After the war was over, the Magic Council learned of all what happened and so promptly arrested Jose. They also ensured that Phantom Lord was disbanded. All its members had apparently scattered shortly after the final battle. Lucy had even returned home and confronted her father, warning him to never come after Fairy Tail again or else, declaring herself to be not Lucky Lucy Heartfilia but Lucy of Fairy Tail.
Peace returned to Magnolia and Fairy Tail wasted no time to work at rebuilding their HQ...
Belle poked her head in Riku's room, perking up when she saw her partner sitting up on a chair ''Oh, you're up-Morning!''
Riku gave a small smile and waved in return. He still seemed weary, which didn't surprise her at all.
It was because of that awful cursed state. They still didn't know just what it meant but everyone in the guild agreed that it might as well be a curse. The trouble was, with Dragon Slayer magic being a Lost magic, they had very little information on it. Thus they didn't have much means to help Riku. The seal was the only way Makarov could find but even he didn't want to use it considering how painful it was. Hell, even applying the seal the first time knocked Riku out for days.
It had been Riku himself who insisted on using the old spell, making it clear that he would find a way do it regardless of any protest. While the decision had been upsetting, Belle knew just why he'd go that far.
Riku despised that curse more than anyone else. He hated that it would make him lose control and hurt others. The lengths it could make him take scared him to the core. He was prepared to do what it takes to ensure that wouldn't happen. It didn't help that there were those who ostracized him after they saw the curse take effect before. Riku seemed resigned to that but they all knew that how much it hurt him. It infuriated Belle that none of them understood how in the end, he was the one harmed most by the curse. At a point, her partner had even thought of leaving the guild but they wouldn't let it happen. Riku deserved far better than this and Belle was among those most determined to ensure he got it.
Belle had been so lost in thought that she didn't notice Riku leaving to get ready for the day, jumping a little when he came back. The teen blinked, giving her a puzzled look. ''Oh, ah-I was just thinking...'' Shaking herself, she added. ''Come on! Elfman left some food when he came by before, it's Mira's cooking so it's bound to be great!''
Riku looked amused but he wasn't about to argue with that. He vaguely remembered hearing Belle talk to someone earlier but hadn't known it was Elfman. Thinking back, he had been awfully tired around then...
Then again, he was used to this. The curse always left him drained accordingly depending on the situation. The fact that he had to keep fighting Phantom Lord back then most definitely made it worse. He had been lumbered with that horrible state ever since that incident back when he was seven and things didn't get easier since. Riku had almost died that day so he could hardly remember what happened-Erza and Erik had been present though and they told him plenty. He wouldn't blame them or any of his other friends if they didn't trust him after seeing it. But he had been wrong, despite some initial alarm and fear (which perfectly understandable) Fairy Tail had shown him the utmost support. They had always been there for him and it meant more than he could put in words. That was one of the main reasons why he tried to never shy away from it, to keep working until he could conquer that weakness...
Belle glanced back at her partner in concern, seeing his distant expression. She hated seeing him sad and he was always hard on himself when it came to the curse. None of them thought any less of him for it.
Sure, she really had been scared the first day she saw it. She really hadn't known what to do at the time. Things had been terrible and Riku was only pushed so badly because he kept going to help her and the others. Belle knew he wouldn't want to hurt them. At the time, the sight had frightened her but she found that wasn't scared of Riku, no way. She refused to treat him differently after all he had done for her.
Belle remembered how they met, over four years ago...
She had been flying when a storm struck her route. The cat quickly tried to find shelter but she must have been flying for a while because she had been rather tired. She had collapsed and had almost been hit by a falling tree had she not been able to roll away in time.
As her vision faded, Belle was certain she was about to die. But the next thing she knew, she woke up in a cave...
''Oh, you're awake?''
Startled, she looked up to see a boy watching her. She jumped, alarmed at his proximity. But she swayed and almost fell moments later but then he caught her.
