RedHood001: Thanks a lot. You're not quite off there, Jellal's plans would have worked either way. Mostly because he was capitalizing on the fact that their old friends were there and they had no idea what was going on and he knew how he could spin the situation to his advantage. They definitely would've tried to help the Tower members if they knew. He wants Erza in the tower regardless but he thinks he can use Riku for a different reason you're going to learn about soon. Said reason is more likely to blow up in his face though. Just look at the author's note at the bottom and you'll understand.

Glad you agree that Riku is powerful-someone told me I made him weak the other day. To be honest it really kind of annoyed me because I couldn't understand it. How is he weak? I mean, yes, he sees himself as weak but that's not the same thing. Hah, sorry, I needed to let that out.

Anyway, I'm happy with to use the twins here. The idea just occured to me when I was working on my future plans-I'm going to have fun with them.

After that encounter, a furious Natsu was all set to go find Jellal and make him return Riku. He was glad to see Happy quickly agree with him but the others only remained silent, to his annoyance. Natsu's expression softened somewhat when he glanced at a tearful Belle, who was being comforted by Lucy. He could imagine just how hard this was for her...just the thought made him want to chase that bastard even more.

His ire was a little cooled when Gray rightfully pointed out that they had no idea where this Tower of Heaven was in the first place. Still, the stubborn dragon slayer was all set to press his point-only for his argument to be stopped by Cubelios.

''What's wrong?'' He arched an eye as the huge snake gave a small hiss and looked in Erik's direction. One look at their friend made him understand what she was getting at-something was wrong.

He could literally count the times he'd seen Erik that angry on one hand. Given how long they had known each other, that was really saying something...

''...Erza, what the hell did he mean?'' Erik ground out, glaring at the redhead. ''You said they were living peacefully, possibly finally finding a home. We trusted you!''

Erza flinched, not meeting his gaze. This made Gray pause, he had been so focused on Riku's abduction that he'd forgotten some of what Jellal said but now...''Wait, that creep called you an old friend...how do you know this guy?''

''...Jellal was a friend.'' Erik admitted, stunning them. ''At least that's what I thought...we met before the three of us joined Fairy Tail. It's been years since we last saw him-which is why I need to know, what the hell is going on?!''

''Was he telling the truth? Were you really keeping this?'' Happy added.

Erza lowered her head ''...Yes.'' Everyone looked at her, wide-eyed. ''I can't apologize enough. At the time, it seemed like...'' She shook her head. ''...no, I won't make excuses. This is all my fault. You all don't have to deal with this-I'll face Jellal myself.''

The redhead didn't even blink when they began to protest, expecting as much. ''I have to do this. If it wasn't me-Riku wouldn't have been...'' Her heart clenched at the thought. Riku had done all he could to protect her once again and yet, she just stood there. She had failed him. ''...I'll take care of this. You all shouldn't have to deal with my mistakes...''

''SHUT UP!''

The sudden cry made everyone stare at Belle in surprise. Having jumped out of Lucy's arms, she was glaring at Erza furiously. ''What're you even on about?! There's so many things wrong with that load that I don't even know where to start. I never took you for such a coward, Erza! You can't just brush this aside-do you honestly think any of us would just leave?''

The others stared at Erza, their expressions proving that they completely agreed with Belle. The little cat continued ''That's not what we're about-you should know that. Tell them the truth, they deserve to hear it!''

Erik started, the way she was talking...''Wait, Belle don't tell me...''

''I know what happened in that awful place.'' She stated, affirming his suspicions. ''Riku told me and Laxus about it.'' As she learned later, it had been one of the main reasons Laxus felt he could trust them, that Riku extended the gesture to him first. ''We just didn't say anything because it must've been horrible for you guys. It's a little something called trust-not that some people would know, I guess.''

A flash of hurt appeared in Erza's eyes at this but Belle was too angry to care. It was less that she kept her secrets and more the fact that Erza really expected them to simply walk away that was infuriating to the little cat. ''I don't care what you say. I'm not leaving Riku behind-ever. I'm going so just try and stop me.''

''That's we, Belle. We.'' Lucy corrected, giving Erza a hard look. ''I don't know what's going on with you but she's right. We're all behind you, Belle.''

