➵

Sitting in his office, after receiving news that Dealana was in the trusted hands of Porlyusica, he finally opened the letter from Cress' Chief.

Oi, Makarov,

One of your children, Dealana Ka'ino, has powerful magic that is more affected by her emotions than you realized. I'll understand if you're hesitant, but I'd like to offer my guidance. The Storm Talon Tribe tends to specialize in Tempest Magic, which is by far the closest we'll get to Storm Dragon Slayer Magic in this time. For Dealana, control is crucial or storms will forever follow her, hence why I'm taking time out of my day to write this dumb note. Don't mistake this offer for opening our doors to outsiders, I'm not doing any favors to my reputation as Tribe Chief by offering this. My weakness will always be mages who've lost their way. I'll leave you with an additional note for Dealana if you choose to give her my offer. Tell the Magic Council or anyone of our whereabouts, you won't see me coming until it's too late.

Never Retiring,

Ruby Aravind

Fairy Tail's Master could only sigh in response. Some things never change, Ruby's perpetual habit of informality on the verge of mocking was one of them. Makarov had only had a few interactions with the Storm Talon Tribe when Ruby had strong, strong words for him about one of his guild members nearly destroying their camp thinking the Tribe were bandits. It had been dumb luck that a young, impulsive Natsu stumbled upon their current location, but Natsu learned his lesson, having no time to even try and eat the harsh white flames Ruby threw at him.

The letter addressed for Dealana rested, folded in his coat pocket as his guild was stressing over something seemingly important; Wendy's first big job.

➵

"I'm sure everyone who's been out on jobs for awhile will be surprised when they get back," Reedus told Wendy after Lucy began chasing Happy around the guild hall. The blonde didn't like Happy's snarky comments towards her but Dealana would be sure to buy him some fish later. "You might be the youngest new recruit we've had."

"I don't really count since Gramps mainly let me in so I wouldn't run off somewhere else and starve," Dealana told the somewhat sheepish Wendy.

"Oh, yeah," Warren agreed with the Picto Mage, "What'll Gildarts say?" He wondered. Dealana thought about that too. She wasn't particularly close with the S-Class Mage as he spent more time with Natsu while Dealana practically clung to Laxus and the newly forming Thunder Legion.

"I haven't heard that name in ages," Max commented.

"And nobody's heard from him in a long time either," Gray agreed. "He's been on that same job for how many years now?"

"I dunno, like three maybe?" Natsu guessed.

"I wouldn't worry 'bout him," Max told them. "Don't forget who you're talking about. I mean, it's Gildarts for crying out loud!"

"He's fine," Warren assured. "That guy can handle anything."

"Except a crying little girl," Dealana pointed out with shrug.

"I think you nearly short-circuited every lacrima light we had," Warren remembered while Wendy looked confused. She wasn't sure what they were talking about, perhaps an incident that Dealana had with Gildarts?

"But that was like a few years before he left on his current job," Dealana realized. "Things have probably changed, who knows, maybe he won't be creepy when trying to comfort crying children."

Mira soon came over snapping Wendy out of her confusion by informing her that there was a job that seemed perfect for the Sky Dragon Slayer. "This poor wizard is in dire need of a wizard who can soothe his heart. It doesn't pay a lot, but it does involve some travel, which would be good experience." The white-haired beauty summarized.

Dealana smiled as Wendy's brown eyes lit up in excitement. This would be her first big job. Dealana had no doubt that Wendy was ready for it. She had traveled to Magnolia when she was with Cait Shelter before, so this wouldn't be difficult for her.

"Where is it anyway?" Gray asked. "All the way over in Onibas?"

"What are they asking for?" Natsu asked, now curious about the potential job.

"Ah, well, it says 'Thank you very much,' "Wendy read causing Gray, Natsu and Lucy who ran past to freak out. Dealana quirked an eyebrow at Natsu's sudden panic while Wendy continued reading. "'It's hopeless, I'm doomed, why? Because again and again I'm left out in the cold. My actors desert me and my art is kept hidden from the world. The toll on my psyche is enormous. Thank you very much. Signed Rabian.'"

