Chapter 184
Taking A Shot
I felt all sorts of wrong when I woke up from the spell and threw up whatever was inside my body. My insides felt like they were on fire, and I felt extremely nauseous, like my body was still trying to force something out of it. But after a while, I felt better with a little help from Tu Chi using her magic.
"Well, that was fun," I sighed while shuddering a little. "Didn't expect that to happen."
I looked up towards the spot, and I noticed Tu Chi inspecting the spot where I threw up. Feeling curious about what she was doing, I walked over to her to see what she was up to. She used her magic to create a small globe of water and collect the black goop. Then she filled the goop into vials while sealing them up.
"What are you doing, Master Tu Chi?" I asked. "Isn't that a bit disgusting to be collecting that stuff?"
"I am collecting samples," said Tu Chi. "I plan on having this analyzed when we go back. This will only take a few minutes."
She soon collected four vials and stashed them away in her clothes.
"Now then, I believe congratulations are in order, Willy," said Tu Chi. "You managed to conquer the toxin within you and were able to expel it. I couldn't be more proud of you."
"Thank you, Master Tu Chi," I spoke humbly. "But for a second, I thought that I couldn't do it, but I'm just glad that it's finally over. Thank you so much, Master Tu Chi."
"There is no need for thanks, at least not yet. There's still a lot to do," said Tu Chi. "You may have expelled most of the toxin out of your body, but there's still a possibility that there still could be some in you, which is why I think it's time for you to have this."
She then dug into her clothes and took out the syringe containing Porlyusica's antidote. Upon seeing it, I couldn't help but flinch, I found myself in the memory of being experimented on, but this time, I didn't go berserk or have that glitching feeling from before.
"I understand that seeing this will still bring you bad memories, but I feel as though you should be the one to hold on to it," said Tu Chi. "I won't force you to take it, but it would be ideal if you do. The day of the Grand Magic Games is fast approaching, and if you intend to participate, you'll need to be prepared for rigorous training. I'll expect you to be at full strength and in great health if you want to train. For now, why don't you head back to camp and get some rest? You've earned it."
"Y-Yes, Master," I spoke while bowing. "Thank you, Master."
After giving a respectful bow, I then turned and walked away, heading back to camp.
NO POV
As soon as Willy was out of sight, Tu Chi turned her gaze up towards the sky. When she did, a large hawk came swooping down from above, circling her a few times before landing on top of her staff. The hawk's plumage was black in color, had a yellow beak and talons, and the inside of its wings, along with two strips on its tail feathers, was white. It also had a small brown leather bag strapped to its back.
"Ah, it would appear that you've come earlier than I expected," smiled Tu Chi. "Perfect timing."
Tu Chi walked over to the hawk and took out one of the vials of ooze that she had collected, and placed it inside of the hawk's bag. When it was secure inside the bag and sealed up, Tu Chi noticed something. On one of the hawk's talons was a small scroll of paper tied to it. She then untied the note from it, and the hawk took flight, soaring high into the air and disappearing into the sky. Tu Chi then opened the letter and started to read it. After a few seconds, she let out a hum with interest.
"So, it would seem that they want to meet," Tu Chi said to herself. "Even sooner than I expected. Well then, I'd better give them a response soon. After all, I did arrange to meet with them as soon as things settled down. Until then, I better go check on those kids and see how their training is getting along."
She grabbed her staff, pulling it out of the ground, and then started down the dirt road.
Meanwhile, at the Lamia Scale guildhall, an old woman was loudly berating the other members. She had her white hair in a bun with three layers, wore a dotted, collared cloak with a dark vest underneath, studded bracelets on her arms, and a necklace with a sun on it. That woman was the guild master of Lamia Scale, known as Ooba Babasaama.
"Don't you kids have any shame?!" Ooba snarled crossly. "That's the reason why you're so content in being second place every time we enter the Grand Magic Ganes! It's shameful! Utterly disgraceful!" She began to spin around rapidly like a top. "We've always seen it as fun and games, but not this year! I'm gonna whip you ankle-biters into shape so that we can win!"
"Good grief. Shut up, Ooba!" complained Toby. "You're so obnoxious!"
"Here we go again. The old hag's at it again," sighed Yuka. "Can't we get through one day without her going senile?"
Ooba then pointed to two certain members that were standing with Sherria as she continued to spin around. "Lyon! Jura! You two are entering the games this year!" she ordered. "I want you two to bring home the gold; you got that?!"
"It looks like we don't have a choice now, do we?" Lyon sighed with a shrug to Jura. "If the hag says we're participating, then we'll have to."
