marrying type," Natsu shrugs, receiving confused looks from his team, "What?" He asks.
"You never thought your sister would get married?" Lucy asks shocked.
"That's mean Natsu," Happy scowls crossing his blue arms.
"Hey," Natsu says offended throwing his hand up, "You're twisting my words. I never saw her as the settling down type."
"I thought that too about Tawna," Elie adds as Tawna knocks Cana's legs out from under her. "But after seeing her with Laxus, maybe she would consider getting married." Cana quickly stand back up and catches Tawna mid-punch turning her around and catching her in a head lock.
"Let go of me, you drunk!" Tawna shouts struggling against the cards wizard. Cana is using her height against the petite wizard, making if difficult for the five-foot wizard to get the upper hand.
"Awe," Cana teases, "Is someone angry," She chuckles, making Tawna's eye flare red as she pulls away from the drunk wizard. Tawna stands across from the wizard and blows a piece of black hair from her face, and her hand glows blue, making the cards wizard smirk. "We are gonna do it this way? She smirks spreading out her cards in her hand, "Fine by me."
Yajima can't help but let out a chuckle seeing the tussle in front of him. It brings back his own memories of being in the guild.
"I would call this good Fairy Tail behavior," The older wizard chuckles, "Just like old times, huh Mocky."
"I can't say I didn't expect this," Master shakes his head as the shouts get louder as the fight escalates further. "but I need to stop this before they destroy the bar." He sighs knowing the amounts of moans and groans he's about to get.
"Water Dragon…"
"Card's Magic…"
"ENOUGH!" Gramps shouts causing the ruckus to come to a halt. The magic circles Infront of the two girls have faded and any magic they was flowing between the two has ceased to exist.
"Gramps!" A round of members groan in unison, including Tawna and Cana.
"I said enough," Master huffs crossing his arms, "We are not in the guild hall, I told you all to behave yourselves."
"I would say this is better than we normally do," Gray states receiving a few chuckles from his teammates.
"Come on, Gramps." Cana huffs, "let us finish," she says crossing her arms. "It's not every day I get to tussle with Short Stuff." She says wrapping her arm around Tawna and pulling her in a musing up her hair.
"LET GO!" Tawna shouts shoving the drunk back. Tawna huffs and straightens her clothes out and push her black hair from her red eyes.
"No," Gramps says sternly, looking between his two kids.
"We have bets going Master," Warren complains with the mugs of cash in front of him and Max.
"Fine," Gramps sighs, "Who threw the first punch?" Many eyes in the guild goes to the short dragon slayer still fuming with her arms crossed.
"Gramps, you know that's not fair," Katawna complains along with some fellow guild mates who bet on her in the fight.
"In Tawna's defense, she had every right to," Natsu adds in making Tawna roll her eyes.
"Not helping my case, Bro." Tawna sighs pinching the bridge of her nose, very well knowing she just lost the bet her and Cana made between them after the first punches were thrown.
"Cana wins," Gramps says receiving an equal round of groans and cheers from the betters, "Fight is over, behave yourselves" He says sternly, making Tawna cross her arms in frustration.
"Ha!" Cana shouts facing Tawna, "I get to compete in tomorrow's first competition!"
"I'm never gonna get to participate." Tawna grumbles throwing up her hands, "Whatever day four's competition is I call dibs!" She shouts mainly glancing to Juvia who took the first contest from under her. The nineteen- year-old sighs and focuses her magic into calming down and changes her hair from black back to pink.
"Promise I won't take it from you this time," Juvia says glancing to her pink headed team mate, "even if my darling Gray participates, I'll do my best to hold back," She says dramatically.
"Just to be safe," Tawna sighs, "Gray!" She shouts turning to the ice mage who is leaning against the bar between Natsu and Lucy, "Don't volunteer for day four's challenge."
"Sorry Kid," Gray smirks, "If it's something I can't turn down, there's nothing stopping me."
"Hey! I haven't done a contest yet, maybe I want it." Lucy complains making Tawna laugh.
"Luce understands how I feel," She smirks, then feel large arms drape over her shoulders. Looking up, she sees Laxus with a light smile on his face. "You better not take day four's competition." She playfully scowls to her boyfriend.
"I don't know, Babe." Laxus smirks leaning close to her now pink head, "I may just take it to watch you squirm." He says as the guild members go back to their drinking and partying.
"Jerk," Tawna mumbles turning away pouting, making Laxus let out a deep chuckle. She get so sour when she loses a fight, or in this case didn't get a chance to finish it.
"You're the jerk," He says playfully, "You lost me money tonight." Tawna can't help but roll her eyes.
"You actually bet?" She asks slightly surprised. Laxus isn't the type to place bets on any fight.
"What," Laxus shrugs, "I had faith that you would kick the Drunk's ass. I didn't account for the Old Geezer to break up the fight."
"Neither did I," Tawna huffs annoyed. She looks to her right, to Laxus's face and can't help but let a smiles spread across her face seeing his smirk.
"You owe me for losing that bet by the way," He smirks making her roll her large eyes once again. Looks back to his gold eyes and quickly places a kiss on his lips, catching him off guard. Laxus isn't the one to show much affection in public, he's more of the 'behind closed doors' type. But Tawna couldn't help but place a kiss on his lips, he knows he was teasing her. They pull away when they hear the rapid shutter of a camera. Both Dragon Slayers groan and look to the source of the shutter.
"Jason," Tawna huffs, "I you take any more pictures of us without permission, I will break your camera." She says with a smile on her face. Jason's eyes widen and quickly bows to the pink headed wizard.
