Riku woke up early the next day and prepared himself for the coming day before heading to the kitchen to make breakfast.
They lived in a small but cozy home with two rooms, the result of a chance occurrence. The house was actually quite run down for years but Riku had been among those who worked hardest to fix it up. With the original owner having to leave to catch up with his family in Bosco and everyone involved had their home situation settled when their project was finished, he gave the place to Riku.
It had been an unexpected but very welcome boon, if anything the end result made the place feel even more like a home.
Belle arrived just as he was finishing up, bidding him good morning to which he responded in kind before they sat down to eat.
The cat hummed happily as she downed a helping of fruit ''I can't believe Happy's still trying to convince me that fish is so much better.''
'Hey, we've been through this. You know how to handle that...'
''Yeah, yeah, just tune him out so he gets it out of his system.'' Belle finished for him. ''But it's still annoying so I reserve the right to vent.''
'Fair enough.' Riku conceded.
Belle moved things along ''Anyway, you up for taking a job today?''
'Sure, let's see what we find.'
But when the two arrived at the guild, they found that something had to be off. Why?
It was just too quiet.
Now Fairy Tail would definitely count as the liveliest place in town. So any time with some peace and quiet around was much appreciated and even enjoyable. It wasn't even because of a lack of members, no, many were present. They just seemed so tense and apprehensive, it was abnormal. One had to wonder just what on earth went down today.
This was really starting to worry Belle, did something bad happen?
Mira's usual jovial smile only raised more questions ''Good morning!''
''Morning Mira...what's going on with everyone? This is weird.'' Riku nodded to his partner's words, similarly puzzled.
''That's because...''
''Oh Riku, Belle.''
The two started at the familiar voice seeing a woman clad in a knight-like ensemble. She wore a breastplate with armor for her arms and legs, along with a blue skirt and boots. Her long scarlet red hair stood out particularly, her brown eyes as warm as her smile.
''Erza!'' Belle flew up to her.
This was Erza Scarlet, one of Riku's oldest friends. She was also among the guild's S-class mages and among the most famous, known as Titania, the Fairy Queen.
And her arrival told them all they needed to know about today's oddities...
Riku smiled 'Good to see you.'
''Likewise.''
He looked at Mira 'So we missed another round of the relentless discipline?'
''Yup and it was as harsh as ever.''
Erza tended to be rather stern, she always tried to keep things in order around her. She had a no nonsense air that made the entire thing very effective to say the least. From early on, her temper ensured that few would dare to cross her. And most of those who did wound up paying for it big time. In fact, it had been the news of her arrival earlier that had left everyone on alert.
The redhead looked unrepentant ''It was necessary. Someone has to keep things in line.''
Belle happened to notice a big white object decorated with jewelry nearby ''What's that?''
''Ah, the townspeople were kind enough to take one of the fangs of the monster I defeated and given it to to me as a gift. Given that they already said they can make good use of it, that's quite kind don't you think?'' Erza inquired.
Now see, this would've been a very strange addition had it been anyone but Erza. Experience told Belle not to bring this up, however. ''I guess so...do you even have any room though?''
Erza was the manager of the guild's dorm hall, Fairy Hills but with all the things she came to acquire over time, she had five rooms to accomodate everything. But with the sheer amount of things present, Belle had to wonder how she made it all work.
''I can manage.'' The knight mage replied.
Riku raised an eye, Fairy Hills was a strictly girls dorm and Erza made sure to enforce that rule, he hadn't been there. Though this just left him to wonder 'Is it that bad?'
''She's a hoarder, remember?'' Belle returned, the redhead throwing her a sharp look in clear offense.
Mira privately thought that was entirely valid, actually. After all, one just had to see Erza on a mission to witness it firsthand.
Huffing, Erza crossed her arms ''I make sure to keep useful things, thank you very much. I have to set an example as part of my responsiblity in Fairy Hills.''
'You know, speaking of Fairy Hills-I never understood why there isn't a boys dorm.' Riku admitted.
''So did I, we did wind up taking it in stride but still...'' Mira trailed off.
Later, when they passed the request board, they came across Natsu, Lucy and Happy, who were with a man wearing tribal clothes.
''You're still waiting for a job, huh?'' Natsu asked.
''Of course! I want the perfect one for me.''
A curious Lucy looked at Happy for help. ''Nab's always saying stuff like that. We're kind of sure he does take jobs every now and then but we see him so much around here that one just wonders when it even happens.''
