Since it's been made clear Natsu and Lucy are the only ones that can defeat Dark Emperor, Celestria and Salamondra are here to stay. Even though their love lives are a little more difficult, they're finding ways to make it work. Really, since their change of feelings, the two of them don't have much problems wit heach other anymore.

"So, you're really in love with someone else? You're not just saying that to make me jealous, are you?" Celestria questioned.

"No. She's someone who has been a big part in my life, and I'm just now realizing how important she really is." Salamondra said. "It's like she sees the real me when no one else did. What about you? You told me you were in love with someone else. Is it great?"

"Oh... Well... Honestly, he still doesn't know." Celestria said without knowing the truth. "It's complicated. I've never been able to tell him. Besides, being Celestria would cause problems and get in the way of that. Isn't it the same with you and this girl?"

"Not really. I'm not letting that stop me. Besides, she and I aren't really together. It doesn't mean I'm not going to try." Salamondra said. "Honestly, I don't get what the problem is. I didn't have any problem saying what I think with you. Anyway, I need to get going. Later." He said as he took off. Celestria always envied Salamondra on how he can say what he really thinks. Why can't she do that?

...

Lucy's Room

"Aw! This is ridiculous!" Lucy said as she vented to her friends. "Why is it when I was crushing on Salamondra that I could be open with him, but not with Natsu?! How does Salamondra do it?! How does he say what he's really thinking?! It's great that he's in love with someone else now and we can be open with each other now with out any problems between us, but I don't get it!" She kept complaining until her phone went off and saw it was Kagura. "Kagura?! I can't talk to her now!" She said as she ended the call. "Even she tried to help me and that ended in failure! She doesn't like it when she fails like me! Only she's more angry and aggressive about it?! I can't talk to her! I can't let her down!"

"Lucy! Calm down! You're beginning to spiral!" Levy said. Lucy took a moment to try and breathe. Kagura tried to call again, but Lucy ignored her.

"I just can't talk to Kagura right now." Lucy said.

"You want me to?" Erza asked.

"Erza, I need your help now with Natsu. I still don't know what I'm going to do." Lucy said.

"What is the problem? Natsu likes you, you like him, so what is the problem?" Levy asked.

"If I knew that, don't you think I do something about it?!" Lucy said as she was getting so frustrated with this whole thing.

"Luckily, you have help. You just need to calm down and stop looking for excuses to run away." Erza said.

...

The School

Lucy's friends were all aware of her feelings for Natsu, and they want to help however they can. One thing that was going on was that Loke was using them as models for a painting of his since he is known for being a bit of an artist.

"Looking good. How about we get you two to hold hands?" Loke said as a ploy. Natsu held up his hand for her and everyone watched with anticipation. Seh wanted to take it, but fear got the better of her.

"Oh no! Look at the time! My parents... They... They need... I have too..." Lucy just backed out of there and took off. So much for Plan A.

...

The Ice Rink

They all tried going to the ice rink and tried to get Meldy to help them. Everyone was skating around with her friends filling Meldy in on the plan.

"You're both doing rather well." Meldy said. "Now, let's try something a little more advance. Natsu, grab Lucy by the waist and help her keep her balance." Natsu did just that as he tried to grab her, but Lucy panicked and lost control of herself with all three of them crashing into each other.

"Sorry..." Lucy groaned.

...

The School

They tried with a third plan. Everyone was sitting on yoga mats and was facing someone. The only available spot was across from Natsu...for Lucy.

"Today, we're going to try empathetic listening." Freed said. "It will help calm the soul, quiet the mind. You just need to take hands with the person in front of you. Try to bring out your emotions." Lucy had to try and sit with Natsu and do that. She was about to reach the mat, but Taylor beat her to it.

"Hey! That's Lucy's spot!" Erza said.

"Last I checked, losers don't sit with stars." Taylor said.

"It's okay. I don't need to sit here." Lucy said. That was when Teresa came over.

"Taylor, you're not being nice. Let Lucy sit here if she wants." Teresa said as she got Taylor to move. "Don't worry. We'll ruin her life, but he have to be more settle and quiet about it. In fact, I already have a plan in motion." She whispered as the two sat together.

"I say you are truly worthy of being my best friend." Taylor said as she likes the way Teresa thinks with Samantha upset that Taylor would replace her. As for the plan, Lucy panicked and came up with another excuse to get out of there. So far, nothing has gone according to plan. At this rate, those two getting together will take forever.

...

Lucy

"This is hopeless, Stella." Lucy complained as she was now alone in her room.

