Recovering

Strider made sure to keep Bisca's waking up a secret from the guild until she was ready to see anyone else. He began requesting more and more meals for the three of them from Mira. Though she had an idea of who the food was really for, Mira decided to keep it to herself for now. If Bisca didn't want anyone to know, then no one would know.

"Strider, you don't have to keep watch over us," Bisca said, managing a small smile as she bit into her dinner.

"That's where you're wrong. If I had my way, I would never leave your or Asuka's side ever again," Strider said.

"That's really sweet of you, but we'll be–"

"Bisca," Strider said sternly. Bisca gave him a pained look before looking over to Asuka, who was sleeping at her side, and then at her own body. Her fingers had been set properly by Porlyusica, but moving them was painful. She hoped that they would get better soon, else she wouldn't be able to go on jobs ever again. Tears welled up again as the memory of what Grendel had done to her came rushing back.

"I don't know if I can…" she said hoarsely.

"No matter what, I will be there for you. You're not in this alone," Strider said in a gentle voice. "Whatever you need, you let me know. I will ensure you have it immediately."

"Thanks," Bisca said, giving him a small smile. "All I want is…" she trailed off. She didn't know.

"Perhaps you ought to move into Elostirion. Only if you think it's appropriate, of course. It's a bit of a ways away," Strider said.

"Elostirion?" Bisca asked, confused.

"My castle," Strider said, smiling.

"Thanks. I'll give it some thought," she said, managing a small smile. "But… I think I'll move into Fairy Hills for a little bit."

"It is quite beautiful," a new voice interjected. To her own surprise, Bisca suddenly felt calm. The voice was musical and sweet, like nothing she had ever heard before. She saw Strider smile and look back. The door opened and a woman wearing a hood and cloak walked in. She gently took it off her head to reveal the most beautiful face Bisca had ever seen in her entire life. In the sunset light, she still somehow glowed like a gentle star. Her grey eyes were full of kindness and they were directed towards Bisca. Bisca felt a warmth begin to spread in her body as Mithrellas approached her.

"Who are….?" Bisca began.

"My name is Mithrellas. I'm from the same country as Strider is," Mithrellas said gently. "Might I sit on your bed?"

"Yes. Please, feel free," Bisca said. Any question she had wanted to ask was instantly shot from her mind. Even as she sat down, Bisca didn't feel the bed move a bit. It was as though she were weightless. Mithrellas caressed Asuka's cheek with a slender, white finger. She giggled as Asuka unconsciously grabbed it and held it close, like a toy.

"She's so wonderful," Mithrellas said kindly.

"She is," Bisca said, smiling. "Sorry. My name's Bisca. That's Asuka."

"I know," Mithrellas said softly. "Strider, you may go. I will watch over them."

"I ca–" Strider began before Mithrellas gave him a smile.

"It's fine, Strider," Bisca said, smiling at him. She knew that he hadn't gotten any sleep since what had happened and, if left to his own, probably wouldn't sleep ever again out of worry. "You need rest, too. I'll be safe here, alright? I'm not going to try and leave."

"Should you require anything…"

"I'll call you," she said, holding up his call card. Strider nodded and, after kissing Asuka on the head, took his leave. Mithrellas took one of Bisca's hands in her own and smiled at her.

"You are in good hands here," Mithrellas said gently.

"Thank you. Strider mentioned you're from his country?"

"Yes. Middle-earth. I lived, for a while, in Lothlórien but left to journey south with a friend of mine. Alas, she lost her love and then herself. And so the same happened to me. I came to this land by some unknown means long ago, albeit far to the east, near a great Chasm. I ventured west, which is how I found myself here," Mithrellas said.

"Wow," Bisca said, brows raised. "I didn't even know something like this existed."

"Nor did I," Mithrellas said, smiling. "That happened perhaps 800 or 900 years ago. I have been in this land since then."

"800 or 900 years?!" Bisca exclaimed loudly before covering her mouth. Looking down, Asuka shuffled a bit.

"Indeed. I am an elf. I have a longer lifespan than humans," she said with a weary smile.

"You don't look it," Bisca joked.

"I'm certain your daughter will end up more beautiful than either of us," Mithrellas said as Asuka woke up. When she saw Mithrellas, she looked on with wide eyes.

"Pretty," Asuka whispered.

"Thank you," Mithrellas said, kissing her head. "Might I hold her?"

"Sure," Bisca said. Mithrellas scooped Asuka up and held her close, tickling and poking her until the little girl began to giggle and laugh, the horror of what happened suddenly overcome. Bisca couldn't help but express a silent gratitude for Mithrellas.

"I have a daughter, too. But you are a far better mother than I could ever be," she said sadly. Asuka put her hands to her cheeks and rubbed them, immediately lifting Mithrellas's mood. "You're very lucky, Asuka."

