Chapter 178

Walking to the Swamp

The next day the entire guild had all separated into groups, each going their separate way for their training for the Grand Magic Games. Team Natsu, Team Shadow Gear, and Juvia went to Akane Resort, Laxus and the Thunder Legion headed somewhere north. I even heard that Gajeel and Pantherlily went off to the mountains for some private training. As for me, I myself, along with the Straus siblings, and Cana, were about to head out for our training camp.

Cana and I were waiting close to the outskirts of town, waiting for the Strauss siblings to arrive. Despite being so gloomy the other day, I was looking forward to this, to tell the truth. Soon, it wasn't long until Mira, Elfman, and Lisanna arrived.

"It's about time you guys showed up," said Cana. "I was starting to wonder if you'll ever show."

"Sorry about that, Cana," apologized Lisanna. "Elfman tried to take a giant bag full of stuff with him, and Big Sis Mira and I had to do some convincing to have him pack lighter."

"Hey, a real man's gotta be prepared," said Elfman. "But then again, a real man can survive with just a sleeping bag!"

"It's been a long time since I've done this. Training while camping out in the wilderness," I said. "It's actually starting to bring back memories."

"So, Mira, when are we leaving?" asked Cana. "Because I'm ready to get going."

"Not for a little bit longer," said Mira. "We're expecting someone else to be coming with us, and they should be here pretty soon."

"Someone else is coming with us?" repeated Lisanna. "Well, who is it, Mira?"

Mira winked cheekily. "You'll find out when they get here," she said. "All I can tell you is that it's someone I've personally requested, and they'll be helping us with our training."

"Come on, Mira. Don't leave us in the dark," said Lisanna. "Tell us who it is."

"Or at least give us a hint," said Elfman. "Are they manly?"

"The only thing I can tell you and that they're quite special," said Mira. "They're quite powerful in their own right and will be perfect for training us."

This made me a bit curious as well. Who was this mysterious person that Mira invited? Was it someone that we all knew, or maybe it was a random stranger? Either way, I would find out soon enough.

Then, as Mira looked up towards the sky, she pointed. "Oh, look! Here she comes now!"

"She?" repeated Elfman and Lisanna as they looked up.

"Who is it?" wondered Cana.

I looked up and scanned the skies, and I saw two things soaring above coming towards us. My first thought when I saw it was that it appeared to be a creature of some kind, but as they came closer, I saw a familiar pair of wings made of water from one object, and the other was a large green bird.

"No way..." I murmured, a smile tugging at my cheeks. "Can it be...?"

The bird then swooped down straight towards me and let out a majestic caw as it flew past us. It circled around and then landed on my shoulder. It was then that I knew what or rather who this bird was.

"Jade! It's you!" I gasped as I stroked her head. "But if you're here... Then..."

At that moment, the other figure landed on the ground dispersing her water wings and pulling back the hood revealing her face. It was Tu Chi.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting," said Tu-Chi. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"It's Tu-Chi!" said Lisanna with surprise.

"Now that's what I call making an entrance," said Elfman. "Pretty manly."

"Um, just so you know, Elman, she's a woman," reminded Cana.

"I appreciate you for coming all this way," said Mira. "and we're honored to have you train us."

This made me, along with everyone else, look over to Mira in surprise and amazement.

"Hold up. Are you meaning to tell us that she's the one who's coming with us for training?" spoke Cana.

"Indeed I am," smiled Tu-Chi. "Mira here told me that you kids need some training for the Grand Magic Games and asked me to help. So naturally, I accepted the offer and came as soon as I could. And I hope you don't mind, but I bought Jade with me too."

Jade let out a caw in response. At first, I was happy to see Tu-Chi, but I couldn't help but feel worried. I hadn't forgotten when we last spoke to each other when it came to Finn's death, and I felt a little guilty remembering how angry I was with her. Then, feeling as though I should apologize, I stepped forward.

"Master, I... I'm truly... Listen, I want to say... Forgive me for my behavior the other day. I was..."

"Now, Now. There's no need for you to apologize, my boy," cut in Tu-Chi. "After all, it was a troubling time for both of us, but that is water past the bridge. I'm happy to see that you're looking better."

"Well, I wouldn't exactly say "looking better," Master," I said. "But I appreciate the kind words."

"It's been a long time, Ma'am," said Lisanna. "I honestly didn't expect to be seeing you after all this time."

Tu-Chi looked over to Lisanna and smiled warmly at her. "Lisanna. It's been a long time, my child," she said. "You've grown up quite splendidly along with your other siblings." she then glanced over at Cana. "I don't believe we've met before. You're another member of Fairy Tail, correct?"

