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Chapter 18

Preparing

A few minutes later me, Finn, and Tu Chi were outside the dojo were at an open field close to the lake. We were both wearing t-shirts with loose-fitting pants with a belt. The only difference was that Finn's shirt was white and his pants and belt were both different shades of blue. Light blue his pants and dark blue for his belt. As for me, my shirt was blue and my pants were black and the belt was white.

"All right then," said Tu Chi. "Before we begin, I need you to know a few things, Willy. So pay attention."

"Yes."

"This sparring session is to test you to see where you stand," Tu Chi continued. "The match will continue for about twenty minutes. You're both can use your fists and magic and you both are allowed to dive into the lake if you wish. This will be a kind of test Willy. A test to see where you stand in regards to your strength and your magic power."

"Yes master," I said.

Tu Chi then turned to Finn.

"Finn. Be sure to go easy on Willy, but not too easy. I'm also going to be keeping an eye on you to see how your training is coming along."

"Hai Sensei!" said Finn.

"Good. Now... Hajime!"

I looked at Tu Chi a little confused by her words.

"Excuse me, but what does that word mean?" I asked.

"It means to begin," said Finn. "Which means the match has started!"

Finn suddenly ran towards me and swung his foot around in a roundhouse kick aimed right for my face. I barely ducked and dodged the attack just in time. I then jumped back and tried to gain some distance away from Finn, but before I had a chance to react, Finn quickly closed the distance and rapidly punched at me with quick blows. I dodged again tilting my head to the right and to the left dodging his attacks. Then Finn swung his foot aiming for my face again. I instinctively crossed my arms to block, but Finn did a feint move and his leg hit me right in my midsection instead. I felt the breath of my lungs leave me as the force of his kick sent me recoiling back. I held my midsection in pain and sucked in the air trying to get my breathing back in order.

"You alright Willy?" asked Finn. "I may have used a little too much force on that one."

"I'm... fine," I said coughing a little. "I've taken a lot more than that when Aquadia was training me."

"I see," said Finn. "Can you continue?"

I gave my answer by my clenching my hands and igniting with my magic power.

"I guess I'll take that as a yes," said Finn.

"WATER DRAGON IRON FIST!"

Now it was my turn to go on the attack. With my hands cloaked in magic power in the form of water, I threw my iron fist attack straight at Finn, but Finn sidestepped it dodging with ease. My fist slammed into the ground making ground slightly tremble and there was also some debris flying here and there. I then cloaked my leg with water and used my next spell.

"WATER DRAGON TALON!"

I jumped on and brought down my leg in a power kick aimed for Finn's head. Finn reacted by crossing his arms and blocking the attack, but the force of my attack sent him skidding a little along the ground. I stayed on him by attacking with another talon attack. Finn dodged again, but my attack barely scratched him causing his shirt to have a small rip. Finn gained some distance by flipping and landing safely on the ground.

"Well, well Willy. You're certainly stronger than I expected," said Finn. "You even managed to rip my shirt."

"You're very strong yourself Finn," I said panting a little.

"However... you're gonna need a lot more than that," said Finn. "Your attacks are too predictable and you're using too much magic power. At the rate you're going, you won't be able to even land a punch on me."

My eyebrow twitched a little and then I scowled in slight anger.

"Oh yeah? Then how about this one!?" I said as a magic circle appeared below me. "WATER DRAGON CLONE!"

Then two copies of me appeared from my left and my right. The clone on my right straightened his hands cloaking then in water while the second clone on my left began shooting out water from his elbows. I ran toward Finn and I released huge jets of water from both of my hands and flung them at Finn.

"WATER DRAGON WING ATTACK!"

The spell shot straight at Finn and hit him with a mighty boom making a huge dust cloud. The attack seemed to hit its mark, but then from the cloud, Finn with his water wings soared high into the air unscathed by my attack. Luckily I anticipated this.

"Go get em guys!" I said.

My clones nodded and went on the attack jumping straight at Finn ready to attack.

"WATER DRAGON GUSHING ELBOW!"

"WATER DRAGON BLADE!"

Both of my clones both attacked Finn and it seemed that their attacks would connect, but Finn blocked both their attacks using both his hands. My eyes widened in surprise while Finn had a slight smirk on his face.

