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Bold and Italics are Flashbacks
Chapter 16
Something Special
NO POV
Lisanna and Elfman had searched the whole village trying to find anyone that had seen Mira. They asked everyone in town, but sadly no one had seen her. Sieri, also joined in the search by asking around, and searching for locations. Eventually, not knowing what else to do, the three went back to the house, hoping that Willy and Finn have come back with Mira. When they got there, they found the house empty.
"Oh, no. They're not back yet..." said Lisanna, disappointed. "I was hoping they'd be back by now. Mira. Willy."
Her eyes began to fill up with tears, and she looked like she was about to cry, but Elfman wrapped his arms around her and gave her a reassuring hug.
"Don't worry, Lisanna," he said. "We can't give up just yet. Willy promised us, remember? He said that he was going to help find Lisanna, and that's what he's going to do."
"Your brother's right," said Sieri. "Finn and Willy will find Mira, and they'll be back safe and sound before you know it. You'll see."
"Yeah. I guess so," said Lisanna doubtfully.
She looked towards the forest, hoping and praying that her sister, as well as her friend, would be alright. Hopefully, nothing has happened to them. Elfman was worried as well, but he kept a brave face on so Lisanna wouldn't worry. Then they saw something in the distance of the forest. At first, they couldn't make out what it is was, but then Lisanna's eyes brightened.
"Look! There they are! They're OK!"
Sure enough, walking towards them was none other than Finn, Mira, and Willy. Mira was carrying Willy on her shoulder, helping him walk as Finn walked next to them. The moment Lisanna and Elfman saw Mira, they immediately went towards them, grinning all the way.
"Mira!"
WILLY'S POV
We finally managed to get out of the forest, and Osia was in sight. I was glad to get out of there. If I ever got stuck in there again, it would be way too soon.
"Mira! Willy! Finn!"
Just then, we saw two people coming towards us, which turned out to Lisanna and Elfman, who looked very happy to see us. We also saw Sieri right behind them, who looked just as pleased and relieved. Mira let me go making sure that I was able to stand and then kneeled and held out her arms, as Lisanna and Elfman met her in a hug.
"Mira! Thank goodness you're ok!" cried Lisanna burying her face in her chest.
"We thought something happened to you," said Elfman. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Really," said Mira, who returned the hug with a loving squeeze. "I'm so sorry to make you two worry."
"It's okay, Sis. What matters now is that you're safe," said Elfman.
"You see? It's just like Elfman said Lisanna, Mira is a-okay," said Sieri.
"Yeah. I know," said Lisanna grinning wiping her tears.
I couldn't help but smile a little seeing the three siblings back together. In a way, it was actually kind of cute, but it also made me feel a bit jealous. It kind of made me wish that I had some siblings.
"Hey, Willy? Are you okay?
Finn's voice made me turn to him.
"Don't worry. I'm fine. I'm just a little tired, that's all."
Suddenly I felt myself being wrapped in a big hug around my waist thanks to Lisanna.
"Oh, Willy, thank you so much! You kept your promise!" she said.
"It's no big deal," I said, blushing a little. "I just helped out. That's all."
"I wouldn't say it was a big deal," said Mira. "I... didn't want to admit it, but you saved my skin back there. If it weren't for you, I probably would have ended up being that gorian's woman."
"A gorian?" asked Finn. "I take it that was the one who you were supposed to deal with for your job?"
"Yeah, but thanks to Willy, I don't think that thing will be bothering us for quite a while."
"Willy saves the day again, eh? Hehe. Somehow I knew that would happen," chuckled Sieri. She put her hand on my head and rustled my hair. "Way to go, Willy."
I couldn't help but blush a little. "It was nothing really," I said. "I was just doing what I said I would do. After all, I made a promise to my friends."
"You sure did," said Elfman. "And we are in your debt. Thank you so much, Willy."
"It's no problem. That's what friends are for."
Lisanna hugged me tightly once more, and then Elfman joined in. I returned the hug with earnest smiling. Then Mira came up.
"Hey, kid. Willy, right?"
"Yes? What is it, Mira?"
"Thanks again for saving me and... well... thanks for... getting some sense into me," she said.
"It's OK. What are friends for, right?"
I smiled and held out my hand to Mira. Mira took my hand, and I pulled her into the group hug. Mira was a little surprised, but she joined in as we all embraced each other in a group hug.
NO POV
Finn and Sieri looked on with smiles on their faces, glad that everything worked out in the end.
"Well, Finn, all's well that ends well, right?" said Sieri.
