Chapter Twelve: Farewell Galuna Island!

Noelle was relieved to find that Lyon's cronies hadn't yet made it to the village, meaning that they still had time to evacuate everyone to safety. But, of course, the Chief of the village was going to make it as difficult for them as possible.

"The enemies are going to attack any second now!" Lucy said. She pleaded over and over again with the Chief, who shrugged of ever attempt she made to get him to leave.

"Enemy?" The Chief asked.

"The ones responsible for the "curse" that has transformed your people," Noelle said. "They've been hiding in a temple deep in the jungle."

"I don't care about whose in the temple!" The Chief said as he smacked his cane off the ground. "Why haven't you destroyed the moon?!"

Noelle glared at the stubborn old fool. "The moon is not responsible for what has happened to you people, you silly old fool; the enemies are! Now it's your job as their leader to lead them to safety, damn it!"

"You lie! Now do what I ask of you!" The chief demanded while kicking and thrashing. He probably would have attacked Noelle if two of the villagers wouldn't have restrained the old geezer.

"Chief, please. You have to calm down." One of the villagers pleaded with him.

"Come on, let's go." said another.

"I don't know how they've survived this long..." Noelle grumbled watching the Chief be dragged away.

"He doesn't mean any of that. He's just upset, he's been like this ever since Bobo died." said a red-skinned man.

Lucy snapped her fingers and grinned with fiery determination. "I know how to trap the enemy!"

"You do?" Noelle raised a brow.

"We'll be happy to help if you need us." the man says.

Lucy laughed. "I'm the greatest Celestial Wizard that Fairy Tail has! So why not leave it to me? This will be a piece of cake!" she winked at them.

"You're the only Celestial Wizard that Fairy Tail has, Lucy." Noelle smirked.

"Who asked you?!" Lucy huffed pulling out a key. "Open, Gate of The Maiden: Virgo!"


"Princess, I have completed the task." Virgo tells Lucy as she finishes Lucy's "master plan".

"Good work Virgo! My plan is going to work perfectly."

"I'm not so sure." Virgo says in doubt.

"What did you just say?!" Lucy yelled.

"This...is so stupid," Noelle groaned pinching her temples. "This, is the best thing you could come up with, Lucy?"

"Hey Lucy," Happy tugs on her skirt. "I really hate to break it to you...but I think you might be stupid."

"Wow, thanks a lot for the encouragement."

"I figured that out a long time ago," Marlow snorted. "But this is by far the dumbest thing she has thought of yet."

"Now, don't be silly. A pitfall trap will get them every time!" Lucy grinned rubbing her chin with her thumb and pointer finger.

"But you can tell what it is by looking at it!" Happy yelled.

Noelle stared down at the crudely constructed pile of leaves, that were thrown over a bunch of sticks on a poorly shaped hole in the ground. This, had been Lucy's plan the whole time. A pitfall trap; the oldest trick in the book.

No one is going to be stupid enough to fall for this!" Noelle groaned.

"Oh yeah? Well, there's only one way into the village. So the enemies are going to have to go over it if they want to get in." Lucy struck a victory pose that made Noelle roll her eyes.

"Yeah, or they could step around it." Noelle smirked.

"Or climb the fence." Marlow added.

"Fly over." Happy giggled.

"Shut your mouths!"

Happy sighed. "Well I still don't think they are going to fall for it."

"Umm me either." A green skinned woman says raising her hand.

"I'm sorry but I agree with them." The red-skinned man from before says.

"Me either Princess. I have to concur." Virgo says in agreement with the villagers.

"Not you too! Go ahead and doubt me. You'll see."

Noelle couldn't help but laugh about how upset Lucy was. Did she really think people were going to praise her for a trap older than time?

"Oh Lucy." Noelle sighed.

"Miss Lucy! It looks like there's somebody heading this way!" A villager standing watch at the top of the gate yells down to them.

"That's gotta be them. Open the gate!" Lucy yells with a point.

"Right!"

The laughter was spitting out of Noelle's mouth before she could stop it - full blown, gut busting laughter that nearly had her on the ground. She couldn't help it! The expression on Lucy's and the villagers faces as Natsu waddled through the gates, trapped in a giant ball of ice was just too much for her to take! And when Lucy started to scream; Noelle nearly died.

The only thing that had gotten her to stop laughing was seeing Gray hunched over Natsu's back. He was unconscious, and his clothes and body was battered, torn, and stained with blood. Even from where she stood, she could see the deep, purple and yellow bruises forming on his skin. Noelle's eyes widened not believe that Lyon had gone so far, to cause so much pain and injury to his childhood friend; she didn't understand. Noelle quickly dashed towards Natsu and Gray as the pyromaniac tumbled towards the poor crafted trap. She jumped over the hole with ease, and grabbed Gray from Natsu's back as he tumbled down into the hole.

Noelle stared down at Gray feeling extremely guilty for leaving him to fight Lyon alone. "Gray..." She whispered. Noelle carefully moved Gray from her arms, an onto her back, grunting as his weight was transferred to her. She slowly walked over to the trap and peaked down at Natsu, while careful to not step too close.

"You okay Smokey?" She called down to him.

"I'm good." Natsu groaned.

"Do you need any help getting out?"

"Nah," Natsu shook his head,."I'm good here. You just get frosty some help, alright?" He grinned at her.

Noelle could see that he was worried though. Nerveless, Noelle assured him that she would find Gray some help, and quickly.

And then she would find Lyon and kick his ass for causing them so much grief.


Lucy and Natsu were devising a plan of attack for the incoming invasion, while Noelle tended to Gray's wounds. The villager had given her a medical kit to use until they were able to get him proper treatment. Gray was still unconscious, and would flinch away whenever she would touch him or go to clean his wounds. Noelle ran her finger over one of the scars on his arm and as expected he flinched.

Noelle sighed and laid Gray's head in her lap. She glanced towards the shadows of the village and frowned. She got the eerie feeling she was being watched and she had a hunch about who it might be.

"I know you're there. Just come out already."

There was a gasp that was quickly covered by a cough. Noelle rolled her eyes as Barnet stepped out of the shadows.

"You were able to see me?" He asked in amazement.

"Well, it's more like I smelled you." Noelle said as she positioned Gray in her lap. "What are you doing here? I'm in no mood to fight."

Barnet shifted in place and nervously looked around the village. "I haven't come to fight, Ladyship. I come to offer my apologies." He said while bowing to her.

"Oh really?" Noelle said. "And I should believe you, why?"

Barnet nodded. "You have every right to be suspicious of me, Ladyship; but as a knight I give you my word - I am not here as an enemy. After out fight I began to rethink my decisions and actions, and came to the conclusion that I was in the wrong." Barnet frowned and rubbed at his neck. "You see, I firmly believed in the Cold Emperor's goal of reviving Deliora so that he may fight him. The Cold Emperor - Lyon - had convinced us that he would get revenge on Deliora, and end the suffering we have endured over the years."

Noelle absentmindedly twirled a lock of Gray's hair while listening to Barnet's story.

