Natsu and Riku were fighting Zalty and unfortunately it was not in their favor. Strange as he was, the man was clearly strong.

Riku's eyes narrowed a bit as he watched their enemy. The real problem was that he couldn't figure out how Zalty kept neutralizing a lot of their attacks like that. But the second any form of magic approached him, it would be reduced to nothing. It was odd. He could even will parts of the roof to fall on them and even launch fast projectiles from the debris.

He watched the man avoid a charging Natsu's fist with ease. Riku had the sinking suspicion that this person was holding back on them. If anything, the easy going grin he wore reinforced that impression.

Thinking fast, he tried to trap Zalty within a rune field, only to stop in surprise when he just chuckled ''Clever, Bahamut. But not good enough!'' He leveled his hand and in a second, the field was gone.

''What the heck?!'' Natsu's jaw dropped. He'd seen how effective Rune magic thanks to Freed and Riku, to think it could be dismissed so easily...

Just who was this man?

The two quickly realized that he was leading them closer to Deliora. ''Sure you want to keep fighting, Salamander? Keep in mind that your flame might release Deliora.''

''Oh, please.'' Natsu scoffed, not buying that for a second. ''You guys wouldn't be going through all this trouble if melting the ice was this easy.''

''Well, it seems you aren't as dumb as I thought.'' Zalty remarked, ignoring the 'What was that?!' from him. ''How did you both know how to find me so easily? Especially you, Bahamut. You weren't anywhere near us earlier.''

Both dragon slayers shared glances before Natsu asked ''You noticed it about him too, right?'' Riku nodded and they both looked back at their enemy. ''We followed your scent. Why the heck do you smell like ladies perfume anyway?''

''Ah, who knows...'' Zalty grinned, leveling his hands above both of them. Riku saw what he was up to and he quickly aimed three blasts of darkness which destroyed the debris that had been about to fall on them.

Natsu attacked with a Fire Dragon's Roar, only to growl in frustration when Zalty defended himself with ease, staving the attack off. How did he keep doing that?

Riku cast Dark Dragon's Moonlight Beam, not even blinking when their enemy reduced his attack to nothing as well. He instead charged to attack with his sword, surprising Zalty when he dodged by catching to up with a gate. This time Zalty wasn't so lucky as to avoid it, forcing him to fall back.

''Not bad. Was there any point behind the first attack? You didn't so much as blink when I stopped it.'' Zalty said, genuinely curious.

It had actually been a test, to clarify something he picked up on during the course of the battle. 'Natsu, I still don't know what type of magic that is exactly but this guy can manipulate time.'

''Manipulate time?!'' Natsu echoed, stunned while Zalty stilled in surprise. He'd never come across that before.

'If I have this right, he can't actually use this power on us directly, that's why he keeps dodging physical strikes. But stopping magic seems like nothing to him.' Riku added.

Natsu blinked, now it really made sense. Zalty hummed, his grin remaining ''So you were testing me? Interesting-you're as skilled as your reputation makes you out to be. Indeed, my magic gives me power to control time. It is in fact, a Lost Magic. Just like your Dragon Slayer magic.''

''Wait, really?'' Natsu cocked his head. He'd heard of Lost Magic before from Levy but he never knew Dragon Slayer magic was like that.

''Well, even if you didn't know I imagine Bahamut did, yes...student of the Dragon King?'' Zalty mused, elicting a glare from Riku. ''My, now that's intense. I take it you'd object to being called Dragon Prince then?''

''What the hell do you think you know? That so called king's a monster!'' Natsu retorted on his friend's behalf. It had been a surprise to learn the truth about Riku's mentor in Dragon Slayer magic. Igneel was a father to him and he thought of him fondly to this day. On the other hand, Riku had every reason to hate his mentor who had treated him terribly.

Riku, who realized what the man was trying to do, threw his sword at Zalty. When the man dodged it as expected, Riku merely opened a portal to teleport the sword to strike him from a different angle. It was only his reaction time which saved him from quite an injury, the blade cutting his side as a result.

''That's quite the troublesome ability.'' He mused. ''Then again, given its source...I can imagine why Acnologia chose to teach you. He did you a massive disservice by making you learn that particular branch of dragon slayer magic. Though the fact that you're still the way you are proves you have quite the potential.''

''What're you...?'' Natsu frowned in confusion, sure Riku was tough as nails but...

Riku had a feeling that he knew. After all there was one particular thing about his Dragon Slayer magic that would make Zalty's words rather accurate...

Shaking himself, he quickly warned Natsu that the man was more than likely trying to buy time. ''Oh yeah? Well, he's not getting a second longer!''

''Such confidence, on the off chance that you do stop me, there's nothing you can do about the ritual. It's too late.'' Zalty stated.

'As if. Belle's already on it.' Riku returned.

Natsu grinned ''Yeah. She's got it covered, so we'll do our part!''

