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Riku leaned against his house's door, his pulse finally having slowed down. His eyes remained closed but he was aware that his hands had stopped shaking. However, the unease wasn't likely to go away soon.
They'd been treated to a hearty welcome by their friends and it all just helped put Riku's mind at ease. He felt a bit silly but something in him just couldn't settle down until he saw everything for himself, not with those nightmares so fresh in his mind.
As good as it was to finally back, things weren't going anywhere as smoothly as they hoped.
The memories of the illusions of Magnolia in flames...and all that death...had just been so strong. Belle and Erik had taken to keeping an extra close eye on him because of it and as much as he wished they didn't have to, he wasn't sure he would've held up as well without them. He knew he wasn't okay, not by a long shot but he hadn't thought seeing the town and even the guild building would shake him up like this.
Sighing, Riku entered the living room. Once he sat, a pair of small figures appeared behind the couch, ready to jump on him.
It was in fact, Rosie and Jazz, both sharing a nod before making their move. However, a second later, both found themselves trapped within their pseudo-big brother's grasp.
''Honestly...'' Alice was by the door, shaking her head at her daughters' antics. Those two never learned ''...what made you think it'd work this time?''
Rosie's response was a pout while Jazz shrugged, opting to hug Riku instead. She was quickly joined by her twin. Their mother couldn't help smiling; Riku was as good as family to them. Such interactions between those three never failed to brighten her day.
None of them missed his fake smile, the dark circles under his eyes which appeared haunted. He was trying for their sakes but the three knew Riku too well not to see it. The recent events had obviously taken a heavy toll on him; Alice wondered how they could help.
One thing was for sure. If she ever saw Jellal Fernandez, she would find some way to make him suffer and not even think twice about it. No one messed with her kids-no one.
But for now...
''Come on, you two-let's show him what we prepared, okay?''
Everyone in Fairy Tail was already at work trying to help their newly arrived friends. Their efforts quickly centred on those affected the most by the Tower of Heaven Erza, Erik, Cubelios and Riku. Erik actually considered himself better off in a way, seeing the damn place was bad enough but it was nothing compared to Simon's death. Most of his lingering feelings there consisted of fury at Jellal and a desire to make him suffer for everything, a sentiment many in the guild shared. They'd even been going about investigating what news they could find, determined to head a possible problem off before it began.
Erza refused to talk about it, insisting that she was fine and she would handle it. Nobody was convinced though. A number of people, Erik and Lucy leading them, confronted her about it fearing that it was just her being stubborn and wishing to handle everything alone but she had yet to say much.
Left unsaid was the fact that one of the people with the best chances of getting through to her was in the same situation-if not even worse off.
The Strauss siblings were already planning how to help Riku. It hadn't escaped their notice that he withdrew shortly after getting to the guild, how he nearly broke down or that it looked like he'd seen a ghost earlier. Hearing about those nightmares he went through was one thing but his reaction only drove the impact home. The only reason they hadn't joined Alice and the others at his home was the mother's request to let her talk to Riku first. Given their close relationship, Alice having all but adopted Riku into her family, they agreed.
''...So you do know what we're trying to do here includes you too, right?'' Mira looked over to see Belle addressing Cubelios, who nodded. ''Good, I was starting to worry you're trying to pull an Erza on us.'' The flat hiss this elicited made her sentiment on that pretty clear. ''Just making sure-I know Erik's the one who's got this whole talking to you thing down, but we're all still here.''
She let out a surprised laugh as the snake patted her head with the tip of her tail ''You're welcome.'' Belle blinked as Cubelios pointed to the door, having a very good guess on Belle's intentions now. ''Mmhm, you want to come?''
Within a minute, both flew out the guild. Mira knew very well that Belle had only come for a short while to check on things before returning to her partner's side and Cubelios naturally wouldn't have missed that either. Despite her intimidating appearance, the snake was actually quite sweet when you got to know her. Belle had been among the first to give her a chance in town. The fact that she was Riku's friend was all that mattered to her. In return, Cubelios had essentially taken the little cat under her wing, treating her like a younger sister.
Cana placed her mug on the counter, giving Mira a pointed look ''Okay, we can figure things out one step at a time.'' The white haired girl blinked ''Are we really going to pretend you weren't sitting here worrying yourself to death about everything?''
Mira couldn't help the giggle that escaped her ''Looks like you caught me. So that's your plan?''
''Yup, let's just try taking it easy for now.''
