RedHood001: Hey, thanks a bunch. I figured showing the aftermath of the tower only makes sense. Yeah, it's partly because I don't like the way canon handles it but I've got plans for this story down the line so safe to say, this is going to pretty different from the canon stuff.
1971kr: You misunderstood me, yeah being possessed makes sense given the abrupt change. The part I don't get is why did have to be Ultear? And the way they just revealed that was just out of the blue and it doesn't really add up with her story. I don't think Crime Sorciere should be counted as a cause either, there were better ways to handle this in my opinion. It's like the point was just to condemn her even more, which feels completely unnecessary.
Riku wondered when the nightmares would stop.
He'd been awoken once again by another one and couldn't go back to sleep. Deciding to meditate and clear his mind, he glanced at the door, relieved that he hadn't disturbed Belle this time. One of them might as well get a full night's rest.
A short while later, he found his thoughts straying once again, not because of his recent trouble but something that he simply couldn't figure out. His friends assumed that he was good at sensing but...he wasn't sure that was all there was to it. Sometimes it felt like he could feel the earth itself, as if it were alive. He could feel everything around him at once. He'd only discovered this by accident but it came to him with such familiarity, as if he'd done this many times before. It was just so strange, no matter how many books he tried to check, he never found anything about this.
Even now, just being here like this, it was strangely calming. He didn't know if it was his magic again or that he simply liked being in the garden but he certainly wasn't about to complain.
The grass rustled not too far away and Riku registered the sudden but familiar weight settling on his shoulder, his lips twitching as Cubelios curled around his shoulders. Usually, the snake wouldn't do this for anyone besides Erik but he knew it was her way of offering support. The snake let out a pleasant hiss as he patted her head in gratitude, her tongue flicking for a moment.
Both simply sat there, content to relax in the peaceful day.
Mira was on her way to the guild when she spotted a familiar figure in blue hovering uncertainly near a shop. ''Juvia!'' The water mage turned to her with a start ''Hey there, I'm guessing you're looking for something for Miss Fairy Tail...'' Her expression turned sly ''...or is it about impressing a certain ice wizard?''
She had to hold back a giggle as the now blushing Juvia tried to stammer through an explanation. A little part of her felt bad for the teasing but this was adorable, Juvia seemed to be head over heels for Gray and Mira never had the chance to find out what exactly happened between them.
''Oh...'' Juvia was surprised when she explained as much. ''...Juvia never told you? Well, Gray-sama saved Juvia-even when they were enemies...when he had no reason to. But that's not all. Juvia has never been able to feel the sun before that battle.''
Whatever she expected, it certainly wasn't that. ''Wait, what? What do you mean?''
''Juvia was born with extraordinarily powerful magic, many in her family envied her but it's also a curse. There would always be rain following Juvia wherever she went. A few people would say it's because Juvia is powerful but many others would mock Juvia, call her gloomy, a troublemaker who can't control her power. Juvia was an outcast nearly all her life.''
''Oh, I'm sorry-that's terrible...'' Mira was suddenly reminded of Gildarts. His problems may not have been anywhere near that bad but she did hear a number of stories where he struggled to handle his Crash magic. How often he'd had to stay alone, how long he trained, until he finally managed to get a handle on things, all because he didn't want to trouble anyone. ''...I can see why that battle made such an impression on you.''
''It really did!'' Her expression lit up ''Juvia won't ever forget what it was like, seeing the sun without any clouds getting in the way. Just truly feeling it for the first time...it was wonderful and Juvia can't thank Gray-sama enough!''
''It just goes to show, even the things we take for granted can be their weight in gold for someone else...'' Mira smiled as the latter heartily agreed. ''...you know, a friend of ours had a problem like yours...''
As the two walked together, Juvia listened with curiosity and growing incredulity as Mira explained about the Gildarts Shift ''The buildings have to be lifted out of his way every time he visits...and that's an improvement?''
''Well, he is a lot better now about the destruction. The trouble starts when he gets absentminded...which is admittedly a lot.'' Mira conceded after a moment.