"Yeah. I suppose so," said Finn.
"It's great, though," said Sieri. "I don't know how he did it, but Willy's somehow got Mira to open up to him."
"Somehow this doesn't surprise me for some reason," said Finn. "He certainly did surprise me with his bravery."
"Hehe. Reminds me of someone else I know," said Sieri cheekily, looking at me. "I wonder who that could be?"
"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Finn said, looking away shyly.
Sieri laughed, and Finn couldn't help but laugh too. Then he happened to see something in the corner of my eye. Someone was standing by a building looking at us. He squinted my eyes, and saw who it was. It was his master. As soon as he saw her, she smiled and nodded, and he did so back in response. She then disappeared from behind the building.
"Hey, Finn. What's up? Do you see something?" asked Sieri.
"Oh. It's nothing," said Finn. "Just zoned out for a bit. Anyway, it's getting a little late, Willy. I think we had enough surprises for one day. What do you say we head home, and I'll make you some dinner?"
"All right!" cheered Willy. "More fish!"
"It is getting a little late," said Mira. "Lisanna. Elfman. What do you say I make you guys some dinner?"
"That sounds great!" said Lisanna.
"I am feeling a little hungry," said Elfman.
"Wait! I got a better idea!" said Willy. "Finn? Could Mira, Lisanna, and Elfman come over and have dinner with us?"
"That sounds like a great idea," said Sieri. "It'd be a way to celebrate. I say go for it."
"Yeah! It sounds great!" said Lisanna.
"Hmmm... interesting," Finn said. "It's been a while since I've had anyone over." He turned to Mira. "What do you say, Mira?"
"Oh, no. We can't," said Mira. "We couldn't possibly put you up with the trouble."
"It's no problem at all," Finn said. "Besides, with everything that's happened and with you working so hard, you could use some time to rest up. "
"Pretty please, Mira?" begged Lisanna. "It'll be like one big sleepover."
"Yeah. Plus, we've never been to Finn's house before, you're the only one who's been there," said Elfman. "And we'd be able to hang with Willy some more."
"Yeah! It'll be a lot of fun!" said Willy. "Please say yes."
Mira thought this over a bit, then she smiled. "Okay, then. We'll stay over."
"Yay!" cheered Willy, Lisanna, and Elfman.
"Well then, I guess it's settled," said Finn. "Let's head home then, everyone. Since we're going to have some guests, I better make a lot of food tonight. Will you be joining us, Sieri?"
"I wish I could, but I have to get back," said Sieri. "I only came along to help Elfman and Lisanna with their search. I kind of left the clinic unattended, so I have to go back to make sure everything's OK. Plus, I have to spread the word that Mira's safe and sound."
"Very well. I'll leave you to it," Finn said. "And, thank you for your help."
"Hey. When it comes to these kids, I'll do what I can to help," said Sieri. "Now you guys go have fun. I'll see you all later, OK?" And then Sieri left heading back to the clinic.
As for Finn, Willy, and the Strauss siblings, they headed back to Finn's and Willy's house. Things have gotten more lively, and it was all thanks to Willy. Finn was sure about one thing; he sure was something special. Not only was he able to take on a gorian in the forest twice, but he was also able to get Mira to trust him, although he didn't know how much. None the less, Willy saved the day, and was going to get a big helping of fish tonight.
Later that evening, after a delightful dinner, Elfman and Lisanna got ready for bed while Willy, Mira, and Finn cleaned up. Willy took care of clearing the table while Mira and Finn did the dishes. Finn washed the dishes while Mira dried. As he cleaned, Finn happened to take a glance at Mira, who looked like she was in deep thought about something.
"Is something wrong, Mira?" he asked her.
Mira snapped out of her daze a little startled. "Oh! No. I'm fine, Finn. Just thinking."
"About?" wondered Finn.
"Well, it's just that I've never seen Lisanna and Elfman that happy in a long time," said Mira, looking back. "It's a bit surprising is all."
"Well, that's expected," Finn said. "When you meet a new friend, you'll find your world a little brighter, and Willy's certainly brightened your sibling's lives for the better."
"Yeah."
Mira gave a small smile, but that smile changed with a slight frown. Finn could see that something was still on her mind, and he knew what it was.
"Mira. If you're still worried about not completing the job, I can talk to the person in charge if you want."
"It doesn't matter. I still won't get the reward," said Mira. "And to make things worse, I'm a little low on Jewel. I have no idea how I'm going to be able to handle buying food for us when I run out. I'm worried, Finn."