Hearing Erza's agreement to this was truly unexpected but Cana quickly took it in stride ''Oh, this from Miss 'uptight-follow every rule in the book' Scarlet herself? Did I somehow miss the end of the world?''
Macao snorted ''Yeah, never saw that one coming either. What it'd be like for you, a couple of days where you don't wear any armour and actually let your hair down?''
Happy was sniggering ''Come on, Macao, isn't two days a bit much?''
The man pretended to think about it ''Good point, I'd give it a few hours tops.''
Erza's tone was testy ''Do you really think I have such little restraint?''
''Is that a trick question?'' Makarov's comment elicited much laughter, to her growing annoyance.
Belle and Cubelios were joined shortly by Aaron and Sarah, the quartet soon joining the others at Belle and Riku's house. The couple had also made a point of bringing a good amount of food with them, making sure to include Belle and Riku's favorites.
''...so you really are okay? Oh, but you look so tired-little wonder, I suppose. Come now...''
Aaron couldn't help chuckling as his wife's fussing continued ''You know he doesn't like the fussing, honey.''
''Oh, hush you! After all that happened, I'm perfectly in my right to worry so if I want to fuss, deal with it!''
Rosie was giggling, highly suspecting that said concern was actually why Riku was going along with this ''At least give him a chance to answer, Auntie Sarah.''
''Ah...fair enough.'' Both couldn't help laughing at the woman's sheepish behavior.
Muffling a gigle of her own, Alice clapped her hands together ''All right, I think we all agree that concern is more understandable. Let's not take things too far. Riku, you know we're all here for you-including everyone in Fairy Tail of course. But no pressure, it's perfectly fine if you're not ready to talk right now. We'll listen when you are.''
''Absolutely.'' Aaron clapped a hand on his shoulder. Riku couldn't help returning their smiles with one of his own, wondering how he got so lucky to find people like them.
''The word definitely spread out after all this.'' Aaron was telling them all. ''First it was just that the backstabbing lunatic destroyed the Council but then we get the complete story. And only now does it occur to some people to finally apologize over all they pulled two years ago.''
Belle harrumphed at the reminder. The events after the battle with Ivan never ceased to aggravate them. People had been horrible to Riku with the reveal of the curse. Even when they'd explained themselves and made it clear that they hadn't known, a few of them just refused to let up. The fact that dragon slayer magic was a lost magic was a point in their favour, after all most of what they knew came from the dragons themselves. Mystogan had been the one to find the most information about it recently and that was after a long period of searching and quite a bit of luck.
What infuriated Belle the most was that they all refused to even try to understand that Riku was the one this affected most. The curse understandably scared him to the core, more so as with it was the reminder of the day that strange man tried to mess around with his magic. His memory had been quite vague for some time-all he'd really known was that he'd lost control. They'd just managed to convince him not to leave them behind and assure him that he wasn't the monster the idiots made him out to be. Because a monster wouldn't feel as terribly as he did about all this, because he didn't even know about this, he'd done everything he could to put a stop to his issue with magic.
Thankfully, the mayor was among the most reasonable of the people who would hear them out, readily willing to help soothe tensions. Thankfully, Riku had proven over and over that the last thing he'd want to do is hurt an innocent. That seal itself was proof. It was an old and powerful spell but it was quite painful, they'd argued plenty about using it but Riku wouldn't budge. Even when it knocked him out for days after it was first cast and yet he'd never complained. His determination and enduring loyalty served to silence any of those who stood against him.
Riku sighed soundlessly at the memories. He really would've left if they hadn't intervened. As much as it pained him, after finding out what he'd done? He couldn't see himself as anything but someone too weak to handle his own power. A loose cannon who could easily be turned into a monster. Which was why he couldn't blame the townspeople, not really, after all he'd been quite frightened himself.
Some had doubts about him since learning Acnologia taught him. But he hadn't even known how terrible the black dragon's reputation was before that. It just left him wondering once again, why on Earthland would he even consider teaching Riku? That really made no sense.
At any rate, things had improved since then and Riku chose to let bygones be bygones. He'd forgiven but hadn't forgotten. He'd eventually managed not to hold a grudge but he definitely couldn't trust them again. How can he when they all turned on him just like that? Even a number of the people he'd come to know well just joined the bandwagon and cut him off entirely. And on top of that, they act as if nothing happened.
Well, that didn't matter-after all his close friends and his family still had his back. And that meant more than he could ever put in words.
