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Chapter 119

No More Secrets

Mira and I started walking away from the camp, hoping to have some privacy. As we left, we took notice of the other guildmates acting silly. Erza for some unknown reason was wearing a nurse's uniform and was trying her best to wrap some bandages around Gray and Gajeel, who were in agonizing pain, while Juvia and Levy looked on appearing to be jealous, and Wendy sitting by herself appearing to be depressed.

"I wonder what's going on with those guys? Then again, I shouldn't be surprised everyone in the guild should start acting crazy after a major fight."

Then Makarov came up to us. "Where are you kids heading off too?" he asked.

"We're just going to have a small chat, Master," said Mira. "Don't worry. We won't be gone for too long."

A teasing smile then crept onto Makarov's features. "Oh, I get it. You two are going out on a secret rendezvous, right? Haha, it must be nice to be young."

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks grow a bit hot at that comment. "M-Master, it's not like that. We're just going to talk. That's it."

"Whatever you say, Willy," Makarov chuckled. "Just make sure you kids aren't gone for too long."

"Oh, Master. You and your jokes," Mira laughed. "Now come on, Willy. Let's get going."

I then resumed walking, following the silver head as we both left the camp and into the woods. The woods that were once filled with the atmosphere of war, now had a sense of peace and serene. The wind blew through the trees, causing them along with the shadows they cast to dance around, as the sun shone through them, giving them a beautiful glow.

As I continued to walk, I happened to look over at Mira, who was walking just ahead of me. I personally had no idea what Mira wanted to talk to me about. However, that made me a little bit nervous for some reason.

"Alright. I got to play it cool. Mira just wants to talk to me, so it's not like it's going to be anything weird. I mean I've been alone with Mira before so it's no big deal."

The two of us continued to walk on in silence, until finally, I decided to speak up.

"Say, Mira. Where exactly are we going? We're pretty far away from the camp now."

"Don't worry. We're almost there," said Mira looking back at me. "Just wait a little bit longer."

So I kept following Mira feeling curious as to where she was taking me. After what seemed to be a couple of minutes of walking, Mira stopped and turned around to face me. Her face had a neutral look, but I couldn't but notice that there was a slight frown.

"So... how are your wounds?" I asked, trying to make conversation. "Do they hurt very much?"

"No. They're fine," replied Mira. "Just a couple of minor scrapes and bruises. You?"

"Pretty much the same except for some new ones Hades put on me," I said. "Nothing too serious, though.

There was another long pause, as I looked around scratching my head trying to think of something else to say, while Mira looked down on the ground.

"Come on, Willy. This is way too awkward for your liking! Say something, darn it!" I thought to myself. "You're just talking to Mira, so stop being so weird!"

"So... what did you want to talk to me about, Mira?" I asked, trying to break the silence. "Is there something the-"

"I was worried about you," interrupted Mira softly. "When I heard that you were on the island and that Grimoire Heart was after you, I wanted to find you and make sure that you were okay. But... then Lisanna got taken as a hostage, and I couldn't even protect her..."

Mira's face was filled with sadness as she looked away appearing to be ashamed.

"It's all right, Mira," I said to her. "It wasn't like it was your fault. Besides, it wasn't like I was dead or anything. If anything, I was the one worried about you. In fact, when I saw you passed out in Lisanna's arms... I thought that... I thought that you were..."

I then felt a slight chill run down my spine along remembering Mira's unconscious body causing me to trail off. The memory alone made my stomach get butterflies.

"I know, and I'm glad to see that you're okay, but that's not the reason why I wanted to talk to you," said Mira. "I heard about you sneaking onto Tenrou Island because of Doranbolt masquerading as one of our members. And to add to that, you snuck away from base camp without telling anyone where you were going. Why didn't you say anything to anyone?"

"Because, I couldn't until I was sure my suspicions were correct," I explained. "Besides, even if I did tell you, I wasn't sure you guys would believe what I said was true. Doranbolt had his eyes set on me from the moment I first met him back when I was locked up along with a few other council members. They still believe me to be a criminal, and would most likely be willing to go as far as to use whatever they could to bring me and the guild down. I couldn't risk it."

