Lady of the Forest

"My lady," Strider said, kissing her hand softly. She smiled and caressed his cheek with a slender, white finger.

"A Dúnedan. I never thought I'd see one here," she said softly.

"Your surprise pales in comparison to mine," Strider said, smiling. "How…"

"I would say an age ago, but perhaps that might be to short a time," she said, continuing to caress his cheek. She inhaled his scent and let out an exalted sigh. Looking him up and down, she noted, "I may trust you."

"You may," Strider said.

"Will you help move me to another place?"

"Certainly," Strider said. Gently, he put his arms under her and lifted her up. She directed him to a glade a few miles within the forest. As Strider entered, he saw a slice of home. It was beautiful and fresh. Dew perched atop the grass and the flowers were in full bloom. Strider set his cloak on the ground and gently laid the elf atop it. He sat at her side, a nostalgic and happy look on his face.

"What is your name?"

"Strider, my lady. And might I ask yours?"

"Mithrellas," she said.

"Mithrellas," Strider said, surprised. She gave him a sad smile and took his face in her hands.

"My lady – how did you…?"

"Come here?" she asked. "It is not as exciting of a tale that you might expect, although may be interesting to you. I do not know in full how it happened. I was a much more boisterous elf-maiden in my youth and found myself beset by dangerous creatures when I ventured into Dor-en-Ernil. I ran, quickly and fiercely, but quickly approached the Gilrain. I could not find a bridge, so I tried a different route. Suffice it to say that the route set me upon a quite unexpected journey and here I came."

"Not exciting at all, it sounds," Strider said. A brief pause later, the two both broke into laughter. If her voice was music, her laugh was a symphony; it raised his joy to hear her. For a moment, he had forgotten where he was and instead found himself back home, making merry with someone he may have known forever.

"Might I ask you to tell me of news back home?" Mithrellas asked.

"What do you wish to know? Much has changed," Strider said.

"I do not know how long it has been since I came here," she said softly. "But I feel something. I feel a great evil had passed not long passed, but I felt it again not long after that. But I feel that a great good has left the world, as well."

"The Deceiver has been destroyed – nearly a decade past," Strider said. A quick flash of surprise passed across Mithrellas's face before she smiled.

"I see," she said quietly. "Did you take part in that?"

"What little I could," Strider said. He pulled his shirt down a bit and showed her the black spot. Mithrellas frowned, caressing the area around it.

"By whom?"

"The Witch-King," Strider said. "Also gone. At the hands of a shield-maiden of Rohan and a hobbit."

"A hobbit?!" Mithrellas asked incredulously. "A shield-maiden of Rohan, I can understand! But a halfling?" There was no mockery in her tone; she was happy to hear it.

"Indeed. The four I met on my journey are perhaps four of the greatest beings I have ever known," Strider said fondly. "The Ringbearer was a hobbit as well. He, too, was stabbed, but did not fare as well as I. Understandable, considering his burden. He has passed to the Undying Lands."

"I see," she said. "I hope he may find peace there."

"As do I," Strider said.

"Has the Lady gone as well?" Mithrellas asked after a slight pause.

"She has," Strider said. "As have many others."

"I see," she said. "How did you come here, Strider?"

"Flight," Strider said, levitating for her.

"You're quite the wizard," she said. "And not of a kind we would find back home. No, you are something else. A man, a Dúnedan, but something…. more."

"I get by," Strider said cheerfully. "Meeting you, my lady, I am glad, if not honored."

"As am I," she said, giving him a kiss on either cheek. "Why did you come here, might I ask?"

"That reminds me!" Strider exclaimed, remembering his promise. "The golem!"

"Ah. Has it been searching for me?" she asked.

"Yes. I can take you to it, if you'd like," Strider offered.

"Please," she said. Strider picked her up again and began the miles-long journey back.

"My lady – are you fading?" Strider asked.

"I am, but this is not that. Long has it been since I knew the Magic of our home. It is why I came to this forest and did not leave – for it reminded me of the land I left. I believe I am homesick," she said.

"Were you not able to return how you came?" Strider asked, intrigued.

"I know what you are thinking, but alas I do not know how it happened myself. I landed long east of here, near a great, gaping Chasm. I made my way west before settling in this place."

"I see," Strider said, thinking. "Say the word, my lady Mithrellas, and I will carry you home."

