Whew! I finally got this chapter done! It took a while, but it's finally done! I hope you guys like this latest addition to my OC's story! I don't own Fairy Tail what so ever! I've also made a couple of references on certain parts. So credit goes to Disney. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter! And feel free to give me a review!
Italics stand for flashbacks.
Chapter 8
The Final Test Part 2
NO POV
Back with Aquadia, she was soaring over the ocean flapping her mighty wings in the wind. She flew until she stopped and looked around. She was looking for a certain something in the water. She looked and she looked until finally, she spotted it. A faint bright green light was shining below the water's surface a few feet below from her.
"Ah. There it is," she mumbled to herself.
Suddenly, she started to feel weak. Her vision began to deteriorate and her body felt like jelly.
"No... Damn it... not now..." she groaned trying to keep herself together. "I must have... overdone it during training..."
The sudden weakness almost caused her to stop flapping and fall right into the water, but she quickly regained her composure. She placed her hands together and a blue magic circle appeared beneath her. In an instant, she felt her strength return and she was back to normal.
"Whew. That was close," she said. "Damn it this condition of mine. In any case, I better get going. I don't want to keep Grandeney."
She tucked her wings in and went under the water. Using her powerful tail and her webbed hands, she swam deep below the surface and followed the light. The light was coming from an underwater passage on the ocean floor. Aquadia swam towards it and entered the passage. She went through a long passage until the green light was shining even brighter above her. She swam up to the surface and poked her head out of the water. She was now inside an underwater cavern. It was a little similar to the cave she was Willy were living in, but it was a bit smaller. She looked around the cave and then she saw what she what she came to see. A familiar ball of green light was on the other end of the cave waiting for her.
"Ah there you are Aquadia," said Grandeney
"Sorry if I'm a little late," said Aquadia and she got out of the water and unfurled her wings. Then she shook the water off of herself like a dog and went up to the ball of light.
"So how are you Aquadia?" asked Grandeney. "It's been a couple of years since I've seen you."
"I've been good," replied Aquadia. "Hanging in there more or less."
"Good. And... I take it you know the reason I have called you out here correct?" continued Grandeney.
"Yes. Yes, I have," she replied.
"Really?" said Grandeney. "And?"
Aquadia paused again walking to the edge of the water and looked at the reflection of herself in the water. Then she turned Grandeney.
"You wanted to talk to me regarding the plan correct?" she said.
"Yes," said Grandeney. "As you're well aware, the plan was for us dragons to choose a human and teach them dragon slayer magic. After that, all of the dragons have to cast the spell and then Anna will open the Eclipse Gate so that we will be sent to the present where you are at."
"I see," said Aquadia. " So that's what will happen. Who are the dragons taking part in this plan besides us?"
"Igneel, Metalicana, Skiadrum, and Weisslogia," said Grandeney. "They all have taught their respective foster kids their magic for the past years and now are ready to proceed with the plan tonight."
Aquadia eyes went wide with shock.
"Tonight?! You mean... as in this night?!"
"Yes Aquadia," said Grandeney. "Surely you're aware of the date in your time. It is the year of 777, July 6th. Tomorrow, Layla Heartfilia will open the Eclipse Gate allowing us to pass through it. From there we will be dormant inside our respective hosts recovering. You knew this already didn't you?"
"Yes. I did, but I didn't expect it to be this soon. Not mention... I'm concerned about Willy." said Aquadia with a hint of worry in her voice.
"I understand your concern Aquadia. All of us do," said Grandeney. "but you must understand, this is the only way to protect the future."
"But I'm leaving Willy all alone by himself again!" said Aquadia now feeling upset. "How can I just leave him after the time I went through with him?!"
"Please calm down," said Grandeney calmly. "I know that you love this boy and I know that you're worried about him being on his own, but you must have faith in him just like we did in our kids. Besides, you won't be able to last at this rate. You're on your last leg as it is."
"How do you know that?" snapped Aquadia. "There's still a lot of life in this dragon!"
"Don't lie to me," said Grandeney firmly. "You know as well as I do is that he did some damage to you too. I was there remember? Even though it was little scratch, you've been suffering from this ever since. in fact, I'm willing to bet that you used your healing magic to try and temporarily restore it didn't you? Don't try to deny it."
Aquadia went silent. She was right on the money on that one, so she couldn't talk back. She felt like a child being scolded for doing something bad. Grandeney sighed and floated past her.