"I see," hummed Finn. "Are you going to take another job?"
"I'm going to have to. It's the only way I can make ends meet. I may need to take several of them," said Mira. "I'm fine as far as my body is thanks to Willy, but... after getting beaten up by that gorian before I'm going to take up some of the smaller jobs. They may be a lot less jewel, but I guess its beggars can't be choosers. If only I had magic, then things would be a lot easier."
Finn tapped his chin, pondering on a solution to help Mira with her problem, but then he happened to look out the window. He saw something that caught his eye outside. Outside of the window, Finn saw something move past the window at an incredible speed. He looked around outside to see what it was getting on the defensive.
"Finn? Is something wrong?" asked Mira.
"Stay here," Finn said as he went outside. He quickly walked out of the kitchen and had just walked out the door when he ran into Willy. He was by the door holding a couple of the dishes. "Willy?"
"Oops! Sorry, Finn!" apologized Willy. "I... was just bringing the dishes."
"It's OK," Finn said. "I wasn't paying attention. Could you take those to Mira, please? I have to take care of something real quick, and I'll be back. Make sure that Lisanna and Elfman are ready for bed, and I want you and Mira in bed, too, OK?"
"OK."
Finn walked past Willy to the front door and shut it behind him, and walked to the back of the house, and looked around. It was nighttime, and everything was dark, the only light being from the stars in the sky. He saw nothing but the open field with the grass dancing in the breeze. Everything seemed quiet.
Then he sensed danger as something shot out at him from somewhere in the treetops. A small magic circle materialized on his hand, and a veil of water came out of his hand, thining out and turning into a short sword called a Ninjatō. Finn then quickly turned around and slashed at what shot at him. As it turned out, it was only an arrow with a note tied around it. As soon as he saw it, Finn knew who shot it and would go as far as to send him something like this.
"Good grief," he muttered as he dispersed his sword. "Why can't I get a message the normal way?"
He picked up the slashed arrow, untied the note, and read it.
Meet me back at the dojo. Important.
"I wonder what's up this time?" Finn wondered as he folded up the paper, walking back into the house. "Well, I guess I'm going to go see her again. I better go as soon as the kids are asleep."
WILLY'S POV
After we ate dinner, we all got dressed and got ready for bed. Finn slept in his room while the Strauss siblings slept in my room. Being the polite boy I was, I gave the siblings my bed while I slept on the floor with a blanket. At first, they declined, but I insisted on letting them have it. After all, I was used to sleeping on the floor. I mean, I slept in a cave with a dragon for a couple of years. I'm used to this kind of thing.
The room was quiet. The only sound you could hear was the soft sound of breathing. I tried to close my eyes and go to sleep, but I couldn't sleep. I was completely wide awake. I looked up to the ceiling and stared at it, hoping to doze off, but it didn't work. I was having major trouble falling asleep, and I think I knew the reason. It was back when I was heading to the kitchen to give Finn the dishes.
When we all had finished eating, we all got ready for bed. Elfman and Lisanna were washing up, while I cleared the table and Mira, and Finn cleaned the dishes. I had just cleared the table and picked up some plates, and was heading for the kitchen to give to Finn and Mira. I was about to enter the kitchen when I heard Finn and Mira talking.
"...If you're still worried about not completing the job, I can talk to the person in charge if you want," said Finn.
"It doesn't matter. I still won't get the reward," said Mira. "And to make things worse, I'm a little low on Jewel. I have no idea how I'm going to be able to handle buying food for us when I run out. I'm worried, Finn."
"I see. Are you going to take another job?"
"I'm going to have to. It's the only way I can make ends meet. I may need to take several of them. I'm fine as far as my body is thanks to Willy, but after getting beaten up by that gorian before, I'm going to take up some of the smaller jobs. They may be a lot less jewel, but I guess its beggars can't be choosers. If only I had magic, then things would be a lot easier."
I couldn't help but feel sorry for Mira. I wanted to help her, but I didn't know how to. Then suddenly I heard Mira.
"Hey, Finn. Is something wrong?"
"Stay here."
I heard footsteps coming towards me. Then Finn went out of the kitchen, almost bumping into me.
"Willy?" he said, a little surprised.
"Oops! Sorry, Finn! I was just bringing the dishes," I said, trying to cover up my eavesdropping.
"It's OK," he said. "I wasn't paying attention. Could you take those to Mira, please? I have to take care of something real quick. I'll be back. Make sure that Lisanna and Elfman are ready for bed, and I want you and Mira in bed, too, OK?"
"OK."
