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Chapter 144

It's Nothing

The moment Michelle screamed, I felt so startled that I almost fell off the rooftop, falling flat on my butt. At the same time, I heard another voice coming from inside the room.

"Michelle?! What's wrong?! Why did you scream?!"

"Big Sister Lucy! There's a burglar right outside the window!" I heard Michelle say. "He's come to rob us and take all of our valuables!"

"Aw crap! Of all the rotten luck! I better get out of here before Lucy sees me!"

I quickly scrambled over to my window, opened it, and then jumped inside. When I was in my room, I promptly took off my clothes as well as my mask and hid them under my bed. I then hurriedly put on a shirt and a pair of shorts, as I heard the sound of knocking on my door. I tried my best to stay calm as I went over to the door, answering it.

"Lucy? What's going on?" I spoke, pretending to be sleepy. "Don't you know what time it is?"

Michelle then gasped. "Oh! I know you! You're that nice boy that helped me earlier today," she said, pointing. "I didn't know you lived here!"

"Never mind that!" Lucy exasperatedly snapped. She turned towards me. "Willy, have you seen or heard anything unusual?"

"L-Like a burglar?" squeaked Michelle, remembering.

"A burglar?" I repeated, raising a brow. "What are you two talking about, Lucy? Did something happen?"

"Well, Michelle says that she saw something outside our window," explained Lucy. "I didn't see anything outside, but I wanted to check in with you just to be safe."

"I didn't see anything," I told her. "I was fast asleep in my room before you came here."

"Are you sure you didn't see anything?" asked Michelle worriedly. "I know I saw someone standing outside the window. I'm sure of it!"

"I'm sure," I said to Michelle. "Besides, if there were any kind of burglar roaming around here, I would have sensed the guy already. Maybe you were just dreaming, Michelle."

"But I'm pretty sure that I wasn't!" protested Michelle. "I know I saw someone! He was wearing black clothing and had a white mask shaped like a bird's face!"

"Take it easy, Michelle," soothed Lucy. "There's no reason to freak out. Maybe you were dreaming, and you thought that you saw someone outside of the window."

"But Big Sister...!" Michelle whined, her eyes beginning to well with tears. "I wasn't dreaming! Why won't you believe me?! I'm scared, and I don't think I can go back to sleep knowing that there's a creep waiting for the chance to rob us!"

Lucy and I looked at each other, not sure what to say or do to calm Michelle down. If she were to start crying right then and there, she would end up causing a stir, and that would never do. So, I did the only thing that I could do.

"Michelle, if you honestly think that you saw someone, then how about I sleepover with you and Lucy?" I suggested. "That way, I can make sure that the two of you are safe, and I'll be able to protect you if there's an enemy."

"Oh, you don't have to do that, Willy," Lucy said. "I'm more than capable than protecting Michelle."

"Don't worry. It's fine," I insisted. "Besides, it'll be good to have some backup just in case if it's too much for you to handle on your own."

Michelle then grabbed my hand as she looked at me with dewy and grateful eyes. "Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Willy! You are a nice boy! I'm so grateful that I know such a kind soul like you!"

"And here we go with the waterworks," Lucy sighed wryly. "I guess you'll have to take the couch, Willy. Sorry about all of this."

"It's no big deal, Lucy," I said with a smile. "Let me just grab my pillow, and I'll be right over."

I then went over to grab my pillow from my bed, and then went into Lucy's apartment to spend the night. I was relieved that neither of the girls saw me in my White Falcon outfit, but I also couldn't help but worry, like something was going to happen if I didn't go back to my room. However, it was just one night, and I could go back and make sure it was hidden in the morning, if it wasn't too early. Besides, I was way too tired after everything that happened.

Lucy and Michelle went back to Lucy's room, while I went over to the sofa. I fluffed my pillow, lay down on it, making myself comfortable, and fell asleep in a manner of seconds before I could even start to count sheep.

It was soon morning, and I went back in my room getting dressed for another day despite feeling a bit tired from my semi-all-nighter. No sooner when I got back, I got my White Falcon clothes from underneath my bed and folded them neatly, so that I could store them in a better spot.

"Man, last night was rough, but thankfully I was able to avoid a disaster. I should make sure to be more careful so that it doesn't happen again."

As I finished folding, I stowed them away along with the mask inside of my dresser underneath my other clothes, so no one would see them. Then, I dug into my pocket and took out the card that was given to me by Beard Boy. While I stared at it, I kept thinking about what he had told me about the toxin ooze in the vial and its origins.

