Guest: Not sure if you're going to see this but I wanted to put it out there. Your review gave me an interesting idea which I'm thinking of using for a future Fairy Tail story. I figured out how to use the OC in a bunch of parts in the story but I'm still working out on the kinks and trying to figure out the plot so it could be a while. I'll definitely publish it when it's ready. I don't know how much I'll be able to use Fairy Tail Zero but I'm laying down the ground work.

Good question about Ivan and Laxus' moms-though we barely see much of Ivan in the first place. Raven Tail sure was built up to be a threat but then, just like that, they're dealt with.

The group rested for a few more days, building a grave for Simon and paying their respects before going on their way. It didn't take them long to reach Akane Resort, the place every bit as beautiful as they heard. The hotel was the closest so they headed over to make their reservations, not that Natsu had any intention of waiting that long. Before they even knew it, he'd high tailed it to the beach with Happy in tow.

''Natsu!'' Lucy sighed in annoyance. ''Honestly, the least he can do is wait until we know where we're staying...''

Gray snorted ''You mean you expected him to be sensible?''

Likewise, Erza didn't seem all that surprised. Sho was amused ''Salamander sure marches to the beat of his own drum, huh Sis?''

''That about describes it perfectly.''

Belle sat on Riku's shoulder ''So where do we go, Lucy?''

''Hold on...oh! Wow, Loke got tickets to a suite...''

Riku smiled as Belle threw herself on the bed. ''So fluffy!'' She chirped, giving a happy sigh. ''And we actually get to spend a week here-this is going to be great!''

Lucy snorted ''You're easy to please.''

This had certainly been unexpected but Riku was actually grateful to Loke. As much as he wanted to see everyone back home, he really didn't feel ready to return to Magnolia just yet-not with those terrible nightmares still fresh in his mind.

He hadn't realized how much his expression gave him away until Belle settled in his lap, giving him a concerned look. Shaking his head, he gave her a small smile and Belle, knowing him well enough to pick up on the hints, gave a grudging nod. She would leave this-for now. She had no intention of leaving her partner to deal with this alone. They all knew that it had to be hell inside his head after the tower.

Natsu poked his head in ''What're you doing here, slowpokes?! Time to bring on the fun!''

After a while, Gray just couldn't take it. He had to ask.

''So why were you so against this game again?''

''Yeah, I don't get it either, Riku.'' Millianna piped up. ''Volley ball looks like it could be fun!''

He just shook his head 'You'll understand soon.'

The confused ice mage translated for Millianna while Happy and Belle shared glances, wondering what this meant.

Erza and Lucy were in a team against Natsu and Sho, having set up a small field for volley ball. It quickly grew into quite a heated match. Despite the two blondes' efforts, their teammates were dominating the field, absolutely refusing to lose.

It was when Natsu started taunting Erza after scoring another point that things started going south. The redhead's temper ignited and she started moving much faster, nearly knocking poor Lucy out when Natsu was thrown into her while attempting to catch the ball. It was almost like a tsunami of sand hit the field. Natsu was left pale and twitching while Lucy could only give a pained groan, likewise, Sho was seeing stars.

The four onlookers could only gape in shock at the turnout while Riku remained unimpressed. Willing some magic forth, he stomped a foot, causing a tremor that nearly threw the surprised duo back before going to help Lucy and Sho out of the battle zone.

''Did you know that was going to happen?'' The celestial mage had to ask.

'They're a pair of overly-competitive, monstrously strong and equally passionate hot heads. It was always going to be like adding fuel to the fire.'

Belle introduced her paw to her face while Gray groaned, knowing that it was an absolutely valid point. Likewise, Happy was wondering why he didn't think of that before.

Lucy on the other hand only had one thing to say ''...Next time I ignore your advice, feel free to knock sense into me.'' Because he HAD actually tried warning her about the game only for her to dismiss him out of hand, thinking he worried too much.

Well, lesson learned, she would certainly think twice about going off with those boneheads from now on.

Cana was cackling ''Oh, that sounds priceless! The best part is that I can totally picture it like I was there. So where are our favorite boneheads now?''

