Chapter 181

A Different Approach

For the next days, our group was working hard, training rigorously. Tu Chi had assigned each of us a regimen that would improve and strengthen our magic and other aspects.

Elfman was tasked to fight against the tougher creatures that resided in the swamp. Not only would doing this help build up his physical strength, but it will also help him acquire some new forms for his Take Over Magic. The last time I heard from him, Tu Chi set him up against a lizardman and instructed him not to move onto a different monster until he mastered and understood all the aspects of the creature before moving on to the next one.

Cana's training involved her throwing her card at moving targets and meditation. The meditation was for strengthening and enhancing her mind, increasing her magic power capacity, and the target practice to improve her accuracy. She also started working on different card combinations for her Card Magic, creating new spells.

Lisanna was improving on her Take Over Magic as well. You see, most of her other forms were too big and bulky for her, making her a big target in a fight that would put her at a disadvantage in battle. So, she had to find certain animals in the swamp that were smaller, stronger, and more nimble than the forms she had been using with her magic. Additionally, Tu Chi had her sparring against Jade, who, of course, didn't make it easy on her.

Mira did her training solo with her Satan Soul. She didn't say much about what kind she was doing, but she planned to fully master all of the forms of Satan Soul she had acquired. Now that I thought about it, the only two that I could remember seeing her use thus far were her original and Halphas forms, both of which were powerful. However, at the same time, it made me wonder what other forms that she had been keeping from us.

As for me, Tu Chi had me focus only on meditation and practicing my ninjutsu without using my magic. As far as my meditation went, I made sure to stay away from any creatures by staying on top of the trees, but I never could stick with it due to some... issues. I went out on jogs through the swamp, practiced stealth techniques, swam in the water, shadow punched and kicked, and even did sword swings. Tu Chi even helped by sparring with me, although she would always beat me down while I couldn't land a clean hit.

I should have been happy and grateful for the help I was getting with my training, but I couldn't help but wonder what its purpose was. I mean, this was pretty basic, and I felt like I should be doing more. For example, trying to get the toxin out of my body and stopping these hallucinations. But then again, I had no idea how to do that. Not only that, there were times when my scars began to ache a little bit, and I sometimes saw hallucinations of my evil self, but I did my best to carry on.

One late afternoon, I was jumping through the trees, using my stealth and speed, dashing and hopping from tree to tree. As I took a big leap, falling and landing on the ground while shooting forward, I caught sight of two targets hanging above in the trees. I quickly jumped upwards while conjuring up a pair of water stars and threw them, hitting both targets right in their centers. Then, while I was in midair, I grabbed a branch swinging in a loop and launched myself forward.

As I landed on the ground, I took a glance around me and saw several more targets. Some of them were hanging on branches in the trees, while others were on their trunks. I clenched my fists and unleashed an array of water stars hitting each target that I saw. Then, I conjured a pair of swords in my hands while shooting towards the other targets and swiped and slashed with quick precision. Several targets split in half in seconds, each falling to the ground with a cacophony of clatters.

I heard the sound of ropes snapping, and a giant log came swinging towards me. Reacting quickly, I clenched my fist, engulfing it with my magic, and gave the trunk an Iron Fist shattering it into splinters. Next, another log came swinging at me, and while switching the water to my leg, gave it a mighty Talon, destroying it too. Then, more logs came swinging out of nowhere, and I continued to smash them with ease using my magic. Finally, four logs came swinging, all coming from in front, back, left, and right. I jumped upwards, getting out of the way just as the logs collided at once, and clenched my fists, gathering my magic into them. Then, with a loud and mighty yell, I came shooting down while swinging both of my fists and slammed them, creating a massive geyser of water in my wake.

As water rained down along with some bits of wood. After it stopped, I took a minute to catch my breath, wiping my forehead. When I caught my breath, I went over to inspect the targets hoping that I hit the marks on all of them, starting with the ones tacked to the trunks of the trees. Sure enough, most of the targets I hit didn't hit their centers. If anything, I hit anything but.

"Yet again, I've missed my mark a couple of times," I muttered to myself. "Oh, well. I guess it could have been worse. In any case, I should meditate next. Hopefully, things will be different this time. Or any of the other times."

I walked over to a tree and climbed on top of one of its branches, got into a lotus position, and closed my eyes, trying to focus and clearing my head. At first, my head was clear, and it seemed to be free from any distractions, but then flashbacks of my past trauma began to appear in my head again. I tried my best to ignore it, but the visions grew more intense, and my scars began to ache. Before I knew it, I saw myself turning into a crazed monster again, its eyes piercing green and letting out an inhuman roar.