"I may have gotten myself a lead last night, but I still need more information. And to add to that, there's the issue of that ooze stuff that suddenly popped up at that bar. The same stuff that he injected in me."

A dark memory of Silver Beard flashed into my mind, which made my skin crawl, and my scars itch.

"Calm down. That's in the past," I said as I touched my wrist. "He can't hurt you again. Never again."

After taking a few deep breaths, I managed to regain my train of thought as I planned out my next hunt.

"It's going to take me a while to get to Akane Beach by train because it only goes as far as Hargeon. Which means, I'm going to have to either walk or get there by my wings. Hopefully, it doesn't take too much time or magic, and considering that it's a fight club, I'll have to be ready for anything, even for a fight if I have to."

I took out a few clothes from my dresser along with some tape, deciding my outfit for the day, and went over to the bathroom to take a shower. I turned on the water, letting it run, and took off my clothes as well as the bandages. When I stepped inside it, the warm water seemed to relax my muscles and made me feel more awake, and I let out a breath. I then looked at my wrists, gazing at the scars that marred the skin on both of them. They had taken a darker color recently from red to a slight purple waning on black. I still didn't know why my scars were getting like this, but I didn't care.

"No matter what happens, I need to figure out what's going on, and if Silver Beard was the one behind Finn's killing, I will take revenge, for Finn and for what he did to me."

When I finished, I walked out of the apartment building, about to be on my way, when I heard Lucy.

"Hey, Willy! Good morning!"

I turned around, and saw Lucy and Michelle approaching. "Hey there, girls," I greeted. "You sleep well?"

"Yes, we did," said Lucy. "Despite the little scare, we slept pretty well. Thanks again for doing what you did, and I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It's no big deal," I spoke, shaking my head. "Besides, what are neighbors for?"

"I must give you my thanks as well," Michelle also said. "Despite everything, it was very kind of you to keep watch over us, Mr. Willy."

"As I said, it's no big deal," I said. "And by the way, Michelle, you don't have to be so formal with me. Just call me, Willy, okay?"

"Anyway, Michelle and I have to get going," Lucy said. "Why don't you stop by, Willy? It's been a while since everyone's seen you."

"Well, I have been busy, so maybe I will," I told her with a slight smile. "But for now, I've got something to do. I'll catch up with you two later."

Lucy seemed to be a slight bit disappointed for a brief second, but she smiled afterward. "Well, alright, then. But make sure to stop by whenever you can. Everyone's been missing you. Let's get going, Michelle."

The two blondes then set off, walking away. As I watched them leave, I couldn't help but think about Michelle seeing me the other night. I was a bit relieved that Lucy believed that she was dreaming, but I couldn't help but feel worried about Michelle. If she went around telling the people in the guild about what she had seen, there was no way that they were going to let it slide.

"Knowing Natsu and the others, they would most likely take Michelle's worries seriously, and would come snooping around. If that happens, I don't know if I'll be able to keep what I've been doing a secret. Therefore, I better make sure that Michelle doesn't pry into this matter."

"Hey, Lucy! Michelle! Hold up a second!" I called out as I jogged up to them.

The two girls then stopped as I came up to them.

"I still got some time before I have to do my little thing," I said. "So why don't I come with you to the guild for a bit?"

Lucy smiled. "Well, sure. The more, the merrier," she said. "Let's go."

The three of us then started for the tavern. I planned to talk to Michelle alone, to let her know not to spread around what she had seen. Granted, I didn't know if it was the best idea, but I needed to make sure that my identity remained a secret, and I didn't want to take any chances.

Soon enough, we came to the tavern. But not too long after we arrived, Bisca, Alzack, their daughter, Asca, and Makarov arrived. Asca was riding on top of Makarov's shoulders, pulling his mustache as she did, having a good time, while the old man was trying his best not to show his suffering. It was a bit funny, along with cute, but I kept it to myself.

"Come on, Mr. Horsey! Lucy and Willy are here!" Asca said, as she gave Makarov's mustache another tug.

"Well, if it isn't Asca," laughed Lucy. "It seems she really likes you, Master."

"So it would appear," grunted Makarov. "Although, I'm starting to regret having any facial hair from this kind of treatment."

"By the way, Lucy, Natsu's been looking for you and Willy," said Bisca.

"It was something about hunting bandits," said Alzack.

"Bandits?" Lucy repeated, a slight frown on her features.