''Trying to get all the sand out, is my guess.'' Erik deadpanned at the lacrima. The dragon slayer and Wally had been off getting food for everyone, which he counted as lucky. He'd taken the chance to teach Wally more about cash. It hadn't taken them long to realize just how little they knew about the world, thus the Fairy Tail team had been teaching them as much as possible over the time they spent together. It was a little exasperating for Erik but he was definitely glad to have missed that 'game'.

They had just received a call from the guild, their friends looking to check in. Cana, who had admittedly been looking to talk to Riku first, was curious enough to ask Erik about what was going in their day.

''You sure you're going to last the week? With our brand of usual chaos...''

''Guess we're just going to have to see.'' Erik couldn't deny the point though, Fairy Tail brought in such chaos on a regular basis that trouble ensued with little effort.

''...How's Riku holding up?'' She asked tentatively. ''Mira told us a few things but it's been a while since so...''

''About as good as you'd expect.'' Cana's grimace told him that she'd understood. ''He won't say much but what those nightmares...I don't think he's slept any more than three hours for the past two days. I don't know how much this break can help but anything has to be better than letting him go back to Magnolia now.''

''Yeah, that's...'' Cana blinked as he turned to the door, seeing Cubelios push it open before she and Riku entered. ''...there you are!''

Happy smiled to himself as he saw Riku talking to a few of their friends on the lacrima. Elfman was just declaring how manly he was to have come out on top and promising to help out when needed. He hadn't heard all the talk but from what Erik mentioned, their friends wanted to check up on him. Many of them had been angry, rightfully so, when they learned of the situation. Even Mystogan, who wanted to be back as soon as he could, making sure to tell Riku to just say the word and he'd come.

It wasn't surprising though, the fact that things had come this far between them was remarkable and Happy was sure that it was thanks to Riku and Belle. Despite the awkward beginnings, the two had become his best friends. It had taken them some time to convince the masked mage to try and befriend others in the guild but the way it started had been hilarious. Belle chose to sneak a lacrima in his bag so they could communicate with him, Mystogan hadn't been pleased when he found out but when she managed to pull it off three more times; he had thrown in the towel.

Bisca and the others could say what they wanted about Happy being a bad influence on her, he didn't care. He'd been so proud of her!

Wally walked over with Millianna in tow ''Hey, fur ball, mind answering a couple of questions for me?''

''Sure, what's up?''

''Is Magnolia actually a good home for our friend?''

Whatever Happy expected, it certainly wasn't that. ''Of course it is! Why would you even ask that?''

''You guys said the truth about the curse went really badly and we don't know much about the place. If the people gave Riku grief over that, what else could've happened?''

Happy winced, now understanding where the latter was coming from. Millianna's expression made it clear that she wanted the answers as much as he did''Okay, it was really bad-I'll give you that...''

Sighing, he added ''We were really mad at the people too for a while. I don't think some of us ever really trust them like we used to. Sure, it was scary when the curse first appeared but it only did because Riku was fighting to stop Ivan Dreyar from hurting anyone. Because he pushed himself so far for us, Erik told us everything. He thought it was a freak accident because of that creep who tried to experiment with him...'' The two nodded, having assumed similarly for a long time. ''...and we still didn't know much of anything about dragon slayer magic. One of our friends got to find out more but that was only a month ago. Then it turns Ivan somehow knew that Acnologia was his teacher and the word got out and they stupidly blamed him for that too.''

Millianna looked indignant ''But Acnologia was horrible to him! Besides, it's not like he was hiding it, how was he supposed to know about that monster's reputation?''

''That's what we said...'' Happy nodded at her. ''…but it was like they just up and decided Riku had to be a monster. Master was so mad he nearly reamed them but he and Porlyusica made the mayor sit down and listen.'' It likely helped that Makarov knew about the tower, so Riku's circumstances were much more understandable then. ''That was when those morons finally figured out that they've been hounding a victim who was practically scared out of his mind, who couldn't have known any better. Never mind that they've known Riku for almost two years then and it was like that meant nothing to them.''

Some of the old ire came back as the retelling continued. Happy still remembered how Riku had practically shut down back then. Even Belle, Erik and Erza hadn't been able to get much of a reaction out of him. It was right around then that they discovered the loss of his voice which made it ten times more awful. Riku had gotten quite close to leaving the guild back then but they wouldn't have it. That terrible treatment had left him convinced that he was a burden on them and it had taken much protest to have him even try to see things differently.