"As I said, it's a miracle that you're still alive after all these years. In fact, you should have been dead after a few years have passed," continued Grandeney. "Your healing spell may do the job, but it's only a temporary fix. You know as well as I do that there's only one spell that will help you recover and if you don't do it soon, you'll die."
Aquadia hung her head in sadness. She knew Grandeney was right. She knew that this day was going to come eventually and she knew that she didn't have much time left. That's what she was training Willy for after all, but that didn't mean that she wasn't going to like it. If she went through with the plan, she'd be leaving Willy all alone again. However, if she didn't, she wouldn't last. She may have been able to fight, but she was feeling weak. Then Grandeney's ball floated in front of Aquadia.
"Listen Aquadia. I know how you feel. I'm leaving my daughter alone by herself too and she's even younger than Willy." she said.
Aquadia looked up.
"Really?"
"Yes. I too am worried about how she will fare against the world after we come through the Eclipse Gate, but I feel that she will be fine. The reason being is that I believe in the humans have the power to change the world and do extraordinary things. Someday, I hope Wendy can become a part of those things. You should be thinking the same way about Willy. After all, you said that he would become a part of your legacy right?"
"Well... yes. I did," mumbled Aquadia.
"Then you must believe in him," said Grandeney. "Believe that Willy will do great things and hope that someday he'll have a big part in changing the world. After all, he has your dragon slayer magic. He's your son. So please use the spell. At least you'll be able to survive."
Aquadia smiled. "Thank you Grandeney. You helped me ease my worries a little. Although... can I make a request?"
"A request?"
"As we speak, Willy is undergoing a test. I want to see to it that he passes this test and... I want to spend time with my little boy. Just one more time before I go."
Grandeney was silent for a moment. Then she replied, "Very well. You have until tonight. I will let you know when it is time."
Aquadia bowed her head in gratitude.
"Thank you Grandeney. I appreciate it."
"Anything for a friend," said Grandeney. "Besides, you deserve it. After all,
you've been all alone all those years. I can't imagine how lonely you must have been. I'm surprised you haven't become a bitter old woman."
Aquadia walked to the pool where she came in and looked at her reflection in the water.
"Yes well, when you're living alone for about 400 years, it does get lonely at times and it makes you think. Then Willy came into my life. I can still remember when I first met him. He was so scared. So fragile. When I took him home and decided to raise him, I've been wondering why I've done what I did. I asked myself this over and over again until I realized. It was because... I wanted a friend. Someone to love and care for. Ever since Willy came along, I haven't been lonely once. He's changed my life for the better and made me feel what's like to be a mother. Even though he's not related by me, even though we're completely different... "
Aquadia paused and looked up at Grandeney with her eyes slightly moist.
"He's my boy. My precious baby boy. And I would do anything to make sure he has a future. A future where he can live happily and be a part of a family again. And if you say that I should believe in him, then I shall."
Grandeney floated there slightly surprised at the look at Aquadia's face, but she said happily, "Well that's good. At least you understand. Now go on. Treasure your last moments with Willy. Make them special."
Aquadia nodded. "Thank you Grandeney. See you soon."
And with that Aquadia entered the water and left the cave leaving Grandeney by herself.
"Well then... I guess I better prepare too. Prepare for the future. And prepare for the day. The day of the Dragon King's feast.
Then she disappeared.
WILLY'S POV
I was still frantically searching for my necklace. I didn't know how, but I lost my necklace when the wave hit me when I was sleeping on the rock. I knew that if I didn't find it soon, Aquadia would skin me alive and I would fail my test.
"I gotta find it! I gotta find it! I gotta find it!" I yelled frantically searching rocks and shores, but I didn't find it anywhere.
Then I dove into the water and searched for my necklace down on the floor. I searched from the caves, the coral reefs, but sadly my necklace was nowhere to be found. After hours of searching, I sat by the rocks taking a break and trying to figure out what to do. It was getting close to sunset. Aquadia would be home any minute.
But what could I do? I looked everywhere and Aquadia would be back any minute. I thought and I thought trying to think of some way out of this problem.
"What do I do? What do I do?" I thought. "Maybe I can tell her that I just misplaced it. That way I can find it and stall for time. Or maybe I can find another stone just like it."
Yes, that's what I was gonna go for, but then I remembered something. Something that happened back to when I was little before my parents were killed.
I was listening to my mom tell me the story of Pinocchio.