Belle held back a wince as she continued flying to the ritual location. She had encountered a trap that almost burned her wing earlier and while she avoided the most of it, that still hurt. She was just glad one of her staves gave her an ability to use a little healing magic. Apparently, Lyon and his goons had wisened up due to her friends' presence and were ready to deal with interference. She highly doubted it was the only trap here either.

Well, it wasn't about to stop her.

''Two layered magic circle: Earthquake!''

Belle allowed a small grin upon seeing that her spell had knocked out a few devices that were lodged in the hall's ceiling. Well, she was almost there.

Gray glowered at Lyon, not believing how far he had sunk.

He had thought he could get Lyon to see reason by telling him the truth about Iced Shell. It didn't actually kill the user, but turned their body into ice. The ice Lyon was trying to melt around Deliora was actually Ur. Ur had asked him to keep the truth a secret, wanting them both to keep living as she believed Lyon would keep trying to free her. Gray had thought that surely if Lyon knew...?

Just when he thought Lyon would understand, the latter blindsided him and stabbed his side with a spear of ice. He had apparently known the entire time but he just didn't believe it and considered Gray a fool for doing so. Lyon made it very clear, he was determined to do this, no matter what. All he cared about was the way to rise above Ur's legacy. Lyon hadn't even cared much about his attempt to use Iced Shell because one of his followers would've released him over time, realizing this had Gray see just how foolish his plan had been.

It all made Gray furious, but also all the more determined to stop him.

He charged at his fellow ex-pupil and punched him hard. Lyon cringed as he pulled himself up ''H-how can you still...?''

He braced himself as Gray continued to attack, punching him in the wound then to make him fall.

''Make sure to aim for your opponent's weak points and hit them with all you got. That was one of the basics Ur taught us, remember?'' Lyon asked mockingly.

''Don't you dare say her name!'' Gray snapped but the latter punched him again before kicking his side.

The two continued trading blows. At first it appeared to be a stalemate but with Gray's wound slowing him down, Lyon was getting the advantage. This enabled him to counter a lot of Gray's moves effectively and keep going.

''Just stay down!'' He snapped when Gray rose back to his feet.

''Not happening!'' Gray returned, punching him into a wall then. ''You may have beaten me before but I'm not about to lose-no way!''

''You think you can defeat me?!'' Lyon sneered. ''Don't get ahead of yourself! Ice Make: Snow Dragon!''

Given that they had agreed not to use magic before their battle, this understandably took Gray by surprise, leaving him vulnerable. He cursed as he pulled himself up ''The hell...? You said we...!''

''Do you think I care what happens here? Deliora is going to be released soon.'' Lyon stated. ''Zalty is already preparing the ritual. You and your friends are far too late to stop us.''

''Don't look down on them. The second you underestimate Natsu is the second you lose. Riku's one of the most reliable guys out there. They'll handle him.'' Gray retorted.

Zalty slammed Natsu on the head with a flying orb but the teen destroyed with a punch. It was clearly no good as Zalty easily fixed it with a flicker of his hand. ''I told you, my magic Arc of Time lets me manipulate and object's time. What you're doing is pointless.''

With another wave of his hand, he accelerated the orb's time, creating more of them item and using them to attack. Natsu was pelted by a few before he got away. When Zalty redirected the orbs, Riku struck the ground with his sword, creating a shock wave that destroyed them.

He concentrated his power on his hand before raising it, conjuring a multitude of sharp, dark blasts of power that came from a number of direction. This was Dark Dragon's Shadow Fang.

Zalty tried to stop it but the attack was coming from too many sides for it all to work at once, leaving him forced to hold up the orb he had repaired quickly. Both dragon slayers were surprised to see it absorb the attack before it disintegrated, though Zalty took care of that with ease. He missed Riku charging at him, fist swirling with darkness as he aimed a punch, this was Dark Dragon's Umbral Fist.

Zalty was able to dodge that only to be kicked by Natsu, which forced him back. ''What the hell do you get out of this, huh? What good is Deliora going to do?'' He demanded.

''Is that so strange? I don't care what happens at the end-I simply want to make Deliora mine.'' He stated.

'He thinks he can control that demon?' Riku wondered. Natsu repeated the question verbally, just as thrown off by this.

''Oh, I don't think I can. I know I can.'' Their enemy returned. ''And it will be wonderful.''

''It's ridiculous,'' Natsu stated. ''I've had enough of you people messing about here. This ends today!''

Both dragon slayers attacked and Zalty tried to stop them by launching duplicates of his orb but Natsu destroyed with a Fire Dragon's Roar. The attack caused a smoke screen which left Zalty blinded but Riku seized the chance to hit him with Abyss Claw. The two Fairy Tail mages punched him, ending the fight.

Belle had managed to get past the traps and found Toby, who she quickly attacked and knocked down. Three of her staves were surrounding him, primed for offense if he made any false move.

