I stood before the large, collapsed beast; my body battered, bruised, covered in dust, sweat and dirt. I stood with a sturdy stance until my legs finally gave way and I fell to my knees. The breeze blew my long, midnight black hair to the side of me with the yellow ombre in my hair glowing from the sunlight. My fiery orange eyes stared intensely at the mammoth laying motionless in front of me; sheer accomplishment that I managed to conquer such a fiend could be seen in my glistening eyes. Realisation finally hit me, I had just finished my last ever job request with my guild- Howling Dragons.

"I am beat. This job was definitely a tough one but, I fought a worthy battle and came out on top, thank goodness." I said to myself with relief, breathing heavily after the intense exercise.

I swept my bangs away from my eyes and gathered my hair in my hands into a ponytail, tying it with a black hair band. I moved my legs so I was sat cross legged on the torn up ground, looking at the beast I had just annihilated.

"Man that was tough." I muttered to myself.

"I'll say. That was so awesome Akari!" I heard a young lady say excitedly.

My name is Akari Ryu, 19 years old and a proud member of the Howling Dragons guild based in Shirotsume town, in the Kingdom of Fiore.

I turned my head to look over my shoulder, my friend was running towards me. Kasumi Sasaki, 16 years old. Kasumi is also a member of Howling Dragons and has been a very close friend of mine for years, pretty much since I first joined the guild. Her pixie haircut with her long bangs brushed to the right side of her face is baby blue in colour with her eyes being as deep blue as the ocean. She wears a white, off the shoulder, lace decorated, skater dress, a pair of black leggings, a pair of pastel blue, high heel, ankle boots and a dark blue, long jacket.

Kasumi crouched down next to me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders.

"That was amazing what you did." Kasumi said with a smile.

"Thanks I guess. I mustn't forget you though, I couldn't have done it without you." I praised Kasumi.

"I didn't do anything really." Kasumi said modestly.

"You were healing me through the whole battle though, it's a huge help." I said gratefully.

"Thanks. We make a really good team; you, me, and Pika." Kasumi said excitedly.

"Speaking of, where is Pika?" I asked whilst looking around the area covered in rubble.

"Don't worry I was taking care of her." Kasumi smiled as she took Pika out of her jacket pocket.

Pika is my best friend and my pet cat (or Exceed if you want to be technical). She is yellow in colour and always wears a Pikachu costume, hence why she is called Pika.

Kasumi handed Pika over to me and I cuddled her tightly before putting her down on the ground.

I got up off the ground and strolled through the town with Kasumi and Pika to collect the reward money and go to the train station to travel back to the Howling Dragons guild hall. I had some news for Kasumi and the rest of the guild, and as much as I was excited about my future as a mage, I still felt guilty inside about wanting to leave the guild, I felt like I should always be there for them forever, on the other hand, I also felt like it was the perfect time to move on with my journey as a wizard.

The three of us sat down on the train and reflected back on our really busy day. I managed to get a wash and change of clothes at a local B&B (Bed and Breakfast) before leaving the town. I changed into my everyday outfit consisting of a pair of yellow boots, a pair of black leather leggings, a black vest top, and a loose, off the shoulder, yellow, knitted jumper. My hair was taken out of its temporary ponytail and left in its natural state.

"I can't actually believe it, we managed to get ourselves 60,000 jewel. That's 30,000 jewel each! I think this is the most we've ever earned for a job." Kasumi said excitedly.

"Yeah." I said with a saddened smile and continued looking out of the train window.

"What's up Akari? Something's bothering you. Is it your motion sickness kicking in again?" Kasumi asked with concern.

"You're partially right. My motion sickness is making me feel quite awful inside but, that's not what's truly bothering me." I sighed sadly.

"You can tell me. We're a team remember?" Kasumi reassured.

"I know, it's just that we won't be a team for much longer." I said sorrowfully, my eyes tearing up with memories of the good old days and emotion.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Kasumi asked with confusion.

"Kasumi, we've known each other for seven years and I've loved spending every moment with you, but..." I said, chocked up by my oncoming news.

"But what?" Kasumi muttered.

"But my time with Howling Dragons is at an end. The job request we went on was our last together." I said softly, my voice breaking up with sadness.

"You're not making any sense. Where are you going? Is something going on?" Kasumi asked frantically.

"Please just let me explain. I love our guild, I mean that's practically where I was raised but, over the last few months I have discovered new strengths in my magic, it's becoming more powerful. I mean I'm not S-Class quality like in some of the guilds, I know, they're legends anyway but, the guild isn't challenging enough for me anymore and I feel like I need a change of scenery and a more challenging guild." I explained.