"No it's not, Lucy. You just need to be more confident." Stella said. That's easier said than done when it comes to Natsu. Just then, her phone went off again and saw it was Kagura. However, Lucy just ignored it. "Kagura's been trying to get in contact with you. Maybe she has some advice. She did tell you to rehearse your confession."

"From a manga." Lucy complained. "All of my friends are helping and nothing works. I doubt Kagura could come up with anything better." Just then, her phone alerted her about something else. "The others are expecting me for a concert on Gajeel's houseboat. I wonder what plan they have now that I'm just going to mess up." She complained as she started walking to face what she felt was doom. Something is holding her back, but what?

...

Gajeel's Boat

Sting and his band were going to put on another performance. They've got another plan for the young couple, but will it even work.

"Sometimes simple is best." Sting said. "We're just going to play a romantic song and you are going to ask Lucy to dance with you, Natsu."

"I don't know, guys. I don't want Lucy to be uncomfortable." Natsu said. "Maybe the problem is me."

"No, it's Lucy because she doesn't know what's good for her." Gray said. "She needs a push."

"This time, it will all workout." Lisanna said. "Everyone, make sure that it does!" All of them were doing their part to make sure this happens, but Natsu wasn't sure about this. It's starting to look like they're all doing a little too much. As they were all getting ready, Kagura arrived herself. She was a little bashful to go onboard, but Kagura was able to face what made her uncomfortable and walked on.

"Kagura!" Levy said. "This is a surprise. What brings you here?"

"I invited her." Erza said. "I thought maybe she could help. Plus, Lucy has been avoiding her."

"Is Lucy really coming? I've been trying to get in contact with her." Kagura said.

"Yeah. She should be here soon, but you know how she can be." Erza said.

"Erza, are you sure that was a good idea seeing as how Lucy has been trying to avoid her?" Levy whispered.

"Lucy thinks she's ridiculous because she's acting ridiculous." Erza said. "She's got to learn to deal with things that makes her uncomfortable. Besides, it must be something important if Kagura is constantly trying to get in contact with her." Seems like they're taking matters into their own hands, but that could go wrong pretty easily.

"I'm here!" Lucy called as she arrived to the boat from riding on her scooter. "Sorry if I kept everyone... Kagura!"

"Hello, Lucy." Kagura greeted. "I've been trying to call you. There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

"I'm... I'm sorry, but I can't right now." Lucy said as she made another attempt to avoid her problems, but Kagura seemed to have been bothered. It felt like Lucy was really trying to avoid her now.

...

Later

"Come on, Lucy. Calm down. Calm down." Lucy said as she was below deck as it got dark. She tried to calm herself down,, but her heart wouldn't stop going like a jackhammer.

"Lucy? Are you down there?" Levy asked as she came down. "Come on. Everyone is waiting."

"Waiting? What for?" Lucy questioned, but Levy grabbed a hold of her and pulled her up to the deck. Once she got up there, everything was set romantically with lights, props, the music, and more. Sting and the others played music while everyone was placed around Natsu with the spotlight on him. "What's going on?"

"Lucy, you want to dance?" Natsu asked as he held out his hand for her. It felt like something out of a princess fairytale. It was like the prince made his choice on who he wanted to dance with and that person would become his wife. Everything seemed amazing and perfect. Lucy loved it and it appeared to be actually working. She moved closer to him and was going to take his hand. This seemed to be the moment everyone was waiting for. However, it was not to be as Lucy was suddenly overcome with fear and she couldn't stop shaking. It wasn't like the kind of fear where you know what you're afraid of. It's a fear without reason, it's irrational. All she knows is that she's too scared to go any further and just ran off back below deck. That ruined things...again. "Was it me?"

"No, Natsu. It's not you, it's her." Levy said.

"I'll go speak with her." Kagura offered.

"No. Let me and Levy do it. We know her better than anyone." Erza said with her and Levy going after Lucy. Lucy ended up ducking behind a counter and was trying to calm herself down.

"Lucy? Are you okay?" Levy asked as she and Erza found her.

"Obviously I'm not!" Lucy said. "No matter what happens, I can't calm myself down around Natsu! I shake this overwhelming feeling I have!"

"You're just feeling the pressure like anyone would when they're about to admit they're love." Erza said.

"It's more than that! Something is wrong with me!" Lucy said. "Wait! I know! It's probably because of me being Celestria! After all, I lost the miraculous because of my blind devotion to Natsu and failed my mission! I'm probably just torn between my responsibilities and my desires! Not to mention, I would have to lie to him constantly! My responsibilities as Celestria have to come first!"