"Sorry Willy, but don't think that I'll be overwhelmed by numbers."

He then threw both of my clones down to the ground below. Then using his wings, he floated down gently until he touched down on the ground. Both of my clones were battered and shaken from being thrown, but then they disappeared turning into water. Now I was feeling a little worried. I never expected Finn to be this strong. He barely took any damage and he was able to take all of my attacks if not predicting them. Not to mention I was getting a little tired and running a little low on magic power. There has to be a way to get to him. At least to have him catch him off guard. Then I had an idea.

"WATER DRAGON CLONES!"

I once more made clones. This time three of them. Finn simply stood there calmly and took a fighting stance. I looked at my clones giving them each a nod. Then all of us surrounded Finn from and attacked him at once. I stayed a few feet back and concentrated. I gathered all of my magic power and focused it All three of the clones each attacked Finn either punching or kicking them, but Finn either parried or blocked the blow with ease.

"Come on Willy surely you can do better than this," said Finn. "You're getting more predictable by the second."

Finn then deployed a magic circle from his hand and a weapon of water formed. From the looks of things, it appeared to be some kind of sword.

"Now then, I guess it's time for me to attack now," said Finn.

When one of my clones attempted to hit Finn with a punch, Finn blocked it with ease and then before my clone had a chance to react, Finn had rapidly slashed the clone in half. The clone split in half and dissolved into water. The other two clones seeing that stepped back a little in fear. I continued to focus on charging my magic power.

"Just a little more..." I thought. "Please keep him stalled for just a little longer..."

My cheeks began to chuff out with water as the magic power began to build in my mouth. My other two clones continued to fight Finn trying to buy me the time I need, but Finn was beginning to overwhelm them. He kept blocking both their attacks and parrying them. Then one of the clones used a spell.

"WATER DRAGON BLADE!"

The clone straightened both his hands cloaking them with water and attack Finn slashing him rapidly left and right. Finn using his blade blocked every attack the clone threw at it. Then the other clone leaped into the fray and used the blade spell as well. Both clones attacked and slashed at Finn trying to at least get a hit in, but Finn kept blocking every blow. I was almost done charging, but I had to hurry. My clones wouldn't last forever.

"Come on... come on... come on... Almost done..."

Finn then saw me charging my magic power and immediately realized what I was up too. He continued to parry the blows of each of my clones and then when parried one, he saw an opening and attacked. He slashed at its side stopping a few feet behind him. The clone turned around and attacked Finn once more, but it dissolved into the water before it could get close to him. Now there was only one clone left. The last clone jumped in from above and attempted to slash Finn aiming for his shoulders, but Finn jumped back and dodged the attack. Then with a quick glint in his eye, he immediately attacked the clone with a flurry of kicks and punches. My clone tried to block the attacks, but Finn's blows were too fast and powerful and they connected hit after hit and blow after blow until Finn finished with a blow right on the clone's chin while holding his small water sword. The clone was launched high into the air until it fell back into the ground. When it made contact to the ground, it dissolved into water.

"Now then... it's time to end this Willy," said Finn turning to me.

"I agree," I said. "I'll end it this!"

My cheeks were fully chuffed and my magic power was at it's highest. I unleashed by one of my most powerful spells.

"WATER DRAGON ROAR!"

A huge beam of unleashed from my mouth and headed straight at Finn. Finn's eyes widened in surprise as the attack hit him with a mighty boom. The attack shook the area and water sprayed everywhere creating a mist.

"Yes! I got him!" I cried victoriously. "No one could get up after that!"

It seemed that I managed to finally land an attack on Finn, but when the mist cleared. My eyes widened in surprise. In the middle of the mist was a barrier of water and in that barrier of water was Finn completely unharmed.

"No way... He... blocked it...?" I murmured in shock.

I couldn't believe it. My breath attack was one of my best moves. How was anyone be able to withstand that attack let alone block it? How? How?

"That was pretty good Willy," said Finn as he dispelled his water barrier. "Not bad actually. You almost got me with that attack. However... an attack like that won't do anything against me."