"I understand where you are coming from Akari but, Howling Dragons are family, we are family. You really just want to leave us behind?" Kasumi questioned sadly.

"Kasumi. Even if I leave Howling Dragons, it will still be my family. I won't ever forget it, or you. I need to venture further and develop my magic, I think finding a stronger guild will allow me to do that, maybe some day I could become S-Class although, I think it's unlikely though." I giggled to try and lighten the mood on the train.

I looked at Kasumi with melancholy eyes and saw Kasumi with her head hung low, tears could be seen hitting the table, forming small puddles filled with despondence. I could feel in my heart what Kasumi was feeling, we are almost linked in a way due to our close relationship, all I could feel at that moment was a deep stabbing pain in my heart, the guilt kept rolling over me like waves and deep down I just felt awful about the whole situation, but I also had a feeling that what I was doing was the right thing.

"You will make S-Class someday, I'm sure of it." Kasumi looked up at me with a genuine smile but, her eyes were still overflowing with tears.

"Kasumi." I sighed and stretched over the table to give her a comforting hug.

"So, you've made your mind up then." Kasumi said softly, I could tell she still had some hope deep down that I would reconsider, but she had already started preparing herself for the probable scenario.

"I'm afraid so." I said sorrowfully, Kasumi doesn't deserve me as a friend, I couldn't even stand by her like I promised.

"Then I support you all the way." Kasumi whispered sadly in my ear as we were still hugging. She was still hurting deep down but, she realised that she had to let go so I could fulfil my full potential and live my dream of becoming a stronger wizard. There's no doubt that Kasumi is a strong-hearted wizard and an amazing friend, she will be a strong asset to the guild after I have left.

"Thank you." I muttered as I felt warm tears running down my cheeks.

The sadness in the air was broken as Pika jumped on Kasumi's head and hugged her. We all laughed about it and tried to remain positive through this tough, emotional period.

"I'm really going to miss you too Pika." Kasumi smiled.

Everyone sat back down and I grasped Kasumi's hands on the table.

"Listen. I want you to take all the reward money okay." I insisted.

"No, I won't do that." Kasumi denied.

"Please. I want you to have it, I have more than enough to get by, and I think you deserve it. Just take it as a final request from me." I declared, not taking no for an answer.

"Only because it's your final wish." Kasumi said as she took the jewel from my bruised hands.

Most of the train journey was melancholy because of the news I announced, as well as my annoying weakness of motion sickness, however, another question cropped up later, one that I didn't really think about much, one that I didn't take into consideration yet.

"So where will you be going then once you leave? Have you found another guild you want to join?" Kasumi asked.

"No I haven't. I thought I would just travel and see where I'd end up, however, I have heard that Magnolia is a nice place." I explained.

"You're not wrong there, I think Magnolia is one of the nicest places in Fiore, so you wouldn't be making a bad decision by going there. Actually, if you ever came across the Fairy Tail guild on your travels then that would be awesome. They have quite a big reputation in Sorcerer Weekly magazine, not to mention the guys in that guild, Gray Fullbuster is so hot." Kasumi said with her face glowing red from excitement and slight embarrassment.

"Oh my goodness Kasumi, I know you say Gray is hot and all and go on about him but, I thought you had a thing for Swift." I giggled.

"Well, they are similar in appearance, I would pick Swift over Gray any day but, I don't think Swift feels the same way." Kasumi said dejectedly.

"Haven't you spoken to him? Asked him how he feels about you?" I asked with curiosity.

"I've been too nervous to, I'm worried about what he will say." Kasumi explained.

"Don't worry about it, when you two get some time to yourselves then announce how you feel about him, he will never know otherwise." I advised.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that." Kasumi thought.

"Fairy Tail does seem like the perfect guild to join, although I'd imagine that not any old person can just walk in." I said, imagining what it would be like to join the famous guild.

"I'm sure you could, you're strong enough." Kasumi complimented.

"Well, not compared to those guys." I said, admiring the strong wizards of the guild that I had read so much about.

"Wherever we go, as long as it has fish I'll be happy." Pika added.

"I'm sure it will." I laughed with Kasumi and Pika.

We reached the train station at Shirotsume Town and I dropped to my hands and knees as soon as I got off the train.

"Miss, are you alright?" The train conductor asked me as he bent over to check if I was alright.

"She's fine, well kind of. She suffers from motion sickness." Kasumi explained, whispering to the concerned man.

