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Chapter 98

The Predator Becomes The Prey

Don Ghira stared at Willy now completely surprised at what he was witnessing. Not just because of the sudden change and growth of magic aura, but the change of the atmosphere surrounding the boy. The atmosphere of which was soaked with bloodlust, murderous intent, and pure rage. Not only that, but Willy's body was changing as well as healing. The bloody slash marks of his body all began to close up and even his broken arm began to heal while making cringe-inducing popping sounds. His canine teeth grew a bit longer and his muscle tone grew a little bigger too.

As Don Ghira continued to observe, he was quite a bit taken aback to this sudden change.

"What's going on here? One minute, the boy's flat on the ground dead as a doorknob, the next minute he's back on his feet and his body is healing and changing all at once," he thought. "Not to mention that the look in his eyes has completely changed."

"So, looks like you got some fight left in you," he said out loud. "I didn't think you'd have any strength left let alone stand up. You still looking for a fight?"

Willy didn't respond or answer. He just stared at Don Ghira growling with fury his eyes gleaming with a new animalistic instinct.

"Got nothing to say? Whatever," said Don Ghira. "If you're still wanting to fight, then by all means; come and-"

But then Don Ghira was suddenly interrupted by Willy going on the attack. One minute he was standing a few feet away from him, the next, he was right in front of his face. With a mighty roar, he threw a punch aiming for Don Ghira's face once again. Don Ghira immediately brought up his arms crossing them as Willy's fist collided straight into them. The sheer force of the blow sent him skidding backward as he tried to stop himself from doing so. When he managed to get his bearings, he looked up in time for Willy suddenly reappear in front of him again as he attacked with a series of blows.

Don Ghira defend by blocking and parrying every one of them, but he began to notice something different as he did. Every one of his blows was faster and had more force than before and those alone was making him lose ground as he was forced to step backward. Then suddenly he felt one of the punches hit him square in the muzzle hard.

Feeling a flash of anger, Don Ghira countered with a series of fast and strong punches of his own. However, Willy ducked, tilted his head, and avoided the attacks with ease while counterattacking. The two continued to go at each other defending as well as attacking with their punches. However, during the scuffle, Willy managed to sneak in a few hits every ten Don Ghira blocked. First, he felt Willy hit him in his abdomen, then his right shoulder, his left hip, and then his left cheek.

Knowing that he wasn't getting anywhere and was taking damage, Don Ghira stopped the assault by forcibly spreading Willy's arms apart by doing the same with his own. He bent down and the swept his leg hoping to trip him up, but Willy immediately jumped upward and counter-attacked with a powerful kick to the face sending the tiger-man flying into the wall of the cave. Don Ghira was a bit shaken from the impact, but he had no time to recover as Willy shot towards him. With another scream, he swung his fist with all of his strength aiming for Don Ghira's head. Using his speed, Don Ghira immediately jumped upwards making Willy smash into the wall with a mighty crash creating an explosion of rubble and dust.

As Don Ghira landed back on the ground, he looked back in time to see Willy burst out from the cloud of dust toward him and hit him square in his chest. The kick alone stunned Don Ghira sending him backward from the force again, however, Willy wasn't done with his assault. Seeing him open for attack, Willy turned while he was in the air and then slammed Don Ghira to the ground with a downwards kick right on his stomach. A glob of spit come out of Don Ghira's mouth as the wind was knocked out of him and the force of the kick pushed him into the floor. Willy then pushed up on his heel launching himself into the air, performing a series of flips and landed on the floor with on all fours just like a cat would.

Don Ghira coughed a bit as he got back up holding his abdomen. After taking a few seconds to recover, he looked back up at Willy who was still growling like an animal while glaring at him with his glowing green eyes. Seeing him in this state not only made him impressed but also made him all the more thrilled.

"His physical prowess has drastically improved and his instincts are even sharper than before," he thought. "If I had known that he'd get this strong just from a fit of rage, I would have toyed with him a bit more."

