Sorry if it's been a while, but here is the next chapter! I'm totally psyched for Fairy Tail Dragon Cry! I'm definitely gonna see it when I can. Until then, all I have to do is see Fairy Tail Zero and I'll be up to date. Until then, enjoy the next chapter.

Chapter 23

The Past and Future

Once again, a few more days had passed. Willy had made some improvements since then. He took the strange being in his dream's tip advice and played a lot with the Strauss siblings on his days off. It was pretty good training for mastering the Aqua Sense. Thanks to that he was able to feel the waters inside the balls using his magic. He could now feel the vibrations in the water as well as the ethernano within them. Thanks to that, he was able to differentiate which ones were the ones that had the explosion magic in them and which ones didn't. Well... somewhat... He was still hitting the ones that had the explosion spells in them, but it was a big improvement from before. Instead of hitting just one or two of them he was able to hit a streak of eight or nine of them before hitting one with an explosion spell in it. He was so close and yet so very far.

One day he was training like by the waterfall as usual with Tu Chi supervising him.

"It's amazing," she thought to herself. "He's already able to hit a streak eight or nine of the balls without messing up. All he needs to do is to hit that last ball. But I'm not worried. At the rate he's going, he'll be able to hit that tenth ball in no time."

WILLY'S POV

I continued to hit the balls that came down being on my seventh ball so far in my streak. As another volley came, I closed my eyes and sensed the water within them. There was three coming. One on the right had a hint of magic power in it so that one was rigged, but the other two on the left were safe. I jumped up and dodged the one on the right and went for the two on the left. He gave the first ball a Water Dragon Talon destroying it.

"Eight!"

And then I hit the other with an Iron Fist.

"Nine!"

"Just one more! One more ball!" I thought.

Another volley of balls came at me and I sensed the water in each of them. All of them had a magic power within them which meant that all of them had been rigged with explosion spells.

"Oh man! They're all rigged!"

I immediately jumped up and dodged them all. They hit the rock I was standing and they exploded. I sensed around trying to find a ball that had no magic in it.

"All I need was one more! One more! Where is it?!"

Just when I thought that there were no other balls that weren't rigged and as I landed on the rock, another volley came at me. They were all also rigged or so I thought. I looked a few feet above me and just above me coming down from the falls was a ball that wasn't rigged.

"There! The last ball that I need! If I can just hit that one...!"

"WATER DRAGON AQUA JET!"

My feet erupted with water and I shot up right into the air. I dodged every ball that was rigged heading straight for the last one I need. It grew closer and closer and just when I was about to reach out and strike it, one of the balls that were rigged came falling to my right. I shot my right leg shooting water and made me go in the other direction pushing me safely out of the way, but made me get in the line of fire of another rigged ball. This time I made both of my legs shoot water just enough to dodge that one too. Then with everything I had, I rocketed upwards heading straight for my target with nothing else in the way.

"IT'S MIIIIINE!"

Letting out a big shout, I used my iron first attack and hit the ball with all of my might. The ball was destroyed in a single shot and water sprayed everywhere. I fell back to the ground landing safely on my feet on top of the rock. I was out of breath, exhausted, and battered, but I did it.

"I did it...I really did it... YEEEESSS! Did you see that Tu CHi?! I did it! I hit ten balls!"

NO POV

Tu Chi stared at Willy he hopped up and down in victory. She was smiling in a toothless smirk.

"I knew it. He finally did it!" she thought. "He finally mastered the Aqua Sense. Not to mention that he's a rare talent just like Finn0. There's no question about it now. He's indeed the one who can learn my techniques. Other than Finn, Willy has shown great promise and has tremendous potential."

Just then Willy who had gotten off the rock came out of the water and came up to Tu Chi.

"Hey Tu Chi! Did you see that?! I did it! I hit 10 balls in a row!" he said excitedly.

"Yes. I saw," Tu Chi said. "Well done Willy."

"And since I've passed this part of the training, you're gonna teach me your techniques right? You promised." Willy asked.

"I haven't forgotten," chuckled Tu Chi. "So you're ready to learn my moves? Do you think you can master them in your current state?"

"Uh huh!" said Willy nodding with confidence. "You bet!"

"Good," said Tu Chi. "For now, let's take a break. You could use it after all the hard work you did. Plus you earned it. Come. We'll have some tea at the temple."

"OK. I have been feeling a little thirsty."

And with that, Willy and Tu Chi headed for the temple.

