Chapter Seventeen: A Flower Blooms and Lightning Fizzles

Noelle ran through the halls of the Phantom Lord Guild with anger surging through her veins. She quickly took out the weaker members if they crossed her path and continue on her way. Marlow clung to her shoulder and excitedly rambled on about all the body parts he would break if he were in her position. Anyone else who have been freaked out, but Noelle was pretty much used to it by now. Marlow loved violence, nothing would change that.

"Noelle! Please, slow down!"

Noelle rolled her eyes as Barnet called out to her. It annoyed her how he had followed her in. She was more than capable of defending herself. She didn't need his help - not that he'd be any help, especially if they came across Roxie, or some other female member.

"Ladyship please! You should be rushing off into battle with the state you are in!"

Noelle scowled. "I'm perfectly fine. I've been in worse positions before," Noelle said. "And besides, I can smell her. She's close, so get ready."

Noelle narrowed her eyes and began to run faster, As she neared closer to Roxie she picked up the scent of another and furrowed her eyebrows. The smell of rain and dew; a water mage

"She's not alone, and judging by the smell, I'd say she's with a water mage."

Barnet frowned and struggled to catch up with her. "I suppose they're one of the Element 4."

With the scent drawing closer Noelle stopped and turned to face Barnet. He too stopped and look at her with a confused expression.

"Listen, Barnet." Noelle sighed. "We can't hold back on these people. We have to give it our all. They hurt our friends, and Lucy is suffering because of them. They need to be stopped. We can't hesitate," Noelle narrowed her eyes. "Do you understand?"

Barnet was sweating and looked nervous, but he nodded anyway. Noelle knew if the member of the Element 4 was female then he'd be reluctant to fight her, but he needed to get over it.

Their guild was depending on them.


From a broken window Barnet and Noelle were able to climb onto the roof of Phantom Lord. The sky was dreary a grey color, and fat raindrops were dribbling down from puffy grey clouds. Noelle frowned as raindrop fell on her face. It wasn't raining when the Jupiter canon was fired, meaning this had to be the work of the water mage of the Element 4.

"Be on guard," she told Barnet. The rain was starting to make it harder to pick up their scents. "They're coming."

Their scent was faint, but strong enough to know they were coming towards them. Noelle plucked Marlow off her shoulder and made an ice umbrella to protect him from the rain.

"Get out of here Marlow. I don't want you getting hurt. You should go find Happy and Natsu."

Marlow frowned. "But..." He didn't want to miss the action!

"I'll describe the fight later, in full detail." She smiled at him.

"Promise?" Marlow pouted.

"Yeah."

Still pouting, Marlow held his umbrella up and flew away from the battle.

"Little White, couldn't get enough of me, could ya?"

"You just couldn't get enough of me, could you, white." Roxie smirked cockily. "You sure you should be out here? Last time I checked, I put you out of commission. Don't tell me that you're a glutton for punishment, mama."

Noelle shivered at the sound of Roxie's voice. Why was she the only person in the world who attracted weirdos? Noelle shook her shivers away and glared at Roxie. She was with another girl who had blue hair and blue eyes. She was carrying a pink umbrella with her.

"Drip, drip, drop," The blue haired one spoke. "Hello. Juvia is the rain woman of the Element 4. Drip, drip, drop."

"So that makes you one of them too," Noelle glared. "Bring it on then. You're going to pay for what you've done. Right, Barnet?"

She glanced back at Barnet and groaned. He had that stupid expression on his face again!

"Barnet!" Noelle yelled louder this time.


Barnet was speechless. He couldn't think. He couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. Only one word could describe the woman before him: perfection. Her beautiful blue ringlets, eyes so blue you could get lost in them, and a killer body to boot! Barnet pressed a hand against his beating chest and sighed. He's come across many woman along his travels, woman of all different shapes and sizes, but this woman, she was like none he's ever seen before! How could a woman of such beauty belong to a place as cruel as Phantom? Why must fate be so cruel!

"Barnet!"

Barnet jumped at Noelle's voice and nervously straightened himself out. "Y-yes Ladyship?"


"Y-yes Ladyship?"

"Get it together. These people are the enemy." Noelle rolled her eye at him.

Roxie cocked her head at Noelle with a smirk on her blue lips. "Be we could be so much more, baby girl. How about you take up that offer and cross over to our side? That way I won't have to hurt that pretty little face of yours, again."

