บท 41: Strider the Hunter
"Why do we have to keep doing this?" Natsu asked begrudgingly as he & the team rode on the train to the Waas forest.
"We… just have to… Natsu," Wendy said grimly. To the others amusement, Wendy, who had thus far been able to avoid the pangs of motion sickness, joined Natsu. Even after casting Troia on both of them, the effects seemed to have subsided and the sickness came to the fore.
"Get some rest, Wendy," Strider said kindly, letting her lean against him. Wendy tried to do as he said; they still had half a day before they arrived and she committed to sleeping for as much of the route as possible.
"Adorable," Cana giggled as she saw the bluenette rest her head against him.
"Natsu, quit your whining. You'll wake Wendy," Erza said sharply.
"But… I'm in pain, too," he whined.
"Mmm… yes, I see. Very well. Close your eyes and put your head on my lap. There we go. And… that's that," she said, punching him hard. Cana had to bite her tongue to hold back the laughter that was threatening to spill over; she knew Natsu always had a problem with motion sickness, but never knew that it was this bad.
"I think I'm going to start joining you guys for more jobs if it's always this entertaining," she mused.
"You say entertaining, I say wacky," Lucy sighed. "I do feel bad for Wendy, though. I don't think she ever had to deal with it. What happened, you think?"
"If I had to guess, it's because Strider helped her get to Dragon Force. It seems as though the stronger a Dragon Slayer is, the more pronounced the effect," Carla said.
"Ah. So it's my fault," Strider sighed, half apologetic and half amused. "I'll make it up to her somehow."
"I wonder if Laxus gets like this?" Cana asked.
"I'm sure he does. He's certainly more powerful than Natsu or Gajeel at this point, I think," Erza said.
"You think so? I don't know. I think they could give him a run for his money," Lucy said.
"A run, perhaps, but I think he would come out on top in the end. He doesn't goof off like they do, for one," Erza said.
"Good point," Lucy agreed.
"Hey Erza, mind if I look at the job again?" Cana asked. Erza passed the flyer to Cana, who observed it with interest.
"What're you thinking, Cana?" Strider asked.
"Right now, I'm just trying to figure out what the hell this thing might be," Cana said, taking a hearty swig from a bottle of wine. "Sounds like it could be dangerous."
"Well, it is an SS-class job," Juvia added.
"True. Hmm… any idea what it could be, guys?"
"Could be one of a hundred different things," Strider mused aloud – mostly for his own benefit. "A troll? Hmm… only if these attacks have occurred at night. A giant? Perhaps. That'd let it move about day or night, but I can't think if any giant that would be so easy to miss. They almost always rise above the trees, or stick to mountains. A small dragon? Doubtful. Would've been spotted by now. Let's see, let's see… Mmm… Ape? No; it wouldn't attack its own kind. Some other manner of fell creature? That's certainly the hope…"
"What? Why is that certainly the hope?" Lucy asked fretfully.
"Sorry, Lucy," Strider laughed. "This reminds me of my adventuring. Always something new."
"Think you've seen something like before?" Gray wondered.
"Most certainly. But whether it's the same manner of creature or something entirely different is the question in this case. Either/or," Strider said thoughtfully. He leaned back a bit and looked out the window, thoughts and memories flying through his mind.
'I wonder how strong it'll be?' Strider thought.
'It hardly matters,' Anglachel answered him. 'Ah, but I sense something.'
'What might that be?'
'Interest,' Anglachel replied. 'These hunts are always of interest to you. As they are to myself.'
'Did anything like this exist when you were forged?'
'I do not recall. It is likely.'
'Well, at least we agree on one thing,' Strider thought.
"Hmm…" Strider said with a little smile. "I think that we're in for a bit of a hunt once we get to the forest. I'm looking forward to this."
"Just make sure you don't overdo it," Cana sighed.
"Cana is right," Erza said.
"I promise," Strider nodded. Noting Lucy's especially worried look he added, "I promise, Lucy. I won't overdo it. I'm more interested in the process, anyways. I'll let you guys handle it."
"The process?" Juvia asked.
"Of course. The hunt," Strider said with a little grin. "I always enjoyed doing a bit of tracking. The hunt represents most of the courses. The slaying is just the dessert."
"You're way to into this," Lucy sighed.
"How did you go about tracking things like this?" Gray wondered.
"You'll find out today. Most of our jobs have been pretty easy; we've never really needed to look for anything, have we?"
"Not really. Except that bird that first job," Lucy reminded him.
"Right."
