RedHood001: Wow, thanks a lot! Your review seriously made my day.
I know exactly what you mean about the OC just being there because I did something similar with my characters when I was starting out, you know? I've fixed it up but I like to think of this as an example that I'm learning and improving my writing.
I'm glad you like Riku being diverse in his magic, this actually gives me more opportunities to have fun with him so I went for it. His powers don't quite work that way though, you actually gave me a couple of ideas I could later on. It's really nice to hear how you like my version of Riku.
See, the thing about the curse...let's just say the reasons that lead to its existence happened before Acnologia's time. And he knows all about it, so he just took advantage of something that was already there by teaching Riku Dark Dragon Slayer magic. Like I said I plan to deal with the origins of the curse down the line.
I know the truth about the dragons and...well, I don't want to spoil anything but I have that all sorted out for Riku. If he did get a transformation, it wouldn't be like Acnologia...erm, for plot related reasons. Like I said, spoilers-I've got quite a few surprises in store.
I'm still on the fence about using the dragon gods in the story. Right now I'm waiting til more about them is revealed to see if I can work with this or not. Oh and about your question, of course you can send me ideas, I'd love to hear them.
Glad you liked the chapter, personally Laxus is one of my favorite characters so I was more motivated to try involving him here. I wouldn't call myself a brilliant writer, but thanks, I appreciate that-I just love what I do. I hope you have a safe, peaceful and wonderful day too.
One morning, team Natsu was just returning from a job. Everything seemed fine until they heard Erza cry out before she rushed ahead. The reason turned out to be that the cart she used to lug her usual amount of luggage was sinking into a quick sand pit. Lucy was alarmed when the knight mage disappeared into the pit, quickly summoning Virgo to help her.
Erza didn't seem to notice any of this as she bemoaned the loss of her things. ''Noooo...why?''
Lucy's eye twitched as Virgo lifted Erza effortlessly with her stuff sinking below ''She almost sinks into quick sand and all she cares about is that stupid luggage?!''
''It wasn't like it did much good anyway...'' Happy mumbled.
Riku sighed, his expression showing that he shared their feelings but he snapped his fingers and the barely visible cart was swallowed in a gate before reappearing next to them.
Then, it was like a switch flipped in Erza, her expression doing a 180 as she jumped to survey her luggage before proceeding to hug Riku ''This is great! Riku, you are a true friend!''
He rolled his eyes, his expression becoming one of fond exasperation. 'You better put it away. We don't need a repeat performance.'
As Erza proceeded to do so, Gray sighed ''Riku's the only one make her see sense. Why doesn't that surprise me?''
''Just be glad she's that good with requip magic, she'd probably make us drag this stuff with her otherwise.'' Happy pointed out, Natsu nodding in complete agreement as he had been thinking along the same lines.
''I can see her doing that too...'' The ice mage concurred.
''You guys might want to stop there unless you feel like testing your luck.'' Belle advised, subtly pointing out that Erza was within earshot.
The three cringed as they caught on, knowing that such comments would only bring them trouble. As it so happened, the warning was well timed as Erza and Riku walked over then.
The former blinked, quickly noticing their tense expressions ''Is something wrong?''
''Nah, ignore them.'' Lucy waved a dismissing hand. ''Let's keep going.''
The next day...
''All right, keep at it!''
''Nooo!''
''Yeah, you're doing great!''
Magnolia's square was as busy as a beehive today due to a certain event that drew many eyes. All participants were having a good time but some came to regret it, wishing they hadn't entered. They were cheered on by many, moans and cheers rising up in equal measures afterwards.
What was this event that caused such mixed reactions, you may ask?
Well, it just happened to be...
Gray sat among a number of his friends, many watching avidly. Since the guild's repairs were going well, they had thought to take a break. This really wasn't his idea of entertainment though ''All this commotion over an eating contest? That's lame.''
''Aw, don't be like that! They're all so Manly!'' Elfman exclaimed.
''I figured you'd say that, how come you didn't enter? It sounds like you'd be all over this.'' Happy remarked.
''He's probably learned not to challenge Natsu here.'' Cana guessed.
