I do not own Fairy Tail.

Enjoy!

The sun warmed my face as I strolled towards Fairy Tail. It had been a few days since the Lullaby encounter and everything had gone back to normal. With Erza back the guild had calmed down a bit, mainly because Natsu and Gray weren't at each other's throats. I yawned, pleased with myself. My part in our last mission went by completely unnoticed and to top it all off Natsu and Happy hadn't appeared in my house this morning.

I smiled to myself as I approached the guild, enjoying the silence. The running water of the canal the only sound, not even the birds were singing. I froze.

Wait.

Silence? In the middle of Magnolia? Near the chaotic guild hall?

I frowned, finally noticing the lack of movement around me. The large doors to Fairy Tail were in my sight. I quickened my step, worried about what I would find. Suddenly the birds began to chirp again, easing my tension. I let out a deep breath as the world began to hum back to life. A hooded figure emerged from the guild hall in front me, large staves tied to his back. His confident stride hesitated for a moment when he saw me. He reached back for one of his staves. I widened my stance, unconsciously preparing for an attack though none came. He stabbed the staff into the ground, disappearing upon impact. I blinked, perplexed.

My confusion didn't last as I heard the guild return to its usual racket and Natsu's yelling. I sighed, missing the quiet already and stepped inside.

Natsu was attempting to reach the second floor. I say attempting because Master Makarov was striking him down every time. I winched as Natsu was smacked down by his massive fist. I snuck over to Levy, watching the scene with interest. The hooded stranger from before forgotten.

I frowned as my teammate got struck down yet again.

"Why does Natsu want to get upstairs so badly?" I murmured quietly to the blue hair mage.

Before she could answer a low chuckle echoed across the hall. Following the noise I looked up, my eyes landing on a blond mage leaning on the second floor railing, smirking down at the scene below. "Come on Natsu. If you couldn't beat Erza you don't stand a chance against me." He declared smugly.

Oh that's why.

Both Erza and Natsu glowered at the blond mage's comment. I studied him for a moment. I hadn't seen him before. I would have remembered the large lightning bolt shaped scar that trailed down the side of his face. His blond hair spiked backwards, a pair of magic earphones covering his ears. His grey eyes met mine, brimming with an amused superiority and I immediately knew I disliked him.

"Laxus! That's enough." Master Makarov yelled, smashing Natsu down to the ground floor. This time Natsu stayed there, finally defeated.

Laxus' smirk widened. "Sure Gramps. Natsu looks all tuckered out anyway." He replied, backing away from the railing and disappearing from view. I walked over to the bar as the guild settled down, taking a stool. Mira grinned at me.

"Good morning Lucy! When did you get here? I didn't see you come in."

I smiled, shrugging slightly. "Oh just a few minutes ago… Em Mira? Why can't Natsu go upstairs?" I asked, confused.

"Oh that's because only S-class mages can go to the second floor." She answered simply, seeing my puzzled reaction she continued. "S-class mages are the strongest mages in Fairy Tail; they can take on harder S-class jobs. Which usually have much higher rewards."

I nodded. "What kind of jobs?" I asked curious.

Mira cheerful expression darkened slightly. "The type of job where one wrong turn can get you killed. That's why only S-class mages can do them. Even then they're not easy."

"I guess that Laxus guy is one then? An S-class mage?"

Mira nodded. "Yes, him and five others. Erza's one, she's the youngest to qualify." She beamed, although it seemed forced. I sipped the drink she gave me, wondering who the other four were.

I balanced myself on the water's edge, ignoring the warnings of the anxious sailors. My mind was off in another world, oblivious to the danger.

I had spent the rest of the day wandering Magnolia, exploring the markets and various magic shops. I was bored. Natsu and Happy were nowhere to be found. They had disappeared after he had given up on fighting Laxus this morning. I scowled, thinking of the patronising look the blond mage had gave me earlier. How could that guy be an S-class mage? Do they have a personality test in the S-class exams? I huffed, shrugging my annoyance off as I entered my apartment.

I sighed happily to myself, planning my night ahead; a nice quiet night in. I opened my front door and stepped inside.

"Hey Lucy!" I jumped as Natsu and Happy shouted in unison, working out in my bedroom. My surprise quickly turned to anger. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?" I pushed Natsu over. "Why are you all sweaty in my room!" I yelled.

Natsu, being used to my sudden outbursts by now didn't react. Instead he handed me a pink dumbbell. "We're working out! We need to be stronger if we're gonna beat Laxus!"

I blinked, staring at the pink dumbbell. "Are you serious? Why do I need to work out?"

"Because we're a team!" Happy cheered, accompanying Natsu with his push-ups. I rolled my eyes. "Something tells me it'll take more than a few push-ups to beat that guy." I commented under my breath, sitting down at my desk.

I hesitated slightly as room went quiet, the panting gone. Suddenly Natsu and Happy peered over my shoulders, sly grins on their sweaty faces. "You know what Lucy? I think you're onto something!" Natsu beamed, slamming a piece of paper onto the desk in front of me.

I glanced down at the torn sheet and then back to the pink haired mage beside me. "Natsu what is this?" I gestured to the paper, finally noticing the seven million jewel reward. I gasped in horror. "And why is the pay so huge?"