"That name sounds really familiar," Happy pointed out.

"He's the crazy little guy that runs the theatre," Gray snapped. Dealana frowned, she hadn't been able to see the plays Team Natsu put on, which was disappointing for her. Carla was telling Wendy how she didn't think the girl should take the job nor was Wendy ready. Wendy disagreed and claimed she would be going alone before Makarov decided that Happy and Freed would accompany her.

Pretty soon, the most random team was ready to set out on Wendy's job. Dealana gave Wendy a hug goodbye and exchanged one of the three sky blue bracelets she now wore on her wrist to represent the Thunder Legion with Freed's bracelet that he kept as a keychain on his sword. While Dealana's bracelet was the color of her hair with a small cloud charm, the one she made to represent Freed was the same light green as his hair with charm of a rune spelling sword.

"I know it's a small job, but it's a thing that happens," Dealana told him as she wrapped the green bracelet around her wrist.

"I know how much it means to you, Dealana," Freed told her. "And I promise to come back to switch back." Dealana gave him a grin and mock salute before walking back to the others.

Dealana was still not ready to use her magic, which meant she couldn't float on clouds. Most people thought that she would finally use a chair for once but sweat-dropped when she sat either on the table or on the floor. Stubborn was putting it lightly. She also still had bandages around her torso but they weren't really doing much aside from giving her an early start on a Halloween costume. One thing Dealana now almost always wore were Laxus' headphones around her neck.

"Try to be careful out there, you guys," Gray told them.

"Hey, Freed," Cana called to the green-haired mage. "You better not let anything happen to our girl, you hear me?"

"I swear on my honor," Freed nodded. "I will keep her safe."

"If he doesn't Cana and I will tag team him," Dealana remarked sharing a high-five with said brunette.

"Should we really let her go like this?" Lucy asked worriedly.

"I don't think there's anything for us to worry about as long as Freed stays by her side," Reedus replied.

"But he's so weird and rigid," Cana muttered. "Not to mention aloof. Seriously, I can't read that guy at all."

"Nah, don't worry about them," Dealana waved away their concerns as she rested her hands behind her head watching them leave. "Wendy's more than capable on her own and Freed, while rigid, yes, he's a good person for this kind of thing."

"What do you mean?" Lucy wondered.

"I mean how it's a learning experience for Wendy so he won't get involved unless necessary or she asks for help," Dealana elaborated. "He did the same kind of thing with me, and Wendy isn't nearly as reckless as I was so it'll be fine."

"Speaking of you and being reckless," Makarov began causing Dealana to frown wondering if she'd done something since the Daphne incident. She couldn't think of anything...Natsu and Happy had been the ones to uproot the prized cherry tree so she was all clear, right? "I have a letter from someone for you." Makarov announced holding out the letter.

Dealana looked at it skeptically before finally taking it and unfolding it while Reedus, Cana and the others went back inside.

Dealana Ka'ino

You don't know me personally, but you know someone I consider to be like my own grandchild, Cress Roselyn. I understand you have done a job for her in the past and recently had a loss of control in your magic. I want to help you regain control. The Storm Talon Tribe specializes in Tempest Magic, which is the closest to your magical range that you'll get in this day and age. If you're up to the challenge, I'll leave you our next location or some form of communication.

Perpetually Grumpy,

Ruby Aravind

Dealana snorted upon reading the signing off portion before she reread the information and looked to Makarov. Was she ready to try using magic so soon after what happened? She doubted Gramps would give her this offer if she wasn't. Doubts plagued her mind before she finally asked. "You think I should do it?"

"Child, I don't like seeing you in pain," Makarov told her. "Having to see and hear any of my children in pain brings me great sorrow, and I want to protect my children no matter what. But I also want to watch them grow. I believe that you're ready to start the magic part of your recovery, but don't push yourself in the beginning. The final decision is yours to make." Dealana watched as the old man retreated back inside the guild hall, leaving Dealana to stare back at the letter.