My eyes then snapped open as I couldn't help but let out a scream of terror. Because of that, I lost my balance on my branch, and I fell off of my branch and hit the ground flat on my back. As I picked myself up on my hands and knees, I couldn't help but punch the ground in frustration as I let out a yell of anger.

"Damn it!"

NO POV

Back at the camp, Elfman and Lisanna had just made it back, the two of them more dirty and scruffy than they were tired. Elfman was shirtless, his skin littered with scratches and bruises, and his pants were the only things left intact, with a few tears on the leggings. Lisanna was just as bad, only in her case, she was covered in egg yolk and leaves.

"Man, I can't believe how much trouble Jade gave me," Lisanna sighed as she wiped the leaves and egg off of her. "Every time I tried to use my magic on her, she'd get out of the way and blast me with eggs." She then caught a glance over at the bird who was preening her feathers from a tree and couldn't help but huffily glare at her.

"You think you had it rough? Try fending off lizardmen," gasped Elfman as he fell to his knees. "Those things are manly tough. I've been using my Beast Soul to take them on, but their scales are hard as rocks. Maybe even harder. I can barely hold off one of them."

Tu Chi then came up to them. "Sounds like you've been training hard," she said. "Have you made any progress?"

"Not exactly, Tu Chi," said Lisanna, as she picked off a leaf stuck to her forehead. "As you can see, the only progress we've made is by making ourselves a complete mess."

"So it would appear," chuckled Tu Chi.

Then, Cana came pushing past entering the camp. "Whew! I worked up a sweat today," she said while wiping her brow. She then saw Elfman and Lisanna. "Geez. You two look like you've been through the wringer. Training getting rough?"

"Yeah, but nothing we can't handle," said Elfman with a confident smirk. "After all, we're real men, right, Sis?"

"Well, half of what you said isn't far from the mark," said Lisanna wryly. "Anyway, how's training been going for you, Cana?"

"Pretty good so far," said Cana. "In fact, I think I'm getting used to this place. Well, if you exclude the crazy monsters that live here. I've been able to come up with new combinations with my cards, and I think I've learned how to sustain my magic a bit more."

"That's good," said Tu Chi. "It shows that your training is showing results. Very soon, you'll be able to sustain it even longer than you have before, and you'll learn even stronger and greater magic."

"Speaking of magic, I wonder how Mira and Willy are doing?" wondered Cana. "I hope their training is going well."

"Well, this is Willy and our Big Sis we're talking about," said Elfman. "I'm sure they're both crushing it with their training. I bet they've already gotten super strong." Elfman then winced in agony as he held his arm. "And hopefully, they're not as banged up as we are."

"Come on, Big Bro Elf. Let's take a break and clean ourselves up," said Lisanna. "And we should get you treated too."

"Why don't you two take a dip in the spring?" said Tu Chi. "The spring will help ease your pain and heal your wounds. In the meantime, Cana, would you be so kind as to start a fire and getting dinner started? I was going to go check on Mira and Willy."

"Can do, Boss Ma'am," winked Cana.

Elfman and Lisanna then went to the spring for a good soak, while Tu Chi left the camp and Cana got ready to start the fire.

WILLY'S POV

I walked my way back to the camp feeling less than confident. Soon, the scent of fish and mushrooms filled my nostrils as I pushed through the bushes. I found Cana next to the campfire, freshly relit and having trout and mushroom cooking beside it.

"Heya, Willy. Welcome back," greeted Cana.

"Oh, hey, Cana," I said with a light wave. "You cooking dinner this time, eh?"

"Sure am," said Cana. "We're gonna be eating big tonight."

"Oh. Sounds good," I replied.

"Something on your mind, Willy?" asked Cana. "You don't look very happy."

"Oh, it's nothing," I replied while sitting down on a log. "I just... had a rough time with my training, is all."

"Well, it's not just you. I heard Elfman and Lisanna were having a hard time with their training, too," said Cana. "In fact, those two are taking a break in the spring right now."

"Well, I least I know I'm not the only one," I said as I sat down by the fire. "Cana, can I ask you something? Do you ever wonder why you received the kind of training that you did ever since we came out here?"

"Not really," replied Cana. "I just figured she picked the training that was best suitable for us and our magic. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason," I relented. "I was just wondering, that's all. Don't mind me."