''Yeah, Riku would've done the same for any of us. There's no way in hell we're staying put.'' Gray added.

''Damn straight!'' Natsu smacked his fist into his open palm. ''That bastard's going to get what's coming to him for messing with our pals!''

''Aye Sir! Fairy Tail never leaves a friend behind!'' Happy chimed in and Cubelios nodded firmly.

Erik crossed his arms ''You heard them. Forget trying to make us walk away, it's never going to happen.''

''But I...'' The words died in her mouth. What could she say after all this? She didn't want them to fight but all the same, they would never listen to her. ''...you should just go and...''

Erik's eyes narrowed ''We're getting Riku back and stopping that traitor-with you or without you.''

There was only one way Erza would ever respond to that...

Given that Jellal had made it clear the tower was simply rebuilt, Erik knew exactly where to go and he had no problem guiding them to the location.

Lucy looked at Gray as they got off their ride and kept walking ''...Shouldn't we do something?''

He exhaled, knowing she was talking about how neither Erik or Belle so much as looked at Erza since. It was bothering him too but he had no idea how to fix it. ''Like what, exactly?I totally get where Belle was coming from. Hell, if it was me, I think I would've hit her back there. Erza's really making things worse. Keep in mind, those guys back there are Erik's friends...they needed help for years and he didn't know. Now Erik finds out Erza knew all along-wouldn't you be pissed off if you were in his shoes?''

''...Yeah...'' Lucy exhaled. She felt sorry for the redhead but at the same time, Erza's complete silence on this matter was aggravating. Why did she keep shutting them out?

''Say, Erik?'' Happy broke the ensuing silence after a moment. ''You said you'd explain-what's this Tower of Heaven exactly?''

Erik exhaled, he had been far too angry to tell a thing earlier but keeping this quiet wasn't fair to them. ''Right, you guys should know...the tower was made by a cult of Zeref's worshippers.''

Natsu looked takenaback ''Wait, you mean the guy who made those two demons?''

Erik nodded, remembering they had dealt with Lullaby and Deliora ''You guys probably know but he's the darkest mage in history. They took a number of people from a whole bunch of places and enslaved them to finished the damn thing. Me, Cubelios, Riku and Erza...that's where we met.''

He and his partner had met them later but he still remembered what Riku told him about those days...

Erza and another of their friends, Simon, had been struggling to keep up with their captors' demands. They were understandably too tired to keep going, given the horrible treatment they received all the time.

One of the slavers proceeded to berate and punish them, yelling at them to get up. But he suddenly stopped, to their confusion. The three watched in surprise as a young Riku went on to carry off the stones they were supposed to, not even sparing them a glance.

''Oi, what're you...?''

Riku gave the man a hard look ''You lowlives want this thing done, don't you? What is hurting them going to do?''

The man scowled ''Watch it, brat. I oughta...!''

''I might be stuck here but none of you scare me.'' The boy retorted, his glare surprising them once again. ''It's this sort of thing that'll slow you down even more, didn't you get enough of that already? Just keep it up, you'll be doing everyone a favor.''

The man growled but didn't respond, knowing the boy had a point. If anything slowed down progress, they would be the first to receive punishment. A few of them tried to take it out on the slaves but it was counterproductive in the end. It all had become rather clear given how many of them had suffered this week...

Erza remembered that day well, she could still remember how amazed she was to see one of their own staring their captors down like that. Riku had really gone out of his way to help them even when they were just strangers. She and Simon had tried to find him afterwards but to no avail.

She had told an elderly man they had befriended back then, Grandpa Rob, all about it. The man had pleased to hear that someone intervened in such a time and he went to find Riku. It turned out that he had fallen asleep hours after that, only awakening in the morning...

''Is that him?'' Jellal clarified as they walked over to Rob and the sleeping Riku. The two of them lead the small group, flanked by Erza and another little girl whose name was Millianna.

Simon nodded and a short boy with dirty blond hair whose name was Sho frowned ''You sure? It's hard to imagine anyone here standing up those people...''

''But he did it.'' Rob pointed out with a smile. ''It seems his heart remains courageous despite our situation-I think that's admirable.''