WILLY'S POV

A few moments later, Tu-Chi and I were sitting at the temple inside drinking tea and cookies.

"How is it Willy?" asked Tu Chi.

"It's good," I replied. "I think I'm finally getting used to this tea."

As I sipped my tea, I happened to take a look around the room. Then I happened to come across a painting on the wall. It was a painting of what looked to be a dragon battling a human. It kind of reminded me of Aquadia in a way, but this dragon looked different and more sinister looking. It was also black and had blue markings all over its body.

"I take it you have an interest in that painting," said Tu Chi. "That was painted about several years ago."

"Really?"

As I looked at the painting, I couldn't help but stare at the dragon. Then I suddenly remembered. Maybe Tu Chi knew something about the dragons. If she did, maybe she can tell me why Aquadia disappeared and where she was. I was looking for some information after all.

"Excuse me Tu Chi, but can I ask you something?" I asked.

"Of course," said Tu Chi. "You wish to know if I know anything about dragons correct?"

I looked at Tu Chi in surprise. "How... How did you know..."

Tu Chi chuckled. "I've seen and heard many things about you, Willy. I'm aware that you've been searching for your dragon that disappeared and you're now looking for any information about anything can that can help you find her. Correct?"

"Yes... that's exactly right," I said. "If you know anything, please tell me. Anything will help."

Tu Chi hummed tapping her finger on her chin. "I'm afraid I do not know anything about your dragon Willy."

"Oh," I said a little disappointed.

"However I can tell about this painting," said Tu Chi. "It does have something to do with dragons."

"Really?"

"Yes. However... I should warn you. The story I'm about to tell you may be overwhelming for you."

"I'll be OK," I replied. "Besides, any information regarding dragons would a big help to me. So... please tell me, Tu Chi."

"Very well," said Tu Chi as she began her story. "This is a painting of a historical event that took place several years ago. An event that is known throughout history as... The Dragon King Festival."

"The Dragon King Festival?" I repeated.

"Yes. As I recall, this event took place over four hundred years ago. Back in that time dragons once ruled, food dominating the skies and ruling over the land and the sea treating us humans as their food."

My eyes widened in shock. "F-food? You mean... the dragons ate people?"

"Yes. In fact, they conquered every human nation they could find destroying and killing any human that crossed their path. However, there were some dragons who didn't eat humans and would rather coexist with them in peace and so began the war. The war between the dragons who wanted to conquer and the dragons and humans who wanted to live together in peace. As the war raged on, the tide was turning into the dragons and humans favor."

"And...the dragons and humans won the war...right?" I asked hopefully.

"I'm afraid not," said Tu Chi solemnly.

I gulped. "You mean... Don't tell me... the dragons that wanted to conquer the humans won?"

"To put it simply... neither side won," said Tu Chi. "Just when the side of humans and dragons were about to claim victory, an individual came and killed them along with the dragons on the other side. The creature killed and destroyed every dragon and human on the battlefield until there was nothing left."

She paused dramatically.

"And the creature that killed all those people and dragons is the very thing that you see in this painting."

I looked at the painting and then back at Tu Chi.

"You mean... a dragon killed all them?!"

Tu Chi nodded. "Correct. That dragon forever more became known as The Black Dragon of the Apocalypse, Acnologia..."

"Acnologia..." I repeated looking at the painting again. "That's...crazy."

"As crazy is it sounds, it's very much true. Soon after that terrible war, dragons faded from existence and to this day became nothing more but a legend."

"How... do you know all of this?"

"I have been told this story many times as a young girl," said Tu Chi. "I remember how parents used to tell me that story every time as a way of scaring me. It would haunt me just by thinking about it. In any case, that's all I know about the dragons. I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you anything more."

"So that dragon... killed all of those people and dragons?" I clenched my fists in anger. "How... how evil... how can anyone do such a thing?!"

"Now, now," said Tu Chi calmly. "If you're going to get angry, channel that anger for your training. After all, the training to going to get even more intense from here on in."

"Yeah! I can't wait to get started!" I said.

"Hey, you guys! I'm back!"

Just then we both heard Finn calling and then he came into the room.

"Hey, you two. How'd it go today?" he asked.

"Oh hey Finn," I said my anger quickly disappearing. "I finally was able to do it! I mastered the Aqua Sense!"

"Seriously? That's great!" said Finn. "Then that means you're gonna be moving on to the big stuff now."

