Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon

Chapter 48

Nikolias blinked and suddenly, he could see again. He couldn't remember how long he was in the darkness for, but it felt like an eternity. His vision was slightly hazy, but it was clearing up little by little every second. "Wha…What happened?" he mumbled as he looked around. "Where am I?"

He scanned the area. He had no idea where he was, but wherever he was, it was completely destroyed. Buildings lay in crumbled, broken heaps. Smoke billowed from the wreckages. Fire danced everywhere, tickling the night sky. But this wasn't any regular fire. This fire was pitch-black.

This was his fire.

"What happened here?" he asked. Then, the smell of blood caught his attention. It was close. He looked down at his hands only to find that they were caked in fresh blood. He looked himself over as best he could. However, other than a few spots here and there, most of the blood seemed to be on his hands and forearms. He wiped the blood off on his clothes the best he could, but it still stained his skin.

He looked around the area once more. "Did…I do this?" He licked his dry lips, but a peculiar taste made him pause. He could taste blood. He wiped his mouth with his hand. When he looked at his hand, more blood appeared.

There was fresh blood smeared all around his mouth.

"What the hell happened here?" he asked softly, afraid as to what the answer might be.

"How could you?" a soft voice asked behind him.

Nikolias whipped around and his eyes widened at what he saw.

There, kneeling on the ground over the bloody and lifeless body of Elfman, was Mira. Tears poured down her face as she held her brother close.

"Mira?"

"You killed him," she whimpered. "You killed everyone. You destroyed Magnolia. How could you?"

"Mira, I...," he tried to say.

"How could you?" she shrieked. "They all loved you and you killed them! They tried to stop you and you slaughtered them all without hesitation!"

"There's no way," he whispered. He looked around again and this time, he noticed the countless bloody corpses that were strewn about the broken town of Magnolia. Some were of strangers. Some were of his friends of Fairy Tail. "Mira, I wouldn't…"

"You're a monster," she hissed.

Nikolias felt like his heart stopped beating. "Mira, I'm sor…"

Mira looked up at him with angry and tear-filled eyes. "I never want to see you again."

Tears started rolling down Nikolias' cheeks. "Mira, please don't say that." He took a step forward.

"Stay away!" she demanded, causing Nikolias to freeze in his tracks. "Just stay away from him. Stay away from me!" She looked back at Elfman's face. "I'll never forgive you for this," she sobbed as she laid her head on Elfman's chest. "Never."


"Nikolias, wake up!"

Nikolias' eyes shot open. A heavy sweat clung to his body. He was panting heavily. His eyes immediately found Mira's blue eyes, worry written all over her face. She was leaning over him from her spot in the bed.

Mira cupped his face with her hand. "Nikolias, are you alright? You're drenched in sweat."

Tears started to fill Nikolias' golden brown eyes. He quickly reached up and pulled Mira on top of him, buried his face in the side of her neck, and cried.

Mira could feel his hot tears on her skin. "Nikolias? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I didn't mean to. I swear, I didn't mean to. Please forgive me. I'm sorry. Please don't leave me alone."

Mira held him tightly and let him cry. She had no idea what he was talking about, but it was clear that he was very upset. She calmly pet his head. "Shh. It's okay. I'm not going anywhere. It'll be alright."

Nikolias held her tighter. "Mira," he sobbed. "Mira. Mira. Mira."

Mira closed her eyes as she continued to try and soothe him. "I'm right here. It's alright. I'm right here."


Morning rolled around and Mira yawned as the morning sun poured through the window. She sat up and looked down at the sleeping form of Nikolias. She had finally managed to soothe Nikolias back to sleep and had stayed in his arms all through the night. It seemed to comfort him, for he didn't appear to have any more issues. Still, she was concerned. What was he apologizing for? She figured he was having a nightmare, but what was it about and why did it make him cry like that?

She stood from the bed, deciding to let Nikolias catch up on his sleep after his rough night. She changed into her usual red dress and made her way to the guild with Lisanna and Elfman.

As the three walked, it was clear that Mira couldn't stop thinking about Nikolias and what was bothering him. Lisanna was the first to notice. "Mira? Are you alright? You seem like you're spaced out."

Mira blinked and looked at her sister. "Sorry. I was just thinking about something. I didn't mean to space out."

"Big sis, if something's bothering you, you should tell us. It isn't manly to keep things that are troubling you from your family," Elfman said, putting a hand on Mira's shoulder.