"But you could have at least told me or the master before the trials even started," Mira said. "Then you wouldn't have had to sneak onto the island and would be safe. Don't you trust me?"

"I'm sorry, Mira. Believe me, I wanted to tell you, but I just couldn't," I said, trying to be as apologetic as I could. "I was the one that Doranbolt and the Council were targeting. I didn't want anyone else to get involved in my problems when I was the cause of them starting. I thought I could deal with Doranbolt on my own, but I didn't expect Grimoire Heart to show up and come after me too. And then after that, you, along with everyone else in the guild, got hurt, which was the reason why I left without telling anyone. Not only would I have been stopped, but I didn't want anyone getting hurt because of me. I thought I could take on Hades myself and question him."

I then hung my head, while clenching my hands in frustration. "But... I guess I was nothing short of foolish for thinking that way. Hades was way too strong for me, and if it wasn't for Natsu and the others... I would have..."

I then felt Mira's hand touch my cheek, lifting my head, so my eyes would meet hers.

"Willy, it's okay. I'm not mad at you or anything," Mira said. "But I am disappointed that you didn't bother to tell me any of what was going on. You're pretty much doing the same thing I did back when we were kids. Or did you forget already?"

I certainly did remember what Mira meant. I could well remember the words I said back when I saved her from the Gorian.

"...you need to stop doing things on your own. I understand where you're coming from, but that isn't going to solve anything. All that's going to do is make your family worry about you and get you hurt or worse. You can't keep pushing people away if they wanna help you."

"No. I haven't forgotten," I told Mira. "How could I not? I mean I was the one who said that."

Mira then wrapped her arms around my back, embracing me in a hug. "Then next time, if you're in trouble or if you're feeling suspicious about anything, please talk to me," she said. "I'm your friend, and I don't want anything else to happen to you. Especially now that you're a target of not only the Magic Council, but also the dark guilds. If someone tries to hurt you or even try to take you away, me and the guild will always have your back. No matter what."

As Mira hugged me tightly, my heart immediately began to thump in my chest a bit, as I felt my cheeks grow hot. But, I felt very grateful, and I returned Mira's hug in earnest while trying not to stammer.

"Alright, then. I'll try to have a little more faith in you guys next time," I said. "Thanks, Mira, for being so understanding."

The two of us stayed there, embracing each other for a good few seconds until I finally let go, the two of us exchanging smiles.

Mira then glanced upward toward the trees, watching them dance in the wind, tucking a bit of her hair over her right ear. "You know, this place is actually beautiful when it's not filled with the atmosphere of war. Don't you think?"

While I did agree that it was beautiful and peaceful, I was staring at something else entirely, and she was right before me, her long silver hair fluttering in the wind, and her blue eyes that seemed to shine full of life.

"Yes, indeed. Very beautiful," I spoke rambling. "You're very beautiful in-"

Realizing what I was about to say, I immediately felt my cheeks redden as I immediately clasped my mouth shut, praying that Mira didn't hear me.

Mira turned back towards me. "Willy, what did you say? I didn't quite hear you," she said.

"I-It was nothing!" I blurted out, trying not to sound flustered. "I was just complimenting the scenery like you. Yup! Just admiring the beautiful scenery."

"Please tell me she didn't hear that! Please tell me she didn't hear that!"

"OK. Whatever you say, Willy," said Mira. "Anyway, we should probably be getting back. Otherwise, the Master's going to be sending a search party."

"Well, after everything that happened, I wouldn't be surprised if he did," I said with a slight smile. "Speaking of the Master, you think that he'll be mad at me for sneaking onto the island without his permission?"

"Well, I would assume that he'll give you a stern talking to," said Mira. "But I doubt that he'll do anything serious. Just make sure to apologize and say you won't do it again. At least that way he'll won't be too angry."

"Sounds like a good idea," I smiled as we started walking. "And what about the S-Class Trial? Is it going to proceed despite everything that's happened?"