"Oh right. Do we need to be quiet around her?" The conductor whispered back, wondering why Kasumi was whispering.

"Oh no. You see my friend here is a strong wizard and she isn't fond of people knowing about her weakness because, it's embarrassing, I'm merely whispering for her sake." Kasumi continued to explain.

"Oh I see, I'll leave you to it then." The conductor said quietly as he walked back to the train.

Kasumi crouched down next to me and rubbed my back to comfort me.

"Are you alright?" Kasumi asked.

"What kind of question is that?" I replied weakly, I was annoyed at Kasumi but, I knew that I shouldn't be harsh as she was only trying to help, furthermore, I was too ill to pick a fight.

"I'm sorry." Kasumi apologised.

"It's fine. Have you got any support magic that will help?" I asked, my stomach still spinning and churning.

"Not since the last time you asked. Sorry." Kasumi said helplessly.

"Okay. Pika will have to fly me back." I said whilst my stomach was refluxing, causing me to think I was going to throw up.

"Right." Pika agreed.

Pika grabbed the back of my jumper and began to elevate with me hanging below her and flew with me beside Kasumi who was walking to the guild.

My stomach was fluttering rapidly and I was feeling nauseous, the journey on the train didn't help but, I think it's also because I'm worried about what my Guild Master is going to say, no one knows about my intentions of leaving the guild apart from Pika and Kasumi, who I had only just told.

Me, Kasumi and Pika stopped outside the guild hall and Pika lowered me back on to the ground, my motion sickness had practically cleared up so I was feeling better but, still incredibly nervous. We climbed the steps leading to the main doors of the guild hall and I took a deep breath before opening the door. We were greeted by everyone cheering and raising their tankards full of beer to us, I could see drops of beer flying out of the tankards and the white cloudy froth trickling over the sides.

"Surprise Akari!" Everyone yelled.

"What the hell? You are all pissed at this hour? This is a surprise." I giggled with everyone else.

I was grabbed suddenly by one of the other guild members called Swift. He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me into him.

As you may recall, I mentioned Swift earlier as Kasumi has feelings for him. Swift is another close friend of mine in Howling Dragons, he was actually the first member of the guild to talk to me and become friends with me when I joined. Swift has black hair and wears a black, leather jacket with a white t-shirt, a pair of black, slim trousers and a pair of white and gold high top trainers. Me, Swift, Kasumi and Pika go on job requests frequently together and have done for a few years now. Swift didn't join us on this occasion because, he was requested to help another guild member on a quest. He is a very experienced and caring wizard and is probably on par with me, making him one of the top wizards in the guild.

I tried to unhook myself from Swift's grasp but, he only held on tighter to me, putting his arm around me and squeezing me into him. He lifted up his tankard suddenly, causing more beer to spill out, I only just managed to dodge the falling droplets.

"Akari's back guys!" Swift shouted.

"How much have you had to drink?" I asked whilst laughing.

"Not enough!" Swift chuckled.

"Okay. Well I'm just going to see Master now since I have business to attend to, plus I don't really want to be soaked in booze." I giggled awkwardly whilst wriggling out of his grasp.

"Aw, you're no fun." Swift chuckled as he continued to chug his drink back.

I saw Master Chikao sat at the bar at the other side of the room so I walked up to the grey haired man wearing his purple guild cloak with our white guild logo of a roaring dragon printed on.

"Hey Master." I said politely.

"Akari. I'm so glad to see you. How did the job go? From my understanding it was a big one." Master smiled.

"Yeah, it was good. Tough, but good. Listen I have something important I need to tell you." I said.

"I'm sure it can wait, come and have a drink." Master said joyfully.

"How come everyone is partying so much? It's just gone midday and everyone is already acting jolly from the booze." I asked.

"I'm surprised you have forgotten young one. Why, it was seven years today when you joined Howling Dragons." Master smiled.

Dread spread across my face and I could feel my heart in my throat. How could I have forgotten? I bet that's partially why Kasumi was as sad as she was, the day I was going to leave was the day of the seventh anniversary when I arrived. This is bad. I guess I could leave tomorrow but, I'm ready to leave now, I already stated my intentions and want to leave with little fuss. What do I do?

"I completely forgot. Silly me." I giggled nervously, trying to keep my tears from spilling out.

"You don't seem overly excited about it. Is there something wrong?" Master asked.

"Well..." I said anxiously.

"What is it Akari?" Master questioned.

"Master, I know that now doesn't seem like the right time, I didn't realise that today was special but, I have to say it." I said sadly.