"I know!" Asuka said, grinning. "Mama, where's papa?"

"He's gone to get some sleep, sweetheart. He's been watching over us for days," Bisca said.

"Kay. I wanna ask some more questions about the hobbits!"

"Im sure he can answer everything," Mithrellas said, laughing. "In fact, I might have to ask him to tell me that story as well. This is the only news of home I've had since coming here."

"Middle-earth sounds… nice," Bisca said.

"It is like anywhere, Bisca. Its own troubles and pain and wars. But it seems as though Strider has done a good job in helping to bring the continent out of its troubled past. There is much power and pain there. It is not to different from Ishgar or Fiore," Mithrellas said.

"Is he going to take you back?"

"If I wish, yes," Mithrellas said. She looked around and saw a book on the desk. She went over and grabbed it before sitting back down and opening to the front-page, which had a map. She ran her fingers over the map, whispering names that Bisca or Asuka couldn't understand. She looked at either of them before smiling at Asuka. "But I think I may stay for a while longer. I had mostly kept to myself, but I wish to enjoy the joys of this land before heading back."

"I think that'd be a great idea," Bisca said encouragingly. "Maybe you could join a guild?"

"Ah, I think that might be a bit to much for me. I do wish to go back home and live there. But I have time," she said. She flipped a couple of pages before she began to read, serenading them with her musical voice.

-o-

"How are they doing?" Strider asked as Mithrellas came to his castle. She had to be careful when moving throughout the town.

"They are asleep. Peacefully, at least for this night," she said softly.

"Thank you," Strider sighed.

"You're very welcome," Mithrellas said, smiling. "But I can sense the weight on your heart. What will you do on your upcoming trip to the slavers country?"

"What makes you think I will do anything?" Strider wondered.

"Because, despite not knowing you well, I feel as though I know you well enough. You are not the kind of man to let injustice go unhindered. You must be careful, though. While I have no doubt that you will survive, the princess might not," Mithrellas said.

"Be it a soldier or a royal, good or evil, slaver or not, animal or human, neither law, love, danger, doom, or war will protect them from me. Should Princess Hisui suffer the slightest injury on this trip, with me as her protector, I will lay waste to their army and royal court. Nothing will shield them from me – least of tall the threat of expulsion from Fairy Tail. I swear it so. Darkness doom me if I fail to uphold this oath," Strider said quietly.

Mithrellas was silent for a long while. She had heard an oath like this before, and it brought ruin to so many.

"You know the power that you have invoked?" she asked softly.

"I am not Fëanor. I will not doom others to go down with me. But if I am unable to prevent Hisui from coming to injury, I ought to be doomed forever. What happened to Bisca and Asuka will never happen again to the ones I hold dear. Bosco is a slavers country. The same with the Tevinter Imperium and, perhaps, many others. Their existence is a stain upon Arda. I ought to annihilate them all, for they are no better than the orcs. I would render them extinct," Strider said viciously.

"You have no army at your back here, Strider. It is you, alone. You may survive such an encounter, but Fiore will not," Mithrellas said.

'She is right, Dúnedan,' Anglachel whispered to Strider. 'You have done well in swearing the oath. But to achieve your peace, you know what you must do. Send out the call, and others will heed it.'

"You are right," Strider said softly. He looked at the high ramparts of Elostirion.

"What are you thinking about?" Mithrellas asked softly.

"Utopia," Strider answered. "So much evil, yet even a few centuries is not enough for me to vanquish it all."

"You set your sights high. The Morgoth element will remain weaved in the fabric of the universe. You can not extricate it," Mithrellas said softly.

"Can't I?" Strider wondered, his eyes still fixed on the top of the castle. "Perhaps not. But I can try."

"It will never be completely vanquished," Mithrellas said.

"Alas, I am a man. I lack the wisdom of elves, and so I am foolish enough to take on the task," Strider said with a calm smile. "But I will not think on this further for tonight, my lady. I think it's about time I get to work. Will you stay?"

"Indeed. I wish to see this building completed," she said, smiling. Strider took off Anglachel and put it next to her as he got to work. Mithrellas looked aside the sword, eyes narrowed.

"Anglachel," she whispered.

"Indeed," she heard Strider said. "I do not regret it. At the end, I will return Anglachel to Him."

"This sword has a great malice within it, Strider. You must be careful," she said.

"I know," Strider said, looking aside. "But He has been my faithful companion through many dangers, now."

"May I?" Mithrellas asked.

"If you wish, my lady," Strider said. "Be careful."

Mithrellas reached for the sword but stopped herself at the last moment. "Ah. Perhaps not."

"I also have Anguirel," Strider said. "She came to this land long ago."

"That is a surprise," Mithrellas said, brows raised. "Where is she?"