"I think I get it - you were all victims of Deliora's attack?" Barnet nodded. "You have my condolences. But I can't accept your apology - not yet anyway."

"Then what is it I need to do for you to accept my apology, Ladyship?"

"Firstly, stop calling me Ladyship. My name is Noelle. Secondly, if you really want me to accept your apology than you're going to have to help us protect the village. That means battling your friends. Can you handle that, or is this all just some ruse you're trying to pullover us? If that's the case, this time around I won't be so friendly. I'll do whatever it takes to protect this village - even if that means killing you." Noelle narrowed her yes in a cold glare that let him know she wasn't kidding.

"I understand Lady - Noelle. I am a man of my word." Barnet bowed. "I only ask on thing..."

"What?"

"Please don't make me fight Sherry! I wouldn't be able to resist her curves, and her beautiful pink locks!" Barnet wailed, dramatically posing.

Noelle felt her eyes twitching. 'Why do i always get stuck with the weirdos?'


It was later when the shouting of villagers caught Noelle and Barnet's attention. Their eyes were directed to the sky as a familiar pastel blue rat flew in the sky using its tail as a propeller. On top of the rat(Angelica, she remember hearing Sherry call her)were Yuka, Toby, and Sherry. The rat appeared to be carrying a giant bucket of odd smelling green goo with it.

"What is that?" Noelle questions as a blob of the jelly falls form the sky and down towards her.

"Ladyship move!"

Barnet pushed Noelle and Gray out of the way just as the blob crashed to the ground and melted the soil beneath it.

"Double-Poison Jelly?! They're out of their minds!" Barnet yelled fearfully.

"I want everyone to get in the center of the village!" Natsu suddenly yelled.

"Got it! Barnet, help me with Gray!" Noelle ordered and swung one of his arms around her neck while Barnet took the other. With haste they rand towards the center just as Natsu jumped into the air with Happy catching him. "What are you up to Natsu?" Noelle whispered once they had made it to safety.

"I'm not going! I won't leave Bobo's grave!"

Noelle glared at the stubborn old man. "Are you crazy?! You're going to die!" Noelle screamed at him.

Noelle looked from Moka and to the jelly that rained from the sky. "Damn it! Barnet, make sure nothing happens to Gray, got it?" She said to the knight and dashed towards Moka before he could question her.

Marlow watched Noelle from the center with a slightly worried expression. '

Noelle hovered over Chief Moka and focused her magic around her. "Ice Dome!" Noelle raised her arms into the air and a thick layer of ice followed; a dome of ice formed over both her and Moka. She could sense the jelly as it bounced off her shield and splattered onto the ground. Thankfully, the ice she used was quite durable - not even fire would be able to melt it without a fight. Once the chaos died down Noelle released the dome and glared down at Chief Moka.

"Think of your people before you act foolishly next time." She scolded him.

Everything in the village had been destroyed by the jelly except for the middle and the area where Noelle and the Chief stood.

Chief Moka stared at Bobo's grave with watery eyes. "Bobo's grave is still standing.."

It was standing, until Yuka kicked it over, followed by Lyon's other two lackeys.

"The Cold Emperor ordered us to eradicate the village and it's people," Sherry said. "We were trying to show mercy by making your deaths quick and painless, but since that didn't work... we'll have to resort to bloodshed."

"It won't be our blood." Noelle hissed at Sherry.

"Fifty villagers, three wizards, one traitor. Shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes." Yuka spoke easily.

"Count again because there's five wizards!" Happy yelled holding up his and Marlow's hand.

Chief Moka broke out in another on his tantrums and the villagers hurried and took him away from the soon to be battle.

Noelle sighed. "Crazy fool. Are you guys ready?" Noelle asked taking a fighting stance.

"Let me help you."

Noelle's ears twitched and her body stiffed. "Gray, stay out of this."

"No way, not gonna happen. We don't need your help." Natsu firmly said.

"Natsu, don't do this m-" Natsu marched towards Gray and slammed his fist into Gray's gut.

Noelle felt bad, but he would only hurt himself more in the fight to come. He was only looking out for him.

"But why?.." Lucy whispered.

"He's giving Gray some tough love," Happy answered, "Natsu knows he's in no condition to fight so he had to stop him."

"So they do care for one another, huh?" Noelle smirked.

"Can you look after him for us?" Lucy asked the red-skinned man who had Gray draped over his shoulder.

Noelle was worried. Was it safe for him to be alone? What if Lyon came looking for him? He was already in horrible condition - he wouldn't be able to take another beating. Noelle drummed her fingertips against her thighs and tapped her foot against the ground.

'Gray's going to be fine. Lyon won't get the chance to hurt him anymore when I'm through with him. I can't believe him...I can't believe he would try to destroy everything Ur sacrificed for us!'

"No problem Miss Lucy. Alright, let's go-"

"Wait," Natsu held up a hand. "Go with them, Noelle."

"What?" Noelle snapped at him.

"What good are you going to be in a fight if you're constantly worrying about him?" Natsu said pointing to Gray. "So just go. We'll be fine here."

Noelle glanced back at Gray and sighed. "Fine. I'll go."

"I will stay and fight with lot of you. Do not worry yourself Noelle. I will not allow harm to come to your friends." Barnet declared as he drew his sword and pointed it at Lyon's group. "It's the duty of a knight to protect the lives of the innocent; this, I now realize. Prepare yourselves, I, Barnet Justus, will not let you bring harm to the villagers!"

Noelle softly smiled at he knight. "Thanks, Barnet." As she was leaving with the villager carrying Gray, she stopped by Lucy and held up her fist. "Hey - don't die - okay?" She grinned.

Lucy smirked and knocked her fist against Noelle's. "Got it! And you better not let anything happen to Gray, but I know you won't." Lucy smiled.

"Don't worry. He's in good hands." Noelle grinned and ran after the villager.


"You sure he's going to be fine? He's got pretty roughed up in his fight against Lyon, and then took a pretty hard hit from Natsu."

The villager -a kindly old woman with grey hair and demonic features- smiled brightly at Noelle.

"The boy is going to be just fine young lady. You must really care about him! It's so nice to see young couple devoted to one another."

"G-Gray and I aren't a couple!" Noelle blushed and back away from the woman while waving her arms. "He's just a friend!"

"Your eyes tell a different story," The woman laughed lightly and patted Noelle on the head. "With plenty of rest your friend will be fine. Try not to worry yourself too much. For now, rest. You and your friends have had quite a day."

"Yes Ma'am." Noelle sighed


Gray groaned. He felt groggy and extremely sore. What the hell happened, and where was he? With a quick look outside he remembered he was on Galuna island and the fight he had with Lyon.

"Where am I?" He asked in a groggy voice.

"Oh good. You're awake! How are you feeling?" Asked an elderly villager.

"Better, I guess."

"That's good," She smiled. "Now that doesn't mean go rushing into battle, ya hear? You've had all your friends worried, especially your girlfriend over there!" The woman points a finger off in the corner.