Then the look on Finn's face changed. It was a look that said 'I'm gonna get you and take you down.' A look that looked like that he was gonna kill me. It was a look on Finn's face that I had never seen before. A look that I'd never thought was possible to appear on his face. As soon as soon as I saw that, I instinctively stepped back sensing danger.

"Now then... it's my turn to attack," said Finn. "Sorry about this Willy."

Suddenly Finn disappeared in a great speed I couldn't follow. Before I had a chance to react, Finn appeared right in front of me using his sword slashed upwards. I instinctively dodged the attack just barely by jumping backward, but suddenly I felt a blow land right on the side of my hip hard. The blow sent me rolling to the ground, but I was able to get back on my feet. Finn was immediately on me about to attack me while I was down. I brought my fist up attempting to use my defense magic.

"WATER DRAGON GEY- BLUARG!"

Finn stopped me by punching me square in my jaw and sending me sprawling to the ground. I coughed tasting the dirt and some slight blood in my mouth. I turned around trying to get away from Finn, but before I knew it I was on the end of Finn's blade pointed directly at my face. My eyes were wide as saucers and my body was frozen. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't attack, couldn't defend, nothing. Not to mention my magic power was low. I was helpless.

"Ya-me!"

Then Tu Chi said another word I didn't understand. As soon as Finn heard that, he moved his sword away from me and dispelled it.

"Willy? Are you OK?" he asked.

I stared at him dumbly and I slowly nodded my head. "I'm OK, but... you're strong Finn. You... were like a completely different person."

"Hehehe. I have been told that on many occasion, but thank you for the compliment."

Finn then held out his hand as an offer to help me up. I took his hand and Finn pulled me up. Tu Chi then came up to us was a smile on her face.

"Hahaha. Well done both of you. That was a good sparring session if I ever saw one," she said applauding.

"Thank you Sensei," said Finn bowing.

Tu Chi then turned to me.

"Willy. You've displayed very strong magic and very good at close combat," she said. "However there are quite a few things you need to work on."

"What are they?" I asked.

"First of all, Your biggest problem I can see based your fight just now is your magic itself. Your magic attacks are strong but they're a little on the slow side. You have to try and make your attacks happen faster so the opponent won't be able to react. Secondly, I've noticed that when you're making your clones you're giving them some of your magic power. Maybe a little too much. You can't just give away your magic power willy nilly. It's good to have clones to fight along with you, but you can't give them too much magic power for if they're destroyed in a battle then all that magic power goes to waste."

"OK Master," I said nodding. "I'll keep that in mind."

"And one more thing," continued Tu Chi. "Your Water Dragon Roar. It took way too much time to charge up. It was good that you were using clones as a distraction, but that's the most obvious attack in the book. Finn could have easily dispatched your clones and stopped you from using your attack. If Finn had gotten serious or if this was a real battle, you could have knocked out or killed in an instant."

"Seriously?!" I said looking at Finn as if he just did something to insult me.

"Well... she said to hold back," said Finn scratching his cheek. "Plus... I was kinda interested to see what magic you were going to use."

I felt a twinge of anger go through me. Not because of what Tu Chi had told me and not because of Finn holding back on me, but it was because they were right. How could I not have seen this sooner? I looked down on the ground clenching my fists in frustration. I felt like I wanted to scream, but Tu Chi gently placed a hand on my shoulder causing me to look at her.

"Come now, don't be so angry," she said. "I had this sparing session for a reason remember? It was to see what I would be working with and what you needed to improve on. Besides, you didn't do too bad."

"She's right you know," added Finn. "When I was your age and started training, I was probably worse than you."

"Really?"

"Really. Although... I won't go into details," said Finn scratching the back of his head.

"Now then. Finn. You're next," said Tu Chi. "You will be sparring with me next. Same rules."

"Hai Master," responded Finn.

Tu Chi took her staff and planted it into the ground. Jade flew away from her and landed next to me.

"Watch closely Willy. Keep a close eye on what you're about to see," said Tu Chi.

"OK..." I said hesitantly.

Finn and Tu Chi stood a few feet away from me locked in some kind of stare down. Finn took a fighting stance and Tu Chi did the same. Neither one moved a muscle. A couple seconds had passed by. Then a gentle breeze blew through the trees blowing a couple of leaves off. A stray leaf drifted down past us and headed towards the lake. It slowly drifted down until it gently touched the surface of the water. The moment the leaf touched the water...