Elfman slumped as he affirmed that she was right ''...I am unmanly and unworthy...''
''Now, now-that's called being sensible.'' Levy corrected.
Riku nodded 'Cana called it right. Natsu can probably beat us hands down when it comes to pigging out.'
Gray had to agree there. As much as the creation wizard hated the thought of his rival defeating him in anything-he found that he really didn't care for this one ''That's one competition he's welcome to win...''
Levy let out a breath as she puts some books on the table before turning to Riku, who was putting a couple of books in the shelves ''Thanks for the help, Riku.''
'Don't worry about it. I never thought those runes you and Freed put up here would help make the place this tough.'
''I'm surprised too...'' She admitted, looking around the archives.
Fairy Tail's archive was at a low part of the basement. Given how a few incidents and brawls started here in the past, Levy had enlisted Freed to help her use some runes to enforce the area. It had sustained some damage after Gajeel destroyed the Fairy Tail HQ but considering the situation, it could've been much, much worse. Levy had enlisted a few of her friends to help sort things out here, she and Riku were the first to arrive.
''...it's such a relief though...I'd hate to think of something happening to those books, they're excellent.'' The girl added.
'You'd know all about that I bet, how many times have you read them now?' Riku inquired with a small smirk.
Levy puffed out her cheeks, knowing he was just messing with her ''That's besides the point. Anyway, I thought I heard Jet and Droy before, weren't they coming with Evergreen?''
'Well, Jet ran into Natsu and...you know how they are when they want to brawl...'
''Oh...figures.'' Levy shook her head in exasperation. It was troublesome enough when the brawls started but with people who enjoyed them as much as Natsu...
Yeah, that was going to take a while.
Levy decided to ask about something that had been bothering her ''Say, Riku-I'm not sure if the others weren't leading me on but did Natsu and Happy really convince Erza to go along after you guys last week?''
'They did. Though I still have no idea just why that worked...' He admitted. '...she thought it'd stop the guys teasing her but it really fed fuel to the fire.'
''I can see why. Though seeing as it's Erza we're talking about, that's never going to be a problem.'' The girl stated.
'I'll say...' Riku agreed and both thought back to how the knight mage stopped anyone attempting to tease her with a single incredibly frightening glare.
He stopped at the sight of a familiar book on a shelf, one he had read years ago. 'Come to think of it, we started getting to know each other the day you found me here, huh?'
Levy smiled ''Yup...'' She remembered how it started too.
Levy had been busy reading a book that she had found by chance for a while. She hadn't realized how she lost track of the time until she heard someone walking about. Curious, the girl went to find who it was...
''Oh, hey!''
Riku looked up from the book in his hands, surprised to see her there. Levy smiled as she walked over to him ''You like reading too?''
''I guess...'' The boy stated with a shrug. ''...I don't dislike it or anything.''
''Good. You won't believe how many of the boys complain about being told to read a little something every now and then. It's ridiculous.'' The girl glanced at his book. ''A record about lost magic? Why do you want to know about this?''
''I use dragon slayer magic.'' He admitted, surprising her.
''You do? That's incredible!''
''Not really. Anyway, my teaching was...let's just say it was messed up. I figured finding some information about it could help me.'' Riku finished.
Levy seemed intrigued ''That's some good thinking...'' She blinked at the curious look he gave her then. ''...what?''
''You're plenty more talkative than the last few times I've seen you.''
She gave a sheepish laugh ''Yeah...it's just, well...''
''I guess Erza and I haven't given the best first impression after all, huh?'' Riku asked.
Levy blinked, not expecting him to just come out and say it. He was right though, Erza had been rather closed off ever since she arrived and only Riku seemed able to get her to talk much. The boy himself seemed quiet, but he made it clear that he was still getting used to being here ''Ah, kind of...I get that a lot of things changed for you two though. I know the feeling-it's not easy to adjust but this is a great place.''
''...I can see that.'' He admitted, eliciting a small smile. ''I can't speak for Erza but...I don't even remember the last time I've been in such a warm place.''