"I cannot burden you, Strider. I know what the Great Sea has in store for travelers. I would not ask you to make such a trek, especially when you've found love here."

"Love?" Strider asked, surprised.

"I may have weakened, but my senses are as sharp as they ever were. Except, perhaps, my sense of direction," she laughed.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Strider said.

"I think you do," she said, running a finger down his cheek. "Those girls seem to care greatly for you, Strider."

"I know," Strider sighed.

"Do you not?"

"I do. I would fight the greatest evils for them," Strider said.

"Which is why I cannot ask," she said.

"I implore you, my lady," Strider said earnestly. "It will give me an opportunity to learn how to make the crossing easier, as well! I shall not let you fade!"

"I will consider your offer," she said, smiling. "In the meantime, I have a few more questions."

"All in due time, my lady. After you see the golem, we will return to Magnolia. You will feel at home there and I will answer all your questions," Strider said.

"I'm getting a distinct feeling," Mithrellas said.

"What feeling might that be?"

"That you don't intend to let me out of your sight for fear of me running away," she said.

"Well, it has been known to happen…" Strider trailed off.

"I swear I shall not," she said. "Are you part of the guild system here, Strider?"

"I am. Fairy Tail," Strider said proudly.

"Ah, yes. The troublemakers," she laughed.

"You know that too, hmm?"

"Indeed. Alas, I've not had news of the world in a long while. Perhaps you can fill me in when we return to your home," she said.

"It'd be my pleasure, my lady," she said.

"Please, just call me Mithrellas," she said.

"As you wish," Strider said, smiling.

"Turn right here," she directed him. Strider soon came across the tree with the hollow and began to descend down it.

"Lady of the Forest," he heard the golem grumble. Strider set Mithrellas on her feet, keeping an arm around her waist for good measure. In the darkness, she seemed to glow even greater than she did in the moonlight.

"You've waited for me. I am honored," Mithrellas said, approaching the golem and touching its stony body. It bowed low for her, letting her pat it.

"I have," it said.

"I intend to leave with Strider. Will you come with me?" Mithrellas asked.

"I will," the golem said.

"Ah. With your size, it mi–" Strider began when suddenly, in the glow of Mithrellas, he saw the golem begin to change shape. It shrunk down considerably in size until it was just about Mithrellas' height. Mithrellas smiled and ran her fingers over its new shape. It had a slender, stony body which was wrapped in a veil of sheer stone, like a dress. What looked like stony strands of hair ran down from the head, and pointy ears jutted out.

"It looks like…"

"Gilmith, as she might be now," Mithrellas said, smiling. "A wonderful choice."

"Shall we be off?" Strider asked.

"Lets. Although you may wish to travel by another means, Gilmith," Mithrellas said to the golem.

"Gilmith," the golem said, looking at its hands. "Yes. Where?"

"The mountains near the town of Magnolia. I have a map here," Strider said, showing them where they were and where he wanted the golem to go.

"I will go now," it said. Without another word, it retreated even deeper into the cave. Strider heard a crunching and whooshing sound and was left alone with Mithrellas.

"Shall we be off as well?" Mithrellas asked.

"Lets," Strider said. As they exited the tree, he pulled a cloak out of his pocket dimension and draped it over her. She smiled and tugged it close, inhaling the scent of her home. She knew that if people found out who or what she was, their trek would become much more difficult. Instead using the train, Strider and Mithrellas found a carriage.

"Will you introduce me to your friends?" Mithrellas wondered as they got situated.

"I'm not sure yet," Strider said. "I'm sure they'd love to meet you, but…"

"Do you not trust them?"

" I trust then with my life. You'd have no enemies there," Strider said. "If anything, they might be over friendly."

"There is no such thing," she laughed. "If you'd prefer, I can simply go to your home instead."

"Ah. Well, you see, I've been living in the guild since I arrived," Strider said sheepishly.

"Did you not wish to settle down?"

"I don't know," Strider said , laying down on his seat. "I wasn't as sure when I arrived, but I thought I made up my mind. But then I lost – or rather, thought I had lost – my friends. Since their return it has begun to feel like home again. One of my guild mates is probably thinking of the house I asked her to find for me."

"That is heartening to hear," she said, smiling. "I do wish to meet them, but not the entire guild, I think. Perhaps you can arrange that?"

"Of course," Strider said. "If you would like, I can answer some of your questions now."

"No, I shall wait. I would have you rest, Strider," she said kindly.