It wasn't long before they passed Riku and Belle's home, which was the first time Juvia got to see their garden. Mira' smile grew with the water mage's clear awe, the garden generally tended to cause this reaction. Not only were the various flora and fauna a sight to see, it made a great hangout spot which they all enjoyed.
''Oh, is that...?'' Juvia started at the sight of a large, purple appendage poking through a few bushes.
Neither was surprised to find that it was indeed Cubelios, holding a hose in her mouth as it sprayed water over some seeds. Turning the hose off once she was sure there was enough, Cubelios nodded at the girls, flicking Mira's hand with her tongue as she patted her head.
The snake then made a point of overlooking the equipment nearby, grabbing a bag with her tail before approaching Riku. Juvia couldn't help but note how despite her size, she was getting around her with ease that could only come with experience as she joined Riku. The brunet seemed focused on whatever he was doing. But he did look up once they drew closer, Mira waving them over ''Morning, you two-keeping busy, huh?''
He shrugged, putting the basket in his hands away before nodding in greeting at Juvia. The blue haired girl was really glad to find people who welcomed her so easily. ''Hello, Riku-san! Juvia just wanted to say that this garden is wonderful, though Juvia's sure Riku-san hears that a lot.''
The brunet chuckled despite himself, it was true after all. His eyes trailed to the bags in their hands 'Clearly we're not the ones keeping busy.'
Mira hummed ''Well, Juvia had some plans for a certain someone...'' She couldn't help giggling as the other girl flushed. ''...so I was giving her some advice.''
'That's nice of you. Although considering the time of the year, I'm starting to have some concerns.' Riku gave her a meaningful look when she looked like she was going to argue 'Do I need to bring up last year's Miss Fairy Tail?'
Despite her pouting, Mira wasn't surprised. Riku was far from the first to bring that day ''I thought you'd appreciate some innovation.''
'There's innovation and then there's plain bad taste.'
''You're so mean...''
Both paused, realizing that they were keeping Juvia out of the loop, leading Mira to explain.
''Oh...'' She held back a giggle ''...you two seem close.''
''Ah, Riku's one of my best friends.'' Mira beamed as he returned her smile.
One wouldn't have thought they'd be like this just a couple of years ago though...in fact, far from it...
The first time they met was when Riku had come looking for Erza after she failed to turn up for the time they'd agreed on.
It wasn't like Erza to be late. In fact, she was exceedingly punctual. And meeting by the river to train had been her idea. Thus, Riku was getting a bit worried and so set off to find her. After a few failed attempts, he'd wound up learning that she was in the guild all along.
The sound of a crash might have startled him before but they'd grown quite used to the guild's chaos in the short while they'd been here. It was the source that took him by surprise.
There was Erza, butting heads with a white haired girl in black, both glaring daggers at each other. And that was enough to let him understand...she'd run into Mirajane. That was just great...
''How long?''
''Almost an hour...'' Gray returned in an equally flat tone. ''...good grief...and Erza gets on our case for fighting, the hypocrite.''
Not only did Riku agree; he had in fact called her out before. Erza had tried to argue that it was different but soon ran out of reasons, conceding in the end. Riku chalked up to Mirajane's incredible knack to rile her up. In the end, reason simply flew out the window with those two.
He'd yet to even talk to the girl but he'd seen the glares she sent his way before, so he steered clear. Riku didn't see a reason to approach when he clearly wasn't wanted.
Elfman and Lisanna were perfectly nice and they were close to their older sister. Riku believed she must have been really different to them because for the life of him he couldn't see why otherwise. But still something about her rubbed him the wrong way; he couldn't put his finger on it. He didn't know if it was that the ability to sense malice from his dragon slayer magic but he still felt staying away was for the best.
As much as he wanted to avoid judging her, Mirajane soon made his growing suspicions turn for the worse.
''Well, well-look at the tin can's little follower.'' The sneer coming Riku's way didn't even make him blink but a few of the onlookers were unnerved. ''Figures you'd stick together, you're equally pathetic. I saw the way you've been looking around, think you're too good for the rest of us or something?''