"Of course, Miss Katawna, would you like me to delete these." He says quickly making those around him chuckle, knowing he has been on the receiving end of Tawna's wrath more than once.
"Nah, you can keep those ones," Tawna laughs, only to get cut off from Natsu, knocking over things at the bar
"Hey," Natsu shouts jumping to his feet pointing to his sister, "What did I say about PDA!" Tawna lets out a loud laugh, remembering her brother's demand from their swim the night before.
"Awe, Natsu," Tawna coos pulling away from Laxus and running to her brother. She latches herself to his side hugging tightly, "Are you feeling left out." She teases only to feel her brother squirm in her hug.
"Hey!" Natsu shouts, "Let me go!" The laughter in the guild rises as Natsu knocks over more glasses on the bar trying to pry is sister from his side.
"No," Tawna laughs jumping on his back, knowing just how to annoy him. Jumping on his back always annoyed him, especially now that Tawna is older. According to him it was cute when she was little, now it's a nuisance.
"Damn it, Tawna!" Natsu shouts only making her laugher louder. Lucy and Gray laugh loudly next to him seeing him thrash around trying to remover his sister from his back. "Gray get her off of me!" He shouts trying to pull her arms from around his neck.
"She's your problem, Flame Brain." Gray laughs crossing his arms in front of his now bare chest. Natsu groans in frustration only making Tawna laugh harder. He ignites his fist and grabs her left ankle.
"Ow!" Tawna shouts kicking her leg, "Jerk!" She shouts placing her hands on either side of his head and freezes her hands.
"Ahhh!" Natsu shouts flinging Tawna from his back and over the bar holding his head, "Brain Freeze!"
"Damn it Natsu!" Tawna shouts jumping up behind the bar.
"You froze my head!" Natsu shouts as Tawna hops over to the other side of the bar. The water dragon slayer, land in front of her brother and crosses her arms. She can just feel Gramps' annoyed eyes boring into the back of her head. She knows she is very close to getting yelled at once more.
"You tried to burn my leg!" Tawna shouts as the two Dragneels slam foreheads together.
"So!" Natsu shouts, "It wasn't your bad one."
"I'd rather it be, I can at least replace that one." Tawna adds scowling, she can see the smirk on Natsu's face. He knows he's pushing her buttons as well.
"Don't you two start!" Gramps shouts causing the two Dragneels to pause, looking at each other. The two Dragneels let out a loud laugh.
"Don't worry Gramps," Natsu says flinging his arm around his sister's shoulder, almost putting her into a headlock, "We were just messing around."
"Yeah, right," Gray laughs. Natsu glares and runs and smashes his head into the Ice Wizard's.
"What was that Icicle!" Natsu shouts making the rest of the guild laugh. Natsu may not always try to start a fight with Tawna, but he will never pass up the opportunity to start a fight with Gray.
"You heard me, Fire Brain!" Gray says glaring just as much as Natsu. Before either one can throw a punch, and before Gramps losses another gasket about fights. Tawna jumps between the two wrapping her arm around each of their necks breaking them apart.
"Hey," She says now hanging between them, with her feet dangling from the ground, "Chill, both of you." Tawna laughs looking between both her brothers. Gray and Natsu can't help but smile. There are many photos in the guild of a much younger Tawna hanging between the two enemies with her arms hooked around their necks.
"Smile!" Jason shouts, making the three wizards pause and all three put on toothy grins and let out a boast of laughter as he clicks many photos. Natsu and Gray both get a mischievous grin glancing to one another.
"Just like old times?" Gray asks, grabbing one of Tawna's legs under her knee.
"You read my mind," Natsu grins grabbing her other leg. Tawna's eye widen knowing all too well what is about to happen.
"Oh no," Tawna squeaks as Gray and Natsu swing her small body back.
"Don't you Kids…" Gramps shouts, only able to stutter a couple words before Gray and Natsu swing Tawna back one more time.
"TAWNA TOSS!" They shout toss her out of their arms. Sending the petite wizard over the tables of the bar. As many Guild members cheer and scramble to join into the game, as the lacrama vision and Jason hurry to capture the action.
"Ahh!" Tawna hollers laughing, as she is caught by Gajeel, before she lands. "Gajeel!" Tawna shouts surprised he would join in.
"You think I'd miss out on a Calico tossing game." Gajeel says before tossing her across the guild once more to Max who is ready to join in.
"YAY!" Happy shouts excited flying from the bar next to a confused Lucy, Wendy, Carla and Elie.
"Tawna Toss?" Elie questions looking between the other girls.
"It's a game Gray and Natsu created when Tawna was little." Happy grins flying excited to join in.
"What a rowdy game!" Carla says putting her nose in the air.
"Tawna looks like she's having fun." Elie adds laughing seeing her best friend let loose and have some well-deserved fun.
"She sure does." Wendy agrees. She's happy they are finally seeing glimpse of the old Tawna.
"It doesn't surprise me that those two created a game that involves throwing Tawna." Lucy says shaking her head, "If Erza was here, she would put an end to this." She says as the guild gets more creative throwing the teen around.
"Actually, Erza used to get pretty competitive with the game." Happy adds making Elie laugh.
"That doesn't surprise me," Elie grins flying up next to her brother, "I'M OPEN!" Elie shouts getting in on the action.
"ME TOO!" Happy flies excited joining as well.
"NO!" Gramps shouts, only adding to the laughter spreading through the guild as the throw the Dragon Slayer from guild member to guild member.
"I wanna play!" Romeo shouts excited seeing his older sister is hurled through the air.
"You got it Kid!" Natsu laughs picking up the 12-year-old and tossing him across the bar between his sister's throws.