Mira smiled. "Really, it's okay. I was just thinking, that's all. Don't worry about a thing."

The two Strauss' didn't fully believe her, but they let it go.

The three arrived in the guild a few minutes later. Lisanna and Elfman went to the mission board while Mira went behind the bar with Kinana.

Kinana smiled at her. "Oh, you're here early."

Mira smiled at her. "Yeah, I guess I didn't sleep as well as I could have. I can take it from here for a while."

Kinana nodded and went to work elsewhere.

Mira sighed as she began cleaning plates and glasses. She wished she knew what Nikolias' nightmare was about. The fact that he was so troubled by it bothered her deeply. She had never seen him so hurt before. It broke her heart.

"Yo, Mira!" Gracie called out as she walked over to the white haired woman. She slapped a piece of paper on the bar counter. "I'd like to take this job."

Mira smiled and nodded. "Okay. I'll make a note of it."

Gracie looked around. "So where's Niky at?"

"He's sleeping."

Gracie grinned mischievously. "I see. I guess you really tired him out last night. Impressive, considering the kind of physical stamina he has."

Mira didn't respond. Instead, her gaze fell to the floor.

Gracie saw the sorrow in her eyes. "Oh, crap. I'm sorry, Mira. You know me. I was just kidding around. Honest, I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's not that," Mira said while shaking her head. "It's just…Nikolias had a bad nightmare last night."

"A bad nightmare, huh? What about?" Gracie asked.

"I'm not sure," Mira admitted. "I didn't have the chance to ask and even if I did, there's no guarantee he'd tell me. All I know is that it really freaked him out. Once I woke him up, he broke down crying and kept apologizing to me and begging me not to leave him."

Gracie scratched her chin. "Well, that's…certainly odd. I'm not sure what's going on in his head."

"Neither do I," Mira said sadly. "I wish I could help him."

"Just relax," Gracie said. "It's very possible that this nightmare was just a one time thing and Niky won't be any worse for wear today or ever again. Just have faith."

Mira took a deep breath. "You're right. Thanks, Gracie."

Gracie giggled and grabbed the paper. "Well, I'm off. Tell Niky where I went. I should be back in a few hours, though."

Mira nodded. "Right. Be safe and have fun!"

Gracie walked backwards and saluted. "Yes, ma'am!" She then turned back around and marched off.

Mira watched Gracie march off like a soldier and nodded. "She's right. Everything will be fine."


A FEW HOURS LATER

Nikolias' eyes slowly opened as they adjusted to the late morning sun. He groaned as he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He looked towards where Mira usually slept, but found her absent from the bed. He then looked at the clock and realized that she most likely left for the guild hall already.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and let his bare feet touch the cold wooden floor. However, he didn't get up. He looked at his hands. "That dream last night…what the hell was that about? I've never had that kind of dream before." He clenched them into fists. "What is going on with me?"

Suddenly, Nikolias' head felt like someone was pounding on it. He immediately grabbed for his head, but the pain had already subsided. He slowly lowered his hand, waiting for the pain to return, but there was nothing. It had vanished. "Weird."

Nikolias stood up, threw off his white shirt and boxers and went to shower. As the warm water cascaded down his bare back, he let his mind go to work at piecing together what had been happening since the return from Tenrou. "First, my senses got stronger; more specifically my sense of smell. Then, I got way too angry about Mira just dancing with another guy. Then the nightmare last night happened. And now, a strange, painful, and fleeting headache like nothing I've ever experienced before. What could it all mean?" He silently contemplated what all of those experiences could add up to, but he was coming up empty. After a few minutes, he gave up, angrily scratching his head as he groaned. "Gah! I can't figure it out!" He sighed as he let his arms fall limply at his sides. "I'm just gonna go to the guild and try to forget about all of this."

Once he had finished washing himself, he threw on his favorite black shirt with gold, jagged patterns dancing across it as well as a new pair of forest green baggy pants he had purchased since his other pair was bloodied beyond repair. He then made his way out of the Strauss home and headed towards the guild.


"I'm back!" Gracie sang as she flew through the doors of the guild.

"Welcome back!" Mira said with a smile. "How was your mission?"

Gracie sat at the bar and rested her elbow on the counter, a cocky smile on her face. "Too easy. That monster was way oversold. I mean, all I had to do was cut off a leg and it was over. The money was good for a child's job, though, so there was at least that."