Erza was rather inclined to agree. She would've taken it as bravado but the boy's stance made it clear that he was honest-he did not fear their captors. She wished she could be like that...

She hardly heard her friends talking, lost in her thoughts. The girl was distracted when Riku woke up, blinking blearily at his surroundings. He paused at the sight of Rob ''Ah, you're...from yesterday...'' He glanced at Erza and the others. ''...are they...?''

''Yes, they're the young friends I was telling you about. I'd hoped you could all meet soon.''

''...You forgot to mention they were loud.''

Rob seemed amused at this while Sho was annoyed and Millianna pouted ''Well, that's rude!''

Jellal half-smiled ''Thanks for helping our friends-that was nice of you.''

''It's no big deal. I didn't do it for thanks. Is that why you're all here?'' Riku raised an eye.

''Well, we don't see much people like you around. I like how you're willing to stand up to them.''

Riku scoffed ''Like I said, they don't scare me. I've seen worse...I might not be strong enough to get out of here but they won't break me.''

They hadn't talked much for a while, Erza was too withdrawn and Riku clearly didn't know what to make of them. Yet, he continued to prove his own words. He complied with their captors because he had little choice but that was as far as it went, his stance on the matter remained firm, they could not get to him.

Overtime, he proved to be a truly reliable friend. He and Jellal had effectively become the group's leaders, giving them the courage to carry on. Jellal had been more personable and friendly but Riku was brave and kind, even if it didn't seem that way at the first impression. Everyone in their group knew that to be a fact. He had more than proven it to them. It was even the reason they became friends with Erik and Cubelios...

''You can come out now.''

Erik stilled at the unexpected voice, having hurried to a small crevice to find a hiding spot for them. Who could find them here?

The speaker clearly was younger than the captors he was trying to avoid, the thought giving him some comfort. Tentatively, he poked his head out to find Riku nearby.

''So you're the one they were talking about-what's this about taking what was theirs?'' The boy queried.

Erik bristled ''Cubelios isn't theirs-those bastards were hurting her!''

Riku raised an eye, noticing the small snake besides his leg. Erik calmed down, knowing the boy didn't deserve his ire ''...Sorry.''

''It's okay. Going by what I heard, she must be the one who poisoned that guy? Well, it sounds like their work's coming back to bite them.''

Erik blinked ''You know about...?''

''Those experiments in the lower levels? Yeah.'' Riku shrugged. A group of their captors had taken to keeping some tests in the lower levels of the power for reasons only known to them. ''A lot of us do-really, everyone's just hoping to avoid it. But I guess you've both been stuck dealing with that, huh?''

''Yeah...I found Cubelios there and I got her away...she tried to help me-I don't even know what happened but...I wanted to keep her away from those monsters. No one would listen to me. She wouldn't hurt anyone if they didn't deserve it!''

''Calm down, I believe you.'' Riku assured, waving a hand. ''As for the hiding part...hm, I think I have an idea...''

Erik stared ''You'd help us? Why?''

The boy smirked ''Anyone who sticks it to those bastards is A-okay in my book, that's all.''

Erik's fist clenched at the memory of that day. It was the start of his and Riku's friendship and looking back, it wound up being a main factor in him and Cubelios joining Fairy Tail.

Riku had suffered a lot because of what went down back then but he had always held firm that he made the right choice. He'd always found that strong spirit of his inspiring. Just when he thought they had their lives back, that they didn't have that tower's spectre hanging over their heads, this happened.

Shaking himself, he continued to explain to their friends how one day, Jellal was taken by their captors. Apparently, they blamed him for someone planning to escape. One of their enemies had attacked Erza and Rob defended her, dying in the process. This was the trigger that truly unlocked Erza's magic and the girl proceeded to lead everyone in a riot, all determined to get away from that hell hole. Riku, who was similarly outraged by the event, fought his hardest to protect them and he was a big factor in making a difference that day. He and Cubelios had been seperated from them in the chaos but eventually, they had reached the boats and made to escape...

''Whoa, wait, but it sounds like everything was working out! Your friends could've gotten away. Why the hell did they rebuild it?'' Natsu wondered.