''Hey, take it easy!'' He chided. ''You were pretty worn out as it were, that storm definitely wasn't doing you favors.''
It was then that she realized that he had wrapped up his jacket around her. She did remember feeling awfully cold before she blacked out...had he been taking care of her?
She hadn't even realized she had almost fallen again out of sheer exhaustion and hunger until she felt the boy's hand on her back.
''See, what'd I tell you?'' He shook his head, settling her back down before looking for something in his bag, finally taking out some bread, fruit and a water container. ''You'd probably be hungry about now...''
Belle hadn't even realized she had confirmed as much until the boy looked at her in surprise ''You can talk?'' He eyed her curiously. ''Wonder if you're like Happy...what're the chances?''
''W-who...?'' She managed.
The boy picked her up ''I'm Riku. Just hold on, I'll help you.''
And he really had, he had done that and so much more...
She was too tired to really even eat but he had patiently helped her until she fell asleep. He had taken her back with him to Magnolia with him, making sure to get her to a doctor. It had taken time for her to fully recover but he had done his best to help and things only looked up from there.
For a while, she didn't feel safe without him. She always wanted him to stay with her. Despite being somewhat exasperated with her back then, Riku still tried his best to care for her. He'd been the one to give her this name. It was thanks to him that she met the family and friends she had now-that she had a second chance at life...
Looking back, Belle felt a bit embarrassed by the way she clung to him but Happy assured her that it was normal. He hadn't been too different around Natsu, so perhaps it could be usual for cats like them. It was hard to be sure as they had yet to meet any other similar felines after all...
Belle's thoughts were cut off when Riku lightly tapped her forehead and pointed at her tea.
''Oh yeah...'' She took a gulp of the beverage in front of her, having forgotten it was even there.
'Any reason you're spacing out so much today?'
''Just thinking...'' Belle quickly shook herself. ''...are you sure about going to help at the guild? You're still not recovered yet.''
'I'll be fine. I think I've rested enough so there's no harm.' Riku returned.
''Well, okay. But don't overdo it.''
He half-smiled, patting her head as he nodded.
The first thing they saw upon arriving was Natsu and Gray being flung to the ground when they were hit by a timber.
''Ah, what...?'' Belle blinked, looking back to see that Erza was carrying the wood. She didn't even seem to realize what happened as she merely kept walking, focused on something up ahead.
Jet came running with a piece of timber in hand. He paused as he saw them ''Oh hey, you two-'' He glanced at Natsu and Gray. ''-ignore them, they were just going at each other's throats again. None of us really found out why. Erza just spared us a spare big headache.''
''...Can't argue with that...'' She said at last. "...any idea what we can do to help, Jet?"
''Sure, come on!''
Lucy's mouth fell ''Get out-Elfman used to be shy and withdrawn?''
Levy looked amused while Cana snickered as she answered ''Hard to believe, right? He was a real crybaby. The whole issue with his Takeover magic definitely made things worse, considering it made him a bigger target for some of the jerks around here. He says it actually has to do with how he became friends with Riku.''
''Oh yeah? What happened?'' The celestial mage glanced at the two teens in question. They were too far off to really hear what they were saying but Elfman seemed to be in the middle of an enthusiastic speech while Riku listened with a half smile.
''I only saw part of it but looking back, it was actually kind of funny...'' Levy thought back.
Levy's eyes narrowed in annoyance when she heard a couple of the bullies in town mocking Elfman again. Where did they even get off?
''Aw, look he's crying!''
''He's probably gonna run to his sisters again! At least they can fight!''
The Solid Script mage was all set to help her friend but then a new voice spoke up ''You guys sure like to run your mouths.''
Everyone looked back in surprise to see Riku watching the scene with a distinctly unimpressed look.
''What was that, you little runt?'' One of the two older boys leaned threateningly over him.