"Lucy, stop!" Erza said. "Right now, you're not Celestria, there's no mission, no responsibilities. You're just Lucy right now!" She said. That was when Kagura came walking in behind them. Lucy spotted her and tried to tell them. "No! No more excuses, Lucy. It doesn't matter that..." "Kagura! Hi!" Levy interrupted as she got what Lucy was saying and Erza instantly shut up.

"Is everything okay?" Kagura asked.

"Yep! Fine! Totally fine!" Erza said as they all tried to make it look like it was.

"Are you sure? Maybe I can help." Kagura asked.

"Sorry, Kagura. This is really between us." Lucy said. Kagura seemed to have accepted the answer and just left the three of them alone.

"As Erza was saying, you being Celestria has nothing to do with this, Lucy." Levy said. "You're doing this to yourself."

"Okay, you two don't know what kind of pressure I'm always under!" Lucy said. "Being Celestria is a top priority. In fact, there could be someone etheriouized right now without anyone knowing it! I need to keep my focus on my mission! Stella, Twinkle!" She instantly transformed and left through the window to carryout her mission. Is it really her mission or is Lucy really just running?

...

Kagura

"You were right, Teresa." Kagura said as she used her ring to call Teresa of all people. She looked down at a check list and saw everything was checked. "Your friendship test proves that Lucy doesn't really consider me a friend. I tried to help her, I thought having Erza as a neutral friend helped, and I thought we were becoming friends after Friendship Day, but I was wrong."

"I'm sorry, Kagura. You put a lot of effort into being her friend, and yet she didn't appreciate any of that." Teresa said. "If you really need a friend, I could be. I'll be the shoulder you need to cry on."

"No. I haven't been able to make any friends." Kagura said. "Erza tries, but I she's known Lucy much longer than me. Perhaps I'm just meant for solitude." She claimed and just ended the call with her feeling all alone now. This was all Teresa's doing to try and ruin Lucy's life and take everything from her. She started with Kagura thinking she be easier to manipulate since she isn't as close to Lucy as others are, and this was only the beginning. Not wanting to stay where she's not wanted, Kagura decided to just leave the boat.

"Kagura?" Natsu said as he noticed something was wrong and saw Kagura run off with her dropping that friendship test Teresa gave her. "Kagura, wait!" He called, but she was already gone and Natsu soon noticed the paper she dropped. "She doesn't return your calls? She avoids you? She and her friends have secrets you won't be apart of? What is this?"

...

Celestria

As for Celestria, she was trying to perform her heroic duties. However, she couldn't forget what went on with Erza and Levy.

"What do those two know? I've been at this for a long time. They don't understand the kind of position I am." Celestria complained. "I know what I'm doing." She claimed, but then she took a look at her own reflection in a window and noticed how crazy she's really acting. "What am I doing? They were right. I only transformed to avoid Natsu. What's wrong with me?" She complained as she just can't figure herself out. She's feeling as bad about herself as Kagura feels right now.

...

Dark Emperor

"How lonely it must be knowing you're great at a lot of things, but fail miserably at making friends." Dark Emperor said as he could feel Kagura's misery and loneliness. "Christina! Unify!" He added to Pegasus' power to his own, and then took a an etherious to turn it into a mega etherious. "Voyage, my mega etherious! Let's fill her empty heart!"

...

Kagura

All Kagura wants is to be left alone as she was brooding on a bridge. She wanted to be alone, but the mega etherious made that difficult as it entered the ribbon in her hair and connected her to Dark Emperor.

"Storm, I'm Dark Emperor. You thought you had friends, but it seems you were wrong. I can help you feel better." Dark Emperor said.

"Liar. You only want to help me to get Celestria's and Salamondra's miraculous." Kagura said as she tried to resist.

"I'm just trying to end my own suffering, but I need powers to do that. I'm offering you the same thing." Dark Emperor said.

"I just want to be alone." Kagura said.

"And I can help with that." Dark Emperor offered. "I can make it so you're unable to see or hear anyone. You'll just be a wondering cloud. Lanner! Unify! Transfer!" He took the power of the falcon and transferred it over to Kagura. "To help make sure nothing disturbs you, I am giving you the power of wind. Nothing will ever bother you again." That was all Kagura wanted. She accepted the offer and was changing.

"Kagura?!" Natsu called as he went searching for her only to see her transform into a living cloud. "Kagura!" No matter how much he called, Storm could not hear or see anyone. She just floated up in the air and drifted around like a cloud. Knowing he's got to help her, Natsu found a place to transform. "Igneel, Fire Up!"

...

Celestria

Celestria just sat on a roof and wasn't sure what to do. That changed when she saw Storm floating around and used her powers of wind to move away whatever was in her wind.