"Hajime!"

Suddenly Tu Chi shouted that word which meant beginning again and then she and Finn disappeared in an instant.

"What the... Where did they..." I began to say, but suddenly I heard something

on my right. I looked to my right, but there was nothing there. Then I heard a sharp clang on my left. I looked to my left, but once again I didn't see anything there. This went on, again and again. I couldn't see anything that was going on. Then I heard a loud clang above me. I looked up and I was finally able to see Finn and Tu Chi. They were above me several feet into the air their fists locked against each other. They pushed each other away and landed on the ground a few feet away from each other.

Then Finn attacked Tu Chi with a flurry of blows, but Tu Chi dodged them with ease. The blows were so fast I could hardly see them. In fact, the blows were even faster than when Finn fought me before. Tu Chi kept dodging Finn's blows until she back flipped away from Finn and then she attacked next. She threw a right punch, a left kick, and a right uppercut in a blinding speed. Finn dodged the first two blows by tilting his head left and right and on the third blow, he jumped back.

Jade squawked and jumping up and down as if she was cheering them both on. I continued to watch the fight, my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open. Back in the fight, Tu Chi continued to attack Finn and Finn kept dodging. Then Finn jumped upwards so he was above Tu Chi then put his hands on his thighs and pulled them upward. On his hips, a magic circle appeared on each of them and from where he pulled a water star appeared on each of them. They hovered on his hands and then hurled them towards Tu Chi. Tu Chi backflipped away from them dodging both and then when she got her footing a magic circle appeared in her hand and a giant ball of water appeared in her hand. She aimed it and fired it at Finn. Finn summoned another water star and threw it at Tu Chi's attack. The attacks collided making a giant burst of water. The recoil sent Finn flying back, but he was able to land safely on the surface of the lake.

"Not bad Finn," said Tu Chi. "You've gotten stronger over these past years."

"Thank you Master, but I'm just getting started," said Finn.

A blue magic circle appeared and his small water sword appeared in his hand. He twirled it around in his hand and took a fighting stance ready to continue. Tu Chi smiled and raised her hand. She also made a blue magic circle appear. However, her weapon was different from Finn's. Hers was a staff which about five or six feet long with a blade at the end of it. Both fighters then started to run heading towards the lake. As they entered the water they ran on top of it as if the ground had never left them. Then they both ran straight for each other and clashed with their weapons. The water rippled and sprayed from the collision. Both fighters then attacked each other again and again each of them attacking and blocking.

After a few minutes of that, they both started to move again. As they ran, they continued to fight with their weapons as the sound of metal rang throughout the lake. I watched from afar not believing what I was seeing. It was like something from a dream or from a storybook.

"They're... both so incredible...!" I breathed.

Suddenly they started coming my way. They made it back onto dry land and were still attacking each other. Then with a fierce cry, Finn attacked Tu Chi slashing with his weapon with all of his might. Tu Chi retaliated by twirling her staff around and slashed downwards towards Finn. Both weapons collided with a mighty clang. Someone's weapon was knocked away and the weapon landed a few feet away from Finn and Tu Chi. That weapon belonged to Finn.

"Ya-me," said Tu Chi lowering her weapon and dispersing it. "Very well done Finn. You've definitely improved over the past year."

"You give me too much credit," said Finn as he waved his hand and made his sword disperse. "I still have a long way to go."

"You're so strong, Finn!" I said my eyes sparkling with wonder. "And you too master! You both were moving so fast! It was amazing!"

"Hahaha. Thank you, Willy," said Finn. "But again you give me too much credit."

"True. There is always room for improvement," said Tu Chi pulling her staff out from the ground. "and yet there's also room for giving yourself a pat on the back Finn."

"Thanks, Master," said Finn bowing politely.

"Remember what you have just seen today Willy," said Tu Chi turning to me. "For you have the potential to be just as strong as Finn is. Maybe even greater."

"I do?"

"Yes. When I'm done, you will be a stronger water mage than you ever have before."

My eyes sparkled even more with determination. I felt inspired, pumped, and most of all filled with admiration and respect for Tu Chi and Finn.