"In a pocket dimension, alongside others," Strider said.

"I am curious about your origins, Strider," Mithrellas said. "Where were you born?"

"A village in Rhudaur," Strider answered. "I do not know my mother or father. I know I am of the Dúnedain; that is all."

"And how did you learn your skills? It is not the norm for any Wizard of our country to be a telekinetic. They are much more restricted," Mithrellas said.

"I am not a wizard born. I learned my telekinesis after an orc raid on my village. I came into a paradisiacal land where I was tended to and mentored, which is where I learned my magic," Strider said.

"What is the name of your mentor?"

"His name is Janus. I know little of his past. He is not like the other Wizards; this much I know," Strider said.

"Evidently. But it's not outside the realm of reason for such an existence," Mithrellas said. "The Wizards on this continent are much more limited. They have affinities for some types, but not others. But their swordsmanship is unmatched by most anything I've seen at home."

"I hope there might be peace between our people, were the Great Sea to be tamed," Strider said.

"I have lived long enough to know that if there is to be peace, it will only come after war," Mithrellas said.

"Perhaps," Strider said, pausing for a moment to look northward.

"Do you hope to bridge that gap?" Mithrellas wondered.

"Hunting orcs was so much easier than politics. I could simply cut them down. Dealing with politicians, though…" Strider trailed off, shaking his head. "I am not omniscient. I do not know all that goes on in my land. In fact, I almost fear what I will stumble upon when I return."

"What do you expect to find?"

"Corruption. Graft. Unpaid taxes. I left a few trustworthy generals in charge; of their caliber, I've no doubt. It is those middling lords and governors and their ilk that I'm worried about. What have they done to my people? What unjust burden have they laid upon them in order to increase their own wealth?" Strider asked, his voice dropping with each word. "I will not be kind to the guilty, my lady. Not all men are good. I know what happens when someone thinks they have power over another."

"Are you sure you're talking about home, Strider?" Mithrellas asked softly. Strider was silent; quietly, he went back to work as Mithrellas watched.

-o-

When Strider went to cave in which he had stuck Grendel, he couldn't help but admire his handiwork. Grendel's mouth was locked into a permanently open position. He made sure to place him under a trickle of water so he wouldn't die of dehydration. He saw that something had already burred its way into his ear. Looking through the hole, he saw some bugs making their home inside him.

"That must be unpleasant," Strider whispered, sitting in front of him. "I know you can hear me. It hurts, doesn't it? Fear not. You'll lose your sanity before it's all over. Well, unless you get eaten." Strider saw a large snake worm its slithery body into the cave. It was longer than him and as thick as a leg. Its forked tongue jutted forward to taste Grendels clothing. Strider wondered what the best way to deal with this would be.

"Ah. I will let nature decide, then. Farewell," Strider said. His eyes locked with the snakes before Strider smiled and took his leave.

-o-

"Strider – a moment?" Makarov asked. Strider silently followed the old master into his office, where Mavis was already standing.

"What is it?" Strider asked, opting to stand.

"What I had said," Makarov began. "I know what you wanted to do, but killing – as a part of the guild – is–"

"I do not abhor killing. Off the top of my head, I have already killed Acnologia, Zeref, those dragons, and those dragonlings already."

"That's true, but those were extenuating circumstances," Mavis said.

"So would these eight have been. They were worse than the dragons," Strider said. "But what's done is done. I held my sword at bay this time, but that will not always be the case. The threat of expulsion will not sway me again. I held back this time out of my respect for you, Master. But that respect only extends so far."

Makarov and Mavis watched him silently for a long while before, finally, they nodded.

"The visit to Acnologia is tomorrow," Mavis said.

"Postpone it. I will not leave Bisca or Asuka's side for any reason, least of all bureaucracy. If they have a problem with it, they can come to me directly," Strider said.

"They won't like that," Mavis said in a dull tone.

"Their concern is irrelevant to me at the moment. I will take them when Bisca and Asuka give me leave to do so, and not a moment before," Strider said.

"It's fine," a voice came from behind. Bisca was on her feet and had made her way to the office after Mithrellas told her they had summoned him.

"Bisca! You should be resting," Strider said, rushing over. His calm demeanor had shifted immediately into something warmer and caring as he held a hand a few inches from her.

"I can still move, Strider," she said, managing a small smile. "And I have the entire guild, remember? Don't worry. I'm going to be resting as much as I can in the guild until you get back. But I don't want you to get in trouble. Go, alright? I told Asuka that you'll only be gone for half a day, though, so come back quickly."

"Your wish is my command," Strider said, smiling. He turned back to Mavis and Makarov. "So be it. Tell them to make immediate haste. I will not tarry a single moment for any stragglers."