"Can't you just sense everything, though?" Cana asked.
"Certainly not everything. If I could, that spider wouldn't have gotten the better of me," Strider grimaced. "No, I need to work on my sensitivity perception – that much is certain. Natsu and Wendy are far more sensitive to what's around them than I am."
"Maybe you should let Wendy train you?" Cana said, giggling at the thought.
"I think I just might," Strider said, resting his hand on her head. Wendy yawned and adjusted herself, hugging Strider a bit. He smiled and patted her head protectively before closing his eyes, focusing on the job.
"So cute," Lucy giggled.
-o-
"Feeling alright, Wendy?" Strider asked as they finally stepped off the train.
"Y-y-yeah," she said before quickly running off to join Natsu in the distance.
"Poor girl," Strider sighed as she came back, slightly dejected. "I'd levitate you if I didn't think that would actually hurt at this point."
"Ground… is good right now," she said.
"You'll be able to get some rest soon enough. Looks like that's the forest in the distance," Strider said. The Waas Forest rose high in the distance, its green foliage almost like an impenetrable sea from this far away. It was unique amongst other forests, especially the one near Magnolia. The trees seemed to be at least twice as tall as the ones leading up to the town that sat at the mouth. More unsettling was the surprising and tense quiet. Strider had a difficult time sensing or making out any sounds except a few wayward birds that were headed towards the forest.
"We'll drop by the village to see if we can't get any more information," Erza said.
"And then we begin the hunt. Erza, Cana, Juvia, and I will head into the forest. Lucy, Gray, Natsu, and Wendy will stay behind at the camp," Strider said.
"Why do I have to stay back?" Gray demanded.
"Quiet, mostly. The hunt must be conducted in silence," Strider said.
"You're really getting into this, huh?" Lucy asked.
"You know it," Strider said cheerfully.
The village was exceedingly quiet. They made their way to the mayoral hall, where they were greeted by a young woman.
"Hello," she said kindly.
"Hi. We're the wizards from Fairy Tail, here for the SS request," Cana said.
"Wonderful. We've been expected you. Your rooms are prepared and you may begin when you'd like," she said.
"Thank you," Erza said.
"Has anything occurred since the job was initially posted?" Strider asked.
"Nothing," the woman said. "It's almost as though whatever it is has stopped its activities. We sent some of our own guard into the forest but they didn't report anything out of the ordinary."
"No carcasses? No tracks? Nothing?" Strider asked.
"Nothing. That said, they didn't go more than half a mile in, so it's entirely possible they didn't risk trying to find anything," the woman said.
"A wise decision, perhaps," Strider said thoughtfully.
-o-
"We'll make camp here," Erza said as they arrived near the mouth of the forest. Everyone craned their neck back, looking up at the stately trees. Some had trunks the size of houses, branches the girth of their smaller brethren, and leaves that could make for a tent.
"I suppose I was a bit wrong on the people being able to see a giant. These trees are absolutely gigantic. Beautiful," Strider said.
"Holy crap. You could live in these if you carved them out!" Lucy exclaimed, more than a bit fretful.
"Natsu, Gray, Lucy – get camp set up. Let Wendy rest," Erza said.
"I can help!" Wendy exclaimed.
"Just don't overdo it," Strider said, ruffling her hair. "You never know when we might need a healer."
"Are you guys really gonna go in tonight?" Lucy asked.
"It's the best time," Strider said. "Shall we, ladies?"
"Lead on, Mr. Hunter," Cana said.
"Gladly," Strider said, plunging in.
The first thing he noticed was that the canopy was so heavy, hardly any moonlight was let through. He saw some beams escape through and shed some light on the ground, but besides that, they had to keep their pace slow.
"This place is beautiful," Cana whispered. She was awestruck at the majesty of the forest.
"No kidding. Wow," Juvia said, closing her eyes as they came to a slight pause. She could hear a gentle wind rustle the leaves and in the distance, could make out the sound of running water. "There's a river or a brook nearby."
"Notice anything?" Erza asked Strider.
"Only that this place is really nice," Strider said, taking a few deep breaths of the fresh air.
They continued making slow, punctuated progress – stopping here and there to take in the view. Strider hadn't noticed anything off just yet. The trees were still in one piece, there were no animal or blood trails, and the only prints he noticed were of animals you'd find anywhere, although in some cases, a bit bigger. Here and there, a deer, a giant squirrel, or some other forest dweller would scurry across their path – but still, it remained as normal as a giant forest could be.