Riku remained unfazed ''You heard me-you're just full of big talk. Anyone could have that sort of problem one way or another. Last I heard, he's learned that magic by himself. And he's still trying to figure out whatever the problem is he's facing now. Can you even say you'd pull something like that off?'' He scoffed at the lack of response. ''Yeah, that's what I thought. You're just a pair of weaklings who think they're something special by throwing their weight around but that means is that you're very small inside.''
Naturally, the boys weren't about to take that well. Within seconds, they charged to attack Riku. The boy swiftly tripped one up and kicked him in the side, turning back in time to grab the other bully's arm and do a half-spin, tossing him onto his friend.
''I think that proves my point. Would you look at that, I didn't need any magic either.'' His eyes narrowed. ''Now beat it before I go against my better judgement and pay you back for real.''
The two boys recoiled at this, quickly hurrying away. Levy and Elfman watched in wonder and curiosity. Riku was a new addition to the guild and he often kept to himself. They'd only had brief encounters with him so far so neither knew what to make of him. Makarov mentioned that he just needed time to acclimate himself to his new home. It looked like their master might have been right...
''That was great!''
Riku blinked and looked back as a happy Levy approached him ''Way to teach those jerks a lesson!''
''It's no big deal-they were just getting on my nerves.''
''I hear you but that was really nice of you to help. Right, Elfman?'' Levy looked at the aforementioned boy, who nodded and quietly thanked him.
Riku frowned for a moment ''...You were acting like that when those morons showed up last time too. Do you always freeze up like this? You're just giving fuel to the fire by listening to them.''
''B-but they were right..it's pathetic that I keep having trouble with my magic...'' Elfman mumbled.
Riku gave him a hard look ''The only way that would be true is if you let it be. You want things to change? Then do something about it.'' The former's eyes widened at his firm tone. ''Hard as it may be, if you feel strongly about it then you can make it happen. Whining about it and taking that sort of treatment lying down is about one of the worst things you can do.''
Levy and Elfman watched as he walked away, the girl speaking up after a moment ''I...wouldn't have put it that way but he's right. Remember what Master told us about the power of feelings, of our hearts? Just think about it, okay?''
''Wow, that's...to the point...'' Lucy blinked when Levy finished retelling the event. She had heard of how Riku kept to himself. There were times when she'd noticed how direct and blunt he could be but it seemed that was even more the case when he was younger.
She laughed a bit ''Yeah, Riku was a lot more blunt than you'd expect looking at him now. That attitude shows up plenty when he's in a bad mood. We figured he means well though so most of us just got used to it. He was gentle to us even when he hardly knew anyone here.''
Cana nodded, being gentle didn't always mean you had to be soft, sometimes you had to be harsh for the good of others ''If anything, I got a lot of respect for him coming out the way he did after all that's happened-come on, staying around that damn lizard definitely didn't do him any favors.''
Lucy had to agree there. She only heard brief mentions of Acnologia from her friends so far but none of them were good. Riku hadn't mentioned much of the past to her but given his awful mentor and what happened to his parents, she could certainly understand why...
''And then that guy actually tried to weasel out of paying us and said we were too wild! Can you believe it?'' Elfman sounded scandalized as he put a piece of timber up right. ''I mean, we were Manly to get rid of those monsters-how can he not see that?''
Riku placed the timber in his hands down before answering 'Tell me I'm crazy but seeing as half the street got demolished along with a part of his house, somehow his concerns make sense.'
Some of those nearby were left amused at this since Elfman couldn't think of a response.
Happy and Belle were talking nearby, the former telling the latter about something strange that happened yesterday.
''The lunch box appeared out of nowhere?''
''Aye, it was weird.'' Happy returned. ''No one saw who left it but it happened again today. Gray got mad when Natsu ate all the food both times since it was apparently left for him but Natsu says it didn't have to be.''
Belle blinked ''It has to be-why else would it have been left near Gray both times?''