A slow smile drew across his lips at the commotion between Belle and the twins...
''You do know you're just dragging this out, right?''
Jazz was utterly unimpressed as her twin continued to glare at the vegetables on her plate. Honestly, Rosie just had to be so dramatic...
''You're going to eat them eventually, quit sulking.'' Belle's tone was just as bland.
''But they taste so bad. You're just weird for even wanting to eat one, Jazz!''
''It's called common sense. Just eat it now and get it over with!''
Rosie's cheeks puffed out in annoyance. The two had to hold back their sighs when the girl turned her attention back to the plate.
Watching nearby, Alice only shook her head. Riku spared her an amused look 'Give it a bit. She'll never miss out on dessert.'
Cubelios seemed to be of a similar mind, pointing at the present confectionaries and nodding at Alice. She half-smiled, patting her head ''Yes, yes, I know...''
Rosie proved them right in less than a minute. The threat of no dessert was more than enough to make her eat the vegetables in a heartbeat.
Dinner carried on in a similar lighthearted and peaceful manner. Something Riku truly enjoyed. That earlier episode at the sight of his friends together had him worrying how he could continue to handle things, if even coming home shook him to this extent...
But here they were. All together and having good times as usual-it was great.
And later on, with Alice making him promise to call her if he needed anything and the twins assuring that they would come in a heartbeat, likewise Aaron and Sarah reminding him to keep the lacrima close and not even hesitate if he needed them. His heart warmed by all their support, Riku truly believed that the situation wasn't as bleak as it felt this morning after all.
The following day...
''Miss Fairy Tail?''
Elfman turned ''Oh, hey Lucy!'' His eyes travelled back to the poster ''No one told you? We have this contest around this time every year. The girls show off their magic and people vote who the most beautiful girl in Fairy Tail.''
''It's a real hassle. People make such a fuss every time and...What're you looking at?'' Gray added, noting her eyes narrowing.
''Oh, she just happened to see the reward money. Of course that's what she'd focus on.'' Happy's innocent tone fooled no one.
''What's that supposed to mean, cat?''
''You know what I mean, you're greedy like that and...!'' Happy let out a strangled yelp as Lucy threw him to the ground.
''Already getting used to the guild's ways, huh?'' Gray couldn't help recalling how often Lucy made it clear that she would not get into any of the brawls. A few of them had done something similar when Happy annoyed them before.
''Oh, no...'' She looked heavenward as if asking for help.
''Come on, Lucy, it just means you're Manly!'' Elfman declared.
''Gee, thanks-that's what I always wanted to be.'' She drawled. ''But anyway, I do need the money...''
''It's always about that with you.''
The blonde responded by sparing Gray a desert dry look ''I'm sorry, have you met my Landlady?''
The memory of the one time they ran into the woman was enough to make him wince ''...That's fair.''
After a number of reassurances, Belle agreed to accompany Riku to the guild. But not without the express promise that they would leave if something went wrong. As much as she disliked doing this to him, it was necessary. Fairy Tail was rowdy and loud on their best day and they didn't need something to set Riku off again.
Noticing her partner stopping, she made to ask what was wrong, unaware that he was trying to figure out the source of a strangely familiar scent. But as it happened, she was the one who saw it first.
''Whoa, what're you doing here?''
Riku was equally bewildered to find none other than Gajeel Redfox, whose expression proved that he was taken aback as well ''Huh, that explains the scent...so that was your house just now?''
Belle didn't fail to see the black Fairy Tail mark on his shoulder but she needed to ask anyway ''You joined the guild?''
''Hm? Oh, yeah-had to find some kinda job, Phantom's name is pretty much rock bottom now...''
Curious, Riku couldn't feel any malice from the other dragon slayer. Even after all what happened, he seemed fine with his current situation. As much as he disliked this sense, it had been quite accurate over time so...
''...pretty much no one liked Jose anyway...'' Gajeel was saying, snorting at their expressions. ''...yeah, no surprise-right? That old timer's the only one weird enough to give me a chance like this.''
''Sounds like him-oh, hey, did you see Juvia? I know she was looking for you.'' Belle recalled.
''She's here. Damn sap can't let things be. She's the reason I joined.'' He grunted.
The cat shared a look with her partner, knowing they were thinking along similar lines. Both were still upset with Gajeel after what he did to Team Shadow Gear but the same naturally went for Makarov. The guild master wouldn't let him join if he thought he'd be a danger to Fairy Tail. With that in mind, Riku signalled to Belle that they keep an eye on things now and she nodded.