The girl was curious, she knew his family had been killed by a monster years ago but his tone made her suspect that there was more to his words than it appeared.
''We were told about Fairy Tail from one of Master Makarov's friends.'' Riku stated, leaving her curious. ''Grandpa Rob was really nice to us all even when...'' He shook his head a little. ''...when it was hard. He said he wanted to show us around but...he died just before we could come.''
''Oh, I'm sorry. That's terrible...'' Levy trailed off.
Deciding to change the subject, she spoke ''Well, we didn't know what to think of you guys but you're nice too. I mean you stood up for Elfman the other day. You even helped me and Lisanna when those bullies came back too.''
''It's no big deal. People like that just get on my nerves.'' Riku leaned back on his seat. ''I'm just trying to remind myself that things have changed now but...I like Fairy Tail. I'm not sure how to pull it off but I do want to get to know everyone.''
Levy perked up ''That feeling's the most important thing, you can make it work. We're always up to having more friends. You're being talkative now too, you know.''
He blinked, surprised ''Oh, I guess...''
She clapped her hands together ''Tell you what, how about I help you find this information? I've read a bunch of the books here so I think I can point you in te right direction.''
''You'd help me? Why?''
''Well, you've got me curious now.'' Levy stated with a cheeky smile. ''Let's get to figuring this out, shall we?''
'That was the same day I found out how driven you are when you want to learn something.' Riku mused. Levy was one of the sweetest members of the guild but she could be rather intense on a mission. The difference was a little alarming.
''Well, what can I say? It was one of the most interesting subjects I got into in a while.'' The girl stated with a shrug.
Riku paused '...Isn't it kind of quiet now?'
Levy blinked, realizing he was right. They could hardly hear any noise coming from upstairs. ''Now that you mention it...did something happen?''
Elfman walked in, seeming a bit frightened. He was shortly followed by Evergreen, who closed the door with an annoyed huff.
''Uh...do we want to know?'' Levy asked meekly, their expressions left her unnerved.
''Evergreen went way too far.'' He mumbled.
''As if!'' She glared at him. ''I warned you idiots time and again. It's your own fault for trying to drag us into those ridiculous brawls.''
''You didn't have to scare us all like that! Don't even get me started on what else you did...''
''Want me to do it again?'' She interrupted coldly, making him cringe.
Riku and Levy shared bewildered looks '...I think this might be one of the times were we should go along and not ask.' The first decided.
''Agreed.''
Later...
Mira and Erza had agreed to show Lucy around Fairy Hills, the guild's dorm for girls. The blonde had been rather curious about the place-having not heard about it until a while after she settled in her apartment.
''Wow, that's big...'' She trailed off as they stared at the building. ''...so this place has actually been around early in the guild's days? You must take good care of it.''
''Oh, definitely.'' Erza returned. ''It's our home after all.''
''There's that and I'd imagine that everyone would be too scared of the dorm mother to cause trouble.'' Mira added brightly.
Lucy blinked ''The dorm mother?'' She noted Mira smiling at Erza then, which was when it sank in. ''...Go figure.'' Really, that made all too much sense after seeing how she enforced the rules at the guild.
The redhead cleared her throat ''I'm merely doing my duty.''
''Oh, but come to think of it-Mira-san, you don't live here, do you?'' Lucy wondered.
''No, no, I live with Elfman at our old home. I couldn't possibly leave him behind.''
The three entered the building and before long, Lucy noticed the strange looking door to the basement. It looked like someone had strung a collection of random wooden shapes leading to it before trying to make them more elaborate at the entrance. ''Okay, what...?''
''That'd be Laki.'' Erza informed, exasperation clear in her tone. ''I'm half certain she's doing this to mess around with us but she's absolutely insistent on leaving those all over the hall. She claims it's an artistic way of expressing herself.''
Lucy wrinkled her nose in distaste ''To each their own, I guess...''
''Well, it's not like it's doing any harm so why not let it be?'' Mira returned. ''So where do we...'' She blinked as a thought occured to her. ''...oh, but Erza-we should probably consider having Levy's room be the last place to visit.''