"I am–" he said, about to get up when she laid back him down. She sat at the edge of his seat and closed his eyes for him.

"You will sleep a dreamless, peaceful sleep," she said softly. "You have earned it. Now go into the night, Strider."

Strider didn't protest. The last thing he heard was her beautiful voice singing songs of old.

-o-

When Strider woke up, he felt better than he had in a long time. Mithrellas sat across him, smiling.

"Good morning," she said as he sat up.

"Good morning," he replied, stretching. "That was a good nights rest."

"A good several nights, actually. We've only just crossed into Magnolia, early morning," she said, nodding outside. The carriage slowly rattled along the path towards the guild, a sight that always brought a smile to Strider.

"There's my home," he said.

"A beautiful building," she said. Rolling down a window, she smelt the salty sea air. "And the ocean is nearby. That is good. We passed a forest on our way here as well. I am sorry I did not come a bit further until I landed here."

"You're here now, which is all that matters," Strider said. They sat in silence until they finally reached the guild hall. Strider saw a light on inside – Mira was likely already there, as were Master Makarov & Mavis. "I just remembered – the founder of our guild is going to be ecstatic to meet. She named the guild Fairy Tail, after all."

"I believe I might've heard of her. Mavis Vermillion," Mithrellas said.

"How do you know that?" Strider asked, surprised.

"A hundred years is not a long time for me. I took what opportunity I could to learn about this land. Learning the guild system was of import, considering their prominence," she said.

"Now she'll be even more excited," Strider said, laughing. "She, Master Makarov, and another friend of mine are likely inside. Do you want to meet them now?"

"Certainly. But I shall keep myself shrouded for the moment. I will talk with Mavis first and foremost before seeing anyone else," Mithrellas said.

"As you wish," Strider said. The two disembarked, Strider paid the driver, and slowly made their way to the guild hall. Strider softly opened the doors, letting the light flood onto him. He saw Mavis and Makarov at the counter and smelled Mira cooking breakfast in the kitchen.

"Strider! Good to see that you're back," Makarov said, giving him a thumbs up. "And who might this be?"

"A friend, Master Makarov. I'll explain everything as it comes, but I hope you'll indulge me a bit," Strider said.

"Eh, why not?" Makarov said cheerfully. Strider had a perfect completion rate, was the Champion of Fiore, and the only wizard to complete a century quest – if he had a daughter, Makarov thought he would've betrothed her to him. Alas, he was cursed with an idiot son whose only redeeming quality was the fact he gave Makarov a wonderful grandson.

"Could you tell us their name, at least?" Mavis wondered. The newcomer was entirely shrouded with Striders cloak, but seemed to step with a grace she had never seen.

"Mithrellas," Strider said, smiling. "They'd like to talk to you first. Master Makarov, Mavis, would you take them to your office?"

"Certainly," Makarov said. He walked up to Mithrellas and gave her a grand smile. "Pleasure to meet ya! Come on up!"

"My thanks," Mithrellas said kindly. Her voice stopped Mavis and Makarov dead in their tracks. It was unlike anything they had ever heard before. Even though she didn't voice it, Mavis thought it was the most beautiful sound that she had ever heard and likely would ever hear. They looked at Strider, who just winked.

"This way, good lady," Makarov said, his voice surprisingly small and polite. Mithrellas nodded her shrouded head and stepped up the stairs. Despite her face being covered, her graceful movements were still unmatched. Makarov followed at a respectful distance while Mavis looked up at Strider.

"Strider – who is she?" Mavis asked softly.

"You'll find out soon enough," Strider said. Mavis nodded and followed them. Strider heard the door click shut and got settled at the counter.

"Hey!" Mira said, coming out with breakfast. She situated it on the counter and came around to give him a hug and kiss. "Welcome back. What took you so long?"

"A bit of this, a bit of that, and a little of the other thing," Strider said. Mira rolled her eyes and sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Erza told me about the job. I'm just happy it was so easy. Still, no more for now," Mira said.

"Fine, fine," Strider grumbled. "I'll do an easy one with Asuka and Bisca and focus on working on my new place."

"Lucy told me about that. Something tells me you're gonna love it. You might even get it for a good price," Mira said.

"Oooh, now I'm curious. Where is it? What is it?" Strider asked, intrigued.

"Can't tell you. We all agreed she gets to tell you," Mira said. "It is in the mountains, though. Great view of the city and the ocean."