''You both do remember I'm still here, right?'' Gajeel's dry comment made them look back at him. He didn't need to know sign language to understand their intent-after all they were far from the first to keep an eye on him, guild mate or not. ''I'd say no need to keep your guard up but let's face it, there's no point.''
''Can you blame us?'' Belle asked frankly.
''Nah, you'd be stupid not to at least think of it.'' This was actually going much better than he expected. Calling the others' reception to his arrival civil was the best thing he could say. Safe to say Makarov's decision and the fact that they were starting to warm up to Juvia were the only reasons it worked out near that well at all.
The three headed off to Fairy Tail in silence and Gajeel found that he didn't mind this at all. Discounting Mirajane and a couple of others members, the two were surprisingly decent to him despite their history. However, he couldn't help but note that they seemed oddly tense about something, like they were expecting trouble-especially Bahamut.
What was that about?
Fairy Tail was growing more subdued. No one really needed Erza's pointed reminders to take it easy. It happened so fast, in the midst of the celebration, something about all the noise and activity seemed to set Riku off into a panic and he'd quickly gone home before it got worse. That more than anything, was enough to drive the impact of recent events home.
Riku's somewhat terse stance even as he joined Cana and the Strauss siblings shortly after arrival made it clear that he was aware of the eyes on him.
''So!'' Eyes travelled to Mira as she clapped her hands together ''I was just out shopping and I saw the turnout from the garden. Good job as always, you two. I heard a few suggestions for what else you can plant there, if you're interested.''
Her intent was clear but no one was about to complain. Cana and Elfman were all too willing to throw in a couple of suggestions of their own. Not that this was anything new...
Belle gagged ''For the last time, Elfman, we're not using some stupidly dangerous plant that could ruin everything we worked on!''
''But wouldn't it be great if...'' The words died in his mouth at her glare. ''...okay, I'll stop.''
''I think someone's been hanging a little too much around Natsu.'' Cana could picture the dragon slayer making an equally ridiculous suggestion.
So could Mira ''Elfman, you know better. The plant could actually destroy the garden...'' A delivery man arrived with packages for some of the girls, prompting her to receive them.
''I think some of the girls did order a few things-someone's already working real hard.'' Belle's puzzled look made Cana point at the Miss Fairy Tail poster nearby.
''Oh, right-that's pretty soon...so what're you going to do, Cana?''
''Eh, I've got it all worked out. Just sit back and be amazed.'' The brunette declared smugly.
''I don't know if the girls just like to take this thing seriously or if they just want to win that badly.'' Belle confessed.
''Probably a bit of both...'' Elfman decided. ''...although, what would a contest like this be for the boys? I want to see it happen at least once!''
''Now that you mention it...'' Mira found that she was curious as well.
'It might be safer not to try.' The three looked at Riku in surprise. 'Well, think about it. How many sore losers do we know here?'
''Right, right-good point...'' It went without saying that a good amount of the boys in Fairy Tail could be very competitive. Heck, just look at their fights and how much devastation they could cause. Sure, the girls could be destructive as well but they had far more restraint.
When they thought about it like that, it was easy to come to the conclusion. A regularly scheduled competition between the boys was more than likely asking for trouble.
A few of the others were also talking about Miss Fairy Tail, Evergreen's declaration of winning this year was met with mild amusement.
''It's not going to be another fairy dress, is it?'' Levy teased.
''N-no!''
''Bet it was.'' Who did she think she was kidding? Bickslow, like a number of the others, knew just how fond Evergreen was of such wardrobe.
Levy was all too willing to pick up where he left off when she noticed a certain downcast friend ''Lu-chan? What's wrong?''
The celestial mage didn't take her head off the table ''I was really thinking of entering but...let's face it, what chance do I have? Mira-san's been the champ for years and then there's Erza and...''
''It's not as bad as you're making it out to be, Lucy-chan.'' Sarah patted her back. ''It just comes down to your talents and doing your best. Besides, most people forget that Mira-chan almost lost before.''
''Oh, right-when she decided to get 'creative'...'' Bickslow trailed off.
Baffled, Lucy didn't miss Levy and Evergreen sharing a grimace at the memory ''What happened?''
''Where do we even start...?''
Erza smiled to herself as she watched the newly arrived Juvia interact with a few of the members near the door. It was a bit awkward but certainly pleasant, well settling in could be a bit troublesome at first but she seemed off to a good start.