"Yes. My name is Cana Alberona," she replied. "And it's an honor to meet you, Ma'am. I've heard a lot of good things about you through Makarov."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Alberona," said Tu-Chi. "Now that introductions are out of the way, what say we get going? We've got a long journey ahead of for our training, and we're burning daylight."

"Oh, man! This is gonna be so manly!" said Elfman with excitement. "We're gonna be training with one of the Ten Wizard Saints! I can't wait to get started!"

"Then what are we standing around for?" smirked Cana. "Let's get going!"

"Yeah! Let's go!" concurred Lisanna.

Even I couldn't help but feel a bit eager. Tu-Chi was not only coming with us, but she was also going to train us as well. If anyone could help me get back into the grove of being myself again, it would be her. I looked at my bandaged wrists and clenched both of my hands, feeling determined.

"Maybe things are starting to turn around for me," I thought. "No matter what it takes, I got to give it my best."

We were soon on our way, leaving Magnolia behind us for our training camp. First, we took the train all the way to Oshibana; then, with Tu-Chi leading the way, we trekked past Mount Hakabe. After a while, to my surprise, we arrived at the last place I expected to be stopping—the town of Shirotsume.

Feeling a bit puzzled, I couldn't help but ask. "Master Tu-Chi, why are we stopping here?"

"Do not worry, Willy," said Tu-Chi. "The place we're going is just a bit beyond and into the mountains."

"So, where exactly are we going?" asked Lisanna. "Is it somewhere close to Shirotsume?"

"All in good time, Ms. Cana," said Tu-Chi. "It won't be for that much longer till we get there."

We walked through the town of Shirotsume and were now hiking along the trail leading up towards the region. We passed by trees, walked past creatures, and even some bridges over canyons. Soon, we came to a hill and had reached the top of it. Below us, at the bottom of it, was a vast swampy area. From on top, it appeared like any other forest filled with trees as well as water.

We continued on the path entering the swamp and walked past trees, muddy holes, other vegetation, and other strange creatures that I've never seen. As we did, I couldn't help but notice that there was something about this place that made me a bit uneasy. To me, it felt as if this swamp had something special about it. I took a couple of sniffs to smell the odor, but all I could smell was the swamp itself, and it didn't exactly have a distinct smell.

Soon, after walking for who knows how long, we came to a clearing that was heavily overgrown with trees and bushes.

"This way, everyone," she said. "Our destination is just through this thicket."

Tu-Chi then walked into the bushes disappearing inside of them. Cana followed after her, then Lisanna, then Mira, and then Elfman, and lastly me. We walked under a strange pathway pushing past leaves and branches until finally, when we got out in the open, an unexpected sight met my eyes. Before us was a waterfall flowing from a rocky ravine whose water fell into a basin of water held up by a dam. Next to the basin was a large tree whose trunk was pretty hallowed enough for a group of people to fit inside of it. There was even an opening above us, giving a good view of the skies.

"Wow. Check this place out," said Cana with interest. "I gotta say it's pretty nice."

"This is a hidden area only a select few know about," said Tu-Chi. "I used to come here to train all the time before I became a Wizard Saint."

"It looks wonderful, Master," I spoke with amazement as I surveyed the area.

"I'll say it does," said Mira as she dipped her hand into the water. "This place pretty much has it all. A view of the skies, shelter, and even clean water."

"It's like something from out of a storybook," said Lisanna, who was also impressed. "The only thing that's missing is food. I wonder if there are any mushrooms around here. Or maybe we can hunt for some fish."

"I think you'll find that there's plenty of sustenance in this area we can forage," said Tu-Chi. "You're also free to fish wherever you like. Just make sure to avoid any of the creatures in that lurking close by. Some of them look more dangerous than others."

"Well then, why don't we start setting up camp here?" said Cana. "And while we're going that, the boys can go look for food."

"Sounds good to me!" Elfman grinned. "After all, it's a man's job to provide food for the family!"

"Well, it's been a while since I've been fishing," I said thoughtfully. "This'll be a good chance to brush up on my skills. Although, I do wonder if the water's even safe enough to fish in. Well, we can worry about that later. Right now, let's set up camp while we're dividing the duties.

NO POV

While everyone was making plans to divide the duties while setting up camp, while setting up camp, Mira spoke to Tu-Chi, so that no one else could hear.

"I really appreciate what you're doing for us, Ma'am. It means a lot to me."

"Think nothing of it, child," smiled Tu-Chi. "It's the least I can do. After everything you've told me, this is just what everyone needs. Especially Willy."