My gaze turned towards the fire, staring at the fish, mushrooms, and the flickering and popping flames, not saying another word.

Later that night, I was soaking in the springs trying to ease the stress in my mind and body as the water frothed and bubbled. It was helping a little, but I still didn't feel any better emotionally. I couldn't stop thinking of a way to get over this block I was having. But, no matter how deep I thought, I had nothing.

"What am I supposed to do here?" I wondered aloud to myself. "Even if I do train, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere. This sucks."

Then I heard the sound of rustling leaves, which meant that someone was entering.

"Mira? Is that you? I'm sorry if I'm taking too long, but I'll be out as soon as I-"

But as I looked back, I was surprised to see that Cana had just entered the water, which covered up most of her body. She was also holding a large bottle of alcohol.

"Hahh. This water is so soothing," she sighed in content. "Guess I should be grateful that Tu Chi got that stone for us."

I was so surprised; I couldn't help but let out a yelp and defensively sunk into the water. "C-Cana?! Wh-What are you doing here?!"

"I came to have a soak," Cana replied. "After all, a girl's gotta stay clean, especially after all the training I went through today."

"But couldn't you have waited until after I've gotten out?!" I squeaked while covering my eyes. "Seriously!"

"Come on, Willy. Don't be such a prude," Cana spoke. "Besides, a little bathtime bonding will help us grow closer. So it's not that big a deal."

"Well, it may not be for you, but it kinda is to me!" I squawked while looking away. "If anyone catches us naked in here, everyone's going to flip out!"

"Who said that I was naked?" I heard Cana say. "Come on, Willy. You could give me a bit more credit. I'm wearing my underwear; I'll have you know."

This made me turn around while peeking through my eyes, and I saw a sight that almost made my eyes pop out. Cana was indeed wearing her underwear. It was pink and very frilly, with a couple of rose decorations on the top and bottom. I couldn't help but not only feel embarrassed for what I saw but also puzzled as heck.

As Cana took a swing of alcohol from her bottle, she noticed that I was staring at her and flashed a mischievous grin. "What's the matter, Willy? You like what you see, or maybe you're disappointed that I'm not naked? You naughty little pervert."

"Oh, shut up, says the one who's in her underwear!" I snapped. "Anyway, what the heck are you doing here?! You need to leave! Now!"

"I already told you, just looking for a good soak and bathtime bonding," replied Cana. "Besides, what's the harm? It's not like I'm doing this to get some with you. Although, I wouldn't have a problem with that."

I immediately turned away, feeling my cheeks grow hot. "Please don't say things like that. If that's your idea of a joke, I fail to see the humor."

Cana laughed. "Sorry, sorry. I went a bit overboard. I'll stop teasing. Promise," she said. "Besides, I figured you could use some company because you looked so down."

This made me look towards Cana, a bit taken aback. "Wait, you mean to tell me that you barged in here to cheer me up?"

"Well, yeah. I can tell just by looking at you. I mean, it's kinda obvious with the way you were asking me that question," said Cana, now looking serious. "Did you ask because something's going wrong with your training? Be honest with me."

"Well, I guess it's not going wrong per se," I said, a bit hesitant. "I'm just in a bit of a slump, and I can't seem to shake it off. No matter how hard I try, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere, like beating a dead horse or something. I'm starting to wonder if I'm weaker than I thought I was, and all because I decided to use a drug as a crutch."

There was a pause as I sank into the water, stewing into my own frustration. Cana then spoke up again.

"Hey, Willy. Did I ever tell you about what happened to me back on Tenrou Island?" she asked.

I then looked up. "No. I don't think so."

Cana then leaned back, resting her arms on the edge of the spring. "Well then, have I got a story to tell you," she said. "You know how my Gildarts is my dad?"

I then remembered hearing that somewhere before. "Now that you mention it, I think Lucy might have mentioned it before," I replied. "But what's that got to do with what we're talking about?"

"Well, long story short, before the S Class trials when I was little, my mother passed away," said Cana. "When she did, I learned from her will that not only that my dad was still alive, but he was also Gildarts. I wanted to tell him so badly that I was his daughter, but naturally, because he's the most powerful Fairy Tail wizard, he was always going off on a job and didn't come back for days, maybe even months. It eventually got to the point of me being scared to tell him because I thought he would either reject me or think that I wasn't good enough to be his kid. Then the S Class trials came around, and I was chosen to be a participant, and that was then I decided that I would become S Class. If I did, I would tell my old man the truth about me being his daughter. Sadly, things didn't really work out because I failed at the trial for four years. Then came the fifth time, which was about seven years ago. This would be my last attempt at being S Class, and I would do whatever it took to get there. Even... if I had to betray my friends to get there."