"Anyway that's all for today," said Tu Chi. "Keep your training clothes, Willy. They're yours now. Your real training will begin in tomorrow. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master!" I said bowing politely.

"Good," said Tu Chi. "You are both dismissed."

After that, we left the dojo behind us and were walking back home. I was still feeling a little sore from before, but I cast a small healing spell and I was feeling a little better.

"You feeling OK Willy?" asked Finn.

"I'm fine," I said. "But you could have punched me a little lighter you know."

"Yeah... sorry about that, but I did say I would be holding back," said Finn. "Besides, you'll be fine, but what do you say I'll make it up to you with some fish for later? Sound good?"

"Fish?!"

The moment I heard that four letter word, my tummy slightly rumbled.

"Yeah! I'd love some fish, but... I'm kinda hungry now," I said.

"In that case, how about I take you somewhere for lunch right now?" asked Finn. "And hey, this could be the perfect opportunity to show you the board where they post the jobs. Sound fun?"

"Sounds great," I said smiling.

And so Finn and I walked back into Osia and headed for the center of town. As we walked, we passed by different townspeople who were going about their way chopping wood, cleaning their windows, and many other things. There were also some kids going about their merry way playing either tag or some other game. Soon we came to the middle of town and Finn led me to a giant bulletin board by a building with lots of flyers on it with a couple of people standing by it here and there checking out the flyers.

"See that big bulletin board where the people standing by it Willy?" asked Finn. "That's the job request board. That's where people can take jobs to make some jewel. We don't have an official guild yet, but it's still a good way to get a job as long as the request was made in town."

"I see," I said. "So if you want a job, you just take a flyer and go?"

"Not exactly," said Finn. "First you have to clear it through with the person in charge of the board first and get permission."

"I get it."

"So that's where I can get a job," I thought to myself. "All I have to do is get a flyer, get permission and..."

Suddenly, something caught my eye. I saw a certain someone standing by the bulletin board looking at flyers.

"Hey, Mira!" I called out waving and walking towards her with Finn following behind me.

Mira turned towards my voice and when she saw me and Finn, she smiled and waved back as we came up to her.

"Hey, Willy. Hey Finn."

"How are you today Mira?" I asked.

"I'm doing fine. Thank you," she replied.

"You looking for a job as usual?" asked Finn.

"Yeah. Most of the jobs aren't much, but I know that there's a good one in there somewhere," said Mira.

"Are Lisanna and Elfman around?" I asked.

"Nah. They're over at Sieri's place. I asked her to watch them while I get a couple jobs done."

"You're not gonna go for a huge job again are you?" I asked.

"Don't worry. I'm not making that mistake again," said Mira. "I'm just gonna take some of the smaller jobs and call it a day."

"Well that's good," said Finn. "Just be sure to take one job at a time. The last thing you want to do is overwork yourself and end up back in my clinic."

"I know, I know," said Mira rolling her eyes a little. "You don't need to keep telling me over and over again Finn. I know. By the way, what brings you both this way? You gonna be taking a job or something Willy?"

"Um... not exactly," I said. "Finn was just showing me around town and also is taking me out for lunch. Besides, I don't wanna take any jobs right now"

"I see," said Mira. "So... Willy? Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"You... um... remember anything? You know... from this morning?"

"Hmmm..." I hummed trying to remember back from this morning. "I don't think so other than you, Elfman, and Lisanna were causing a ruckus for some reason. Why do you ask?"

"Um... nothing. Just wondering that's all," said Mira looking at the ground slightly pink.

"In any case, we're gonna go, Mira," said Finn. "Take care of yourself and be careful OK?"

"I will Finn," said Mira.

"Goodbye, Mira!" I said waving goodbye as we both walked away. "Good luck with your job and do your best!"

And with that, we both left the board.

"Hey, Willy. How come you didn't tell Mira about you taking jobs to help her?" asked Finn.

"I... wanna keep it a secret for now," I said. "I wanna keep it as a surprise as a way for showing thanks. Plus... Mira probably wouldn't approve and would probably say that she doesn't need help. So please keep it a secret for now. Please, Finn?"

"I understand," said Finn winking. "I won't tell a soul. Now then let's get you some lunch shall we?"

