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Chapter 128

Kicked to the Curb

"Young Willy, I'm afraid that your foster father, Finn, has passed away."

"What... what do you mean?" I asked. "You mean... Finn is..."

Jura somberly nodded. "I'm afraid so," he said gravely. "You see, it happened around a couple of years ago. Not too long before we found about Tenrou Island, we joined in on the search. When Tu-Chi found out, she and along with Finn also helped. The search continued for quite some time, but then, rumors had been circulating that people had been disappearing in a particular town far away. Thinking that the rumors and the disappearances to be connected, Finn wanted to verify if the rumors were true. Naturally, Tu-Chi thought this wasn't the best idea, but Finn insisted on going anyway. The two then left hoping that whatever they found would lead to you and the others."

Jura then looked up towards the sky as he continued.

"A couple of months had passed since then, until Tu-Chi returned one day, but Finn wasn't with her. It was then that she told us that she and Finn were attacked by an overwhelming enemy that utilized a strange ability. I don't know the particulars, but it was something that neither one had seen before, and was enough to wound even Tu-Chi. Knowing that the enemy wouldn't give them a chance to escape as well as realizing the risks, Finn held off the enemy and bought enough time for Tu-Chi to escape at the cost of his own life."

"So, where's Master Tu-Chi now?" I asked, clenching my fists, anger boiling in my chest.

"I don't know. The last time I heard, Tu-Chi had gone back to Oak Town, and hasn't been seen or heard from since. That's all I know at the moment," said Jura. "Now, I hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but there's more."

He paused impressively before responding, then he uttered the words that I would never have wanted to hear.

"The Oración Seis have escaped from Era."

At that moment, my eyes went wide with shock as flashbacks from back at the Nirvana incident came into my mind.

"Th-The Oración Seis?!" I gasped. "How did they get out?! When did this happen?!"

"Shortly after Finn and Tu-Chi left to go searching on the lead, there was going to be a public execution," said Jura. "As the execution commenced, someone managed to set the Seis free right under the council's noses, except for Richard, who is still locked up in his cell. But regardless, you're in grave danger. Back when you helped stopped the Seis, Brain lost everything in his conquest for power, and there's no doubt that he, along with the other members of the Seis, will come looking for you out of revenge, and will try to kill you."

"That may be so, Jura, but I'm not the least bit worried," I said, my hands tightening into fists. "If they're looking for me, I say bring it on. I'll take them all on if I have to."

"I feel as though you're missing the bigger picture, Willy," said Jura sternly."You and your friends have been in a deep sleep for seven years. Just like your appearances, you never changed at all. The same could be said about your magic power as well. Meanwhile, the Oración Seis aren't the type of people to sit around and do nothing. They've probably been training themselves and are most likely stronger than before. So I'm only saying this because you're a comrade, but I want you to promise me that whatever you hear or whatever you find out, you won't go looking for the Oración Seis. Understand?"

I looked up at Jura, his eyes firm and unwavering, but still held a kindness and concern for my safety. Not wanting to go against a Wizard Saint, and wanting to set his mind at ease, I agreed.

"Alright, then. I won't, Jura," I sighed.

Jura then smiled as he patted me on my shoulder. "Thank you, Young Willy, for understanding," he said gratefully. Then he frowned. "But are you going to be alright, after all, I just told you? This is a lot to take in."

"I'm fine," I said automatically. "I just... need to go home, rest, and process is all."

"I understand," nodded Jura. "And make sure that you're careful from now on."

"I will. Thank you, Jura," I said. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like some time to myself."

And without saying goodbye to the man, I turned on my heel and was about to walk away, when I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

"Hey, Willy! Do you want to walk home with me? I was going to head back to the apartments!"

I looked up, and I could see Lucy on the stone path, waving. Not wanting to show my sadness or anger for some reason, I answered her with a wave back.

"I'll be right there," I called. "I'll walk with you."

NO POV

Jura watched as Willy went off to join Lucy, staring at his back as he left. Then walked back inside of the tavern, heading for the bar where Makarov was still sitting there waiting for him.

"There you are, Jura," said Makarov. "What took you so long?"