"We'll cover more ground if we split up. You three, double back. Split up as you get closer to the mouth of the forest. Don't spread too wide. I'm going to head in a bit further.
"You're not trying to keep us safe, are you?" Cana frowned.
"Just a little. But the natural inclination is to run," Strider said.
"No chance," Erza sighed. "Two of us will double back. One of us will go with you."
"Fine," Strider sighed. After a little rock, paper, scissors, Erza came out ahead and continued with Strider while Cana & Juvia headed back, deciding to keep close just in case.
"You ought to stop trying to ditch us all the time," Erza sighed as they continued, passing the half-mile point.
"Force of habit," Strider said. Minutes later, he dropped to the ground, noting a small imprint.
"What is it?" Erza asked.
"A paw-like print. Interesting. It goes in a few inches, it seems. Whatever it is is heavy. It's also perfectly circular. Almost machinelike. I've never known an animal to have a paw like this. And it looks like the tracks go deeper into the forest," Strider, noting a few more in front of him. "Hmm… not too wide apart. More than a human, but not so much that that it reminds me of that beast from the Pandemonium event. Let's go!"
The two continued to make good progress for a while, but to Strider's dismay, there wasn't anything out of the ordinary - besides the massive trees. His mind kept going back to them; how did they get so large? How old were they? Erza noticed that his head kept turning side to side, up and down.
"What is it?"
"Just thinking," Strider responded. "Have you ever seen trees so large?"
"Not until now," she said.
"No, nor have I," Strider said, bringing down a few acorns with his telekinesis. He examined them for a brief moment before putting them away in a pocket dimension.
"Going to try and grow one?" Erza asked.
"Yeah. I wonder how long it'd take for them to get this large?"
"Decades, at the very least. You may even be looking at centuries," she said.
"One can only hope," Strider said.
They had delved in for another hour before heading back. Approaching the mouth, they met up with Cana and Juvia and headed back to camp for the night.
-o-
"Can't sleep?" Cana asked, exiting her tent. Strider was still tending to the fire, his mouth moving as though he were singing to himself.
"Mind keeps running," he said, letting her sit next to him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Just thinking, I guess," she sighed.
"Whatever it is might just call the forest home and be protecting itself. If that's the case, it probably won't be too aggressive."
"Sounds like you're just trying to make me feel better," Cana said.
"A little. One must remain open to all possibilities," Strider said. "What're you thinking about?"
"A bunch of things, I guess," Cana sighed. "Being stuck in Fairy Sphere for 7 years; S-Class Trials coming up; this job."
"Are you nervous about the trials?"
"A little bit. Definitely not as much as I used to be way back," Cana said, smiling. "I don't have that feeling of wanting to leave if I don't make it, at least. Now, it's more just I really want to win and become S-Class – for myself, instead of to show Gildarts or something."
"I've confidence in you, Cana. Natsu, Gray, and whoever else's chosen might give you some trouble, but I think you'll well equipped to come out ahead, no matter who it is. Just give it your all – even against me, if I end up being one of the trials you need to overcome."
"Mhm, I intend too. Congrats again on becoming S-Class," Cana said, kissing his cheek.
"Thank you," Strider said.
"So… have you given any thought to what I asked?"
"What, in particular?"
"About… maybe coming with you when you return home," Cana said quietly.
"Ah," Strider said, bobbing his head. "I haven't decided yet, I'm afraid. Why do you want to, though?"
"Mostly just to see where you're from," Cana said. "With all the stories you've told us, and everything that happened to you there – I guess I just wanna see what made you, you."
"You might not like what you find," Strider said.
"I don't think it's a matter of whether or not I like it," Cana said. It's more... I dunno, I guess. It's like… I think I need to see it if I want to get to know you better than I do now."
"I see," Strider said, thinking on her words.
"Does it bother you?"
"Not particularly, I think. I promise I'll give it due consideration," Strider said.
"Good enough for now," Cana said, kissing his cheek again. "I'm going to try and get a little more sleep."
"Sweet dreams. We still have a while before daybreak," Strider said. As she went back into the tent, Strider looked deeper into the forest.
-o-
"Did anything happen last night?" Erza asked as she woke up.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," Strider said, putting out the fire. Day had broken and everyone was slowly coming to.
"Do you not need sleep or something?" Cana asked, yawning.
"Less than some. The Hunt requires alertness," Strider said.
"Please stop calling it the hunt. It's scary," Lucy whined.
"Sorry," Strider laughed. "Is everyone well rested?"
"Oh yeah," Natsu said, grinning. "I can't wait to see what's in there!"