''Okay, now talk! How do I stop the ritual?'' Belle demanded.

''You can't.'' He returned. ''It was only a matter of time. All I had to do was get it started so the Moon Drip would fall on Deliora. You all came too late-the ritual will release it soon!''

Lyon noted the temple shaking ''The ritual is taking effect, it's almost time.'' He proceeded to pelt Gray with ice arrows, watching him try to dodge. ''I've waited so long for this day. After gathering my men, we could finally start. It's been three years but at long last-I will achieve my dream!''

Gray cast Ice Make: Shield to defend himself ''You gave up three years for this ridiculous plan?''

''How dare you?!'' Lyon fired back. ''That's rich coming from the one who wasted the last ten years in some guild!''

''I believed in Ur so I followed her words. She said there were mages much stronger than her out there and it was true. I even tried to find a way to break the Iced Shell but Master Makarov said there was only one way. He absolutely refused to tell me what it was but I bet he was thinking about the Moon Drip.'' Gray remarked. ''I haven't wasted time. I learned a lot out there and I found some great friends who came through for me. I'll use everything I learned to defeat you!''

''Hmph, you can try but you'll fail.'' Lyon retorted. ''I will surpass Ur by destroying the one thing she couldn't, Deliora.'' He attacked with his ice coating his fists, currently shaped like tigers.

Gray dodged his strikes at once ''...You could've been so much more than this. How can you surpass Ur when you're so blind? You're a 100 years too early for that!''

He quickly createed an ice sword and slashed Lyon with it, breaking the ice on his fists. But then Lyon seemed to fall apart, revealing that to be a clone made from ice. Lyon had taken the chance to get behind him.

''Ice Make: Snow Tiger!''

However, Gray was ready ''Ice Make: Prison!''

Lyon's eyes narrowed ''I'll get rid of this ice now.''

''You can't.'' Gray returned calmly and the latter was alarmed to realize that was true. ''Single handed spell-casting is too unbalanced, that's why you can't use your full power. You're hardly any better than this beast you created, lashing out at everyone.''

''Be silent!'' Lyon snarled.

Gray's eyes narrowed as he put his hands together for another spell ''Ice Make: Ice Cannon!''

Lyon tried to defend himself but the powerful blast soon overcame, leaving him to collapse.

Gray cringed as his wound stung again, freezing it with ice. But then he heard a sound that he was likely never to forget despite hearing it ten years ago last time. A horrible, guttural growl that made him stiffen in place.

His worst fears were unfortunately made true. Deliora was free.

Belle flew down to where she saw Riku heading earlier, wanting to meet up with him and the others. They had to do something. She didn't know if it was wishful thinking or mere stubborness on her part because she couldn't stop the ritual but either way, it didn't matter. She refused to give up now.

The purple cat stopped when she saw Erza, Lucy and Happy approaching fast. ''Belle, was that...?'' The third asked.

She nodded tersely ''I'm sorry, I couldn't stop the ritual. Those guys were real prepared. But I don't think it's complete. It was just that dog guy working on it and you guys said it needed plenty of people to be effective. Besides, the Moon Drip's still falling on Deliora.''

''So it may not be fully awakened yet.'' Erza nodded, catching on to her train of thought. ''All the more reason to hurry, come on!''

Gray had arrived at the temple's lower level in time to see Deliora taking its first steps in ten years. ''...they've really done it...''

'Sorry, guess we were too late.' Riku frowned.

''Yeah, but we can still do something. Come on, Gray, let's beat this thing!'' Natsu exclaimed.

He was about to respond but then a new voice spoke up ''Y-you...can't...''

It was Lyon, who was dragging himself over despite his injuries, an elated expression on his face. ''You aren't strong enough. But...But I am. It's time at last, I will defeat Deliora.''

''You're kidding, right?'' Natsu deadpanned. Likewise, Riku seemed rather unimpressed. ''You can't even walk now!''

''Silence! I've waited so long for this...but I'll...''

Lyon never got further than that as Gray knocked him out with a blow to the head.

''It's about time he stopped.'' Gray remarked. ''...Guys, if we can't beat this thing, I'll used Iced Shell...''

''Don't even go there!'' Natsu cut in, leaving him surprised. ''We're going to win, we have to!''

'Right. Sacrificing yourself isn't the answer. One way or the other, we'll figure this out.' Riku added. 'Fairy Tail never abandons one of their own, remember?'

Gray's lips twitched ''...Yeah...all right, what're we waiting for? Let's get to work!''

''Now you're talking!'' Natsu returned.

But just as they prepared for a fight, Deliora let out a loud roar...before it began to fall apart.

''What the heck?!'' Natsu cried while his friends stared, just as dumbfounded.

Lyon seemed stunned ''...Deliora was already as good as dead. The ice must have been draining it all this time-this must have been its last breath.''

