Instead of creating a separate sequel, I decided to simply continue. So, let's consider the first 8 chapters Book 1 and that would make this...
Book II
Chapter 9: 7 years Away
"What the fuck," Riku said, reaching behind his shoulder and grasping the hilt of his sword.
He had expected any number of surprises: Mystogan finally completing his mission and closing all the Anima, Laxus as the new Guild Master ruling like a tyrant, Natsu married to... to...anyone. Maybe Lucy? The point is that after seven years away, Riku was ready for the likely, the unlikely, and the laughably impossible. What he had not prepared for was running into Jellal Fernandes on his way back to Magnolia & the Fairy Tail Guild.
"Riku," Jellal greeted, pushing his hood down and holding up his hands. "How was Albareth?"
"Oh it was great. Lots of walking, delicious food, and sight-seeing," Riku said narrowing his eyes and widening his feet into a fighting stance. "How was the bottom of the sea? You more lacrima-free than last time I saw you."
"So you do remember when you're in that possessed state," said Jellal, a slight smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "I wasn't sure you had any control or influence."
"Good talk," Riku said and then he pushed off from his spot, bringing his sword down in a slashing movement and sending a powerful dark twister straight at Jellal. It hit him straight on, pushing him into the air and sending him flying back against a tree a few feet away.
Jellal sat up, blood coming down his forehead from a gash beneath his hair. He didn't seem to notice as he said, "You've gotten stronger since I last saw you."
Riku responded with another slash in the air, this one sending a shot of dark energy up from his hand, through the blade, and towards Jellal's sitting form. Jellal moved his head to the side, allowing the blade of energy to miss him, slicing through the tree.
"You could kill someone with that new move," Jellal observed, looking at the tree where his neck had been. "And you manage that through your sword? Afraid to use your power on its own after what happened before?"
"You don't get to talk about that with me," Riku snarled. He lunged forward, bringing his fist down hard across Jellal's cheek, then uppercutting him with the same hand. He was about to strike again, when he sensed approaching figures, could hear their panting breath as they approached. One of them called out for a sword. Riku leaped back just in time to block it with his own sword. His opponents sword fell to the ground before disappearing into nothingness.
Riku's eyes darted to Jellal's companions, trying to assess his risk level. To the left was a young woman with long pink hair (topped with a set of brown earmuffs), in a ponytail that reached to the middle of her back. She helped Jellal up, scanning him up and down quickly to assess his injures. The other companion was a woman with long purple hair, an orb in her arms. She moved her brown, watchful eyes from the place her sword had once been, to the orb, and then to Riku.
Riku blinked, lowering his sword for just a moment in surprise. Just enough time for the purple haired woman to leap forward, take his sword, and leave Riku feeling extremely foolish. Something about those eyes...
"This is Meredy," Jellal said motioning to the pink haired girl. "And Ultear. We mean you no harm."
"That's not how I remember it," Riku snarled. "And taking my sword, especially after you threw your own at me, certainly doesn't scream friendly."
"You were attacking us," Ultear reminded Riku. Riku avoided her eyes, they were weirding him out, but he couldn't explain why.
"We'll give it back," Jellal assured, making Ultear's expression turn to one of exasperation. "But only after you listen. You left to find Acnologia, but you couldn't, could you?"
"I followed a few leads, but I was always a little too late," Riku admitted.
"And one of your leads led you back to Fiore, didn't it," Jellal said.
"Maybe," Riku said.
"Something about Tenrou Island," said Ultear, more of a stated fact than a question.
Riku narrowed his eyes. How did she know about that? No one knew about Tenrou Island except Fairy Tail Mages.
"He was there," Meredy said. "He tried to destroy the island and the mages there were trapped for seven years, they got out a few months ago."
"It was during the S-Class trials," Jellal added, watching Riku's expression carefully.
"Erza-"Riku began, moving as if to turn back towards the beach miles away.
"She's fine," Jellal said. "They're all fine. In fact, we just saw them a day ago."
"That's not going to comfort him, Jellal," Meredy scolded. "We helped them enhance their powers. They're headed to Crocus for the Grand Magic Games. In fact, all of Fairy Tail is headed that way to cheer on the guild."
"We're headed there as well," Jellal said. "There is some dark magic at work during the games every year and we hope to find it and destroy it. You can join us for the journey, if you'd like." He nodded to Ultear, who grudgingly tossed Riku his sword. Jellal continued, "We can fill you in on the way."
"No, I'll go alone," Riku said, eyes darting quickly to Ultear then back to Jellal. He held his sword out and pointed at the three mages before him. "Don't follow me."
He tucked the sword back as he turned and walked quickly away towards the next town. He'd be able to find a way to Crocus there, even if it meant getting a carriage, his stomach churned at the thought.
The three figures watched him move out of sight before Meredy sighed, rubbing the back of her head in thought. "What does he mean don't follow him? That's the way to Crocus. How else will we get there?"
Ultear crossed her arms and made a sound of agreement, eyes still resting on the last visible spot Riku's figure had been.
"Do you recognize him," Jellal asked, looking at Ultear sideways.
Ultear made no sound of agreement or disagreement. Instead she looked up at the sun before motioning to the left of where Riku had disappeared.
"If we walk straight this way, we'll still make it to Crocus in the same time without Ubel thinking that we're following him," she said. Without waiting for a response, she began to stride forward.
"Ubel," Meredy repeated, turning to Jellal. "Who is Ubel?"
Jellal allowed a knowing smile to flit across his face as he began to follow Ultear's retreating figure.
"Jellal," Meredy whined. "Are you going to explain this to me?"
"Let's ask Ultear later," Jellal replied. "Besides, we'll see him again in Crocus."
Perhaps, Jellal added to himself, sooner than he realizes.
I'm still working on some of the details for this arc, but so far I'm having a lovely time and I hope you enjoy it! Don't forget to review!