''That's the million jewel question.'' Erik punctuated the statement with a look at Erza. ''Riku blacked out after using up so much power but he told me he remembers waking up hours later. What happened back then?''

''Erza, enough of this. You're really not helping yourself there-why don't you let us help you?'' Lucy demanded.

''...Because I don't deserve it.'' was her response. ''I left Riku near the shore to go save Jellal. I really thought we could all escape together but he...he'd changed completely. I saw him kill one of the slavers before he attacked me. He said something about how Zeref showed him the way and he would do whatever it takes to rebuild the Tower, this time successfully. He destroyed all but one of the boats and he said he'd kill them all if I didn't listen to him and leave. I trained and trained, I told myself I'd become strong enough to change from that weak little girl. I haven't changed at all, I just shut myself away in that armor for years. I dreamed about going to help them more times than you can imagine-to finally stop Jellal. I was sure I could do something-but...I was too scared. I couldn't ever face going back to that hell again. I've been running for years and I never looked back. And because of that, because of me...Riku was...''

She almost wanted to cry at the thought of what happened hours ago. Riku couldn't even put in all his effort in the battle considering he was focused on protecting her. And she had just sat there helplessly...it was all her fault he was taken-he was paying the price for her weakness.

''...You're a complete idiot.''

She looked up at Erik in surprise, his expression had softened somewhat ''Was that so hard? In a way, you're right...there's plenty about you that hasn't changed.'' He huffed in annoyance. ''You're still stubborn as a mule and you always take everything on your own. Get real, no one can be strong all the time. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. We both know pretty well that Riku's too nice for his own damn good. He wouldn't blame you for that bastard's actions. He will let you have it if he finds out you're actually listening to that traitor though.''

''Oh, definitely. And that'd be the right thing-you shouldn't listen to Jellal at all. That's exactly what he wants.'' Belle pointed out. ''It's like what Freed always says about battles. If you let an enemy mess with your head, you've as good as lost. You're better than this.''

''Yeah, what're you moping around for anyway? We'll get Riku back and stop that jackass. We're all in this together.'' Natsu stated firmly, the others nodding along to that before they continued walking.

Erik took Erza aside for a moment, ignoring Happy's curious look ''Can you actually do this?''

''What kind of question is that...?'' She bristled.

His expression silenced her ''I can hear you. Your thoughts are all over the place, your doubts are clear. Don't even try to deny it-this isn't just any old enemy. If I'm right about this, we'll be going against some of our oldest friends. There's a high chance Jellal turned them against us. Don't tell me that something you can just sweep aside.''

''...And what about you?'' Erza asked.

The dragon slayer scowled ''Of course it isn't. I will fight them if I have to though. Friends or not, if they're in the wrong, I will do something to fix it. Riku's the same way, it's something we have to do. We both know what Jellal's after if he finishes using that damn tower. If they actually agree to his plan then they need to be stopped. We can't risk holding back in this situation, for all we know, they won't. Jellal definitely wouldn't, he made that clear.''

She wasn't about to argue there. Just the fact that they could actually approve of that goal was nothing short of despicable. The thought of finding them as enemies after all this time made her heart clench. Whether Erza wanted to admit it or not, Erik was right. She was nowhere near as prepared as she wanted to be.

''...I'm not backing down anymore than you are.'' She said at last with more strength than she felt. ''This has to end.''

''...Yeah.'' Erik turned to keep going, he wasn't expecting her to decide right away. It wasn't that simple. ''No one's getting left behind this time.''

The group proceeded to take a boat over to the location where Erza and Erik knew the tower would be. Happy and Cubelios had taken to helping their partners avoid motion sickness just in case, all alert for what may come their way. It was as they were sailing that they discovered an alarming surprise.

A number of destroyed ships scattered in the ocean along with a few bodies scattered here and there. The flag they found showed that it was likely a squad of Fiore's forces, they had likely discovered that Jellal was up to something...

''This is horrible...'' Lucy mumbled, looking away. Just what was awaiting them at their destination?

Erza was similarly sickened, especially at the thought that one of her old friends doing this. The old Jellal would've been disgusted by his current self. The fact that he actually wanted to finish what their captors did was appalling to say the least. Wally, Millianna, Sho and Simon...she wondered how they were doing. Did Jellal convince them that she was the traitor?