"Ha! I was right to transform!" Celestria said and sounded happy until it came to her. "I'm happy that someone is etheriouized? What is wrong with me?" Putting her own problems aside, she hurried off to help Kagura.

...

Storm

"This canal... This is where I first met Lucy." Storm mumbled as she was over the spot where they first met. Unable to see the people clearing away from the area. "I tried being her friend because of Erza. Erza was the first friend I made here. I wasn't sure what to do or say, but those feelings are gone now." She might feel more at peace, but this wasn't right. Salamondra caught up to her with Celestria joining him.

"Hey, Salamondra. Any idea what's going on?" Celestria asked.

"I think it has something to do with this." Salamondra said as he handed her the test he found. Celestria looked it over and realized this was all her fault.

"Oh no! She was having doubts about someone's friendship and now she probably feels alone!" Celestria said.

"That test is absurd, but Dark Emperor is the one taking advantage of it." Salamondra said.

"Come on! We've got to help her!" Celestria said. Both of the heroes jumped after her as Storm tried floating away, but they both passed right through her and ended up in the river.

"Uh... How are we going to help her if we can't touch her?" Salamondra questioned.

"We have to get her attention!" Celestria said as the two of them moved fast. Celestria grabbed a megaphone and hurried up to a rooftop as Storm just drifted around the city. "Listen! I'm sure this whole thing is one big misunderstanding! Maybe your friend was so caught up in her own problems that she hurt you without realizing it! She was so distracted that she didn't know about your problems, but that doesn't mean you're not friends! Maybe she didn't want to disappoint you!" She kept calling out to her, but Storm just passed right through both of them. "I don't think she can see or hear us."

"So how are we going to help her?" Salamondra questioned. They're gonna have to get creative with this one.

"It's so peaceful. It's so quiet." Storm said as she felt nothing bothered her, but people were running scared of her. Just then, a news helicopter showed up and tried to get footage of her. Being bothered by it, she created a powerful blizzard from her miraculous power and froze the propeller with it falling out of the air. Thinking quickly, Celestria formed a net with her extendable whip and was able to catch the helicopter.

"She ignores us, but not the helicopter? What's up with that? I'm a little offended." Salamondra said.

"She must not be able to see people, but she still sees the world around her." Celestria figured. "That gives me an idea as to how we can communicate with her." That's when they got to work on getting her attention another way.

"I finally feel free from all burdens and disappointment. I've never felt so at peace when there is no one to bother me." Storm said as she continued to enjoy the peace and quiet, but it didn't last as she felt Salamondra's staff pass right through her. Annoyed, she looked and saw something unusual.

"Are you sure about this?" Salamondra questioned.

"I looked up the symbol. I know I got it right, so this might help." Celestria said. Storm could see kanji on the ground by using cars to spell it out.

"Talk? No!" Storm said as she was getting frustrated. "I want to be left alone!" She generated a powerful gust of wind like a typhoon and was tearing the streets apart. Celestria and Salamondra got caught in it until they grabbed a lamppost and held on.

"There might have been a misunderstanding with her friend, but she's not the best at communication either!" Salamondra said as he used his staff to deflect some stuff flying at them.

"Well, not everyone is like you, Salamondra!" Celestria said in frustration. "Not everyone has the courage to say what they're really thinking! It's harder than you might think because they're afraid of letting people down or they might hear something they don't want to hear!"

"I told you before, didn't I? If you're afraid to say something, you're just using fear as an excuse not to say it! If you have something to say, just say it!" Salamondra said.

"And I keep telling you that it's not that easy!" Celestria said. While they were arguing, Dark Emperor was still able to contact Storm.

"Celestria and Salamondra are the ones bothering you. Destroy them or you will never get the peace you want." Dark Emperor told Storm. Storm was able to see the debris being knocked away and knew where they were. Once that happened, she unleashed a powerful gust of heated wind and blew both of them away to another building.

"Oh man! I need water!" Salamondra said as he felt dried out.

"Later." Celestria said as she tried to think of ways to help Storm. "Only one thing left. Open the Celestial Gate!" She opened up the gate and ended up getting a box of markers with Libra sign on it. "Markers?" She closed her eyes and tried to think of how this can help. She began to think of the stadium, Ashely's family arts store, and some of her friends. "I got it! We're going to need a lot of people for this one!" Once Celestria knew what to do, she and Salamondra hurried to get to work. Salamondra hurried to the store while Celestria tried to get as many people as she could to the stadium.

...