I could only stare at Cana, listening to every word she said, not speaking a single word.

"During the S Class trial when Grimoire Heart was attacking, Lucy figured out where the grave of Mavis Vermillion was and I because I was so desperate to pass the trial, I knocked her out with my magic and left her," Cana continued. "But when I got to the grave, I soon realized my mistake. What I did nearly cost me her and all my friends, and I completely forgot about being S Class or telling my father. It wasn't worth it if I was willing to sacrifice my friends for being selfish. Besides, I didn't need those things anyway. Thanks to Lucy, I learned that I needed some things to tell my dad the truth."

She then looked across to me and smiled.

"Courage and confidence."

"Courage and confidence?" I repeated.

"You got it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should have a bit more confidence and courage with yourself," went on Cana. "No reason to think you're worthless because things haven't been working out lately. Just keep at it, and I'm sure something will click in no time."

I remained silent as I stared at Cana, a bit surprised but also moved by her story. Then, Cana stood up, getting out of the spring, stretching out while letting out a satisfying grunt.

"Well, I think that's enough bathtime bonding for one day," she said as she stepped out. "I'm gonna skedaddle before anyone else sees me with you. The last thing we want is a certain she-devil to go off in a jealous rage.

"Wait, you mean Mira, right? Why would she be jealous?" I wondered. "I'd understand that she would be a bit shocked, but..."

Cana then chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll understand eventually," she said. "Just make sure not to get Mira angry unless you want a repeat of what happened before. After all, she cares a lot about you. More than you know."

And with that, Cana left, leaving me sitting in the spring, feeling puzzled about what she said.

The next day, everyone was getting ready to head out to train once again. But as I was about to leave, Tu Chi called out to me.

"Willy, would you mind coming with me? There's something I wish to discuss with you."

"Sure, but where are we going, Master Tu Chi?" I asked.

"You will find out soon enough. But, for now, come," replied Tu Chi. "We don't have time to dilly dally now."

Tu Chi then walked on, and I followed after her. We walked along the path, going a good distance away from the camp until we came to a marsh. Then, Tu Chi stopped.

"Good. This should be a good place away from prying eyes," she said to herself as she turned to face me. "Willy, you and I are going to have a sparring match."

"Wait, right now?" I spoke, feeling caught off guard. "But, I'm not sure if I'll be able to put up a decent fight."

"Just do the best you can for the time being," said Tu Chi. "Make sure you come at me like you mean it, and don't pull any punches. You're also free to use the environment as you see fit to your advantage, and if you manage to land a single blow on me, the match is over. Understand?"

"Yes, Master," I answered with a nod as I took a stance.

Tu Chi then took a few steps back and then stabbed her staff into the ground. Then, she bent her neck a few times, making it pop, and she also took a stance. I wasn't sure if I stood a chance against Tu Chi, but if she wanted me to go all out, then that was what I was going to do.

I coiled my legs and dashed straight towards her while making my fists gush with water, and I started swinging and kicking, but Tu Chi sidestepped and ducked them with ease. Then as I swung aiming for her cheek, my world suddenly turned upside down as I flew straight towards a tree. I quickly flipped, self-righting myself, and planted my feet on the tree's trunk. Then, using it as a springboard, I launched myself, releasing torrents of water from each of my hands, and with a swing of my arms, unleashed shockwaves of water.

However, Tu Chi held up her hands and used her water magic to create a long bo-staff, and while spinning it elegantly blocked the attack with ease. As I landed back on the ground, I held out my hands, created a large pair of water stars throwing them, and fired a breath attack. Tu Chi deflected the water stars with two flicks of her wrists and used her bo-staff to block the breath attack. But while she was blocking, I took the chance to create a pair of swords and sliced them in an X, only for Tu Chi to block them, resulting in a stalemate. I tried to push her back using my strength, but the staff wouldn't budge for some reason.

Then, Tu Chi pushed my swords away, and before I could react, rammed her staff straight into my gut. The impact alone knocked the wind out of my lungs, and as I went flying straight into the marsh. I coughed, trying to clear the muck that got my mouth while getting my air back.