''You're one to talk.'' He pointedly ignored Gray's hissed warning to stop. ''I'm not the best at making friends but at least I don't blast anything that looks my way.''
Quite a few of the listeners felt that this was a very valid point but no one dared to speak.
''What was that?!''
Riku didn't even blink. He'd dealt with far worse than a girl with a vicious temper. ''I thought I made myself clear. What's your problem anyway? You've been acting like we're enemies this whole time.''
''I don't have to explain anything to a weakling like you! I could cream you in minutes!''
''That doesn't make you any less of a bully.'' The retort made her come up short but Riku's annoyance only grew. Now he knew why something rubbed him off about her. ''You want to talk about how I treat others? Look in the mirror for a minute. I don't care if you're stronger than me. I'm sick of people acting like might makes right. So if you think a little strength is enough to scare me, guess again.''
Whether Mirajane had an answer or not didn't matter, he wasn't going to waste more time here. Riku left, completely unaware of people staring at him with a certain sense of awe. On the other hand, Erza could see that her friend was upset and so chased after him.
Mira remembered her ever growing shame when she learned of her friends' pasts, realizing that her behaviour likely reminded Riku far too much of his oppressors. Learning about Acnologia was bad enough but then the tower...well, hearing that story; she really understood why their first meeting aggravated the brunet so much. After all, she kept taking out her issues with the past on everyone. It had taken both Riku standing up to her repeatedly and Lisanna's death for the point to sink in. She'd been horrible to everyone and she was only grateful that they forgave her.
Noticing Cubelios suddenly looking up prompted the two to follow her line of sight in time to see Belle's white wings flapping not too far away. The cat landed with the twins in pursuit. It looked like they were playing tag, Belle merely using the levitation from her wings to evade Jazz's grasp, the girl having already caught her currently pouting twin.
Eventually Jazz couldn't hold back her frustration anymore ''Belle, that's not fair!''
''I didn't fly. You're twice as tall as I am, how do you expect me to get anywhere without my wings?''
The little girl hated that she couldn't answer that, cheeks puffing out in annoyance for a second. Rolling her eyes, Belle landed on her partner's shoulder as the trio greeted everyone. Juvia found herself smiling at the twins with them joining Riku. The girls had been complete sweethearts to her despite her history. Their faith in Fairy Tail was clear as day and Juvia being a member put her in their good books.
''Big bro, were you guys talking about Miss Fairy Tail?'' Jazz received a nod ''Oh...is it going to be like last year?''
Rosie perked up ''I hope so, that was funny!''
''Well, thank you Rosie...'' Mira started.
Jazz gave her twin an incredibly unimpressed glance ''It was creepy and I know you thought so too.''
''At least I wasn't the one who was crying!''
''At least I can admit it.''
Rosie let out an irritated noise, knowing Jazz had her. Why did she keep losing arguments to her sister?
'Okay, okay I think you made your points.' Riku stepped in, looking at the flustered Mira. He knew she felt guilty now that she discovered that her trick had sent Jazz into tears. 'Now besides making sure Mira takes her 'innovation' in a different direction, how about you help me?'
''Sure!'' The twins followed him as he went deeper in the garden, leaving a curious Juvia looking on.
Okay, she had to ask ''Belle-san, what exactly happened last year?''
''Well, it started when Mira decided to see if she could work her transformation magic with a new spell...''
At the same time, in a different part of the city...
Lucy was also trying to think of what to do for Miss Fairy Tail but truth be told, she was coming up blank. It wasn't just Erza and Mira; the guild's girls were all beautiful. Despite reassurances to the contrary, she doubted that she had much of a chance.
''Lu-chan!''
Startled, the girl turned ''Oh Levy-chan, hi!''
The solid script mage approached with her usual cheer ''I thought I saw you. You were so spaced out that I'm surprised you actually bought anything. Let me guess, still worrying yourself to death about Miss Fairy Tail?''
''Don't say it like that! I just want...I don't know, I want to do this right but I can't think of anything!''
''You know we mostly participate for fun, right? Erza might be ridiculously competitive sometimes but it's just a bit of a change of pace.'' But even as she said it, Levy could see that it wasn't helping. ''What do you want to do? Any idea might be good.''