'So all this time Ur...' Riku began to smile as he glanced at Gray. '...your teacher sounds amazing.'

''Yeah, she must have been great!'' Natsu grinned.

''...She was, more than you know.'' Gray stated, his voice a little choked up. He barely even noticed the few tears falling down his face. Ur had not only sealed his darkness like she promised but she'd even gotten rid of the source of his worst nightmares. ''Thank you, Master.''

The rest of the Fairy Tail group soon caught up to them. Natsu freaked out when he saw Erza, only the fact that she was more preoccupied with Deliora bringing him a little relief.

They left the temple shortly afterwards, with Gray helping Lyon out. Surprisingly he took it well, what he learned now clearly left him pensive so he didn't have much to say.

''Survivors from Brago?'' Gray echoed.

''That's who those people who confronted us at the entrance were.'' Erza affirmed, ''They weren't much fighters like we thought...they made it rather clear that they just wanted to see Deliora taken down for destroying their homes and many of their loved ones. It was the same for Lyon's other followers.''

''I see...'' He knew the feeling all too well. Hell, he had been in their shoes before Ur intervened. Revenge on Deliora used to be the whole reason he wanted to learn magic.

''Guys, doesn't this mean we finished the job?'' Natsu said excitedly. ''We nailed an S class quest!''

''You're right!'' Lucy smiled. ''I can't believe things worked out so well-you think we can be S-class mages now?''

Gray knew they were really pushing it, especially judging by Erza's dark expression. But it was Belle who wound up poking holes into their conclusion.

''I hate to burst your bubble but how do you know the curse is gone?'' She asked. ''This was never about Deliora. No one knew that thing was even here, right?

The purple cat directed the question at Lyon, who answered ''Right. We never even went to the village. There was no reason to communicate with the people. They never even came to the temple so it made the plan even simpler.''

''Hey, how do you know he's not making this up?'' Natsu demanded, unconvinced.

Riku had a thought 'If the Moon Drip really was the whole reason behind the curse how come it didn't affect him or any of the others? They've been around it for three years now.'

''You know, that's a really good point. It can't be the Moon Drip then...'' Gray blinked. ''...your job ties into this too, right?''

'Yeah...and I might have an idea of what the actual reason is.' Riku admitted, to their surprise. He had gotten to talking a little bit more with Erza about that subject but he wasn't quite sure.

''You've noticed too then?'' Erza half-smiled.

''You guys figured it out?'' Natsu asked, the two exchanged glances before Erza answered.

''We've been talking about a few oddities we happened to spot in this situation. But we can't say for sure yet. I think talking to the villagers would help for a start.''

''Wait, so we're leaving him like this?'' Happy clarified.

''Yeah, after all that happened...'' Natsu began to frown.

'Natsu, just think about it. What would you do if you were in their shoes?' Riku asked, silencing him. 'I'm not saying it's right-not at all. But...can you honestly say you wouldn't look for revenge too? Honestly, I doubt I could.'

He could understand how hard they had it. Riku remembered being alone after his family was killed because of monsters. Most of those days were a blur to him but he remembered being miserable. If he had a chance to get back at the cause of all that...he might have gone for it. He honestly didn't know for sure.

This made both stop and consider that, grimacing. Normally, one tries to get back at another for hurting them...and Deliora cost those people everything. Yeah, they could see what Riku was getting at. It had to be a terrible situation.

''So how about we get back on track? What do we about the curse?'' Lucy asked the group at large. She also shared Riku's sentiment. Their former enemies only did what they thought was best, all's well that ends well so why not leave things at that?

''We could go to the village for now, right? I mean, the people want to know that the people who attacked their homes were stopped.'' Happy suggested.

''Good idea!'' She returned.

''Fair enough-let's go tell 'em.'' Gray nodded.

As they made to head over, he stopped ''Oh, yeah...''

Lyon's brow furrowed when he looked at him. ''What?''

''You ever consider joining a guild? It'd probably do you a whole lot of good. You might even find a new path...a new dream.''

The statement left Lyon surprised. Gray clearly wasn't expecting an answer as he kept walking with the rest of his friends.

''A guild, huh...?'' Lyon murmured.

After they arrived at the area that served at the home for the villagers' given the settlement's destruction, the team was found by a couple of the villagers, who led to find a surprise.

The entire village was completely repaired! It was as if the attack never happened. The villagers were as bewildered as they were glad, all trying to make sense of this.

''What the heck?'' Gray blinked. ''I mean...not complaining here or anything...but how is this possible?''

''I hear you...this is so strange...'' Lucy looked around.

''Didn't you guys that masked guy could manipulate time?'' Belle asked Natsu.

''Yeah, but...why would he do this?'' The first cocked his head.

''Well, confusing as this is, it's still really good...'' Lucy trailed off as Chief Moka approached them.

''It was you people who restored our village, yes?'' He inquired.