Natsu smirked, his black eyes twinkling mischievously. "It's an S-class job."

"On a spooky island!" Happy exclaimed, excited.

I blinked, gazing down at the page. "An S-class mission?" Letting their words sink in.

"ARE YOU INSANE?" I yelled, jumping up and grabbing the dragon-slayer by the collar. "How did you get this?" I cried, appalled, waving the crumbled page in the air. Natsu wasn't an S-class mage, there was no way this was legal.

"Happy got it when no one was looking." Natsu boasted, once again unaffected by my temper. Happy nodded enthusiastically.

"Natsu." I breathed. "If the Master finds out about this you could be kicked out of Fairy Tail." I pointed out, trying to keep my voice calm.

He grinned, showing no fear. "Not if we ace the job! Then he'll have to make us S-class!"

I stared at him. "Are you serious? Do you really think you can-"I glanced down at the page I had half crumbled in my hand. "- lift a curse of an entire island?" I read out slowly, looking up at him incredulously. "What are you going to do? Burn it away?"

Natsu shrugged. "We'll figure something out." He hoisted his rucksack onto his back, preparing to climb out my bedroom window. He turned to me, reaching out with anticipating grin. "Come on Lucy."

I put my hands up, stopping him. "Oh no. No way. Just no. " I repeated, shaking my head furiously.

Happy hovered above me, taking the request sheet and waving it in front of me. "But Lucy look! There's a Golden Key as a reward!"

I knocked the page aside, annoyed. "You only get the reward if you FINISH the job Happy. If you go you'll only be dragged back by Erza and kicked out!"

Happy glanced back at Natsu and they shrugged in unison. "Ok fine Lucy. Just don't be annoyed when we're allowed to second floor and you're not." Natsu remarked as he climbed out of my window and disappeared, his flying cat in pursuit.

I slammed the window after them. "Idiots" I muttered to myself. I collapsed onto my bed, irritated. The job request was lying on the floor, the words 'Galuna Island' staring back at me. My stomach twisted. Would they be ok? An S-class mission on a cursed island, it sounded dangerous.

I frowned, trying to put it out of my mind. I wasn't my problem. No doubt Erza will have them back by tomorrow. I'm sure the Master would forgive them. My heart sped up.

But what if Erza didn't find them?

I sat up on my bed, reaching down and clutched the ominous S-class request sheet in my hand. Mirajane's words echoing in my head.

The type of job where one wrong turn can get you killed.

Biting my lip, I thought of Natsu and Happy in danger, out on that island, all alone. I cursed under my breath, grabbing a jacket and following Natsu through my window. Irritated at how worried I was.

"Natsu! Happy! Wait up!" I yelled.

*2 Days Later*

I groaned, shielding my eyes from the blinding Sun. My body throbbed. Crawling to my feet, my brown eyes adjusted to daylight. I was on a beach, the sounds of the waves crashing and palm trees rustling in the sea breeze were unexpectedly eerie. I felt my hair stand on end.

"This must be Galuna Island." I spoke softly to no one in particular, patting the sand off my damp clothes. How did we end up here?

The last thing I remembered was Bobo disappearing and then our boat being engulfed by a huge wave. I scanned the beach, noticing three familiar lumps further down the shore. I sighed, relieved that they hadn't been swept further away. Checking I had all my keys I strode towards them.

To say things worked out perfectly since we left Magnolia would be an understatement. Upon reaching Hargeon we discovered that no one would even sail close to the accursed island. To make matters worse Gray appeared and Natsu decided it would be a good idea to knock him out and drag him along. Come to think of it Gray had been tied up when we capsized. A brief flash of panic twisted my insides and I quickened my step, my eyes focusing on the black head of hair protruding from the sand.

"Gray?" I yelled, anticipating the worst.

I sighed in relief when I saw him rise from the sand, untouched. His binds broken. Natsu and Happy were brushing themselves off. "Oh hey Lucy! You're ok!" Natsu smiled happily, excited to continue our journey. "I think this is Galuna!"

I glanced at Gray, who was lurking by the treeline. He had come to stop us. I narrowed my eyes, my fingers brushing against my keys. I wasn't getting dragged home just yet, not to be kicked out of Fairy Tail. I still hadn't found what I was looking for. Would we have to tie him up again?

Gray didn't move. Tentatively, I retracted my hand, pulling out the request sheet, examining the map drawn on the back. "It looks like the village is that way." I said, pointing towards the far end of the beach. "Their Chief was the one to make this request so we should probably meet him for more information."

"Let's go then." Gray replied, surprising Natsu and I. He stepped out into the sunlight, hands in his pockets. "What are you waiting for? We have a job to do." He said coolly.

Natsu frowned. "I thought you came to bring us back?"

Gray smiled crookedly, running pale hand through his dark hair. "Yeah but I can't let you guys beat me to the second floor now can I?" He paused, his smile widening. "And it won't be as fun if you got kicked out." He turned, heading towards the village, leaving Natsu and I dumfounded. Eventually we grinned at one another and began to follow. I couldn't help but share his excitement for slightest moment; even if he had dragged me here too.

The village was protected by a wall of wooden spikes that towered above. We had to show our Fairy Tail marks to enter. I was glad mine was on my hand and not my chest like Gray, although for a natural stripper like himself I'm sure it didn't matter. Upon entering the village the eerie presence I had felt earlier intensified, probably because we were greeted by a crowd of cloaked villagers eyeing us suspiciously.