The girl certainly changed though, she was so lively and happy, Erza couldn't help but wonder what happened.
''Erza-san!'' Juvia beamed at her ''Juvia's glad to see you all again and even more happy to be part of Fairy Tail.''
''So I see. Good for you.'' She nodded ''And thank you for all you did to help us back there.''
''Oh, not at all!'' Juvia waved a hand. ''Juvia was glad to lend a hand, it was terrible but everything's fine now.''
Erza wanted to correct her but she couldn't bring herself to ruin the other girl's mood. If anything, she wished Juvia was right.
How could it be after what they'd been through? Jellal had been her best friend, almost like a brother and look what he'd done. Any fleeting hope she'd had of bringing back the friend she thought she knew died with the knowledge of what he'd done to Riku and Simon.
Simon...Simon not only had faith in her this whole time but he'd truly loved her. And she'd never realized...Riku had always been there for her. Even when her lies became clear, he was understandably upset but he still supported her. She didn't know where she'd be without him. Guilt surged within her once again as she wondered what they saw in her, she definitely didn't feel worthy of them.
''Erza-san?''
Juvia's concerned gaze made her shake herself ''Ah, it's nothing. I was just...thinking...'' Noticing Gajeel in another corner brought up another question she'd had for a while ''...exactly how did you swing him joining the guild?''
''Oh, Juvia didn't really try hard. Master Makarov was very kind. Gajeel-kun was barely making ends me-Juvia was so worried. She had to convince him to try, leaving him was cruel.'' The water mage sighed. ''Juvia thinks we might have rushed things though.''
''A little.'' Erza was also aware of the tension around the iron dragon slayer. ''I can't say I'm ready to forgive him that easily. As he is your friend, that's all I will say about it for now.'' Juvia's expression turned grateful. ''But can we trust him?''
She nodded at once ''Gajeel-kun was among the nicest to Juvia in Phantom Lord. Juvia knows to count on him.''
Erza was half-tempted to point out that that wasn't saying much, seeing how that guild was but then Gajeel's voice reached them ''Oi, Rain Woman, what're you telling people now?''
''Don't be shy, Gajeel-kun. Juvia knows you heard. It was just the truth!''
The iron dragon slayer clicked his tongue in annoyance as the nearby Makarov spared him an amused look ''Who the hell's shy, idiot...?''
''Actually...'' Both looked at Erza ''I was wondering-you came with Riku and Belle. Did...you notice any strange back there?''
Pointedly ignoring the distrustful stares coming his way, Gajeel grunted ''Yeah, actually-Puffball was talking to him a bit on the way, being all reassuring and stuff. Could've sworn I saw him flinching back when the fight came too close before-what gives?''
Sighing, Makarov proceeded to explain. Juvia's hands were over her mouth, horrified ''Juvia remembers what happened in the tower but...it was this bad?''
Gajeel didn't show it but he similarly appalled. Hey, he'd freely admit to being an asshole any day of the week but even he had standards.
''Coming back to Magnolia seemed to help but at the same time...'' Makarov's brow furrowed. ''...we're trying to figure out how to help but a good amount of those damn nightmares happened here...''
Gajeel barely heard him carry on, drifting away in thought. He almost pitied Jellal-almost. By the looks of it, Fairy Tail was going to tear him a new hole in a heartbeat.
Erik and Cubelios were just going down a street when a flash caught their attention. The next thing they knew, a figure was flying in the air.
Wait, wasn't that...?
A grumbling Lucy stepped out from the building nearby, huffing as the figure landed in the river. ''Serves him right...''
The fact that it was Natsu let the two immediately figure out what happened. It was just so typical really.
Happy flew over, huffing ''Lucy, you're being mean-those runes were uncalled for!''
''I warned you. Listen for once.'' The blonde pointedly his pouting, they'd talked enough about this subject. ''...oh, hi guys! You want to come up for some tea and cake?''
Shaking his head in amusement, Erik smirked ''Don't mind if we do.''
A newly arrived Laxus was taking a moment to marvel at the new guild.
Sure, he'd seen a part of the development but the end result was pretty impressive. The fact that the old guild hall was no more had taken some getting used to. He'd had so many memories there.
It was where Makarov introduced him to Fairy Tail, where he'd begun learning about magic, where he'd come to love the guild. The place where his family truly began, he'd mistakenly thought Ivan could be counted among that number. But...
Well, that day two years ago sure as hell served as quite the rude awakening.