"D-Damn it. I knew Master Tu Chi was tough, but I didn't expect her to have this much power. But, then again, it's just what I expect of her. However, I ain't gonna give up that easily! "

I then took one look at the water, cringing while still remembering the taste, but I sucked in deeply and started sucking in and drinking the water. Despite the horrible taste, I was able to regain some of my magic. I then focused on letting my magic power flare as I focused. I then coiled my legs, preparing to forward, but as I did, something inside me told me to stop, which caused me to freeze instinctively and my magic to dwindle. At that moment, my head started to ache like before, causing me to reach a hand to it.

"No, No, not again! Not now!"

But at that moment, I felt a powerful blow strike me in the stomach again, followed by another two more on each of my cheeks and a third striking me right in the middle of my chest. Each one of the blows felt supremely heavy and filled to the brim with strength as I was blown away until I slammed straight into a tree, slumping to the ground on my butt. I could taste the iron in my mouth as I managed to get myself on my fours, coughing violently as I tried to catch my breath.

"So, that's about your limit right now," I heard Tu Chi say. "This won't do at all."

As I looked up and saw Tu Chi walking towards me, I got back up to my feet, managing to get my breathing back. "Master, I can still fight. Let me have another go."

"This match is over. There's no need to continue, Willy," said Tu CHi. "It's obvious to me that you've grown far too soft. Given the circumstances, I'm surprised that you've let yourself fallen this low. Your style has gotten sloppy, and you even started to hold back just now, didn't you?"

I wanted to tell her that she was wrong, but sadly, I knew she was right, so I said nothing.

"Do not fear, Willy. It is not out of anger that I'm speaking to you like this," went on Tu Chi. "It just means that I'm going to have you forgo the current training I've assigned to you. Instead, I'm trying something else. Starting now, I'm going to have to retrain you from the ground up."

"Retrain me?" I repeated. "How are you going to do that, Master? Do you mean I'm going to have to start over with the basics or something?"

"That is logical, but I have something else in mind for you," said Tu Chi. "But for now, allow me to cast a healing spell on you."

She placed one hand right in the center of my chest while it was glowing blue. In seconds, the pain dissipated, and the bruises faded away, and I felt better.

"Now then, it's time I explained," continued Tu Chi as she walked over to her staff, pulling it up from the ground. "I'm told that you were having a bit of trouble with the training, so rather than doing what I've assigned you, I'm going to subject you to a trial."

I couldn't help but gasp. "S-Seriously?!"

"That's right. Rest assured, this trial will not only help you overcome the poison in your body but will also lead to immense growth for you," said Tu Chi. A grim look then crossed her face. "However, that doesn't mean that this trial doesn't come without risks. Should you fail, then most likely, the toxin will overtake you once more, and unlike before when you were able to return to normal, there's no going back from it. If you falter even just a little, you will cease to exist."

This made my heart skip a beat, feeling uneasy when those words came out of Tu Chi's mouth.

"And, even though I'm expected what your answer will be, I'll allow you time to think it over," said Tu Chi. "After all, the price you'll pay will be pretty steep."

I then stood up, clenching my fists. "That may be so, Master, but you know what my answer is going to be," I said firmly. "So if it's all the same to you, I'll undertake the trial. You're right about one thing, I've felt like the training I've been doing hasn't been working for me, so I think it's time I try something else. And I'm willing to take that risk if it means I can get back to my old self again. So, bring it on! I'm ready!"

Tu Chi stared. Then, she smiled. "That's what I like to hear," she said proudly. "Now then..."

She then sat down in a lotus position, placing her staff on the ground, and began making several hand signs while chanting a strange incantation. As she did, the ground began to glow as a magic circle appeared and encircled around me beneath my feet, catching me by surprise as it glowed in a bright shade of blue. Then, from the outside of the circle, water erupted, shooting straight into the air while encasing the area inside of the circle like a barrier. Then, the barrier sharply shrank, trapping me inside while it turned into the shape of a sphere as water began to fill the inside.

"Wait! What's going on?!" I exclaimed as the water quickly reached to my hips. "Master, what is this?!"

But Tu Chi didn't answer as the water continued to fill until no more air was inside. No sooner than that, a wave of drowsiness washed over my body as my eyelids began to grow heavy. I tried to keep them open as best I could, but the feeling grew too much, and my eyes soon closed, my vision turning black.

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And as always, thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

Dragomaster, signing off!