And Riku...she grimaced, Erik was right to be angry with her. But the thought made her growing fear for him increase. What did he think of her now? And more importantly, what did Jellal want with him?

A sudden yelp almost made her jump as something hit the boat, making it shake a little. Startled, Erza looked back to see Natsu rubbing the back of his head with a grimace. She was about to ask what happened when Gray spoke up ''Would you give it a rest, Ash Brain? I think it's pretty obvious that you can't make the platform.''

''Platform?'' She echoed, puzzled.

''You know, that spell Riku used back when we were up against Eisenwald?'' The ice mage offered and she nodded. ''You saw how much he liked the idea, apparently he got Riku to try teaching it to him a few days ago. I didn't see the training but Elfman says it didn't work back then so I don't see why it should work now.''

''You're just wasting power, Natsu. I'm not catching you if you fall again.'' Happy stated, as he hauled his partner back up to help him avoid motion sickness.

Natsu grunted ''I don't get it...I'm trying to do it like Riku said but...''

''Enough already. You're just wasting power, this isn't the time to try working this out.'' Erik cut in.

The teen frowned but he happened to catch something up ahead ''Hey, look!''

A flash of light caught their eyes, making them note a few lasers coming from the tall structure up ahead firing at a big rock. The lasers' target hurried to avoid them, which was when the group realized they knew who it was.

''Is that...?'' Belle stared. It was none other than Juvia of the Rain.

''That Phantom woman! What's she doing here?!'' Happy exclaimed.

Lucy wanted to groan ''Great, we really don't need more trouble now.''

''Hold on.'' They looked at Gray in surprise. ''...I think it'll be fine.''

Before they got to question this, Juvia dove in the water to avoid more lasers and the rock was destroyed. It wasn't long before she spotted them ''You're...Gray-sama?!''

Gray raised an eye at the manner of address but decided not to bring it up now ''What're you doing here?''

''Juvia came to this area looking for a friend. Juvia was worried, he just disappeared. Juvia was nearby when spotted the navy squadron trying to storm the Tower. Juvia heard something about a particularly dangerous man who is trying to use something called the R-System. When Juvia arrived, the battle was already underway but Juvia managed to save some of the people. Juvia thinks the survivors may be laying low to recover now.''

A few eyes traveled to Erik, who seemed intrigued. His sound magic let him get a good read of whether someone tried to lie or not. ''...She's telling the truth. I tink we've pretty much established that she means no harm.'' He scowled at the tall building before their eyes. ''Che, guess the bastard's really going to finish what they started.''

''What do you mean?'' Lucy blinked.

''I don't know all the details. The R-System is what the Tower is supposed to activate. It's apparently supposed to gather enough power to revive Zeref.''

''What?!'' Both girls cried while everyone sans Erza and Belle stared at him in shock.

Gray scowled at the thought of Deliora's creator coming back to life. As if what Jellal had already done wasn't bad enough-he really wanted to tear the bastard a new hole. ''Then it's all the more reason to keep going.'' He looked at Juvia. ''The guy behind this mess kidnapped one of our friends.'' The girl's eyes widened at this. ''We're here to save him and stop all this.''

''Hey, what're you...'' Natsu started, bewildered by his behavior.

''It's all right-she's not like the others.'' Gray was sure of it. He still remembered how happy she was just to see the sun. That expression was genuine, he didn't her whole story but he didn't think she was liker her guildmates. ''What're you gonna do?''

''Juvia will help you!'' The girl returned after a moment. ''Juvia heard that man watching the battle and laughing when those poor people died. He's horrible! Juvia doesn't want to walk away now.''

A few of them seemed a bit skeptic, wondering if they could really take her word for it. After all, it hadn't been that long ago that they fought in that war and Juvia's guild was disbanded...

''I think it'll be fine.'' Eyes traveled to Belle as she continued. ''If Erik and Gray say she's all right, what's the harm in letting her help? She hasn't done anything to hurt us when she had plenty of chances.'' Juvia stared. ''Riku said so too. We knew you were hanging around town and we figured it was okay since there wasn't any trouble. You helped the squad when you didn't have to-that's more than enough for me.''