"I'm afraid not. The Master probably going to cancel it due to everything that had happened most likely," said Mira. "I mean everyone, including the two of us, are pretty beaten up. It won't be much of a trial if everyone's too weak to fight, let alone participate."

"Yeah. One thing's for sure, I can think of a couple of people that aren't too be happy about that," I said. "Particularly Natsu."

"No kidding. Well, what can you do about it? Those are the breaks," chuckled Mira. "There'll always be next time. And hey, maybe when we have another one, you could take part in it."

"Me? A part of the S-Class Trials?" I hummed thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, I've always wondered what it would be like to be an S-Class wizard. It does have a nice ring to it. But at the same time, I don't know if I can take you or Erza on if I ever had to face you, especially since that you were able to beat me the other day."

"You never know, Willy. After all, we both were holding back," smiled Mira. "I mean it wasn't like you were holding back so that I could win."

"Hey! I wasn't holding back!" I said with a hint if indigence while smiling. "And even if I was, it definitely because I let you win! Next time, I ain't going to go so easy on you."

Mira then giggled. "Oh, calm down, Willy. I was joking — no need to act like Natsu on me. Then again, I've always wanted to see how'd we do if we fought against each other at full strength. "

The two of us then continued to talk and joke with each other as we made our way back to camp.

We soon made it back to the base camp. When we did, we saw that everyone in the guild was still up to their usual antics like always. Then, Makarov, who was standing on top of a couple of crates called out to us.

"Listen up, everyone!" he boomed. "I need all of you to gather around at once!"

So everyone did, wondering what our Master had to say. Makarov then gazed grimly at us as he paused dramatically.

"Be prepared, everyone. I have an important announcement to make," Makarov continued, once again pausing. "Tomorrow morning, when we return to the guildhall after we've left Tenrou Island..." A sly and mischevious grin then took over his face as he began to hop around like an excited kid. "All female wizards are required to wear, uniforms, nurse outfits, and school swimsuits!"

We all stared at our Master in silence, dubiously. At the mention of the word swimsuit, I couldn't help but think about Mira back when she wore a swimsuit at our trip to the Akane Resort. I had to admit, the thought alone was something that I wanted to see, but I kept it to myself not wanting to be strange or perverted.

Then Lucy suddenly burst out, practically shrieking, while her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. "In your dreams, you lousy pervert!"

"Swimsuits, huh?" mused Erza thoughtfully, stroking her chin with interest. "Now that I think about it, I haven't worn mine in a while... I'm looking forward to it."

"Erza, be quiet! You're not helping!" Lucy squeaked hysterically. "At least show a little bit of anger!"

At that moment, Mira suddenly appeared next to Makarov, giving him a menacing glare that showed that she was standing for no nonsense.

"Master, get serious," Mira spoke, her voice low and cold as ice. "If you don't, then I'll have to."

Makarov's enthusiasm quickly shut down as he looked like he was about to shrink from fear alone. "I was just kidding around, Mira! Got overexcited you know," the elderly man spoke meekly. "Can't an old man have some fun?"

Just seeing the look on her face made me feel a chill go down my spine. "Yikes. I suppose even Mira can put her foot down against the Master when she wants too. Better remind me not to get her mad."

The Master then cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "I'm afraid I have a bit of bad news," he said grimly. "Due to everything that has happened on this island, I'm afraid that I have no choice, but to have the S-Class Trial canceled."

"SAY WHAT!? IS THIS A FRIGGIN' JOKE?!" Natsu, Gray, Elfman, and Gajeel yelled.

"I'm not joking this time," Makarov spoke firmly. "As I said, the S-Class Trial is canceled. Now deal with it."

"But we can still compete!" protested Gray. "I don't agree with this at all!"

"Yeah! We've been through worse than this, so let us finish it!" Natsu barked indignantly.

"I ain't leaving this island till I'm S-Class!" Gajeel yelled, crossly.

"Gajeel, you're not even in the running, you idiot!" Elfman pointed out. "Last time I checked, Levy was the one competing!"