"That's correct," said Tu Chi. "Now that Willy's mastered the Aqua Sense. I will now start teaching him all of my best techniques... starting tomorrow."

I almost fell on the floor in surprise hearing that.

"What?! Oh, come on! Do I have to wait until tomorrow? Oh come on Tu Chi, can't I just start training today?" I complained. "I wanna start training and learn your spells!"

"Now, now. All things come to those who wait," said Tu Chi. "Besides, It's getting late and you should get some sleep."

"She's right you know. The sun's already setting by now," said Finn. "Besides you must be getting hungry by now."

"No way! I can still train!" I said. "Besides I'm not even hungry."

Then I heard a growling noise coming from my tummy making me blush a bright pink with embarrassment while Finn and Tu Chi laughed. My mind and my body may have been telling me that it's time to train some more, but my stomach was telling me that it was time to eat.

"OK..." I said defeatedly. "You win... I'll wait until tomorrow."

"Good," said Finn. "Now what do you say we go out and have some orange chicken tonight to celebrate?"

"Sounds great."

"Very well then," said Tu Chi smiling. "And don't worry Willy. You will have plenty of training first thing tomorrow."

"OK, Tu Chi."

"All right then. You're dismissed."

After that, Finn and I left the room, leaving the dojo, and heading over to Sid's.

NO POV

As soon as Finn and Willy left the room, Tu Chi sighed and sat on a pillow near the table. Then she looked up at the painting.

"It's hard to believe that such a terrible tragedy took place that many years ago," she murmured.

She stared into the teacup that was still filled with tea and then looked up at the ceiling.

"What happened in the past cannot be changed, but...the future is something we can take into our own hands. The question is...which path of that future must we take? The path of that leads to the light? Or the path that leads to the darkness?"

WILLY'S POV

Finn and I had just now come from Sid's eating a hearty meal. I had to admit, Sid makes the best orange chicken out there. Other than fish, I could eat it every day if I wanted to. After we ate we walked back home. As we walked, I couldn't help but think the story that Tu Chi had just told me. I didn't know which sounded crazier. The fact that there was a war between dragons and humans and no one knew about it or the fact that one single dragon was able to kill hundreds maybe even thousands of other dragons and people alike. One thing was sure, it sure was scary.

"I sure hope that I don't have to run into that thing," I thought. "But... at the same time, I can't help but want to kill that thing for what it did. I mean... why would a dragon do such a thing, especially at its own kind? Not to mention that dragons were once the dominant species and they ate people."

I shivered upon hearing that thought.

"Am I glad that Aquadia isn't like that," I continued to myself. "If she was... well I don't want to think about it. Anyway... that explains why Finn didn't believe me when I told him about being raised by a dragon when we first met back when I was injured. Guess what Tu Chi said was true. People believe that dragons are nothing more but myth these days. Maybe... this has something to do with why Aquadia disappeared. Could it be connected in some way?"

"Hey, Willy? You OK?" asked Finn. "You seem to be in deep thought about something."

"Oh. Sorry Finn," I said. "I'm fine. I... I'm just thinking about some things that's all."

"Are you still thinking about your training?"

"No. Just... thinking about Aquadia," I said.

"Oh. I see."

"Say... Finn, can I ask you something? You remember back when we first met?"

"Yes."

"Well... be honest with me. Did you believe me when I said that I was raised by a dragon?"

Finn hummed. "Well... to be honest at first I didn't. I thought that you were loopy from being beaten up, but seeing you use your magic on certain occasions made me change my mind otherwise. Plus Master told me that the dragons may be gone, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they don't exist."

"So you believe me now?"

"Of course I do," said Finn. "By the way, why ask such a question?"

"Oh, nothing. No reason. I was just curious that's all," I replied looking down at the ground as I walked.

"Is it because you're still trying to find info as to where your dragon is?" asked Finn.

"Kinda," I said. "Tu Chi told me a story about the dragons, but I all that's led me to is more questions rather than answers. I just wish I had more information."

"I wouldn't worry so much about it," said Finn. "I'm sure that you'll find the answers that you're looking for. It'll just take a bit more time that's all. Until then, just take your time and focus on here and now."

"I'll do my best," I said.

"Besides, you should be more excited rather than mopey. After all, you're finally gonna be learning Master's techniques. You're gonna be learning how to walk on water and even learn how to make water weapons too."

My face lit up. "You mean I'm gonna be learning how to make water spells that let me use that...um... that sword thingy you have?"