"Come on, Mirajane. You can't leave me hanging like this!"

"Consider it a a little revenge for all those times you teased me," Mira said.

"I swear to you it will get worse now," Strider said in a mock growl.

"Kinda looking forward to it," Mira giggled. She gave him a tender kiss and hugged him tight, taking in his scent. "You smell different."

"How so?" Strider asked.

"I dunno," she said, sniffing his clothes and neck. "Sweeter."

"Must be you," Strider said, resting his head on her shoulder facing her neck. Mira giggled as he kissed and bit it. She felt him trace the guild mark on her thigh, sending a pleasurable shiver up her spine.

"Lets not get to carried away at the bar," Mira said.

"Are you sure? It's the perfect place. And no one will see us," Strider said.

"They might hear us, though," Mira said, bringing his hand to her lips.

"Your wish, my command," Strider said.

-o-

Master Makarov closed the door behind him and headed to his desk. As he and Mavis propped themselves on it, Mithrellas faced them. Under the hood, she smiled.

"You must be Master Makarov. And you must be Master Mavis," she said.

"You perceive me?" Mavis asked, surprised.

"I do. You are quite beautiful. I am sorry we did not meet when you lived. I would very much like to have known you." Mavis smiled; she didn't know what else to say or do.

"Are you a friend of Striders?" Makarov asked.

"Yes," she said. "And though I would like to meet you all in friendship, I have my own reasons as to why I am acting this way. I ask you to indulge me, as you have Strider."

"You don't seem like a bad person. That much is enough for us," Mavis said.

"Thank you, kindly child of the south," Mithrellas said. "Strider told me something interesting about you. I would like to speak with you privately."

"In private?" Mavis asked, surprised.

"Yes, if that is alright," Mithrellas said.

"I don't mind," Makarov said, jumping down. He made to pass Mithrellas when she stopped him. She leaned down and two slender, milk white arms were reveled through the cloak. Mavis and Makarov were dumbstruck; her arms glowed a gentle white. She put her hands on Makarovs cheeks and leaned above his head. Makarov felt her kiss his head and at that moment felt things he was never able to put into words. All he knew was this one thing: she was, in a word, good. With a gulp, Makarov bowed – something he couldn't remember doing for many people – and took his leave.

"He is a kindly man," Mithrellas said joyfully.

"That he is," Mavis said, finally coming to her sense. "What did you want to talk about? Are you interested in joining the guild?"

"Alas, that is not for me. I expect I will be returning home soon. Instead, I wanted to fulfill a dream of yours," Mithrellas said.

"A dream?" Mavis asked, surprised.

"Indeed. But I must ask you not to reveal it to anyone else. It is nothing to worry about, but simply for privacy. I do not wish to burden Strider more than I have done so," Mithrellas said.

"What is it?" Mavis asked, intrigued.

"You named the guild Fairy Tail, so you must believe in faeries," Mithrellas said, her hands drawing back her hood. Mavis stood dumbfounded, eyes wide. Her black-auburn hair rolled down her back in waves, her gray eyes twinkling like stars, her body giving off a gentle white glow. She was the most beautiful person that Mavis had ever seen in her life, or ever would.

"A fairy," Mavis whispered, awestruck.

"That is what some call me. My name is Mithrellas," she said. Mavis watched in wonder as Mithrellas approached her. She was almost as tall as Strider but whereas he was most definitely a man, Mithrellas seemed to be more than woman. Her voice was music, her body was starlight, and her entire form was beauty incarnate. Mithrellas leaned down slightly and took Mavis by the cheeks. To Mavis' wonder, she could feel the touch. It was like nothing she had ever experienced, in life or death. Her touch was an inexplicable cross between warm and cool – perfect, in other words. Mavis closed her eyes as Mithrellas caressed her cheeks, her lip trembling. Without a word, she hugged Mithrellas close, never wanting to let go. She just smiled at the young girl and returned the hug.

-o-

"Master Makarov, are you alright?" Mira wondered as he came down, in a daze.

"Never better, Mirajane," Makarov answered – and he meant it. "I'm going to go to the old forest for a little bit."

"What's with him?" Mira wondered.

"I can only imagine," Strider said, smiling. "How long until Lucy gets here? I wanna see that place."

"So impatient."

"Well, I'm about to move out of the guild. It's a big moment for me," Strider said.