"No can do Rox," Noelle frowned. "My place is with Fairy Tail. Barnet, you handle water works. Sparky is mine!" Noelle roared and charged at Roxie. "It's time I get pay back for earlier - that hurt you bitch!"

Roxie snickered. "Sorry mama, but I gotta fight for the pride of my guild. You understand, right?"

Roxie chuckled and threw and electrified fist at her.


With Roxie away Juvia sets her sights on Barnet. She had no expression on her face to tell him what she was thinking at the moment.

"Juvia must say that she's impressed your guild was able to strike down two of the elements. However, you must not underestimate the remaining two."

Barnet's eye widened. Two of the Element 4 had been defeated? He knew Natsu must have taken out one, but who had gotten to the other?

"I do not wish to engage you in battle; but I will, if needed. Though, I do not like to fight against woman. It goes against my code of honor." Barnet frowned and held his hand out. A black magic circle appeared before it, and from within it he pulled out a black steel sword with a golden handle, and golden edges around the blade.

"However I will push aside these feelings. For I am Barnet Jutsus, an honorable mage of Fairy Tail1"

The two stared at each for a solid minute. When Barnet was preparing to attack Juvia suddenly blushed and turned away from him.

"Well then, Juvia gives up. You win. Goodbye.

"W-wait! M'Lady, where are you going?!" Barnet yelled.

Juvia's heart was racing and her cheeks felt incredibly warm. "There must be something wrong with Juvia," she spoke to herself. "Why is Juvia's heart beating so fast?"

Barnet strapped his sword to his back and ran after Juvia. "Come back, M'Lady!"

"I have the strong urge to make him mine. Juvia can't help herself anymore!"

Barnet was about to question her words when Juvia suddenly turned around.

"Water Lock!" she yelled, trapping him in a bubble of water.

Barnet clutched at his throat as his lungs began to burn. He tried to reach for his sword but stopped as he remembered using that sword in this bubble would mean certain death for him.

"Oh my, he's wounded! What should I do?! If I don't release him quickly-"

Suddenly the bubble around Barnet began to freeze over and crack, releasing Barnet from the watery prison. Barnet gasped and violently coughed up water.

"You okay?" Noelle yelled to him.

"Thank you...Ladyship." Barnet struggled to stand. "I let my guard down."

"Get it together! She's our enemy, Barnet! Your job is to protect the honor of the guild, and at the moment you're not doing that! These people hurt our guild, our friends, and they're the reason Lucy is suffering! We have to do whatever it is to stop them! Everyone is giving it there all, so I expect you to as well! For the sake of the guild, you have to fight!"

Barnet was shaking. "I understand, Ladyship." Barnet took a calming breath and cleared his mind. He plucked the sword from his back and held it steadily in front of him. He was no longer looking at Juvia as a woman, but as enemy.

"He's so loyal to his friends and guild, a gallant hero! He must be Juvia's knight in shining armor come to rescue her from the gloomy rain!"

:Juvia's Fantasy:

Barnet held Juvia close to him. He was bare chested and his eyes were fixated on her, filled with love and adoration. Juvia's heart was thumping and her pale cheeks were rosy red.

"This must be destiny. I've finally found you, Juvia's prince!"

Barnet brushed Juvia's hair behind her ear and leaned in closely to her. "Juvia, my Princess, let's run-away and begin a new life! You, me, and our thirty children; we'll all be so happy!"

Juvia sighed happy and pressed herself closer to Barnet. "Barnet-Sama, Juvia would love nothing more than to run-away with you!"

:Outside of Juvia's Fantasy:

Barnet blinked at the blunette. She was rambling to herself and her face has turned bright red. "Um, are you alright?" When he got no response he shrugged. "My clothes are soaked." Barnet sighed and closed his eyes. A bright golden light swirled around him briefly before fading away. His upper clothing and armor had disappeared, leaving him shirtless.

Juvia's face became even more red and she broke out into hysterics. "He's taking off his clothes! Juvia's not ready for this!"

"I do not wish to fight you Juvia but you leave me no choice." Barnet frowned and summoned a plain sword from his requip space.

'She is my enemy...that I'm aware of, but the sword on my back is strong enough to kill, and I do not wish to bring death to my enemy. Not this time.'