Mira giggled. "Well I prefer when the jobs aren't too dangerous."

Gracie turned in her seat so that she could rest her chin on the counter. "Yeah, but I enjoy challenges."

"Maybe next time will be challenging for you," Mira offered.

"One can hope," Gracie said with a sigh. "So where the hell is Niky? He still sleeping?"

Mira shrugged. "He hasn't been in. Whether he's sleeping or not, I don't know." She placed a dainty finger on her lips, worry clear on her face. "Maybe I should go check on him."

Before Gracie could answer, though, the doors opened up and in walked Nikolias. He immediately made his way over to the bar.

"There you are!" Gracie called out. "Man, you're so lazy! I did a mission and came back in the time it took you to wake the hell up."

Nikolias sat down and sighed. "Sorry. Rough night."

"Are you doing okay?" Mira asked.

Nikolias smiled as he offered his hand to Mira. She took it and he gave it a comforting squeeze. "Yeah, I'm alright. Sorry to worry you like I did. The dream was just very real."

"What was this dream about?" Gracie asked.

Nikolias shook his head. "Nothing to worry about."

Gracie frowned. "But you were apologizing to Mira when you woke up. Something must have happened that bothered you."

He closed his eyes. "Really, it was nothing. I dropped a cake that she had made and I felt guilty. It was a very real dream, so when I woke up, I still felt the guilt."

Gracie sighed and gave him a quick rap on the forehead with the knuckle of her finger. "That may have been the worst lie I've ever heard in my life."

Nikolias rubbed his forehead. "What lie?"

Gracie gave him a deadpanned look. "You dropped a cake that Mira made and that made you upset when you woke up. I totally believe that."

Nikolias shrugged. "Believe what you want."

Mira squeezed his hands. "Nikolias, please tell me the truth. I'm worried about you."

Nikolias didn't meet her gaze for a moment. He hated to make her worry, but telling her would just upset her more. He looked up at her and smiled. "Please don't worry about it. It was a one time dream and I'm sure that it will never come around again. I mean, nightmares only happen once, right?"

Mira sighed. "I wish you'd share more with me."

"There you are, Nikolias."

Nikolias turned in his seat to see a fairly ticked off Carla and an embarrassed Wendy standing in front of him. "Hey guys."

"Don't 'hey guys' us!" Carla said while pointing a paw at him. "Where have you been?"

"Please, Carla!" Wendy begged. "It's really okay. You don't have to be so mean to him."

Nikolias was very confused. "Sorry, I slept in this morning. Is there something that you need?"

Carla crossed her tiny arms. "Wendy has been looking for you all morning."

Wendy blushed. "Don't say it like that!"

Nikolias looked at Wendy and smiled. "Well here I am. What can I do for you?"

Carla turned to Wendy. "Go ahead, child. Ask your question."

Wendy's gaze fell to the floor as she uncomfortably shuffled her feet. "Umm…well I was just wondering…"

"You're too cute!" Gracie squealed.

"Don't interrupt!" Carla scolded. "Come on, out with it, Wendy!"

Wendy was getting redder and redder by the second. "I just…well I wanted to ask you if…if you could train me."

Nikolias raised an eyebrow. "Train you?"

Wendy gave a slow and small nod. "Yeah. It's just that…you're the strongest person I know."

Nikolias felt his face get hot. He scratched his cheek. "Thanks, Wendy. That's kind of you to say."

Wendy smiled and lifted her head. "It's the truth, though. I just feel like I was so worthless on Tenrou Island. I want to fight better."

Nikolias shook his head. "You should give yourself credit. You were a great help on Tenrou Island. You were nowhere near worthless. Support magic and abilities are just as important as offensive magic and abilities, if not more so. If you want to learn to fight better, I'll try to help you out. Just don't be too upset if I don't end up being of any help, okay?"

Wendy nodded, a big smile on her face. "Thank you, Nikolias!"

Nikolias got up. "Don't mention it." He looked to Mira. "We won't be gone long."

Mira smiled. "Alright. Have fun, you two, and be careful!"

The two walked out of the guild, Wendy skipping with glee.

Gracie leaned back on the counter as she watched the two walk out. "I wonder how that will go."

"I'm still not sure that this is a good idea, but Wendy insisted that she wanted to get stronger," Carla said with a huff.

"I just hope Wendy doesn't push herself too much," Mira said.