''Ah...well...'' No one was sure how to answer that but the man quickly went on.

''I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. But I must know...when are you wizards going to destroy the moon?!''

''Well that's...'' Happy floundered under the man's intense glare.

But thankfully Erza stepped ''That's a simple task for us, sir.''

''What?!'' Lucy, Gray, Happy and Belle cried out.

Belle looked at Riku when he tapped her shoulder, nodding when he made a request from her. She looked at Moka ''We came a bit late so we need to get our facts straight, can we talk to everyone?''

''Riku, you know what's going on?'' Belle asked quietly.

'I have a guess.' He admitted. 'Erza and I noticed something strange about this place. We think it might be related to the curse but we need to make sure. Getting all our facts straight should help for a start.'

''Ahhh, okay.'' She nodded, both looking at Erza as she addressed the villagers.

''Now to clarify, you all took those demonic forms when the moon turned purple, yes?''

''That's right. We're just fine in the day but this horrible curse takes complete hold in at night. You see the result now.'' Moka replied.

''So the moon has been purple for three years now?'' Erza went on.

Some of the villagers exchanged glances before one spoke ''I...guess so. Wow, I hardly even noticed how long it's been...''

''Say, I've been wondering-you guys saw the beam of light that has been coming from the temple, right?'' Lucy wanted to know. Moka nodded and she added. ''It seems kind of strange that you never mentioned that, didn't you ever go investigate it?''

''Well, that's...'' He trailed off. ''...the temple is forbidden by old laws.''

''You guys let that stop you? I'm prety sure that those useless laws can fly out the window in a messed up situation like this.'' Gray stated, leaving Moka to stutter as he tried to answer.

''Yes...the truth is we tried.'' The man returned. ''We even prepared ourselves to go all the way to the temple, armed and ready for trouble.''

''Then...?'' Happy prompted.

''That's just it. For some reason we could never get near it. All our attempts failed. Somehow we even wind up back at the village gates.''

''Hold on, what?'' Natsu blinked.

''That doesn't make any sense-how come it's just you guys who had this problem?'' Belle wondered.

''We don't know. That's why we didn't tell you-we were afraid you wouldn't believe us.'' A villager replied.

''Hmm...I understand.'' Erza started pacing as she thought this over. She was about to speak, but then let out a cry of surprise when she stepped on a pile of leaves which lead to her falling in a hole.

''Ah, what was that?'' Belle asked.

Happy facepalmed ''Lucy's dumb trap-I completely forgot about this thing...''

''...And why would this have worked on any of the bad guys?'' The purple cat wondered. Come on, it was a pile of leaves in a sandy area-she hardly even tried to camouflage it.

''Thank you! That's what we told her.'' Happy returned.

Natsu and Gray were more focused on the hole, or specifically Erza's reaction to the hole.

''She screamed...like a girl?'' Natsu looked stunned.

''Yeah...and it was kinda cute.'' Gray added, sounding like he could barely believe it himself.

Riku gave them a curious look, wondering where this was coming from. Sure, Erza was more on the tomboyish side compared to some of the girls they knew but she did have her cute moments. Was it really that strange?

Lucy was freaking out ''I'M SO DEAD WHEN SHE GETS OUT!''

Erza climbed out the hole and acted like nothing happened. ''So as I was saying...''

Most of the observers were bewildered that she apparently dismissed the whole thing but none of them dared bring it up, instead listening to her. ''...you can't go to the temple at all and somehow you come back here. And this curse...hmm, I understand now.''

''You got a plan, Erza?'' Happy wanted to know.

''As it so happens, yes.'' She returned. ''Riku, Natsu, I'll need your help to destroy the moon.''

''For real?!'' Natsu perked up.

''You're kidding!'' Lucy and Happy cried.

''Oi, oi, what the heck...?'' Gray frowned.

Belle glanced at Riku, who seemed pensive. He did mention that he had an idea of what was going on. Was this related to the oddities they noticed somehow?

Erza requipped to an armor that was mostly yellow with blue highlights and arched shoulders. ''I think the villagers need to see this so we'll do it from here. Get ready!''

''Right!'' Natsu returned brightly.

''Can she really do it?'' Happy wondered.

''Beats me...this is too much even for Erza...'' Gray trailed off.

''This is the Giant Armor.'' The knight mage explained, she requipped a lance then. ''It increases my strength and allows me to throw farther. My Raven Lance can double the output of ethernano that is willed into it with ease.''

The villagers looked on in awe, their morale high at the thought that they would finally be free of the curse.

''So what she wants to knock the moon down from the sky with that lance?'' Lucy wondered, her tone full of skepticism.

''Precisely.'' Erza affirmed.

She blanched ''What?!''

''What're you worrying about, Lucy? You just guessed the plan.'' Natsu stated.

''I was kidding, you moron!''