The knight mage paused ''Ah, good point...''
''What? Why?'' Lucy wanted to know. That seemed totally random to her.
''Well, knowing you two, you'd probably fall right into your favorite topic. We'd have a hard time prying you from Levy's library.'' Erza stated.
The girl blushed a bit ''Hey, that's not true! Okay, I'll want to spend some time there...''
''Right, and how much is some time?''
Lucy looked at the ground, avoiding the knowing smiles the two were giving her. ''...Can we just go?''
The girls found Bisca in the garden sitting with Belle and Cubelios. The former two were chatting amiably while the latter was reclining behind them, enjoying the sun's rays.
''Oh hey, you three.'' Bisca greeted upon noticing them, Cubelios offered a lazy hiss and a wave of her tail when Mira patted her head fondly. ''So you're finally getting the tour, Lucy? I never did get why you didn't come here after joining the guild.''
''No one told me about this place until I got my apartment.'' The girl stated with a shrug. ''I didn't expect to see Cubelios here-but I guess the no boys rule wouldn't have to apply with animals...''
''Ah, yeah but that's not why it doesn't apply with Cubelios.'' Belle corrected.
Lucy seemed puzzled at this but she could think of one reason for that ''...Wait, you're a girl?!'' She asked the snake, who nodded, tilting her head a little.
''I guess we forgot to tell you...'' Belle noted. ''...Hey, Erza-quick question, you didn't take her to Levy's room, did you?''
Erza stifled a laugh at while Mira outright giggled as the former answered ''No, we're making sure to leave that to the end.''
Lucy gave them an annoyed look ''Fine, fine-I love books, sue me!''
Mira patted her shoulder ''Sorry, we're just joking. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just clear as day that you and Levy do seem to lose track of everything a lot when you read.''
''Yeah, it's all in good fun, honest.'' Belle added, seeing Lucy nod then. ''Actually, I was just going to visit Ever. You should come Lucy, Ever likes reading too. She told me a whole bunch of neat stories.''
The blonde seemed intrigued ''Really? Like what?''
Around the same time...
Loke stood outside the guild building, taking a moment to marvel at how far it had come along. One thing you could say about Fairy Tail was that it was resilient.
He missed his friends, he knew he had been pushing them away but not without cause. It wasn't something they had done though-no, they were a wonderful group of people who had included him in their family. This issue was all on him. There was nothing to be done about it, he didn't want to involve them in his mess. Loke knew the time would be coming shortly, which meant there was only one thing to do.
Steeling himself, the ginger haired young man continued on his way...
Later that night...
No one could be sure why but it seemed like Fairy Tail was in a bit of an uproar. There seemed to be some sort of issue but with everyone rushing about, the people couldn't get a word in.
Aaron stopped near his home when he saw a familiar figure hurrying by ''Natsu!''
The teen paused and looked at him ''What's going on? You all seem worried.''
''Loke just up and left Fairy Tail!'' Natsu informed, surprising him. ''He's been acting so weird lately-we hardly ever saw him. Then he just showed up a couple of hours and told Gramps he was there to say goodbye. It's like he was just going to go away forever. His home's empty and we can't find any trace of him. Something's seriously wrong here.''
Aaron frowned, he and Sara had gotten to know a good number of people in Fairy Tail thanks to their relationship to Riku. They counted the boy as good as a son to them at this point and they were glad to meet his friends. Even if Loke was a flirt and a playboy, he was a good person and it looked like he was in trouble.
''All right, we'll help look for him. Just give me a minute.''
''Thanks!'' Natsu returned.
Levy looked at Cana, who was looking frustrated as her attempts to divine Loke's whereabouts with her magic failed again. ''No luck?''
''No-gah, what's that idiot doing?!'' The brunette cried in aggravation. Cana didn't know what Loke was thinking but there was no way they could leave things like this.
Both girls started at the sound of footsteps, pausing in surprise when Mystogan entered the guild building. ''Mystogan!''
''I heard what happened-any news?''
''No, we can't find any trace of him.'' Levy admitted. ''Master tried to get him to explain what was going on but Loke just wouldn't listen. Even the dragon slayers can hardly pick up his scent.''