Lucy figured Riku's ability to sense malice would be enough to reassure him enough to leave her be. The water mage really did seem sincere...

Natsu looked pensive ''...Can we count on you?''

''Juvia doesn't expect your trust but Juvia promises not to betray you. Juvia doesn't seek revenge-there's no point. Besides, Juvia wouldn't ever...'' Juvia glanced at Gray and they could've sworn she blushed for a moment. ''...Juvia likes Fairy Tail, it seems like such an amazing place. Juvia appreciates that you all-even Bahamut-san-want to give her a chance, it won't go to waste!''

The teen grinned ''Sounds good to me. What do you guys think?''

''Aye, she seems nice!'' Happy smiled and Lucy nodded. Cubelios gave Juvia a once over before nodding as well.

''Your help will be appreciated.'' Erza added.

Gray smirked before looking at Juvia ''So that's how it is, get ready-we're going to give that bastard hell.''

She nodded, looking determined. Their words had just reaffirmed her choice to help-they really were good people. They may not really trust her yet but that was fine, she would earn it. She knew this was the right thing to do.

Little did they realize that Jellal was perfectly aware of what was going on around the Tower. There was a surveilance system that kept him informed of what was happening. It was how he knew about the navy squadron. He had indeed been counting on them coming-he wondered if the fools knew how they were playing right into his hands.

Well, it didn't matter-soon all the work he put in over those eight long years would finally come to an end and Zeref will rise again.

He entered a room and stopped for a moment. Riku was bound to a few chains on a platform-around it was a glowing circle which had runes inscribed within it. He was looking around, seemingly trying to assess the situation. The chains restrained his power with a special enchantment so he was effectively trapped for a moment.

''Ah, you've awakened.'' The dragon slayer glared but Jellal merely smirked ''Now, now-you were just as involved in this place as we were at one point. You should get to see this plan come to fruition. Consider it a favor to an old friend.''

Riku scowled, he had gotten used to his disability over time. He didn't really have any complaints about being unable to speak. After all, he didn't regret what lead to this and he would do it again if it came to that.

However, this was one time he really wished he could speak just to tell this traitor what he really thought of this so called friendship. They suffered for so long...after gentle Rob, the old man who had helped them all along was killed by their captors and Jellal simply wanted to finish what they started? That was inexcusable.

''You didn't show it much at first but we always knew you were soft.'' Jellal remarked. ''Too much so-to think you put yourself at risk just to protect Erza. Really and after she hid so much from you? One would think she would trust her friends, wouldn't you say?''

Riku glared back, what did he know? It was true that discovering the truth was upsetting but he wouldn't let the traitor's words get to him. Erza had earned his trust years ago and he wouldn't let something like this change it-especially not without hearing her side of the story. She deserved as much.

''You know they're coming for you, right? Or for the both of us I should say...'' Jellal trailed off. The dragon slayer wasn't surprised, he knew there was no way his friends would take this lying down.

Jellal snapped his fingers and a second circle glowed around them, confusing Riku. What...?

His eyes widened when the glowing word appeared in the air between them. Jellal's lips twitched ''Surprised? Let's just say is a special way to make your thoughts become visible. This wouldn't be much of a talk otherwise.''

Riku frowned, he didn't think that was all there was to it but that didn't matter at the moment. There was something he really needed to know. The glowing words formed once again 'Why are you doing this? There's nothing good about what those bastards tried to do!'

''Oh, I actually agree with you there. Our captors were just a bunch of arrogant blowhards with a little too much power. They had no idea what they were dealing with.'' Jellal smirked. ''But I'm not like that-Zeref himself has shown me the way. I will pave the path for a new age-it's our time, to reach true freedom!''

'Freedom? Have you completely lost it?' Riku looked incredulous. 'Assuming this plan actually works...seeing all the stuff Zeref did, you think he'd actually help you? Are Simon, Millia and the others...do they actually agree with this?'

''And how.'' Jellal affirmed smugly. ''A few of the right words and that was all she wrote. They all want this as much as I do-they were all too happy to help me.''

Riku didn't want to believe it. They had all wanted to get out of here for so long and now this...? There had to be more to it. He just couldn't see them cooperating so simply...