"Let me guess. You want to leave the guild don't you?" Master finished my sentence.

How? How did he know? Was I too obvious? I know that I implied my intention before I actually said it, but I could've said anything. No one had a clue about my plans, and I made sure it stayed that way. So how did he find out?

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Young lady, you don't get to Guild Master position without knowing a few things and with minimal life experience. I'm a very old man but, with age comes wisdom. I could see a couple of months ago that you weren't entirely happy, that something was troubling you but, you put on a positive face for everyone and continued living your life because, that's the young lady that you have become. You didn't want to let anyone down, and I greatly admire that." Master explained.

"It's not that I don't love the guild because, I do. Howling Dragons is my family but, I want to spread my wings, I want to challenge myself." I explained.

"I understand that Akari. With the strength you have, well you would certainly live up to the Howling Dragons name, go beyond that even but, I know that our guild isn't powerful enough to support you, we are trying to build it up, make it stronger, but it takes time. You are growing quicker than the guild, you need to find a guild that will challenge you and give you the training you need but, I do want to thank you for dedicating yourself to this guild, it wouldn't be what it is today without you." Master expressed his gratitude.

"No, it was all you Master. Even when I leave, this will still be my family but, my family is expanding. I won't ever forget you though." I said tearfully.

"Now now, no need to cry. This is a new era for you Akari. Live it to the fullest. Make sure when you come back here in the future that you are a howling dragon with your wings spread wide..."

"...riding the wind." I finished Master's sentence with tears filling up in my eyes.

"Atta' girl. I'm proud of you. Let's celebrate your legacy with the guild shall we?" Master smiled.

"Go on then." I giggled whilst wiping my eyes.

Master grabbed his staff and walked with me by his side to the front of the guild to make an announcement.

"Excuse me everyone! Please could I have your attention. As we all know, it is Akari's 7th year with us here at Howling Dragons." Master declared.

Everyone began cheering again and clunking their tankards together.

"However, Akari has something she would like to share with all of us." Master continued.

I stood in Master's place and looked at everyone in my guild nervously. I really felt sick now, how are they going to react? Their beaming faces hit my heart hard and made me feel sadder but, I had to do this.

"Hey. So I just finished a job request as you all know but, that job request was my last one with Howling Dragons." I explained nervously.

I could see the smiles starting to fade and everyone started talking among each other. My friends were confused, just like Kasumi was. What I just said is obvious but, it was unexpected and everyone was slowly going through the shock process, my words didn't sink in yet.

"What I'm trying to say is that today is my last day at Howling Dragons. I love every single one of you and I'm heartbroken that I'm leaving but, I'm venturing into a wider world and expanding my magic power. I won't forget any of you and I will keep in touch I promise." I explained whilst trying to hold back my tears.

I could hear everyone discussing my announcement and there was definitely differences in opinion, some were happy for me, others were really sad, and a couple were angry and thought I was betraying the guild. I just wanted to run away.

"So you are just going to leave because we are not good enough for you?!" Someone shouted angrily.

I stared disconcertingly at everyone arguing and sat down with my head hung low and tears forming in my eyes, I knew something like this was going to happen but, then again I understand why they are angry, I don't blame them. I was torn up inside and I didn't know how to handle the situation, anything I said would just add more fuel to the fire. In the midst of it all, someone paced towards me and placed their hands on my shoulders, crouching so they were eye level with me. I looked up and saw that it was Swift.

"Hey, don't cry. I will sort this. I understand your situation and will support you all the way." Swift said softly to me and wrapped his arms around me.

I wrapped my arms around him and let my tears go. I couldn't hold it in any longer, the pain was too deep. All this time I switched between should I stay or should I go but, I knew what I wanted, I just didn't want to let anyone down. I wiped the tears from my eyes and sniffed as Swift released me and smiled sympathetically.

"Thanks Swift." I smiled.

Swift used his speed magic to grab everyone's attention by turning them to the front of the hall and then stood on the bar table so everyone could see him.

"What are you doing Swift?" Someone asked, confused.

"Friends, I understand that you are all upset because Akari is leaving, there is nothing wrong with that because, it shows how much you care but, for those of you who are getting angry, just don't." Swift said calmly.

"She's leaving us to join a better guild." Someone shouted out.

"And so what? Akari is a privilege to our guild, not a right. She's one of our best mages, we can't hold her back. We're a family aren't we? Well let's support her decision like any family would." Swift persuaded.

Everyone was talking about what Swift said and changed their minds about me leaving.