"Mhm. I'm gonna miss you," he said.

"You're welcome to move in with me," Strider offered, leaning over the bar. Mira smiled and leaned over as well, their lips inches apart.

"I dunno. A boy and girl living together? Who knows where they might lead?" she said.

"I can only hope it leads to whatever I'm thinking," Strider said.

"Probably," she said, finally closing the distance. "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask. I'd love to wake up to you everyday," he said. Mira blushed and gave him one more kiss on the cheek before returning to her work.

"You should get some sleep. You're probably really tired," she said.

"The opposite, actually. I think I'll just get a bit of light reading in until Lucy gets here," Strider said, heading upstairs. As he passed by the office room, he could hear Mavis' happy cries and laughs.

-o-

"Hey," Lucy exclaimed, rushing Strider as he came back downstairs. "YOU READY?!"

"I am. I'm curious to see what you found for me. Is it close by?" Strider wondered.

"Eh. You can fly, so it won't be a problem. Come on!" Lucy took his hands and began leading him out, Erza, Juvia, and Cana on their their tail.

"Bye, papa!" Asuka shouted after them. Strider quickly ran back to her table and knelt down a bit.

"I promise that we'll go on a job as soon as I get back, alright?" Strider said kindly.

"Yay!" Asuka exclaimed.

"Be good while I'm gone," Strider said, kissing her head.

"I can cover if you'd like to go, Mira," Kinana offered.

"I owe you one, Kinana," Mira said, taking her up on the offer. Bisca sighed as they ran off. She turned back to Asuka, who just gave her a puzzled look.

"What is it, mama?" Asuka wondered.

"Nothing, sweetheart," she said, straightening her hat. "Finish up your breakfast and we'll look for a job. How's that sound?"

"Kay!" Asuka said happily.

-o-

"So Strider – how's it like being a dad?" Cana asked, smirking

"What?" Strider asked, surprised.

"Asuka!" Cana exclaimed.

"Ah," Strider said thoughtfully. Finally, though, he smiled. "She has a bright future ahead of her, that much is certain. You all should get to training, lest she surpass you."

"She's already super accurate with her gun. Jeez, Natsu and Gray live to fight and even they can't manage to hit all their targets every time," Lucy said.

"Yeah, but they're idiots. Asuka has Bisca training her, and she's the best shot in the guild," Cana reminded her.

"She's so adorable," Erza cooed happily. "I must take her out to get some strawberry cake soon!"

"I think she'd love that," Mira said, smiling. "Speaking of which, I pulled a few jobs that might be good for her. You can check them out when we get back."

"Wonderful. I think I'll take this job with her and Bisca alone. It'll be good for Asuka to get some experience in," Strider said.

"What if you come across a monster?" Cana asked, smiling.

"I'll make it regret the day it was born," Strider growled. "Should anything so much as think ill towards her… There is pain beyond pain that I can conjure."

"Definitely a dad," Cana said, eliciting a raucous laugh from everyone else.

"Perhaps," Strider said, smiling.

'This is intriguing,' Anglachel suddenly thought to him.

'What is?'

'Your feelings toward the child. She is not of your blood, yet you care a great deal for her,' Anglachel said.

'I do,' Strider thought back to Anglachel. He had never given it much thought but whenever he was around Asuka, he couldn't stop smiling. 'She is dear to me.'

'I see,' Anglachel thought back.

"So, Lucy, where exactly are we going?" Strider asked as they turned to the forest path. Ahead, Strider, could see that they were heading towards the mountains.

"It's this gorgeous place in the mountains. A castle," Lucy said gleefully.

"A castle? You found Strider a castle?" Cana asked, surprised.

"I thought he could use the room! And let us stay there if we wanted. Plus, it's so huge and awesome and has amazing, amazing views of everything. Plus, he could get it at a steal! I was looking at it when I was first moving here, just in case."

"In case what? You struck the lottery?" Mira asked.

"Something like that. Seemed like a good idea at the time," Lucy grumbled.

"Ha. I look forward to seeing it. Could be interesting," Strider said.

"See! Even Strider thinks it's great," Lucy said.

"Yeah, but it'll be hard for anyone to just go and visit if they have to walk up a mountain," Cana reminded her.

"Guess I forgot that part," Lucy said.

"Not a problem for me. I can just fly. The privacy would be wonderful, though. No more people bargaining in," Strider teased.