"Girlfriend?" Gray looked over in the corner and found Noelle slumped against the wall. Her arms were folded over her chest and she had one leg kicked over the other, and was staring out the window.

She sighed and looked down at the ground. Almost as if she had sensed him staring her icy blue eyes met him. She seemed surprised - but then she smiled and slowly got to her feet.

"How are you feeling?" Noelle asked Gray.

"Somewhat better. What are you doing here? You should be out there stopping Lyon."

"What? My company not good enough for you?" she chuckled. "Natsu ordered me to come back here with you. He said I wouldn't be any good in a fight if I was too busy worrying over you, I guess it was a smart decision," she admitted with a blush. "You did have me really worried."

Gray frowned. He hadn't meant to worry his friends - he just wanted to stop Lyon. If Deliora were to be revived...none of them would survive, and he wasn't willing to lose anyone - not again. Gray tightened his fists and glared at the ground.

Noelle sat down next to Gray and curled her legs to her chest. "You know, you don't have to suffer through this alone - we're all here for you, and we want to help you."

"This is my problem alone," Gray frowned. "I have to be the one to stop Lyon. There's something I need to tell him."

"But it's not," Noelle frowned. "Ur was important to me too, Gray. So is Lyon. I just...can't believe he'd go this far. I always knew he was obsessed with being the strongest but this, this is wrong. That's why I want to stop him. Ur didn't give up her life for Lyon to go and destroy everything she sacrificed to protect, so whether you like it or not, this is my problem, as much as it is yours. Understand?" she poked him in the head.

Gray sighed knowing there was no point in arguing. He decided to switch subjects.

"So, when did you become my girlfriend?" he grinned, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

Noelle's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Did that crazy villager say that?! I told her we were just friends" Noelle groaned and covered her face in hopes of hiding her scarlet face.

It wasn't working.

Gray chuckled and poked her forehead. "Red is a good color on you."

Noelle squeaked and backed away from him. "Y-Yeah?! Well black and blue is about to be a good color on you - idiot!"


The hours passed and soon the sun was again shining in the sky. Noelle had been awake for the last hour watching over Gray who's head was laid against her stomach. She didn't mind, her mind was elsewhere. There was something in the air; pure evil, that sent a shiver down her spine.

'Could this be one of Lyon's tricks? What else could he possibly have up his sleeve?'

"Noelle?.."

"Hm?" Noelle hummed looking down at Gray. "You're awake. That's good. We need to head out now." Noelle gently pushed his head off her stomach and stood up. "We gotta take down Lyon."

"Right."


"Hey, do you feel that?" Noelle asked as she and Gray stepped out of the room they'd been staying in.

"Feel what?" He asked.

Noelle tapped her chin in though, "I don't know. There's just something off...and I can't really explain it. But, it feels...almost malicious."

"Oh thank goodness, I'm glad you're awake." Says a girl with dark blue hair and brown eyes.

"What is this place?" Gray asks.

"It's a storage area that's not too far from the village. Everything was destroyed in the attack last night. So we decided to come here for shelter."

"The whole village? That's horrible." Gray who seemed to be lost clutched his chest. Noelle watched him wearily from the corner of her eye. Maybe this wasn't a good idea? He still wasn't one-hundred percent.

"It's a miracle that Natsu and Lucy were there. Thanks to their bravery, everyone was able to make it out alive."

"I could have helped too." Noelle grumbled. She always got left out of the good fights.

"Please don't be hard on yourself," The villager frowned. "You were looking out for your friend."

Noelle looked over at Gray and he smiled at her. She looked away with pink cheeks.

She nodded. "Yes, they actually wanted me to show you to their tent once you had finally woken up."

"Which tent?"

"They are waiting for you over in that big one right over there." She points to a large tent.

Noelle narrowed her eyes. Something felt very off, as if the sinister feeling were coming from there.


"You've made me wait, not smart."

Noelle felt her heart drop into her stomach. 'We're dead.'

"Erza!"

Marlow growled as he seen Noelle. "Kill her! She left me - with Lucy - of all people!" He was tied to Happy who was crying.

"Shut your mouth cat!"

"Why are they tied up?" Gray, not at all fazed, asks the intimidating woman.

"Lucy's got me up to speed with everything that's happened. I thought you were sent here to stop Natsu and these two - " Erza looks to Noelle. "Three, fools. I expected better of you, Noelle. I'm very disappointed."

Noelle felt like sulking in a corner. 'Talk about harsh...'

"Where is Natsu anyway?" Gray asked.

"That's something we'd all like to know." Erza said with authority and annoyance.

"The last time I saw him he was fighting against the Cold Emperor's lackeys, but when we went back to where the village was; there wasn't any sign of him. Wherever he is I hope he's okay," Lucy hung her head. "Anyways, since we couldn't find him Erza demanded that we take her to you, but I had no idea where you ended up."

"So Happy and I did some scouting from the air and from up there we could see that the villagers moved into this storage area." Marlow sighed.

"Aye..."

"Okay, we are going to search for Natsu and then we are going back to the guild." Erza said marching towards the tents exit.

"But the villagers need our help!" Noelle frowned.

"But we can't leave the island just yet! If Lucy filled you in then you know exactly what these villagers are going through right now." Gray yelled at her.

"And what would be your point?" She glared at him. "I came here solely to apprehend these fools for breaking the rules of the guild. I'm not interested in anything other than that."

"How can you say that? If we don't do something the villagers will be killed!"

Would Erza just really walk away from them like this?

"She's right! Have you even seen what's happened to the people on this island?!"

"I have."

"And you're still just going to turn your back on them?!" Gray yelled furiously.

"Their request is posted on the board of every guild hall. The villagers would be better served by wizards who are cleared for S-Class. You are not qualified."

Noelle was shaking with rage. "They'll be dead by then! I thought you of all people would realize this! If you turn your back on them now than your no better than Lyon. How can you be so heartless?!"

"What did you say?" Erza turned slowly around with eyes full of rage and anger.

Noelle felt sweat trickled down her neck and her confidence slipping away. 'Im so dead.'

"That's no way to speak to the great Erza!" Happy yelled.

"You suck up..." Lucy mumbled.

"What a time to grow a backbone, Noelle." Marlow rolled his eyes.

"Have you chosen to defy the guilds rules as well?" Erza demanded to know requipping a sword form her requip space. She held the blade against Gray's neck with ease. "You'll face the same punishment."

Noelle was beginning to question whether they should listen to her or not when Gray suddenly grabbed the blade and lowered his gaze.

"Do what you must," he spoke lowly. "For me there no other choice to be made," Gray lowered the blade and grabbed Noelle's wrist and walked towards the exit of the tent. "We're seeing this though to end, and you can't stop us."

Noelle stared at him completely speechless, it was like he was a different person.

"Gray," She chuckled softly and smiled at the back of his head. "Your full of surprises, aren't you?"


It wasn't too long after Noelle and Gray's departure did Erza and the others catch up with them. It was clear on her face that Erza was still furious with them, so she stuck close to Gray. He'd make for a good shield if Erza decided to suddenly attack them.