''Erza told me about a few performances in the past so I thought I could work with magic. But well, you know how my power works, I wouldn't know where to start there.'' She sighed ''You're lucky, your magic seems like it'd give you loads of versatility.''
''Yeah, I'm realizing that I haven't been making the best use of it so I got some new books.'' That brought the blonde's attention to the bag in Levy's hand, which she realized just had said books.
''Ooh, what did you have in mind? I've been thinking of researching more over celestial magic but I haven't really had much time.''
Levy's face lit up ''Then how about I help? I've gotten pretty good at research-let's see what we can pull up together!''
Elfman thought things were looking up. He'd been looking to have another training session with Riku for a while but the recent circumstances had him refrain. Given how even the guild's usual activities had been enough to drive the dragon slayer into a panic attack; he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
But his sister and Master Makarov were of the firm opinion that it would be best not to treat Riku like he was made of glass. They knew the brunet would prefer that too. Thus, they'd opted to ease him back into the flow of things.
Riku was glad to do it, to his and the others' relief. They were joined by Belle, Gray, the Raijinshuu and Levy.
''I thought you were long past writing the spell with your pen?'' Freed clarified, raising an eye at the item in her hand.
''Yeah but I'm testing some new spells. The pen makes it easier to focus.''
''Ah, that makes sense. If you want some help...?''
She perked up. Freed was experienced with letter magic too. Sure they worked on different branches of magic but it had some similarities. Besides, he had confessed to reading up on their magic before. Perhaps his perspective would help. ''Actually, since you bring that up, I was wondering what you'd think of this one...'' Intrigued, Freed readily followed the girl.
Belle was looking around ''I thought Cana was coming too...''
''I saw her with Mystogan at the guild before I left. No idea what's going on but she looked kind of mad.'' The newly arrived Happy tilted his head in his thought.
''Wait, Mystogan's back? How come we haven't seen him?''
The older cat only shrugged. Something had been strange with their masked friend, he'd clearly been concerned with the recent revelations but many of them had noticed him keeping a certain distance from Riku.
Belle shook the thought off for the moment ''So can I take you being here to mean that you actually want to learn to fight better?''
''Hey, I can do just fine!'' Happy felt that he'd handled himself well enough. ''But no, I'm here to talk to...''
He was cut off by the sound of a loud boom, making them look back to find a dust cloud forming where Elfman and Evergreen stood. The latter flew out with a pair of shimmery wings she conjured in a moment. She knew Elfman's new idea for a new attack would wind up being troublesome. ''I told you this would happen, idiot!''
Barely paying attention to his apologies, her eyes quickly found Riku. Belle seemed to be of a similar mind, landing in her partner's arms. She was too far to hear them but whatever the little cat said seemed to have helped. For the mixture of worry and fear in his expression faded into a small but very real smile as he returned Belle's hug, silently assuring them that he was all right.
''You guys should've heard them go at it.'' Bickslow's comment seemed completely random until he carried on ''I don't know how Elfman managed to talk Ever into this new test drive with this whacked out idea but I swear they argue like an old couple.''
''Say what?!'' She scowled, Elfman spluttering a denial next to her.
''Oh, come on-it's not like this is the first time. I think half the guild would agree with me that you two need to wake up and smell the coffee. I'm starting to think I should get a lacrima just to record all their interactions.''
Belle snorted, completely agreeing with Riku's response of 'Sure, if you want Ever to turn you into stone.'
Happy snickered ''Come on, it'll be worse than that.''
''Exactly, just turning him to stone? As if I'll be that nice.'' She flipped her hair over her shoulder. Any irritation with her teammate faded with the realization that the awkward mood from earlier was already gone sinking in.
''...Okay, that's valid.'' Bickslow held his hands up in surrender as his puppets parroted the last word.
Happy's original plan had been to approach Riku to tell him about Erza. Despite her insistence it was clear that the tower caused the knight mage her own issues and she remained adamant on dealing with them alone. She'd even gone on a job for a few days, as if to simply prove that everything was fine. Riku had been able to get through to her like no one else so he thought it'd be just the thing to help.