With that in mind Barnet sent the sword back to his requip space and then charged at Juvia.

"Forgive me, hyah!"

Barnet was confused when Juvia didn't move out of the way of his strike. When his sword came down on her it drew no blood - but instead it went through her. Barnet's eyes widened and he quickly pulled his sword from her watery body.

"I don't understand." He said.

"Juvia's body is made of water," Juvia said. "Surprise. Drip, drip, drop," Juvia suddenly looked down. "Yes...he's my enemy. We're on opposite sides of this war. Juvia has no choice but to attack." She held her hand out towards Barnet and spoke." This is farewell my Prince. Water Slicer!"

Juvia formed her magical seal and crescent blades of water shot towards Barnet. He jumped out of the way as they soared past him and sliced through the steel of the Phantom Lord guild. Barnet frowned. If her water was strong enough to cut through steel, then his swords wouldn't do him much good - but he'd have to try. He can't let his guild down when they need him the most.

"A forceful jet of water can even cut through steel," She frowned. 'Underestimate its powers and you'll find yourself in a world of pain."

"You shouldn't underestimate me either, M'Lady. For I will not lose this fight!" Barnet yelled and threw his sword at her. His sword ripped through her body and struck the wall behind her. Barnet scowled. This battle was going to be one of the most difficult he's been in yet.

"No matter how you try, the result is the same. Psychical attacks are useless against Juvia. Drip, drip, drop."

"You're strong. I'll give you that." Barnet admitted.

"You cannot defeat Juvia," she frowned and looked down at the ground. "You can still save yourself. All we ask if that you hand over Miss Lucy Heartfilia. Do that, and Juvia will ask her Master to call off the attack on Fairy Tail."

"A knight never goes against one of his own," Barnet glared at Juvia. "We're all too far in this fight to withdraw now. There is no going back. Lucy is a friend and a comrade. I will gladly give my life to protect her from the likes of you."

Juvia's eyes widened and her umbrella fell to the ground.

'Give his life? Give his life? Give his life? Love rival! Love rival! Love rival! Love rival! LOVE RIVAL!'

Juvia began to scream and thrash about. Barnet didn't know what to think of her sudden change in attitude.

"Oh the pain! How can fate be so cruel?! My heart...my heart hurts like it's shattering to pieces! It hurts! It hurts!"

"Juvia, are you okay?!" Barnet yelled.

He shouldn't be concerned for his enemy, but seeing her writhing in pain...he didn't like it.

Juvia suddenly looked up with a creepy expression on her face. "She's not worthy of my Prince," she spoke in an eerie whisper. "I will never forgive Lucy!" Juvia screamed with water swirling around her.

Barnet sweatdropped. Had he said something wrong?

Juvia pressed her hand forward and blasted a torrent of water at Barnet. The attack was too fast to dodge and Barnet was hit with the torrent of steaming hot water. He hissed as it burned into his skin.

"Your water burns. I don't understand. What is your hatred towards Lucy for?!"

Juvia growled and shot another torrent of water. Barnet somersaulted backward, only for the attack to follow him. He jumped out of the way and hissed as the streaming water grazed his body. Another attack came from behind Barnet and sent him flying across the room. He nearly fell off the edge but quickly balanced himself.

"Ever since the day I was born Juvia has been followed by the rain. Within this rain, Juvia can never be defeated!" Juvia raised her hand in the air and summoned a watery tornado. "Juvia's jealousy is boiling over!" She yelled, shooting steaming balls of water at Barnet.

"I don't understand. What is there to be jealous of?!" Barnet yelled and called forth a shield. He held it over himself as the scalding water poured off in waves.

'Truly, she is an amazing wizard. Her speed, and the way she is able to control the water make her a worthy opponent. It's almost as impeccable as her radiant beauty! Don't get distracted Barnet! She is the enemy. Yes, my enemy.'

"I told you. I am the most powerful in the rain. No one can defeat Juvia!" Juvia stopped her attack as the steam rose in the air. "Juvia is sorry." she whispered.

She expected Barnet to be out or worse when the steam faded away, but instead she found an empty spot where he once stood. Juvia noticed the broken window and approached it.

"He used the steam as cover to escape. He's not just handsome, but smart too." Juvia's heart thumped and she held a hand to her pink cheek. "Juvia really is in love."