Gray decided to break the silence and Noelle's thoughts.

"Even back when we were kids Lyon's always dreamed of surpassing Ur's magical abilities, but since she's gone he can't challenge her directly. So he's decided it's up to him to kill Deliora because it's the one thing she couldn't do."

"Well yeah, I guess that's the only way to challenge someone who's dead." Lucy frowned.

"Aye."

"Lyon was always bugging me to fight him when Gray wouldn't," Noelle smiled at the memory. "I wasn't very strong, so he always won our fights. Then I would have to spend the rest of the day listening to his brag about how strong he was." Noelle chuckled.

Despite how often they fought and argued as kids, the two were very close to one another. In fact, you could say they were the best of friends; always looking out for one another, and finding ways to get on Gray's last nerve together. He reminded her a lot of her brother sometimes, which is why she had probably taken to him so quickly. But now, she couldn't find any trace of the boy she used to know, and it saddened her. She always wondered if she, Gray, and Lyon would meet again; but never like this.

Gray's eyes narrowed and he leaned against a tree for support. His voice suddenly became serious. "Listen, there's something that Noelle and I never got tot ell him. We kept it secret. Ur made us promise that we would never let him know, but we have to." There was a pause that kept everyone on edge. "Ur may not be with us, but she's still alive."

Erza was the first to break the silence. "What do you mean?" She asked in a gentle voice that surprised Noelle.

"Its been ten years," Gray began seemingly lost in thought. "Deliora attacked my hometown. I had never seen such destruction - the whole place was wiped out in less than a day. Ur and Lyon were the ones to find me and pull me from the rubble," Gray's fist tightened. "I made a vow in front of my parents graves that I would make Deliora pay, and that I would be the one to stop him. That vow, is how it all began."

Noelle crossed her arms behind her back and kicked at a rock on the ground. "Ur, was an amazing person." Noelle smiled as a memory came to mind.

"Training with me isn't going to be easy. Don't think for one second I'll take pity on you because you're a kid."

Noelle huffed and wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck. "I never asked you to. I can handle whatever you throw at me!" She grinned toothily and stuck up a thumb. Ur had brought Noelle, Gray, and Lyon up to the mountains to train. Noelle was pumped to learn some new magic! She'd be able to get stronger and finding Isoldeth and Nicholai would be easy as pie!

"Let's get started then!" Ur smirked and in a flash shed herself of her clothing so she was only in a green bra and matching underwear.

"W-What the heck are you doing?!" Noelle's jaw dropped and a tinge of pink spread over her cheeks. "You're crazy! Why are you in your underwear? Lyon, Gray, help me - why are your clothes gone too?!" Noelle's jaw dropped even further seeing the white-haired and black-haired boy in nothing more than their boxers.

"The first step in my training is to strip." Ur said with a confident smirk.

"What?! Why?! It's snowing out! We'll catch colds!"

Lyon groaned and rubbed at his temples. "Hurry up and do it Noelle. You wanna learn magic, right?"

"Stop crying already, will ya?" Gray scoffed.

Noelle glared at them and stuck up her nose. "I already know magic," Kicking at the snow Noelle met Ur's determined eyes and sighed. "This better not be a prank..." Reluctantly she shed her sweater and jeans and was left in nothing but a white sports bra and loose gray shorts. "This is stupid." Noelle said with a pout on her face.

Ur immediately started running with Lyon and Gray chasing after her. Noelle gasped and tried to run forward, only to have the snow catch her feet. Groaning she stood up and shook the snow off her body.

"These people are insane!" She huffed and jogged to catch up with them. "I thought you were going to teach me a new kind of magic!?"

Ur didn't answer her. She was too focused on the path ahead.

Noelle growled and pushed her body forward; passing Lyon and Gray and started running beside Ur.

"Hey! Don't ignore me. I hate when people ignore me!" The snowette pouted fiercely.

"The magic I practice is called Maker Magic. Out of all the magic arts, I feel it gives you the most creative freedom. In fact, every wizard who practices maker magic has their own unique style. If you train hard," Ur glanced at Noelle from the side. "Then someday, you'll create a style all your own."


Noelle shed tears as she remembered the day they lost Ur forever.


Brago. Brago is where all Noelle's hope came crashing down. The town was under attack by a vicious monster by the name of Deliora. The residents of the town gathered on top of a hill watching with horrified stares at the monster rampaged and destroyed everything they loved. It was horrible; Noelle couldn't believe what she was seeing. It made her stomach ache and brought back many memories she had suppressed over the years.

"Is she going to try to stop Deliora by herself?! There's no way! She'll die!"

"Get out of their lady! He'll kill you!"

Noelle tore her eyes from the monster and focused on what everyone else was saying. Down below a woman stood against the monster; a woman with purple hair and a leg made of ice. Realization dawned on Noelle and her icy blue eyes widened in fear. It was Ur! But wait, was she going to try and stop that monster by herself? There's no way! She'd die!

"Ur don't do it!" Noelle screamed and tried to run to her Master but the villagers held her back, "Let me go! I have to save her!" Noelle screamed as she thrashed in their arms. "I SAID LET ME GO!"

With anger surging through her veins Noelle sunk her fangs into the villagers arm who screamed and released her. Freed, Noelle sprinted down the hill and came to a stop beside Gray, who's eyes were filled with tears, pleading to Ur not to do it.

Noelle's legs buckled and her fingers shook but she was somehow able to find her voice."Ur! What are you doing?!"

For a moment Ur glanced back at Noelle and smiled. "Noelle, you shouldn't be here. This isn't something that you should see."

"What are you..."

Ur's body suddenly became shrouded in an icy glow and she closed her eyes in concentration.

"Stay back!" She ordered Noelle and Gray.

Ur spread her legs apart and crossed her arms in an X formation; flipping her left palm up. Magic circles surrounded Deliora and the aura of ice intensified around Ur.

"No Ur don't do it! Y-You can't!" Noelle felt her heart drop. If she used that spell then...

"I won't ever let you hurt my students again! This is the end of the line, you monster!"

"YOU CAN'T!"

"Absolute freeze! Iced Shell!"

Ur uncrossed her arms and beams of ice pierced Deliora's skin. The monster howled with pain as icy slowly started to cover him. Ur's skin began to crack and her eyes glazed over.

"Ur no! Please don't!" Gray cried out to her.

"It's a sacrifice I have to make in order to save the three of you. My body will become the ice that will seal the demon Deliora for eternity. Gray, Noelle, promise me this one thing; please, tell Lyon I died. If he found out my body turned to ice, he'd probably spend the rest of his life trying to find a way to undo the spell, and that would make my sacrifice meaningless. I want Lyon to see the world and live a full life and Gray, I want the same for you.

Noelle dropped to her knees and buried her face in her hands. "No! You can't go!" Noelle screamed as her heart shattered.

"I'm begging you, please don't do this! I'll do whatever you tell me to from now on!" Gray cried our in desperation.