"So you came to help us." A frail elder croaked. He held a staff with a crescent moon adorned on top. Gray stepped forward, taking charge.

"Yes. Are you the Chief?"

The man nodded. "I am Chief Moka. I am the one who sent for help with this curse." He turned nodding to his peers, who simultaneously cast off their cloaks, revealing various contorted limbs, horns and claws, similar to the demonic arm Bobo showed us the night before. I heard Happy gasp next to me.

Gray opened his mouth to speak but Moka put his hand up, stopping him. "This is how we are like during the day. The real curse comes with the moonlight." He gestured to the sky above, to where the moon emerged from the clouds, its light stained purple.

My heart skipped beat, the purple light reminding me of the magic I had used to break the wind barrier. I was snapped out of my déjà vu by the guttural screams of the villagers. They were bent over in agony, changing forms. The colourful skin of their gnarled limbs spread over the rest of their bodies, turning them into demonic creatures, each a different type from the other.

Gray and I watched them, astonished while Natsu jumped around in excitement, appearing to be jealous of their new forms.

"The moon is doing this to us. Please help." One green scaled villager called out.

Gray furrowed his brow in thought. "Could it be a disease of some kind?"

The Chief shook his head. "We have sought out many doctors and none have found an answer." Tears formed in the old man's eyes. "It's the moon. It's slowly turning us into monsters. We have lost many to madness. They become the monster they appear to be and we must…" He sniffled, his voice trailing off. "Like my son." He revealed a photo from his pocket, a younger version of the sailor who brought us here. "He began to go insane and we had to stop him." His voice croaked in despair.

I shared a look with Gray, both of us understanding what Bobo really was –an unrested spirit. Natsu's cheerful mood had become serious at the old man's confession. "Don't worry. We'll help you. Just tell us how."

Moka looked up at us, his resolved glare made more frightening by his demonic features.

"Isn't it simple? We want you to destroy the moon."

Oh crap.

I sat down in the corner of the room the villagers had given us, my back against the straw wall. Gray was leaning by the window, being careful to avoid the violet rays shining in. It wasn't certain whether we would receive the same fate as the villagers if we stayed here but none of us were willing to chance it, except perhaps Natsu who seemed to like the idea of having horns.

"Destroy the moon. It seems a bit much doesn't it?" Gray asked aloud. I didn't reply, still shocked at their ridiculous request. Natsu shrugged. "How hard could it be? I'll just fly up there and knock it out of the sky." He commented casually.

"With what?" Gray asked incredulously.

"Happy of course." Natsu retorted. Even Happy looked exasperated at that suggestion. I bit my cheek, refusing the urge to beat him to his senses.

"There must be another way." Gray pondered, lying down on his sleeping mat. I watched the others settle down too and followed, my mind still focused on the village's curse and the purple moonlight, something nagging at my brain.

The early morning sun illumined our path away from the village. Natsu and Gray were half-asleep, complaining about how early it was. I clenched my fist, remembering their deafening snores from the night before. I had barely slept a wink, tossing and turning, unable to get the ghostly moon out of my head.

I tried to imagine what the jungle looked like under the purple moonlight as I marched on. We had decided our best chances would be the mountain top at the centre of the island. When we had awoken this morning, the villagers had return to their semi-deformed state and were still as persistent about destroying the moon. So it seemed the closer we could get to the violet orb the better.

I turned to face the others, impatient. They were trailing behind, whinging. I opened my mouth to scold them when a thick white mist enveloped us. At first I thought it was a fog but a putrid smell followed, making it impossible to breath.

"Gray! Natsu!" I yelled, blinded by the mist. A stunned Happy flew into my arms, completely wiped out by the stench. The guys appeared beside me, coughing in disgust. "Uhh! What is that?" Natsu protested, using his scarf to cover his nose. I was about to answer when I felt a dark shadow loom above us, glancing up my heart quickened at the silhouette of a giant rat, it's clawed foot about to crash down on us.

Turning on my heel with Happy in my arms I shrieked. "RUN!" Gray and Natsu seemed to share my panic as we sprinted up-hill, towards the conspicuous mountain. Natsu attempted to use his flames but he could barely run, the disgusting smell affecting him the most. Gray stopped, yelling at us to get out of the way as he struck the ground with his magic, covering it with a sheet of ice.

The giant rat, who had been charging after us at full speed tripped on the slippery surface, knocking itself out. Gray stood over it, relieved his plan had worked. Under all the panic we had completely lost our bearings. Looking around I noticed a worn out stone doorway, in the mountain's side, decorated with circles. Natsu and Happy had spotted it too, running inside. "Hey guys check this out!"

Apprehensive, I followed them, Gray by my side. "It looks like a temple." I commented once inside, the place was carved out of stone, circles etched on the walls.

"Yeah but what's with the symbols?" Gray wondered aloud.

I walked over to one of the decorated wall, running a hand over the design. "They're Moons." I spoke softly, glancing back at the ice mage. "Galuna island was once known as the Moon island."