"Believe me, I don't like this any more than you kids do, but I don't have a choice in the matter," said Makarov. "Try and put yourselves in my place."

"With everything that's happened, I suppose it's only natural," said Levy. "I suppose it can't be helped."

"Come on, Levy! Are you going to take this crap lying down?!" Gajeel protested. "Or do you not give a crap?!"

"There's no reason for you to get so worked up," Pantherlily spoke sternly. "If you're Levy's partner, then you should respect her wishes if she doesn't want to compete."

"Pantherlily's right. Besides, it wouldn't be much of a trial if you're all beaten up and weakened like this," I quipped in. "So it would be for the best if we all accept what the Master says."

Elfman then sighed in defeat. "I suppose you're right, Willy. I guess a real man has to know when to call it quits."

Everyone else all nodded in agreement, finally accepting this, everyone that was except for Natsu.

"Hey! What's with all the whining, huh?! You guys may be willing to throw in the towel, but I ain't giving up so easily!" the pink head barked. "In fact, since all of you guys are throwing in the towel, then that means I'm the winner by default, so go on and make me S-Class already!"

"Geez. Just how far is Natsu willing to go to become S-Class?!" I thought incredulously. "I'll give the guy credit for determination, but still! Can't he take no for an answer?!"

It seemed that there was no talking Natsu out of this, but then Makarov stepped forth, a slight mischevious grin on his face.

"Very well then, Natsu. Since you won't listen to reason, I'll make an exception and give you one final test," Makarov said. "If you can defeat me, then I'll make you S-Class here and now."

Natsu was immediately excited as well as pumped. "Alright! Now we're talking! Let's do this thing!" he cackled while he cracked his knuckles.

I was about to try and stop Natsu by calming him down, but then Mira put a hand on her shoulder stopping me, causing me to look over at her.

"I wouldn't try and get involved if I were you," Mira whispered. "Just let the Master handle this. It'll be over soon."

"But Mira..."

I started to say something, but then Natsu jumped towards Makarov, ready to put the old man into the dirt. However, before he had a chance to react, Makarov's arm swelled up to an enormous size, and with one single punch nailed Natsu with a powerful blow smashing and pinning him against the tree. My eyes went wide with shock and disbelief as Natsu's body helplessly trembled, utterly defeated.

"Man... even though the Master's beaten up, he still was able to beat Natsu?!" I gawked.

"I told you that it would be over quick," Mira chuckled. "He is the Master, after all."

Makarov then retracted his fist, changing it back to its normal size, as he turned towards the other guild members. "Now then, that is all I wanted to say to you all," he said. "In the meantime, I want you all to take your time to rest up and lick your wounds. If you need to clean up and heal your wounds, there's a spring not too far away from here that has great medicinal properties. Until then, that will be all."

As everyone dispersed, I couldn't help but take a bit of interest when Makarov mentioned a spring. It definitely sounded good right about now. It had been a while since I've had a chance to wash up, not to mention help ease my aching body.

"I have been feeling a little dirty lately. Not to mention, maybe the spring could help me with my wounds. It'll save me the magic and the time."

"Hey, you guys. I'm going to go for the spring for a bit," I told everyone. "I could use a good soak."

"Oh, Willy. Before you go, you might want to take these," Mira said, as she handed me two rolls of gauze and some clips. "These are for replacing the bandages on your body, just in case."

I then took flight into the air with a flap of my wings, and set off to find the spring.

NO POV

Meanwhile, thousands of feet away from Tenrou Island, something was flying towards it, appearing to sense the negative energy over there. It was big, black with blue markings, had razor-sharp claws and teeth, and was reptilian in origin, and had eyes that were white and souless. Whatever it was, it was hungry for destruction, and wreak it where it sensed the negative force. And he would stop at nothing until every last one of whatever he found was dead.

Nothing really much for this chapter, but the finale for the Tenrou Island arc is coming! Look forward to it!

If you like what you read, or want to give me some pointers, feel free to leave a Review!

If you have any questions, make sure to PM me!

Dragoman, signing off.