She knew what she was going to do.

After grabbing her to-go bag, which was a worn satchel with a magic enchantment to make it larger on the inside than it was on the outside, Dealana headed back to the guild to let Makarov know where she'd be going.

"Gramps! I'm going to take the grumpy lady's offer," Dealana told him, adjusting the strap of her bag. "I don't know how long I'll be gone though."

Makarov nodded. "Very well, I wish you good luck then."

"Hold on, where is she going?" Natsu questioned Makarov looking at the sky-blunette. Natsu always saw Dealana as a little girl whenever she wasn't floating eye-level on a cloud. When standing on her own two feet she was an inch shorter than Wendy and technically the shortest in the guild. It was a weird thing with Natsu, but so were a lot of things.

"I've been challenged by a grumpy lady, who wants to help me get better control over my magic," Dealana revealed.

"You're going alone?" Warren questioned. "Didn't we just have this conversation with Wendy?"

"But Dealana is more skilled in magic than Wendy," Max pointed out.

"Magic that she hasn't been able to use," Cana countered. "Plus, she's younger than Wendy."

"By a month..." Dealana muttered to herself, she looked back to Makarov. "So, Gramps, what's the new verdict?"

"Hmm..." Makarov hummed. "Well I can't play favorites, now can I? Someone will have to go with you I suppose, at least until you've met up with Chief Ruby." Dealana turned back to the others with a raised eyebrow.

"Alright," She sighed. "Who's not busy?"

"I'll go with you, Dealana," Cana sighed standing from the table. "It's only a drop off, right?"

"Like a child to daycare," The Storm Dragon Slayer grinned. Cana snorted in response, grabbing a few more bottles of alcohol on their way out.

➵

As Dealana and Cana were walking, they talked about the strangest of topics and a few serious ones like casual conversation. The location Ruby gave was somewhat vague; halfway to Malva until the Thunderbird cries. Of course, Dealana didn't tell that directly to Cana, only revealing to the brunette that they were going to an area near Malva.

Upon hearing the destination was close to Malva, Cana grew excited. The beautiful brunette was happy to drop Dealana off with Ruby while she went to the Bittercress Rose for a few drinks.

"So, Dealana, have you ever considered what kind of guy you'd want in the future?"

"Cana, I'm twelve," Dealana reminded her before noticing the rosy hue of the card-mage's cheeks signifying that she was a bit tipsy.

"Aw, come on, it's just a question," Cana countered with a snort. Dealana sighed. She was only a child with more maturity than she should possess, but she never thought about the prospect of future romance. It didn't exactly appeal to her at the moment.

Dealana thought about it for a moment before giving Cana her answer. "If I were to like someone, it would be someone who doesn't die when Laxus finds out," She finished with a nod, satisfied with her own answer.

"So, no one then?" Cana speculated. Dealana nodded again with a slight smirk.

All of a sudden, the shrill cry of a bird overhead caught their attention. Cana and Dealana looked up and their lips parted in awe as a brilliant gray hawk passed overhead with a long feathery tail that seemed to have small bursts of lightning trailing after it. It suddenly swooped down before landing on a branch, its electric blue eyes seeming to gaze intently at Dealana.

"I guess this is my stop then," Dealana blinked. Cana looked to the girl like she was crazy.

"What? We're only halfway to Malva!"

"The letter said to go halfway to Malva until the Thunderbird cries," Dealana shrugged. "You can go on ahead or go back to the guild."

"I'm not leaving a child with a bird!" Cana shouted drunkenly.

"The bird is not alone," Both girls whirled around back to the bird only to find that it was now perched comfortably on an elderly woman's head. She had silver hair, tied in a windswept bun and her clothes were that of tribal design, much like the style of clothing the Cait Shelter Guild. Her deep red eyed looked to Dealana with slight surprise. "You must be Dealana, I heard you had heterochromia, but I never expected them to be so captivating. I'm Chief Ruby." She introduced.