Don Ghira took a stance while cracking his neck preparing for the fight to resume as Willy stood back up on his feet. He growled menacingly as he clenched his fists tightly summoning his magic power. As he did, his fists began to ooze with water. Water that was colored black with blue tinges giving it an oil-like appearance. Sensing that he was going to attack, Don Ghira poised his claws and coiled his legs. A few seconds passed by both fighters waiting for someone to make a move. Then the two immediately vanished into the air dashing and jumping around an incredible speed.

As they used their speed to get the upper hand on each other, the air trembled as they collided with powerful and incredible blows. Fists slammed into fists, kicks collided with kicks, and fists even smashed into kicks. Don Ghira then stopped landing on his fist and looked around not being able to see Willy. Then he looked behind him and saw Willy as he pounced towards him forcing him to immediately bring up his arm to defend, but with a swipe of his hand, Willy ripped through his hide making four red lines appear gushing out blood.

Don Ghira bit back his tongue as he jumped back holding his arm in pain. Willy looked at his hand noticing that he had some of Don Ghira's blood on it and licked the blood from his hand from his wrist to his middle fingertip. He licked his lips tasting the blood as a small evil smile curled up on his lips. As he looked towards Don Ghira, the man couldn't help but feel a bit insulted and at the same time impressed.

"Well, what do you know? It seems that he's got some blood lust in him as I thought," he said to himself. "He attacks with quick precision and moves like a wild animal. He's completely different than before. But that magic aura, his eyes, and that murderous pressure surrounding him. Just what's going on with this kid? Either way, he's still my prey and as the predator, it's my duty to see that this boy dies by my hand and I'll devour him no matter how strong he gets."

"I must admit, you surprised me with those attacks," he said out loud. "But those were just a couple of lucky hits and nothing more. Don't think that you'll be getting anymore because now you've got me a bit irritated."

Willy didn't say a word. He just stared at Don Ghira his eyes gleaming.

"Still giving me the silent treatment, eh? Come on. Don't you have anything to say to me?" he asked. "Or are you just gonna stand there looking tough?"

Willy continued to stare at Don Ghira. Then with his bloodied hand, he beckoned the man using only his index finger as if he was taunting him. Don Ghira's face immediately turned into a scowl, but he quickly composed himself as he cracked his knuckles.

"So you want me to come at you, huh? Fine then," he growled. "It's been a while since someone's been able to wound me in battle much less push me this far, so why not? I'll give you a taste of my true power and show you the true terror that is me! The ultimate predator that numerous wizards and people alike fear! Don Ghira of the Black Tiger guild!"

He then flexed his muscles with released a powerful kiai from his mouth as the pressure around his body increased while Willy simply stood there waiting for Don Ghira to attack him. Don Ghira's eyes gleamed, his teeth were barred, and his murderous intent was even stronger than he was before taking the form of a thin black mist. He also was growling and even frothing at the mouth as he got on all fours like he was an actual tiger.

"Now... prepare to die!" he roared as lunged forward disappearing in a blur.

Willy carefully looked around trying to sense where Don Ghira was the man zipped and dashed around him bouncing from wall to wall and rock to rock. Suddenly, four red slash marks appeared on Willy's left forearm gushing out some blood almost ripping his hand completely off. Then he felt a strong impact on his back, two slash marks on his cheek, four more on the right side of his stomach, and hit on his right leg. Using his newly enhanced speed, Don Ghira was attacking at random shooting by Willy using drive-by attacks from punches and claws. The attacks alone caused Willy to stagger and stumble but he wouldn't go down nor did he cry out in pain.

"How's this boy?! This is me in my fullest power and ability!" Don Ghira cackled out as he continued his assault. "None who have faced me in my full power has ever lived to tell the tale! It's been quite a while since I've been up to one hundred percent of my strength!"

Willy now crossed his arms to defend as Don Ghira continued his assault with a series of punches and slashes.

"No matter what type or how strong of a wizard you are, it's useless against my power!" continued Don Ghira. "Because at the end of the day, a predator will always catch its prey, and by the time you react, it'll already be too late! I'll be dining on a dragon's flesh by sundown!"