Barnet raced through the halls of Phantom Lord, keeping an eye out for any sign of Juvia. He didn't have any more time to waste on a battle that was going nowhere. Jose needed to be stopped before anyone else got hurt. He then began to wonder how Noelle and her battle with Roxie was going.

He hoped she was okay.


Ice Dragon: Diamond Fist!"

"Lightning Devil: Iron Fist!"

Lightning and ice exploded against one-another and Roxie and Noelle were thrown back by the sheer force of the collision. They both quickly got back on their feet and began trading blows once more.

Roxie's hissed as ice sliced through the ground and ripped through her skin and clothes. She hid her pain with a playful smirk.

"You're not doing too bad, snow. You must be really hot and bothered!"

"You're not doing too bad, Little White," Roxie said. "But hey, how are you really feeling? I didn't mean to go so hard earlier, but I couldn't let my guild see me going soft."

"Well, I've been better," Noelle admited. "Don't kick yourself over it. Past aside, at the moment we're are enemies of oppossing guilds, and have to do what we're are ordered to. Ice-Make: Scythe!"

Noelle ran at Roxie and swung her scythe. Roxie ducked and weaved between her swings. As Noelle was swinging her scythe, Roxie swung her leg around and crammed it into Noelle's stomach. Noelle hissed and narrowed her eyes at Roxie. She grabbed her by the front of her shirt and bashed her head against Roxie's skull.

"Mother fucker!" Roxie hissed and shoved her away. "That was a dirty trick!"

Noelle smirked. "I try my best."

Roxie growled and slammed her fist into the ground. "Lightning Devil: Shockwave!"

Waves of electricity raced towards Noelle and she quickly summoned a pair of icy wings on her back and flew into the air.

"Ice Dragon: Roar!"

Fast as lightning she dodged her attack and was at the other side of the roof. Noelle frowned. Whenever she was close to landing a strong attack on her she would quickly move away. She needed to figure out some way to slow her down. She thought for a minute on how she could do this when an idea suddenly came to mind. Smirking, she disbanded her wings and dropped to the ground.

"Giving up?" Roxie snickered. "I can do this all day, mama."

"Come on Rox. We both know that I don't go down that easily." Noelle smirked.

She wasn't fooling her. She hadn't been able to land many attacks on her, but the ones she did she made sure counted. The cuts and bruises all over Roxie's body weren't just for show, after all. Noelle was going to make sure she felt the pain she inflicted on her guild. and pride.

No, she was going to double it.

Noelle spread her arms apart and closed her eyes in focus. Steadily, magic circles began to form all around her in various shades of blue and purple. They rotated slowly; and glowered brightly with magic.

"What the hell is this, huh?!" Roxie screamed at her. There was fear in her voice.

"Ice Dragon," She whispered. "Winder Wonderland."

At once the magic circles began to glow brightly and explode with magical energy beams that struck the ground and area around them. The area began to freeze over at a rapid pace, thick with ice. Roxie's eyes widened when she realized Noelle's plan.

"You've got a screw loose if you think freezing the area will slow me down!" Roxie yelled.

"I don't think it will," Noelle smirked. "I know it will."

"Lightning Devil: Velocity Strike!"

Like when they fought before the lightning shielded Roxie. Her attack did nothing to help her speed as the ice immediately slowed her down.

"Come on, damn it!"

Roxie growled and tried to fight against the ice, but she pushed too hard and fell on her face.

"I should have told you to watch your step!" Noelle giggled.

Roxie looked up at Noelle with a murderous glare. "You're dead, white."

The sky above suddenly turned black and the only sign of light were the bright flashes of lightning that lit the sky. Thunder roared in the air and the wind whipped around them.

"Lightning Devil: Tempest Storm!"

A loud crack of thunder roared in the sky and was soon followed by brilliant bolts of lightning that rained down from the heavens above.

Noelle's eyes widened as the lightning got closer and closer. She didn't have a spell strong enough to protect her from that!

"Heh, so you're getting serious, huh?" Noelle dropped down to the ground with her legs crossed and her palms pressed against each other. "Then I suppose I will to. Sorry Rox, but this battle is mine."