-o-

Strider, Mavis, and Makarov were the first ones there. Makarov, unlike Mavis, was not used to flight. Strider had telekinetically lifted him up and rocketed over there before Makarov had a chance to catch his breath. When they landed, Makarov was panting and and grumbling.

"Ah. Forgive me, Master. The trick is to catch your breath before lifting off," Strider said, smiling.

"Shoulda told me that beforehand. I think I'll take the train on the way back," he sighed.

"I'll give you some advance warning. I was just in a rush to get here. I imagine we have some time before the others arrive, so feel free to look around Master Makarov, Mavis," Strider said. He sat on a boulder he had fashioned into a seat the last time he was there while Makarov and Mavis looked wide-eyed at the fortress.

Valmar Fortress was like a giant shadow on a golden plain. The exterior of the fortress was no longer crumbing and a decrepit grey, as it was when Strider had found it. Instead, it was dark and daunting – something most in Fiore weren't used to seeing. While Raven Tail's guild hall looked like a molting blot, Valmar was strong and rigid, with hardly a spot out of place. Spires and rampart stabbed the sky, their flags waving in the wild wind. The black flags had a sword with a white hilt and a red blade piercing through a golden ring, similar to the one Strider always wore. The entrance to the fortress was like a great mouth, rising high. The tallest among them would feel tiny going through. In the near distance, they could hear the waves gently lapping against the coast.

"You've certainly come a long way with this," Makarov said.

"A piece of home, as it were," Strider said.

"Is it similar to your home back there?" Mavis wondered.

"It is, although Angband is grander. But Valmar is cozy. I haven't spent much time here but what little I have, I've enjoyed greatly. And just over that sea is my home." Strider said, looking to the ocean. Although he couldn't see as far as an elf, he knew that beyond lay his continent.

"The Great Sea," Mavis said softly, levitating over to it. She dipped her feet in the water and looked out. "Is it true that monsters live in it?"

"Yes. Some of the largest I have ever seen," Strider said, smiling. "There are even rumors of a civilization under it, although I've yet to confirm them."

"Couldn't you telekinetically protect yourself and explore it?" Mavis asked.

"The thought has crossed my mind," Strider said softly. "But not for a while, no. I have other work to do. Such an exploration would take me a while."

"You'll be older than me by then," Makarov grumbled. Strider just chuckled.

"Have you considered doing so, Mavis? It would not hurt you, after all," Strider said.

"I don't think so. It wouldn't hurt me physically, but knowing that I cannot experience any of it..." she trailed off, her shoulders drooping. Strider went over and rested a hand on her head, smiling.

"Forgive me," he said. She shook her head.

"While Mithrellas and everyone else in the guild can perceive me, I am still not of this world any longer," she said quietly. Makerov and Strider looked at each other; neither knew what to say.

"Perhaps there may be a way to reunite your spirit with your body one day," Strider said softly. "Or house it in another corporeal body."

"There are, but those are Black Arts. I am in this state because of such spells. I would not ask you to do it," Mavis said.

"I couldn't if I wanted to. Alas, I am limited to telekinesis. But that doesn't mean other ways don't exist. Have heart. I'm certain I may come across something during my travels," Strider said kindly. Mavis looked at him and observed his face for a minute. The way he could shift his emotions was baffling to her. He went from treating Makarov coldly, to treating Bisca like the most important thing in his world, to being serious as he waited for the rest of the troupe to arrive, to being gentle and warm to her. She was about to comment on it when they heard a soft rumble. Striders face immediately fell as he turned to see who was approaching.

A magic carriage came to a halt in front of the fortress. Jura was the first too dismount. He smiled at Strider, who returned it. Hyberion was next, still impeccably dressed. He and Strider curtly nodded at each other. Wolfheim was third. Strider recalled encountering him just once, but didn't have to bad an opinion of him. Yoruichi was fourth. She grinned and winked at Strider and stood close to him.

Makarov introduced the fifth person as Warrod Sequen. He looked like a short tree with a full head of leaves and a gnarled look. Still, Strider caught a whiff of mischievousness from him. Warrod's eyes shot open as he saw Mavis; he quickly covered his indiscretion and smiled widely as he went to stand near her.

The sixth was a stunning ice-blue haired beauty that Makarov introduced as Esdeath. Her hair went almost to the ground. It was mostly uncovered, save for a white hat with a metallic black bill in front, almost like the hat of a general. Her uniform was white for the most part, save for the black arms and collar, which was pulled back a bit, exposing a "Y" shaped mark with two ovals on either side that rested just above her cleavage.