Gracie looked back at her and smiled. "Don't worry. Niky wouldn't let that happen. He looks out for his friends."


Nikolias and Wendy walked out of Magnolia and onto an open field. The wind was blowing gently, bending the grass and sending ripples across the ground. Normally, Nikolias would have just taken her to the training field, but the new guild hall didn't have a suitably big enough space.

Nikolias stretched his arms above his head and faced Wendy. "Alright, this space will work out."

Wendy looked around. "Wow, it's really spacious here. Have you trained here before?"

"No, I used to train at the guild's training field, but it just isn't big enough anymore. This will probably do as my replacement."

"Okay," Wendy said as she pumped her fists. "Let's get started!"

Nikolias held his arms out. "Whoa, slow your roll, Wendy. Before we do that, you'll have to be a little more specific with me."

She tilted her head cutely to the side. "What do you mean?"

"Well what is it exactly that you want to learn? Hand-to-hand combat?"

"I'd like to learn a new move if you don't mind."

Nikolias sighed. "I see. You do remember me telling you that I can't teach you guys much because we have different power elements, right?"

Wendy nodded. "I remember. I was hoping that there might be something, but if there's not, I understand. I won't push you." Nikolias burst out laughing, which surprised Wendy. "What did I say?"

He shook his head, but kept laughing. "It really is amazing how similar you all are to my old Half-Dragon friends. Natsu is as hot-headed as Alec, Gajeel is as talkative as Baron, and you're as kind and understanding as Chloe."

Wendy blushed slightly. "I'm honored that I remind you so much of Chloe. She sounds amazing and strong."

"She was." He then ran a hand through his hair. "Well, lucky for you, I spent a lot of time with Chloe and observed her abilities thoroughly. I think I may have a few things I could try to teach you. However, only one of them can be demonstrated. The others would be verbal explanations, so they'd be harder to learn."

Wendy smiled. "I'll do my best to learn whatever you teach me!"

Nikolias returned the smile. "I feel I should remind you again; these take a lot of energy to use."

"I remember," she said excitedly.

He chuckled. "Alright, we'll begin on your first offensive move."

Wendy giggled with excitement. "I can't wait to be stronger!"

"Alright, stand close to me for this one." Wendy walked towards Nikolias until she was standing right beside him. "Okay, so I call this one Shadow Dragon Hurricane. Chloe called it Wind Dragon Gale Force. It's great for fighting large groups of people. However, you need to be careful when using it around allies because it doesn't recognize ally from enemy."

Wendy nodded. "Okay."

"Now, the first step will be to channel your magic into the air." Nikolias lifted his right hand and shadows began to pour into the sky and collected above him. He then reached out and pulled Wendy against him, causing her to blush at the proximity. "Sorry, just in case. Anyway, the second step is to begin moving your arm in a circle while simultaneously pouring more of your magic into the sky. Also, the faster you move your arm, the more power, speed, and range the attack will have. Observe." He then looked up into the sky and began to move his right arm in circles above his head while shadows continued to pour out of his hand. Soon, a growing vortex of shadows appeared over his head. "SHADOW DRAGON HURRICANE!" He swung his arm around faster and faster until it was almost a blur. As he did so, shadows began to spin all around him like black wind. The faster he spun his arm, the faster the shadows whirled around and the more the field was bathed in shadows. The Shadows Dragon Hurricane sliced through the grass and even a few boulders that were lying around as if they were nothing.

Nikolias began to slow his movements and the shadows began to shrink away. After a few moments, he stopped moving his arm and the shadows vanished altogether. Nikolias released Wendy. "Make sense?"

Wendy took a step back and nodded. "I think so, but what does the move actually do?"

"The winds you'd create while doing this will be like razor blades," Nikolias explained. "The wind will become so sharp that it will cut through anything."

"Even people?" Wendy asked with slight fear in her voice.

He nodded. "Even people."

Wendy looked at the ground. "But I don't want to hurt people that badly."

Nikolias chuckled. "So much like Chloe. Alright, I'll tell you how you can modify it so that it only pushes people away. However, that would make it more of a defensive move as opposed to offensive."

"That's alright," Wendy assured.

He sighed. "Alright, if you're sure. Basically, to prevent sharp blades of wind from forming, you just have to reduce the amount of magic you put into the sky." Nikolias took a few steps back. "Go ahead and try."