"There's no reason to be sad," Ur smiled at them. "I'll live on. So please, don't cry. I may not be with you, but I will protect you from Deliora; be strong, and make me proud."

"Please Ur..." Noelle sobbed. "Don't go..."

"Don't cry Noelle," Ur told her as she began to fade away. "You need to be strong, and carry on; your family is waiting for you; you'll find them. I know you will. Even as I no longer here with you physically, I'll always be with you in spirit - you'll always be my students, who I'll watch over, and protect. So live, live for me."

"UUUUUUUURRRRRRRRR!"


Hours had passed since Ur's sacrifice, but Noelle hadn't bothered moving from her spot. She couldn't look away from the ice that encased Deliora. Her heart felt numb and the world around her seemed to stop moving. Gray sat a few feet away from her crying his eyes out. Noelle couldn't cry anymore. What would be the point in it? Ur was gone and crying wasn't going to bring her back.

"Ow. What did she do to me? That's Deliora! How did it happen? Did Ur cast the spell?! Did she?! Where is she now?! Tell me!" Lyon, having been knocked unconscious by Ur, reawakened confused and angry.

"She.. she's dead.." Gray whimpered.

"No... NOOOOOOOOO! YOU JERK! HOW WILL I SURPASS HER NOW?!" Lyon tackled Gray with tears streaming down his face. "She's dead and so is my dream, because of you!"

"I-I'm sorry!"

"That's not good enough! It won't bring her back! You killed my dream! If you hadn't challenged Deliora then this wouldn't have happened!" Lyon stood up and stared down ominously at Gray. "It's your fault she's dead. You're the one. You killed Master Ur."

She heard enough. "Shut the hell up!" Noelle screamed and punched Lyon's face. "Your dream this and your dream that! Is that all you care about?! Ur's dead and all you can do it talk about yourself! So what if your dream is dead! Who cares! Go out and find another one and stop taking your anger out on everyone else, Lyon! UR DIDN'T GIVE HER LIFE FOR YOU TO ACT LIKE SELFISH BRAT!"

Lyon's emotions never wavered as he stared up at Noelle. "He's the one who killed her! Why aren't you telling at him!" He pointed at the Gray who looked at Noelle with sorrow filled eyes.

"Ur killed herself," Noelle whispered as she walked away from them.

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Lyon screamed.

"I don't know." Was all Noelle said as she walked away from the boys who she began to considered brothers, and the woman she considered a mother.

She had lost another person she cared about.

How many more people would she lose?


Gray frowned.

She was crying, sobbing loudly and hiding her face behind a veil of white hair. He didn't like it. It made him angry, but why? Seeing her so distraught, in so much pain - he didn't like it.

Not one bit.

Noelle was holding herself tightly and crying. She had tried to keep the memories from surfacing for so long but with everything was happening, she couldn't do it anymore. She hadn't even felt herself being taken hold off until she was pressed against his chest. She relaxed a bit and clung to his shirt. He shouldn't be comforting her - they should be looking for Lyon!

She took a long breath and pushed herself away from Gray. "I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's just get this over with. I don't want to be here anymore."

"Hey guys," Lucy called. "Is it just me, or does that temple look a little... crooked right now?"

"This has Natsu written all over it." Noelle sighed.

"It seems most accurate." Erza narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"I don't know how he managed to pull it off, but he's the only one who'd do something that crazy," Gray smirked a bit. "It's a pretty good idea if he did it on purpose. Since the temples tilted like that the moonlight won't hit Deliora.

Noelle nodded in agreement with Gray. "Leave it to Natsu to do something dumb and have it turn out smart."

"You mean his habit of destroying stuff actually came in useful for once?" Lucy said craning her head to the side in mimic of the pyramids position.

"My heads stuck!" Happy whined.

Marlow grinned. "I'll fix it! Hiyah!" The cat lunged his foot into Happy's neck and sent him crashing into a tree. "Oops."

"You're mean Marlow!" Happy cried.

Noelle suddenly found herself being pushed to the ground by Gray as blades soared above their heads. An attack? By who? Lyon's flunky's? No, Natsu and Lucy handled them. Then who? Noelle sniffed the air and crinkled her nose. They smell...familiar, somehow.

"Who's there?!" Erza demanded.

"We've tracked you down, Fairy Tail!"

"We won't allow you to interfere!"

"Lyon's minions?" Erza scowled and summon a sword. "I can handle them myself."

"You sure?" Gray asked with concern.

Lucy smiled and cracked her whip. "We'll fight with her! You just go and do what you gotta do."

"Aye!" Happy agreed holding a half eaten fish.

"I want to hit people too!" Marlow declared as he grabbed a stick.

Gray lips twisted in a smile. "Thanks, you guys," He took a step forward and stopped before looking back at Noelle. "Are you coming or staying?"

"I'm coming with you, obviously. I'm not going to stand idly by and let Lyon disgrace Ur like this."

"I thought you'd say that." Gray smirked.

Noelle moved towards Gray when he suddenly whirled around and delivered a fist to her stomach. Noelle gasped and stared at him in disbelief. His eyes were darkened by his hair and his fists were tightened.

"I can't let you do that."

"...Gray...you...son of...bitch." Noelle gasped as the air left her body and her world turned black.

"The only one who can stop Lyon is me. Sorry Noelle, this fight isn't yours."


"Noelle, wake up! Hey! Get up already! Come on Noelle!"

A groan falls from the ice wizards lips and she finds herself staggering to her feet.

"Marlow?" Noelle hisses and clasps hold of her aching gut. "Man," She groans, "It feels like I got hit by a train. What the hell happened?" Looking around Noelle noticed instead of at the temple they were instead on a beach along with the others. "Wha.." Her sentence trailed as she spotted Gray leaning against a rock next to her.

Noelle staggered to her feet and glared at the ice mage. He knew that she wanted to be part of the fight - he knew that, and he still betrayed her in the end. Where the hell did he get off playing hero! She had a right to there too. Noelle's eyes burned with anger and a icy mist swirled around her fists.

"You!" Noelle hissed at him. "What the hell gives you the right, Fullbuster!"

Gray sighed. "I told you it wasn't your fight. Anyways, it's been dealt with. It's over with." He kept a weary glance on Noelle just in case she moved to attack. The last thing he wanted was another fight on his hands.

"What do you mean?" Noelle demanded to know.

"Deliora... was already dead. One hit and he crumbled into to dust."

Already dead? Then that means that over these last ten years Ur was slowly depleting Deliora's life force. Even in death, she still found a way to protect them.

"What happened to Ur?" She asked.

"Ur's body melted and became one with the sea. She still alive though," He smiled at her. "Only now she'll be watching us from the sea." Gray walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "It's over now. We can move on."

"We, don't you mean you? Your conscious may be clear but mine isn't; far from it. Any chance of finding closure I had was robbed the moment you decided to play the self-righteous hero."

"Noe-"

"I don't want to hear it! Just, leave me alone." She threw him one more glare before stomping off to the other side of the beach with Lucy and Natsu. "So what now?" She was fed up with the island now and wanted to go back home and sleep for a week straight.