He then resumed dashing and jumping around the cave getting ready for killing blow. He licked his lips with anticipation as his eyes gleamed with a sadistic predatory gleam. He wanted nothing more than to bite Willy's neck and rip him to shreds and savor the fountain of blood it would make.

"NOW YOU DIE, BOY! I'LL HAVE YOU IN MY TEETH AND RIP YOU TO SHREDS!"

He made sure that he was in Willy's blind spot which was right behind him and shot forward his teeth barred going for the kill. Just when it seemed that Don Ghira would be successful in his kill, at the last second, Willy ducked making Don Ghira's jaws snap shut at nothing but air. At the very same time as he went past him, Willy planted his hands to the ground and then gave Don Ghira a double kick to his stomach sending him up in the air.

Don Ghira feeling the wind get knocked out of him again now felt even more cross. As he looked down to see where his opponent was, he was frustrated to see that Willy had disappeared again. Then he felt a powerful blow slam right on top of his head sending him back to the ground making a small crater. While he was in the air, Willy then fired the Aqua Jets from his feet and shot towards Don Ghira with his fist raised and poised. At the last moment, Don Ghira jumped up in a handstand and flipped away from Willy as he hit the ground with his fist. Seeing this as an opening, Don Ghira made his tail shoot forward and wrap around Willy's throat before the boy had a chance to react. He then snickered wickedly as he lifted Willy up with his tail alone making him hang in front of him.

"You let your guard down, boy. You may have gotten stronger and faster now, but I'm still stronger and quicker and have experience," he said. "I will admit though, you've exceeded my expectations. I can't remember the last time I've actually had to try in a fight. You're a top class meal for the palate. But now this is where it ends! I'll squeeze you till you pass out from the blood flow being cut to your brain or your neck breaks! Either way, you're a dead man and there's nothing you can do about it!"

He started to tighten his tail around Willy's neck with a maniacal look in his eyes as he snickered wickedly. Willy felt his tail tightening around his throat causing his eyes to widen and he struggled to try and break free from his iron. Don Ghira cackled and tightened, even more, causing Willy to make choking noises and claw at his tail trying to get it off of him, but it was no use. Willy then started to grow weaker, struggle less, and his eyes even began to roll to the back of his head as he began to lose consciousness. Don Ghira then laughed throatily as he continued to tighten his grip.

"Struggle all you want, but you can't hope to escape. I'll squeeze you until you suffocate," he said. "But first, allow me to commend you; you've done well against me. You've definitely lived up to your bounty. However, you're no different than all the other wizards I've fought. Now... prepare to die. Oh, and don't worry about being alone. Once you're through, I'll make sure that your friends follow suit and you'll won't be lonely."

He squeezed tighter and tighter laughing with triumph and sadistic pleasure thinking that his victory was assured. But then Willy suddenly gripped his tail with both of his hands with a yell bit down hard on his tail with his sharp teeth. This immediately made Don Ghira let out a small grunt of pain as he instinctively loosened his hold on his neck.

Seeing this as an opening, Willy planted his feet on the ground and in a great feat of strength, he swung Don Ghira over his shoulder and slammed him into the ground. Then with a loud yell and with a powerful yank of his tail, he pulled Don Ghira towards him and gave him a powerful punch at his back almost enough to break his spine. Don Ghira let out a groan of agony as a glob of spit and blood came bursting out of his mouth as he was sent flying into a large piece of rubble with a mighty crash.

As Don Ghira picked himself up from the rubble, he looked up glaring at the boy feeling angry for having his tail bitten, but then his mood soon changed. Willy was now glaring at him harder than ever his eyes glowing and his magic power flaring seeming to rise up from his body like smoke. Willy's hands were cloaked with water and magic and his wounds and bruises healed up once again as shot forward towards Don Ghira at an incredible speed. The tiger man immediately brought up his fist to counterattack, but in a speed faster than he could follow, Willy punched Don Ghira square in the gut with an Iron Fist burying his fist deep in it. The blow alone made Don Ghira feel like he was shot by a cannonball as he felt something crack in his stomach. His eyes went wide with agony as he felt his breath get caught in his throat while holding his stomach.