Mystogan's eyes narrowed a little ''I was afraid of that...''
''What do you mean? You know something?'' Cana demanded.
''Staff magic can be used to track someone by using their magical signature. I ran into Riku a while ago and he told me he tried using that method to find Loke. It only worked for a few seconds but then the spell simply failed. It never worked after that.'' He explained.
The card mage frowned ''But why?''
Levy's mind was spinning fast as she remembered what she learned about staff magic. She knew there could be methods to try misleading that spell but they didn't cause this. The girl could think of only one reason for this problem ''Wait, you don't mean...?''
Mystogan confirmed her worst suspicions ''Yeah, Loke's magical signature is getting weaker and weaker. He's in danger.''
Riku, Belle and Elfman had joined Lucy upon learning that the girl got an idea to help find their wayward friend. One of her spirits, Crux, was a rather well informed being who was thought to be among the most knowledgeable in the spirit world. He may have something that could help them figure this out.
The others found that Crux wasn't nearly as reliable as Lucy made him seem. The reason being...
''Lucy, what's this guy's deal?'' Elfman demanded. Crux was in a deep sleep ever since the blonde summoned him, their attempts to wake him doing no good.
''I told you, Grandpa Crux is really old.'' Lucy stated with a helpless shrug. ''But just give me a minute...''
As the girl proceeded to wake the new spirit, they were joined by Erik, Freed and Bickslow.
''Lucy, could we have a moment?'' Freed inquired politely.
''We really need to talk.'' Bickslow added.
''Sorry, just hold on-we're looking for some info...''
''Yeah, this is related.'' Erik cut her off. He wasn't sure why the seith mage had gotten him to help find the blonde but this seemed important. ''Bickslow says he noticed something about Loke and he wants to talk it over with you.''
The girl looked back at them in surprise ''With me? Why?''
''Well, long story short-Loke's a celestial spirit.'' Bickslow returned.
''Whoa, what?!'' Elfman cried while the others stared at him in shock. What did he mean by...?''
Freed seemed to realize something then ''Don't tell me...you knew all along?''
''No, no, I just noticed something weird about him by chance so I confronted him.'' Bickslow returned. ''Lucy, my magic lets me see souls-something about Loke's was always strange. He didn't want to tell me but I couldn't just leave it. We had a couple of arguments about it but he finally explained after making me promise to keep it a secret.''
'Wait, you think whatever's going on with him is related to this?' Riku wanted to know.
''Exactly. I was surprised to see a spirit even out and about like him but he told me it wasn't unheard of. I asked if he did go back to the spirit world sometime but he said he was staying in this world for his own reasons. That he couldn't go back, he never explained why.'' The seith mage returned, missing Lucy's growing alarmed expression at this news. ''When I asked him about celestial spirits actually coming and going from this world, he said they could stay for good amounts of time. When Natsu told us how Virgo showed up on her own, I figured there wasn't much to it.''
''No, Loke lied to you.'' Lucy stated. ''It's true that some spirits can come and go between worlds but it only depends on their power. Staying here for long amounts of time can actually be really bad for them, it could even kill them.''
Riku's eyes widened as the rest exchanged stunned looks 'What? But we've known Loke for years. He never went back all this time?'
Lucy could understand them not knowing a thing about this. She was the one with the most experience when it came to celestial spirits in the guild. Loke clearly intended on keeping the truth about him a secret-even when he had a close call with Bickslow, he had made him swear to keep it a secret. But why would he do all this?
She may have been taking a bit of a long shot with Crux but Bickslow's information gave her a starting point ''Grandpa Crux, you know the situation. Can you tell us anything about this?''
The spirit cleared his throat, his tone grave as he responded ''As it so happens...''
''That moron!'' Gray cried.
''Yeah, what the hell is he thinking?'' Erik ground out.