"Well, this festival should be a nice distraction if nothing else," said Jura. "Perhaps we should enjoy this opportunity."
The other members of the Lamia Scale cheered, believing that their victory would be assured since the two were entering. As they continued to cheer, Jura started thinking back to when he and Sheery, Lyon, Yuka, and Toby visited Fairy Tail when they returned.
"I'm willing to bet that Makarov plans to participate this year as well," Jura thought. "And if that's the case, then that means I could see him taking part as well."
Not long after that, over at Blue Pegasus, Bob, the master of the guild, was telling Ichiya the news while he served him a drink at the bar.
"So, did you hear about Lamia Scale?" asked Bob. "It seems that they're sending in Jura to participate in the Grand Game Games this year."
"Well, that reeks of a distressing parfum," Ichiya spoke worriedly as it took a sip from his cup.
"I'll say," agreed Bob. "Here we were planing to win this year, only for that old hag, Ooba, to throw a wrench in it."
Ichiya gave Bob a confident grin. "Then what do you say we throw our own little wrench in return?"
Bob then gasped. "Tell me you're not serious, Hun!" he spoke in a slight fearful tone. "Surely, you don't mean...!"
Ichiya chuckled. "There's a dangerous parfum clouding the games," he said. "What do you say we go and sniff it out?"
At a faraway location, Sting's group was heading back to town to where their guildhall resided. Lector and Frosch were telling the twin dragon slayers an interesting piece of information on their way back.
"No way! For real?! Natsu and the others are gonna enter the Grand Magic Games?" Sting spoke excitedly.
"Yep! Well, that's what rumors going around Magnolia are saying," said Lector.
"I heard it with my own ears, too!" concurred Frosch.
"Things just got a heck of a lot interesting," Sting smiled. "This is gonna be awesome, right Rogue?"
"I couldn't care less," Rogue replied stoically.
At a rocky wasteland area, inside of a building that looked more like a horribly carved mountain made of coral, another guild had just heard the news of Fairy Tail's participation from an informant. However, this guild had more malevolent intentions. This guild was a dark guild known as Raven Tail, and its master was a man who was once a former member of Fairy Tail and the son of Makarov and the father of Laxus Dreyar, Ivan Dreyar. Unlike either of them, he had black hair and tanned skin, wore an elaborate black cloak with a purple dress shirt.
"For seven years, you've made me wait, Makarov," Ivan spoke with an eager yet dark smirk. "But now, the time for judgment-the time of the blackening and crushing of fairies has come!" He then turned to his informant. "Fuzen, is everything you told me the truth?"
Fuzen stepped out from the shadows while bowing respectively before Ivan. "Yes, Master Ivan," he said. "My information network has never failed me before, and it certainly hasn't now. So I can safely say without a doubt that everything I've told you is correct."
Ivan let out a throaty chuckle as four other members of the guild joined him.
One was a girl with red hair in braids tied together behind her back and a red dress to match. The second was a hunched, short man with purple skin, blonde hair with peak, and an outfit comprising a white cloak with red suns, a dark blue shirt, bolted armbands, olive pants, and gray shoes. The third was a slim muscular man with messy hair, snake-like eyes, and lipstick all colored black. He also wore a black skivvy with fingerless gloves, green pants with a yellow scaly pattern, and black leggings tucked in matching boots. The fourth was tall, had blue skin, long matching colored hair, a large hooked nose with beady eyes that made him bird-like and wore a black poncho that hid a brown butt shirt with gray pants, brown shoes, and a black top hat.
"I can't wait for the games!" Ivan cackled. "I can hardly contain myself."
The other members snicked in agreement while Fuzen remained silent but smiled along with them.
"I'm glad that you're pleased, Master Ivan," said Fuzen. "But as much as I would like to celebrate with you, I've got to get back to work. After all, information isn't going to find itself, you know, and I'm sure you'll want even more if you want your revenge against Fairy Tail to be realized."
"Very well, then, Fuzen," said Ivan. "Report to me if you find out anything. Any piece of info can be of great use to us. The rest of us will meet you in Crocus."
"As you command, Master Ivan," said Fuzen.
Ivan and the others then set off, leaving Fuzen behind. As soon as they were out of sight, Fuzen walked back inside the Raven Tail guildhall and made sure the door was shut. He then heard a voice via telepathy.
"Fuzen. Are you there?"
Fuzen put two fingers to his forehead using Telepathy Magic to respond. "You called for me, Mistress?"
"Yes. I haven't heard from you in a while, so I was wondering how things are going on your side," said the voice. "Are things going well for you?"
