|I'm back. I think I get in a writing mood once every blue moon. Apologies, but I don't want to promise a deadline if I have a 21% chance of actually keeping that promise.

Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro-Mashima!

Enjoy!

Chapter 13: Lucy|

The guild couldn't help but stare at the scene that was unravelling rather quickly before their eyes. Natsu had burst into the guild just seconds after Gray did. He was flushed and out of breath, Natsu must have been running hours or so because of all the sweat that was pouring off his skin and the shakiness of his knees that looked about ready to lock up.

Natsu couldn't feel anything, it's like all his senses just disappeared once he saw Lucy's condition. After a few seconds of not being able to breathe, Natsu lunged forward and grabbed her from his guild mate's arms, Gray didn't argue and helped Lucy into Natsu's warm embrace but he still knew now wasn't the time for a reunion.

"She needs medical care now, you can hug and cry later." Gray was stern with his words, more so than usual.

Natsu looked up from the girl that laid in his arms towards the man who rescued her. Natsu didn't know why but he suddenly felt a little jealously from knowing this. He suddenly felt ashamed for the thoughts that projected through his head, this wasn't the time nor the place to be jealous over something petty like that. The only thing that matters is that Lucy was here with him and the guild.

"Right." Natsu finally spoke but it came off in a hoarse voice that was in the range of a whisper, Gray could barely hear what he had said so he didn't think much of it, Natsu charged off to the Infirmary, careful not to run into anything or trip, dropping his hurt partner.

Once inside the infirmary, Natsu hurried over to the nearest bed and carefully laid Lucy down onto the white sheets.

Porlyusica rushed through the crowded doorway, bumping a few shoulders along the way. She needed to inspect Lucy right away to know what exactly she needs to care for first.

After inspecting the exterior of Lucy, Porlyusica looked up towards Natsu who hadn't taken his eyes away from Lucy's closed ones to the guild's master, Makarov who had a worried, concerned look upon his worn face. Porlyusica closed her eyes and exhaled a sharp breath.

"Everyone except Wendy needs to leave this room at once." Those who were in the room looked up towards the old women who had refused to look anyone in the eyes, realized that the situation is way worse than what they anticipated.

Jellal nodded and turned to walk out of the room, Erza, Makarov, Happy and Gray turning to follow until Natsu slammed his hand down onto the side table, causing everyone to stop dead in their tracks and turn towards the ruckus that was about to unveil.

"Natsu!" Makarov shouted towards the pink-haired punk. "You listen to Porlyusica at once and leave this room!" but all he got in return was a pair of eyes that could kill looking straight back at him. Makarov wasn't scared but he knew that Natsu wasn't going to go quietly, but even if he had to drag him out he would do so.

Natsu gritted his teeth, you could just hear the anger in that small gesture. "There's no way in hell I'm leaving." This time instead of saying it towards The Master he directed it towards Porlyusica, earning him a low growl from Makarov.

"Boy I won't tell you again!" Makarov shouted, this time taking a few steps forward, ready to drag the poor boy right out of the room by his ear like a mom dragging a little brat from a grocery store.

"Enough!" Both Natsu and Makarov stopped and turned their heads towards a furious, little Wendy. "We need to save Lucy's life and we can't do that if everyone is in here!" Natsu was about to speak but was cut off by the small Dragon Slayer. "Don't argue with me Natsu, the minute we're done you can come back in, understand?"

Natsu bit back his words this time knowing that Wendy was sensitive towards hateful and mean comments. He hated to admit it but he knew he needed to leave the room in order for Lucy to get back to being healthy.

Wendy stood in front of Natsu and placed her soft hand onto his rough one. "I promise the minute we're done you can come back in and stay as long as you want… okay?" Wendy looked up into Natsu's narrowed eyes, she needed Natsu to believe that she will do whatever it takes to save Lucy. She needed him to trust her.

"Please, Natsu..." she pleaded.