Roxie watched with a pleased and twisted grin on her face as her lightning rained from the ground and ripped the earth apart. There was no way anyone could survive her Tempest Storm! It was the strongest spell she had and the most power consuming. A vigorous bolt of lightning belted from the sky and down to where Noelle had been standing. Roxie's grin widened when the sound of an explosion and blinding light filled that area. Her attack struck and there no way she survived it.

"Sorry mama," Roxie grunted and fell to her knees. "But I got people here that I can't let down. You should have never come back for seconds. It's a shame though, you and I could have had something damn amazing."

"Come on Rox, we both know that you couldn't handle me."

"You survived?!" Roxie screamed over the thunder. "How?! That's my strongest fucking attack - no one lives through that!"

Roxie's eyes widened and she gasped.

"W-What the hell is that thing?!"

Before her was a massive giant made entirely from ice, and sitting on its shoulder was Noelle with a shit-eating grin on her face.

Noelle smirked down at Roxie who looked like an insect from so high in the sky. "Oh this? It's a special spell of mine. Ice Dragon's Summoning: Colossus Frost Giant."

Noelle patted the giant and grinned.

"It's a spell that let's me call on some help whenever I find myself in tight jam. You're right though, that attack would have done some serious damage if it weren't for this guy. Luckily I was able to summon him just as your lightning struck and use him as protection. See, it takes more than little'ol lightning magic to take down Bolthor. Right, big guy?"

"Child of Isoldeth, it's been ages since I last seen you," Bolthor spoke in a deep, rumbling voice. "You've grown! The last time I seen you, you were but a small girl."

Noelle smiled remembering the day she had first summoned Bolthor.


"Focus, child. Ice can be much more than a weapon, it can be your friend as well. Channel your magic within the ice around you, and imagine it coming to life. This is a special spell that will allow you to summon an ally when in danger."

"What am I supposed to imagine?"

"Whatever your heart desires. It can be small, or it can be big, the decision is yours, Noelle."

Noelle tapped her finger to her chin as she thought of what kind of friend she would like. "I imagine him to be big, and strong, and be made of ice! He'll have two giant hammers for weapons, an um, a beard made from snow! And he'll be taller than a building!" Noelle grinned and raised her hands into the air.

"That's quite the imagination you have, my dear. Now, do as I told you and bring your creation to life."

Noelle nodded and plopped down on the snowy ground. She crossed her legs and pressed the palms of her hands together, and hummed lightly as a magic circle appeared underneath her, and another appeared a couple feet away from her.

Noelle focused her magic in the ice around her, and it slowly began to gather together in the other magic circle. She began to imagine the ice taking form of the monster from her head.

"You're doing wonderful, my snowflake."

Noelle's body was starting to shake, and cold sweat was pouring down her neck. Isoldeth had said the spell wouldn't be easy to learn, but Noelle was determined to push through and make her mama proud! With her determination burning inside of her, she pushed forward and channeled more magic into the ice.

She doesn't remember how long it had taken, or when she had realized she ran out of magic. She can only remember hearing Isoldeth's excited gasp and excitement in her voice as she lifted her up with her tail and set her on top of her head.

"Noelle, you truly are an amazing child."

"Why's that mama?"

Isoldeth smiled and pointed her tail forward. "Look for yourself."

Noelle followed Isoldeth's tail and gasped when she seen a giant monster peering down at her. It looked like what she had imagined, but ten times bigger!

"It's huge!" Noelle squeaked and ducked down.

The giant tilted it's head and crouched down to study Isoldeth and Noelle curiously. "Winged creature, was it you who summoned me here?"

"I'm afraid I can not take credit for something I didn't do. My daughter is the one who summoned you, right, Noelle?"

Noelle peaked up at the giant with fearful blue eyes. "I-Is he going to eat me, momma?"

The giant roared with laugher and pounded his massive hand on the ground. Noelle had to grab onto Isoldeth's horn so she didn't fall off. She glared at the giant monster.

"A tiny human like you would never fill a giant stomach like mine! And between you and me," the giant leaned forward and cupped a hand around his mouth. "I prefer a nice ice cream cone over the taste of children."

Isoldeth giggled and Noelle couldn't help but smile. "I like ice cream too."

"Ho-oh! How splendid! What is your name, little human?"

"I'm Noelle." She shyly said.

"Noelle? What a pretty name. You may call me Bolthar, Noelle."

Noelle smiled not fearing the giant as much as she had.


