Chapter 188

The Next Step

WILLY'S POV

I silently watched as the darker me faded away from existence, dissipating into the air. As soon as Dark Me was gone, I let out my breath as I sank to my knees in exhaustion, gasping for air. I didn't know if I was relieved or putting every single ounce of magic power I had into that last strike. Either way, I won the fight.

"I did it. I did it," I gasped. "Man, that was freaking insane, and it's not even over yet."

As much as I wanted to rest, I knew that my quest wasn't over yet. I still needed to find the wolf from my visions to find my inner spiritual strength. So, after taking a moment to catch my breath, I got back up, brushing off the dirt from my clothes and wiping the sweat or blood from my mouth, ready to resume my search. Then, I heard the sound of a long howl ahead in the distance that seemed not too far away. As soon as I heard it, I quickly rushed towards the direction of where I heard it. Despite feeling tired from the recent battles, I knew I had to keep going. I've come this far, so there was no way I was going to stop now.

I then heard the howl again, which appeared to be getting louder. Knowing that I was heading in the right direction, I kept pushing forward until finally, a third howl came. This time it was so loud and close by, I couldn't help but skid to a stop knowing that I was close. I looked around, turning to my left and my right, searching everywhere. At first, I didn't see anything, but then, I heard another sound, the sound of lapping water. In addition, a strange scent of water wafted into my nose, but unlike the oceans, rivers, and lakes I've been to, this one was different from the others.

I followed both the sound and the scent wondering what it was. As I did, a strange mist came down, making it somewhat difficult to see. However, I kept going into the unknown unsure of what to expect yet guided by my curiosity. Until finally, I came to a large lake. I could hear the gentle sound of water lapping up against the shore, and the smell of it was at its strongest. I walked towards the shore feeling mesmerized as I took it all in.

"This place... It's so beautiful. I've never been to a place as peaceful as this before."

As soon as I was just a few inches away from the shore as the water brushed up against it, I bent down to inspect the water. As I did, a gentle breeze blew through the area. I let its cool temperature grace my skin and blow through my hair as I took a deep breath enjoying myself. But the moment would soon be interrupted, for right then, I sensed a presence, and it was right behind me.

I turned around slowly and cautiously while keeping my guard up, expecting a fight, but much to my surprise, what I sensed turned out to be the very object of my search. It was the black wolf with green eyes, standing there and staring at me with its emerald green eyes.

A long silence passed as I stared back at it, unsure of what to do. Then, the wolf silently walked towards me, keeping its eyes on me. I remained where I stood while watching for any sudden moves in case it planned to fight me. Step by step, it continued to grow closer to me until it was only a few feet away. I could see from its eyes that it had no intention to fight or any ill will, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to them. So, without thinking, I found myself walking towards it.

The two of us now stood in front of each other in silence. I then bent down to level my eyes with the creature and slowly reached out my hand and towards the wolf's head. At first, I hesitated a bit, but I steeled myself and gently touched the wolf right in the middle of its forehead. The wolf seemed to push its head to my hand as I did, seeming to like my touch. I couldn't help but marvel at this too.

"W-Wow. It feels so soft," I couldn't help but say while chuckling.

I softly pet the creature on its head, enjoying myself a bit, until the wolf then stepped back a bit. Believing that something was wrong, I felt confused, but then, the wolf spread its legs planting its feet, threw its nose upwards into the air, and let out a long and majestic howl that echoed throughout the area.

The wind began to blow again like it was responding to the wolf's cry, rippling the water and blowing through the leaves on the trees. I looked around, wondering what was going on, but then the wolf was enveloped by a strange glow that caught my eye. But the moment I turned my head, the wolf suddenly leaped into the air and lunged straight for me.

Believing that it was going to attack, I quickly defended, but much to my surprise, it became transparent like a ghost and faded away while transforming itself into a soul-like form. Next, the soul swirled and circled me dancing in the air, and then shot straight at me right into my chest, entering my body and disappearing in it too.

I instinctively clutched my chest as I processed and wondered what had happened. Then, a voice came from behind me.

"It seems as though you have succeeded. Well done."

I turned around to find that Tu Chi and Jade had mysteriously appeared from out of nowhere. At first, I thought she was another illusion, but then Jade came swooping down from above, landing on my shoulder, and gave me a nuzzle. Not only that, but I was able to pick up her scent.

"Master Tu Chi. Jade. So, you guys are real after all," I sighed, letting out a breath. "For a minute, I thought that you guys were illusions, but I'm glad to see you."

"As are we," Tu Chi said as she walked up. "I'll admit, even I couldn't help but feel a bit worried. I was hesitant to let you go through this trial because I didn't want to see another one of my precious disciples perish, but it would seem that my worries were for naught." She smiled proudly. "Well done, Willy."

"But... I wasn't able to capture the wolf, Master," I pointed out. "I mean, I thought that I was supposed to do that to attain my inner spiritual strength."

"You already did," replied Tu Chi. "Though I may not have been there to witness it, I can tell just by looking at you."