The seventh was a beautiful young girl with dusty-blonde hair, amber eyes, and a slight smile. She wore a white top and a long black skirt that went down to her her shins. A couple of hairs were out of place, but her eyes were otherwise sharp. Most intriguing was a white cat with orange and grey markings that ran down from the top of his head to the back. He also had red markings around his face, which accentuated the smile he gave Strider. Strider could feel a strong presence coming off of the cat and returned the smile. Makarov introduced her as Reiko

Strider was most intrigued by the eighth. He felt his heart begin to beat a little faster as she dismounted. She had long, wavy blonde hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a white dress that bared her shoulders, her hands clasped together in front of her. As soon as Strider saw her, he knew what she was. Still, he opted not to say anything. Instead, she walked right up to him and smiled, giving him a little curtesy. Strider bowed his head and smiled, holding out a hand which she took. He brought it to her lips and said: "My lady."

"A pleasure," she said, smiling. "My name is… Silvan."

"Strider," he answered. She held her smile and stood off to the side while the others observed with interest.

The last to disembark was a handsome, orange haired man with a. horizontal scar across his nose and swords in the fashion of a Dharmachakra on his back. He eyed Strider with interest before, dramatically, naming himself: "God Serena!"

The others sweat dropped at his behavior, while Strider just smiled. His eyes quickly shot to the side to look at Silvan, who returned the gaze.

"Ladies and gentlemen – shall we?" Strider asked.

"In a rush?" Esdeath wondered.

"Against time itself," Strider answered.

"You can probably wait until we finish proper introductions," Serena said sarcastically.

"As a matter of fact, I cannot," Strider said. Makarov sighed; they were already butting heads.

"What, you got something more important to do?" Serena asked.

"Infinitely more. Introduce yourselves as we walk," Strider said. With a wave of his hand, a loud crunch sounded and the gates slowly opened inward.

"Well…" Makarov began, "you already know Jura, Hyberion, Yoruichi, and Wolfheim, I think."

"Indeed. Good to see you again Jura, Yoruichi," Strider said.

"Likewise," Jura nodded.

"Pleasures definitely all mine," Yoruichi said.

"Did the jewels get to the people?" Strider asked Wolfheim.

"Yes. Thank you for that. It was helpful," he said. Strider nodded. Hyberion stayed silent.

"This is Warrod. He's one of the founding members of Fairy Tail," Makarov said, pointing at the tree-man.

"A fantastic accomplishment," Strider said sincerely, nodding at him.

"Got that right," Warrod said with a grin. "I used to be a Treasure Hunter for that."

"What a coincidence. I was that myself for a while," Strider said, smiling.

"Ooooh," Warrod said excitedly. "Drop by my place some time so we can talk stories. You must have some good ones."

"Here and there," Strider said.

"Esdeath," the blue-haired woman said, tipping her white hat to him. "Ice Magic" she said, pointing to a mark on her chest.

"A curious thing," Strider said, admiring her beauty. "What does the mark do?"

"Enhances the power of my Ice Magic. Need some time to cool off before using it again, though," she said.

"And I'm Reiko," Reiko said, waving at Strider. "I guess you could say I'm sort of an exorcist."

"Ah. A blessing and a curse," Strider said.

"You have no idea how right you are," she sighed.

"Silvan," she answered with a smile. "Spirit, Light and Water Magic."

"What guild do you belong to?" Strider wondered.

"Unaffiliated as of yet," she said, smiling at his back.

"An impressive repertoire of magic, though. Spirit – is that similar to summoning?"

"It is indeed. Unlike Lady Lucy Heartfilia, however, I do not require Celestial Keys," Silvan said. She had obviously done her homework.

"Interesting. What's your method, then?"

"Started by using Magic Circles, but over time, I found out that Magic tattoos can work just as well," she said, rolling down her sleeve and showing Strider a bow & arrow tattoo.

"Beautiful," Strider said, observing it. "And you?" he asked Serena.

"Dragon Slayer Magic. Lightning, Cavern, Purgatory, Sea King, Gale, Ice, Light, and Dark," Serena said, listing off each of the Magics he could use and pointing to the blades on his back.

"Impressive. I understand that you're thought to be the most powerful wizard in Ishgar. Quite the achievement," Strider said, leading them through the dark main hall. With another flourish, the lights ignited, revealing a stunning – although a little stark – interior. They saw some paintings and statues adorning and against the walls. The most magnificent painting, however, was a large mural that showed a dark figure bringing a mace down on a man who held aloft a shining sword – it was a battle between light and dark itself.

"The War of the Last Alliance," Strider said, stopping. Silvan stopped next to him and looked up, an indescribable expression on her face. "More than 3,000 years ago, my lady."

"3,000?" Jura asked, more than a little shocked.

"Yes," Strider said. "It serves as a reminder."

"Of what?" Yoruichi asked.

"That men are weak," Strider said. With another wave, they heard another crunch. They were led down a new stairway that the wall had revealed. "Mind your step."

"I thought I was the most powerful wizard in Ishgar, until I heard about you. You're pretty powerful yourself," Serena said.