''We tried to point that out too but well...you know how it is, once their tempers rise, that was that.''
She rolled her eyes ''Yeah, typical...wonder who's behind this though...''
If they had looked closer around the corner they might have seen a certain blue shadow watching Gray with adoration...
Laxus finished hammering a nail in the wall before looking at Makarov ''Hey, Gramps-hearing about you want to remodel the place is fine and all but it'd help to see some sort of plan.''
''Oh, I've got the schematics ready-pretty sure I left them with Mira.'' The man returned.
The blond decided to see for himself, finding the white haired girl nearby. As it turned out, she was showing Gray and a few others the schematics.
However, any thoughts of that being lucky went out the window when he saw what was on the paper. It was all full of squiggles, making for a picture that could've been made by a 5 year old.
When he thought about it that way, Laxus had a very good guess of the person who made the drawing. There was only one person he could think of who had such terrible artistic skill but could show it off anyway and it just happened to be the girl holding the paper up proudly.
''Oh this is a joke, right? Who's the idiot who came up with this?'' Gray was asking.
He immediately regretted his words as Mira's next reaction proved Laxus right, for she burst into tears.
''Nice.'' Laxus said sarcastically. ''You like kicking puppies too, while you're at it?''
''Hey, I didn't...! I mean, y-you're not an idiot, Mira!'' Gray cringed as he kept trying to apologize under the unimpressed gazes from those nearby.
''Hey, Riku!''
The teen blinked and turned his head, seeing Bickslow walk over with his puppets trailed behind him. He glanced at Natsu and Happy, who were looking rather downtrodden nearby. ''They look like that one time when we got together to prank them. What was that about?''
Riku rolled his eyes, explaining how they had a couple requests for the team but they wanted help convincing them to do it. However, there was no way in hell he'd agree to that.
Bickslow arched an eye ''Okay, those jobs must suck if they get that kind of reaction out of you...''
'One of them involved hunting a pair of garuda who are roaming around a valley.' Riku stated.
''That doesn't sound so bad...'' The words died in Bickslow's mouth when he remembered something. ''...waaaait a minute, isn't the most sure fire way to bring a garuda out in the open...?''
He nodded 'Live bait. A lot of them go after humans too. The second one's even worse though-word got out about some bandits going into hiding after they robbed a train. The problem is, they went into Avila Marsh.'
Now this one made Bickslow really question their friends' intelligence. Avila Marsh was a distant area well known for the dangerous plants and toxins they released, there were even rumors of a powerful monster living deep within it. It was a very dangerous place and many tended to avoid it if at all possible. Even Erik, who was immune to most, if not all poisons, admitted that he would not go there alone. Enough said.
''...Geez, no wonder you turned them down. They've gotta be out of their minds...'' Bickslow shook his head. ''...heck, you probably did them a favor. If they try to swing this by Erza, she'd probably kick their asses and Porlyusica's going to have their heads."
'Oh, definitely.' The reclusive healer was the one medic the guild knew they could rely on for sure but her temper left many frightened. The fact that a good amount of the guild tended to fear incurring her wrath more than some of the dangers they faced out there spoke volumes.
'You know, there's something to be said on how getting her help can wind up being more dangerous than some of the jobs we take.' Riku stated.
Bickslow laughed ''No kidding, but that's Fairy Tail. You never know what to expect.''
The latter half-smiled, he was about to respond when a blur seemed to go past them. Riku blinked, while Bickslow cocked his head ''What the heck...?''
'Judging by the scent, I think it was Loke.' Riku informed, though he seemed just as puzzled.
''It's nothing too unusual.'' Erik stated as he joined them. At their questioning looks, he glanced in the direction Loke came from. There were Lucy, Natsu, Happy, Cubelios and Belle, all just as puzzled by this.
''Oh, that figures...'' Bickslow snickered. Loke always seemed to run from their newest member with the most freaked out expression any of them had seen.
Erza walked over ''Was that Loke just now?''