"Indeed they have," said Fuzen. "Ivan and the rest of his guild were very interested in what I had to offer, so I've given the latest product and have been giving them my services in exchange. Little do they know that they've become your new subjects."
"Excellent, Fuzen," said the voice. "However, while I'm feeling pleased, something has been brought to my attention that can't be overlooked. Therefore, I have a new task for you. I'd like you to go to Crocus to supervise Raven Tail but also keep an eye on someone else."
"I think I may have an idea as to who it is," said Fuzen. "Although, I can't but wonder if there's someone else for the job. Surely, Amina would want to go to get her vengeance."
"Yes, but I've arranged for Amina for a different mission," said the voice. "And besides, had I picked her for the job, she will most likely go on a rampage, which is why it has to be you."
"Well, who am I to refuse with that kind of thinking," shrugged Fuzen. "Besides, I've always wanted to see what Crocus is like, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to go do some sightseeing. On that note, I shall accept this mission with pride, my Mistress. Oh, and while I'm over at Crocus, you won't mind if I have a little fun over there, do you?"
"Do what you like," said the voice. "Just be sure not to attract too much attention."
A sinister smile tugged at Fuzen's cheeks as he licked his lips. "I was hoping you'd say that."
WILLY'S POV
Later that evening, everyone else had come back to camp and was now having dinner. Everyone that was except for me. I was sitting by myself under the tree, hoping to have some privacy. I had the syringe in my hand, trying to inject myself with the antidote, but my hand wouldn't stop shaking, which made me worried I'd accidentally prick something important. Eventually, I gave it up and set down the syringe.
"It's no use," I sighed. "No matter how much I try, I can't stop shaking when I hold the needle. How am I supposed to take the antidote if I keep shaking like a leaf?"
"Hey there, Willy. What are you doing over there?"
I glanced behind me towards where I heard the voice, and I saw Mira approaching. As she did, she took notice of the syringe in my hand.
"Hold on. That's the antidote," Mira pointed out. "Where did you get that? I thought that Tu Chi was holding on to it."
"Oh, well. Tu Chi gave it to me," I told her. "She said I needed to take it now that I've gotten most of the toxin out of my body."
This made Mira's eyes go wide. "Wait a second! You got the toxin out?!" she exclaimed. "When did this happen? How did it happen?"
"Well, it's kind of a long story," I said. "But to keep it short, Master Tu Chi cast a spell on me to put me to sleep. Then, while I was out, I fought against it, and I got the toxin out of me. Well, most of it as Master Tu Chi seems to believe. That's why she gave me the antidote because she wants me to be in full health tomorrow. But, unfortunately, I'm having a small problem with that."
"Did you go berserk again?" asked Mira. "You did go a bit wild at Porlysica back when she tried to give it to you."
"No, I haven't. That's the good news," I replied while shaking my head. "The bad news is, I can't take the antidote because I can't stop shaking. No matter how hard I try to calm myself down, I can't even look at it without shaking. So I guess even though I managed to get rid of the toxin, my fear of syringes is still going strong."
"Well, if that's all, then maybe I can help you," suggested Mira as she sat in front of me. "I can give you the antidote."
I looked up at the girl. "You'd do that for me?" I asked. "I mean, not that I mind, but I don't want to put you through the trouble."
Mira smiled. "It's no trouble at all, Willy," she said. "I told you that if you needed help, I'd be more than willing to help you."
I felt happy that Mira was willing to help me as I gave her the syringe, but then a thought struck me. "Wait, have you done this kind of thing before?" I asked.
"Well, not really, but I had watched Porlyusica do it a few times back when I visited her," said Mira. "Plus, I've treated my fair share of people in the guild, so this shouldn't be that hard."
A glimmer of worry crossed my mind as Mira stood beside me on my right, but she held my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
"Don't worry. It'll be okay. I promise it'll be over quickly. You'll barely feel anything," she said. "Just try to relax and take a few deep breaths."
I did as she asked, taking long and slow deep breaths calming myself down.
"Good. Now, close your eyes and think about something else," said Mira. "And when I tell you, hold your breath."
I closed my eyes and continued to take deep breaths as I waited.
"OK, Willy. Now hold your breath," said Mira.
I took in a deep breath and held it in. When I did, I felt a small tiny prick on the side of my right arm, but nothing else.
"Willy, you can open your eyes now," I heard Mira say. "And you can stop holding your breath too."
I opened my eyes as I glanced toward her. "Did... did you do it?" I asked tentatively. "Did you..."
"I sure did," smiled Mira as she showed me the empty syringe. "Took only a few seconds."
I felt my arm for anything strange or unusual, only to find nothing at all. "Wow. That was... different. I hardly felt anything," I said.