Natsu bawled his fists and closed his eyes before taking in a sharp breath. "The minute you're done, tell me." He opened his eyes to find Wendy on the brink of tears and smile plastered on her face. She gave a small nod and let go of Natsu's hand and moved onto Lucy's cold, pale ones.

Before Natsu left the room he walked closer towards Lucy and placed his hand onto her forehead and whispered ever so slightly into her ear. "You'll be okay, I promise." Natsu moved his hand away from her now warm forehead and walked towards the door leading into the patiently awaiting guild-hall but not before sending one last glance in her direction before exiting. He closed the door and sat down right in front of it.

He was like a guard dog on patrol.

"What is it child?" Porlyusica asked before she started unbuttoning Lucy's shirt.

"She smells… different…" Wendy let out. She wasn't even able to look up from Lucy's hand she was holding.

Porlyusica stopped in her tracks and starred, wide-eyed at the small girl. "Are you telling me this isn't the real Lucy!?" She snatched her hands away from the unconscious blonde who's breathing was rapid at this point, meaning her body was starting to act up due to the broken state her body was dealing with.

Wendy pulled her hands away and shook them in front of her body. "No, no! It's the real Lucy, she just has an over whelming scent coming off her, like a coating." Wendy started to bite and chew her lip from the nervousness she started to have.

"It's probably just the scent of where she was being held. The man must have had to carry her, because we all know she didn't go calmly, judging from the bruised knuckles and lack of magic power." Porlyusica continued to unbutton Lucy's top so she could tend to Lucy's wounds.

"Yeah, you're probably right…" Even though that was the most likely reason, it didn't sit well with Wendy. It just seemed too strong for just being carried, or sitting in a room for only a day but for now, she needed to focus on healing Lucy and making sure she is breathing properly.

Porlyusica could see the worry behind Wendy's eyes but she wasn't going to make anything of it right now. "Okay, let's begin, make sure you watch her pulse, alright? If it starts to slow or get to quick, take immediate action."

Wendy nodded and placed a small hand to Lucy's wrist and one onto her stomach to start the healing process. "You'll be okay." Wendy whispered to Lucy.

Gray walked over and sat next to Natsu, he wasn't going to ask questions right now, he was simply being there for a friend. He cupped his hands and lowered his head, thinking that they were going to sit in silence and wait.

"He got away." Natsu spoked in a stone-cold voice with no emotion.

Gray's eyes shot opened and he jerked his head up and looked at Natsu with the most disturbed face. "What did you just say!?" He quickly got to his knees and grabbed Natsu by the scarf and yanked him upward.

"I said he got away." Natsu didn't make eye contact, he was clearly ashamed and angry at the situation.

"What the hell- you mean to tell me- How!?" Gray shouted, this time catching the attention of Erza and Jellal who made their way toward the duo.

"What's going on Gray, Natsu!?" Erza spoke.

Jellal narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms with a suspicious look on his face.

Gray snarled and threw Natsu back against the wall. "Apparently this dumbass let Alex go."

Erza was about to speak before Natsu punch Gray dead in the face as hard as he could, the loud slamming sound caused the whole guild to stop what they were doing and look towards the two boys who seemed to be starting a fight.

"You think I let that guy go!?" Natsu stood to his feet, now towering over Gray.

"You think I would let someone like him get away after knowing what the hell he did to Lucy!? You honestly think I would allow that!?" Natsu gripped his hands into tight fists, so tight in fact that his knuckles were turning as white as snow.

Gray quickly reacted and jumped up onto his own feet and grabbed Natsu again by the scarf. "Then how the hell did he get away, huh!? He should be buried Six feet under by now!"

Jellal quickly stepped in and broke the two apart by grabbing them by the hair. Something Erza would have done. "This is not the time to be fighting you inconsiderate brats! Lucy is in there fighting for her life and you two are fighting now of all times!?" Both Natsu and Gray let go of each other and looked up at Jellal who looked more than a little angry.