"YEAH!" Romeo shouts flying through the air to Gray who has taken a new spot at the other end of the room.
"Don't I get a say in this?" Macao yells as his son joins on the fun, only to have Tawna land in his arms.
"Nope!" Tawna laughs only receiving a roll of the eyes from her father.
"Get out of here." He huffs and tosses her back across the bar.
As the game progresses the guild door's open and members from the newly names Quarto Puppy guild stand there.
"Are you Fairies ready for some drinking!" Bacchus laughs but stops when they see the chaos that is ensuing.
"The hell is going on here?" One of the other members asks confused.
"I'm not sure, but this guild sure is Wild!" Bacchus shouts.
"WILD!" The other members of Quatro Puppy shout, joining in on the fun.
Tawna is lost in laughter as she jumps from Guild mate to guild mate, dodging Romeo, who has been sneakily throwing jabs mid-air. It had been years since Gray and Natsu started a Tawna Toss, she had almost forgot about it since Gramps put a stop to it when she was 8 when they threw her through the window. She opens her eyes when she lands in some all too familiar arms.
"Laxus." Tawna smiles surprised only to receive his infamous mischievous smirk.
"What?" Laxus says laughing, "I was a casual fan of the game, back in the day."
"Hey Laxus, I'm open!" Bixlow shouts excited. Laxus smirks to his girlfriend and easily tosses her to Bixlow.
"I swear if you drop me." Tawna threatens Bixlow amidst the laughter.
Gramps looks exasperated as his whole guild gets carried away in the once banned game but can't help letting a small smile fill his face. The whole guild is smiling and laughing, and for once working together to not drop Katawna and now Romeo.
"Is this a normal day in the guild?" Chapati asks slightly confused glancing to the Guild Master. Gramps smiles and gives his honest answer.
"There is never a normal day in this Guild." Gramps smiles as he watches his children laugh and have fun. The had a great day in the games today, they deserve to celebrate.
The guild continues the game until there was a miss calculation and both Tawna and Romeo ended up being tossed to Natsu. Sending all three of the wizards to the ground in a pile of laughter.
"Are you guys ok?" Wendy asks running over with Lucy.
"That got a little crazy." Lucy adds kneeling down next to Natsu as the rest of the guild begins to go back to their normal drinking.
"I think that was the longest we ever went without dropping you." Natsu grins glancing to Tawna.
"Or throwing me through a window." She adds laughing.
"You never told me it was that fun." Romeo says glancing to Tawna who has finally caught her breath.
"I forgot how fun it was." Tawna admits fixing her now messy hair when she sees Laxus's hand outstretched in front of her.
"Are you done?" He asks smirking as Tawna grabs his hand and he pulls her to her feet.
"Yeah," Tawna laughs straightening her bandeau top and black shorts.
"That was fun!" Elie shouts flying over with Lily not far behind, "How come I had never heard of it before?"
"It got the guild in quite the fendzy." Lily states landing on the bar next to the Calico.
"Gramps banded it when I was 8." Tawna laughs as Laxus hands her a mug, leaning against the bar next to her with his own mug.
"Natsu and Gray through her through the window." Laxus adds taking a swig.
"Did you get hurt?" Elie asks concerned receiving a laugh from Tawna.
"No," She says glancing to her boyfriend, "As I flew through the window, Laxus had just come home from a mission with the Thunder Legion and caught me."
"That was lucky." Lily adds.
"I still remember the beating Gray and Natsu got from everyone for throwing me out the window." Tawna laughs.
"Please don't remind me." Natsu complains crossing his arms, making Tawna laugh harder.
"That was so cool!" Jason shouts looking through his new photo collection next to the lacrama vison camera, making Tawna and Laxus shake their heads laughing.
"Well I think it is time for us to go to the next guild, "Chapati says standing next to the door with Yajima and Jason, "Thanks for the fun Fairy Tail!"
"You kids should know how to make an old fella feel young again." Yajima states then glances to Gramps, "Don't get to stressed Maky."
"That was cool!" Jason shouts once again as they exit the bar, moving on to their next guild for the night. As they leave the guild gets back to their drinking and conversation.
Many members have decided to turn in for the night as it is getting late. Natsu and his team have engrossed themselves in a conversation with Quatro Puppy and Elie has distracted herself in a conversation with Carla farther down the bar.
"Well," Tawna says in the mist of her and Laxus conversation, "We could remove the desk and the bookshelf. Put them still on the second floor, just outside the room. Near the window I used to sneak out of."
"That could work, that would give enough room to move the bed with the headboard under the window." Laxus adds as they plan out their living situation when they get back to Magnolia. "That way we can keep Elie's bed in the windowsill."
"I like that," Tawna smiles glancing to her Calico exceed. "I do wanna find a way to give Elie her own space too. Like her own room, but still have her little bed in our room for when she wants to spend the night there."
"I'm sure we can find a spot." Laxus agree, he has come to enjoy the company of the little calico. He has even enjoyed her hitching a ride on his head on long trips. Tawna stretches her limbs, feeling much better compared to this morning, and following Tawna Toss and stands from her bar stool, throwing on her vest and sleeves she ditched during her fight with Cana.
"I'm gonna go for a walk, do you wanna join?" Tawna asks turning to Laxus.
"You go ahead," He smiles, "I'm gonna head back to the hotel room." He stands next to her and kisses her head.
"Okay," Tawna smiles, "I won't be long." She smiles then glances to Elie. "El, I'm going for a walk, wanna join?"
"I'll catch up in a little bit." Elie smiles as she plans on finishing her conversation with Carla.