"See? I told you it'd be quick," said Mira. "That wasn't so bad, now was it?"
"No. It wasn't. Thank you so much, Mira," I said gratefully. "I appreciate it."
"No problem," said Mira. "Hopefully, if there's any of that stuff in you, that antidote will work its magic and get rid of it. I'm just glad that you've finally taken it."
"Yeah. Me too," I said with a nod. "Now that I have, I'll be able to start training tomorrow, and you can believe that I'll train as hard as I can. That much I can promise."
Mira then went silent as she stared at me, her face a little closer than usual.
"Is... something wrong, Mira?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous. "You see something on my face or something?"
"No. Nothing like that, it's just... you're starting to look better already," said Mira. "It could be just me, but you seem to look a lot less pale, and even the bags under your eyes are starting to fade."
I couldn't help but reach up to my face. "Wait, seriously? I... haven't really noticed."
Mira then looked concerned. "And not only that, but you also have grown a bit of a horn on your forehead," she added. "I... didn't want to say anything but..."
Immediately, my wings shot up from my back as I felt my forehead worried that there was something there. But I was quick to realize that there was nothing there as Mira began to snicker.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist," she giggled. "I was only joking."
I couldn't help but huffily sigh, feeling annoyed, however, I couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Hilarious, Mira."
"I said I was sorry," Mira apologized while still giggling. "Besides, you always looked a bit silly when your wings come out, and I wanted to see them."
I retracted my wings. "I don't know if I should take it as a compliment or an insult," I said flatly. "But I suppose I'll take it as a compliment for now."
As Mira continued to laugh, I couldn't help but stare at her as she did. For some reason, seeing her like this made me feel happy. Happy that she had a smile on her face instead of being angry or sad. It also made me grateful that I had someone like her in my life. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I'd be right now. As I thought about this, I couldn't help but speak before I could think.
"Mira, thank you."
"Come on, Willy. I told you it's no big deal," said Mira.
"No, that's not what I mean," I spoke while shaking my head. "I mean, thank you for being there for me. I know that I've said this a lot, but I'm really grateful to have someone like you in my life. So, thank you."
Mira's cheeks then went pink as she adverted her eyes slightly. "W-Well, sure. I told you it's no problem. We're friends, and that's what they do."
At that moment, Lisanna and Cana came in.
"Hey there, you two love birds," said Cana. "Watcha doing? Making out?"
"D-Don't be ridiculous, Cana!" I immediately replied. "Mira was just helping me with something."
"Like what?" wondered Lisanna teasingly. "Something that only the two of you can share?"
"Oh, Lisanna. You just never stop, do you?" sighed Mira. "If you got time to joke around, then you got time to get some sleep. We still got a lot of training to do, so we must get as much rest as we can."
"Yeah, yeah. We know," said Cana as she and Lisanna walked to their beds. "No need to nag."
"Night, Mira. Night, Willy," said Lisanna.
As the two went to bed, Mira whispered to me, so neither could hear her.
"Do your best tomorrow, Willy. Train hard."
I smiled and gave her a nod, silently answering her. Mira then walked over to her bed and got ready to sleep. I also felt a little sleepy and got ready to turn in. But as I went over to my bed, I suddenly remembered what Finn had said when I met him inside of my mind.
"One of the greatest powers that you can have is believing and having faith in yourself. Believe in your own potential. Believe in your own power. And most importantly, believe in yourself, for you are an incredible and special person. Once you understand this, no limit or doubt can hold you down."
It was then that I made a vow, clenching my fist while filled with determination.
"I promise you, Finn. And everyone else too! I will get stronger, but not from relying on something like the toxin. I'm going to rely on my own strength, my own power, so that I won't lose anyone else ever again! You'll see!"
At that moment, a gentle breeze blew across the area, whistling through the trees making their leaves shake. As it did, I could have sworn that I heard a small voice speaking in the winds.
"You got this, kid."
I could have imagined it, but I also couldn't help but wonder if Finn was cheering me on from the afterlife. Either way, I was more determined to train than ever before, and come tomorrow, I was going to train my heart out and grow stronger than before.
NO POV
As Willy and the others got ready for bed, the mysterious figure appeared again, keeping its sharp piercing green eyes on Willy in particular.
"So, he was able to overcome it, eh?" the being murmured to itself. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed. Perhaps it's worth keeping an eye on this one. After all, the real test is yet to come."
The beastly creature then jumped, disappearing into the darkness, being as silent as a shadow.
If you like what you read, feel free to leave a review!
As always, thank you for reading! And I hope to see you at the next chapter
Dragomaster, signing off!