"Exaggerations," Strider said.

"You don't wear false modesty well," Serena said, a bit crossly.

"Perhaps. So, you're a Dragon Slayer. How many have you slain thus far?"

"Zero," Yoruichi answered in his place. Serena shot her a look before glaring at Striders back.

"Understandable. There aren't many in Fiore," Strider said.

"How about you? Slain many?" Serena asked.

"A few," Strider said.

"Considering you've slain five dragons in Ishgar, I'm almost certain you can't simply pass that off as luck," Jura laughed.

"I'll certainly try," Strider chuckled.

"You could learn a few things from him, Serena," Yoruichi said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Serena asked, eyes narrowed.

"Figure it out," she said, smirking. "Strider, are we almost there?"

They descended for several minutes. With each step, a light at the bottom seemed to glow brighter until it revealed a dungeon. Their eyes fixed upon a great black slab in the distance that had a body lying on it. They approached slowly to find the corpse of Acnologia – not as a dragon, but as a man. He had wild, dark-blue hair and a tan body that was covered in blue tattoos. His body was covered in a black cloak and his eyes were closed. His head was misshapen, as though it had been crushed, and was set apart from the body, showing the line where Strider had decapitated him. His body remained well-preserved over the past seven years, with nary a sign of rot.

"Acnologia, in his human form. I've drained him of all his blood," Strider said.

"Why?" Esdeath asked.

"Dragon blood is powerful. It was best not to let anyone get their hands on it," Strider said.

"Except you?" Wolfheim asked.

"Of course. I know what to do with it," Strider said.

"What did you do with it?" Wolfheim asked.

"Nothing. I just ensured it would never be used by anyone else. I have little personal use for it. It works wonders when infused with medicine and magic, however. Well, as long as it doesn't kill you first," Strider said.

"How did you kill him?" Hyberion asked.

"Taunted him into turning into a dragon. Did battle like that for a bit. Flew into his mouth and cut him apart from the inside, especially the heart. Ducked out as quick as I could, then inquired about the location of other dragons. He didn't know where they were, so I crushed his skull with my hands and then decapitated him," Strider said, his voice almost bored.

"You make it sound like a walk in the park," Reiko said, poking the body.

"Hardly. His scales were a pain," Strider said. "But, there you have it."

"What will you do with the body?" Esdeath asked, observing Acnologia closely.

"Destroy it," Strider said.

"Would you consider giving it to the Wizard Saints or Wizard Council for further research?" Hyberion asked.

"No, I wouldn't. The body will not leave this building under any circumstance," Strider said.

"We could offer you–" Hyberion began before Strider cut him off.

"You can offer me nothing that would let me let anyone leave with this body. I do not trust that you will not do some sort of ill with whatever you may find. The body will be destroyed," Strider said coldly. The others went silent as they looked at him; from what they had heard, Strider was almost always gentle and peaceful and certainly never so authoritarian. This was an entirely different side of him. They looked at God Serena and Makarov, who just traded a glance with each other.

"It's not your call," Serena told Strider.

"It's no ones call but mine," Strider responded.

"And if we want to take it?" Serena asked.

"You won't even be able to lift it," Strider said with an oddly chilling smile. They all traded glances before Jura went over to the body and tried to move it. To his surprise, it wouldn't even budge an inch.

"You're not kidding," he said, putting his all into it. "What did you do with it?"

"Telekinetically reinforced it. It won't move without my say so, as it were," Strider answered.

"You are obstructing an investigation," Hyberion said coldly.

"You can say about it what you will. But the body will be destroyed; it shall not leave the premises," Strider said, looking to each one of them. "You may examine the body as much as you wish here. You will take no samples of any sort."

"Makarov – have you nothing to say?" Hyberion barked.

"Not a word," Makarov said in a cheerful tone.

"I've no complaints, either," Jura added.

"Same," Yoruichi said. Except for Hyberion and Serena – the top two – no one had a problem with the destruction of the body.

"I don't mind a bit of an ego. Hell, these guys will tell you I got one myself," Serena said, approaching Strider. "But, if we want to take it, we'll take it. And you're not going to stop us."

"Of course I am," Strider said coldly. "You do not think that you can stop me, do you? A Dragon Slayer that hasn't even seen a dragon, let alone slain one? I have no time to joke. Now be quick about it. I have more important things to deal with than your impotent pride."

Strider saw a vein throb in Serena's forehead, while the rest of the saints looked between the two to see what would happen.

"Will that be all? Excellent," Strider said. He suddenly closed his fist. They heard a vicious and horrifying crunch as Acnologia's head and body crushed in on themselves. Where there was once a man, there was now what could only be described as a grotesque ball of flesh and bone. Strider tossed the ball into a fire, which began to burn it to naught but ash. The others watched it slowly wither away until, at last, there was nothing left. "And so ends his legend. At least you don't have to worry about him longer. Although, if any other such crises exist, tell me immediately. I wouldn't anyone else to suffer, after all."