"Just remember to go slow a–" was all Strider got out before Natsu and Gray rushed headlong into the forest.
"And quietly," Strider finished lamely.
"Yeah, good luck telling them that," Lucy said, rolling her eyes.
"Perhaps that was ill-conceived advice," Strider chuckled. "Is everyone ready?"
"Just about," Cana said as she changed. "Alright. Lets go!"
"Lets see. Gray and Natsu are a group; Lucy, you pair with Erza; Cana, you go with Juvia, and Wendy and I will go together."
"Sounds good to me," Lucy said.
"Be careful, everyone. Send up a signal if you come across something," Erza said. Paired up, they all went their separate ways in the forest.
-o-
"How are you feeling now, Wendy?" Strider asked as they walked through the forest at a relatively leisurely pace. While the canopy was still thick overhead, enough light shone through that they could see a fair bit ahead. The forest seemed a lot more peaceful under a morning sun than a watchful night.
"Better," Wendy said, putting her hands over her stomach. "Now I know what Natsu feels like when he gets motion sick."
"Apologies. If I knew my help would inconvenience you this much, I would've abstained."
"It's worth it," Wendy said happily. "Now I can help the guild even more!"
Strider chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I see. That's a kind way to think. I've no doubt you'll grow to be one of the greatest wizards of the age."
"Thanks," Wendy said, turning a little red. "Thanks for everything, Strider."
"Think nothing of it," Strider said. "Just remember to not get carried away. Power is intoxicating to some. Make sure you always stay in control of your power, not the other way around."
"Right," Wendy nodded.
"I shall see to that personally," Carla said sternly.
"Of that I've no doubt," Strider said.
-o-
"This place is gorgeous," Lucy said, looking around in awe. The tops of the trees rose so high, she could build a multi-story mansion and the top wouldn't even graze the lowest branches of the trees.
"Indeed. But keep a lookout," Erza said.
"Right," Lucy said, her head darting from side to side.
"And try not to break your neck while looking," Erza sighed.
"Right," Lucy said sheepishly. "Hey, Erza – are you in love with Strider?"
Erza turned a bright red as she turned to face Lucy, who seemed amused at the reaction.
"W-w-w-why would you ask that?!" she demanded.
"Just curious!" Lucy exclaimed. After calming down, Erza continued to lead Lucy through the forest. Lucy noted her ears were still a bit red. It was a while before Erza took a deep sigh and answered.
"I think I am," she answered. "Perhaps. I like him a lot, at the very least."
"We're in the same boat, then," Lucy sighed.
"You as well?" Erza asked, although she had figured for a while.
"Yeah. I dunno why. I mean, the only time I've spent with him is during training when he helped me out, on jobs like this, or when he took me to my home. But there's something about him…"
"What?" Erza asked.
"Just something," Lucy said in a quieter tone. "He's really handsome and strong for one. But he's so sweet, too, like how he treats Wendy; and so helpful. No ego, no brashness, nothing like that. I guess… he's just a lot more mature then the other guys in the guild. He's approachable, you know? Not like Laxus. I mean, Laxus is hot but you can't get close to him without Freed trying to bite your head off. And Freed is… well, Freed."
"I think I know what you mean," Erza said. "He's certainly not like anyone else in the guild. But there's a lot of pain there, too, Lucy."
"I know," Lucy said. "I kinda feel bad for saying it, but… it just makes him more intriguing. I really wish he hadn't gone through everything he did, but the fact he did and came out on the other side… that has to count for something, right?"
"Perhaps," Erza said, not entirely sure what it should count for.
"I just hope he doesn't leave again soon. It hasn't been that long since we got him back," Lucy said.
"He's promised not to go off like that again. Even if he does, I think he'll stick to his word and come back. That's home, after all."
"Do you think he still feels like a guest here?" Lucy suddenly asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Like… he still hasn't even moved out of the guild. Do you remember that time he met the dragon and joked in the letter that he was leaving for good? It's like he's still renting. He hasn't put down any roots. He doesn't even have any furniture, besides those books," Lucy said. Erza remained quiet but felt her heart drop slightly. Lucy was right; Strider hadn't put down any roots in Fiore. He owned virtually nothing save the clothes on his back and a few more personal items gifted to him after the Century Quest.
"What about his fortress?" Erza asked.
"Yeah, but that's so far away," Lucy said. "It's on the northern coast, isn't it?"
"It is," Erza said. "Closer to home, perhaps."
"I guess," Lucy said softly. "I really hope he decides to make Magnolia his home."