"I had something to take care of Makarov," Jura said, as he took his seat. "In any case, the Wizard Saints will be having a meeting soon. You should come along so you can be debriefed. There's a couple of great matters that need to discuss."

"What kind of matters?" wondered Makarov, as he took a sip of his beer. "Nothing to do with our disappearances, I hope."

"No. Something far more serious than that," said Jura grimly. "It has to do with Jellal Fernades."

This made Makarov almost spit out his beer as he swallowed, and set it down. "Did something happen to him?"

Jura then explained. "Six years ago, about a year after Tenrou Island disappeared, Jellal Fernades had been sentenced to death and was planned to be executed. However, on the day of his execution, two wizards appeared, saving him, and helping him escape. The wizards were confirmed to be the woman who disguised herself as a member of the Council, Ultear Milkovich, and a member of Grimoire Heart named Meldy."

"Have the Magic Council traced their whereabouts since then?" asked Makarov.

"Unfortunately, they have yet to locate the three, but that's the Magic Council's worried about," said Jura. "The three Mages have recently formed an independent guild and have been taking down numerous dark guilds left and right over the past years. The name they decided to call their alliance is Crime Sorcière."

Makarov hummed as he stared at his beer. "Crime Sorcière, huh? You'd think that the council would be grateful that all of the dark guilds are all being put down because of them, but at the same time, they're still technically fugitives, so I really can't blame them. In any case, you mentioned that there were a couple of matters, is there more?"

"I'm afraid there is," said Jura. "And I'm afraid it's something that will affect you and your guild if you're not careful, Makarov."

Jura then told Makarov all about the Oración Seis and about Finn. When he finished, Makarov's eyes were wide with disbelief and was so shocked that he almost dropped his mug.

"No. How is that possible?" Makarov choked out. "How did those villains manage to escape?! And what about Willy? Does he know about this?!"

"None of us are sure how, neither does the council," said Jura. "But even I have to admit; they picked a prime opportunity to do so after Jellal escaped. As far as Young Willy, I told him. I apologize if I did so without your permission, but I feel that he had a right to know."

Makarov set his mug down and let out a heavy sigh. "No. No, I don't blame you for telling him, Jura. If we had kept it from him, he would have found out about it, sooner or later. I'm only sorry that the boy had to find out this soon. Speaking of which, how is Willy taking all of this?"

"I can't say for certain, but I can tell that it was all a big shock to him," said Jura. "However, I am worried about how he'll go about this from now on. There's no doubt in my mind that he'll want to take revenge not only for what the Oración Seis did to him in the past, but for Finn's death also, despite my warning. One thing's for sure; you must make sure that you watch over him, Makarov, for I fear that Young Willy's future is looking quite grim, and if he's not careful, the darkness from it will consume him."

Makarov could only rest his hand on his face, scowling with worry.

WILLY'S POV

Lucy and I were now in Magnolia heading towards the apartments along with a strange little dog thing that looked like a snowman. As we walked, I couldn't help but stay silent after everything that Jura told me. I mean, my mind was going a mile a minute, and I felt a dark sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Man, I can't wait to soak in my bath again. How about you, Willy?"

It was bad enough that the Oracion Seis were out, but now Finn's gone too? How was Sieri taking this? Where was she along with Tu-Chi? Were they all right? And did they know that we were back after being locked up in Fairy Sphere?

"Willy? Willy? You listening to me?"

I can't imagine what Tu-Chi and Sieri must be going through. How could this have happened? Why did this have to happen to Finn of all people? How are Mira and the others were going to react when they find out?

"Hey! Willy! Are you ignoring me?!"

Lucy's sudden yelling made me jump as I turned my attention towards her, meeting her scowling face.

"Oh! Yes! Sorry, Lucy!" I apologized. "I wasn't paying attention. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that I was looking forward to taking a bath when we get back to the apartments," said Lucy as she turned to her little companion. "Right, Little Plue?"

The snowman dog creature let out a noise as it raised its paw.