It was also what led to him using the seal, despite many arguments on the matter; Riku was firm. He had even been the one to find a mage to cast it on him when it looked like no one would help. The seal had caused him terrible pain and knocked him out for days but Riku hadn't complained-if anything he had clearly been relieved.

And if that didn't make it plain as day that it would kill Riku to think he'd hurt any innocent, Happy didn't know what would.

''But it's gotten a lot better-not everyone followed the crowd.'' He added. There were some like Sarah, Aaron and others who had been outright appalled on Riku's behalf, making it clear that they were firmly on the boy's side. ''We still have plenty of good friends and most of them apologized. Riku's actions shut any people who had a problem with him. There's even a few of those stiffs in the council on our side.''

The two left it at that, satisfied. Wally crossed his arms ''Well, everything we've heard about Fairy Tail has been interesting. It's good to know you've had their backs all along.''

''Well, of course.'' Happy smiled proudly. ''We're always there for each other. No one gets left behind, that's the Fairy Tail way.''

''Heh, I can respect that.''

Both started as Millianna squealed, glomping the blue cat ''That's so sweet! You're just so cute, I can't help it!''

Happy gave a long suffering sigh ''I should've known that was coming...''

The next day...

They opted to go swimming and it wasn't long before Natsu and Gray were racing each other. Millianna was playing wih a few kids in the water, while the rest were taking it easy.

Sho watched the fire and ice mages dash ahead ''Another tie...don't they get tired of this?''

Riku made a point to swim away from the two rivals, opting to simply relax. The water felt really nice, a small splash made him look over to see Belle jumping in. Happy tried to follow her but his inner tube hampered him. It made him remember how Lisanna tried teaching the two felines two swim once she had adjusted to her mermaid form.

Despite his rough beginnings with Elfman and Mira, it hadn't taken much to get along with Lisanna. The youngest Strauss sibling was just that kind and he found it easy to like her. She was, in fact, one of the first friends he and Belle made in the guild. Mira didn't like that he was Erza's friend due to the two's intense rivalry and it had been his friendship with her younger siblings that began to change her mind. Riku and Lisanna had quickly and firmly agreed that they did not want any bit of involvement in the duo's rivalry, saving themselves much trouble.

The guild had changed over the years and he found himself wondering what she would've thought of it.

They'd certainly become closer, Riku thought back to the call from yesterday. Elfman, Mira, Cana, Makarov and many others were checking in, promising to have his back and help as much as they can. Their steadfast support never ceased to warm Riku's heart and he couldn't be more grateful to them. He was honest enough with himself to admit that the prospect of returning to Magnolia was daunting. And it left him even angrier with Jellal because Magnolia was home, the home he had wanted to find for so long and he shouldn't be afraid of seeing it again.

It wasn't long before he was joined by the two cats, Happy huffing at his companion ''See? I can manage with the tube just fine.''

''Suit yourself; it's more fun this way.'' She returned brightly. ''All I said was that I thought you'd be all over this but you just skimped out on the lessons because you're a lazy bum.''

''Hey! I was...busy.''

''Riiiiiight.''

This resulted in Happy giving her the stink eye before trying to use the bucket on his back to splash her. Belle's response was to open his floating device's cap, causing it to deflate. Yowling, Happy began to flail in panic only for Riku to hold him up. 'It's really not so bad.' Happy blinked as he was released, clinging to him but Riku gave him a gentle nudge 'Just relax, you'll be fine-just let the water carry you.'

The blue cat found that it really was that simple, floating like it was nothing.

Riku patted Belle's head 'Good girl.' Belle beamed and they watched a grinning Happy float around them.

The impromptu swimming lesson wound up being a stirring success. Only a few jibes from Belle resulted in Happy getting rid of his floating device, she was completely unrepentant. Happy's love of teasing ran strong and she wasn't above getting a little karma.

Seeing their friends walking nearby, she was about to ask if Riku wanted to join them only to find that her partner had dozed off on a chair.

Well, she wasn't surprised. Knowing all too well how little sleep he'd gotten lately, she decided to leave him to it and headed off.