"So, do you think that this will help him?" asked Mira. "I'm still worried about his condition after everything that's happened. He couldn't even take the antidote without freaking out, and for some reason, he keeps seeing mirages of himself in his berserk form. Not to mention he's still worried about Satoshi coming back for revenge."

Tu-Chi looked over at Willy, who was busy talking to Elfman before responding. "Unfortunately, that's most likely due to the trauma he has suffered because of that man, and that won't be an easy thing to heal," she said softly. "The poor boy's been experimented on constantly, and then he had to relive the trauma again, which made things worse for his mind. And to add to that, that drug that's been injected inside him has caused quite the bit of damage based on how he looks now."

Mira looked across to Tu-Chi. "So, is there no way to get him back to how he was before?" she asked tentatively.

Tu-Chi went silent for a pause before responding. "That is entirely up to Willy, I'm afraid," she said. "The road to recovery can be long and hard for someone going through a traumatic experience, but I promise you, I'll do whatever I can to help him. As long as he dedicates himself to recovering and overcoming his trauma, he'll get better and be stronger than ever before." She then smiled. "Don't worry. I'll make sure that he gets well. What kind of Master would I be if I didn't care and help my students to grow?"

Mira smiled back at her. "Thank you, Master Tu-Chi."

Tu-Chi then looked at Mira. "I can see you that you truly care for the boy," she said. "And that's truly admirable of you."

Mira adverted her eyes while scratching her cheek. "Well, yeah. Of course, I do. After all, he is a good friend," she said. "I mean, he is my childhood friend."

Tu-Chi could only chuckle.

Cana and Lisanna were inside of the large tree, inspecting the inside.

"Wow! This place is a lot bigger than I expected it to be," said Cana. "We can even set up a campfire here."

"Yeah, and there's plenty of room for the six of us to sleep in," said Lisanna. "And what's more; we got ourselves a perfect opportunity."

Cana looked over at Lisanna and grinned, her eyes gleaming like a cat's. "You bet we do," she said with a grin. "An opportunity that only we can take advantage of. It does suck that Erza's not here."

"Don't worry about her," said Lisanna, her eyes gleaming also. "We can tell her the fruits of our labor when we get back. But, in the meantime, we must seize this opportunity."

The two locked eyes and shook hands and glanced over towards Mira, who was still talking to Tu-Chi, and to Willy, who was with Elfman discussing plans.

"The way I see it, we'll be the only ones in this swamp," said Lisanna. "The goal of this little trip of ours wasn't just to train and get stronger."

"That's right. What the others don't know is that the reason why we arranged to camp together was to get a certain two closer together," said Cana. "And considering that Willy and Mira made up a while ago, it's time we guide them along the right path to love."

"I've already got loads of ideas to put into action," said Lisanna. "All we got to do is wait for the right time to execute them. Unfortunately, we are a member short of the Three Cupids due to Erza's absence, but I'm sure we can pull it off. When the three months are over, Willy and Mira will be closer than before, and it'll be all thanks to us!"

"You got that right, silly name aside," said Cana. "So, let's hurry and make a plan while we're setting up camp."

And the two began to discuss ideas and plans while making sure no one overheard them. As they did, Mira and Tu-Chi couldn't help but glance over at the two, feeling perplexed and wondering what the two could be talking about.

WILLY'S POV

Elfman and I soon finished setting up our places to camp, and we were about to set off to forage for food.

"All right! Time to go hunting!" said Elfman. "We're gonna have a manly feast tonight!"

"Now, just a minute, you two," called out Tu-Chi. "You're both are new to this area, so you're going to need a guide, and I know everything there is to know about this swamp. This swamp may seem tranquil, but there are many hidden dangers that you should keep an eye out for. After all, there's something about this swamp that makes it seem... alive."

"Yes, Ma'am!" acknowledged Elfman. "We can handle anything you or this swamp can dish out because we're real men! Right, Willy?"

"Um, I guess so," I replied with a wry smile. "But you do know that Tu-Chi is a woman, right?"

The three of us got ready to head out, Elfman and I eager to start, but then, I sensed something. It was one you would get when someone was watching you in the shadows. I turned around while glancing around and looking up towards the trees, but I didn't see anything, much less anyone watching us. However, I quickly dismissed the feeling believing it to be nothing, as I set off with Tu-Chi and Elfman.

NO POV

As Willy and his group left, they didn't realize that someone was watching them from afar. Someone was sitting on their haunches on one of the branches, keeping an eye on Willy as he left. They also had piercing green eyes, which had the look of a wild beast. A beast that had found its prey, intending to hunt them down and kill them.

Thank you very much for reading as always, my readers!

I hope to see you at the next chapter and make sure to leave a fav or a follow if you're new!

Until then, Dragomaster, signing off.