Crux had been able to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle for them. Loke was in fact Leo the lion, the leader of the Zodiacs. Years ago, he had been contracted with a celestial mage of Blue Pegasus, Karen Lilica. Karen was a cruel mistress who cared very little for her spirits. She had two zodiac keys, that of Loke and Aries, the ram spirit. The two of them were very close and Loke always tried his best to defend his friend. They had argued time and again about Karen's behavior but the woman always dismissed Loke.
Fed up, the spirit decided to handle the situation differently so he elected to stay in this world. This way, Karen couldn't summon another spirit. Even if it was hard on him, he wouldn't let her hurt Aries again. Karen was furious, she came to tell him off more than once but nothing she said or did changed his mind.
Days passed and eventually, Loke decided to go to Blue Pegasus and see if Karen was willing to listen. But that was when he heard the truth-she had died.
Karen had apparently been unable to take the idea of being forced to stay like this and so went on a job. No one knew who her killer was but they had made off with Karen's keys, including that of Aries.
With this information, Fairy Tail knew that Loke's time was coming. If something wasn't done, he would surely disappear. They had been able to narrow Loke's whereabouts to a few locations and so decided to search them.
The group of Lucy, Riku, Erik, Gray, Belle, Cubelios, Bickslow and Cana had gone to a waterfall in a distant forest. It was the location of Karen's grave.
Loke knew this was coming sooner or later, but he still felt afraid. He tried to shake it off, believing this was what he deserved for causing Karen's death. He had broken the ultimate taboo in his homeworld and now he would pay the price...
''Loke!''
His eyes went wide at the voices calling him, whirling around to see the group coming to a stop. ''You guys...why...?''
''Are you really asking that after what you pulled back there? Everyone in the guild is trying to find you. We were worried sick!'' Belle exclaimed.
''If you're here...then you know...''
''Yeah, we heard everything, you idiot.'' Cana cut him off.
''And what the hell is up with you lying to me all this time?'' Bickslow demanded. ''I know you couldn't go back to your world but we could've done something to help you!''
''It didn't have to come to this.'' Erik added.
Loke's eyes were wide ''But...how can you even say that? After I killed Karen?''
Riku shook his head 'You were defending your friend. You took a stand for Aries' sake. There's nothing wrong with that.'
''Exactly!'' Lucy put in before he could protest. ''The situation may have turned out for the worse but you did the right thing. You shouldn't be held responsible-you did the only thing you could.''
''And we don't think any less of you for it.'' Gray stated, earning agreement from the others.
In any other situation, he might have smiled. What did he do to deserve people like that?
Loke lowered his head ''...I appreciate this kindness more than I can ever say.'' He exhaled. ''Do you understand the sorrow of a star that cannot return to the heavens? After all this time...I didn't want to get attached to anyone-I was prepared to die over those years but then I wound up getting to know everyone in Fairy Tail. You guys deserved better than me, that's why I didn't want to drag you into this. You know my sin, I broke the ultimate taboo of the celestial world. I'll die without complaint.''
''Don't say that!'' Belle cried.
''There's gotta be something we can do, you can't just...it can't end like this!'' Cana exclaimed.
But even as they said that, they were at a loss. What could be done to help him now?
'Can't we find some way to make sure you could go back?' Riku asked.
Loke merely shook his head, knowing he was exiled for eternity.
Lucy then spoke up ''No...Riku hit the nail on the head. I think that's exactly what needs to be done.''
Everyone looked at her in surprise as she approached Loke. Bickslow blinked ''You can do that? Wouldn't you need a key?''
Cubelios also let out a questioning hiss, wondering the same.
Loke began to fade, leaving them alarmed ''It's almost time...''
''I won't let this happen!'' Lucy cried, surprising him. Light gathered around her as she gathered her power. ''I'll open your gate, you can go back that way!''
''What?! No...'' He tried but he was pushed back by the power she unleashed then. ''...Lucy, stop!''
''Open, Gate of the Lion!''
''Stop it, this is too dangerous!'' Loke called out as he tried to approach her. Looking at their friends, he added. ''You have to do something! If she keeps this up, she'll pay the consequences!''
''What? What the hell do you mean...?'' Gray was distracted when Lucy tried to open the gate again.