Erza's lips twitched as she noticed Cubelios re-joining their group. She did feel bad that their plan meant the snake couldn't stay with them but Cubelios seemed content to recline in the sun in the private area she had settled in. They did not a need a repeat of the reptile's first arrival in Magnolia.

''Would you look at that?''

Erza blinked, glancing at two nearby girls who seemed focused on something apparently nearby.

''I thought the three we saw before were good looking but he beats them hands down. So handsome...''

The redhead fought the urge to roll her eyes, realizing they were just fawning over someone.

''Right? And he seems so nice too! You should've seen him with that adorable purple kitty...''

This made Erza pause, there was only one such feline here as far as she knew.

Were they talking about...?

Now curious, she followed the girls' line of sight which affirmed her suspicions. It had been Riku there were talking about...

The dark dragon slayer had dozed off on one of the seats they had prepared earlier; apparently the others had left him to it. She didn't know what this feeling was-of course he was handsome. She would readily admit it-but why did those girls' talking make her feel like this? Shouldn't she be glad her best friend was being complimented? It didn't have to do with the fact that she had a hard time talking to him as of late, did it?

Erza barely realized they were going on until one of the girls asked ''...So you wanna ask him out?''

''Ooh, you think I should? I wonder what he'd say.''

''Hey, if you don't go for it...''

Erza was moving before she realized it ''Riku!'' He woke up moments later, blinking blearily at her. She felt bad for disturbing him but what's done was done. ''Come on, this is hardly the place to rest. I can think of a few things that should help you get back on your feet.''

Confused as he was, Riku nodded-letting her lead away, much to the onlookers disappointment.

''Aww...''

''Figures, the good ones are always taken.''

Erza didn't know what came over her but she knew that she was glad to get Riku away from there. At least she tried to make it up to him by getting that massage session; it did look like it could help. A part of her wanted to stay but...talking with him still felt awkward. There was a lot going on, with their old friends, his illness and the nightmares. They'd gotten caught up in everything going on and he'd been mostly out of it for the past two days trying to rest. But she still didn't feel like she could talk to him like she used to and she hated that.

How could he just forgive her? It was her cowardice that hurt him so much. And yet not once did he show any anger, he made it clear that he didn't hold the tower incident against her. He was treating her the same as always. It just...it was too much.

''So how long are you going to keep beating yourself up?''

She started and turned to see Erik ''And before you try arguing, I'd like to point out that the only reason Riku hasn't noticed anything up with you is that he's really been out of it. Seeing as I've been making sure no one calls you out, I'm expecting an answer.''

Erza responded after almost a minute ''I...I don't know what to say to him. I can't just...I know none of you blame me but it still feels like it's my fault! The only reason he's been out of it is that his kidnapping and that even happened because he was protecting me. If only I hadn't been so useless...''

''See, you're just proving my point.'' Erik sighed ''...Riku's a lot better at this comforting stuff than I'll ever be so I'll try my way. Now you listen to me, Erza Scarlet, you're a lot of things but 'useless' sure as hell never made that list. It's about damn time you stop letting Jellal's words hang over your head, haven't we already agreed that he doesn't get a say in our lives? We just put the source of our worst nightmares behind us, shouldn't we be moving forward? The past is past, if you feel so bad about this do something to make up for it instead of moping.''

Unexpectedly, Erza laughed ''...You're right; you're absolutely terrible at this.'' Erik snorted but smirked, glad to see her reaction. ''But you're also telling the truth...honestly, what am I doing?'' She slapped her cheeks. ''That's enough moping from me. Where are our friends?''

Sho wondered how it turned out like this.

Honestly, all he did was make a couple of comments on how the dealer could do better. His work just seemed sloppy so he chose to offer friendly based, due to his own experience with cards. He certainly hadn't meant any offense. Apparently the man was very competitive because he'd taken umbrage at Sho presuming he could do better. But then it turned out that the blond very much could, whch lead to him storming off despite many protests.

Lucy, Riku and Natsu were among the group that played roulette. Natsu looked dismayed as the ball fell into a red area. Lucy, albeit being a little disappointed herself, smiled and congratulated Riku for the turnout.