''That sounds...'' Lucy froze up upon seeing something behind them and let out a scream that made them all look at her.
A startled Natsu frowned ''Whoa, what's wrong?''
''A snake!'' She pointed at the cause of her fright, a surprisingly big snake with dark purple scales that had slithered behind her and Riku.
Her friend's response threw her for a loop.
''Hey, Cubelios!''
The snake nodded slightly as if in greeting, glancing at Lucy and blinking again. It let out a pleasant hiss when Riku patted her head a moment later, leaning in to the gentle touch.
''W-wait, you all know that thing?''
''Cubelios is a friend, you weirdo. She wouldn't hurt any of us.'' Natsu stated.
Lucy bristled, after all how was she supposed to know? That was an understandable reaction. Riku seemed to be thinking along similar lines 'Cut her some slack, nobody really thought to tell her.'
''Yeah, that's uncalled for. Lucy, Cubelios is a close friend.'' To Cubelios, Belle explained. ''She's new. You just surprised her.''
The snake gave Lucy a once-over before slithering over to a young man with somewhat spiky maroon hair, tan skin and sharp dark eyes. Nab blinking ''Erik!''
The new arrival nodded slightly ''Hey, I see things are about the same as ever here.''
''Heh, guess so.'' Natsu cracked a smirk. ''Whaddya say to a little spar?''
''Right off the bat?!''
Erik only rolled his eyes, shouldn't Happy be used to this by now?
''Not happening.''
''Aw, come on!''
''...So this is part for the course, huh?'' Lucy asked Belle, who nodded. ''Oh brother...''
''You guys are no fun.'' Natsu grumbled while Riku and Erik were exchanging greetings.
''Well, we just won't play your annoying games, idiot. Deal with it.'' Erik was among those who had little interest in the guild's usual chaotic fights and so would only enter them if provoked.
''So you're the newcomer, huh?'' She blinked and looked back, seeing that Erik was watching her. ''Name's Erik Astray. Looks like you're going to get used to a lot of crazy around here.''
She gave an exasperated sigh ''Trust me, I know. I've already figured that out by the the time I got here...''
'She's already had a pretty eventful couple of days to start things off.' Riku added.
Erik seemed amused ''I can imagine. Don't worry, we've all been there. For what it's worth, you sure picked a good place to be.''
Lucy began to smile ''Yup, it already feels like a real home.''
''Good to hear. Oh, and Cubelios says she's sorry for scaring you. She's harmless to guild members.''
''Ah...'' Lucy blinked. ''...wait, you can understand-erm, her?''
''Erik's really good with sound magic, he can hear all of sorts of things.'' Happy informed.
''Oh...'' That sounded handy, especially if it enabled such communication between them.
She looked at Cubelios again. Sure, the snake kind of scared her still but she was apologizing...''...it's okay, I just never saw that coming. No harm done.''
Cubelios nodded slightly back before looking at Erik again and nodding at the request board. ''Oh, you found it? We're set then.'' To the others, he added. ''We're taking a request I heard about earlier. Anyone know where Master is?''
''He went to the meeting over in Clover Town.'' Nab informed. ''It's the usual arrangement when he isn't here so Mira's managing things.''
Thanking him, Erik picked up the request he had in mind, knowing he would need her to get it approved.
''So what do you want to do now?'' Happy asked his partner.
''I dunno, guess we'll try to find a job...''
''About that...'' The two looked at Erik. ''...Erza was just saying something about how she'd likely need to come to you guys for help.''
The statement left them curious so they went to seek out the knight mage, wondering what she had in mind.
''I see...'' Erza hummed when they filled her in. ''...well, Erik was right. I would have preferred to have him come as well but there's no helping it.''
''So what's up?'' Natsu inquired.
''Before I explain, Happy, can you call Gray over? This concerns him as well.''
''Sure, give me a minute.'' The blue cat flew off.
It was then that Erza noticed Lucy ''Ah, come to think of it you were here before-new member?''
''Yeah, I just joined the other day. Hi, it's nice to meet you.'' She returned, Erza returned the pleasantries in kind. ''Sorry if I was rude but you did come as real imposing before...''
''Ah, not at all. And I do apologize if that alarmed you, I've been told I come off as too much but it's necessary in some cases.''
''I hear you...'' She trailed off as Happy came back with Gray.
''Hey, Happy says you wanted a favor?''