"No shortage of enemies," Yoruichi said, stretching a bit as she fell into step with him. "Got some more news about Alvarez. Took a lot – a lot – of searching, but we managed to find some people that lived to tell what they saw. There were four separate attacking forces, each roughly a dozen, maybe a little more. Black horses, black armor, but somehow nearly impossible to attack; and, they all appeared out of portals. The army bore the brunt of the attack; their casualties were high. There wasn't any raping or looting, though; just… death. They were ruthless and efficient, and impossible to kill or even attack. The attacks bounced back or just went through them. It's like we're dealing with ghosts made corporeal."

"Any other sightings?"

"No. Just Alvarez. Still no idea who or what their purpose is, though. I've got Soi Fon and some other ladies on it, but we haven't made much traction," Yoruichi said.

"Perhaps they've moved on or gone to wherever they came from?" Strider said.

"That's the hope. But I doubt it," Yoruichi said.

"I think I might head out there to see what's what," Strider mused.

"Be careful," Yoruichi warned.

"Not going to try and stop me?" Strider asked with a smile.

"Wouldn't be able to," she said, smirking. As they got back out, Serena called out to Strider.

"You're going to Bosco with the Princess soon, aren't you?"

"I am," Strider nodded.

"Try not to cause an international incident while you're there," Serena sighed.

"Ha. I shall certainly try," Strider said. "Anything to watch out for?"

"The country itself is beautiful. Lush, green forests. It reminds me of my home, in fact," Silvan said, smiling. "But the similarities end there. It is a slavers country, and so the rulers are as cruel as you might imagine them to be. Even other royals are not safe. Be sure to protect Hisui valiantly, Strider."

"I shall," Strider answered, bowing his head. "Are you from Fiore as well, my lady?"

"Not by nature or birth, no. I have travelled all around Ishgar, so I am not from anywhere in particular," she said.

"Don't try to get anything out of her. Silvan is as tightlipped as they come. I wasn't able to find out much besides she's really freakin' powerful," Yoruichi sighed.

"Perhaps your methods were wrong?" Strider suggested.

"Ha. Good one. I tried everything. One of these days, Silvan..." Yoruichi trailed off.

"I look forward to it," she said, smiling. "Congratulations on the Century Quest as well, Strider."

"Thank you," Strider said, smiling. He caressed Anglachel, which didn't go unnoticed by Silvan

"Your sword?"

"Yes. Anglachel," Strider said. Her eyes locked with his again and she nodded.

"We shan't entangle you further. I look forward to our next meeting," Silvan said, holding out her hand.

"Few things would make me gladder," Strider said, kissing it. He did the same for Esdeath and Reiko, while Yoruichi stole a kiss on his cheek and went back into the carriage. With one last look from Serena – the last one to get in – the carriage took off.

-o-

"Silvan! What the hell?!" Yoruichi exclaimed, sitting next to her. "You barely talk but you were like a chatterbox!"

"Well, he's very appealing," she laughed.

"No fair. You can't just take him," Esdeath grumbled.

"I assure you I will do no such thing," Silvan said.

"What do you all make of him?" Wolfheim asked. It was the question on all of their minds.

"Jura?" Hyberion asked.

"I trust him fully," Jura said firmly. "He handled those dragons deftly and we didn't lose a single person. He even eliminated one of the greatest threats to our continent. I have no problem with Strider."

"Alas, I do not trust him," Hyberion said.

"Because of what he said to you?"

"In part. He seems to prefer doing things how he sees fit, however. While we might be able to use him for larger threats, there is no hope in controlling him," Hyberion said.

"None of us are particularly interested in being controlled. Not a single one of us wouldn't have destroyed that body," Warrod said.

"True, but he's also more powerful than us," Hyberion reminded him.

"Don't think you could take him?" Serena asked.

"None of us could," Jura said with a smile. "His powers are completely outside the realm of reason."

"Our reason," Reiko reminded him, looking out a window.

"I just hope no one in Bosco does anything stupid," Esdeath said.

"Speaking of Bosco, aren't the other champions looking into him?" Warrod wondered.

"I'm pretty sure Strider is the only one not looking into his competitor," Yoruichi said with a laugh. "I asked Soi Fon and the others to keep tabs on that as well. All the Champions have been decided and they're all looking to get an edge."

"He must not think he needs one," Reiko said.

"He doesn't," Serena said, contemplating Strider. "He's fucking strong."

"I thought you'd challenge him, especially after what he said," Esdeath said with a giggle.

"Hey, I might be an egotistical, arrogant, son of a bitch, but I'm not a fucking idiot," Serena sighed.