"Okay," Tawna says waving bye to Laxus and her exceed and begins to walk out the door, leaving the many passed out members behind the doors.
"Wait," Tawna hears a deep voice coming behind her through the doors, "Katawna." The voice says as Tawna comes to a stop a few feet past the bar.
"Lily?" Tawna asks surprised seeing the Black Panther fly to a halt in front of her. "What's up?" She can see the slight nervousness in the Exceed as he rubs the back of his neck.
"Uhh… Katawna, I… I…" The exceed stutters trying to find the words. Tawna catches on to what he is doing and can't help but let a soft smile spread across her lips.
"Lily," Tawna says softly bringing his stutters to a stop, "Does this have to do with Elie?" she asks to receive a soft nod and blush from the cat in front of her. "You know you don't have to ask my permission." She smiles scratching his head it's very rare to see Lily this flustered.
"I wanted to do this right and ask permission," Lily admits, making Tawna smile.
"It is much appreciated, Lily." Tawna says smiling, "You have my blessing to date Elie." Tawna is caught by surprise when she feels Lily hug around her neck.
"Thank you, Katawna." The Panther says floating in front of her bowing his head.
"You're Welcome," Tawna grins, "Now, go get her." She say motioning to the bar.
"Oh," Lily says remembering, "Yes of course, "He says quickly zooming away, making Tawna giggle watching him hurry away.
She sighs contently and turns to continue her walk through the quite streets. Many have turned in for the night, so the bustling streets of Crocus lay silent, aside from the remnants of Fairy Tail's party. Tawna can help but think of all the things that have happened in these short first two days of the Games. Never in a million years did she think she'd be here with her brother and all her friends, and actually be in the running for the games. She also never thought she would be on a team fighting against Natsu and her old team, but that's just a perk, and makes the experience more fun.
Stretching her arms above her head and resting her hands behind her neck as she strolls comfortably through the night, she catches the scent of someone who she thought was still in the guild. Stopping she looks over and sees Gray leaning against the railing at one of the river lookouts. Rising her curiosity, she decides to join him. Gray, hears the sound of heels approach him and quickly turns around, making Tawna jump back, taking her by surprise.
"Damn, Gray." Tawna says placing her hand on her chest, catching her breath, "What's got you so jumpy?" she asks taking a spot next to her longtime friend.
"Sorry, Tawna." Gray apologies turning back to the river, "I thought you were someone else." Gray might be the coolest person she knows, but she can't but hear his voice falter slightly. Also hearing his answer makes her think, that he thought she was another certain water wizard.
"No big," Tawna says leaning against the railing, "I should have made my presence known." She says moving her hand over the water, raising orbs up and down.
"I would have thought Laxus would have been with you." Gray says flatly watching the orbs rise and fall. Tawna can tell something is on his mind but doesn't want to press it quite yet.
"We're dating, not attached at the hip," Tawna laughs, catching a slight chuckle from Gray.
"I guess that's true," Gray chuckles, "Neither one of you are clingy, unless you wanna annoy your brother." He adds making Tawna laugh, Gray can't help but smile along it's been a while since just them got to talk.
"I still have seven years of annoying Natsu to catch up on," Tawna grins, "Every chance I see, I'm gonna take it." She says looking to the star scattered sky above, "Thanks for starting a Tawna Toss. It brought back some good memories, some I forgot about."
"You didn't seem to forget about the important ones though," Gray says smiling. Tawna glance confused at first, then remembers her fight from yesterday. There were so many memories flashing across the screen she almost forgot.
"You saw the memory of our first mission together yesterday?" Tawna smiles, "I would never forget going on missions with you."
"Good," Gray say elbowing his old partner, making Tawna playfully roll her eyes.
"You were a big reason I got so strong back then," Tawna admits, "Not to mention I got a sick battle cry from fighting with you and Elfman." She says gaining a laugh from Gray.
"You're battle cry was a highlight of the missions," He laughs finally letting his tension fade.
"I'm sorry you had to see some of those memories," She says indicating to the bad ones, "You are like a brother to me, and just like how I didn't want Natsu to see that side of me, I didn't want you either."
"Don't be sorry, Kid." Gray says calling her by her old nickname, sitting up from the railing, "We all have our skeletons in the closet." He says and see's Tawna's head drop slightly. He places a hand on her shoulder, "You can't keep beating yourself up about it. You never were the type to worry about what people think of you."
"At least you are cool about everything," Tawna huffs slightly, "It took Natsu and I screaming, crying, and a swim in the river to make him cool." She says receiving a laugh from Gray.
"That's how you and Flame Brain work things out." Gray nods, "I think everything was the biggest shock to him, you are his little sister."
"Natsu had every right to be mad at me," Tawna states tying her hair into a high ponytail, "Though, you and everyone were pretty mad at me too. At Least about the whole Laxus thing." She say playfully elbowing the ice wizard, making him groan annoyed.
"I was more mad you kept it from everyone, the guild is your family." Gray admits.
"I know," Tawna sighs, "We just wanted this one thing to ourselves, at least until the Games were over." Tawna explains, "I didn't want anything to distract the Guild from the Games, and I didn't feel like dealing with an all-out brawl between all you guys after being away for training. That was not the reunion I wanted." She says glancing to Gray, "In many ways that was not the way I wanted everyone to find out. I know, many still see me as a kid, others don't like Laxus, and also that's a sucky way to tell the whole guild."
"It saved you the trouble of telling everyone though," Gray chuckles, making Tawna laugh as well. "Everyone should know you are probably the best judge of character. Also, it was common knowledge in the guild that Laxus would never hurt you."
"Thanks, Gray." Tawna smiles.