"A guy shouldn't complain about pretty girls bothering him," Cana giggled.

They continued their trek for a good while longer until finally, as they left the forest, Strider saw what Lucy intended for him. Perched high above was an old castle that, to Striders surprise, wasn't as dilapidated as he thought it might be. While there seemed to be parts missing, on the whole, it looked habitable. It extended far to either side and to the clouds, only growing bigger in their sights as they approached until it encompassed everything. Strider could make out parts of green and red – revenants of a long forgotten standard.

"This is certainly unique," he said.

"Unique? Lucy, are you crazy?! This thing looks like it's about to fall apart!"

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Strider said cheerfully. "What's the going rate?"

"That's the best part: just 40 million jewel!"

"Huh. I get the feeling that there's a bit of wiggle room there for me," Strider said, attempting to open the massive wooden doors that served as the entrance. As soon as he touched them, though, they fell inward. The girls sweat dropped and turned to Lucy, who wore a pained smile.

"This place is completely, entirely, totally unsafe," Mira said.

"Seriously. I don't want to come here one night and see Strider dead because some stone landed on his head," Cana said.

"What do you think, my love?" Juvia asked Strider.

"What do I think? I think I'm about to be the proud new owner of a castle," Strider said cheerfully.

"WAIT! You cannot be thinking of buying this place!" Erza exclaimed.

"Why not? Sure, it needs some new everything but I figure it'll be a fun project. Besides, this place is perfect. Look at that sea view," Strider said, nodding behind him. The girls turned and sighed; if nothing else, it was the best ocean view that they had ever seen in their lives.

"Perfect place for a night of romance," Strider said. They turned various shades of red, eliciting a laugh from him. ""Excellent choice, Lucy. Now all I need is to come up with a new name for this place. Hmm… maybe Elostirion."

"Does that mean something to you?" Mira wondered.

"Just a place I visited. It had great ocean views as well," Strider said. "Alright. Back to sign the deal. I'll see you girls back at the guild later."

"HEY! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE US HERE!" Lucy cried as Strider took to the skies.

"Sorry. Don't want to lose this baby while I got it," Strider said, winking and rocketing back.

"Ugh. Asshole," Cana grumbled. With one more look at the castle, they began to make the long trek home.

-o-

"I can't believe you just left us," Mira grumbled as Strider got back to the guild.

"Sorry about that. Just had to tie up a couple of ends with my new home," Strider said cheerfully.

"So you actually bought it?"

"Mhm. Was able to get a lower price, too. Next is getting all the repairs and everything done. But first things first," Strider said. He smiled aside at Asuka, who grinned back.

"Papa! Ready for the job?" Asuka asked.

"I am. Did you find something?"

"Mira found it for me! Thanks, Mira!" Asuka exclaimed.

"You're so welcome, Asuka," Mira giggled, hugging her.

"Come on! We've got to find a puppy!" Asuka said.

"Sorry about this," Bisca said, smiling.

"Sorry? What for?" Strider asked, surprised. "I'm happy to be able to spend more time with you two. This could be fun, actually. I might need to consider getting a puppy for my new castle."

"Are you really going to move there?" Bisca asked.

"Of course," Strider said cheerfully.

"Papa, mama said you're moving to a castle! Can I play there?" Asuka asked.

"Of course," Strider said, picking Asuka up.

"I wanna play princess," Asuka said.

"Then a princess you shall be, my lady," Strider said dramatically. Asuka giggled and tapped both of his shoulders with her gun to knight him before jumping down and running ahead.

"You know, you really do seem like her dad sometimes," Bisca said, smiling.

"Does that bother you?" Strider asked softly.

"Not even a little. Thanks, Strider. For everything," Bisca said.

"Think nothing of it," Strider said, putting an arm around her shoulders. "You're both extremely important to me. Should any harm ever come to either of you, I'm not sure what I'd do."

"Hurry up!" Asuka shouted gleefully to them.

"Guess we ought to obey the princess," Strider chuckled, jogging ahead to catch up with her.

-o-

"Bisca," came a voice. Bisca felt her heart fall as she turned to see someone she never expected. Striders eyes narrowed as he saw the man in front of him. He seems to be a gunslinger as well and he eyed the two suspiciously.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Bisca snarled.

"I've come to see her," he said.

"I don't think so," Bisca spat. "You already left once. I'm not letting you leave her again."