''At any rate, I'll need some help to deal with this. Riku, I want you to teleport me up high. Natsu, jump and use your powers to boost the lance when I throw it by hitting its back. We'll have to coordinate our efforts but I believe this should be what is needed.'' Erza stated.

''I'm all set!'' Natsu affirmed.

'Let's go then.' Riku added.

''Yes.'' Before they quite knew it, Erza was gone for a moment before she appeared well above them. Natsu jumped behind her as she leveled her weapon before preparing to throw it. He punched its back with a fiery fist and it went off towards the sky.

Everyone watched the Raven Lance soar higher and higher until the island. Seconds later, shockingly, cracks began to spread over the purple orb. The Fairy Tail group looked on in shock, unable to believe that this plan was succesful while the villagers were very happy.

''Whoa, it worked!'' Happy's jaw dropped.

''This doesn't make any sense!'' Lucy cried.

''Hey, wait a sec...'' Belle squinted, noticing something odd. The cracks were spreading, even into the sky. The purple moon and the sky were shattering, like broken pieces of glass.''...what's going on?''

Several cries of confusion followed this, for when the pieces shattered, they revealed a normal, glowing moon. Now they could see that the sky was colored differently into areas and the darker pieces were crumbling.

The villagers talked among themselves as they tried to make sense of this.

''The moon is still there?!''

''But how?''

''What gives?''

Natsu noted how Erza and Riku appeared to be the only ones taking this in calmly. ''So, what's that deal?''

'Probably a side effect of the Moon Drip spell.' Riku replied. 'Over time, that gas hardened and crystalized, making a shell in the sky. We saw it by the time we arrived. That's the source of the curse.'

''Wait, so then...?''

Both looked back as Erza was explaining the same thing to the villagers. ''Now everything should go back to normal.'' She finished.

The villagers were quickly surrounded by brillant light. But then , when it faded...

''Nothing changed...'' Happy blinked.

''Yeah, they should be human again.'' Gray stated.

''No,'' Erza countered as she her usual armor. ''The Moon Drip might have been what started this but it didn't change their appearance. It only altered their memories.''

''Which explains why they were that confused...hold on, if they're not supposed to be human...'' Belle looked stunned as she was catching on. It looked like the Moon Drip never effected humans. Neither her or Happy faced any trouble because of it either. So then.

''Exactly.'' Erza smiled. ''They were never humans who turned into demons. It's the exact opposite.''

''What?!'' Lucy, Happy, Natsu and Gray cried.

''W-wait, is that true? Are you guys...?'' Happy started.

''M-maybe...'' A villager returned. ''...I'm still confused. I mean we were humans when we met...''

'They're demons who can turn into humans-it's just that their false memories made them get the facts all wrong.' Riku told his friends.

''Wait, so Lyon was right before.'' Gray understood ''They were the only ones affected in all this...but it's not because of any curse, only they're not humans.''

''Correct The moon's light is sacred, so creatures of darkness couldn't go anywhere near it.'' Erza stated.

''You've done it.''

Everyone started at the new voice, turning to see a purple skinned demon flying over to them. It was in fact, Bobo.

''A g-ghost?'' Lucy stuttered while the villagers stared at him in shock.

He chuckled ''Not quite.''

''But they told us you...'' Happy trailed off.

''Yeah, I'm sure they thought they killed me but you have to try harder to get rid of a demon.'' Bobo returned. ''I flew off the boat before. Sorry to leave like that but I knew I couldn't come back. Not with everyone acting so crazy so the best I could do was find some help to get to the bottom of this.''

''B-Bobo...'' Moka flew over to his son, soaring with wings a lot like Bobo's. Without another word, he hugged his son tightly.

''I'm so glad you're back to normal, Pops!'' Bobo smiled, returning the hug as Moka cried in happiness.

The villagers flew over to the two, all possessing similar bat-like wings as they cheered. Their memories were finally restored and they were happy to see that Bobo was back.

The Fairy Tail team looked on with growing smiles, all glad to see that the island would finally be at peace.

''I get that they're demons and all but looking at their faces...'' Natsu started, grinning as he saw how happy the villagers were ''...they kinda look like angels to me.''

Zalty was not too far away, perched in a tree. From here, he could see everything that was going on in the village.

''So why did you restore the village?'' A voice came from the orb floating beside him.

''Cause I'm nice.'' He returned.

''Some might say too nice.'' The voice returned.

''You know, I can see why you wanted to keep an eye on Bahamut. He's a tricky adversary.'' Zalty remarked, thinking to their battle. ''He has no idea, does he? Regarding the truth about his magic or even...'' He hummed as the voice offered a confirmation, clearly knowing where he was going with this. ''...Now it makes sense. Bahamut doesn't seem like the source who wouldn't try to stop it if he knew. So that's why you think he might be useful down the line.''

''Let's leave that be for now. You should head off before they find you. That group could be a problem.'' The voice advised.