"Sounds great," I said smiling. "But... where are gonna go to eat?"

"You'll see," said Finn. "It's one of my favorite places to go eat whenever I feel like doing something special. It's right this way."

We walked down a street and then we turned to an alleyway. At the end of the alleyway, there was a small stand. In that stand was a man frying up some food that smelled wonderful. The man looked young probably about in his thirties, looked a bit chubby with a mustache and had a small black beard.

"Hey! If it isn't one of my best customers, Finn!"

"Heya Sid. How's business?" asked Finn as he sat down on a stool.

"Everything's decent," said Sid. "Not too fast and not too slow. Just right thank you. I see you brought an extra customer along with you."

"Oh. This is Willy," said Finn. "Willy. This is Sid. One of the greatest chefs that you've ever seen."

"Aw come on Finn. You give me too much credit," said Sid scratching the back of his head blushing. "Anyway, it's nice to meet you, Willy."

"Nice to meet you too sir," I said.

"So what can I get you today Finn?" asked Sid. "The usual?"

"You know it," said Finn. "But I'd like two orders, please. One for me and one for Willy."

"You got it!" said Sid and he went to work.

"What's he making Finn?" I asked a little hungry and curious.

"You'll see," said Finn. "Trust me. Once you get a taste of this, you'll probably want this better than fish."

After a few minutes, the food was done and Sid placed two bowls filled a food I hadn't seen before along with chopsticks. It was some kind of glazed orange meat on top of some white rice. I took one of the chopsticks and took one piece of meat and looked at it. It was certainly a strange looking food.

"What is it, Finn?" I asked. "Is this some kind of meat?"

"Sure is," said Finn who was already eating his food. "It's one of the most delicious meats you'll ever taste here in Osia. Go on and try it. You'll love it."

As Finn continued to eat, he moaned in delight. I looked back at my food and looked at the meat I was holding with my chopsticks. I wasn't sure that I would like it so I took a small nibble of it. Then in that single moment, the taste hit me like a ton of bricks. My tongue was hit by an incredible taste of tangy meaty goodness. It was the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I took my chopsticks and ate some more savoring the meaty tangy taste.

"This is delicious!" I moaned. "What is this?"

"That my dear boy is my famous orange chicken and rice!" said Sid proudly. "The finest orange chicken and rice you can get only here in Osia."

"Mmmm! This is so good!" I said stuffing another piece of chicken in my mouth. "You were right Finn. This does taste a lot better than fish!"

"I'm glad you like it," said Finn smiling as he ate from his bowl. "Make sure you savor that taste because these next few days are gonna be rough."

"Rough?" I asked. "Rough how?"

Finn turned to me having a serious look on his face.

"Willy. The next few days are gonna be a bit difficult. Take it from me, I've been training under her for the past years. The training is rigorous and will probably more difficult than whatever training you went through before. I brought you here, so whenever you need to take a break or get a good place to eat, come here."

"I will," I said after swallowing some orange chicken.

"Also I want to warn you about the master's training," added Finn. "It might be a little... Never mind. I think it'd be best for you to find out for yourself. Just enjoy the food for now."

"OK!"

I turned back to my food and shoveled it into my mouth loving every bit of the taste.

A little later, we finished eating. Finn paid Sid for the food and we were on our way home. At this point, it was getting a little close to the evening. Finn and I were heading back to the house when we ran into another familiar face. There was Sieri carrying a couple of bags and a parcel.

"Hey, Sieri!" I called out waving.

"Oh hey you two," said Sieri. "How are you?"

"We're doing fine," said Finn. "What's that stuff you're carrying?"

"Just a couple of things I picked up from the market," said Sieri. "Oh! And real quick before I forget, I got a small gift for you guys. I bought some bread from the baker and he gave me a couple extra loaves. So I figured I'd stop by and give you guys some."

"How nice of you Sieri. We'll humbly accept this gift. In fact, why don't you have dinner with us?" said Finn. "Since you were heading for the same place we were."

"I'd like that very much," said Sieri. "Now that I think about it, I haven't been to your place in a while Finn. It'd be a nice change of pace."

"It's decided then," said Finn. "Willy? Can you help Sieri carry her things?"