Loke began to cry ''Don't, just stop-it's fine! Don't add to my sin!''
Erik wound up hearing Loke's thoughts in all the chaos, leaving him to stiffen as the truth reached him. Summoning without a key was already dangerous but trying to force one open in this situation would result in the summoner turning into celestial energy!
Lucy fell to her knees as a third attempt failed, making him call out ''Lucy, don't-we can find some way...''
''I'm fine!'' She cut him off, her expression pained but determined. ''I won't give up. How can I just let a friend disappear right in front of my eyes? If this is the kind of rule the Celestial World supports then I'll change it!''
Loke stared at her in shock while their friends hurried over. The next thing anyone knew, time seemed to come to a stop before a brilliant light blinded them, heralding a new arrival.
''W-what the...?!''
They could only look in amazement at the massive being floating over them. It was a mostly white and green humanoid spirit with an imposing figure, clad in a plate of armor and chain mail. He had pupil-less red eyes and an oversized mustache. The figure exuded power and majesty, leaving them to wonder who he was.
But Loke knew ''The Celestial Spirit King...''
Before anyone could process this, the new arrival spoke up ''Old friend, though I regret that it came to this. We who bear keys are forbidden from killing their summoners. You may not have been responsible for your summoner's death directly but your actions did lead to this turn of events. That is your sin. Thus, you know the law.''
Loke was about to agree but Lucy stood, glaring at the king ''You can't just...this is too unreasonable! Loke did that because he cared for Aries!''
''Yeah, what the hell? Since when is caring for your friends a sin?'' Cana demanded.
''Loke may be one of the biggest playboys out there but he's part of our family. I don't care who you are, we're going to do everything in our power to stop this!'' Belle cried.
Riku nodded, sparing the stunned Loke a pointed look as he added 'Loke's our friend, he's always done right by us. Fairy Tail never walks out on one of our own. It's sad that Karen died but he's been suffering for more than enough. At times, doing the right thing may be difficult but it's worth it. That's why we're all taking a stand for him.'
Bickslow verbalized the words for all to hear before agreeing completely ''We're not giving up just because of some ridiculous law, can't you see how wrong this is?''
''It's not like he had any choice-look at what that woman did. Are spirits just supposed to take that sort of crap treatment? Lucy got it in one. The law should be changed if it allows this.'' Erik stated.
''Exactly.'' Gray agreed. ''You can't punish him for being a true friend. Don't underestimate our resolve, we're willing to fight for this.''
Lucy smiled widely at them, she couldn't have worded that better. Turning to Loke, she spoke up ''We're all here for you. Don't go giving up yet.''
He could hardly believe his ears, here his friends even after all this, standing by him. They were even ready to fight the strongest spirit in his home if that was what it took to help.
And all for his sake...
''I understand your sentiments and I'm glad my old friend has such good people by his side but...this rule is the one I cannot change.'' The king informed them.
''Are you kidding me?! That's just...''
''Gray, stop.'' Loke cut in, stepping up. ''Thank you all, really...but I knew this was coming. I'm going to repent for my sin.''
''You just don't get it...'' Cana started.
Lucy grabbed his hands ''Loke, this isn't a sin. Dying isn't going to resolve anything, don't you see? You're one of us, that's why we all stand by you. Your death is just going to leave your friends sad. Not just everyone in Fairy Tail...''
She took her keys, willing all her power forth and in a flash, she called on all her spirits. Loke's eyes widened-how did she even...?
His thoughts came to a halt when a few of them looked back at him and nodded. Taurus gave a thumbs up, Cancer smiled and Virgo curtsied before they turned to the king, their expressions firm. They didn't speak but their stance was clear as day.
They wanted Loke to have a second chance.
Before anyone could react, Lucy collapsed to her knees and her spirits returned to their world. Cana and Riku helped her to her feet. She spared them a grateful look and addressed the king ''Please, you have to reconsider. Look at all that's happened so far, isn't this enough? Loke should get a second chance!''
The king let out a thoughtful hum, speaking up after almost a minute ''If you all would go so far, to even face me in such a manner...'' To Lucy, he added. ''...and you risking your life to summon all your spirits...for your bond and faith in my old friend to be so strong...perhaps the law is at fault after all.''