"Doesn't mean I like you dating," Gray ads flatly, making Tawna roll her eyes, she should have known that was coming. "But I do know you are an adult."
"Thank you," Tawna bows her head slightly.
"Especially after what Cana told me last night." Gray smirks raising an eyebrow to Tawna.
"Come on!" Tawna shouts annoyed, slamming her hands on the railing, "I'm gonna replace all her booze with apple juice!" she barks, making Gray let out a loud laugh. Takeing a deep breath he places his fist in his hand and creates a chunk of ice and hands it to the Dragon Slayer. Still sour that probably the whole guild knows about her sex life, she takes it. It's been a while since Gray gave her ice.
"So what are you doing out here," Tawna asks between crunches of ice, "I thought you were in the guild when I left."
"I was," Gray states, "I snuck out while you were talking to Lily." Tawna nods, she must of missed him, cause she was too concerned with the whole Lily, Elie thing.
"What do you mean you snuck out?" Tawna asks, "I weren't trying to avoid a certain water wizard?" She elbows him laughing as he turns away pouting cause she right. "I'm only joking." She smiles.
"I just don't know what to do about her," Gray sighs resting his head on his hand.
"How about you give her an answer." Tawna says bluntly munching on her ice.
"What?" Gray stutters. Tawna can't help but roll her eyes.
"Gray, you know her feelings toward you." Tawna shakes her head, "Heck, we all do, but she's only going to chase after you for so long. She does have another option available, it maybe Sour Ice Face." She says indicating to Lyon, "But she's going to get tired of waiting, sooner or later." Tawna can see Gray sigh and rub his face in the dark. She may not know his true feelings for the Water Wizard, but she has her hunch.
"I don't want to hurt her, "Gray says sighing.
"You don't have to," Tawna says placing a hand on his shoulder, "But you will if you keep stringing her along without an answer. Good or bad." She can see a slight nod of Grays head when she hears yelling in the distance.
"TAWNA, TAWNA, TAWNA!" The voice repeats as it gets closer.
"What?" Tawn turns around just in time for a face full of white and orange fur. Tawna losses her balance slightly and takes a step back fighting the fluff ball on her face.
"Oh Tawna!" Elie says pulling away from the face hug and squishes Tawna's cheeks between her paws, "thank you, thank you, thank you." The exceed says gleefully floating in front of her best friend. Tawna lets out a bout of laughter knowing exactly why Elie is so happy.
"Don't thank me," Tawna laughs removing Elie's paws from her face. She glances to Gray who raises and eyebrow confused, then Tawn mouthed the word 'Lily', and receives and nod of understanding. "You can tell me about it on the walk back to the hotel." Tawna says to her exceed, then glances to Gray, "Have a goodnight Bro," Tawna smiles turning to leave, "Think about it, okay?"
"Sure thing," Gray says waving it off.
"Also, Team A is going down tomorrow!" She shouts.
"Yeah!" Elie adds, flying onto Tawna's shoulder.
"In your dreams." Gray laughs as they go their separate way for the night.
"What was that about?" Elie asks as they leave the Ice Mage to his thoughts, strolling once again through the quiet night.
"Don't worry about it," Tawna says waving it off, "what matters is how did he ask you?" She says wanting to know the details. Lily may have asked her if her could date Elie, but he didn't tell her how he was going to ask.
"After I was done talking with Carla, I was getting ready to come meet you on your walk and he asked if her could talk to me in private." Elie says excited. "We went to one of the bridges looking over the water and just asked if I would be his girlfriend." She squeals hugging around Tawna's neck making her best friend let out a giggle as well.
"That sounds sweet," Tawna smiles, "I'm so happy for you, El."
"Thanks," the Calico blushes, "He told me he asked your permission." She says as the walk toward the other guilds chosen bars.
"It was very cute," Tawna giggles, "I told him he didn't have to ask, but he said he wanted to do it right." She says scratching Elie behind the ear.
"I found that really sweet," Elie says, "He knows, I care about what you, and your opinion."
"It was sweet, it shows he's a real gentleman or gentle-cat." Tawna smiles, "Do I need to have Laxus ask you permission to date me?" She chuckles.
"Nah, you and Laxus are more the type to ask for forgiveness rather than permission." Elie says, as Tawna nods in agreement, "Technically, the day you two talked, he asked me if he could talk to you alone later that night. So I count that as asking for my permission."
"Awe," Tawna smiles about her Lightning Slayer, "I didn't know that. He knows you mean a lot to me too." She says hugging Elie to her chest. "We were actually talking about making you your own room when we get back."
"Really!" Elie asks excited now floating next to Tawna's head.
"Yeah, but we were also planning on keeping a bed by the window for the nights when you want to sleep with us." Tawna smiles.
"Thank you, Tawna," Elie smiles, "You know every, you remind me more and more of Edolas Katawna."
"What?" Tawna says taken by surprise. "I don't think I have ever heard you bring her up." She says curiously as they walk along the cobble stone.
"You two maybe opposites," Elie smiles remembering that Edo Tawna was very much into intimidation and brunt force, and Earthland Tawna is much, much sweeter, and is very carefree. "but you both have a big heart. Exceeds were not liked back in Edolas, and when Edo Tawna found me, she very much could have killed me, or left me to die. But she didn't, she took care of me even though she had to hide me from her guild and family." Elie says reminiscing in those old memories. "You both took in a small little exceed and did everything you could to make sure I was happy."
"She cared a lot about you," Tawna adds. "When we were all floating away, she told me to find you. I didn't know what she meant, but I'm glad I found you. I care about you a lot too, and I don't want you to feel like Laxus is replacing you."