Feeling surprised, I couldn't help but touch my chest again, realizing the implication. "Wait... So that wolf represented my inner spiritual strength?"

"Indeed," said Tu Chi as she turned towards the lake, taking a few steps forward. "I'm sure that you've already realized it by now, but this entire land has a strange and spiritual power. It's a sacred place that has helped many wizards, young and old, find balance and enlightenment, and legend has it is the dwelling place for many spirits. Those that came before have also seen those entities in animal forms, which helped guide them on their path."

"So, have you trained other people here?" I asked.

"So far, you and Finn are the only two I've brought here. But back when I was young, I've also been brought here. Only a select few have reached this place," said Tu Chi. "Legend has it that this was once the watering hole for dragons during the war. This lake was also where they unraveled the mysteries of learning to wield magic and taming its power for their own."

My eyes couldn't help but widen in amazement. "Seriously? So, is this the place..."

"You are correct," said Tu Chi. "This lake is the place where Water Magic and, most likely, its Dragon Slayer version was born." She turned to face me, her expression now grim. "From this moment forward, you will be training here, and I'm going to teach you everything I know. However, we have only one more month until the Grand Magic Games, so I'm going to train you even harder than ever before until you feel like dying. I know I've always had high expectations of you, Willy, but now you have to prove to me that they weren't misplaced. Show me that you are capable of moving forward to the next level, and most of all, show me that you're worthy of my teachings. Will you accept this challenge?"

I could tell from the look on her face that she was serious. More serious than I've ever seen before. However, the answer to her challenge was pretty obvious, so I was quick to give her an answer.

"You even need to ask? I do," I told her. "I've come this far, and I've already come close to death countless times, so this shouldn't be any different."

"That may be so, but you may change your mind," warned Tu Chi as she then walked up to the shore. "The next part of your training will be drinking this water."

I looked over at the water and raised a curious brow. "Is that all I have to do?" I wondered. "I don't mean to sound doubtful, but don't you think that's a bit too simple a task for training?"

"Trust me; I think you'll find that it'll be a bit more difficult than you realize," said Tu Chi. "This water is beneficial to mages, but it doesn't come without its risks. It can also be poisonous."

"P-Poisonous?!" I repeated with a gasp.

"Indeed," nodded Tu Chi. "This lake has properties and minerals that will indeed make you stronger if your body accepts them. But at the same time, there's a chance your body won't be able to withstand it, and you could very well die."

I couldn't help but swallow a lump in my throat as I stared at the water.

"I won't ask you if you're willing to take that chance, but if you intend to keep moving forward, you have to be prepared to take risks," said Tu Chi. "That is one of the many things that makes a mage a mage. Your goal is to drink this water as much as possible during your training. This way, your body will learn to adapt from it and enhance the powers within you, that is, if you're able to survive the adverse effects."

I took a few seconds to think about it, hesitating a bit, but I quickly decided.

"All right then. I'll drink it," I said bravely.

"Are you sure?" asked Tu Chi. "I can still give you time to decide. Not to mention you'll be in unbearable pain, enough that it could very much kill you."

"There's no need, Master. I said I'll drink it, and that's what I'm going to do," I said as I sat down. "Just as you said before, we only have one month before the Grand Magic Games. Besides, because of that toxin, I not only got myself and other people in trouble, but I got naive, too. It made me realize that I still have a lot to learn, no matter how strong I think I am. That's why I can't afford to miss any opportunity to get stronger, no matter how hard or dangerous it is. So you should know what I want more than anyone." I looked up at her. "I want to be strong enough to fight not only for the people I love, but so I won't go through what I did ever again. And, there's no way I'm gonna die. Not when I still have so much to live for after Fairy Tail risked their lives to save mine. I'll make it through this training, no matter what."

There was a brief silence. Then, I heard Tu Chi chuckle.

"That's my pupil. Apologies, but I just wanted to be sure you felt ready, and it's obvious to me that you are. Although, I am amazed by your will and courage. You're going to need them for what's about to happen."

She made a bowl appear with a wave of her hand, scooped up some water, and handed it to me.

"Make sure you drink every last drop," she said. "And I wish you luck."

I took the bowl in my hands, lifted it to my lips, and drank it down, not wasting a single drop soon emptying the bowl. Almost immediately, intense hot pain seized my entire body as I let out a gasp while my throat began to burn, which made me instinctively clutch my neck.

"I-It hurts! It freaking hurts! It's like all of my insides are on fire!"

As the pain continued, I collapsed to the ground writhing in agony as I couldn't help but scream. It hurt. It hurt more than any other pain that I've experienced before. However, I refused to give in, telling myself to endure the pain.

"Come on! Endure it! Endure it! Remember why you're doing this! You're doing this for your friends! Your family! And most of all, yourself! You're beyond this pain! You can't give in to it! After everything you went through, don't give up!"

As I desperately clung to whatever reason or willpower I had left, I could feel my body growing hotter and the pain getting more intense. Then, not long after that, I let out one last scream as everything went black.

NO POV

In another forest far away, three people were making their way through the night. All of them were wearing blue coats with hoods to mask their identities, and out of them, one of them was male, and the other two were female. Soon enough, the three decided to take a break, stopping by a river.