Natsu scoffed and pushed himself free, scratching his now throbbing head and fixing his mangled scarf. While Gray brushed off the dirt from his pants. Both gave a deviled look towards each other before Erza came in and gave them both a death glare that sent shivers down their whole bodies. They were quick to recoil after that.

Natsu was the first to begin speaking. "Look, I didn't mean for him to get away, it all happened so fast I didn't know what the hell happened…" He looked down at his feet in an embarrassed, shy manner.

Erza allowed herself to speak before anyone else. "It wasn't your fault Natsu, It's clear as day you're blaming yourself but we can all guarantee you gave him hell before he whimpered back to his little safe space. Yes, I'm disappointed that he got away, well more like I'm furious, but the fate that has happened can't be helped. So right now you need to stop feeling guilty and keep your thoughts out to Lucy as she needs it more than ever. Okay?" She spoke so softly that Jellal couldn't help but give a small smile from her much appreciated words.

"One day I will take that bastard down, he's number one on my hit list. If any of you dare try and take him down before me I swear I'll substitute you in exchange. He took something precious from me and from Lucy, something that she can never get back and something I could never give back to her. No matter what it takes, I made a promise to protect her future and I have already failed once but it won't happen again. I'm going to protect her even from beyond the grave if I have to, do I make myself clear?" Natsu clenched his fist and gave each guild member a warning glare, telling them to heed his words.

Gray scoffed but in Gray terms that meant okay, Erza nodded and put a hand on Natsu's shoulder, giving him a smile of understanding.

Happy had been listening and started running towards Natsu, crying. Natsu took a deep breath and calmed is building up anger. He picked up Happy and hugged him. "It'll be okay little buddy." Happy nodded into Natsu's chest and let his tears fall without a care in the world.

It was now late at night and the guild was closed but even so, most of the guild stayed behind, not wanting to leave until they knew Lucy was alright.

It had been three hours since they last saw her, there hasn't been any news about her condition yet but they would all wait for however long until they could see their favorite busty blonde again.

Another hour went by so almost all of them were fast asleep, who could blame them? It was a long dramatic day and it was understandable that they needed to shut their eyes for a while, even Jellal was sound asleep against a post.

Which to nobody's surprise, Erza had been casually taking little peeks at him now and again, trying to be subtle but it was clear she was admiring the man in his light slumber.

Natsu had been quiet the whole time, he didn't speak, he hasn't even moved from his position by the infirmary since he got there. The most shocking thing was; he rejected food that was offered to him. Never in a million years has he ever rejected food, he was obviously anxious about the whole situation so everyone wasn't quick to start shoving it down his throat and ask questions.

After what seemed like years, Natsu finally opened his mouth to speak. "Where was she." He asked more as a statement than a question, but it was clear he directed this question more so towards Gray than anyone else. Natsu could smell Lucy's scent all over him so he must have been with her the longest.

Gray looked towards Natsu with a very displeased look. "You honestly think now is the time to ask?" He scoffed and turned away towards the opposing window he was sitting at.

He picked up his drink which he had prepared himself a while ago, and starred at it, watching the fizzy bubbles pop once they reached the surface. He honestly didn't want to relive what he had seen even if it hadn't left his mind the whole time.

Natsu didn't feel like getting into another heated argument so he just pushed his head back against the wall and starred off into the dark corners of the guild. Natsu knew that Gray didn't want to tell him not because it was 'not the right time' but because It must have been horrifying what he walked in on. Natsu could hear the anxiety rise in Gray's voice, along with seeing the sudden flinch when he asked. Sure, it pissed Natsu off that he wasn't getting an answer, but with just those small gestures he picked up on, it was clear that something dark must have happened and Gray wasn't prepared to talk about it.

That being said; Natsu knew Gray would tell him eventually, there's no way his childhood friend who he more so saw as a brother, would keep something like that away from him.