Ever since then it's been easier and easier for Noelle to summon Bolthar. The last time she had summoned him was before Isoldeth has disappeared seven years ago, so they hadn't seen each other in years. Noelle was happy that Bolthar wasn't upset with her. She would have summoned him sooner, but she was so focused on finding Isoldeth.

"Little one, where is your mother? And who is this girl?"

"Isolda has been missing for seven years, Bolthar.," Noelle frowned. "I don't know where she's went, but I haven't given up finding her. As for her," Noelle smirked down at Roxie. "She's an old comrade of mine. But, right now, she is the enemy."

"Oh. Is that right?" Bolthar asked glaring down at Roxie.

Roxie's eyes widened and Noelle could have sworn she heard her whimper. The Lightning Devil was at a loss on what to do. She never faced off against something so large! And her strongest attack did nothing to him! There was no way she was going to win this.

"Human, is what my friend speaks true?" Bolthar asked pulling one of his hammers off his back. "Speak, girl."

"I-I was only doing what I was told! I never meant to hurt anyone! We only wanted the Heartfilia girl! We were only doing what were were hired to do!"

"Little snowdrop?" Bolthar glanced at Noelle. "What would you like me to do?"

Noelle frowned feeling genuine pity and sadness for Roxie. In that moment she wasn't the hardass she always portrayed herself to be - but a girl, one who was scared out of her mind.

Noelle sighed and shook her head. "Don't hurt her. She's not the one to blame here. She was only doing what she was told to do."

"I see," Bolthar put away his hammer and reached his hand out to Roxie. "Human," he spoke, making her flinch. "I hope you've come to realize the error of your ways. My friend was merciful this time, but if she ever calls upon me again on your account, I will not be. Do you understand?"

Roxie nodded her head and placed her smaller hand in Bolthar's larger one. The giant gently pulled her to her feet and held a hand out to Noelle. She climbed on and Bolthar gently lowered her to the ground.

"It was nice seeing you again, little one. Do not ever be afraid to call for my help. I will always be here when you need me."

"Thank-you Bolthar," Noelle bowed to him. "I'm sorry that I've waited so long. I promise to summon you more often."

"I would like that. I must be going now. The longer I am here, the more magic it takes from you. Goodbye for now, Noelle. I do wish you luck in finding your mother."

"Goodbye Bolthar, and thanks. I'm going to find her! You can count on that!" Noelle said with a big grin on her face.

Bolthar smiled at her as he suddenly burst into sparkles.

With Bolthar gone, Noelle dropped to her knees and panted. "I forgot how much magic it takes to summon him," she laughed lightly. "Hm?" Noelle glanced up at Roxie and noticed she was quiet - which was weird to Noelle. "Rox...are you alright?"

"I never wanted to be a part of this damn guild!" Roxie said. "You risked everything freeing me from Imperial Dawn, and how do I repay you - by running into the arms of another dark guild! But, what other choice did I have? People like me - us - aren't cut out for this world! Phantom Lord...were the only ones who would accept me."

Roxie's voice cracked and a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Roxie.." Noelle whispered.

"I would have left, but there are people I care about here. Gajeel and Juvia are my friends, and I love them so fucking much. We've always stuck together, and we're always there for each other - though Gajeel denies it," She laughed a bit. "I stayed for them and only them. Jose, that bastard is no better than Lucien at times! They're both selfish, egotistical bastards who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves!"

Noelle flinched at the mention of Lucien. It was a name she wanted to forget, but knew she never could.

"These people - these monsters - they have no heart or conscious. They'll follow Master Jose blindly and do whatever he says...but I'm not better. I'm just like them."

Roxie punched her fist into the ground and choked on a sob. There weren't many options for people like her out there! She wasn't known as the Lightning Devil for nothing. She got the name for a reason, and it wasn't a good one. Roxie hugged her arms around herself and screamed. When Master Jose learned she failed him she'd be punished and he'd no doubt drag Juvia and Gajeel into it as well, because he knows how close the three are. The thought of something happening to them was enough to make her vomit. Juvia was like a sister to her, and Gajeel a brother; her family. They had been there for her when she needed them the most.

Roxie froze as she felt arms wrapping around her waist. Noelle pressed her face against Roxie's cheek and hugged her tightly.