"I would never think Laxus would replace me," Elie says as the two come to stop, "I'm so happy that you are finally happy again." She says drooping her ears slightly, "There were some pretty scary times over the last seven years. I did as much as I could to make you happy, and to be there when you need someone to cry on."
"You did a great job, El." Tawna smiles placing a hand on her fluffy head making the Exceed look up, "You helped me with so much. I'm so thankful you broke in through the window that night I hit my breaking point; I don't even want to think about what could have happened. I can never repay you for everything you have done for me over the years." Tawna is taken back when she feels Elie fly into her chest hugging tightly. Tawna wraps her arms around her best friend.
"Thanks, Tawna." Elie says pulling away.
"I should be thanking you." Tawna smiles, "You kept me together when everything around me was crumbling." Tawna says sincerely, she feels like she doesn't tell Elie enough how much she means to her.
"Even though sometimes I kept you together by tape," Elie giggles, reminding Tawna of the time when the Exceed fixed her leg with duct tape, making Tawna let out a laugh. As they continue their walk through the streets of Crocus.
"I will give you some advice though," Tawna smiles, "About Lily."
"What is it?" Elie asks curious.
"Just make sure you sit Happy down and tell him sooner rather than later. You don't want what happened between Natsu and I to happen to you guys." Tawna says, hoping she will.
"I was planning on it." Elie smiles, "I'm gonna have to get him a big fish, to butter him up with."
"Get Happy a big enough fish and he won't care who or what your dating." Tawna laughs knowing her brother's cat all too well. Tawna glances ahead on them and sees someone on the ground.
"Is that Lisanna?" Elie asks flying next to Tawna's head seeing the short white hair.
"No, I think it's Yukino," Tawna says as she hurries her pace along, as they get closer, she can tell something is wrong. Yukino had a rough loss today, and with Sabertooth who knows what happened.
"Yukino," Tawna shouts has her and Elie get closer.
"What's wrong?" Elie asks concerned as they come to a stop in front of the wizard. Yukino has an suitcase behind her and tears streaming down her face.
"What happened?" Tawna says kneeling in front of the Celestial Wizard. She wasn't the closest with Yukino, but she has always been nice to her, even lent her some clothes when she passed out and Sting brought her to their Guild hall.
"It's nothing," Yukino lies, but being a fellow bad liar, Tawna knows something is wrong.
"It doesn't look like nothing." Tawna says placing a hand on her shoulder, "You look like you have been through Hell." Tawna realizes that she caught a familiar scent, then looks to Yukino. "Was my brother just here?"
"Yeah," Yukino says wiping her cheeks followed by an explosion from down the street. Tawna looks up alarmed then back to Yukino knowing very well that was Natsu.
"Yukino, what happened?" She asks worried, "Please tell me." Tawna begs when more tears spill over the fellow wizard's cheeks.
"Sabertooth kicked me out," She cries, "I was humiliated, forced to strip and I had to remove my guild mark in front of everybody." Both Elie and Tawna looks horrified between each other when she catches more commotion from down the street.
"Yukino, please go talk to Master Makarov. Even if you don't want to join the guild, he will get you a place to stay for the night." She says holding Yukino's hands, "None of this should have happened to you, and if you need any help please come find me." Tawna say pulling the Wizard to her feet, "Did you tell my brother this?" She asks concerned and receives a nod from the former Sabertooth member. Tawn looks to Elie with wide eyes.
"We need to stop him!" Elie and Tawna shouts running towards the commotion leaving the celestial wizard behind. Tawna runs and wipes a few tears from her eyes. She can't believe Sabertooth would even go that low, just over a lost fight.
"There!" Tawna yells as they sharply turn a corner, causing her heels to skid across the cobblestones. "Its Saber's hotel!" She knows Natsu is in there.
"We need to hurry or all of Fairy Tail will be disqualified!" Elie shouts as Tawna slides to a stop in in front of the door. She doesn't hesitate and uses her right leg to kick open the door splintering and shattering the wood.
"Natsu!" Tawna shouts breaking in. her eyes widen seeing the destruction of the entrance. Stones cracked and busted from the ceiling.
"Katawna?" Natsu asked shocked seeing his sister bust down what was left of the door. Tawna stands with fists clenched, when she sees the sight in front of her. At this moment she could care less of what damage Natsu has caused, but she sees the Guild Master's Daughter holding Happy hostage.
"She has Happy!" Elie shouts scared for her brother.
"Nice for you to join us Katawna," Minerva smirks standing in front of her father.
"Tawna!" Happy cries with tears streaming down his face, "Help me!"
"Let him go, Minerva." Tawna spits standing next to her brother. She's never been a fan of her, she ruthless, but not in a good way.
"Awe, I thought you finally came to your senses and decided to leave those sorry misfits you call a Guild." She says stroking Happy's head. "I've heard you have actually become a contender in this year's games. I heard you almost killed you opponent in your fight. I find it quite impressive."
"I would never join a Guild like yours," Tawna growls, "Especially after what you did to Yukino." Tawna glares. Minerva smirks and strokes Happy's head once more, making him squirm in his bindings.
"Are you here to take your anger out too," She smirks, "We were just discussing this with your brother. We will overlook this little incident if you cooperate and resolve this peacefully."
"I'm only here to get my brother and Happy," Tawna snaps, "Now give me Happy." She demands. Tawna can see Natsu struggling to keep his cool, but she can see his shoulders relax slightly. Minerva smirks and drops Happy to the ground. The blue cat scrambles from his ropes and runs straight to Natsu.
"Natsu," Happy cries ad he runs into his arms crying. Natsu drops to his knees pulling the cat into a hug, as does Tawna and Elie.