"Whew, it's about time we got some rest," said one of the women. "I was getting a little tired from all of that walking."

"Make sure you take the time to rest up," said the male. "We should soon be arriving at our destination."

The second looked over towards the male and noticed a pigeon on his arm tying a small piece of paper to its leg. When he finished, he held out his arm, and the pigeon flew away.

"That was the message for Natsu's team, right?" she questioned. "How long before it reaches them?"

"According to my sources, Natsu and his group should be over at Akane Resort training for the Grand Magic Games," replied the male. "So it should reach them in about a month."

"I bet you're looking forward to seeing them again," said the first woman. "Especially a certain someone."

The male didn't say anything.

"Come on, no need for that," said the second. "Besides, I'm looking forward to our meeting as well. Particularly a certain dragon slayer."

"Is that so? Why is that?" wondered the first. "I'm kinda curious."

The second woman chuckled. "Let's just say I have my reasons," she said. "And truth be told, I've always wanted to meet him ever since I've heard the rumors. So call me curious if you will."

"Well, now that you mention it, I haven't seen him before either," said the first woman. "I mean, I've heard some pretty bad stuff, but knowing where he comes from, he most likely isn't who the rumors claim he is." She turned towards the man. "What about you? You know anything about him?"

The man paused, thinking for a few seconds before responding. "I can't say that I've known him for very long, but I've had the opportunity to meet him first-hand," he said as he looked towards the sky. "He was very much like me; alone, fearful, and having no memory of who he was. However, despite everything and the circumstances, he had a pure heart and showed courage. But I haven't the chance to see him in a long time, so in a way, I'm anxious to see him as well."

As the male continued gazing towards the sky, a gentle wind blew, curling under the male's hood and revealing a familiar red tattoo under one of his brown eyes.

In the city of Oak Town, a young woman was busily at work hanging laundry in the backyard of her house, humming a merry tune, her long blue hair blowing about in the breeze. As she did, a petite young girl came out of the house. She bore a striking resemblance to the woman with the same hair color; only hers was shorter and styled in a ponytail.

"Hi, Mama!" the little girl greeted. "Can I help you with the laundry?"

The woman looked back and smiled. "Of course you can," she replied. 'You can help pass me the wet clothes for me to hang up."

"Okay!" the little girl replied happily.

The child walked over to her mother and started passing the wet clothes to her, and the woman hung them out on the clothesline. The two continued to work together until suddenly, a strong gust of wind began to blow. It was so strong that it lifted one of the articles of clothing from the line, which was a little yellow dress.

"Mama! That dress is flying away!" the girl called out.

"Don't worry. I got it," responded the woman.

The woman jumped into the air, and a pair of wings sprouted forth from her back as she took flight. In a matter of seconds, she was able to catch her dress before it flew away and landed back on the ground, dispersing her wings.

"Way to go, Mama!" the child cheered as she applauded. "You got it!"

The woman smiled while giving a V with her fingers as she put the dress back on the clothesline. "Nothing to it for your mother," she said with a wink.

"I wish I could fly just you can, Mama," the woman's child said. "But I don't know how to do magic yet."

"Don't worry. Someday when you're a little older, I'll teach you," the woman smiled. "Then, you'll be able to fly too, just like your Mama."

The little girl flashed a toothy smile in delight.

It wasn't too long before they finished and were heading back inside when a male voice called out from outside the front of the house.

"Mail call!"

The woman then walked over to the front door, where the postman greeted her. He handed her a small white letter and then went on his way. The woman then came back to the house and opened it reading its contents. Then, feeling curious, the girl came over.

"Who's the letter for, Mama?" wondered the girl.

At first, the woman didn't respond, but then, she looked up.

"Say, sweetie, how long has it been since we've gone on a trip?" she asked.

The little girl took a second to think before responding. "I don't remember," she replied. "Why do you ask?"

The mother then smiled. "Well, how about we go on a trip together?" she suggested. "Just we two?"

The girl's eyes sparkled. "Oh yeah! Let's go, Mama!" she said eagerly. But then she was puzzled. "But where are we going to go, Mama?" she wondered.

"Don't worry, I have a place in mind," said the woman. "We're going to the city of Crocus. You see, there's going to be a festival happening there called the Grand Magic Games. I think it would be fun for us to go see it."

The child was now excited. "Oh, wow! That sounds like fun, Mama!" she cried happily. "I love games!"

"And, this will be the opportunity to meet some friends of mine," the girl's woman said. "Now then, why don't you go and pick an outfit to wear? Make sure it's a nice one."

"Kay!" responded the girl as she scampered away to her room.

The woman then looked back to the letter reading its contents once more, her smile replaced with a frown.

"So, I finally have a chance," she murmured to himself. "There's no way I'll let this opportunity slip by. After all, I've got a lot of things to say to that guy."

She tightly clenched the letter in her hands, crumpling it slightly as anger and some slight resentment filled her eyes.

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Happy Thanksgiving, and Dragomaster, signing off!