"Imperial Dawn isn't our problem anymore," Noelle said. "Lucien can't hurt you - us - anymore. I know how it feels to be scared, and alone; but you're not. You have friends that care about you. What you are feeling is normal. You're not a monster Roxie; you're a human. We make mistakes, some we're not proud of, but you can't let that hold you back. It's okay to be afraid, or sad, you don't have to hide it."

Roxie's body shook as she cried. The things she said, and the way she acted, it was a charade she had been doing for years to prevent people from getting closer to her. There were only a few people she ever let in.

"I can't forgiven Phantom Lord for what they've done to my friends."

Roxie looked down at the ground ashamed.

"But I forgive you, Roxie."

Roxie's eyes widened and she whirled around on Noelle with wide golden eyes.

"W-what? What about what I did to you?! How can you forgive me so easily?!"

"It's simple," Noelle laughed and pressed her head against Roxie's. "Before you were acting as a member of Phantom, but now you're acting on your own. You're not the Lightning Devil of Phantom anymore. You're Roxie...of Fairy Tail, and my friend."

"But...I'm not..."

"Leave the darkness and come to the light. On this side, we treat each other as family, and no one is judged for their past mistakes. We're protective of our own and do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Look how far we've gone for Lucy. Even after all that's happened we're still fighting for her - and we won't stop." Noelle pulled back from Roxie and gently smiled. "And we'd do the same for you. I've done it before, and I'll do it again. Don't think that I've forgotten about you, Sparky. You're my friend, you perverted freak."

"What about Juvia and Gajeel? I can't just leave them alone!"

Noelle laughed and fell backwards onto the icy ground. "That's something that their going to have to figure out for themselves, Rox."

Roxie stared at Noelle. "Hey, Noelle, how did you escape? Lucien had you on a tight leash, last I remember. There's no way that he'd let his favorite little pawn go freely."

Noelle tensed. "You're right. He didn't. I had to fight for my freedom, and it almost cost me my life. I should have died, but I was saved."

"You were?" Roxie's eyes widened.

"Yeah," Noell smiled. "Lucy Heartfilia saved my life from Lucien's elite wizards; the Imperial Knights. I owe my life to her."

Roxie was shocked. The blonde they'd been after saved her life?! Roxie looked off to the side with a frown. "She took on the Imperial Knights herself, huh? She's gutsy. You don't take them on and live to tell the tale."

Noelle frowned. The Imperial Knights were Imperial Dawn's strongest mages, and ruthless killers. They don't hesistate when it comes to taking down their prey, as Lucien's most loyal dogs. Noelle did have a fear that they would come for her again, and she prayed that when that happened; she would be nowhere near Fairy Tail.

She cared about them more than she wanted to admit. She was starting to see them...as a family.

And it scared her.


"Why save Juvia?"

Juvia lay on the ground with Barnet sitting beside her. The two had fought hard, and the fight had eventually came to an end when Juvia had nearly fallen off the building, but Barnet had caught her.

"It is my duty." Barnet replied.

"Juvia has lived her entire life as a gloomy rain woman. Phantom looked past that and welcomed me with opened arms. I finally felt wanted. Juvia then became friends with Roxie, who treated her kindly, and Gajeel. They don't think of Juvia as a gloomy rain woman... only Juvia. They are...family."

"They sounds like great friends," Barnet smiled. "You know Juvia, the rain isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Juvia looked up at Barnet curiously.

"Where would the world be without rain? The world needs rain in order to grow," Barnet leaned back on his elbows and smiled down at Juvia. "Just as a flower needs the rain to bloom."

Juvia's eyes watered as light shined down on her. "The rain...has stopped?"

"Isn't it beautiful, Juvia?"

"Blue skies...I've never...seen it before." Juvia marveled.

"What do you think?" Barnet asked.

"It's beautiful...so very beautiful."

Juvia gasped as the suns rays shone down on Barnet and bathed him in golden light. Juvia's heart thumped painfully against her chest and her face went warm.

Like a gallant hero straight from a storybook, Barnet had swooped in and rescued his Princess from the gloomy rain that chased away her happiness for many years. The rain that had followed her for so long and caused her so much grief, was finally gone.

Juvia was finally able to see the light.

And it was so warm.


End Note: Imperial Dawn. Who the hell could they be? Hm...

God I love Juvia so much. Gray's crusty ass doesn't deserve her!