Willy then attacked again this time uppercutting Don Ghira right at the chin of his muzzle sending him backward and then followed up with a mighty kick in his chest causing the beast to collapse to his knees. Don Ghira was now in pain. His stomach throbbed as he clutched it and he also had blood coming from both sides of his mouth as he rasped and gasped struggling to breathe.

"What... is this?! He... he only hit me three times..." he choked out. "And one of those blows... broke one of my ribs... He... actually broke a part of my body... He... he actually made me feel pain! Could... he really be that strong?!" The moment those thoughts entered his head, Don Ghira then felt rage overtake his body as he stood up. "No... No! This kid can't be stronger than me! I am Don Ghira! The mightiest predator that ever existed! I will not be humiliated by a child, especially a lowly piece of scum like him!"

He then shot towards Willy using his speed once again to appear in front of him, but just when it seemed that he was going to attack from the front, he feinted going around behind him and thrust his hand forward with his claws raised. However, at the last second, Willy tilted his body to the left dodging the blow and using his arm caught Don Ghira by the arm. Then with a black and blue water-coated arm, he landed a powerful blow right on his arm causing it to let out a sickening crack.

Don Ghira howled in pain as he retracted his now broken arm as Willy let go of his arm, but Willy wasn't done with his assault. He then jumped up and using his speed, disappeared into the air. He dashed and jumped all around the cave and attacked Don Ghira with a series of punishing blows and slashes. Don Ghira who was still wracked with pain had no means to defend as each one ripped several gashes that spurted blood and made bruises appear even on his black fur which soon became matted with blood. In a matter of seconds, he stood there a bloody and bruised mess completely dazed and confused.

Willy then stopped his assault standing just in front of Don Ghira. He took a deep breath and with a bellowing scream, he unleashed a powerful black and blue Water Dragon Roar. The blast not only overwhelmed Don Ghira, but it was so strong that it not only slammed him into the wall but it also blasted straight through the wall like it was nothing. Rocks fell and the entire mountain trembled with this overwhelming power.

When the dust cleared, there was now a large hole on the other side of the cave and Don Ghira was lying flat on his back completely down and out and back to his normal human form. His body was littered with gashes and bruises and he had blood oozing out from his mouth and from his wounds. He also had two spectacular bruises, one on his arm and the other on his stomach both colored in a sickly purple.

"I... I don't believe this... How...? How... could I let this happen...? Letting a mere boy do this to me...?"

He managed to sit up shaking as he used whatever strength he had to do so. Then he saw Willy. He was looking straight at him his green eyes gleaming and his magic power showing itself around his body again. Whatever Don Ghira saw next, no one really knew. It could have been because of the blood loss or it could have been the rapid concussions to his head, but as Willy continued to stare at Don Ghira, a demonic face took shape inside of his magic aura behind him. It had piercing white eyes, sharp teeth, and looked like the devil itself.

Don Ghira's eyes went wide as he felt his heart skip a beat and his body beginning to tremble. He looked at his trembling hand and realizing the feeling that gripped his heart. A feeling that he hadn't experienced up till now.

Fear.

"So... this is fear. The fear that prey experience like when they're cornered with no means of fighting back. I can't stop shaking..."

Willy then slowly walked towards Don Ghira his fist tightly clenched and radiating with magic power. Don Ghira now felt more afraid than ever, but then as Willy was now standing a few feet away, a smile slowly worked its way to his lips as he began to laugh. His laugh was quiet at first but it gradually grew louder and louder until his laughter echoed throughout the cave.

"Yes. That's the way it works in this world. Those who are weak... are devoured and the strong stand on top," he said gasped. He looked at Willy. "And you... you're no exception, boy. It's been quite a while... since I've had a good fight... and felt fear strike my heart. But now... I suppose I lose. I only wish that... I could have fought some more..."

Willy now stood above Don Ghira growling menacingly. He raised his foot and gave him a firm stomp pressing him into the ground also raising his hand making the tainted water magic in his hand change into a sword.