He guessed his skepticism must have shown for Jellal carried on ''Such little faith, you're so misguided...let's see how that can change.''

'I'm never going to help you.' Riku retorted.

''We'll see about that.''

The door closed as Jellal left. Riku's gaze lowered for a moment, he hated being in this terrible place again. He had really thought they'd seen the last of it. The cult had been strong mostly because of numbers but they hadn't scared him nearly as much as it had others. That was perhaps the only benefit from training with Acnologia. He had grown much more resilient afterwards. Still, he would be lying if he said this place didn't get to him on some level.

Reminding himself to remain strong, Riku tried to think. His powers were very much bound so long as he was stuck here.

He still had a hard time believing it. If someone told him Jellal would've wound up like this, he would have thought they were nuts. He wanted to give the blue haired mage a chance but all his actions so far destroyed any semblance of faith Riku had in him.

Acnologia tried to make him see humans as nothing but insects but Riku didn't want to listen, he didn't want to wind up like that monster. Meeting his friends here and later everyone in Fairy Tail assured him that he had made the right choice-that there was far more to the world than he knew and he was glad to keep that faith running strong. Perhaps this was why...he didn't know if it was wishful thinking but he just couldn't believe his old friends had changed so much too.

Right now, as much as he hated it, all he could do was wait. He would wait for a chance to escape and make Jellal answer for all this. 'Sorry, guys. I can't do much of anything now-I'll be counting on you...I hope you'll be all right.'

Juvia helped the group get into the tower by diving to reach a tunnel through the ocean. It wasn't long before they encountered opposition, numerous people who were apparently guarding the tower and hell-bent on stopping them going any further.

However...

''Fire Dragon's Roar!''

''Poison Dragon's Wingbeat!''

''Ice Make: Lance!''

They were simply no match for the group. It didn't look like they were many mages in the enemy ranks. However, those who were present tried to attack from a far. Juvia solved that problem with judicious use of her Water Slicer spell, stunning them and giving Belle enough time to finish them off with Wild Tornado.

Erza disarmed an enemy and struck them down, quickly turning to slash another as they attack. Her eyes narrowed as the doors began to open, revealing more enemies. Natsu smirked ''Come and get it!''

The knight mage tightened her grip on her blades, just as ready to fight. 'Riku...just wait. We'll be there soon!'

Well, let's stop here.

Honestly, I struggled with this chapter for a while-I hope it was good. This is all a set up for what's coming next. I wanted to show how things were for Riku in the Tower. After dealing with Acnologia, the cult would have a hard time trying to scare him. He just wasn't strong to fight them all off alone. Acnologia tried to mold Riku into something like him, but while those lessons left Riku with doubts about the world, he never actually took them to heart. He just decided to experience everyting on his own and clear said doubts in the first place.

I wanted to show what this coming conflict would mean for Riku, Erik and Erza for starters. They all hate what it could mean, the fact that their old friends may be enemies but Riku and Erik would be willing to fight and stop them even if it was hard. For the record, Simon and the others don't know about Riku's kidnapping but they will soon.

Juvia had been following Gray, not that they know it yet but Riku and Erik caught her around town on seperate occasions so they talked about Makarov about it. When it looked like there wasn't much chance of trouble, they just let her be. I wasn't sure if I should use her here but I got an idea to make her fit with the different scenario so I figured why not? Juvia's thinking of asking to join Fairy Tail but she first wants to find Gajeel, who she hasn't seen since the war since she's worried about him. She was just passing by the area when the mess started and she decided to help, thankfully saving some lives. Gray's mostly going on a hunch but I want to have him give her a chance just like the others.

This is something I intended to talk about in the next chapter but I don't see any reason not to mention it now. Jellal took Riku because he wants bend him to his will by forcing the curse to activate. He found a certain method that he thinks will ensure Riku will be more malleable in the state so he thinks he can use that to his own ends. Thing is, he's not the first to consider turning a darkness dragon slayer in the cursed state into a weapo. But that has never worked for anyone. In fact, given the curse's origin, that's a really, REALLY bad idea. Jellal's definitely biting off more than he can chew on this one. And he's going to find that out the hard way...

Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!