Wendy looked confused. "I thought that we had to be close together?"

"That was before I knew that you didn't want anyone to ever get cut by this move. Since you only want it to push away crowds, it'll be safe for me to feel the wind and judge how it's coming along."

"But what if I put out too much power and cut you?"

"Then you cut me and I heal a few moments later," he said with a laugh. "Don't worry. Just do what feels natural."

Wendy nodded and took a deep breath. She then thrust her right arm into the air and pointed her palm at the sky. "SKY DRAGON GALE FORCE!" She sent her magic into the air and it began to collect above her. She then began to spin her arm around and the wind spun with her, spinning faster and faster and picking up solid force.

Nikolias braced himself against the increasing winds. "Good, Wendy! If you feel like your energy reserves are okay, try to pick up a little more speed!"

Wendy nodded and spun her tiny arm a little bit faster. The wind began to pick up force and soon, Nikolias was being pushed back slightly, no matter how hard he dug into the ground. "Excellent, Wendy!" he called out over the strong winds.

A moment later, Wendy slowed down and stopped, allowing the gathering winds to dissipate. She panted as she dropped to her knees. "How was that?"

Nikolias walked up to her and squatted beside her. "Really good work, Wendy. You pushed me back about five feet and look." He motioned to his body. "No cuts, which means the power you put out was the perfect amount for this move to accomplish what you want this move to accomplish."

Wendy gave a tired smile. "I did it!"

He nodded and smiled back. "You sure did." Suddenly, Nikolias' head began pounding again, causing him to fall backwards. He clutched his head and grit his teeth, for this one was even more painful than the last one. However, just like last time, it was fast and fleeting and soon disappeared without a trace.

Wendy was immediately by Nikolias' side, despite her fatigue. "Nikolias! Are you alright?"

Nikolias removed his hand from his head and nodded. "Yeah. Just a headache."

Wendy shook her head. "A headache wouldn't do that to you. Here, let me help you." She began to lift her arms to his head, but he quickly and gently brought them back down to the grass.

He shook his head. "You're far too exhausted from learning that new move to be worrying about me. Besides, it really is just a headache. It just caught me off guard. That's the only reason I reacted that way."

"But I want to help."

"And I appreciate it, but right now, you need to be looking out for yourself. Don't trouble yourself over something so small." He gave her a big grin. "I'm a Half-Dragon, after all. I can handle a little discomfort."

Wendy sat back, but ultimately yielded. "Alright. Still, if you aren't feeling well, you should rest."

"I'll consider it." Nikolias then stood up and offered Wendy a hand. She gladly accepted, but stood on wobbly legs. "You're looking a little tired." He got down to the ground and offered his back to Wendy. "Here, I'll carry you back."

"I can walk back. I don't want to trouble you. You've already helped so much."

"Consider it my obligation. It was me who taught you the move and made you this tired."

Wendy thought it over, but realized that her legs would probably give out before they would return. She nodded and got onto Nikolias' back.

He stood and held onto Wendy's legs as he began the return trip to the guild. "I really was impressed with you today, Wendy. You picked that up a lot faster than I thought you would."

"You're just a very good teacher," Wendy said.

Nikolias laughed. "I don't know how true that is. I just think that you, Natsu, and Gajeel are fast learners."

"Maybe, but I think it's both."

"Perhaps you're right."

"Hey Nikolias?"

"Yeah?"

"How long have those headaches been bothering you?"

"They started this morning, but they really are nothing. Probably just from the poor sleep I got last night."

"Please tell me if they get worse. I want to help."

He nodded. "You've got a deal."

She rested her head against Nikolias' strong back. "Hey Nikolias?"

"Yeah, Wendy?"

She closed her eyes. "Thank you for helping me become stronger so that I can help to protect my friends." Her breathing then slowed down as sleep claimed her.

Nikolias smiled as he felt her even breathing through the thin fabric of his shirt. "Of course, Wendy. I'm happy to help," he whispered. "Now rest up, little dragon."


"Good lord, what did you do to her?" Carla cried.

Nikolias had reentered the guild hall with Wendy still asleep on his back. Of course, upon seeing Wendy unconscious and being carried by Nikolias, Carla freaked out.

"It's okay, Carla," Nikolias assured as he walked over to the bar. Mira was still tending the bar while Gracie, Erza, Natsu, Lucy, and Carla sat at the counter. "She's just sleeping. She's not hurt or anything."