The memory of his old self still left Laxus disgusted-mostly with himself. It had taken his near death at his so called father's hands to realize how wrong he'd been. How much he'd been acting like that jackass...and how much worse it could've been without his first true friend outside the Raijinshuu.
Of course, if you'd told him they would've be friends after their first meeting, Laxus would've laughed in your face...
''So this is the dragon slayer you're all making such a fuss about?'' Laxus sneered at Riku. ''What a joke, you can't even use your magic right, loser.''
''What was that?! Who do you think...''
''Leave it, Erza.'' Unlike the redhead, Riku's expression remained placid ''They're just words, I don't see why I should care what he says.''
Laxus' eyes narrowed ''What's that mean? You know who you're talking to?''
''Sure, I've seen you around here. Laxus, right? Master Makarov's grandson who apparently decided he's way too good for the rest of us.'' Riku shrugged. ''So? Is that supposed to mean anything to me?''
Now this one really threw him for a loop. How long was it since someone didn't actually care who his grandfather was?
''I'll tell you what I told Mirajane. You might be stronger than me but you don't scare me. Just because I'm having trouble with some magic doesn't mean it'll always be that way. I'll get stronger and nothing you can say will change that.'' The two's gazes locked, Riku didn't even flinch for a second, pointedly ignoring the others telling him to back off. ''So do your worst. Right now all I'm seeing is an insecure bully who wants to make himself feel better by belittling others. And that is what's really pathetic.''
Any retort he might have was cut off by Makarov's arrival, the man making sure they both walked away before a fight could begin.
Even then, Riku had made an impression on him. Unlike the others who'd tried to fake courage, the brunet meant every word. He had no intention of letting anyone walk over him just because they were stronger. If things had gone any differently afterwards, he might've considered inviting him to the Raijinshuu.
For despite everything, Riku had proven true to his word. He'd worked so hard to grow stronger, not even letting the issue with the curse get in his way. Even when they had been somewhat short of being enemies, Riku had earned some of his (grudging at the time) respect.
It still amazed him that they'd come this far. But...at his darkest hour...
''Dad, stop! W-what're you...doing? This...this really hurts!''
''It'll only be a bit longer, Laxus. Be patient, I'm simply reclaiming what's mine. You won't need it anymore.''
''W-wait, this...that means...no, you can't! I...I can help you!''
''Oh, grovelling for your life, are we? Truly pathetic, just like your fool of a grandfather. I certainly wasted my time training you but good riddance.''
Laxus wasn't sure what hurt more at the time, his father's terrible words or the lacrima being extracted. It felt like every one of his nerves was on fire and it was hard for him to even think straight. But even then, he knew...despite everything, he'd been truly wrong about Ivan.
Makarov had been right, Ivan didn't care about him one bit. How he regretted not listening to him earlier and now...it was too late...
He'd been so sure he was about to die but then...the pain stopped.
The blond didn't know what happened, a figure was approaching fast through his bleary vision. But that scent...
Shocked gray eyes met blue as their owner was reaching out a hand ''Hey, you all right? Hold on, I'll get you out of here!''
And it was this that led to him truly learning how wrong he'd been about so many things all this time...
And let's stop here.
Just wanted to start things nice and easy with the new arc, the stuff with the tower was obviously pretty hard on Riku and the others. Coming back to Magnolia sadly won't fix everything, as the panic attack he's had at the start of this chapter proves, but it's a step in the right direction. Oh and to clarify, Riku doesn't know Erza's trying to repress things again; he definitely would've tried to do something. They can see he's got plenty on his plate so they want to handle it.
I've been thinking about how to deal with Jellal's story and yeah, I'm going to put a few spins of my own here. There's a big chance he won't be in the Oracion Seis arc, mostly because that feels a bit too soon. I'm definitely not doing the whole 'he was possessed by Ultear' thing because it's stupid; I've got a perfectly viable plan in place.
Even with the curse aside, Riku's had some issues with controlling his dragon slayer magic partly thanks to Acnologia being a terrible teacher and the incident Brain caused. The word got out since he started looking up info in the archives and eventually deciding to ask Makarov for advice. Everyone finds out how bad the problem really was after the battle against Ivan, they just thought what happened with Brain's experiment was a one-time thing. I'll explain more soon. As you can see, Riku doesn't take crap from anybody. After his experiences, he wasn't going to be scared by a pair of kids. Rough beginnings between the three of them aside, Laxus and Mira are two of his closest friends now.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!