"So it's a moon temple huh? Seems like a good place to start looking into this curse." Gray remarked and I nodded. Natsu stomped on the stone floor. "Man this place must be really old. How is it still standing?" His stomping intensified. A loud crack echoed through the passage causing us to freeze in fear as the ground below us began to crumbling away. I managed to give Natsu a death glare before the floor fell beneath us and we disappeared into darkness.

I landed on something soft, groaning. I peeked one eye open only to see the back of Natsu's head squashed into the ground, his whining muffled by the dirt. I stood up, brushing myself off. I looked around, we were in cave, a pale glowing light loomed a few feet ahead.

Natsu pushed himself off the ground, not impressed that I had used him as a landing pillow. I smiled at him gingerly, amused by his pouty expression. Gray stumbled over to us, still a bit dazed by our sudden fall. Happy hovered above us, completely unaffected.

Natsu noticed the strange blue light ahead and grinned. "Awesome! This must be a secret tunnel!" he exclaimed, running towards the strange light. A foreign sensation pulsed through me. "Natsu wait!" I called out, slightly panicked by this unfamiliar feeling. I ran after him, bumping into his hard back as I turned the corner.

His mouth was agape in awe. "Lucy…What is that thing?" He whispered, unable to take his eyes away from the enormous slap of ice that occupied the hollow cavern we stood in. I stepped towards the object, my feet moving without intention. My brown eyes taking in the fiendish creature trapped inside.

It was huge and menacing even when frozen. Its black teeth curled into a snarl, its claws out reached; its body appeared to be made of black stone, hard, impenetrable. Approaching the ice I felt a slight hum coming from it, surprised when it felt lukewarm under my touch, unlike any ice I had ever seen.

I saw Gray enter in the reflection of the ice. Upon seeing it he froze, his face twisted in horrified disbelief. I paused, watching him intently. He recognised the creature.

Natsu laughed, oblivious to Gray's reaction. "Oh man. This guy looks tough. I can't wait to beat his ass!" He exclaimed, running forward with his fist aflame. Gray moved faster than I thought possible, his frantic hands holding Natsu up by his waistcoat. "NATSU!" He roared. "YOU IDIOT! THIS THING CAN'T BE KILLED. YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE."

Natsu, astonished by the alarm in his teammate's voice, extinguished his flame. "You know what this is?" He asked cautiously. Gray let him go, turning to face the slab of blue ice. "Deliora- the Demon of Destruction." His voice trailed off, devastated. "It killed my parents." He murmured.

Footsteps echoed from the secret tunnel. I turned quickly, pressing a finger to my lips as my eyes met the others and motioned towards the boulders for cover. They nodded, following my lead as I crouched in the shadow of the cold rock.

I counted three sets of footsteps, on seemed lighter than the other two – a woman perhaps? Their voices were muffled. It seemed the unconscious giant rat had tipped them off for intruders.

"It won't be long until Deliora is free." A nasally voice commented. "A few more doses of moondrip should do it." The female voice replied.

Moondrip?

"We better find the people we harmed my poor Angelica before they cause more trouble." She mused. The footsteps got closer and I held my breath, realising that we were only a few more steps from being exposed. Tentatively I grasped a small pebble from the cavern's floor, tossing overhead, back towards the tunnel they emerged from.

The pebble met its mark, clattering down the tunnel. The visitors ran after the noise. I slumped against the cool rock, relieved that my skill in accuracy didn't depend on my bow. "That was close." I muttered to myself. Natsu nodded, looking slightly disappointed that he didn't get to fight them. Gray was staring at Deliora, approaching it half-dazed.

"It shouldn't be here." He murmured. "How is it here?" He perched himself on a small rock near the ice, unable to take his eyes away from its ethereal glow.

"What do you mean?" Natsu asked.

Gray paused, finding it hard to speak. "It should be hidden in the Northern continent where it was sealed."

"Sealed? You mean frozen?" Natsu continued. The familiar déjà vu rushed through my mind. The words forcing themselves out.

"Ice shell." I murmured.

Gray nodded, too distracted to find my knowing strange. "It's a spell where caster gives their life to trap their opponent in unmeltable ice. My mentor did it back in Ivran. Deliora was terrorising villages for years before she stopped him but it cost her life…" His voice trailed off, conflicted.

He glared at Natsu. "That's why you can't wake it because then Ur's sacrifice meant nothing." He spoke quietly, his voice breaking.

"Then what will we do now? What were they saying about freeing it? "Natsu asked, restless.

I stepped forward, out of the shadows. "Whatever they're doing, it involves the moon." I settled down on a boulder near the edge of the cavern, giving Gray his space. "We'll just have to wait until it comes out again."

Natsu nodded and promptly fell asleep. Happy flew up beside me, leaning his head on my lap. I watched Gray from my perch. I knew he was crying, it was expected. I closed my eyes, trying to give him the little privacy I could.

I wondered how I would react if my Mom had done that. Sacrificed herself. I clenched a fist, thinking about that was pointless, she was gone either way. Mom was a poor example but if Grandeeney or another dragon had sacrificed themselves like that... I sighed, exhausted at the mere thought. My heart heavy, the Dragons had to be out there somewhere. They can't just disappear.

It didn't matter anyway. I opened my eyes, gazing at the magical ice. A sombre acceptance washing over me. When I touched the ice earlier I felt something. That unexplainable sense of perception struck again. Gray didn't have to worry about Deliora being freed.