"Aw cheer up Frosty! We just completed an S-Class mission!" Natsu cheered snaking his arms around her shoulders. "We totally finished an S-Class quest all by ourselves!" Natsu yelled and jumped up and down like a little kid high off sugar.

Noelle couldn't help the smile that cracked on her face. "Don't blow a fuse, Smokey."

Lucy sighed. "I was kinda worried for a while there, but it worked out thanks to you guys amazing teacher," she says making Gray and Noelle smile. "And maybe now the Master will let us go on the second floor!"

Noelle couldn't help but feel as if they were forgetting something though. But what? They had taken care of Lyon and his lackeys and stopped Deliora, so what were they forgetting?

"Hold it! Isn't there something you're all forgetting about?" Erza spoke. "You came to this island to help the villagers. The request was for you to return them to their original forms. You still haven't completed your S-Class quest yet."

"But I don't understand. The curse should be lifted now that Deliora's dead." Lucy said.

Erza shook her head and folded her arms across her chest. "Wrong. This curse you keep talking about never had anything to do with the demon. The villagers have been affected by the intense magic energy caused by the Moon Drip spell. In other words, Deliora's death isn't going to change their current situation whatsoever."

"Oh no!" Lucy gasped.

"I told you all from the beginning that there's no such thing as a curse," Noelle clicked her tongue and tangled her fingers in her hair. "It still doesn't explain what the hell is going on around here though."

"Well then we better go and change them back!" Natsu grinned.

"Aye Sir!"

Natsu and Happy high fived and Noelle sighed.

"Yea but we don't know how," Gray said. "Lyon," he turned to the white haired boy. "Do you know?"

Lyon glared at them with his arms folded and one leg propped up. He was covered in scars and bruises; Gray must have really done a number on him. Noelle felt no pity for him though. He deserved it.

"To be frank, I don't have a clue." Lyon said with little to no emotion.

"You don't know?" Natsu asked doubtfully.

"What?!" Happy yelled.

"But they told us the curse started about the same time you guys got here." Lucy said stepping forward.

"When we first arrived three years ago we were aware there was a village somewhere on this island, but we had absolutely no reason to communicate with the villagers; so we left them alone, and they never came to the temple to see what we were up to."

Erza narrowed her eyes at him. "In three years you've never once met?"

"I don't understand. The light from the Moon Drip is so bright you can see it from practically anywhere on the island. It's kinda weird that they saw it every night and never went to investigate." Said Lucy as Noelle nodded in agreement.

"It does seem a little fishy." Noelle frowned and folded her arms over her chest.

"The villagers weren't affected by the Moon Drip," Lyon sighed. "It doesn't affect the human body."

"Yeah right! You're just saying that so you and your lackeys will be let off the hook!" Natsu said with a raised fist and angry glare. He had every right to be distrustful of Lyon. Noelle didn't trust him either, not anymore.

"Just think about it. I've been exposed to it as long as they have and my appearance hasn't changed one bit."

Noelle snorted. "And yet, you've still got that ugly mug of a face."

"I wouldn't trust them. Those villagers are hiding something," He said seriously, turning his head away from them. "But, I'm sure you Guild wizards can handle it."

"Don't think we're done with you! You destroyed the village and-" Natsu never got to finish his sentence. Erza had grabbed him by the cheeks and forcibly squeezed his mouth shut.

Noelle's lips hurt just looking at it.

"That's quite enough Natsu. They were simply doing what they believed to be right, so there's no need to criticize them for it." Erza said softly. "Let's go." Erza said releasing Natsu's cheeks.

"But what are we going to do about the curse?" He asked as he rubbed his face.

"I have no idea."

"Oh great." Lucy mumbled.

Noelle watched them walk away but didn't bother following after them. She was more interested in hearing what Gray had to say to Lyon seeing as he was headed towards him.

"What are you looking at?" Lyon asked Gray icily.

Gray stopped and stuffed a hand in his pocket. "I know you don't want to hear it but you really should join a guild. You make new friends, meet new rivals, and maybe even find a new dream to live for." His words made Lyon stiffen and his eyes widen a fraction.

"Whatever," Lyon huffed, quickly recovering from his little slip up. "Just... get out of here."

Noelle couldn't help but smirk. "You really haven't changed. Same stupid hair, same stupid face, and same stupid attitude," She chuckled and walked over to the ice wizards with her hands on her hips. "The others might have forgiven you, but I sure as hell haven't."

He glared at her. "So I see you've joined a guild as well, and here I thought you were supposed to be looking for you brother and the dragon you were always rambling on about. What happened to that?"

Noelle crouched down in front of Lyon and grabbed him by the shirt, "I'll never stop looking for them, understood? Even if it kills me, I will find them. Just because I've joined a guild doesn't change anything - I'll find Isoldeth, and Nicholai too, this, I swear."

Lyon rolled her eyes at her. "Whatever."

Noelle rolled her eyes as well. "Yeah. You're still the same. Let's go Gray, before Erza has our asses."

"R-right."


Back in the village everything seemed to be back to normal. Noelle was glad this whole ordeal was coming to an end. She couldn't wait to go home and sleep.

"These past few days have been crazy." Noelle sighed. Glancing around the village she noticed Lucy watching the village Chief who was crouched over Bobo's grave.

"Bobo's grave is back?" Noelle asked walking up the blonde-haired wizard.

"Uh-huh. I'm so glad. The Chief must really be relieved."

Noelle agreed. "And maybe he's finally over this whole 'blowing up the moon' thing."

"You and your wizard friends used magic to restore our village, didn't you?" The chief suddenly spoke, startling the poor girls. "And I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate it... however I must know..."

Oh god no. Noelle mentally groaned and prepared for the speech to come.

"WHEN ARE YOU WIZARDS GOING TO DESTROY THE MOON FOR US?! WELL?!"

"Destroying the moon is an easy task."

"What?!" Lucy and Noelle both yelled.

Had the Moon Drip fried her brain as well?! There's no way they can just blow up the moon!

"Did she just say that with a straight face?" Gray asked.

Happy hovered beside him. "Aye." The cat nodded. "Maybe she's gone crazy?"

Erza either didn't hear Happy's comment or she chose to ignore him. "Before I do that I need to ask you all a few questions. Would you be so kind as to call everyone together for a meeting?"


"Let me make sure I have my facts straight," Erza began speaking, drawing everyone's attention to her. "The first time everybody in the village took on these demonic forms is when the moon began to turn purple, is that correct?"

"Yes. During the day we're fine, but when the moon comes out we turn into what you see now." The Chief answered.

"And the moon first turned purple about three years ago, right?"

"Wow! Has it really been that long?"

"Yeah..."