"I'm her father," the man said.

"Ah. The biological father, I presume?" Strider asked softly.

"That's right. My names Grendel. I know you. You're Strider. The Champion of Fiore," Grendel said.

"Right now, I'm Strider, a man suspicious of another's intentions," Strider said coolly. "What brings you here?"

"It's not your business, but I'm here to see my kid," Grendel said.

"The wellbeing of my guildmates is my eminent business," Strider said, pulling Bisca closer. Grendel shifted a bit as he saw that, his arm resting on his holster.

"What? You're gonna shoot him?" Bisca snarled at her ex.

"I just didn't know you two were so comfortable," Grendel said, putting his hand up. "Can I talk to her? In private?"

Strider turned to Bisca, who sighed.

"Give us a moment," Bisca said.

"As you wish," Strider said. He shot one more intense look at Grendel before heading into a nearby pastry shop.

"He's… uh… intense," Grendel said.

"What do you want?" Bisca asked bluntly.

"I just wanted to see you and Asuka. Spend some time with you. I swear," Grendel said.

"No," Bisca said.

"Just hear me out," Grendel said, grabbing her hand. "Look, I fucked up. In a big, really bad way. I can't go back and change what I did, but I want to try and do something. Even if that means spending a little time with you two. I'm not asking for the world, Bisca, and I don't deserve it even if I did. But… just fucking something, you know?"

Bisca was quiet for a moment. It had been years since she last saw him; back then, he was much more disheveled. Still, she wasn't sure that she trusted him entirely, especially after he had left her without a word.

'So did Strider, I guess,' she thought sadly. 'But I gave him another chance. I guess…'

"I'm not getting back with you," Bisca said.

"That's fine. I understand completely," Grendel said.

"But… if you want to see Asuka, I guess it's your right. We're working a job with Strider right now. Lost puppy," Bisca said. Grendel laughed but smiled.

"Do you think just us three could work it?"

"I'll talk to Strider about it," Bisca said, entering the shop.

"What does he want?" Strider asked.

"To come back into our life," Bisca said with a pained smile. "I thought I should give him another chance. What do you think?"

"I think I'm lucky you forgave me," Strider said, putting a hand on her hip. He saw Grendel purse his lips but kept it there. "If that's how you want to go about it, I won't interfere. Just be careful. For some reason, he rubs me the wrong way."

"Maybe it's because you care about me and Asuka and he hurt us?" Bisca said, smiling.

"Probably mostly that," Strider said laughing. "Should I head home?"

"Mmm…" Bisca said, clicking her tongue. "Sorry. I told him about the job and he wants to complete it with us."

"That's still not a yes or no," Strider said. Bisca bit her lip before, with great strain, nodding.

"Yeah. Head back. I'll be there soon. It won't take long," she said.

"As you wish," Strider said, getting up. He tilted her chin up and kissed her, which Bisca happily returned. He saw the color drain from Grendel's face with an open eye, a flash of anger cross his face. Strider turned his attention to Asuka, who looked at him curiously.

"What is it, papa?" Asuka asked.

"Something came up and I have to go. But someone else is going to help you finish the job, ok?" Strider said. Asuka frowned and looked at the ground. Strider and Bisca immediately regretted their own parts.

"Ok…"

"I promise we'll do one together soon, Asuka. This someone is really important to you, though," Strider said.

"Who is it?"

"You're real papa." Bisca said, a little venom her tone. Asuka's head shot up and she looked between the two in wonder. She looked out of the window and saw Grendel waving at her. Bounding off the stool, she rushed outside to see him. As she went, Strider felt a twinge in his heart.

"I'll head back, then. Come home soon," Strider said too Bisca.

"Yeah," she said, looking back at Asuka at Grendel. "Hey, she still loves you, you know? She's just… excited about seeing him."

"I understand, Bisca," Strider said, taking his leave.

-o-

As Strider got back to his new home, he set immediately to work. He thanked his telekinesis every other minute as he began to clean up the debris, dirt, grime, and every other little irritant that caught his eye. What would've been a job for many people over several days was getting smaller with every hour that passed. It wasn't long until the sun had started to set and, as clean as he could mentally muster right now, he began to think of what direction he wanted to go in. He had only begun to mentally put pen to paper when he sighed in discontent. His mind traveled back to Bisca and Asuka. Not being able to finish the job with them was particularly heavy.