"Let's hear it for Akari and give her the send off she deserves!" Someone shouted.

I looked up at everyone and saw the mood change suddenly. The fear and sickness started leaving my body and I turned to look at Swift as he climbed off the table. I smiled at Swift and he winked at me as a reply, he was happy that he could help me and I really appreciated it.

"How am I friends with you? I don't deserve you." I smiled sadly.

"C'mon, cut that crap out. We've been together a long time and have been through a lot, you've done more things for me than I can count, naturally I would do the same for you." Swift explained.

"You're right. Thanks." I said softly.

"No worries. So, what's your plan then?" Swift asked.

"I don't really know, I guess I'll just travel til I find a guild to call home again." I sighed.

"You'll find somewhere, anyone who won't have you on board are crazy." Swift reassured.

"Cheers for the positivity, I have to be realistic though." I giggled.

"What? Fairy Tail for example isn't realistic for you or Sabertooth?" Swift asked.

"Nothing's impossible but, it's unlikely. Top guilds like that have top wizards Swift." I crossed my arms.

"You're underestimating yourself again, it's becoming a bad habit. I believe in you, we all do. Before you leave just do one thing for me." Swift said seriously.

"Name it." I replied.

"Go out there and prove to everyone that you are the best, prove to everyone that Howling Dragons is nothing to laugh at." Swift asserted.

"I will, don't you worry about that." I grinned as I continued drinking with him.

A couple of the guys brought up a couple of barrels and distributed the beer out among the guild. We drank the night away and had the biggest celebration that Howling Dragons has ever had, it was funny to watch and I loved every second, how we managed to stay up as late as we did is beyond me.

I woke up at dawn with a heavy head, laid against the bar with Swift's arm around me, still fast asleep. I carefully moved his arm off me and looked around the hall, I saw everyone passed out on the floor sleeping like babies, a sight that I have rarely seen during my time at the guild. I decided to grab my things and leave before anyone noticed so that the night ended on a high note. As I was about to step out of the doors, I was stopped in my tracks.

"Leaving without saying a final goodbye?" I heard Master say.

I turned around and saw him stood in the middle of the hall.

"I can't do it. It's so hard to say goodbye, I need to go now really and move on. Everyone was so happy last night, I'd rather leave it at that." I explained.

"That makes sense but, you can at least say goodbye to me can't you?" He asked.

"Of course." I smiled.

I strolled over to Master and gave him a hug before grabbing my luggage again.

"I know I have said this before but, I truly am proud of you, I always will be. Remember to write to us when you can, and if you find a new place to call home then let us know." Master requested.

"I'll contact you through the lacrima for that, it's faster." I grinned.

"Okay then. Take care of yourself and remember you can always come back whenever you want to, you're always welcome here." Master reminded.

"Thank you Master. Take care of Kasumi and Swift for me." I said with tears beginning to form.

"I will do, I'm sure they will be fine. Bye Pika." Master said to Pika.

"Bye!" Pika smiled from my backpack on my back.

I wandered out of the guild doors and looked out at Shirotsume. I can't believe I have left after all these years but, I feel so excited deep down and I can't wait to see what my future holds for me.

Pika climbed out of my backpack and sat on my shoulder.

"I'm going to miss everyone at Howling Dragons." Pika said sadly.

"I know Pika, so will I. We have to look at this in a positive light though, today is the dawning of a new era for us, sure it will be a little scary since we don't know what is ahead of us but, it will be exciting to find out don't you think?" I asked.

"Yeah! As long as I'm with you I will go anywhere and do anything." Pika smiled.

"Same here buddy. So where to now?" I wondered.

"We could go to the train station, board the next train, and see where we end up." Pika suggested.

"Please Pika, not the train." I sobbed.

"We have to Akari, I can't fly you to the mystery location because, we have luggage don't forget, I can't carry everything." Pika replied.

"Fair point. Ugh, I hope it's not a long journey." I complained.

"It'll be fine." Pika replied cheerfully.

I reluctantly made my way to the train station with Pika flying alongside me and we boarded the train waiting at the station. After a long, monotonous journey, the train finally stopped.

"C'mon Akari, we need to get off the train." Pika said as she shook my arm.

I staggered off the train and flopped onto the nearest bench on the platform.

"I hate trains." I said.

"Well at least we're on solid ground now. Where are we anyway?" Pika asked.

"We'll have to look around but, I'm really excited to find out... right after my nausea clears up." I said, my stomach still turning.

"We seriously need to find a cure for you." Pika sighed.