Erza closed her eyes and started pacing back and forth. "We've learned that the Moon Drip ceremony has been preformed every night on this island for the past three years, and each night it produced a beam of light so brilliant you couldn't have possibly missed i-"

Noelle, Gray, Natsu, Lucy, Happy, and Marlow all froze as they watched Erza fall into Lucy's pit. For a moment everyone held their breath as their faces turned white; that is until Erza re-emerged from the hole looking completely unharmed and unconcerned. One might have not even known she had fallen, if not for the scream she had let out that Gray had even called "cute".

"Seriously, didn't you ever wonder where that light was coming from?" Erza continued as if the little scene had never happened.

"She got up like it was nothing!"

"She must be pretty tough!"

Erza stared down the villagers. "I don't understand; why didn't anyone investigate?"

"Well.. we would have looked into it but according to village lore, our people must never go near the temple." The Chief sighed. The stress of all this seemed to finally be wearing down on him.

"But who cares about village lore when all your people are dying? You obviously knew there was a problem because you contacted the magic guilds." Lucy said, and Noelle agreed with her.

"Old man?" Noelle said with a raised brow. "What aren't you telling us?"

"W-well..." He hesitated.

"Why don't you tell us what's really going on here." Erza said calmly.

Chief nodded. "To be honest we don't even know that ourselves. Allow me to explain; we've tried to investigate the light many times. We'd take up weapons we've never had to use, I'd trim and style my sideburns, and then we'd venture into the jungle towards the temple, but we could never get near it. We'd get close enough that we could see it through the trees and then suddenly we'd find ourselves back at the village gates."

"B-but how's that possible? It just doesn't make sense." Lucy said with wide eyes.

"We got into the temple without any problem at all. How weird." Natsu added.

"We didn't say anything earlier because we were worried you wouldn't believe us." One of the villagers said as he lowered his head.

"We're telling you the truth. We've tried to go back to the temple many times." Another one said.

"But not a single villager has ever been able to get inside."

"I get it. Yes." Erza whispered.

Noelle blinked. "You do? Because I'm pretty lost."

Erza said nothing as she started to walk away from them. Suddenly, she started to glow in a pink light and her clothes were replaced with a heavy set of yellow and blue armor.

Marlow's eyes widened and his mouth dropped slightly, and the stars were back, shining brighter than ever. "Whoa! That's so cool looking!"

Noelle glared at him. "Ass kisser..."

"Natsu come with me," Erza demanded of him. "I'll need your help to destroy the moon."

"Hahaha! You got it!" The fire wizard all too happily agreed.

The others mouths dropped in shock. "WHAT?!" They all yelled, unable to believe the words the wizard had spoken.

Noelle knew that Erza was insanely strong, but blowing up the moon?! That, that wasn't possible! Was it?

She had a bad feeling about this.


Noelle stared up at Erza and Natsu who were at the top of the watch tower, preparing to destroy the moon. Noelle had no idea how they were going to do it - and she was too afraid to ask. To her, this all seemed like a bad dream and she was just wanting it to be over with already. .

"They don't really think they're going to pull this off, do they?" Gray said, frowning at the though.

"Well I think they've totally gone off the deep end this time." Lucy sighed.

From atop the watch tower Erza was preparing to fire off her spear. She stepped back and twisted her body as she aimed her spear. "Now!" she yelled and Natsu ran up to the spear and blasted the base of it with his fiery fist, sending the spear spiraling into the sky and towards the moon.

Noelle frowned. "There's no way this is going to work."

"This is bad." Gray sweatdropped.

"What are they thinking?!"

The spear made contact with the moon and the sky began to crack. Lucy, Noelle, and Gray's mouths all dropped. With a loud CRACK! the sky shattered to reveal the moon, completely in tact. Magic particles rained down from the sky, and Noelle's eyes widened as she figured out what exactly was going on.

"It wasn't the moon that shattered. It was...the sky!" Lucy gasped, transfixed on the magic that fell to the ground.

"I get it," Noelle tapped her chin. "The Moon Drip spell caused a noxious membrane to cover the island. It released energy in the form of a gas - and that gas crystallized, and formed an invisible shell over the island, and that's why the moon looked purple here. I guess that means everything will go back to normal now."

The villagers started to glow with yellow light and the group smiled thinking they had finally completed their job. But, the yellow glow faded away, and the villagers remained the same.

Gray frowned. "What's wrong? Their not transforming."

"Oh no." Happy mewed sadly.

"That's because these are their true forms," said Erza. "The Moon Drip never had any effect on their appearance, however, it seems to have altered their memories."

"What do you mean?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, I'm confused." Noelle said with a frown on her face.

"They think they're humans who have been turned into demons but it's the other way around."

The group paled. "Wait, so you're saying they're really?..." Lucy never finished her sentence as fear set into her eyes.

"Yep, you've got it. The villagers have always been demons."

Lucy screamed, Gray started to harass one of the villagers, and Noelle didn't know what to think of the situation. So, all this time they had been demons? This mission just kept getting weirder and weirder.

"The villagers posses the ability to take on human forms. Your false memories lead you to believe that your temporary states were actually your true forms. In reality, you were demons who had fallen victim to the Moon Drip's side affects."

"Hold on, how come Lyon and the others weren't affected?" Lucy asked. Noelle has been wondering that as well.

Erza smiled. "I assume it's because they're human, as far as I can tell. Demons are the susceptible to the memory loss. I knew what was going on the minute the villagers told me they were unable to go to the temple."

"How?" Noelle asked coming to stand beside the redhead.

"The moonlight collected there was sacred - therefore creatures of darkness couldn't go near it. "

"You're quite the detective. I knew I could trust you and your friends. Thanks wizards, I owe you one!"

Lucy, Gray, and Noelle all screeched at the sight of Bobo.

"Where did you come from?!" Noelle yelled.

"You're the guy from the boat!" Gray yelled and pointed at him.

"But I thought you were!..."

Bobo smirked. "Getting stabbed in the chest hurt pretty bad, but gotta do more than that to kill a demon hahaha!" Bobo laughed heartily.

"But, on the boat, you just disappeared into this air." Gray said.

Bobo suddenly flew into the air making Gray and Lucy scream and Noelle sweatdrop as she realized how dumb they had been.

"I really hope you kids can forgive me for not telling you the truth sooner!" Bobo yelled down to them. "I was the only one who didn't have any memory loss! I had to leave because everyone went nuts! I knew I was a demon, but suddenly, everyone else thought they were cursed humans!" He laughed.

"Bobo..." The Chief whimpered. With a loud wail he flew into the air and crashed into the arms of his son. "Bobo!" Moka cried, tearfully hugging his son.

"I'm so glad you finally snapped out of it pops!"

All at once the villagers began to flying into the air and reunited with their friend, with their memories being restored. Noelle smiled, looks like this mission was finally done, and they could return home with clear minds and hearts knowing they had helped the villagers.

"Yup. They're definitely demons." Erza chuckled.

"I don't know. Look at their faces," Natsu smiled. "They kinda look more likes angels to me."

Noelle looked up at the sky with a smile on her face. "You know, I think you're right Natsu."