"Think you could take him?" Esdeath asked with a smirk.

"Not even if you all helped out," Serena said with a grin. "I might been a Dragon Slayer in name, but I haven't killed a single one; this guy killed how many? If he's strong enough to slay a dragon, he can probably topple a country single-handedly. Well, I guess any of us could, but he could probably do it quicker. Yoruichi – it's best if you send some of your own in the Princess's retinue. Make sure that they head off anyone hoping to hurt the Princess or Strider. If someone hurts the Princess, I'm 100% certain Strider will do something rash."

"Already on it," Yoruichi said, leaning back. "Ha. You speaking of someone else doing something rash. That's a good one."

"Hey, I'm perfectly competent," Serena grumbled.

"His fortress troubles me," Hyberion said, closing his eyes.

"Why is that?" Esdeath asked.

"To the north is his homeland," Hyberion said.

"Good place to invade from?" Esdeath asked, smirking.

"Correct."

"Just because we're going to let him be doesn't mean we're not going to keep tabs on him," Wolfheim said.

"Make sure none of your people get caught, Yoruichi," Hyberion said. "I shudder to think what he might to them."

"I'm more worried about him seducing them than anything. Then again, we saw each other naked and he didn't so much as try to feel me up. Kind of hurts, honestly," she giggled.

"When did this happen?" Esdeath asked, raising a brow.

"Right after the dragon attack," Yoruichi asked, thinking back on it. "Think you'd like what you'd see, E."

"I thought he'd have more of a wandering eye from what you told us. He barely even checked me out, and I wore this especially for him," she said, running a finger down her chest.

"Ha. If he let it wander, he'd lose some of that charm," Yoruichi said. "You know, Reiko, you might want to consider talking to him about your power in detail.

"Perhaps," Reiko said, sighing and leaning back. She turned back to look out the window. They were not alone; they were never alone.

"Do you see something?" Silvan asked softly.

"More than I care to. There was nothing in Valmar, though," she said, a bit uneasy.

"Why do you think that is?"

"That place exudes a lot of power. I couldn't see anything within a hundred miles. It was as though an invisible barrier was set up. They're afraid to go there."

"What about Strider?"

"He emits almost no magical aura. Even the people emit some aura. They all have the capability to use magic, even if they don't know it. But him – there's nothing," she said.

"Strider is very adept at keeping his power in check. Gildarts and I couldn't feel it until he let it go," Jura said.

"The old man is back at Fairy Tail, right?" Serena asked.

"He is, although he might've left on his journey already," Jura said.

"Gah! You gotta tell me these things, Jura. I still need to see how strong he is," Serena said.

"You want to fight him?" Warrod asked.

"Yup. Your old guild has some monsters in it, Warrod," Serena said.

"Got that right," Warrod grinned.

"Do you think Makarov might make Strider guild master, eventually?" Esdeath wondered.

"I think the thought might've crossed his mind, but this isn't his permanent home. It sounds like he has a lot of work to do back where he's from," Yoruichi said.

"Whatever the case, we can't let our guard down," Hyberion said sharply. "Should he ever turn down a more dangerous road…"

"We'll remain on guard, old man," Esdeath said, rolling her eyes. "Cut him slack, though. Those dragons would've killed a lot of people if he didn't stop them in time."

Hyberion stayed silent throughout the journey, his mind still working out how to deal with Strider.

-o-

"Welcome back," Bisca said as Strider reentered her room. Mira, Erza, Lucy, Cana, and Juvia were already there, tending to her.

"It's good to be back," Strider said, smiling. Asuka heard his voice and smiled, reaching her arms out. Strider gently scooped her up and held her close. "Were you a good girl while I was gone?"

"The best!" she exclaimed adorably.

"Good," Strider said, kissing her head. "Are you hungry? I can take you out to eat."

"No! Papa, I wanna ask some more questions!" Asuka declared.

"Ha. Very well. In that case, let me do one thing really quick and I'll answer everything, alright?"

"Kay!"

-o-

"Strider. You seem different," Mithrellas said as she saw him.

"News," Strider said. He filled her in on what he had experienced with Silvan. Mithrellas listened intently before smiling.

"A request, Strider?"

"Anything, my lady," he said.

"I would like to accompany you on your trip to Bosco."

"What?" Strider asked, surprised.

"Would that be alright?"

"Of course," Strider agreed. "I will vouch for you with the Princess."

"Thank you," Mithrellas said.

"Do you know who she is?"

"An inkling of an idea. I will tell you in Bosco," Mithrellas said.

"As you say," Strider agreed.

-o-

"Papa! Question time!" Asuka exclaimed as Strider came back. Strider scooped her up and nodded. Sitting in a chair, he smiled as Asuka continued to pelt him with questions.