She was at the part where Pinocchio was trapped in Stromboli's carriage in a bird cage. Stromboli had just left and a few moments later, The Blue Fairy came. She then asks why Pinocchio didn't attend school. Ashamed for doing the wrong thing, he lies by telling her that he was kidnapped by two monsters who put him in a sack and planning to make him into firewood. As he lied, his nose grew until it was as big as a tree limb.
" ("You see Pinocchio, A lie keeps growing and growing, until it's as plain as the nose on your face," said The Blue Fairy.)," my mama read. "(Pinocchio felt terrible. He and Jiminy pleaded with her to give them a second chance and promised that they would never tell a lie again. The Blue Fairy forgave them and gave them a second chance, but...)
"Um... Mama?" I said. "Why did Pinocchio's nose grow so long?"
"Because he told a lie Willy," my Mama replied. "Just like The Blue Fairy said; "A lie keeps growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face." Basically, when someone lies, the lie can get bigger and bigger until it becomes too big to handle and it can be hard, to tell the truth. That's why you must tell the truth no matter what you do."
"Mama? Will my nose grow if I tell a lie?" I asked feeling my nose.
My Mama chuckled. "Oh no. Of course not. But... it is bad to lie. You should always tell the truth no matter what."
"Even if I might get into trouble Mama?"
"Even if you get into trouble Willy. It may be hard to tell the truth knowing that you might get in trouble for it sometimes, but it's better than having to lie because that will get you into more trouble. So if you ever get into trouble or get into a situation, I want you to have courage and tell the truth no matter what. Understand?"
I pondered for a moment. Then I nodded.
"OK, Mama. I won't tell a lie. Promise."
My Mama smiled. "That's good. Because if you started lying, your nose would grow and grow until it was as big as a tree!"
"Mama! That's silly!" I laughed.
Looking back, I may not have thought about it much at the time, but I could well remember what I told her that day. After thinking about it for a while, I decided.
"No. I'm gonna tell Mama the truth," I sighed. "Even though she might be... mad at me." I felt a little scared about what I was going to do, but I shook my head trying to get my fear out and clenched my hands bravely. "No! Like my first Mama told me, I have to have the courage, to tell the truth."
Then I heard a flapping of wings in the distance. My heart began to beat like a jackhammer because I knew who was coming. I stood up from and looked at the distance. There flying towards me was Aquadia. I was scared to death. I wanted to run away. I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide, but... I stayed put. I had to have courage. No matter what I couldn't run away. I had to have courage like the shark facing a giant prey. Yeah. I could do this! I can do this! Then Aquadia landed in front of me with a thump.
"Willy. I'm back."
As soon as she said those words, I immediately broke down crying and ran towards her.
"WAAAAAHHHHH! I'm sorry Mama!"
I hugged her claw and sobbed into it while Aquadia looked at me completely surprised.
"Willy?! Calm down! What's wrong?"
A little later, I calmed down and then I told Aquadia what had happened. Aquadia sat there and listened quietly to my story.
"I'm so sorry Mama..." I wept after finishing my story. "I was careless... I lost the necklace and... I failed... I'm so sorry. Please don't be mad."
Aquadia sat there staring at me. It felt as if her eyes staring right into my soul. It made me feel scared. Then Aquadia spoke.
"Willy. Is everything you told me true?" she asked quietly.
"Y-y-yes."
"Well then, I have no choice."
Aquadia reached towards me with her claw. I closed my eyes fearing the worst. But then, I felt Aquadia's claw pet my head. I opened my eyes and looked up at Aquadia. I was expecting her to be mad, but to my surprise, she had a big grin on her face.
"Willy. I'm happy to say... you passed my test," she said.
My eyes went wide with shock. "Wh-what?!"
"You heard me," said Aquadia. "I said you passed my test."
"But... I don't understand..." I said completely baffled. "I thought... I was supposed to keep your necklace safe."
"True, but that wasn't the real test. I was really testing you on your honesty," explained Aquadia. "I wanted to see if you could tell me the truth even though you knew you'd face the consequences if you lost it. And you did. That's why I'm passing you."
"But... I was careless. I lost the necklace when the tide hit me," I insisted. "You said it yourself, it was very precious and..."
"Oh. You mean this one?"
A blue magic circle appeared in Aquadia's hand and then the same necklace that she made before appeared on her hand. I stared dumbly at the necklace in her hand now completely shocked.
"But... but... but... but... but..." I stammered.