Erza had no reply to that.
-o-
"Have you joined Team Strider as well, Cana?" Juvia asked.
"I dunno yet," Cana said, stretching gently. "I just decided to tag along this one time. I think I might, though. I'm getting tired of going on jobs alone."
"Why haven't you teamed up with anyone else?" Juvia wondered.
"Why the curiosity?" Cana asked, intrigued. The only time Juvia paid any attention to her was when she was flirting with Strider.
"Just wondering," Juvia said honestly. Cana just smiled.
"Got it. Well, I had worked a few jobs with Gray a while back, but that's about it. But he kept doing more damage than helping, so put an end to that quickly. I guess I never really thought about it until recently."
"So my former love causes damage with and without Natsu," Juvia said.
"Yup," Cana laughed. "I thought I could do better on my own than with a team. But Strider takes pretty good care of business, so I thought it'd be nice to team up with him. I've always been curious about the crazy jobs this team goes on. Is this your first with them, too?"
"Not exactly," Juvia said, thinking back. "I went on the first job that Strider went on, to the coast to subdue a giant bird. And then the job with… with… with Osonia…"
"Right," Cana said, frowning. "Sorry for bringing that up."
"It's fine," Juvia said softly. "This is my third with the team."
"Did you join the team so you could be closer to him?"
"I did," Juvia said immediately.
"Thought so," Cana said, smiling. "Were you solo before?"
"Not always. I went on a few with my former love and with Gajeel," Juvia said, thinking back. "But Strider is much more interesting and certainly less rude."
"True and true," Cana said. They continued for a while longer when she said, "You know, you and I might be up against each other at the next S-Class Trials."
"If we are, I shall not go easy on you!" Juvia declared.
"Bring it, babe," Cana said, smirking. "I think they'll be soon."
"Do you think Master Makarov will choose the same people as last time?" Juvia wondered.
"I dunno, actually. I think the same people might get chosen, but I think the Master'll go through it fairly. Like Bisca should definitely get chosen, for one," Cana said.
"Indeed. She's quite something, isn't she?" Juvia said, in slight wonder of the Gunslinger.
"No kidding. Raising Asuka by herself, helping keep the guild together when we were gone… she's a hell of a woman," Cana said. "Really hope I don't end up against her."
"I think this is the longest we've talked," Juvia suddenly said.
"I know," Cana laughed. "You're pretty cool, Juvia."
"Thank you," Juvia said, smiling at her.
-o-
The hours droned on and they all came back to the mouth of the forest. No one had found anything.
"What should we do now?" Lucy asked.
"I think I might go into the forest alone tonight. There's a chance that whatever it is can sense us. If that's the case, we might not find anything by trying to be the hunters," Strider said.
"You think we should become the hunted?" Cana asked.
"It has worked for me before," Strider said, thinking back. "Erza, Natsu, and Gray will keep watch tonight while I head into the forest. I'll send a signal incase something happens."
"I think one of us should go with you," Juvia said.
"I'll be fine," Strider said, smiling. "Besides, this is my element. It'll be just like home." Lucy and Erza just glanced at each before finally, Erza agreed.
"Be sure to signal us as soon as you need help. We'll be watching intently. Natsu, Gray – you two better not argue tonight, or I'll have your heads," Erza growled.
"Aye!" the two exclaimed.
"Let Wendy heal you a little before you go in," Erza ordered.
As Wendy worked on Strider, the others congregated around the fire.
"I think next time, we should take an easier request," Lucy sighed.
"Agreed," Erza said, rubbing her head.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Juvia asked worriedly.
"I think so. He doesn't seem to be worse for wear after the Century Quest, at least," Erza said.
"Still, he needs to take it easier. He's still only a man, after all," Lucy said.
"Yeah. A man that'll live to be hundreds of years old," Cana said, rolling her eyes.
"I can still barely believe it," Lucy grumbled. "I wish I look as pretty as I do now when I'm 100. Anyways, there's something I wanted to talk to you girls about…"
-o-
"Are you going in now?" Erza asked Strider at the mouth of the forest.
"I am," Strider said, stretching a bit. "I'll be back soon."
"Alright. Please be careful," she said, hugging him.
"I will," Strider said.
"Strider," Erza said as he was about to walk in.
"Hmm?" Strider asked.
"Do you consider Magnolia to be your home?" Erza asked. Lucy, Cana, and Juvia walked up behind her, all wearing serious looks.
"Where'd that come from?" Strider asked, surprised.
"Do you?" Erza asked. Strider stared intensely at them for a while before smiling.