''Fair enough.'' Zalty removed his mask. His form was surrounded by light before revealing a woman in his place, still wearing an easy going smile.

Well, things were shaping out to be interesting.

The villagers threw a big party to celebrate. The Fairy Tail mages were treated as guests of honor for helping them get their true selves back. Most of the group was currently eating with the villagers, but Natsu was distracted when he caught the scent of one of the torches before heading over to eat it up.

Gray had apparently gained a few admirers among the village girls, who managed to get him to dance. Everyone was having a good time overall but then things seemed to be taking a turn for the worse when Toby, Sherry and Yuka arrived.

It looked like they were all preparing to fight, looking for a chance at payback, even with what they came to learn. The villagers were preparing to fight, wanting to fight their own battles. Erza put a stop to this and handled the three with ease.

Surprisingly, they took it rather well and revealed they actually came to apologize. Like their comrades, they wanted to see Deliora pay for all the suffering it caused them and so took Lyon up on his plan. But they were shamed of themselves and knew that they had to settle things somehow.

Since the Fairy Tail mages knew most of this and the three appeared genuinely remorseful, there was little trouble from there. If anything, they were dragged into the festivities by Natsu and an amused Happy.

It was a bit awkward but Natsu's behavior helped the villagers come around to the idea and slowly, they began to relax.

''To think we were so wrong about humans...'' Moka mused. ''...I never thought we'd find ones who accepted us like this despite our appearances.''

''Yeah, come to think of it, wasn't the curse something we started to make people left us alone?'' Bobo half-smiled. ''Just goes to we really should be more open-minded.''

''Indeed, you wizards have restored our faith in humans. We are ready to make friends with people from other lands.'' His father declared.

''That's great!'' Lucy smiled.

''We both nailed our missions then.'' Happy told Riku and Belle.

''Oh, so the two of you came because of the curse as well?'' Moka wanted to know.

Riku nodded and Belle explained about their client and the nature of his request.

Bobo blinked, recognition clear in his eyes ''Oh yeah, I've seen that guy around the port. Anyway, don't worry, consider any problems on that front sorted. We'll be glad to help if we can.''

''Thanks, we'll be telling him about this anyway. I don't think there would be much trouble if he knows you guys mean well.'' Belle returned. Sure, getting around the idea that they were demons was something but the villagers were really nice. That had to account for something.

The celebration kept going and soon most of the group on the sidelines were urged to dance with the others.

''I have say this turned out well, all things considered.'' Erza remarked.

''Yeah, never imagined myself dancing with demons but...if it's with them, I don't mind so much.'' Lucy admitted with a smile. She looked at the cats nearby. ''So, since most of us seem to coupling up what with the dance, how about you two? Should be fun, right?''

Happy gave her an odd look ''What, me and Belle?''

''Well, if it's just a dance...'' The other started.

''No, Belle I think she's trying to match us up!'' Happy cut in. ''Lucy, you really are weird!''

''Hey!'' She frowned. Okay, so she might have considered it but still...

''Wait, what?'' For once, Belle shared his sentiment. '' God, no! He's like my older brother. No way!'' Happy was nodding emphatically to this, showing that he completely agreed.

Erza looked amused ''Well then, Riku, would you care to dance?''

He blinked, surprised before responding 'Sure...' The redhead smiled before leading him to the dance floor. '...it's not going to be like your usual brand of dancing, is it?'

She gave him a look ''Not this again. I've heard enough about that from Levy. I've been working on it. Here, I'll show you...''

Lucy looked on in awe as the two began dancing smoothly. ''Hey, they're good at this.''

''Aye, it's because we all learned about it years ago.'' Happy returned.

Lucy began to smile, if anything she thought they looked sweet together. Both were completely focused on the dance but also seemed serene as they danced accordingly to the music.

Cana's bet around those two seemed ridiculous to her when she heard about it. But the more she watched Erza and Riku, the more she was beginning to wonder if it had some good basis after all...

The team had decided to head back the next day, with all the villagers coming to see them off.

''What do you mean you can't take the money?'' Moka asked, surprised.

''Exactly what you heard, Sir. The request was never accepted like it should have been by the guild, it was stolen by our foolish friends.'' Erza returned.

He chuckled ''Well, there's no harm done. After all, we're saved thanks to you all. What if the money was more of a gift to say thank you? You deserve as much given all you've done for us.''

Natsu, Gray, Happy and Lucy seemed hopeful at this, the four really wanted Erza to accept. She seemed to be thinking it over. ''It's hard to refuse such a kind offer but I'm going to have to insist. Accepting the money would go against our guild's principles.''

The four slumped at these words, all their hopes dashed.

Bobo looked lRiku and Belle ''So you two agree?''

''It sounds about right. We've got things set up with our client anyway so we'll sort it all out when we get back.'' The latter returned.