"These are pretty easy to make," chuckled Aquadia as she put the necklace around my neck. "And... I kinda lied about the part where it was precious. I can actually make these no problem. It's okay Willy. You passed. That's all that matters."
I looked at my Mama's smiling face and I could feel myself crying again, but the tears streaming down my face were happy tears. Aquadia smiled and got close to Willy.
"I'm happy to say that there's nothing else I can teach you," she went on. "I have now taught you everything I know and I couldn't be more proud of you."
At that moment, I jumped on Aquadia's snout and hugged her as hard as I could. I was overwhelmed with emotion, but I was happy. So very happy. Then I made up my mind.
"Mama. I may have lost the first necklace, but now I promise. I'm gonna keep this one safe. I'll keep it with me no matter what."
Aquadia looked at me and smiled. "Good. Think of it as a present from me. A present as proof of your graduation from being my student."
"Yes!" I said with a big grin on my face as I clutched my necklace.
A little later, Aquadia and I ate dinner and I was getting ready for bed. I stretched and prepared myself for bed, but then I noticed something. Aquadia was staring up at the sky through the hole in our cave. For some reason, she looked sad and deep in thought. I walked over to her.
"Mama? Is something wrong?" I asked.
Aquadia was looked at me and smiled.
"It's nothing, Willy. I'm fine," she said shaking her head. "Are you ready for bed?"
"Yes Mama," I said I yawned and stretched. Aquadia then lied down and I climbed on top of her head. As I lied down, I tried to get some sleep, but for some reason, I couldn't. I tried making myself comfy, but no matter what I did, I couldn't sleep. I wasn't the only one who was having trouble sleeping either. Aquadia was awake as well. She had to stay up and wait till Willy was asleep in order to use 'you-know-what' Then heard me.
"Mama? Can I ask you something?" I asked.
"What is it Willy?" she replied.
"We're mother and son aren't we?"
"Yes."
"And... we'll always be together won't we?"
Aquadia was silent. Then her head turned to the sky.
"Willy. Let me tell something that someone once told me. You see those stars? I've been told that many creatures that passed on, look down at us from the stars."
"Really?"
"Yes. So from now on whenever you feel alone, I want you to look up at the stars and remember your mama, your papa, and me, we'll always be there with you even if we're far apart."
I stared up at the stars and I nodded.
"Okay, Mama. I'll remember." I said.
"Good," said Aquadia and then went back to lying down. I finally started to feel a little sleepy I felt my eyes getting a little heavy. I hugged Aquadia's head and I murmured one more thing before I fell asleep.
"I love you, Mama..."
Then I fell fast asleep.
NO POV
Aquadia lied on the floor with Willy fast asleep on her head. Then she heard a voice call out to her.
"Aquadia. It's time."
Aquadia slowly looked up trying not to wake Willy and looked around. There was no one around, but she knew that she heard the voice and who it was.
"Are you sure Grandeney?" she said talking to the voice in her head.
"Yes," replied Grandeney. "I'm using telepathy to communicate now since we're about to go through the Eclipse Gate. If there was a time to use the spell, now would be that time."
"I see," said Aquadia.
There was a moment of silence. Then Grandeney spoke one more time.
"This will be the last time I speak with you. So I just want to say... see you soon."
Aquadia was silent. Then she nodded and Grandeney's voice disappeared from her mind. She slowly sat up and gently lifted Willy off her head with one of her claws and then set him gently on the ground. She then looked at Willy sleeping there then a single tear came from her eye and fell on her face, but she quickly wiped it away. Then she clapped her hands together and began casting the spell. She was enveloped in a blue glow and a magic circle appeared beneath her. As she was casting the spell, Aquadia could feel her eyes starting to get heavy and her body slipping away. They were also filled with tears as she took one last look at Willy before letting the power of the spell take over her body.
"I'm sorry Willy," she said. "You're going to be alone all over again... but please... be strong... I know that someday... you'll find a family and happiness again... happiness...that's even better... than the happiness that we had these past few years... you're a good boy...and... I love you..."
Then Aquadia saw nothing but white as the spell was completed.
WILLY'S POV
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of chirping birds. I sat up sleepily and stretched. I was expecting to wake up and say good morning to my Mama just like any other day, but... sadly that wasn't to be. For on that day... the day of July 7th in the year of 777... that was the day that Aquadia my second Mama had vanished without a trace.
What will happen to Willy now...? Will he be able to be okay on his own?
To be continued...