''Man, this is like the third or fourth time you win on those games. What kinda luck do you even?'' The fire dragon slayer demanded.

''Give it a rest, Natsu. He's due plenty of good luck now.''

Okay, that was definitely a fair point. ''...Can't argue there.'' He gave her a curious look. ''So, how much did you win by now?''

''Enough to make rent for three months and then some!'' She returned in a sing-song voice.

The three looked back at the sound of excited cries, finding Sho at one of the card tables. All the gamblers there looked very impressed while he handled things with ease.

This was the scene Erik and Erza arrived to find, the former blinking ''...What's going on there?''

''The old dealer was a big mouthed sore loser and Sho felt bad about him leaving so he decided to help.'' Gray shrugged.

''And he looks like he's having fun!'' Millianna beamed.

It was this stopped Erza's intervention, seeing that the girl was right. Sho was happy if embarrassed with the praise from the customers and even a few of the employees, who promised to pay him for the trouble. He was joined by a clearly amused Riku and Belle, who seemed to sparing no effort in praising his skill.

''Hey, Erik?'' He looked at Lucy as she whispered. ''...Should Erza really be here? I heard all about the Vertress incident.''

A grimace ''You know what it's like trying to stop Erza with a goal in mind.''

''Yeah, an exercise in futility.'' The blonde summed up. Well, Erza really seemed to want everyone to enjoy this vacation so that could prevent a possible repetition...she hoped.

Riku and Sho were walking out of the casino a while later, the latter rather animated.

''...that was fun! I didn't think the employees would be so nice but they're great!'' He grinned. ''You guys really, really saved us. I can't believe how much time we wasted believing Jellal's lies. I wound up believing the world's an awful place but we only saw the worst side, huh?'' Riku nodded. ''Not that I have to tell you, you guys really put yourselves out there to make it so far. A bunch of stories about Fairy Tail were bizarre but it really is great, huh? I'm glad you got friends like these guys.''

Riku wrote something on his notebook before turning it to him 'Well, now it's your turn. It wasn't easy for us either; there was a lot we had to get used to, a lot to learn. There was more to life than we ever knew, my problems seemed small. I wanted to learn so much about the world, to see what Grandpa Rob told us with my own eyes and it was worth it to meet everyone. I wouldn't change them or you guys for anything.'

''Heh, that's nice to hear. Good for...'' Sho blinked as they were joined by a new arrival. ''...Sis?''

''Sho, do you mind if I talk to Riku alone?'' Erza said after a moment.

''Oh, go ahead! I'll catch up with the others then, Millia was saying something about dinner...'' Like the others, Sho wasn't oblivious to how Erza had been avoiding Riku since their arrival. Even during their imprisonment, Erza and Riku were the closest to each other if maybe next to Jellal. But he always thought the two seemed to click in a way the others hadn't. Hopefully this could be resolved soon ''...see you guys in a bit!''

Riku looked back 'Everything okay?'

''Riku, I...I'm sorry!'' This had been building up for days so she decided she might as well get it all out. ''I know you don't blame me but what happened feels like it's my fault. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, I was running away. I might as well have been helping Jellal by burying my head in the sand. It feels like I could've done something-anything-to keep all this from happening! You were tortured because of me...and Simon...''

He gave a soundless sigh '...I should've known.' His expression turned hard as he added. 'Do you blame Sho and the others for staying? Do you blame Simon for making the choices he did?'

''Wha-of course not!''

'Then why do you think we-I blame you?' He returned. 'Sure, things could've been different if you had tried to fight earlier but who can say for sure. He held our friends hostage even if they didn't know it. We all have our fears. It's show we deal with them that matters. Things were so different when we joined the guild. For a while, I was sure it would go all wrong. The idea of finding such a bright and warm place and not being able to fit in was scary...'

Erza had no idea he felt that way, he was a big part of the reason she could even try to fit in the guild. But he'd hardly complained, if anything, he put a lot of effort into helping her after all the horrors they faced. Once again, she wondered what she did to deserve him.