However, Gray told himself not to tell Natsu. This is something Lucy would have to tell him, why? Because it wasn't Gray's place to start blabbing about something if she didn't want anyone to know. Once she was ready, strong enough to come to terms with it. She would tell Natsu and whoever else what exactly happened. For now, it was between Gray and Lucy until the time was ready to tell the full story.

Erza was about ready to say something but the door to the infirmary opened to reveal their little Dragon Slayer who looked totally beat and ready to collapse from the long hours of magic she must have used.

Natsu was the first to react and grabbed Wendy by the shoulders, careful not to hurt her. He didn't say a word, just looked her straight in the eyes with a plead. In response, Wendy nodded and moved aside, Natsu didn't waste time and barged right through, Gray and Erza following hot on his heels.

Porlyusica was now sitting in a chair beside Lucy's bed. She looked exhausted and nobody could blame her. "She's out of the woods for now, but she needs tones of time to heal. Don't make her stressed or it will take longer for her to recuperate. I suggest she stay with somebody until she feels comfortable to be on her own again-"

"She won't ever be alone again." Natsu cut Porlyusica off with his comment.

Porlyusica frowned from the rudeness but didn't think much of it. "Like I was saying, don't cause her any stress, you hear? In order for her to heal to the fullest, help her with what she needs help with. That also means, if she is fine with doing something than don't force your help onto her because that causes stress to." She directed that last part towards Natsu very harshly, she knew he would probably help her down to every little detail so it was necessary to add it in.

Gray and Erza nodded their heads in agreement.

Natsu stayed quiet as usual, starring at Lucy like if he looked away, she would vanish again. Suddenly, he was snapped out of his thoughts when Lucy started to move and mumble a few words that not even he could quiet understand.

"Lucy!? Hey are you awake!?" Natsu tightened his grip on her hand a little tighter, hoping she would wake from the feeling.

Lucy began to stir; her eyes slowly began to open but they kept closing due to the bright light she was experiencing. She moved her hand towards her forehead and began to rub from a headache she was now having. "Where- huh?"

Lucy's eyes shot open and she began to struggle against Natsu firm grip on her hand, which seemed to trigger her thoughts of still being trapped.

Natsu quickly let go from feeling her desperate need for release. "Lucy it's me, calm down!" Natsu tried calming her down by placing a comforting hand on her shoulder but that seemed to only make her struggle against him more.

Lucy couldn't help the tears; she didn't even realize she was surrounded by her family. All that rung through her head, all that she could see was still being trapped. "Please don't hurt me!" Lucy covered her face with her hands and started to shake uncontrollably, tears were practically spilling from in-between her fingers.

Everyone stopped in their tracks and started to become frantic about what they should do.

Gray ran up to the other side of the bed and placed one of his hands on Lucy's shoulder and looked at Natsu with concerned eyes.

Natsu turned to face Lucy and spoke to her gently so it would calm her down. "Lucy it's us; Natsu and Gray. Erza, Wendy and Porlyusica are here as well. You're at the guild."

Lucy removed her shaking hands from her now sweaty, teary face. It took another minute but she finally realized where she was. "I'm at Fairy Tail…? I'm not d-dreaming?" Lucy was in shock as was everyone else from her sudden wakening.

Erza was the first to speak this time. "No, Lucy this is real. You're in the infirmary at Fairy Tail. Everyone is here and the rest of the guild is waiting for you outside this room." She walked over and placed a hand on Lucy's cheek and gave her a genuine, relived smile. "You're home." Erza couldn't help the few tears that escaped her now puffy, red eyes.

Lucy looked up at Erza in disbelief. Her once scared shakiness turned into happiness and the tears were filled with so much joy and warmth that they came down even harder.

The next thing Erza knew, she was being embraced but her crying friend but she was quick to hug back in a tight hold. It felt so nice to feel and see that Lucy was here, safe.

Lucy began to look around the room but quickly stopped upon Natsu, who still had a concerned, shocked look on his face. She couldn't help herself and untangled from Erza's hold.