But how could he do that when Riku had plenty of trouble on his plate?
''Whoa, look!''
A familiar row of purple letters appeared on the ground; only for a colourful burst of magic that transformed into the word 'Null' to seemingly erase them. ''Hey, I think Levy's got one of her new spells down!''
''Oh, let's take a look!''
Riku watched Belle fly off with evident amusement, which was when he spotted Happy lost in his thoughts. The cat almost jumped when the brunet picked him up, gesturing ahead before giving him a curious glance. 'You were really spacing out-everything okay?'
''Yeah,'' His answer came quick, deciding to put the matter on hold for now ''Come on, let's catch up with them!''
Erik had been on his way home when he came across a curious sight. There were Gray and Bisca, their attention focused on none other than Jet, who seemed to be peeking around a corner.
''What does he think this is going to do?'' He heard Bisca sigh.
''Heck if I know, this is freaking stupid.'' Gray returned.
''What's going on?'' The two turned as Erik approached.
''Good timing, Erik, get a load of this.'' Gray jerked a thumb towards Jet, which was when he realized the speed mage was observing a music store.
He raised an eye ''Is that Gajeel?''
The iron dragon slayer appeared rather invested in the instruments, particularly the guitars. He seemed to be talking to the cashier, who by the looks of it, was pleased by his interest.
''So you know how Jet and Droy are always on guard around Gajeel, right? Well, Jet got it in his head that Gajeel's up to some big bad scheme to get revenge on the guild for what happened to Phantom.'' Bisca rolled her eyes. She wasn't sure what to think of the guy but those two were far too much. ''So he's been following Gajeel around when he could and hoping to get some clues. Droy tried to talk him out of it but it went in one ear and out the other. He doesn't trust Gajeel either but even he thinks this is too much.''
''I'll say.'' Erik snorted ''He does realize that as a dragon slayer Gajeel probably knew he was there this whole time, right?''
''We tried telling him too. I was this close to getting Levy to knock sense into him but she's busy and I don't want to disturb her.''
''I'm just waiting until this blows up in his face, like we all know it would.'' Gray deadpanned. ''The guy's been here a bunch of times and even the clerks think he just likes music. But it's like Jet's convinced he's up to some conspiracy because he wants to buy a freaking guitar!''
''...Good grief...'' Erik had caught on to their behaviour around Gajeel but this was beyond ridiculous. Sure, most of them were still wary around the dragon slayer but Makarov had given him a chance and they agreed to respect that. Levy was likely unaware of her teammate's antics, she definitely wouldn't stand for this.
They watched as Gajeel picked up a guitar, leaving Gray intrigued ''...You think he's any good?''
The loud, screeching notes that came moments later provided the answer. Jet fell back in surprise while the three covered their ears. Even the poor clerk appeared rather stunned.
''What the hell was that?!''
Wincing, Bisca happened to glance back at the store to find Gajeel putting the instrument down, going to look for another. Okay, this was a bit worrying...maybe he was new to this and he wanted to learn?
Erik's pained expression and knowing full well how acute their friend's hearing was prompted her to speak ''...Want to go ask Sarah-san for something that can help?''
''...Yes, please.''
Patting his shoulder, Gray helped him along ''Come on, buddy, we've got you covered.''
They wound up finding the woman at Riku's place, having gotten together with quite a few friends there. Luckily for Erik, the budding herbalist had just the thing to help his growing headache.
''My, all this just because he started playing? That must've been terrible.'' She commiserated.
''Seriously, how bad is he?'' Natsu had to wonder.
''You don't want to know.'' Erik and Bisca returned at once.
''...I'm a little scared now.'' Rosie told her twin, who nodded.
''Well, maybe Bisca's right and he's just new at it?'' Mira was of the opinion that it could've been much worse. Gajeel seemed to be genuinely tried to settle in Magnolia. Despite lingering suspicions, he hadn't caused any trouble. Neither Riku nor Erik picked up on any signs of danger from him. He'd have to be a very good actor to get around those two.