Lucy nodded ''I never got a chance to thank him for helping me out during the battle with Phantom but as usual...well, you saw that...''
''Yeah, Loke's being a complete weirdo again.'' Natsu stated, placing hands behind his head.
''Does anyone know why he keeps avoiding me?'' The blonde asked the group at large. For a while she assumed that she might have offended him somehow but he was hardly ever around her for much interaction to happen in the first place.
''Supposedly, he got in a relationship with a celestial mage that ended up badly.'' Bickslow offered.
She rolled her eyes ''Oh, brother...''
''I know, right?'' Happy shared her exasperation. ''This kind of thing is why we've all learned to never get involved with Loke's love life, it never ends well.''
Now that Lucy could readily agree with ''I hear you loud and clear.''
Erik glanced in Loke's direction, his expression skeptic. Was it really that simple? Something about Loke's reaction made him wonder. If it was simply a bad relationship, why wouldn't he say so? This seemed a bit extreme.
For a moment there, Erik had heard his line of thought, which really threw him for a loop. He had never seen or heard Loke so...frantic before. Strange...
Later, a number of the Fairy Tail, including Team Natsu, the Raijinshuu, Cana, Mira and Elfman among others gathered for dinner at Riku and Belle's place...
''So Mystogan left already?'' Belle asked Cana.
''Yup, apparently he wanted to wrap something up. I swear that guy can never take it easy...'' She shook her head. They all knew that the only reason Mystogan hadn't shown up during the war was that he had been taking down Phantom's allies around the same time. If it hadn't been for him, they might have had a bigger battle on their hands.
Belle had to agree ''Yeah, it would've been nice if he came though...''
''I know he's loosened up a lot but I think this might be a big step for him.'' The brunette returned.
Lucy looked curious ''You guys said something like that before-Mystogan seems nice though, was he all that different?''
''Oh, it's not that...'' Evergreen paused, wondering how to explain. ''...he was obviously a pretty decent guy. It was just really hard to tell considering how withdrawn he was. He used to cast sleep spells every time he came around and no one except Master, Laxus, Riku and Belle know what he actually looks like.''
''Oh...'' Lucy remembered hearing something along those lines. ''...why all the secrecy?'' She added, directing the question at Belle.
''Um...'' She bit her lip. ''...Riku and I found out by chance but we don't know why he's so insistent on this. He made us promise not to tell, we just trust that he has his own reasons.''
''Those two are practically the only reason he opened up to us anyway.'' Cana informed as Belle went to put her plate away. ''Riku was plenty withdrawn himself so I figure he'd know how to deal with someone like that. Come to think of it, Erza wasn't that different either...she still is in some ways.''
Lucy hummed thoughtfully and Evergreen nodded ''Riku really liked the guild's philosophy of living everyday to the fullest so he wanted to live by it. Erza had a worse time fitting in, so he wanted to help her too. I figure it made sense, he said he can't expect her to open up to others if he doesn't try to do the same.''
The blonde nodded in understanding, thinking that was perfectly reasonable.
The knight mage was sitting with some of the others nearby. As much as she was enjoying this get together, she wasn't even sure how it wound up like this. Erza admittedly felt bad since this wasn't really fair to Riku, who was still recovering from the curse. At least some of their friends seemed to consider that too, since they were more than helpful.
Even now, her old friend seemed somewhat weary but he was clearly having a good time too, which was a relief.
''You shouldn't overdo it.'' She stated, Riku looked at her curiously and she explained. ''We might have agreed to have this dinner but everyone would've understood if you didn't feel up to it.''
'It's fine.' He assured. 'It's really nice-having times like this after the past few days. I'm not at a 100% yet but I can manage.'
Riku appreciated the concern but he was used to feeling lethargic and somewhat drained after the curse struck. The dinner was pretty fun and he wanted to be a part of the proceedings. The last thing he wanted was to be treated as if he were made of glass.