"It's called a ninjatō and yes you will," chuckled Finn. "It'll take to master that spell, but it'll be a cinch once you get the hang of it."

"Oh yeah! I can't wait!" I said feeling very excited now. "I'm gonna be a water ninja just like you Finn!"

"Hahaha. I don't know about that," said Finn. "Maybe one of these days you will."

"So... is she gonna teach me to walk on water too?" I asked.

"Maybe... but I don't about that one, to be honest. That's an advanced spell," said Finn thoughtfully.

"To be honest... I'd rather not learn that spell," I said.

"Huh?!" Finn looked at me in surprise. "Why not?"

"To be perfectly honest, I would much rather swim in water than walking on it," I said. "It seems kinda boring to me."

"Well... that may be so, but don't you think it'll come in handy just in case?" asked Finn.

"Nah. As I said, I'd rather swim than walk."

"Well... I guess that's fine," said Finn. "Nobody said that you had to learn certain spells...oh well. To each his own I guess."

As we continued to walk, we walked past a large building. It looked to be pretty old and kind of had some kind of religious feel to it. It had large glass windows with different colors and it had a large cross on top of it. When I saw it, I couldn't help but gaze at it.

"Finn? What's that place?" I asked.

"Oh, that? That's the church of Osia," said Finn. "It's been there for who knows how long, but you don't wanna go over there though Willy. It's forbidden."

"Why is that?"

"Legend has it that many years ago, a monster once terrorized this town," said Finn ominously. "It wreaked havoc destroying everything in this town."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. Until one day, a strange mage came along and battled the demon to save the people in this town and then he defeated it and sealed it away inside the church in a cross. Now and days, no one dares go near that church for if you even step inside it... you will be cursed by the monster that was sealed..."

Finn then made a scary face and made ghostly moans attempting to scare me, but I wasn't scared.

"Finn, if you're trying to scare me it's not working," I said flatly. "I don't scare easily."

"Says the one who was shy when he first came into town," said Finn coolly.

"Hey!"

I blushed a bright shade of pink and Finn laughed heartily.

Soon we came home. I washed up, took a bath, and got ready for bed. I lied in my bed staring up at the ceiling trying to get some sleep, but I couldn't. My thoughts were still filled with what Tu Chi just told me about Acnologia and about The Dragon King Festival. It made me wonder about a lot of things, but mostly about Aquadia. I took my necklace out of my shirt and looked at the eye-shaped gem. It shone a little from the moonlight, twinkling as the sounds of crickets could be heard. I still missed her a lot, but at the same time, I was determined to find her more than ever. I closed my hand around my necklace and looked out the window and into the starry filled sky.

"Don't worry Mama. I'm not gonna give up," I said to myself. "I'm gonna get stronger and I'm gonna find you. No matter what."

NO POV

As the night rolled on in another part of the continent in another forest, far away from Osia, someone was making her way through the forest. He was a young man that had neat silver hair that reached his shoulders, dark eyes, and dark skin. His outfit comprised of a black boa with a white cloak and with black pants and boots with white boas snaking around his legs. He also held a staff that was wooden, had bandage-like wrappings near the top half and at the tip was a white skull with a headpiece reminiscent of those worn by Native American chiefs on it.

As the man walked through the forest, he soon came to a hill where he could see the forest from a better view. In the distance, he saw a certain town that was probably about several yards away. Then the skull on his staff began to clatter and then it spoke.

"So is that it Master? Is that the town you're looking for?" it asked.

The man looked at his staff.

"Yes, it is. Rumor has it that particular town has something of interest to me and I intend to seize it. It should be the very thing we need in order to find what we seek."

"Pardon me for asking master, but what business do you have in that town anyway?" asked the skull. "Does it have information regarding you know what?"

"That's what I'm intending to find out," replied the man. "If it has what I'm looking for then I shall seize it.

"Wonderful Master," said the skull. "I can't wait till we find it. Once we do, the entire world will be groveling at your feet."

The man smiled.

"Yes. It will."

And with that, the young man resumed his walking and starting emitting a strange green aura. Then like he was some kind of mirage, the man disappeared into the night.

Sorry if it's been a while, but I managed to get another chapter up and going.

I know the description of this character might seem a little bit off, but hopefully, I described him enough for you to know who it is.

Anyhoo if you liked what you read or if you want to give me some pointers, feel free to give me a PM or leave a review for me.

Until then, I hope to see you all again for my next chapter!

Dragoman out!