''Something like that.'' Erza crossed her arms. ''On my way back, I stopped at a bar near a train station waiting for my ride to Magnolia. That's when I found a couple of strange men. They were saying something about a plan being almost ready and people coming together. Something about a Grim Reaper as well as Lullaby. Looking back, the bar was practically empty. I didn't think much of it at the time and it was only when they left that the bartender told me that people were avoiding them because they were suspected to be part of a dark guild, to be specific Eisenwald.''
''And they just let those creeps walk away?''
She wasn't even surprised at Natsu's query, the same thought occured to her ''They were likely too frightened of any retribution to act so I can't fault them. I couldn't find any sign of them back then but after some questioning I was told they mentioned going to Clover Town. The chances are likely that they're up to something and I want your help in stopping them.''
Lucy gulped, unnerved ''Wouldn't you need more people? I mean you're probably talking about an entire guild here!''
''Nah, we can take 'em! Having numbers wouldn't mean much of anything if they're weak!'' Natsu smirked, Gray's expression just as eager.
''Heh, this sounds interesting.''
The former blinked ''Wait, she said...aw man, does Frosty have to come with us? He'll get in the way!''
Gray was never one to take such a comment lying down ''Hah?! You wish, Pyro, you're the one who'll slow us all down! I'm not the one who gets so pathetically weak at the slightest move of transportation!''
''I'll show you weak!''
''Bring it!''
Belle groaned and Happy shook his head, having long seen this coming. For some reason they could never understand, Natsu and Gray had an incredible knack for getting on each other's nerves. So much so that the slightest provocation or even accident at times would set them fighting. In fact, they fought more than anyone at the guild.
Riku spared the arguing duo an unimpressed look 'Has it ever occurred to either of you that she has a good reason? How about you get over yourselves and listen?'
''I'm not working with him!'' The two cried in tandem.
''Natsu. Gray.'' They froze at the mention of their names, because of the dangerous tone coming with that tone. Because they knew what it meant.
Erza glowered at the two ''You immature brats! How many times have I told you to stop this ridiculous behavior? You can't keep fighting at the slightest trigger, it's pathetic and you're better than this!'' Neither dared to respond. ''Now, seeing as you're both clearly interested in this, if you come you're expected to be on your best behavior. In other words, if you keep this attitude, I will make you pay. Is that clear?'' The two glared at each other. Erza's gaze sharpened ''I said, is that clear?''
''Y-Yes, Ma'am!''
''Wonder how long they can keep that deal.'' Happy mumbled to the others.
'I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.' Riku deadpanned.
''Aye. There's no way this is going to work.''
In a couple of hours, Lucy made her way through the train station, having been urged by Mira to go with the others. The girl was of the opinion that this would be a good experience, hoping that she could also help with Natsu and Gray.
Though for some reason, when she thought of what a dark guild would want something called Lullaby, something struck a chors. It sounded oddly familiar but she just couldn't be sure why.
Maybe she'd remember with more information?
Looking back, she sure was coming across some famous names lately. Like Natsu, Erza, Riku and even Erik. The blonde couldn't believe she hadn't recognized him at the time. He was Cobra, the poison master of Fairy Tail. She'd heard a lot about how he used poison in various means when battling and how even his partner could more than hold her own. Belle had even told her that he was the poison dragon slayer. Apparently, he and Riku go way back and Riku was even the reason he joined the guild when he did.
She soon saw Erza with Riku and Belle at one of the seats. The first expressed her surprise to see her now ''Oh, did you want to come with us?''
''Yeah, erm, Mira-san said it'd be good experience. Even helping me get used to working with others, so far it's just been Natsu and Happy.''
''Ah, I see. You're more than welcome to join.''
Lucy made to speak only to be distracted upon seeing Happy flying nearby with an odd expression ''Happy? What's wrong?''
The cat responded by pointing behind him, making the girls look over to find that Natsu and Gray were approaching them, both glowering at each other and clearly about to go at it again.
''Already? Those two are impossible...'' Lucy hung her head.
Erza scowled ''Natsu, Gray. Fighting again, I see.''
The two cringed and looked at her with equally forced smiles as the first answered ''Who, us? No!''
''Yeah, what makes you think that? We're best friends!'' The latter chimed in.
''Aye Sir!''
Lucy rolled her eyes, sharing unimpressed looks with the others as they were all thinking the same thing. Could they be anymore fake?
Erza's eye twitched as she proceeded to punch the two on the head.
''Gah!''
''What was that for?!''
