Nastu felt the tears leaking out of his eyes, but he couldn't be bothered with them. All that mattered was Lucy. He loved her. He couldn't survive if she…if she…

After what felt like hours, though in reality it was just a few short minutes, Happy returned to the scene, Wendy in tow. Natsu's acute hearing could make out the faint sounds of the entire guild running all out towards them. Wendy knelt opposite Natsu, looking Lucy up and down before setting to work. From the corner of his eye, Natsu saw Wendy flinch and start to shake. Her injuries must be worst than they appeared.

A few minutes later, the guild showed up. No one came too close to her body, giving the dragon slayers their space. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere. Elfman was bawling in Lisanna's arms. Levy had begun to sway, so Gajeel had picked her up to prevent her from passing out. Mirajane, Gray, and Cana were holding hands. They sky was accumulating rain clouds. No one was trying to disguise or hide their tears. No one spoke. No one moved. No one tore their eyes away from their beloved blond mage.

Wendy was the one to break the silence. "I think…it's safe to move her. I've….I've done all I can think of, but…" Tears cascaded down her face, her small form quivering.

Laxus stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay," he murmured. He squatted down behind her and she threw her arms around his shoulders. He picked the child up with ease. "Nastu, can you handle Lucy?"

Natsu merely nodded and picked up the unconscious Lucy bridal-style. Not one person stepped tried to help him, because they all knew he needed this. He needed to prove to himself that he could protect her.

Makarov cleared his throat. "Take her to Porlyusica."

Natsu walked and walked. Everyone followed in a steady stream. The villagers looked at the procession strangely, but no one noticed, much less minded. There long, silent march ended at the pink-haired woman's home. Natsu entered with Lucy. The rest of the guild formed a semi-circle around the mage's front door. It had begun to rain a while back, but no one had enough emotional capacity left to care. Worry hung over the crowd heavily, one thought, one prayer on everyone's minds.


A/N: Not over yet! 1 or 2 more chapters still to come.