"I should have known... As I thought, you do have a killer instinct... like a true predator," Don Ghira croaked as he bit back a cough. "There's no mercy in a fight for survival... Go ahead. Kill me and establish your dominance like a true predator. After all, I am nothing more... but someone that has no meaning in his life now. Do it."

Willy raised his blade and was ready to comply with Don Ghira's request and aimed for his throat. He was just about to swing and execute the killing blow, but then suddenly...

"Willy! Is that you over there?!"

"Hold on! We're coming to help you!"

A pair of voices was which originated from the tunnel were Willy blasted which immediately made him stop. His blade inches away from piercing Don Ghira's throat as he seemed to stand there completely frozen. Don Ghira looked up and saw that Willy's eyes were now no longer green and had returned to their natural eye color and his water blade had immediately dissipated.

"What... what is this? I... I don't understand what's..."

He took a couple steps backward while holding his head in agony as if he was in pain. His body also began to glow with that same black and blue magic power as it seemed to go wild. Then Willy let out an agonizing scream as his magic power flared releasing a powerful force of wind that shook the cave. His magic aura slowly began to slowly turn back to blue until it died down completely. He stood there completely motionless for a few seconds, then he fell forward falling to the ground face down unconscious. Don Ghira glanced at where Willy laid completely dumbfounded, but that expression slowly changed into a smile filled with vengeance.

"Since he's unconscious now... I might as well use this opportunity. I may have lost the battle, but I haven't lost the war. At least, I'll be able to kill him before his friends get here."

He flipped over on his stomach and used whatever strength he had to crawl over to Willy. When he was close enough to his face he wrapped his free hand and squeezed Willy's throat and was about to strangle him when he heard a voice snap behind him.

"Hey! You leave him alone!"

At that moment, someone rushed on over and kicked his hand away from Willy. Don Ghira then looked up and saw none other than Mira who was glaring daggers at him. She also wasn't alone. Natsu, Erza, Gray, and Lucy had also arrived on the scene ready to fight and help their friend.

"Holy crap! What the heck happened here?!" exclaimed Natsu as she looked around bewildered.

"It looks like a storm went by in here," commented Gray.

Mira then rushed over to Willy. "Willy! Are you OK?! Say something!"

Lucy went over to Willy and checked his pulse. "Looks like he's unconscious," said Lucy. "But he seems to be OK."

Natsu then looked over at Don Ghira and as soon as he saw him, he gasped. "Holy crap! It's that Satoshi guy!" he cried. "What the heck is he doing here?!"

"Natsu, have you forgotten already? He's the guild master of the Black Tiger guild," Happy sighed. "I told you this, remember?"

"But what the hell happened to him?" wondered Gray. "He's got a crap ton of wounds all over him. Looks like he was fighting a freaking monster."

Don Ghira then looked up and then gave a weak chuckle. "So you're all the wizards that the boy was talking about," he wheezed. "What... a delectable palate. I would love... to take my time tasting all of you... but sadly I won't be able... to indulge on you all in my current state."

Erza then stepped over to him. "Satoshi or should I say Don Ghira, your scheme ends now," she said. "We've freed all the slaves you and your followers trapped here and all of your followers have been defeated as well. We're going to take you into custody now and the Magic Council can deal with you."

Don Ghira stared at Erza and then laughed again. "You're right about that. I have no means... of fighting back nor can I move, so my plan... ends here," he spoke panting. "However, I'm afraid... that you're sorely mistaken about that second bit, girl."

Erza was puzzled not really understanding, but hen suddenly, there was a whistling noise which was coming straight towards them. Erza immediately turned around in time to a ball come flying out of nowhere.

"Everyone! Look out!" yelled Erza.

But she was too late. No sooner than the ball hit the ground, it exploded releasing a powerful and bright light that shone everywhere. Everyone immediately shielded their eyes blinded by the bright light.

"Damn it! What the hell is that?!" cried Gray.

"It's so bright! I can't see!" cried Lucy.

The light continued to shine brightly for a few seconds or so until it finally died down and everyone open their eyes regaining their vision. As soon as they did, they were quick to realize that Don Ghira had disappeared.

"What the-! Where'd he go?!" cried Happy. "He went and pulled a Houndtiny on us!"