'Yeah, but Erza what about the rest of the reward?' Riku inquired.

Moka and Bobo, who were well aware of his disability, waited for the redhead to explain. And she did. ''Riku brings up a good point. We would be willing to accept the Gate Key you offered on the request.''

Natsu and Gray looked on in dismay at this while Lucy's face lit up. ''All right!''

''Okay, so how about I take you all back to Hargeon?'' Bobo offered.

''Thank you, but I believe I have that covered.'' Erza smiled.

It turned out that the pirate ship she used to come here was still on the shoreline. And the crew was clearly waiting for her. Erza took this in stride while everyone could only look in shock.

''How did she get a pirate ship?!''

''Wow, I knew she was tough...''

''Damn, those wizards really are something else...'' A few of the villagers talked among themselves.

''And they look so happy to see her...'' Lucy trailed off. Indeed, as the pirates were all greeting Erza cheerfully. ''...do we have to get on that boat though?''

''Hey, I was looking to swim, care to join me?'' Natsu asked.

''NO WAY!''

''Hate to break it to you but he has a point. It's either the boat or swimming.'' Gray stated.

Lucy slumped a little at this, Belle patted her shoulder. ''If it helps we can get you to Hargeon quickly. It's a little too far for Riku to take us there now.''

She sighed ''Fine...''

Later, Riku and Belle were able to brief their client in and so earned their reward. Then, the team headed back to Magnolia together...

''You guys are lucky...'' Gray said sullenly.

''Yeah, we didn't get anything after all that.'' Happy added in a similar tone.

''Enough about that. It wasn't an official job and so we can't accept the money.'' Erza stated.

'I'd say we did plenty though. You guys seemed so glad to have finished the request before and look how much of a difference we made for the village. Doesn't any of that account for something?' Riku asked. Getting a reward for their work was nice, he wouldn't deny that. He didn't think this factor should completely take over what they do though, helping out and seeing the end result felt pretty nice.

''Yeah, so no complaints.'' Lucy added.

''Hey, you don't get to talk, you got a reward!'' Natsu huffed.

''So which key is that anyway?'' Belle asked curiously.

''It's Saggitarius the centaur.'' She replied. Zodiac keys were so rare, she never imagined she'd have two let alone five. So all was well in her book.

''By the way, Natsu, Gray, Happy, Lucy...'' Erza gave them a hard look. ''...I've been wondering, have you forgotten that the four of you're going to face punishment when we return?''

The aforementioned quartet froze, looking at the knight mage fearfully. They had in fact, forgotten about that.

''H-how come?!'' Happy cried.

''Yeah, even you agreed that everything worked out well in the end!'' Lucy added quickly.

''That is entirely different.'' Erza was unrelenting. ''The fact is, you broke the rules by stealing that request and this cannot go unanswered.''

''Erza, is it going to be that bad?'' Belle wanted to know.

''That's up to Master Makarov. Provided they learned their lesson though, it should be a somewhat moderate punishment.''

''L-like what?'' Lucy asked tentatively.

''Guys...what if it's that punishment?'' Happy asked.

Natsu and Gray blanched.

''No, no way!''

''Not that again!''

''Hold on, what? What're you talking about?!'' Lucy cried.

''W-we can talk him out of it, right? It doesn't have to go that far!'' Gray said quickly.

''Yeah, anything not go through that again!'' Natsu agreed.

''You guys are scaring me!'' Lucy whined. ''Someone explain what this punishment is!''

Riku looked at Erza 'You know, I only heard of that punishment...what the heck are they talking about?'

''Yeah, aren't they being overdramatic?'' Belle added.

Erza smiled slyly ''Who can say? Come on, let's keep going.''

Well, let's stop here.

I hope it was good. I wondered how to deal with this chapter for a while but there we go.

Yup, the one who taught Riku about his dragon slayer magic was Acnologia. But it wasn't like with Natsu and the others. Acnologia happened to find him when he was out on his own after he lost his family. He spent a year around the Dragon King before he left and Riku was taken to the Tower a while afterwards. For the record, Ultear was right. Dark Dragon Slayer magic comes with a problem that Riku's still trying to figure out. Acnologia basically forced him to learn that magic, otherwise he would've been killed. Given that it's a lost magic and all, the information about it is pretty scarce. But that's something I plan to work on in the next arc. I have a plan to explain the nature of his magic at the end of that arc.

Acnologia being his teacher spread out in some circles but it isn't something widely known either. Unlike with the other dragon slayers, Riku hates Acnologia and he really doesn't care to see him again.

I remember the episode mentioning that the weapon Erza used there repels darkness. Not sure what that means but I figured it might get in the way so I decided to try this.

To clarify, Riku found Belle after that storm but she was almost one year old. This was a little over a year after Happy's egg hatched so she's younger than him.

Well, erm, that's all I had to say but if there are questions feel free to ask. Hope you like the story. Well, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!