Then as if on cue, Natsu, along with Happy suddenly appeared in the doorway, the pink-haired boy looking very impatient.

"There you slowpokes are!" Natsu snapped crossly. "We've been looking everywhere for you guys!"

"Yeah! We found a job that you guys are going to love!" said Happy. "And it'll help you both pay your rents!"

Natsu then held up a flyer that had a picture of a group of strange-looking bandits, and a reward of one hundred thousand Jewel printed on top of it.

"The flier says that these bandits are so ruthless that the victims suffer night terrors after the attacks," explained Gray. "Even the royal soldiers who went to search for them, came back sobbing like a bunch of babies."

"That definitely smells like a dangerous job," Lucy gulped, her face filling with unease.

"If these bandits are forcing even the Royal Knights away, they must be quite the enemy," I said. "Either that or they're doing something nasty to scare the heck out of them."

"Sounds like a lot of fun to me," grinned Natsu. "The nastier, the better I always say."

"And since when have you ever said that, Natsu?" I asked.

"Say, you mind if I come with you, Big Sister?" Michelle suddenly asked. "I would love to watch you work."

Everyone, including me, all looked at Michelle in surprise, not expecting such a request from her.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea," said Lucy. "And by that, I mean you can't. It's way too dangerous!"

"But I'd love to know that kind of work you and the others do firsthand," insisted Michelle. "And if there's trouble, you'll be there to protect me."

"But Michelle, Lucy could be right about this one," I warned. "When you're with Team Natsu, you never know what to expect, and you don't have any magic either."

"Personally, I don't mind if she comes," said Gray. "As long as she's with us, it'll be fine."

"Doesn't anyone other than Willy have a sense of reason?" sighed Lucy. "Master, Macao, what do you say about this?"

Makarov, along with Asca, responded by giving Lucy a thumbs up. "Knock yourselves out!" they both said.

Macao also gave the okay as well. "I don't mind either. Go for it."

Then, Erza arrived, having to have overheard everything. "I don't have any qualms about it either," she said with a smile. "There's an experience in everything. Even if that experience is forced on someone too early, it will still benefit them." She glanced over at Lucy. "Of course, you would know all about that, Ms. "I'm going on an S-Class quest without permission"?"

Lucy's cheeks went red with embarrassment. "Yes, Erza. You don't need to rub it in."

"Wait, you're talking about when you all were at Galuna Island, right?" I said. "Wasn't Natsu and Happy the ones that took the flier from that quest in the first place?"

Natsu and Happy immediately flinched as they looked away, pretending not to hear.

"Hold on, who told you about that?" asked Gray.

"Mira told me a while back," I explained. "Let's just say that she filled me in about your adventures, the good and the bad."

"Anyway, I guess you're coming with us, Michelle," smiled Lucy. "And don't worry. If things get rough, but stay by my side, and I'll be there to protect you.

Michelle couldn't help but feel overjoyed.

"What about you, Willy?" asked Gray. "You wanna come along with us?"

"I'm going to have to pass for today," I said. "Besides, I've already got enough money to pay for rent this month, so I'm good. Anyway, Michelle, would you mind coming with me for a sec? There's something I need to talk to you about. Alone?"

Michelle agreed and she, and I went outside of the side of the tavern, so we would have some privacy. I looked around, double-checking if there wasn't anyone around before I spoke to her.

"Michelle, remember how you said that you saw someone the other night?" I asked.

"Of course I do," said Michelle. "But Lucy doesn't seem to believe me."

"Yeah, about that, I don't know what you saw the other night, but I wanted to tell you to try and keep that to yourself," I said. "The reason being is that Natsu and the others might overreact about something like that. They take threats to their members pretty seriously, and when they get serious, let's just say that things will get a little bit out of control."

"Out of control?" repeated Michelle, appearing puzzled.

"Yeah. They most likely would rip this town apart, trying to find someone that's not there knowing those guys," I said, scratching my cheek. "So, I want you not to say anything about the whole thing. You don't want to scare everyone. Plus, I doubt any burglar would be dumb enough to try and steal from Lucy."

Michelle still looked puzzled, but she nodded in understanding, agreeing. "Alright, then. If you say so, Willy."

"And if you're still worried about it, I'll do a little investigating around the apartment and see if I can find the guy," I smiled, giving her a thumbs up. "Just leave it all to me, and don't say anything to the others, okay?"

"I understand," Michelle nodded. "I won't tell a soul."