Because Deliora was already dead.

I awoke to chanting. A beam of moonlight shone down onto the ice, submerging the cavern in purple light. What was more worrying was the way the ice seemed to lose some of its colour under the moonlight- as if its vigour was draining.

Gray didn't seem to miss this either, his face pale. I leapt down from my perch, noticing the magic circles above. "They must have connected this cavern to the rooftop. There's no other way to get that light down here." I yelled over the deafening chanting. Natsu seemed to understand first. "We need to get up those bastards!" he shouted, darting towards the tunnel. "There must be a way up."

Gray sprinted past him, determined. Happy and I followed, racing up through almost a dozen spiralling staircases, the monotonous chanting ringing in our ears. Upon reaching the final staircase, we slowed our step, becoming cautious. We emerged from the temple, seeking cover in the bushes nearby.

In front of us was a circle of ornate pillars, each glittering in the moon's purple light. The source of the chanting found as over two dozen cloaked figures recited an archaic tongue. Their chants seemed to intensify the moonlight, focusing a vivid beam down onto the cavern below. They stayed firmly back from the circular opening in the centre of the pillars, as if afraid to be caught in the moon's strengthened rays.

Gray and Natsu's attention seemed to be on the conversation the mages were having. By their voices I could tell they were the same ones who had interrupted us earlier except for the masked mage, who seemed to be the leader.

"What do you mean you didn't find the trespassers? "He demanded, only a small twinge of annoyance in his imposing voice. The short man shrugged. "We searched all day but we found no one."

The mask mage paused, thoughtful. "No doubt it was one of those villagers…" He murmured, turning to his troop. "I have waited too long for them to interfere now. Eliminate them."

Chills ran down my spine. Destroy the village? He couldn't be serious. I felt myself take a step backwards, away from my teammates who were engrossed in the appalling conversation. I couldn't let them eradicate an entire village, especially for the sake of a dead demon. I hesitated, finding myself at the edge of the jungle, my distance going unnoticed by my peers.

If I stayed with them I wouldn't be able to use HeartString and if those people died because of that… The pink-haired female and her two companions disappeared back into the temple, no doubt heading to commit the genocide of an innocent village. Determined, I slipped away into the shaded trees.

I sprinted through the dense vegetation, dodging vines and leaping over fallen trees. Once I knew I was too far away for Natsu or Happy to follow me I began the real chase. Unfortunately the trio were nowhere to be found. Closing my eyes I reached out, hoping that strange power of mine could seek them.

Nothing.

I frowned, taking the next logical step. If they were going to attack the villagers they would need to go there first. I need a vantage point. I scanned the skyline in the direction of the village, no abandoned buildings, no cliffs, nothing substantial. Dejected, I formed my bow in my hand. I'll just have to stay in the air.

Under the purple light HeartString lacked it's usually lustre, reminding me of how the ice reacted. I aimed my bow at the ground, my eyes a Sky Dragon white. Pulling back my hand I flew into the air but only a few metres, enough to rise above the treeline. Irritated by how weak that shot had turned out, I fired again, only to rise a few more feet.

"Damn it." I cursed under my breath. My magic was weaker than normal, much weaker. Realising I needed to find a vantage point sooner rather than later my eyes landed on a large palm tree a few miles ahead. I focusing my energy I shot my bow again, expecting a lag in my power. The magic was weak but surprisingly I didn't feel drained.

I perched on the tree's peak, crouching down to steady myself. I examined my bow, curious. I had expected my magic to be diminished by now but I felt fine, it seemed more like HeartString's fault that my projectiles were weak. Its usual brightness dulled in the purple light. I held out a hand to the moonlight, pensive. Could it be affecting my bow?

I furrowed my brow. If that was true then saving the villagers was going to be harder that I thought. Craning my neck, I scanned the ground below. I was fortunate; the area surrounding the village walls was mainly grassland which would make it easier to spot the attackers. Even if my bow magic was weaker I could still fire a critical shot from this distance.

After a few minutes my nerves were beginning grow. Why weren't they here yet? I froze, panicked for a moment. Were they already there? I stood up, trying to get a better view over the tall fence. I sighed relieved when I saw the demonic creatures hustling around inside. My relief was short lived as an ear-splitting screech rang across the valley.

Following the deafening noise I stared at the bizarre silhouette descending from the mountain peak.

"You have got to be kidding me."

It was the rat from earlier except it was flying, using its long tail as a propeller. I could make out the silhouettes of the three mages on her back but what really got my attention was the giant steaming bucket the rat held in its forearms.

I watched it approach, dumbfounded. The closer it got the more ominous the contents of the giant bucket appeared. Whatever it was, it wasn't good. I held HeartString tightly. The rat was too far away to hit with my natural magic. I smiled, reaching down for a Golden Key.

If I could knock that rat out of the sky before it reached the village then their chances of succeeding would drop dramatically. But with these keys I only had one chance. Cancer's key glistened in fingers as if trying to encourage me.

I widened my stance, bringing my bow up to face the creature in the sky. I aligned Cancer with HeartString, setting his primary skill. I took a deep breath, focusing on spinning tail miles away in the sky above. The rat was getting dangerously close now; I didn't have time to falter. I released the key's power, keeping my stance as I waited for the hidden blade to meet its mark. [Cancer's primary power is large spinning blade projectile with the power to cut through any substance.]