"Are you okay?" Elie asks concerned from Tawna's shoulder. Happy cries into Natsu's chest as they stand. Tawna places a soft hand on the blue cat comforting him.
"They caught me off guard," Happy cries, "I'm sorry, Natsu." Happy cries apologizing for getting caught by Sabertooth.
"I should be sorry, I ran off without you," Natsu apologies.
"It's not your fault Happy," Tawna says petting his head.
"Well," Minerva says, "I guess it's settled; we can finish this fight in the games."
"And we won't go easy," Tawna snaps as her and Natsu turn to leave. "We are stronger than everyone thinks."
"We are on a whole other level," Natsu says turning slightly, "Cause a real Guild treats its members like family."
"Yeah," Tawna says holding Elie in her arms, keeping her close, "Let's go, Natsu." She says as the two Dragneels step through the now extremely busted door and out to the once again quiet night of Crocus. The walk in silence until they are much farther away the Sabertooth Guild when they stop, both setting their Exceeds on the stone ledges by the river.
"Are you okay little Buddy," Natsu asks checking over Happy once again.
"Yeah," He says sadly, "They just tied me up." He says defeated.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Elie says, "It could have happened to anybody."
"Yeah," Tawna says smiling softly, "Elie how about you take Happy to get a fish, and make sure he's okay." She says adding a wink.
"Com'on Happy," Elie smiles spreading her wings, "Let's go to the bar and get you a big fish." Happy looks up to Natsu who smiles, knowing a fish would cheer him up.
"Go on Little Buddy, I'll come get you in a bit." Natsu says putting a smile on his face.
"Aye Sir!" Happy smiles flying up next to Elie. Tawna watches as the two exceeds leave then glances to Natsu who looks back.
"What, are you gonna yell at me and say it was reckless?" He pouts leaning against the stone ledge. Tawna sighs and leans next to him.
"No," Tawna sighs, "It was stupid, but I don't blame you. Elie and I had found Yukino crying, then I heard and explosion, and I instantly knew it was you. The moment she told me, I wanted to kill them too." She says glancing to her brother, "I was just concerned that you were going to get yourself disqualified and kill someone."
"I just don't understand how a Guild can treat their members like that." Natsu sighs dropping his head slightly but raises it when he feels Tawna's hand on his shoulder.
"Sabertooth isn't like Fairy Tail," She explains, "They could care less about their members, they only care about strength and power." She sighs, "They hold competitions to get into their guild, and you have to beat out multiple wizards to even get in, and if you die doing it, they don't care."
"Disgusting," Natsu growls, "That's not how a guild is supposed to be like."
"I know, Bro." Tawna says releasing her hair from her hair tie. "But they all choose to join Sabertooth, they knew what they were signing up for, and they knew they weren't signing up for a family."
"It's nothing like Fairy Tail." Natsu says. Tawna can tell he's still struggling with the how Sabertooth handles situations, she can understand.
"Fairy Tail is it's own kind of special," Tawna smiles leaning against the stone next to her older brother, "We all maybe misfits, orphans, and runaways." She says making her brother chuckle, "But we all found a family in Fairy Tail, remember when Gramps found us?" she asks glancing to her brother smiling.
"I do, I don't think you remember much," He laughs elbowing her lightly.
"I don't think any other Guild Master would have taken in two kids he found in the forest. Especially offering medical treatment for one." She smiles, making Natsu smiles at the memory.
"If it wasn't for Gramps, I don't know what would have happened to you," Natsu states, "You were so sick, and I couldn't do anything for you. I can never forget the look on Gramp's face when I brought him to you. He was already offering to help me, but when I told him you were sick he didn't even hesitate to bring us to the guild."
"And because of that, we joined the Guild." Tawna smiles. She has always been thankful for Gramps and everything he has done for the two Dragneels. "I don't think there is anything I can do pay back Gramps for everything he has done for us."
"Maybe if we stop destroying everything," Natsu chuckles. He knows that him and Tawna could and still can get very destructive on missions. It has been a cause of many headaches.
"Trust me," Tawna laughs, "I don't think a day can go by that we don't break something. I even gave Macao headaches about it over the last seven years."
"I mean, look what we did to Sabertooth." Natsu chuckles, only to receive a playful glare from Tawna.
"We?" Tawna questions, "You mean, you. I only broke the door." Tawna laughs, causing Natsu to laugh with her.
"You know you would have done more damage." Natsu teases.
"Yes," Tawna nods, "If I would have gotten to Yukino the same time you did, you know I would have thrown a few punches." She grins, "But I can wait for the games. This is the third time I have almost gotten in a fight with Sabertooth in two days."
"Three?" Natsu questions making Tawna giggle once more. He knows of two incidents.
"This morning, Laxus and I almost got into it with Sting again." She explains, "I just hope I get a chance to punch any of those Saber-jerks in the face during the games."
"You and me both," Natsu agrees as they both look up to the stars.
"We should be getting back," Tawna sighs pushing herself to her feet, "It's getting late."
"You're right, I should go find Happy." Natsu says stretching his arms.
"Umm.." Tawna stutters, "fair warning, Happy may need a 'Natsu big brother how too' again." She grins nervously.
"Why?" Natsu asks confused.
"You're not the only one who has a little sister who is dating now." Tawna smirks placing her hands on her hips.
"Elie too!" Natsu shouts shocked holding his head, "I haven't even processed you! You guys are growing up too fast!" Natsu freaks making Tawna clutch her stomach laughing.
"Chill," Tawna laughs, "I know you loosing seven years doesn't help, but calm down." She says wiping a tear from her eye and catching her breath. "I wonder how Happy is taking it?"