The School

"This was where it all started." Storm said as she stood above the school and thought to when she tried the fencing team and met Erza, Natsu, and it all started for her. "It only seems right that it ends here. I can now find peace." She said as she was beginning to evaporate. Just then, Salamondra came by on a helicopter and she was feeling disturbed, so she can't find peace.

"I know you can't hear me, but I'm bothering you anyway!" Salamondra called. Annoyed, Storm unleashed a powerful blast of wind at him, but the helicopter flew off.

"They'll never leave me alone! I'll make sure they will!" Storm said as she was angry now and chased after the helicopter. All according to plan, they soon arrived at the stadium with Salamondra jumping down and stood with Celestria. Storm flew right above the stadium, but then noticed white posters on the field that were being held by Lucy's friends and classmates. "What is this?"

"Now!" Celestria called. Everyone flipped their posters and showed the whole thing was a tribute to Kagura with her face in a big heart. Storm couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"This is for me?" Storm questioned.

"Don't look! It's a trick!" Dark Emperor called.

"This is for me... There are so many people here..." Storm said as she was felt with this overwhelming urge to see people if they're doing this for her. "I... I want to see them... I want to see them!" She shouted as she was able to break the connection and rejected the etherious. When that happened, Storm became Kagura again. She might have fallen out of the sky, but Celestria was able to catch her with everyone cheering.

"Thank you, Celestria." Kagura said.

"Glad to do it, but I'm not the one they're cheering for." Celestria said as she showed that everyone was cheering for Kagura with Kagura no longer feeling alone. "Miraculous Starlight!" She tossed the box of markers in the air and unleashed the magic stars that fixed everything. After doing that, she formed a magic charm for Kagura that was clear and transparent. "Here, Kagura. Let this charm remind you that you're not alone." She certainly doesn't feel alone anymore.

...

Kagura and Lucy

"I'm really sorry I've been ignoring your calls, Kagura." Lucy said. After everything was over, the two of them could finally talk. "Still, how could you doubt we were really friends?"

"I don't know. I never really had friends before I came here." Kagura said.

"Again, I'm so sorry. I've just been so wrapped up with my own problems with Natsu that I was afraid to disappoint you." Lucy said. "You tried to help me and I didn't want to let you down since you've always been so stern and serious."

"But that's why I've been trying to call you. Erza told me what's been going on and I wanted to see if I could help." Kagura said.

"Even so, you're not alone. You have Erza. Her friends are my friends, and the same can be said for you. Never doubt that." Lucy said. She was certainly right about that, and it was proven when Kagura saw that a bunch of contacts were being added to her list. She looked and saw that Lucy was right. All of her friends want to be friends with Kagura. She really does have more friends than she thought. With all of that done, everyone was getting back on the boat, but Lucy had enough of today and went to her scooter.

"Lucy, aren't you coming back onboard?" Erza asked as she and Levy talked to her.

"It's been a long day. I just want to go home now." Lucy said. "Also... You two were right..." She admitted. "I thought me being Celestria was the problem, but it was really just my excuse. The truth is...I'm terrified!" She admitted as she buried her head against her scooter. "I don't know why I'm like this, but I just can't help it."

"It's okay. We'll help you figure it out." Levy assured. Lucy appreciated that, but it doesn't help to figure this. With that, she went on home with the girls joining the others back on the boat.

"Lucy left?" Gray questioned.

"It's been a long day for her." Erza said.

"So what's the next plan to get her and Natsu together?" Gajeel questioned.

"This is ridiculous. They like each other, so why aren't they together yet?" Lisanna questioned.

"Kagura, do you have any ideas?" Erza asked with all eyes on her. Kagura felt a bit anxious, but she pulled herself together.

"If you ask me, it seems like you're all focusing on the wrong problem. It doesn't matter what you try because Lucy is too scared." Kagura said. "Based on what I could tell, Lucy suffers from a fear of failing. She doesn't take risks or chances because she's too afraid things aren't going to go the way she likes. She doesn't have much confidence in herself."

"But she knows Natsu is starting to like her. How could she fail?" Sting questioned.

"If you can find the source of her fear, you might know how to help her." Kagura said.

"Maybe Kagura is right..." Erza said. "Maybe all this time we've been focusing on the wrong problem. It's not a matter of how we get them together. It's a matter of how we can get Lucy to face her fears." That actually made sense to everyone. It doesn't matter what they plan because Lucy's fears keep getting in the way. They need to help her face her fear. "Thank you, Kagura. This actually does help." Kagura has proven to be a great friend, and now she's got tons of friends to help her. With all of this in mind, the sun is starting to shine through the clouds.