''First of all, lying!'' She retorted. ''Do you take me for a fool? You two really are idiots if you thought that would work. You remember what I said yesterday, now behave or else take a hike! I was relying on you but given your actions, you'll get in our way. I can easily extend the courtesy to any of our other friends.''
Faced with this ultimatum and knowing that they both wanted a piece of the action, the two rivals knew that they had no choice but to comply. So they grit their teeth and bore with it, not seeing any other choice.
The group was soon settled on the train going to Oshibana, the first stop on the way to Clover Town, believing the dark guild would head their first.
Lucy stared in surprise as Natsu froze up the second the train got going, his face growing pale and even gaining somewhat of a blue tint as it looked like he was about to be sick. He soon leaned against a window, keeping his head outside. ''What's wrong with him?''
Gray rolled his eyes ''They get motion sickness.''
She blinked ''They...?'' The celestial mage paused, then noticing that Riku slumped in his seat. He also appeared rather pale and dizzy as Erza moved him slightly so he could lean on her.
''It's a side effect of them being dragon slayers. The exact explanation escapes me at the moment. Something about how this is due to the discrepancy caused by the magic's side-effect on their bodies, since they gain dragonic characteristics.'' Erza offered.
''Really?'' That seemed odd to Lucy, perhaps she'd try looking into it later. ''Guess you never know what to expect with Lost Magic. But...how come there's such a big difference?''
She could understand Riku being motion-sick just from the looks of him now but Natsu looked about ten times worse, as if a breeze could knock him over now. Did transportation really mess him up that badly?
''Meh, way I see it, Natsu's got the consistency of a wet noodle.'' Gray grunted, thinking that at least Riku seemed to be trying to put up with it. Natsu just collapsed every time he was on transportation, it was ridiculous.
Natsu glared at him and it almost seemed as if he was about to retort but then his sickness got the better of him and he leaned out the window again.
''...Did he want to pick a fight again?'' Belle shook her head. ''Anyway Erza, you said you had more findings from your search, right?''
She nodded ''We may not have been able to stop those two Eisenwald members but a few people were able to pick up a few tips from their talk. That makes me certain, they're gathering in Oshibana to start their plan and it has to do with this Lullaby thing as well. We'll have to start looking into matters further when we arrive.''
''Sounds good.'' Gray returned.
Lucy wasn't so sure ''Are you sure this is okay? It just seems like we're going against too much on our own.''
''Numbers aren't everything, you know.''
''Aye, it's quality over quantity here.'' Happy added. ''Erza and the others are really strong. You know, Erza's magic is pretty.''
''It's nothing special, my powers are focused on my swordsmanship.'' The redhead stated ''If anything, I think Gray's magic is far more beautiful.''
''I wouldn't say that.'' At Lucy's curious look, he created an exact match of their guild mark, only made of ice. ''It's no big deal, just ice make magic.''
''It might be better to move in a small group anyway.'' Belle stated. ''If they see a bunch of us coming together it might convince Eisenwald to change their plans somehow until they can be sure things can go off without a hitch. They've already got the better hand here. It's only by chance that Erza found them out, what're the odds we can actually catch them at it again?''
''Good point.'' Lucy didn't feel like taking a chance either. It was even more worrying as there was much they didn't know.
''Just do the best you can and we'll do the same, I believe we can do this.'' Erza stated.
She nodded back, feeling a little better. Right, she was here now so she had to give it her best shot.
''Yup, let's give it our all. We can't let fear stop us.'' Belle declared.
''Aye Sir, I'm ready!'' Happy added.
It wasn't too long before they arrived at Oshibana's station, and already something didn't seem right about the town. The group braced themselves, preparing for what was coming.
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I wanted to get things underway for the Eisenwald fight next chapter and add more things to Fairy Tail in general. So yeah, I think Erik's an interesting character and I wanted to try having him in the guild. I know Brain came to pick up the members of Oracion Seis early before Jellal was stopped in canon. But here Erik and Cubelios got to escape just after the revolt, partly because he happened to meet Riku, who saved him at the time. That also lead to them becoming friends as well as with Erza and the others. He joined Fairy Tail later because he got separated from them after the escape and went traveling alone for a while. I'm going to explain about what happened between them at the Tower of Heaven arc as I plan to have Eric be a part of the group that takes down Jellal and his followers. It leads to an incident turns out to be more significant down the line.
Oh and I'll tell you straight up, Riku and Erik don't know about the real situation with the Tower, for different reasons.
Well, that's all I had to say. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, till next time!