'Anyway, you're not still sore about the fact that we wouldn't let you cook, right?' He asked, making her stiffen.
Mira also noticed her expression, thinking it gave enough of an answer ''Erza, that's a little...I think you've done enough, really.''
''Yeah, I don't think any of us would let you in a kitchen soon.'' Natsu stated dryly.
The redhead glared at this, making him quail and try to hide behind Cubelios, who gave a flat hiss at the reaction before pushing him forward.
Laxus rolled his eyes ''Grumble all you want, he's right. We don't need another fiasco like...what did Levy call it again?''
'The Wild Casserole Calamity.' Riku reminded. The event where that was created took place months ago but it still disturbed them. 'Levy said it was an unholy abomination of the worst order. She was absolutely right.'
Laxus, Belle and Cubelios nodded to this while Erza flushed ''I thought we wouldn't talk that again!''
''Well, we did agree that you really should consider working on your culinary skills so I think that evens it out.'' Freed reminded.
Erik gave her a dry look ''You don't even get to complain, Erza. A quarter of the guild hasn't been able to look at casseroles again for weeks without feeling sick.''
''Yeah...being around that thing was bad enough but her trying to force people to eat it is plain evil.'' Gray stated.
Erza grumbled, all right that day was one that still brought her shame and in retrospect, she could've handled it better-a lot better. She really didn't even want to think about it now.
Still, did they have to say this stuff?
'Even you admitted that it was one of your worst ideas yet.' Riku pointed out. 'Look at it this way, seeing as you didn't even know how it turned out like that, the chances of you messing up that badly again are slim to none.'
''...I suppose you have a point.'' She said at last. ''In that case, may I use your kitchen if the mood strikes me to cook again?''
'So long as it's with something simple, sure.' He returned. 'You do tend to get carried away. I'm not taking any chances-remember how long it took us to clean up after your last attempt?'
''Wait, that's...!'' The words died in her mouth as she realized he was right-again. Her last attempt had sadly also ended up in a disaster.
Gray watched them talk with a bemused expression ''...Does Riku even realize that he's one of the few who gets away with talking to her like that?''
''Nope, but you're right-if it was any of us saying that stuff, she'd try to kick our butts.'' Happy stated.
''Yeah, I always said Riku's got nerves of steel.'' Bickslow remarked.
The creation wizard snorted ''Ain't that the truth...''
The following day...
Mystogan had returned at mid-day. It didn't take him long to find time to talk with Makarov and Riku about something he had learned during one of his latest excursions. The subject wound up being a surprise that soon gathered plenty of attention. For Mystogan had somehow stumbled across something they would never have expected...
''You found information about the curse?!'' Happy exclaimed.
Mystogan nodded ''It isn't much but...one of the jobs I took before this mess with Phantom started lead to dealing with a historian and finding some very old records. One of them was exclusively about Dragon Slayer magic.''
Levy looked on with interest ''What did it say?''
''There was a bit about how Dragon Slayer magic came to be...the records were damaged but the client noticed my interest so he helped me copy some notes...''
''More on that later!'' Elfman interjected. ''What did it tell you about the curse?''
''Well, like I mentioned it isn't much...'' The masked mage cautioned. ''...and the client was still trying to learn how to restore the records, but from what I've found-this problem is centuries old.''
This left some of the listeners to exchange curious look but they listened to him continue ''Supposedly, Darkness Dragon Slayer magic has been feared even among dragon slayers for a long time. Many tended to avoid it after an incident...the pages that described what happened were half torn off but it's implied that one of the old dragon slayers caused some sort of terrible incident. There were mentions of a disaster, an outsider from very far away and a parasite.''
Makarov blinked as a thought occurred to him ''Wait, Mystogan are you saying...?''
The latter nodded ''Every darkness dragon slayer has suffered from the curse ever since.''