Loke's eyes widened at this but the king carried on ''They are correct, old friend. Saving Aries was an act of compassion, not a sin. I do not want the bonds you established to be broken...I will allow you return to the spirit world.''
The Fairy Tail group perked up at this, a feeling of relief settling with the news. They had done it!
Lucy smiled at the king ''Thanks a lot! You're amazing!''
He smiled back, glancing at the shocked Loke as he spoke ''Thank you...''
''Thank the guidance of the stars.'' The king returned, looking at Lucy and the others. ''It is what lead you to such a fine group of people. Do not ever forget this. You would do well to continue showing that their faith in you is well-founded.''
Loke barely even realized he was crying. He had been prepared to die today and now his friends had somehow pulled off this miracle...
He started at the sight of the king floating up ''Wait...!''
''I command you to become a pillar for your friends and live on. You are to be this splendid celestial mage's spirit.'' The king cut him off. ''There is nobility in valor. You have friends with the utmost significance, those willing to put all on the line for you. They are worth standing by. Cherish them all.''
''...I will.'' Loke replied through his tears. He most certainly will, for all of those who had tried to help in his hour of need. For Lucy, who had risked so much for him...he would definitely keep this promise.
Riku smiled to himself, glad that they had been able to help. Loke had proven himself to be a true friend.
''Young dragon slayer.''
He blinked at the voice which suddenly reverberated in his head. He turned to find the Celestial Spirit King looking right at him.
''I can feel the power of the void that plagues you.'' The king stated.
Riku stiffened as he realized the spirit was talking about the curse. Did he know...?
''But I also sense your potential, you may be able to best it. It is not impossible. Be wary of the void, do not ever trust its power. Looking at you now, I believe this may be needless to say but remember the bonds you cherish. They will serve to guide you. Keep hold of the strength of heart that enabled you to come this far and do not lose hope.'' The king advised.
Riku nodded back, though he was left with more questions now. Regardless, he was still determined to keep his vow. Someday, somehow, he would get destroy the curse. The king gave a slight smile and inclined his head before leaving.
''Riku?'' Belle flew over, having been the only to notice the brief exchange. What was that about?
He shook his head slightly and turned towards Loke, deciding to explain later. The spirit faced them all with a warm smile ''I don't think I can thank you all enough...everyone in the guild too. Those declarations...practically challenging the king and summoning all those spirits, you guys sure went and did some crazy stuff...''
''What, this? Did you forget who you're talking to?'' Lucy half-smiled.
''Yeah, looks like his memory's going away in his old age.'' Bickslow quipped.
''Seriously, we're Fairy Tail-crazy stuff are par for the course for us.'' Gray stated.
Loke chuckled along with the rest of them ''Too true...'' They started as he began to fade much more than beore. ''...the gate's open, I'm going back. I never thought this was possible...I look forward to working with you, Lucy.''
The girl smiled warmly as he left, a golden key floating to her then. ''Back at you.''
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? Originally, I planned to implement a different idea here but that one's going to be longer so I'm going to save it for the next chapter. I wanted to try one where they would just hang out together anyway. Bickslow did know about Loke for quite a while in canon so I thought I could try this spin on things. He didn't know the specifics about celestial spirits, though. There didn't seem to be a problem to him, he had no reason not to take Loke's word for it so he kept the secret. Loke more or less just shaded the truth a little to avoid much explanation. I figured with Fairy Tail being so close, they'd all look for a way to help Loke so this scenario came to mind.
The Celestial King's been around for a long time so he's seen what happened to some of the dragon slayers who lost themselves to the curse. Except he came to see that Riku may have what it takes to be the first to stop that. I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but Riku held out among the longest out of his predecessors, thanks in a big part to a whole lot of will power. After all, the seal wouldn't work half as well as it did if his will wasn't so strong.
I try to avoid fillers if I don't think I they add much to the story. The next chapter has an idea that I'm looking forward to trying out before I start on the Tower of Heaven arc.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!