''I hope so, it means less chances of this in the future...'' No one could blame Erik for his trepidation.
The merriment continued, everyone simply content spending time with each other. Despite the bit of kerfuffle around lunchtime, it was mostly good natured squabbling and everyone looking to snag their favourite food. Thus no one was sure how the trouble actually started, but yet another of Natsu and Gray's arguments began.
Both were butting heads over their food, yelling at each other. Then, typical for the pair, it escalated to the point that they began attacking one another.
The real problem happened when the fire and ice clashed in mid-air.
Riku hadn't even noticed the runes reacting and blowing Natsu and Gray out the room, too lost in the memories of his nightmares to acknowledge anything. Effectively trapped, he was seeing himself fighting, and being forced to fight the others thanks to the curse. The sight of Natsu and Gray's magic was startlingly similar to what happened just a minute ago. And no matter how many times Riku tried to remind himself that it was just an illusion, he couldn't dispose of the terror clawing at his heart. Because conjured nightmare or not, a very real part of him feared that exact scenario coming to pass.
At first he never even registered Sarah's arms around him or her repeated attempts to ground him at first. When it finally sank in, all he could do was lean against her and let his tears fall, feeling his strength fading. Sarah felt her own eyes water as she noticed him shaking, determined to keep her composure and help him. She kept murmuring reassurances with a few of the others joining suit while the rest turned to face Natsu and Gray.
Belle was all set to chew them out when Cubelios took matters out of her hands, tossing the two out of the house.
''Good girl.'' Lucy patted the snake's head, both glowering at the two teens. ''Come on, don't you waste any more time with them.''
''You jerks!'' Rosie's voice was shrill with anger, kicking Natsu's shin ''You big, selfish jerks!''
Jazz was quiet but no less angry as she continued to hit Gray. Both rivals didn't dare look at the twins, knowing their ire was entirely justified. The warning not to cause trouble was crystal clear, especially after one of the guild's fights had affected Riku terribly. And look what it led to, they'd wound up causing their friend another episode...
''You were warned, repeatedly.'' Elfman nearly snarled. ''This is exactly why we didn't want either of you there. You're just lucky the runes got you first because I wouldn't have been nearly as nice.''
Letting the twins back in the house, he made a point of slamming the door in their faces. Rosie and Jazz were quick to go check up on Riku, relieved to see him having fallen asleep with Belle.
The cat blinked back her tears, hugging her partner. She wondered once again, when he'd be free of those horrid nightmares. ''...It'll be okay. You don't have to deal with this along. I won't leave your side-we won't leave you.''
Both remained unaware of the familiar set of brown eyes watching from a window, the owner's mask flapping with the wind as he set off, leaving his closest friends behind once more.
Well, that's that.
Sorry it's gotten a bit gloomy but I don't think the tower can be brushed off that easily. Plus, I plan to move on from this to much happier stuff. You'll see what's going on with Mystogan then but yes, he is avoiding Riku. I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but there's more to Riku's connection to earth magic than meets the eye and that's a point for later considering certain story related circumstances. Oh and in case I confused anyone back there, a lot of Riku's nightmares started and ended with battles, so seeing all the magic and attacks flying about, a lot of noise and chaos, it could all send him into a panic attack. Natsu and Gray's squabble just remind him a little too much of them. It doesn't help that the nightmares are especially effective because they're playing on one of his biggest fears.
To clarify, Riku met Mira just a couple of weeks after joining the guild. So he's still adjusting to loads of stuff, he realizes comparing Mira to his old tormentors is wrong but the wounds are still pretty fresh. It's an especially touchy subject considering he dealt with Acnologia before the cultists too. He didn't have much trouble getting along with Elfman and Lisanna so he thought to give her a chance. But every time he sees someone picking fighting with his best friend and treating everyone like dirt. I think it's been proven that Riku's not going to take anyone's crap.
I wonder if I should give Happy more magic like I did in Timeless Adventure, especially with Belle here. It feels like transformation magic's done enough with Lily and Carla but I can't think of anything else. I know a couple of ways to get Lucy new powers and Levy's magic seems even easier to work with, so this'll be fun!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!