"I knew this was a bad idea," Carla said. "I knew training with you would be bad for her. She was going to push herself too hard trying to do things that she doesn't have the energy for."

"She's really okay," Nikolias said. "She's strong, Carla. She almost mastered the move I taught her on the very first try. It's exhausting, but if training with me is what she wants to do, I can promise you that the changes in her stamina and power will be dramatic."

"I'm still very much against this whole thing," Carla said while crossing her arms.

A soft moan sounded from Nikolias' back. Slowly, Wendy opened her eyes. "Carla?" She lifted a tiny hand and wiped the sleep from her eyes. "Why are you yelling?"

"I am not yelling!" Carla yelled. "I think it's irresponsible of you to be trying to bring yourself to Nikolias' level."

"But I'm already learning so much," Wendy said. "You can put me down, Nikolias. I'm feeling much better."

Nikolias nodded and knelt down so that Wendy's feet could touch the ground. Once she left his back, he straightened back up and looked down at Carla. "I won't make the decision for her. If she wants to keep training with me, then I'll keep training with her."

"I wanna train with you, too!" Natsu cried. "I bet you could still teach me a lot."

"Not sure I can, but I could at least help with close combat," Nikolias offered.

"So what did you learn, Wendy?" Mira asked from behind the counter.

Wendy excitedly pumped her fists. "It's called Sky Dragon Gale Force. It can knock people away!"

"That sounds really helpful," Erza said.

"I thought you were gonna teach her offensive stuff?" Gracie asked. "That kinda sounds lame for an offensive move."

Nikolias shrugged. "She didn't want the wind to actually slash through people. Go figure."

"Well I think it's perfect for you, Wendy," Lucy said with a smile.

"I think so, too," Wendy said, returning the smile. "Plus, Nikolias says there are even more moves he can teach me!"

"One at a time, though," Nikolias said. "I don't want to overwhelm you."

"No fair!" Natsu wailed. "How come you have so much you can teach her?"

Nikolias shrugged again. "I dated a Wind Half-Dragon. Sue me for knowing more about wind than fire."

Natsu crossed his arms and pouted. "Still no fair."

Nikolias chuckled. "I'll see what I can think up, Natsu." He sat down. "But for now, I could use some food. Can I have a burger, Mira?"

Mira nodded and went to preparing the meal.

"So what else do you have in store for Wendy?" Erza asked. "Something that's more of an attack since that's what she wants?"

Nikolias sighed as he rested his arms on the counter. "Nothing that I can show her. I could always verbally explain some, but that makes it harder for her to learn them. For example, I think I could describe Chloe's Wind Dragon Howling Fang technique. The only problem is that I can't really think of many others that would be offensive while still not badly hurting people."

"What's the Howling Fang technique?" Wendy asked.

"Simply put, you create a dragon's head out of nothing but wind. The wind then slams down into an opponent. There's no cutting or impaling or anything, so it should do the job."

"I'll do my best to learn whatever you decide to teach me!" Wendy said with determination.

Nikolias smiled at her. "I know you will. I'm more concerned that I won't be able to explain it well."

Mira walked back and placed Nikolias' food in front of him. She gave him a warm smile. "I'm sure you can do it. You are amazing after all."

Nikolias reached out and took her hand. "Thanks, Mira."

Suddenly, the doors to the guild opened. Everyone turned to see who had arrived, but no one would have guessed who walked through the doors.

It was the Magic Council's army, the Rune Knights. Standing at the helm of the dozen or so armed soldiers was a man with bright orange hair. He was tall and strong and scars decorated his rugged face. He looked around the guild hall with cold green eyes. "I'm glad to see that the rumors of Fairy Tail's return weren't exaggerated."

Makarov walked towards the visitors. "Can I help you gentlemen with something?"

The orange-haired man looked down at Makarov. "Ah, Master Makarov, I presume? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Caro, head of the 5th Custody Enforcement Unit. My apologies for the intrusion, but I'm afraid I have urgent business that requires immediate attention."

"What business would that be?" Makarov asked while raising a bushy eyebrow questioningly.

Caro reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small scroll. He untied the string holding it closed and unrolled it. He cleared his throat before he began. "Nikolias the Half-Dragon, by orders of the Magic Council, you are hereby under arrest."


A really fast update, huh? Yeah, I'm surprised too, but when inspiration hits, it hits hard. Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of Arc 2.5!