A slight grin tugged at my lips when the tail sprang away from its owner. The rat didn't even have time to acknowledge its lost limb. Its sudden descent lasting only a few seconds before the rodent came crashing down, rolling to a stop on a beach, miles away from its original target. The bucket of what appeared to be acid was disintegrating a small grove of trees where the rat had dropped it mid-fall.

I press Cancer's key to my lips in thanks, staring out at the crash site. It's unlikely that they'd still be conscious after that fall, unless that rat had seatbelts. I had better make sure anyway, even one mage could do serious damage if I left them alone. Hooking the golden key back to my waist I leaped down to the foliage below, using a combination of wind magic and sprinting to navigate the dense jungle towards the faraway beach.

It was dawn when I arrived at the crash site. The beach was further away than expected and my weak flying abilities slowed down the trip considerably. I was tired and the temptation to take a break throughout the night was strong but I had to make sure they were out of the picture first.

My shoes crunched on the damp sand. I had stopped by the giant bucket too, the jelly acid it contained had disposed of an area much larger than the village, luckily the place seemed to be completely uninhabited before the acid hit, not that I could be sure. I bit my cheek, thinking of what would have happened if I hadn't shot them from the sky. Would the village and its people be smouldering ashes right now?

Pissed, I stepped towards my victims. The rat was out cold, it was crushing the legs of the shorter unconscious male while the other was twitching, his shoulders buried in the sand. I frowned noticing the absence of the pink haired woman. I reached down to my keys, touching my newest addition. "Virgo, come out please." I spoke aloud. While I did the summoning act in front of the others in reality it didn't require such formality.

The maid appeared before me, bowing her head. "Hello Mistress. Do you wish to punish me?" she inquired, her pretty face blank.

I sighed. "No Virgo. And I told you not to call me that!" I pointed out exasperated. I lifted the rat slightly, checking to see if its master was underneath. She wasn't.

"Then what do you wish to be called Mistress?"

"I've told you before. Call me Lucy." I replied, distracted, checking the sand for signs.

"I'm afraid that won't do Mistress."

I sighed. "Oh forget about it. I need to make sure these guys don't escape. Tie them up for me?"

Virgo nodded. "Yes Mistress. The rat too Mistress?"

I eyed the rodent hesitantly. "Yeah that might be a good idea."

A faint rustling coming from the treeline caught my attention. I grinned as I saw a familiar figure begin to stir. She must have fallen off before they crashed. I formed HeartString in my hand, its vibrance returned. I strode behind her, placing my foot gently on her back. She froze under my touch, not daring to look at her assailant.

"I saw what your acid did. Nasty piece of work if you ask me. "I remarked, pleased I had found her.

The mage flustered, trying to come up with an excuse. "I…eh umm... Deliora-" I felt the sun on my back and sneered. "Shhhhh now. I don't need your excuses."

My bow hummed with anticipation. "You know what I love about dawn?" I asked sweetly, pulling my hand back. "No moonlight." I sang, my bow emitting a blinding flash. The mage slumped into the ground; unconscious. Satisfied I turned on my heel to find Virgo watching me, the mages and their rodent bound in chains behind her.

"Would you prefer Dreadlord Mistress? It seems to suit you." She remarked, impassive.

I deadpanned, ignoring her jab. Despite how it looked, I had only used a form of sleep of magic on her. I wasn't going to beat up an injured person even if that person was okay with killing over a dozen people in one go. "Virgo would you take care of this one too?"

"Of course Dreadlord." She remarked. I groaned, wishing I had responded after all. I strolled over to the giant rat and its companions, inspecting the damage. Glad when I saw nothing serious, some broken bones and missing teeth but they'd all live another day.

The purple moonlight seemed to affect people badly. No doubt it had warped these mages' minds slightly too. I didn't even know their names but I refused to believe they'd kill so easy. That being said were trying to revive a Demon of Destruction at the moment so maybe my judge of character wasn't exactly spot on. All I knew is that the moonlight was not something I wanted to spend more time in; the sooner we ended it the better.

I glanced at my celestial spirit who was dragging the female mage over to where her companions lay, a small smile on my lips. The discomfort I had felt towards summoning my spirits was beginning to waver. I found myself enjoying their company more. Although that wasn't the reason I called Virgo just now. I could have used my own metal power to tie them up but I wasn't sure if my magic would weaken under the moonlight tonight. My key's powers seemed to be at their usual strength so Virgo's own chains had a better chance of lasting.

"I am done Dreadlord. Is that all?" Virgo inquired. I groaned, pinching my forehead. "Please don't call me that Virgo. Yes that is everything thank you." I touched her key, sending her back to the Celestial world before she could come up with another title.

I yawned, tiredness slapping me in the face. I gazed at the inland, the pillars of the Moon temple looming in the distance, shrouded in clouds. There was nothing I could do until the moon returned. I marched inland until the giant rat was out of sight. The village was miles away. I would make sure to go back before sundown; it would be a lot quicker with my full magic. Exhausted, I slumped against a tree. For now I would rest.