"It's Houdini, cat!" snapped Lucy. "And I think we just realized that!"

"Damn it all! How did he escape from us?" wondered Erza. "There's no way that he could make a getaway with his injuries which would probably mean that he had an accomplice to aid him."

"Why that rotten bastard! Get back here and fight!" roared Natsu. "I'm gonna find that jerk and burn him to a crisp!"

"Aye, sir!" agreed Happy.

"Natsu, hold on a minute," Gray said. "We've got other things to worry about."

"Gray's right. We have to make sure all the people in this cave were set free," said Mira. "And we should also take Willy to Wendy to see if he's alright. And besides, this cave's gotten very unstable. It could collapse on us at any moment, so we should get out of here while we can. Gray, can you give me a hand?"

"Sure thing," replied Gray.

The Ice Make wizard and Mira each took an arm and lifted Willy up. Then everyone hurried out of the cave to safety.

Outside of the mountain several feet away, Don Ghira found himself outside still lying on his back unable to move. It was the middle of the night and everything was dark. He struggled as he sat back up and took a look at his surroundings. Then he heard a voice.

"Well, this certainly is a rare sight, Don Ghira. I've never seen you in such a state."

The sound of footsteps was heard and Don Ghira glanced upwards to see a familiar face standing before him. It was the middle-aged man with white hair and glasses. Don Ghira then chuckled.

"So I take it you were the one that rescued me, eh?" he panted. "I would say stay out of it... but I suppose I owe you my thanks"

"Think nothing of it, Don Ghira," said the man. "Always happy to help. By the way, it would seem that you've failed to deliver the boy to me. Not to mention... that you tried to kill him. Isn't that right?"

"Oh. That. Well... I was having so much fun with the fight... that I got a little crazy," Don Ghira went on. "But what does it matter? I lost the fight because that kid's magic power increased. But... make no mistake. Once I recover... I'll get my revenge... and destroy that punk and his little friends."

"Sounds like you made up your mind," said the man. "But... there's just one little problem with that statement." He paused impressively. "Whoever said that you'll be getting another chance?"

Don Ghira looked at the man in feeling a bit confused. Then before he had a chance to react, the man gave a quick swipe of his hand and made a familiar purple magic circle appeared underneath Don Ghira's body. Don Ghira was surprised and confused upon seeing this circle. Then his eyes widened in terror as he recognized what kind of spell this was.

"This...! This is...!"

"That's right. It's a Self-Destruction magic circle," said the man. "In about three minutes, that circle will explode destroying everything around the area around it in an instant and you along with it."

"But why?! What's the meaning of this?" demanded Don Ghira.

"Consider this punishment for going back on your word and for trying to kill my precious subject. That is the reason why I saved your life after all," said the man. Besides, I have no use for a man that can't fight let alone unable to stand. Can't really say it's been a pleasure working with you Don Ghira, but if it's any consolation, you've managed to succeed in sending my plan to the next stage."

"And what do you mean by that?! What the hell are you planning to do?!" demanded Don Ghira as he struggled to get up.

The man turned on heel and walked away not saying another word. Don Ghira tried to get back up on his feet to try and get away, but at this point, he couldn't even stand up anymore. The magic circle began to glow brighter and brighter as Don Ghira became more and more frantic to try and get away.

"No! Not like this! I can't die like this!" he yelled as he reached out towards the man. "Damn you! Damn you, you bastard! I swear I will feast on you and make you pay!"

But his words fell on deaf ears as the magic circle reached the end of its timer self destructing. First, the area where the circle exploded, next the rubble compressed like it got sucked into a black hole and then it exploded with an even louder explosion that shook the area. When the smoke cleared, there was nothing left but a large crater. The man with the glasses continued walking casually pushing up his glasses with his middle finger.

"That takes care of that eyesore," he said to himself. "Now... it's time to head back. I must get ready for the next phase. I'm looking forward to seeing how things will develop. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you're capable of, Willy Falconer. After all... you are her son."

If you liked what you read, feel free to Review and PM me.

Dragoman, signing off!