"He probably passed out," Natsu states taking a deep breath. As the two begin walking back to the center of town, "He almost passed out when he learned about you." He says making Tawna chuckle as the two get ready to go their separate ways to their designated hotels.
"I'm sure Happy will be fine," Tawna smiles, "See ya tomorrow, Bro." Tawn waves about to head to her hotel.
"You're going down, Bugs!" Natsu says letting his competitive nature come out.
"Team B is gonna kick your ass," She smirks turning to leave, "Bye!" She shouts walking away from Natsu. He's always been competive, but being rivals in the games has almost made it worse.
She walks quietly through the streets, with only her heels making a sound against the stone ground. On here way she catches a glimpse of a certain calico and black exceeds sitting watching the river flow from a bridge. She can already tell Elie will be coming in late again tonight. It's nice to also see Elie happy, she has spent the last seven years taking care of Tawna, and sometimes I think she forgot what it's like to let loose a little. She guesses, both her and Elie had to learn how to let loose again. Luckily, they have such a crazy and rowdy bunch of friends and family who have made it easy.
Tawna falls in thought as she travels, she knows may still struggle with herself some days, and she has come to realize that it's okay. You can't heal from any type of trauma overnight. She still may fear losing her family again, and large clock towers still giver her flashbacks every-so-often; but she's learning to cope with everything. Something she didn't do well in the beginning, but it's something she's still working toward. She's working her way to being healed and accepting the past. Yeah, she will never get back that time she lost with her brother and all her friends and she will never get back her leg; but because of everything that happened, it put her where she is today. She has Natsu, and friends back, she has Laxus, and Elie, all who have helped her in so many ways. This may not have been where she thought she was gonna be at this time in her life, but she wouldn't change it for the world.
Tawna comes to Team B's hotel, she stayed out longer than she planned, but she got distracted, by Gray, Elie and Natsu. But she got to have some talks with each of them that was long overdue. Hurrying up the stairs, she pushes open the door to Laxus and her room quietly hoping to sneak in. Closing the door behind her she's met with Laxus walking out of the restroom with a towel setting low on his hips and hair damp falling on his forehead.
"You were out late," He says leaning against the wall crossing his arms.
"Maybe I need to come in late every night, if I get to come back to this sight," She smirks removing her heels and walking in front of her large stature boyfriend.
"Where's Elie?" Laxus asks placing a hand on Tawna's waist and moving her pink hair from her face.
"Oh, she's with Lily," Tawna says wrapping her arms around his waist, "Lily asked me permission to date Elie. It was really sweet." She says smiling.
"Lily seems like the more traditional type," Laxus replies making Tawna nod in agreement, "Not much like myself."
"That's what I love," Tawna grins removing her sleeves and vest, "cause I'm not traditional either. I think Elie said it best, we rather ask for forgiveness rather than permission."
"That's the definition of Katawna Dragneel," Laxus smirks lifting Tawna up with his arms under her bum, making her eye level. "You have never been the one to ask permission for anything."
"What's the fun in that?" Tawna laughs, "It's a waste of time to ask permission, when I'm just going to do it anyways." She says placing her hands on his shoulders and wraps her legs around his waist. "And you're one to talk." She smirks. Laxus rolls his eyes, he was known as the guild jerk growing up. So, it went along with the title.
"Yeah, yeah," Laxus groans slightly, Tawna still gives him a hard time about his rebellious days. "So, were you part of that explosion I heard earlier?" He asks raising an eyebrow.
"Well," Tawna says innocently, "Not exactly, it was Natsu. But…" She says running a hand through her hair. "I would have been if Natsu didn't get there first." She smiles.
"What did he do now?" Laxus asks slightly annoyed, walking over to the bed and setting down with Tawna on his lap.
"It was Sabertooth," Tawna huffs, "I would have thrown some punches too, for what they did to Yukino, but Natsu had already thrown enough punches for both of us. I just went there to go get him. I better get to fight one of those Saber Brats." She says getting fired up.
"This is the third time you have almost thrown hands with them. Two of those times was today." Laxus smirks. You can tell she's really feeling better after this morning, she's tried now twice to fight Sabertooth, and she started a fight in the guild. "But you need to save that energy for the games." He says placing a hand on her right leg.
"I am… Hey!" Tawna says shocked hearing the familiar clicking noise from her leg. She looks to her scarred leg then back to Laxus, who tosses her matte black leg to the floor smirking. "When did you learn how to do that?" She asks amazed. No one but herself has ever disconnected her leg before. She's only met by his mischievous smirk.
"You don't need to know all my secrets," Laxus replies.
"I swear," Tawna smirks shoving him back against the bed, "You keep surprising me every day."
"So do you," Laxus says softly, stroking a piece of pink hair and tucking it behind her ear, taking Tawna by slight surprise, it's rare for Laxus to have that tone of voice.
"Awe, you're so sweet," Tawna smiles, "But you need to be taught not to take off a girl's leg without permission." She says playfully hitting his chest, causing Laxus to let out a deep laugh. He knows very well that she is no where near mad, as he rolls her onto the bed.
"You like it," He smirks kissing her.
"Jerk," She smirks playfully before she kisses him back.
It's been a long night for the Water Dragon Slayer, but I has been one of her favorites, and she's even more ready for tomorrow is going to bring for her and her family.
A/N- Sorry I didn't get to the games in this chapter, but I had fun writing this one. Didn't really know how to end this one, but I tried my best. It was a nice break from writing the games. I hope you all enjoy it. I love you and everyone stay safe. I just moved across the country, so I have finally found some time to write.