"I'll get back to it tomorrow," he thought before flying back to Fairy Tail. Everyone seemed to be busy with their own thing, so he headed up to his room, where Mithrellas was waiting for him.

"Are you alright?" she asked. Strider filled her in on what happened. Mithrellas waited patiently, listening to what he had to say.

"It is odd," she said.

"What is?"

"Why the man chose to return this very moment. Of all moments, why now? Why not a little earlier? Or later? Or during the Games, when there were sure to be more people?" Mithrellas postulated. Strider thought on that for a moment.

"I'm not sure," he finally admitted. "I simply hope his intentions are good. If they are not…"

"It's obvious you care greatly for them," Mithrellas said, smiling. "The laws of this land are not like our own, Strider. You cannot kill so easily here."

"I know. They're a lot less forgiving about that," Strider said, walking over to the window. "It is almost troubling."

"What? That they don't want to kill?"

"Yes" Strider admitted softly. "They have faced so many adversaries – demons, dark guilds, dark wizards, dragons, extra dimensional beings, monster, other enemies just fraught with danger. Yet even in the direst circumstance, they refuse to kill. I do not understand it."

"Which aspect?" Mithrellas prodded.

"The concept, my lady. Seven years ago, we were attacked by a dark guild and a dragon. None of the wizards involved in the attack ended up dead; instead, they all went to prison. No doubt plotting their revenge," Strider said, his voice full of contempt. "Before that, they dealt with countless dark wizards – any of whom would've happily killed them. But when I told Erza about the little force I had led, she actually tried to ask me if I had ever killed someone."

"If this were a different world, I could understand. But knowing where I'm from, and where I've been, the concept is almost alien to me," Strider admitted.

"It may be worth admitting that we're in the wrong," Mithrellas said.

"Few things would make me happier. But alas, I know I am not," Strider said softly. "I am going on a campaign with the princess soon. The country has an active slave system and slave trade. So long as injustice remains, a place like Fiore cannot endure."

"Injustice on a worldwide scale is a difficult problem to tackle, Strider. Do you intend to do so?" Mithrellas asked. Strider was silent; Anglachel was not.

'The Age of Elves has passed; this is the Age of Men, and Men shall lead it,' it whispered to Strider.

"It is difficult, yes," Strider answered in a measured tone. "But the Age of Elves has passed. This is the Age of Men. This is the problem of our times."

"That is true," Mithrellas said, her eyes going from Striders sword to his back. "But do not be so eager to correct injustice through war. That will only lead to more injustice. The solution to every problem cannot be found at the end of a blade."

"No, you're right," Strider said, caressing Anglachel's hilt. "But some can."

-o-

"We still haven't found the puppy!" Asuka pouted, running a little ahead of Bisca and Grendel.

"I think I heard something yapping not to far from here," Grendel said, pointing just ahead. Asuka rushed forward, eliciting a sigh from Bisca.

"Don't get to far, Asuka" she shouted after her.

"She'll be fine," Grendel said.

"She's pretty excitable," Bisca said.

"Definitely your daughter," Grendel said.

"Our daughter," Bisca corrected him.

"Of course," Grendel said, smiling. "So, you and the champion, huh?"

"Yeah," Bisca said.

"Hey, I heard he completed a Century Quest. Is that true?"

"News spreads fast. Yeah, he did. Blossom Shrine," Bisca said.

"I checked out the post for that once. Don't think they mentioned a reward, though. Must've been good," Grendel said glumly.

"It was," Bisca said uncomfortably.

"Ha. Sorry. Didn't wanna make you uncomfortable. I was just fantasizing. Oh, crap! I think Asuka got a little ahead of us," he said. With a sigh, Bisca ran after her.

"Asuka, where ar–" Bisca suddenly stopped, her eyes wide. Asuka was in the arms of some man she didn't know.

"Mama!" Asuka cried, punching, clawing, and scratching at her captor. The man just growled at her, shaking her roughly to make her stop.

"Put her down, bastard!" Bisca screamed. She was about to pull out her gun when she felt something hard strike the back of her head. She stumbled and fell on the ground. She immediately began to crawl towards the man, desperate to get Asuka out of his grip.

"Mama!" Asuka screamed, tears streaming from her eyes. Bisca felt a sharp kick in her side. As she turned on her back, her eyes went wide. Grendel was standing over her, the barrel of a gun pointing to her head.