Eventually, we came to the apartment building. It remained the same even after all of these years, and seemed to be in excellent condition as ever. We walked inside and found someone on the steps, appearing to be waiting for us. She was a stout old lady who was still wearing that same red dress and boa like before, and she looked the same as she did seven years ago, but didn't look pleased to see us as she glared straight at us, her eyes boring holes in us. Upon recognizing her, Lucy and I gulped.

"Oh, crap. It's the landlady," squeaked Lucy.

"And she doesn't look very happy," I said.

"I heard that you both were back, Mister Falconer and Miss Heartfilia," the landlady said. "You both appear to be in good health. I wish I could say the same for both of rent, though." Her glare hardened. "The two of you owe me seven years worth of rent, which comes to a total of five million, eight hundred and eighty-eight thousand jewel."

Lucy and I looked at each other, the two of us completely shocked.

"But, Landlady, there's a reason for our disappearances!" I protested. "We can't explain it, but couldn't you cut us some slack? I mean, that's a lot of money to pay."

"I don't care if the Magic Council's kept you in jail for stealing a loaf of bread," the landlady said firmly. "I'm not letting either of you into your apartments until I'm paid in full! So get out!"

Since the two of us weren't able to go inside our apartments, Lucy and I could only sit by the canal, the two of us feeling miserable.

"Man, this sucks. Five million, eight hundred and eighty-eight thousand jewel?" whined Lucy, her head in her legs as she sat. "Where are we supposed to get that kind of cash?"

"I'd say we could take a job, but considering our guilds current state, there's hardly any business. So, it would take some time to accumulate even a million jewel," I said, sighing. "Just our luck."

"Well, if it's any consolation, we aren't the only ones who are broke right now," said Lucy. "I heard that those that were staying in Fairy Hills are having to pay seven years of back rent too. If our apartments were that cheap, I can't imagine how much they have to pay."

"Yeah," I absently said.

"I still can't believe it, though. Seven years have passed," said Lucy. "That's a long time, and we missed out on a lot of things. Romeo's grown up to a handsome young wizard, Jet, and Droy have grown, along with Laki, Nab, and Vijiteer, Bisca and Alzack are now married and are raising a daughter. And as if that wasn't enough, Gildarts and Cana are father and daughter. It makes me think about my Dad."

My ears perked up at that, and I immediately began to think about Finn, which made my heart skip a beat and ache with sadness, enough to make me almost cry, but I didn't say anything.

Lucy went on talking. "The poor guy. He must be worried sick about me," she said. "It's been seven years since he's heard anything from me."

There was a long silence as I continued not to say anything, trying my best not to think about Finn, but his smiling face as well as my memories of him, continued to bubble up in my head, causing me to bite my cheek trying not to cry.

"Maybe it's time I paid the old man a visit," Lucy continued as she lightly chuckled. "You know, this might be the first time I've missed my Dad. I guess it's pretty silly, right?"

I then looked at Lucy as she looked at me, wearing a self-pitying smile. I was about ready to scream at her to stop talking about her Dad, so I wouldn't end up crying, but I kept it to myself as I spoke to her.

"I don't think it's silly at all," I said, trying to speak without choking up. "I think it's great that you care about your father so much despite me not knowing anything about him. Treasure every moment with him like it was the last moment, because he won't be around forever. That way, you won't have any regrets when he passes."

Lucy stared at me, appearing to be taken aback for what I said. Then a small smile worked its way to her lips.

"Yeah. You have a point there," Lucy said. "You know what? I'm going to go see him tomorrow, but only because I miss him, not just because I'm going to ask him for money or anything." She then stood up. "For now, I suppose we should find a place to stay for the night, at least until tomorrow. I doubt we can find a hotel around here in Magnolia."

The two of us thought and thought, trying to think of places for us to stay. Then I had a thought.

"I think I might have an idea of where we can stay," I said, standing up as well. "However, it's a long shot, for I don't know if they'll be willing to take us in."

"Oh yeah? Well, I'm all ears, Willy," said Lucy.

NO POV

Mira, Lisanna, and Elfman were now over at their house, located on the other side of Magnolia. It was huge, about two stories high, wooden, and was a bright chestnut brown color with a maroon roof. When they got inside, Elfman took a deep breath and let out a hearty sigh.