'...but I had faith in Grandpa Rob's words. He loved Fairy Tail, he was right. It's now home. We both grew over the years, things were rough but you fought just like the rest of us. So why do you keep insisting that you have to handle everything alone, you blockhead?' She blinked as he flicked her forehead with a finger. 'I'm going to keep repeating this until it sticks, the only person to blame is Jellal. Quit beating yourself up over this and remember-we beat that nightmare, we made it happen together.' His expression grew sad. 'Simon loved you, remember? He flat out said it; he never lost faith in you. And neither have I, that hasn't changed before nor is it about to change now.'

Those words truly touched Erza. The others had told her and she knew, she knew Jellal was responsible but that didn't do anything to assuage the guilt that had been building up all those years. She hadn't even realized how much she needed his reassurance until now.

Before she quite knew it, she hugged him and he returned the gesture ''Thank you...thank you so much...''

The next morning...

Riku sat up with a start, his heart racing. It took him a few moments to remember where he was before he sighed. Another nightmare...

Belle's voice called out to him, making him realize that he likely woke her up. Waving off his attempt to apologize, she sat down ''You know, we don't have to go home right away. If...you're still having a hard time...''

He shook his head 'I can't avoid this forever. It won't be easy but running away from a problem won't fix it.'

''Fine...so long as you don't go try handling it all alone. You can tell us if you have a hard time...'' Belle was mostly reminding him out of habit. He was a lot better about it now but for a long time, Riku had trouble showing his emotions and she firmly blamed Acnologia. Riku didn't talk about his days with the dragon much but what he did say told them that showing what that monster considered weakness was a fast way to get hurt so he simply decided not to. If anything, the tower reinforced the choice.

'I know.' Riku picked her up and she took the moment to give him a hug.

''I don't think we're about to get any sleep, how about we just take a walk?''

The two found Erik in the hall leading to their suite, talking to a man in a navy uniform.

''...I see, so that's why.'' He was saying.

''One of our allies mentioned you guys but I didn't think there were any survivors.'' That was when it clicked for them, this was a member of the guards Juvia saw getting attacked.

The man laughed bitterly ''Well, that bastard gave it his best shot. I don't think it'd be an exaggeration to say that we lived thanks to that water mage.''

''So, since you've been brought up to speed can you explain something to me?'' The man nodded and Erik continued. ''I don't see how the Council doesn't know about this, 'Siegrain' was one of their own. Why haven't they done anything?''

''Well, I doubt they can-the Council was destroyed.'' The three were thrown for a loop. ''I'm not surprised you don't know, it's been kept pretty quiet at the first but the word just got out. Siegrain-or I guess I should say Jellal tricked them into firing the Etherion before he and his partner destroyed their HQ. I have no idea where any of them are but no one died-word is, they're falling apart by the seams. A few of them are blaming each other for all this and the rest are trying to figure out what to do.''

''You're joking, right?'' Erik looked disgusted.

''Yeah, kinda pathetic, isn't it?'' The man shrugged, thanking him for the information before leaving.

''I guess the Council has a long road ahead.'' Belle mused aloud.

''A long, long road if this is anything to go.'' Erik shook his head. ''Anyway, since we're all here, how about we have breakfast before that chaotic bunch shows up?''

Lucy stretched her arms with a happy sigh, more than glad that the resort had a hot springs. She really had to thank Loke for this, this break couldn't have come at a better time. ''This feels so good...'' She blinked at the downcast girl oppposite her. ''...what's wrong, Millianna?''

''Why wouldn't Belle-chan come? She keeps avoiding me!''

The blonde fought the urge to roll her eyes, Belle was clearly looking to avoid being smothered again. Erza sighed, deciding to ignore that ''Anyway, did you have otherr questions?''

''Nope, your lessons really are a big help, Er-chan.'' The brunette perked up. ''I mean, it was obvious there was a lot we didn't know but it's only just hitting me how naive we really were all this time. It's really lucky you guys are here.''

''Hey, I know the feeling. I've been locked away by my father nearly all my life, I'm only in Fairy Tail because I decided to run away.'' Lucy shrugged. ''It's been a real experience so let me tell you, even if it seems scary now, you guys are going to think it's all worth it. One day, you'll be able to look at how much you've changed and be proud.''

''Something to look forward to!'' Millianna returned brightly. ''But no wonder you seemed to understand so well, Lucy-chan. Actually, didn't Natsu say something about your family being rich?''