"Alright then," I said, nodding back. "Now, you better get going. You don't want to hold Natsu and the others up. And good luck with your first job."

Michelle responded with a happy smile and a wave as she went on her way. I let out a deep breath as I felt my stress ease a bit.

"That was easier than I figured it would be. But hopefully, that should keep things as they are for the time being. For now, I should get ready to go. I have to get to Akane Resort by nightfall."

"Why would you need to get to the Akane Resort by nightfall?" asked a voice.

I jumped, turning around, feeling so startled that I almost jumped out of my skin, only to have my eyes meet with Mira's, who was now in front of me leaning against the wall.

"M-Mira! Wh-what are you doing here?!" I couldn't help but squawk. "And how much did you hear?!"

"Why would you ask me that?" asked Mira, with a raised brow along with a smirk. "Was I not supposed to hear something?"

"Well, I-I um- you see, the thing is, I didn't say anything about going to the Akane Resort by nightfall!" I said. "I was talking about making sure I'm home by nightfall!"

"It didn't sound that way to me," said Mira, as she took a few steps toward me. "You sure you ain't just trying to come up with an excuse or something?"

"Damn it, Mira! Why are your instincts so on point today?!" I mentally screamed.

"N-No! I'm serious! I was only talking about being home by nightfall, because, b-because," I sputtered, thinking of something quick. "I was up late last night because of something, and I figured that I'd better get some sleep early because I was tired!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Mira spoke, sounding a bit more teasing and suspicious. "And was the reason you were up late have anything to do with Michelle?"

My face immediately began heat up, enough to set it on fire. "No! It's nothing like that, Mira! Stop messing around!" I couldn't help but cry.

Mira then laughed. "Alright, alright, Willy. I was only joking," she giggled. "You don't need to get bent out of shape about it."

I couldn't help but sulkily huff. "Well, I didn't think that joke was funny," I grumped. "And just so we're clear, nothing is going on between Michelle and me, alright?"

"Hey, you said it, not me," Mira said, still grinning. "Anyway, if you say it's nothing, then I'll take your word for it."

"Yes, well, I'm glad you understand," I said, clearing my throat. "Anyway, I have to get going. I have to hurry back home. I got stuff to do and stuff. See you later, Mira."

"Alright then," Mira said. "Take care, Willy."

Without saying anything more, I walked away trying my best not to show Mira my reddened face, feeling very silly.

NO POV

Mira watched as Willy walked away, all smiles, thinking that his flushed face was funny as well as adorable. However, that smile didn't stay very long when he disappeared1. Mira's smile then changed into a frown as disappointment began to bubble in her chest.

"Willy's definitely hiding something. Even I'm not stupid enough to buy what he just told me," Mira thought. "But the question is, why would Willy need to keep anything from me? And what is it that he's trying to hide?"

But Mira didn't have a clue or an answer to her questions as she continued to wonder as well as worry, as she squeezed a hand into her chest. Then she had a thought. A thought that made her all the more worried as well as a bit flustered.

"What if what I said about Willy and Michelle is true?" Mira thought to herself. "That would explain why he was acting so defensive earlier, and probably why he mentioned something about getting to the Akane Resort by night. What if Willy's planned some secret date thing with Michelle?"

And the more Mira thought about this possibility, the more she began to fret over the matter. She was fretting so much, that her heart felt like it was being squeezed, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling.

"I don't like this. Why am I acting and feeling this way?" Mira thought to herself. "I was fine a while ago, but now I feel riled up for no reason, just like that one time Willy was talking about Eclair before. I mean, it's not like it's any of my business with who he hangs out with or what he does or even who he likes, but still..."

Just then, Mira heard a voice calling out to her.

"Hey, Mira. Are you out here? Mira?"

It was Kinana. Upon hearing her voice, Mira called back to her. "I'm coming, Kinana! Just give me a second!"

Mira then turned on her heel, and came out from the side of the tavern and saw Kinana standing in front of the doors.

"There you are, Mira," said Kinana. "I'm glad I found you. I could use your help inside. You mind giving me a hand?"

"Of course," Mira nodded. "I'd be happy to help."

Kinana then noticed that Mira didn't seem like her usual happy self. "Is something the matter, Mira?" she asked. "You seem a bit down."

"It's nothing, Kinana," Mira said, smiling in reassurance. "I'm alright. I just had to take a breather for a minute. Anyway, what did you need help with?"

Mira then walked back inside with Kinana, hoping that this would help take her mind off of her negative feelings as well as push them down.

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