Riku's eyes widened at this, not even noticing the glances coming his way as thoughts spun fast. All this time, he had assumed that the curse was caused by his own weakness-that it was there because he couldn't take full control of his power...and now it turns out that curse was apparently a part of his magic the entire time...
The part about the parasite though...could that have to do with why he felt so drained after the curse got the better of him?
''Wait, Riku said that it felt like he was possessed every time the curse took hold of him. Like something was threatening to swallow his very self up.'' Freed mused. ''I'm assuming it was like that for the other dragon slayers-was there anything mentioned about them getting rid of the curse, Mystogan?''
Some, like Belle, Elfman, Natsu and Erza, looked at the masked mage hopefully at this. Their hopes were quickly dashed when he shook his head ''I'm afraid not. This is why darkness dragon slayer magic became so feared...the curse was said to have turned them into monsters. None of them stood a chance to break it. Riku is the first dragon slayer of his kind in over a century. Given the cause behind that...''
Erik scowled ''Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Acnologia pulled this off on purpose.''
Riku was thinking along similar lines. Actually, considering some of the things the black dragon had mentioned...yeah, he could picture his mentor knowing about all this the entire time.
''But...if there was nothing about a way to deal with the curse...'' Erza started, but she really didn't want to finish the thought forming in her mind. What could be done to help Riku?
Riku lowered his head, ignoring the murmurs of dismay and concern around him.
''There has to be some way...'' Mira trailed off, looking troubled.
''But it's never been done, right...?'' Macao said tentatively.
''So? That doesn't mean this is the end.'' Erik pointed out.
Belle felt her heart sink, she'd always known the curse was terrible but this just added a whole new scope to the problem. She glanced at her partner, wondering just what was going on in his mind now. ''Riku...?''
Riku wasn't quite sure what to make of this new information yet...but there was one thing he knew for sure.
He would not give up here.
Perhaps he might have taken this differently years ago but now...that was the last thing he wanted. Not after all that he had been through, not after what he'd learned throughout the years-he didn't want to just roll over and call it quits. There was no point lamenting this, he could only go forward...
'I'm not backing down.' He stated, determination clear in his eyes as he looked up. 'I refuse to just roll over and call it quits. That's why...I may not know how or even when I can do it but I'll keep trying...someday, I'll break the curse.'
The declaration came as a pleasant surprise to the onlookers, greatly relieved by this turnout. It was good to see that Riku's will still held strong against this predicament.
Makarov grinned ''Good, that's just what I'd expect from you.''
Erik smirked ''That's the way.''
''Yeah, you can do it!'' Belle beamed.
''Without a doubt.'' Mystogan stated.
''And we'll help you.'' Mira added with a growing smile.
''For sure!'' Natsu agreed.
''Aye Sir!'' Happy added.
Erza couldn't help but smile, admiring his strength of heart once ''...Absolutely.''
Riku felt content, glad to have them all by his side. He was more sure than ever than he made the right call. The young man didn't know how he would fare, if he would falter or even give up but he felt that the least he could do was try. He refused to simply give up or live in fear. He owed it to his friends, family and even himself to try...and one day, he will reach his new goal, ensuring that his curse will be a thing of the past.
Well, let's stop here.
After all the action in the last few chapters, I wanted to just have some peaceful times here. I didn't really feel the need to go over Lucy's confrontation with Jude because it's practically the same as in canon. I'm thinking of having Team Natsu face him when he shows up in Magnolia later though, not sure if I'm going to use the idea yet.
Anywho, there you have it. Plenty about the curse is still an unknown but I'd just like to clarify that up to this point, everyone assumed that Riku's problem with his magic was kind of like Elfman's in that he just needed to get strong enough to assume full control. In a way that's true...but there's more to it. The curse is actually integrated with the magic itself. I intend to delve into the full origins of the curse later but let's just say there's a pretty good reason the records were damaged-someone out there really doesn't want the truth getting out.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it. Till next time!