Dealana studied the woman for a moment. She had an air of wisdom and caring around her that reminded the Dragon Slayer of Makarov in a way. She also had a wicked bird on her head, which sealed the deal for Dealana. "It's nice to meet you,"

"Are you sure about this, Dealana?" Cana asked in a mildly hushed tone. "She seems a bit...odd."

"I'll be fine, Cana," Dealana assured her.

Cana narrowed her violet gaze at the strange lady before shrugging and walking off with a small wave.

"Alright, I'm going to get a drink! Don't die!"

➵

Ruby brought Dealana to a clearing. But what was odd was that Ruby still had the bird on her head and the clearing looked like a storm passed through it. Dealana knew what a storm passing through looked like. It made her nervous, she knew she wasn't the one to cause this particular damage, but what she might do in the process of trying to regain control scared her. Her eyes scanned the damage before trying to mask her rising anxiety.

"What exactly am I going to have to do?" She asked the older woman. Ruby turned to face her with calculating eyes before Dealana could've sworn she saw mischief sparkle somewhere in the ruby color.

"Well, first we have to wait for Makani to get his lazy butt out here," Ruby informed her. Dealana raised an eyebrow. She wanted to know who this Makani was.

Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long.

Into the clearing walked an older man, maybe a little older than Macao and Wakaba with wind-swept brown hair and deep maroon eyes. He wore a loose pale blue tunic and brown vest that reminded Dealana of Natsu's black one, as well as loose dark pants. One thing Dealana noticed was that he didn't wear shoes.

"I hope you weren't waiting long," He spoke up, scratching the back of his neck.

"We shouldn't have had to wait at all," Chief Ruby scolded before she turned to Dealana and brought with it, Makani's attention. "This is Dealana Ka'ino from Fairy Tail. Dealana, this is Makani Roselyn, he's my right hand and tends to take care of things while I'm gone." She explained before Dealana paused and raised her eyebrow yet again.

"If both of your are here," She began, and a subtle panic began to set in with the two adults. "then who's in charge now?" Neither of them spoke for a moment, only a few shared questioning glances between the two.

"Gah, they'll be fine!" Chief Ruby broke the silence with a wave of her hand. Her expression turned serious as she looked to Dealana again. "Are you ready to begin the trial?"

Dealana furrowed her brows, confused as to what she meant. She hadn't said really anything about a trial. Her letter used the word 'challenge' but Dealana hadn't really thought about it as a serious thing. She was beginning to think she should have.

"What trial?" The Storm Dragon Slayer asked. Makani seemed to be more interested in his surroundings than he was the question being asked. "I'm still trying to figure out if you lured me out here to kill me or not."

At this Chief Ruby sweat-dropped. "We aren't going to kill you, child. What paranoid thoughts has Makarov engrained in your puny head?"

"It wasn't Gramps, more like all the trouble we seem to find ourselves in," Dealana shrugged. She felt a little out of place in the clearing, not to mention her nervousness was only growing. It was noticeable to her in the slight temperature drop that she could no longer properly control. As this happened, Makani seemed to notice the change and had a thoughtful frown on his face as he glanced briefly at Dealana.

"Before we begin the trial," He spoke up, catching the attention of both females. "I think you'll need to understand a bit more about Tempest Magic, at least, it's origin." Makani raised his hand and a teal magic circle momentarily flashed before Dealana's lips parted in surprise.

He had conjured clouds.

Chief Ruby laughed at Dealana's expression, while Makani smiled kindly in her direction saying, "What? Did you think you were the only one to prefer sitting on clouds? Pick a seat and let me tell you the story of our tribe's sacred animal; the Thunderbird." Dealana put her hand on the cloud to test it before she grinned and jumped on top.

Something was going to change about her, and honestly, Dealana was ready.

➵

This chapter is longer than normal and I barely got through half of what I planned to cover. But this means I'll get to go more in depth with creating my own lore and Dealana's trial. Yes, I did say "trial" and I hope you are just as excited as I am!

If you haven't already, check out Tornado of Roses it has a fell more vague details about the Storm Talon Tribe and it's about Cress' adventures with Laxus!