"I do," Strider said quietly. "My second home, but my home nonetheless. Forgive me if I gave you the impression otherwise."
"So when you go back, will you come back?" Lucy asked.
"I promise that I will, Lucy," Strider said, walking back towards them. "Where did this come from?"
"We don't want to hold you," Lucy said nervously.
"The job can wait a minute," Strider said. "This is important to me."
"I just thought…" Lucy began, trying to hold his gaze. She turned from it many times before finally settling. "I thought you might feel like a guest here. Like… you're still staying at the guild and you don't have much that you got here."
"Ah," Strider said. Now that he thought about it, Lucy had a point. He hadn't made a concerted effort to move out of the guild, even with all the money he had earned. All he had in Fiore was the fortress, which wasn't exactly the most cozy place – or near his friends.
"You're right," Strider said. "I don't know why, honestly. Perhaps when I got here, I felt that way for a little bit, but the feeling evaporated quickly. Since the incident at Tenrou, I suppose I've just been getting back into the swing of things. It hasn't been that long since you all came back, after all. I'm sorry for making you feel that way, though. Magnolia is my home now and will be for a long, long time. I promise I'll go house hunting when we get back."
The four smiled at his reply. In turn, they hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before Strider delved into the forest.
"That's a load off my chest," Lucy said happily, walking back to the camp.
-o-
"A house, huh?" Strider whispered aloud to himself. "Nice and big so I can use it as a dimensional storehouse. Nice view, too. And plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Large grounds for animals and birds and insects and gardens and trees and flowers. A treasure room and a large, large library. And something to work on, of course. Yes, that sounds perfect."
'You will settle here?' Anglachel asked in his mind.
"In part," Strider said. "Home is home, after all. And I have much work left to do. But this is a welcome place to live out some part of my days."
'As you say,' Anglachel said.
"I thought you'd say something else," Strider said, a little amused at his old companion. "It's not like you to be so deferential."
'Do not mistake me. I care not whether it is here or there. Enemies abound everywhere and your peace is still not at hand. Peace to the world is a worthy, if not satisfying, goal for both of us.'
"You know, you speak about yourself as though you're a human at times," Strider said. "What would you be like, I wonder." Anglachel just stayed silent.
Strider continued delving deeper for a while longer when he finally heard a noise. He stopped and listened intently; he soon heard a low grumble. Every few seconds, he felt a slight tremor under his feet. He dropped down and put his head to the ground, listening. The tremors continued, but their cadence softly changed. They felt more like a prolonged thumping rather than an earthquake; whatever it was was underground. Strider began to look for opening that's might lead under the forest – broken ground, fissures, cracks, caves, pits, anything. He kept up his search as the night grew heavier, until he thought that the moon was at its highest point in the night sky.
"Let us chance a little more light," Strider said, telekinetically separating part of the canopy. The light of the moon and stars burst through the opening and spread around the area. He slowly worked his way outward until he could see clearly several hundred feet in each direction. His eyes soon fell upon a tree that had a hole carved in it. He approached it and felt a slight draft pass him by. As he approached, he saw that there was an opening. Heart racing with excitement, Strider entered.
He felt himself going down a gentle, slope. It was marked with several depressions – not deep, but enough to be felt by his feet. They were circular in nature, similar to the prints he had encountered the night before. He could hear a grumble, as though a heavy beast was burdened with something. He paused and let his eyes adjust to the dark; still, he couldn't see anything moving.
'I wonder what it might be?' Strider thought to himself. Still, he continued, undaunted and unflinching. As he reached stable ground, he looked back. The entrance to the cave was nothing more than a speck, like a single, pale white star in a pitch black night sky. Strider turned his back to the light and plunged deep into the darkness.
'Never do you approach an enemy with apprehension. It is admirable,' Anglachel said.
'Admirable or foolish,' Strider said.
'Both,' Anglachel responded. 'There is an odd feeling here.'
'Another sibling?' Strider asked.
'No. There is only Anguirel and I. But it is familiar. Or simply old. The deep parts of the world are thought to be connected,' Anglachel said.
'Maybe I'll find something from home here,' Strider offered.
'I would not expect it. But perhaps something ancient,' Anglachel said.
As Strider reached the epicenter of the noise, it suddenly stopped. All was still for a breathless moment before another sound came.
"Who goes there?" the voice said in a low, slow, deep, mechanized tone.
"A wizard," Strider replied in a lackadaisical tone.
"Why are you here?" the voice asked.