And then Finn walked past me out the front door and shut it behind him.
Yeah. That was it. That was why I was having trouble sleeping. I was worried about what Mira and Finn we're talking about before; the fact that Mira had to take a lot of jobs to make money to help her and her siblings get by. I wanted to help. I mean, I couldn't just stand idly by while my only friends were in trouble. I had to help Mira and her siblings, but I didn't know how to go about it.
"Maybe I could go with Mira on her jobs and help her?" I pondered. "Or maybe I can help Finn around the clinic to earn some jewel?"
As I lied there trying to come up with some ideas, I felt a shiver go through my body, and I couldn't help but let out a little sneeze.
"I guess it's a little colder than I figured," I thought. "Maybe I was better off sleeping in my bed."
I turned to my side and wrapped my blanket and tried one more time to go to sleep.
"Hmm..."
I grumbled, getting a little annoyed at myself for not falling asleep. I decided to close my eyes one more time and breathed slowly focused on listening to the silence in my room, hoping that would lull me to sleep. Then, I felt my blanket lift up, causing my eyes to snap open. I sat up instinctively, ready to attack whoever lifted my blanket only to have my eyes meet someone, I didn't expect, Mira.
"Mira!" I gasped. "You scared me."
"Take it easy," Mira whispered. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"What are you doing?" I asked. "You should be asleep."
"I was, but I woke up, and I couldn't help but notice your little sneeze," she said. "You're cold, aren't you?"
"Don't worry. I'm fine," I said. "I'm used to sleeping like this. I slept in a cave for about a few years, after all, so don't worry."
"Yeah. I'm going to pretend that comment was just you being stubborn," said Mira. "Look, you may be used to it, but I'm not going to sit in bed all warm while you're on the floor getting chilly. I'm sleeping with you tonight. You'll be a lot warmer that way."
"Huh?"
"Is there a problem?" asked Mira.
"No. There's no problem."
Mira then got under the blanket with me and got close. She wiggled a bit to make herself comfy and lay next to me. To be honest, I was a little surprised at first, but then I noticed that it felt a little warmer now.
"Hey. You're right. It feels warm now."
"G-glad, you agree," said Mira shyly, blushing. "I do this for Lisanna and Elfman all the time, so it's no big deal. Besides, it's like I said; you help me, and I'll help you. Just don't get the wrong idea from this."
"Wrong idea? What do you mean?" I asked, a little puzzled.
"Never mind. Forget it," said Mira. "Good night."
I looked back at Mira only to find her back facing me. I wanted to know what she meant about before, but I decided not to pry. It was probably nothing. I turned to my side face away from her, and I closed my eyes. This time thanks to the added warmth from Mira, I fell fast asleep with Mira following behind.
NO POV
As soon as he was sure that the kids were fast asleep, Finn got out of bed and got dressed. Then, he tip-toed out of the house and shut the door behind him quietly, being careful not to make any noise. As soon as he closed the door and walked a few feet away from the house, he looked around, making sure he was alone.
He kneeled like he was about to run a marathon and then took off running at a fast pace. As he ran, the blue magic circle appeared on his back, making water wings appear. Then, while spreading them out wide, he took a giant leap, a took off into the sky. He soared above the houses below him and past the edge of town, heading towards his destination in the other part of the forest.
Eventually, he could see the stream below him. He followed it until he could see the lake and the dojo. He swooped down and flew above the water. He touched down at the entrance and dispersed his wings.
"Ah, there you are, Finn. I'm glad you could make it."
Finn's master was waiting for him by the doors to the dojo. Finn bowed to his master politely. "Hello, master. You wanted to see me?"
"Yes," she replied. "Come."
She walked inside the dojo, and Finn followed. They went into the separate room and sat at the table where Jade was sleeping on her perch in the corner. There was a pot of tea and two cups already ready for them. The old woman sat down, and she poured herself a cup.
"Would you like some?" she asked.
"Yes. Thank you," said Finn as the master poured some more tea in the second cup. I took my cup and blew on the tea to cool it down. Then I quietly sipped the tea savoring its taste. "So Master, what did you want? You could have just asked me to come to see you instead of sending me a note, you know."
"I couldn't talk to you just yet, not with the children being there," said the old woman. "Besides, we were in the middle of something."
Finn put down his cup and looked at the old woman. "In the middle of helping Willy perhaps?" he asked.
The old woman chuckled. "Hehe. So you found me out, eh?"
"Of course. How else was Willy able to find Mira so quickly? You were testing him, weren't you?"