Using the dense foliage as cover, I sped through the island's mainland. My sky magic allowed me to weave in and out between trees, flying faster and much easier than the night before. Finally I reached the village, perching myself on a tree much closer to the high menacing fence. It was dusk and the setting sun made it easier for me to hide in the tall trees.

I gazed down over the fence. The village seemed more alive than usual, more erratic? The villagers moved with a more frantic step, discomfort in their jittery eyes. I frowned, focusing on the crowd below searching for the cause. My stomach flipped as my eyes landed on a familiar red-headed mage, sitting poised with her armoured back to me. Erza appeared to be nibbling on some cheesecake, her mere presence making the villagers uneasy. I couldn't blame them; even from where I stood I could tell she was seething.

Happy was with her, tied up and looking miserable. The other two were nowhere to be found but the fact she was relaxing meant that she probably already had them somewhere. I swallowed, wondering if they were getting punished. I noticed Erza tense, as if she sensed I was watching.

Forming my bow, I quickly slipped away, flying towards the temple. The sun had fully set now. I needed to arrive before the moon appeared. I rose above the treeline, stepping down on the empty pillared floor. I hadn't expected to find the ritual site unoccupied, letting out a sigh of relief that I did. I stepped through the pillars, my feet coming to a halt at the opening's ledge. Peering down I could only see a few levels of the inner temple, any deeper was too dark, the bottom engulfed in blackness. If I hadn't seen the blue ice with my very eyes I'd almost believe there was no bottom, that if I fell I'd be falling for eternity, a never-ending abyss.

I could hear sounds of a struggle coming from the lower levels of the temple. I smiled; perhaps the boys weren't caught after all? I flash of Natsu's flames illuminated the cavern, revealing the ice for a brief moment; it was smaller than it was the night before. Only a few more hours of moonlight would open the Demon's casket.

I circled the opening, inspecting the lower floors. I didn't need to look up to know the moon had come out, as my world was basked in purple light, illuminating the levels below, all the way down to the iced monster. The moondrip began to work immediately, the ice beginning to sweat.

I frowned, a pale flash of light coming from a few floors below. I crouched down next to the opening, the intensifying moonlight making it easier to see. Gray was fighting another ice mage, enraged. I bit lip, knowing it was only a few more minutes until he discovered the fate of Deliora, hoping he could last till then.

Suddenly the stone moved beneath me, almost sending me over the edge. I hit the ground, bracing myself. I breathed heavily, alarmed. Pulling myself to the opening's edge, I peered down. The lower levels had been moved so that there was only a sliver of moonlight could reach the ice slab. I cursed under my breath; it would take days for Deliora to melt now.

Gray's opponent was slumped on the ground, defeated. I watched Gray, expecting him to leave or to secure his enemy. Instead he widened his stance, a look of pained resolution on his face. My heart pounded erratically as I recognised the hand motions. He was planning to cast Ice Shell.

"Gray. No!" I whispered, knowing I couldn't call out to him. He couldn't sacrifice himself, not for a dead monster. I stared in horror as he began to glow. I wished I could tell him Deliora was dead but how could I when I didn't even understand how I knew? I stood up, searching for something to stop him with. I felt my bow materialize in my hand, its existence dwindling in the strong purple light. I didn't have a choice, reaching for Virgo's key. I had to stop him.

I pulled back my key, aiming at the glowing ice mage. A familiar yell echoed from below causing me to pause. "Natsu?" I asked softly. The dragon slayer punched Gray with his fist aflame, not holding back. The glow of the Ice Shell spell snuffed out as Gray collapsed to his knees. Pressure lifting from my chest, I breathed, returning Virgo to my waist.

Thank you Natsu.

I turned, facing the purple sky above, my composure regained. Natsu may have stopped him that time but Gray would undoubtedly try again. Deliora needed to be released soon. I glanced down at the shrinking ice below, barely able to see it through the small opening left by the altered floors. I couldn't move the levels back without descending which meant possibly being found by Natsu. Once that happened I'd be useless.

The closure of seeing Deliora's corpse would be only thing to prevent Gray from trying to seal it again. But how? I furrowed my brow, something nagging me. I felt my gaze go out to see, searching for an answer.

The moonlight shone on the calm sea, its white glow shimmering on the horizon. I reached out my hand as if to touch the gentle waves, my palm tainted violet. I frowned, noticing the difference in colour. The moonlight was normal out there. Come to think of it when we were approaching Galuna the moon wasn't abnormal either.

An idea formed in my head. Could it be? I spun, keeping my eye on the horizon that surrounded the island, the moonlight was same, pale white shimmer all the way around.

"A dome?" I pondered aloud. I gazed up at the purple moon, it was the first time I had examined it properly, a strange recognition came over me. I knew this magic.

Galune.

I took a deep breath, trusting my instincts. If I was correct than I didn't need the moonlight to break the ice shell. If I was wrong I was destroying the chances Deliora's death ever would ever be discovered.

I needed my power at its full capabilities. I eyed the moon, grasping Taurus' golden key. "Looks like I have to destroy the moon." I breathed, nervous.

Widening my stance, I focused my power into my bow, returning some of its lustre. I raised my bow, aiming it directly at the purple orb in the night's sky. I felt my key hum with power as I linked it with HeartString. Taurus' power strike was my best chance.