"There was a job posted at a nearby town about something killing creatures in the forest. You've caused a bit of a stir. I have no order to do anything specific; just to find out what it is and see if we can't reach some sort of a solution," Strider said.
"I have hurt no man, woman, or other creature capable of advanced thought," it said.
"I know. You've only killed animals so far," Strider said. "I cannot see you. Who, or what, are you?"
"I am a child," it answered.
"Might I chance a bit more light here?" Strider asked.
"If you must. I can see you clearly, wizard," it said. Strider thought that its eyes must be pitch black; he could barely make out a form but no definite features. He pulled a strange, ornate vial from his pocket and held it up. Suddenly, the cavern was awash with a beautiful, soft light, like that of a gentle star.
Strider got his first look at the creature. It was humanlike in stature, but much taller than any normal human. It towered above Strider, a good 20 feet tall. Its body was made of rock, sand, stone, gravel, and metal. Its head was carved into the shape of a helmet with two dark eyeholes staring at Strider. Its body was carved in the shape of armor, its arms in the shape of greaves, its hands in the shape of regular hands, and its legs in the shape of tree trunks, ending in small, circular feet with little protrusions for toes or claws. It was by any standard a heavy, earthly creature. It tilted its head slightly as it looked at Strider.
"Can you see me now, wizard?" it asked in the same tone.
"I can. What are you, exactly? What are you called by others, not by yourself?" Strider asked. The creature looked up before looking back down at Strider.
"A child," it answered Strider. "I was once called that."
"Whose child?" Strider asked.
"Hers," it said, tapping the ground with a foot and pointing at it.
"The grounds?" Strider asked, surprised.
"Earths," it answered.
"You must be quite old," Strider said.
"Yes," it answered.
"Why did you kill the animals? To eat them?" Strider asked.
"I require no sustenance. Earth provides what I need," it said.
"Then why?" Strider asked.
"I do not know," it answered. "I simply walked into them. I have not walked in a long time. I do not remember my strength."
"Did you wake recently?"
"Yes," it answered.
"How?" Strider asked.
"Her," the creature responded. Strider looked around but didn't see anyone else.
"Who?"
"The Lady of the Forest," it answered.
"The Lady of the Forest? Who is that?" Strider asked, intrigued.
"She is the Lady of the Forest," the creature said in an obvious tone. "She woke me when she came here. Long has she dwelt here."
"Is she a witch?" Strider asked.
"The Lady asked me to tell no one what she might or might not be," it said.
"I'm curious – how do you understand this language?" Strider asked.
"I have known your kind in ages past. I know all languages," it said.
"You've encountered other wizards?"
"Wizards. Men. Women. Children. Dragons. Ents. Elves. Fairies. Spirits. Gods. Demons. Devils. Goblins. Orcs. Spiders. The Horned Ones. Ghouls. Basilisks. Drowners. Cats. Dogs. Wolves. Wraiths. Bruxas. Vampires. Werewolves. Trolls. Stone Giants. Cockatrice. Dwarves. Wyverns. Mutants. Golems," the creature continued, mechanically naming creatures that Strider had known, slain, befriended, or otherwise never heard of. He tried to keep a level tone, pressing down the excitement that was threatening to spill over.
"And what of what you listed would you call yourself?" Strider asked. The creature thought about the question carefully.
"Of those? A golem," it said.
"How do you know about Elves or Orcs or Dwarves? There are none of those in Fiore," Strider said.
"The Lady of the Forest said the same," the golem responded. "I know little of where I am, wizard; or how I came here."
"I see," Strider said. He sat on the ground, looking at the golem thoughtfully. To his amusement, the golem mimicked his movement; it sat down and looked back at Strider, tilting its head. Strider held back a chuckle; it was indeed like a child.
"You don't seem dangerous. I am glad for that," Strider said. "Although I'm not sure how I might be able to help you."
"Help?" the golem asked. "Why?"
"Well, I figured you want to do something else besides live in the forest, no?" Strider asked. The golem thought about that.
"Why?" it asked again.
"Well… for personal gratification?" Strider offered. The golem thought about what he said before shrugging.
"I will stay here as long as the Lady of the Forest is here," it said.
"And should she pass?" Strider asked.
"I do not know," the golem said, looking at the ground. "May the Lady live long."
"Mmm…" Strider said, closing his eyes. The golem observed him carefully and quietly. When Strider finally opened his eyes, he just smiled at the golem.
"Try to be careful as you walk, golem. And maybe ask the Lady of the Forest to visit you here instead of searching for her," Strider said.