The blonde nodded ''Let's just say it's not all it's cracked up to be. Are you still thinking about what you want to do from now on?''

''Mmhm, it's hard...'' She rubbed the back of her head. ''...I think we'll do what Sho said and keep traveling. All I know is that we're free to figure it out.''

''That's the most important part, Millianna. You get to make your own choices.'' Erza smiled.

''Yeah! And what about yours?''

Lucy grinned slyly at the redhead's confusion ''Well, we couldn't help but notice how a certain someone finally got their heads on straight about her best friend. I told you he wouldn't hold anything against you.''

''...That's one I told you so I don't mind hearing...'' Erza really did feel good after that talk. She was about to carry on but Millianna's next words made her stop cold.

''I still can't believe you and Riku are not together.'' She spluttered. ''It just seems like it'd be so natural-you guys always hit it off so well...''

''I know, right?'' Lucy thought the fact that one of Erza's old friends said so was plenty. ''Everyone in the guild thinks so too, you guys are as bad as Alzack and Bisca.''

The redhead gave her an unamused look that made her rethink that statement. After all, the two gun mages were so obviously in love it was sickeningly sweet. ''Okay, bad example but my point still stands!''

''I don't care how many times I have to say it, Riku is my best friend.'' Erza harurmphed, staring at the two amused girls with utter annoyance. ''And you will drop this-right. Now. Am I understood?''

''Y-yes, Ma'am!'' They squeaked.

Two days later, at night, the group gathered at the beach...

''So this is what you've decided?''

''Yeah...'' Sho grinned. ''...we're going to live our lives for ourselves and find the freedom we've wanted all this time.''

''It'll be tough but we're feeling super, we can do it!'' Millianna grinned.

''Well, we pulled it off-it's your turn.'' Erik half-smiled as she nodded happily.

'And if you need help, you know where to find us.' Riku put, Erik voicing it for them.

Wally smirked ''Sure you can handle the trouble we'll bring your way?''

Riku and Erik looked equally amused at this while Cubelios gave a hiss that made Erik laugh ''You got that right. She says you guys clearly don't know Fairy Tail near as well you think, trouble comes with the day job.''

They laughed and Erza stepped forward ''I'm sure you can do whatever you set your minds to...'' As they approached the trio's boat, Erza shone with the light of a requip.

Her new armor was quite elaborate, in shades of white and green among others. She planted her weapon in the sand and called out ''It's time for the Fairy Tail Farewell Ceremony!''

Wally looked confused ''Hold on, but we're not...''

Erza carried on as if they hadn't spoken ''First, never reveal information about Fairy Tail.'' The trio exchanged puzzled looks. ''Second, never use clientts met through the guild to achieve personal gain and third...'' Erza smiled, though she was crying from both her eyes. ''...even if paths differ, live your life mighty and never consider yourselves insignifact. Never forget the friends you hold dear!''

The three were in tears at these words, committing them to heart. Natsu unleashed a number of miniature fire blasts, Lucy spun one of her keys and it generated a sphere of golden light which flew into the air, Gray fired an ice arrow which broke into shimmering shards. Riku fired a number of shining violet blasts while Belle conjured a wave of silvery light that made them shine all the more. All in all, it made for a beautiful display much like fireworks.

''We will meet again!'' Erza called.

Sho tried to wipe his tears ''Yeah!''

Millianna managed a wobbly smile while Wally tipped his hat to the group waving them off ''You bet!''

Well, let's stop here.

So there's this arc wrapped up, things in Akane resort go to hell pretty quick but they deserve a break here. I figure it's high time for some light hearted stuff and fluff after all what happened. Next time it's the return to Magnolia. And I think I should bring this up because I've been asked before but the romance with Riku and Erza is going to be slow burn because neither of them are ready. Riku has no intention of getting together with anyone because of the curse and Erza hasn't actually realized her feeligns yet.

Erza's been feeling guilty for years because of Jellal and the tower, I don't think that's going to go away so easily. All these events did was magnify something was alrady there. Oh, to clarify the Vertress incident refers to the last casino Erza visited. She was winning for a while but then things went downhill and she nearly wrecked the place. Sort of like in the Fairy Tail Rave Master OVA.

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