"Sure thing Finn," I said taking the parcel Sieri was carrying and a couple of bags.

"Oh Willy, you don't have to do that," said Sieri.

"It's okay. I don't mind. I'd be happy to help you."

"All right then. You know, you're a very nice boy Willy," said Sieri patting my head.

After that, the three of walked back to our house. The sun was already starting to set by the time we got to the house.

"All right then," said Finn. "Willy, why don't you wash up and get ready while Sieri and I get dinner ready?"

"OK!" I said as I went to the bathroom leaving Sieri and Finn by themselves.

"Well then, shall we get started?" asked Sieri pulling up her sleeves. "I'll lend you a hand in making dinner."

"Oh no. You're a guest. You don't have to help me if you don't want to," said Finn.

"Oh come on. I don't mind," said Sieri as she headed for the kitchen. "You always were a stickler for these kinds of things. Besides, you're not the only one who's a chef around here. Now let's cook!"

Finn sighed chuckling and shaking his head as he followed Sieri into the kitchen. Soon they were both bustling about preparing the food for dinner. Sieri was frying the fish while Finn prepared the rice and the tea.

"Be sure not to let the fish burn Sieri," said Finn.

"Don't worry Finn. I know how to cook a couple of measly fish," said Sieri.

"I know," said Finn as he took the kettle off the stove. Then he reached for a spoon to scoop the rice, but then he hand happened to bump into Sieri's hand as she was reaching for another utensil to use for the fish. Both of them looked at each other.

"Oops. Sorry about that," said Finn.

"No. The fault was mine," said Sieri retracting her hand. "You know... it's kinda like we're a family right now."

"How do you figure?" asked Finn feeling a little puzzled.

"Well you're the father obviously, I'm the mother, and Willy's our little boy," said Sieri.

Finn chuckled. "I guess that's kinda true," he said thoughtfully. "He has grown on me lately."

"So how is Willy doing?" asked Sieri. "He doing well?"

"Yes. He is. He's doing pretty good. I took him to see Tu Chi today," said Finn.

"And let me guess, Tu Chi is going to be training him. Am I right?"

"Hm. You read me like a book. You know me all too well," chuckled Finn.

"Of course. After all, I've known you since we were kids," smiled Sieri. "Back then you a bit of a rebel."

"Please don't remind me. It's bad enough to hear it from Tu Chi, but to hear it from you too? Heh. I really must have been a rebel."

"Hehehe. But hey, girls kinda like the rebel guy at times," said Sieri. "Because the rebel eventually becomes the softie when he grows up."

"What... do you mean by that Sieri?" asked Finn.

"Oh nothing," said Sieri turning back to the fish making sure that they were cooked pretending she didn't say anything. "So anyway, Are you gonna be joining Willy in his training tomorrow?"

"No. I have to work tomorrow," said Finn. "I'll be leaving Willy with the master while I work."

"Ah, I see. I'll have to tell Elfman and Lisanna when I see them. They'll probably be wondering about where he is," said Sieri.

"Yes. Do me a favor and tell them would you?"

"No worries. I'm sure that they'll understand," said Sieri. "Speaking of which, Finn do you know how Mira's doing?"

"Last time I checked, we just saw her at the jobs board in the center of town. She seemed to be OK. Why do you ask?"

"Well... Lisanna just told me something about her today and I just couldn't help but listen.."

"Did she now?"

"Yeah. Lisanna was telling me that Mira is love with Willy."

Finn raised an eyebrow and looked Sieri like she had just told him what her favorite type of wood was.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said that Lisanna told me that Mira is in love with Willy."

"And how do you figure that?" asked Finn as he finished scooping the rice and pouring the tea.

"Well, for one thing, she snuck into Willy's bed and embraced him passionately like a maiden in love," said Sieri giving herself a hug. "Plus have you noticed that she's been acting weird lately?"

"Hmmm. Now that you mention it, she was a bit red in the face when I came in," said Finn thoughtfully. "Not to mention that she was asking Willy about this morning too. Although I don't know why."

"Finn, don't you get it? I think it's obvious what's going on," said Sieri. "Here we have Mira, a young proud girl who lost her parents and has to take care of her siblings. She works hard and then goes on a job and risks her life to raise jewel, but along comes Willy who saves our heroine from certain doom which makes her fall in love. Not to mention that Willy gives her his bed to sleep with while he sleeps on the floor and so to repay him, Mira snuggles up in bed with him and..."