"I have been unable to find her recently. Or even sense her," the golem said, looking up. "I sensed you and others, though. It is why I stayed here."
"Yes, that makes sense now. Were you afraid of us?" Strider asked.
"I don't know," it said. "I do not understand fear. But I understand I didn't want to encounter you."
"Perhaps it's best you didn't. Some of my friends are rather eager to fight," Strider sighed. "I shall leave you in peace. I will tell the mayor of the town that they have nothing to fear and that you will likely avoid them at all costs anyways. I am interested in hearing your stories sometime, though. I hope you don't mind if I visit time and again."
"Ok," the golem said. As Strider got up he suddenly remembered his manners.
"Right. My name is Strider, by the way," Strider said.
"Strider," the golem said.
"Right. Until next time," Strider said.
"Strider," the golem suddenly said.
"Yes?"
"Tell the Lady to come here if you see her," the golem said.
"I couldn't even perceive her presence. I fear I might not be much help in finding her," Strider said.
"You are similar to her," the golem said.
"How so?" Strider asked, intrigued.
"Your air is similar," it said.
"Our air?" Strider asked.
"Yes," the golem said. Strider pondered that for a second before nodding.
"If I see her, I will tell her to come visit you or bring her to you," Strider said.
"Ok," the golem said. It sat down and stared at the ground. With one last look, Strider took his leave.
-o-
"An ancient creature?" Lucy asked, surprised as they all walked back to the town.
"Yup. Kindly creature, though. I liked it, actually. Straight to the point kind of thing. Nothing to worry about, though. It can sense our presence, which is why it didn't come out when we were looking for it," Strider said.
"Jeez, I wish more requests had nice, sweet monsters at the end of them," Lucy whined.
"No kidding. That's amazing," Cana said.
"You guys sure you don't want to visit?" Strider asked. "I could ta–"
"NO THANKS!" Wendy, Cana, Lucy, and Carla exclaimed. With a chuckle, they headed back to the town. As they met with the mayor, Strider pulled her aside to ask about the Lady of the Forest.
"It's a longstanding legend, but no one has actually seen her," the mayor told him. "There've been sights of a feminine figure, clad in white and glowing softly. She walks here and there, some of our townsfolk have said, but they've been able to get more than a single glance before she disappeared into thin air, right in front of them. I don't know whether or not I believe it myself. I'd like to, though. If a creature like you described is living right under us, then who knows what else might be there?"
"The golem doesn't frighten you?" Strider asked.
"It did at first. But considering that the Wizard of the Century himself gave it the ok, I have no complaints myself," the mayor said, showing him the magazine cover.
"Those vulturous reports. Oh, I'll show them what a real monster looks like," Strider growled.
"I guess the profile is right; you do hate the publicity," she said, smiling.
"More than you might guess," Strider grumbled as he sulked away.
-o-
"You're gonna look for this Lady of the Forest?" Erza asked as they all prepared to head home.
"Just for the night, I think. I promised the golem that I'd send her its way if I could. You guys head back; I'll probably fly home. Maybe do a bit of research for me on homes I could check out when I get back to the guild," Strider said, smiling at Lucy. She returned the smile and nodded.
"Any preferences?" Lucy wondered.
"Something in the mountains near Magnolia would be nice. Something big with lots of space," Strider said.
"I might have something in mind, actually," Lucy said, thinking on it.
"Really? That quick?" Strider asked, surprised.
"Hey, a girl can dream when she's about to move somewhere, right?" Lucy grumbled, recalling a particular place that fit his description. "I'll tell you when you get back."
"Can't wait to hear it. I'll see you all soon," Strider said. He gave them all a hug before returning to the forest.
-o-
'What are you, I wonder?' he thought to himself as he got to the mouth of the forest. As he stared long and deep, he suddenly saw a flash of white light deep within. It was then he heard a soft crooning.
"Come to me," the voice said softly. It was a woman, Strider thought. It continued, "I know you hear me, warrior. Come to me, please."
Quickly, he launched himself into the sky and flew to where he saw the flash. He continued to hear the voice softly calling to him and continued to make his way through the forest until, at last, he came upon a soft, white glow. His eyes grew wide as he saw a figure resting against a tree.
"It cannot be," he said softly as he beheld her.
She had long, black hair that flowed like a river down her back. Her eyes were grey and her ears slightly pointed. She looked at Strider with a calm, gentle smile and emitted a soft white light. Strider fell to his knees beside her, taking her hand in his and holding it gently.
"I thought it so," the elf said softly. "A Númenórean."
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