Breathing out I released my key's magic, sending a shockwave up into the sky above. A sickening crack boomed throughout the island. I watched in horror as the violet sky above me began to fracture, the sound of each expanding crack like thunder. The purple moonlight began to disperse and HeartString began to return to its normal gleam. My eyes turned gold as I sent one final burst of power through the night's sky, shattering the layer that had been casting the purple hue.

The shards disintegrated before they hit the earth, any evidence of the eerie moonlight gone. The world returned to its natural colour, the pale white light washing away the apparent spookiness. The significance of my actions hit me; it wouldn't be long before someone came to investigate. I needed to free Deliora now.

I crouched by the opening's edge, the blue ice in my sights. I thought back to when I first saw the purple moonlight; I had made the connection then without realising it. This moondrip magic was a power I already possessed. The same power I had used only a few days before. Only I knew it by a different name- Antimagic.

I pulled back my hand, remembering a history lesson. Usually it was the Dragons who taught me about their kind but being a Celestial mage my Mother had an affinity towards the planets and the night's sky. So she decided she would teach me about Galune.

The Moon Dragon.

Antimagic was believed to be an unnatural power, disliked by many. It was a contradiction; a magic that existed to stop magic. Such a paradox had to be artificial; formed by accident or by some dark mage.

My eyes turned violet as I shot the familiar purple light down onto the ice below, holding my hand back to allow a continuous flow until the ice shrank away, revealing the obsidian monster within. I knelt by the opening, gripping my bow by my side, my heart racing. I smiled, watching Gray fall to his knees as the Demon of his past crumbled to dust. My brown eyes returned. I lay back onto the cold stone floor, staring up at the stars, trying to calm the pounding in my chest.

Those people were wrong. Antimagic was the Moon's element, otherwise known as Moondrip, a completely organic form of energy. My Mother used it as an example for natural balance of our world. There were always two sides to a coin, she would say. Darkness couldn't exist without light. Magic couldn't exist without antimagic. Life couldn't exist without death.

Yet people still feared those forces. Galune, the moon dragon was the first to be killed in the civil war, targeted by his own ilk.

I sighed, feeling my magic beginning to drain. The spell had backfired, like it always did. HeartString began to flicker, vanishing at the sound of footsteps on the stairs below. At first I thought it was Natsu and Gray but there were more than two. I pulled myself into a low crouching stance, hoping they weren't coming here. I didn't even have enough power to form my bow which took less energy than summoning one of my spirits.

Over a dozen cloaked moon worshipers swarmed from the stairs, their incensed eyes on me. I couldn't be surprised; I did just destroy their moondrip. I grumbled, realising I had a complete lack of weapons. I shrugged, standing up calmly as the worshipers surrounded me. I stretched my arms preparing for a messy fight. I turned sharply, using the element of surprise and diving into the crowd, my fists at the ready.

Natsu stumbled off the ship onto the Hargeon marina. His laughter returned, a wide grin on his green face. "Ah luce I still can't believe you got beaten up by those Moon weirdos. I mean they didn't even use magic!" He guffawed.

I remained silent, my arms crossed defensively. "They ran away before I could pay them back." I hissed, not for the first time since Erza had brought me back to the village. I was covered in bruises, when Natsu first saw me he was concerned but after he realised they were only superficial he started to see the funny side.

Natsu patted me on the shoulder. "They only ran because they saw Erza coming." He pointed out. He was right. Erza had appeared a few minutes after the fight had begun, scaring the worshipers away. It may have not looked like it but the fight was even, at least it had been until one of them hit me from behind, knocking me to the ground. It's a lot harder to get up when you have people kicking you.

Despite the bruises and a few cracked ribs the attack had worked out in my favour. Erza seemed to think I had been captured by the Moon worshipers the day before, explaining my disappearance. I touched my side gingerly; I could fix myself up once I got home.

Gray had been silent for most of the journey, staring out to sea. I found myself joining him, watching the water swell and surge as we sailed past. We didn't speak but I felt that my presence was comforting to him, reminding him that he wasn't alone even if his mentor was gone.

Erza called me over as we began to walk the familiar route back to Fairy Tail. She seemed to have calmed down now that we completed the mission successfully. She waited as I approached, something resting in her palm.

"I refused the money but the Chief insisted on giving us this." She reached out her open hand, revealing a golden key. I gasped, remembering the reward. I looked up at her, uncertain whether to take it or not.

"Is this for me?" I asked in disbelief. Golden keys was incredibly rare. Erza nodded. I picked the key up carefully, admiring its design.

"Sagittarius." I remarked, recognising his symbol. "The Archer." I grinned. Perhaps he could give me a few pointers?

"You are all still getting punished." Erza pointed out, resulting in Gray and Natsu's uncontrollable sobs. I smiled, clutching the golden key.

Not bad for my first S-class mission.

I smirked, pleased with myself. I hooked the key to my waist, following my tearful guild mates.

Hope you enjoyed it. I love reviews to please tell me what you think. I'm planning on completely redoing the Phantom arc OR finding another way to introduced Gajeel and Juvia that involves less time. Maybe well have some Bamf Lucy in our next chapter!

Either way things are going to move into their AU world soon which will be fantastic since following the arcs is doing my head in! :D

Thanks for reading! Bye!