"Man, it feels great to be back home," Elfman said. "I feel like a real man just being here."

"It's been quite some time since we've been here," said Mira. "I'm grateful that nothing has changed since the last years."

"No kidding," said Lisanna. "Good thing we remembered this place. It'll be a good place to stay until we can pay back our debt to Fairy Hills."

"Erza and the other girls are the ones I feel sorry for," said Elfman. "I can't imagine how much back debt those girls have to pay."

"The same thing could be said for us," said Lisanna cringing. "We've got a lot of debt to pay back ourselves, but I'm sure we can make up for it, right, Mira?"

"Yeah. Of course, we can," smiled Mira. "Granted it might take a while, and our guild's lost a lot of our reputation, but we can't lose hope. Anyway, what do you say we get dinner started? I'll cook."

"Oh, heck yeah! That sounds freaking, manly!" said Elfman excitedly. "It's been a while since I've had your cooking, Big Sis! And I can even make my famous strawberry cake for dessert!"

"Oh, yes! I love your cakes, Big Bro!" Lisanna gushed. "Your cakes are so good; they could run the bakery in Magnolia go out of business!"

Mira then laughed. "Well, I better get started. Elfman? Mind helping me get some things, ready?"

"Can do, Big Sis," acknowledged Elfman.

"And I'll help too," chirped Lisanna.

The Strauss siblings were just about to get started with dinner, when there was a knock on the front door.

"Who could that be?" wondered Elfman.

"I'll get it," said Lisanna.

Lisanna then walked over to the door and opened it, wondering who could be at the door, and was surprised to see, Willy, Lucy, and Plue standing there. Lisanna was surprised, but a wide smile spread on her cheeks.

"Hey, Mira!" Lisanna called. "We've got some visitors, and you won't believe who they are!"

Elfman and Mira then peered out of the doorway, and were surprised too.

"Willy? Lucy? What are the two of you doing here?" asked Mira.

"Well, long story short, the two of us got kicked out of our apartments due to overwhelming debt," explained Lucy, "So, since we've got nowhere else to go, Willy suggested that we come over here, but I would never have guessed that Willy would suggest your home though."

"We're sorry if we came here unannounced," said Willy. "But we were hoping to stay here for a bit until we can get our apartments back. If it's too much of a bother, then we could always-"

"Say no more, Willy," interrupted Mira. "Of course, you can stay here."

Lucy's eyes practically twinkled. "Really?! You mean it?!"

"Of course!" smiled Lisanna. "We don't mind at all. We would always come over and spend the night with Willy back when we were kids. Besides, it could be fun!"

"Yeah! We'll have a manly time!" said Elfman eagerly. "Besides, it's been a while since we've had a sleepover together."

"All right!" cheered Lucy, rushing inside. "In that case, may I use your bath if you have one? I've been dying to have a soak since we've got back from Tenrou."

"Sure thing, Lucy," said Lisanna, chasing after her. "But let me show you where it is, at least."

Elfman then went off too. "I better get the pans. I'm going to need a make a manly cake tonight."

Willy then walked inside and politely bowed as thanks. "Thank you very much, Mira. I appreciate you and your siblings for taking us in."

"It's no problem at all," said Mira. "Glad to help. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask me."

Willy answered with a nod and quietly went inside, not saying another word. As he walked past Mira, the She-Devil noticed the look on Willy's face. She could see that he looked despondent, but she wasn't sure why.

"Willy? Is something the matter?" wondered Mira. "You don't look so good."

Willy seemed to jump a bit and smiled at Mira, reassuring her. "Oh, I'm fine, Mira. I'm just feeling a little stressed is all."

"Are you sure?" asked Mira. "Because if you need to talk or tell me something, I'm right here."

"I know. Thank you, Mira," Willy said. "Anyway, if you don't mind, I need to lie down for a bit. Is there a spare bed I can lay in?"

"Yeah. It's upstairs on the room on the right," said Mira, pointing upward.

Willy then silently walked up the stairs and said nothing more, leaving Mira at the door, feeling puzzled as well as worried for her friend.

That's all for today, readers!

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Dragoman, signing off!