"Indeed I was," replied the old woman. "I wanted to see if he was capable of learning my spells, and I'm happy to say that he is. He was able to use the Water Sense spell of his first try."
"No way! On his first try?!" exclaimed Finn. "It took me at least five tries until I was able to use that spell when I was learning."
"Well, he did have a little trouble at first, but he was able to use it. All because he wanted to help find that girl," said the old woman. "He truly is a kind boy. Reminds me of you, Finn."
"Master, don't you start now," chuckled Finn. "I already have had Sieri tell me that. I don't need to hear it again from you."
"But it is true," chuckled the old woman. "You've come a long way the last time I saw you. I remember when you were young, you were a high spirited young man."
"Hehe. I'd rather not remember," said Finn. "I was a bit of a hoodlum back then."
"A hoodlum, yes, but you were also a person in need, given your history," said Tu-Chi. "I can remember the first time we met."
"Yes. That's true. It has been a long time since then. I can still remember the pain from back then," said Finn a little solemn. "I can still remember how we met. A young boy like me, all alone, abandoned, and the only one who survived a dark guild attack who then meets a lady who takes him under her wing and trains him the ways of being a water ninja mage? Still feels like it's some kind of crazy fairy tale."
"Well, it wasn't," said the old woman. "This is reality. Ever since I first met you. Now then, there's something I need to ask you, Finn."
"What is it, master?"
The old woman set down her cup and looked at Finn directly in the eye.
"I need you to bring Willy here," she said.
"Bring him here? To become your pupil, right?" asked Finn. "But... master if I may ask, are you sure about this? I mean, your training might be a bit harsh for a kid like Willy. Not to mention, I still have some doubts about his magic ability."
"Which is why I want you to bring Willy here," said the old woman. "When you bring him here, I want you to spar with him."
"Huh? Me spar with Willy?" puzzled Finn. "Why would you want me to do that?"
The old woman smiled. "Let's just say I want to see what I'm working with," she said. "I'll keep it at that for now."
Finn stared at his master, trying to search for an answer by looking at her. Then he chuckled.
"Just what I'd thought you'd say, master," he said. "I'd expect nothing less from you. Very well. I'll have Willy here tomorrow. I have the day off tomorrow, so I should be able to bring him, but master when you start training Willy, could you please make sure to go easy on him a little?"
"There is no 'going easy' when it comes to my training, but... I will try to hold back," said the old woman.
"Thank you, master. I appreciate it," said Finn. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
"That will be all," said the old woman.
"All right then," said Finn. "I'll see you, tomorrow, Master."
Finn stood up, politely bowed to the old woman, and then left. The old woman looked at Jade, who was still fast asleep on her perch and then looked up at the ceiling sipping her tea quietly.
"So... it's finally going to happen," the old woman said to herself. "Tomorrow. That boy will begin his path towards his destiny. A destiny either in darkness or in the light."
Back with Finn, he left the dojo and flew back towards the house. He opened the door and quietly closed the door. When he shut the door, he stood there in deep thought,
thinking about his master training Willy.
"So... tomorrow Willy is finally going to meet the master. Well, again, but officially if you think about it," thought Finn. "I wonder how strong he'll be? Guess I'll know soon enough."
Then he happened to walk past Willy's room. He couldn't help but peep in, wanting to see how the kids were doing. Lisanna and Elfman were in Willy's bed, sleeping peacefully, and Mira and Willy were sleeping on the floor. Finn was a little surprised to see that, but at the same time, he couldn't help but smile.
"Hehe. It's like the kids are all one big family," he chuckled to himself. He looked at Willy. "You know... I can't help but think. Willy was just like me when I was a little kid. Brave, kind, and, most of all, special."
He came into the room tip-toeing until he was right next to Willy and Mira. Both of them were sleeping peacefully, breathing slowly and softy.
"Willy... I may not know what kinds of magic power you have and how strong you are, but I do know that you're something special. So special that I do not doubt that you're in for great things in the future. Great things."
And then Finn tip-toed out of the room and then closed the door behind him.
There we go! I know I'm not good with fluffy stuff, but I decided to add a bit of a fluffy scene between Willy and Mira. Also, we get to see a bit of Finn's water magic skills even if it was only just a short bit.I gave the name of the sensing spell Willy and the old woman use. A bit predictable, but hoping it will catch on. I know I'm crappy with titles, but I'm giving it my best.
Anyhoo, there's going to be a bit of action in the next chapter.
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you for the next chapter! Feel free to give me some tips or reviews.
Dragoman out! Later!