Later that night the villagers had thrown a party to thank the Fairy Tail members and to celebrate Bobo's return. Noelle sat between Lucy and Erza and was sipping on a glass of lemonade and munching on a bowl of ice - receiving odd stares from everyone except Lucy and Erza. Natsu was stuffing his face with fire, and Happy and Marlow were both sharing a bowl of fish and Gray, he was being harassed by the demon ladies.

"Looks like someone is getting a lot of attention from the ladies~" Lucy sang. She glanced at Noelle who was paying no attention to him. Lucy figured she was still upset for knocking her out, not that she could really blame her.

"He'll scare them off eventually." Happy snorted.

The chief sighed drawing their attention to them. "Well, it seems that I have to admit that I was wrong about humans. All of these years we've chosen to hide away from the outside world. We were so afraid that others would judge us by our appearance." he said sadly.

"You know, the curse? That was just a rumor we spread so no one would come to the island and bother us." Bobo said with a smile.

Noele laughed. "Well, it worked. No one wanted to take us here."

"I know, it's a shame, but after meeting you we've changed our minds. You've restored our faith in humans and now we're ready to go out and befriend people from other lands." The chief smiled.

"That's good," Erza said. "Friendship is a beautiful thing. Its an emotional bond that transcends one's appearance."

"That about sums about Noelle and I's friendship." Marlow giggled.

Noelle glared at the cat. "Listen here you-" Noelle stopped mid-sentence and sniffed the air. She stood up from the table and glared at the direction the scent was coming. "We've got trouble."

Lucy was about to ask what she was talking about when everything became quiet. "What's going on?" she asked, it was then she seen at the entrace of the village was Sherry and Yuka.

"How can I help you?" Erza glared while standing up.

"You Fairytailers are pretty tough," Yuka smirked. "The Cold Emperor's so banged up he couldn't even make it down here."

Noelle's eyes briefly flashed to Gray who was standing protectively in front of the demon ladies. "What's your point?" she snarled.

"We've come to pay you a visit in his place." Sherry said.

"I thought we were cool. Didn't Lyon tell you guys what happened?" Lucy frowned.

"Yes, but that doesn't matter to us." Yuka smirked, again. Noelle was ready to smack it off of his face.

"We wanted to settle things with you ourselves."

Everything seemed to happen so quickly. One minute Erza was there, and the next she was charging full speed at Yuka and Sherry with her fists pulled back. Noelle cringed as she knocked them to the ground - she was thankful it wasn't her, especially after the stunt they had all pulled.

"She didn't even have to use any magic!" Lucy gasped.

"That's the Great Erza for you," Happy shrugged.

"Would you cut that out?" Lucy sighed.

"You're truly an amazing warrior." Sherry said, struggling to stand.

"No kidding. We're no match for you." Yuka laughed.

Noelle frowned. "So, you're not here to attack us?"

Yuka shook his head. "I doubt this is going to make up for all the trouble we caused you; we wanted to apologize in person."

"Oh, so you guys came here to settle things in a good way!" Happy smiled.

"The Cold Emperor told us everything," Sherry spoke. "Thanks to you we can finally let go of the pain Deliora caused us so many years ago."

"You mean you were victims of Deliora too?" Gray frowned.

"As children a monster ravaged our village and murdered all our friends and family. The Cold Emperor, he had a plan to kill the demon once and for all. That's why we joined him. You see, we wanted revenge and we were so focused on getting it, we never realized we were hurting other people."

Noelle's ears perked up at the sound of Barnet's voice. The knight stood tall beside his friends with a solemn expression on his face.

"We were so blinded by our hatred that we ended up acting no better than the demon its self. From now on we'll treat other people with respect, and love."

"Alrighty then!" Natsu cheered and threw his arms around their shoulders. "You guys shook stick around and join in on the feast, okay!"

"But we were enemies a second ago!" Yuka yelled.

"I don't think it's a good idea because I'm trying to watch my figure and-"

Natsu cut Sherry off with a grin on his face. "Enough with the excuses! Live a little would ya!" he said dragging them over to a table with him. "Alright now I'm ready to party!"

"What an idiot." Noelle snorted.

And so Fairy Tail and everyone partied the night away, in celebration of their victory, and to the new friends they had made.


"I think it's going to leave a scar." Lucy frowned.

She was staring at the scar on Gray's forehead with a concerned expression. Noelle snorted. He deserved it after what he pulled.

"Whatever. It doesn't matter to me." Gray shrugged.

"On your face?!" She gasped.

"I don't mind having a few scars as long as I can see them," he said. "It's the ones you cant see that sting."

"Well aren't you a smooth talker~" Lucy winked.

Noelle laughed. "Smooth my ass. What book did you pull that crap from?"

Gray frowned at her. "Still mad at me, huh?"

Noelle huffed and turned her back to him. "I'm not taking to you, Fullbuster."

"Must be that time of MOOOOOOONTTTHHHH!" Marlow cried receiving a kick that sent him spiraling through the air.

"See you at Fairy Tail!" She waved to him.


They were finally leaving and Noelle was more than ready to go! She just wanted to go home and sleep the year away. Why did every mission with these people have to be so damn exhausting?! Noelle sighed. She never expected any of this when she joined Fairy Tail. And the worst part? They were once again walking away without a reward, and rent was coming up soon. Lucy was happy though - only because she had gotten a Gate Key out of it; of course she'd be smiling.

"Do we really have to get on that?" Noelle frowned at the pirate ship. "I'd rather swim, if that's an option."

"Ahoy lassie! Climb aboard me ship mateys!"

"I don't wanna! I'm not riding that creepy boat!" Lucy cried.

"If you want to swim I'll join ya!" Natsu grinned.

"Yeah, same goes for me." Noelle chuckled.

"Are you two insane?!"

Noelle huffed. "There's no way I'm getting on that - WAHH HEY! PUT ME DOWN!" Noelle glared down at Gray.

The wizard had scooped her over his shoulders and was carrying her onto the boat.

"Stop squirming. The sooner we get on, the sooner we can leave. I don't know about you but I want to get home already."

The Fairy Tail wizards climbed onto the boat and Noelle and Natsu hung their heads over as it started to move. Marlow smirked at Noelle - it served her right! The villagers cheered and waved goodbye to the Fairy Tail wizards. From the mountain top Lyon and his group watched the boat disappear into the distance.

"Are you okay Lyon? You never got to say goodbye to you friends and give them, your love."

"It's fine," Lyon smiled. "You two were in a guild once. What's it like?"

Barnet watched the ship until it was nothing more than a speck in the distance.

"Fairy Tail..." he looked down at the ground and smiled. "Wait for me, Ladyship."


End Note: And that's a wrap for the Galuna Island Arc! Sheesh, this was a long chapter, but I really wanted to get it over with. Once again, Noelle is cheated out of her fight with Lyon; don't worry. I promise that she'll get to fight him sometime in the future, and make up for not getting to kick some ass on Galuna Island.

The next couple of chapters are probably going to be side missions that I have Noelle, and possible other members of the guild take on. I don't want to rush into the next arc too quickly. Though, I'm excited for the new characters to be introduced.