"Sieri. You really need to stop reading those romance novels," interrupted Finn pinching his nose. "and you gotta stop filling Lisanna's head with such things. Besides, Mira was just keeping Willy warm because Willy was sleeping on the floor. I'm pretty sure that it wasn't because she loves him. She's just a child.

"Oh come on Finn. Where's your sense of romance?" said Sieri. "Besides love can come from anywhere. Even from children."

"You always were the type of person to see the positive side of things," said Finn. "but that's what I like about you Sieri."

"L-l-like?"

Sieri blushed a bright shade of pink.

"As a good friend."

Sieri's blush completely vanished

"Oooh. Finn! Even though I'm an adult you still tease me!" she pouted.

"Hahaha. Because you're so much fun to tease," chuckled Finn.

"Meanie..."

"By the way, shouldn't keep an eye on the fish?" asked Finn pointing to the stove. "They're pretty close to burning you know."

"Eeep! I completely forgot!"

Sieri quickly went back to fish praying that she didn't burn them. Finn watched her with a smile on his face and then went back to pouring the rest of the tea.

WILLY'S POV

A few minutes later, dinner was soon ready and we all ate sitting at the table. The fish was slightly burned, but I didn't mind. I have been living with a dragon for the past couple of days eating nothing, but fish over a fire. As long as it wasn't charcoal burnt, it was okay. As we ate, Finn and Sieri talked about some things. but I didn't pay too much attention to that. My thoughts were elsewhere. I was too busy thinking about the sparring fight I saw with Finn and Tu Chi today. The speed, the power, and the magic they both used. Every single second of that battle was etched into my brain. It made me feel inspired. Inspired to be strong just like them, but it also made me wonder if I could ever be strong just like them.

After we ate, Finn and Sieri took care of the dishes while I cleaned up the table. As I cleaned up, I continued to think about the fight I had seen. In my mix of emotions from thinking about it, I couldn't help but feel determined about training. I really wanted to learn the moves Finn and Tu Chi used. Especially the ones where Finn made those water stars and when Finn and Tu Chi made those weapons.

"Willy? Willy? Willy?"

"Huh? What?"

I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of Finn's voice calling me which was coming from the front door. I went over to the door to find Finn and Sieri waiting for me.

"You OK Willy?" he asked. "I had to call you a couple times."

"Oh. Sorry about that," I said. "I was just thinking about something. It's nothing important."

"Alright then," said Finn. "Anyway, I was just telling Sieri about tomorrow. Tomorrow I have to work which means that I won't be able to go with you on training tomorrow. If you need any help or if you're not feeling well, feel free to come or Sieri or me OK?"

"OK."

"And if you need a break from time to time, I can get Elfman and Lisanna for you too," said Sieri. "They would love to hear from you."

"Thank you. I will," I said smiling.

"And one more thing," said Sieri.

She bent down and whispered something in my ear.

"Make sure you take good care of Mira."

I looked at Sieri feeling a little confused. "What do you mean by that Sieri?" I asked.

"Don't worry. You'll figure it out eventually," Sieri said winking. "Just do what I told you OK?"

"Um... OK. If you say so Sieri."

"Sieri? Don't go passing your advice to Willy," said Finn. "Need I remind you that he's a just boy?"

"And need I remind you what I told you before? There's no age limit for that," said Sieri mischievously winking as she left. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye Willy! Good luck with your training."

As we watched Sieri leave, Finn sighed as he pinched his nose rubbing his eyes.

"Oh brother. Sometimes I don't know half the things that woman is thinking," he muttered. "In any case, let's get you ready for bed Willy. You got a big day tomorrow."

"OK then," I said. "but Finn, what Sieri mean before? Something about age?"

"It's nothing," said Finn as he led me to bed. "Let's just say that you'll know when you're a little older."

Tu Chi is officially gonna start training Willy!

What training will Willy go under? What things will he learn? Did he just get a lesson about women?

lol Just kidding on that last past, but be sure to keep reading and don't be afraid to leave a review.

Dragoman out!