Faster than Laxus' lightning, Lucy jumped out of the bed and nearly tackled Natsu to the ground from the hug she desperately wanted from her best friend.

Natsu, still shocked, quickly gathered his thoughts and wrapped his arms around his overwhelmed partner. Every fiber in his body told him not to let go, this was a strange thought so he went to let her go so it wasn't to start getting weird but Lucy kept on hugging him, tighter than before, almost like she was the one afraid to let go.

After what seemed like a few minutes, Lucy finally looked up at Natsu, tears had stained her pale skin, her eyes and cheeks were now bright red, and her hair was tangled up in the back, but even so, she was still absolutely beautiful to Natsu.

But her once, happy face turned upside down. The tears had stopped but only because she ran out. Lucy's bangs fell over her cloudy eyes, she suddenly felt embarrassed and afraid to look at anyone. Lucy quickly recoiled from Natsu and placed herself firmly back into the bed.

"I'm sorry…" Lucy was going to dehydrated if she kept crying but it was like the gods kept overflowing her eyes with water.

Erza gasped with shock, like everyone else in the room. "Lucy-" Erza was cut off by Gray but she wasn't about to scold him for it.

"Why the hell would you be sorry for anything!?" Gray practically flew off his chair, sending it falling to the ground.

When the chair hit the floor with a loud crack, Lucy jumped from the sudden outburst and flew back against the wall, once she did, she lost her balance and started to fall towards the ground so her first instinct was to grab onto the nightstand but that did more harm than good as she cut her hand on the sharp corner of the wooden top, she squealed in pain and let go of her support, but as if the day wasn't finished with her, she lost her balance again and was about to fall face first to the hard floor that awaited.

Like lightning Natsu sprang into action and grabbed Lucy from her dangling state and helped her back up. Before she could say Thank You, Natsu grabbed her hand and looked at her palm. Realizing it wasn't that big of a cut he gave Lucy her hand back with a relived breath.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to scare you, honestly!" Gray was frantic with his words, he put his hands up in defense trying to indicate it was an accident and he didn't mean to get hostile and scare her.

Natsu was about to attack the poor guy but Lucy was quick to defuse the situation. "No no, it's okay. I should try to relax; it wasn't your fault." She even put a genuine but hurt smile on her face which only crushed Gray's heart more as he felt absolutely terrible for causing the trouble, he nearly punched himself for Natsu.

Wendy walked over and guided Gray towards the end of the bed so she could tend to Lucy's fresh wound. "Geez guys, she's supposed to get better but instead she only gets hurt more around her own family." Wendy shook her head but gave a reassuring smile towards Lucy, who gave an apologetic smile for the inconvenience of having to care for her more.

Erza couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her lips, everyone turned to her, confused as to why it was so funny. Erza looked around the room and gave a small smile. "I think we're the ones who need to relax more than Lucy." She couldn't help yet another laugh that left her smiling face.

Lucy started to smile from her red-heads statement and that seemed to lighten the mood 10x more than it had been. Eventually Gray, Wendy, and even Porlyusica joined in on the smiling fest.

Natsu on the other hand couldn't stop starring at Lucy's smiling lips, it just brought him so much joy to see her happy smile again that he could feel the fire in his stomach become warmer and warmer. At this point he was now giving her his signature grin which seemed to make Lucy even more happy as she could be in the situation she was in.

"For someone who just went through Hell, you're sure seem happy right now." Porlyusica pointed out.

Lucy turned to face the old women. "I can't help it." She turned to everyone else in the room and put the biggest smile she could onto her face, and with the best cheerful voice she had, she said;

"I love you all so much."

|Longer chapter this time, yay.

Ugh I wish Christmas was here already, I want money, I need money.

BUT fortunately tomorrow is the last day of school before Christmas break! Halle freaking lujah.

Anyway, I hope this was a good chapter. I needed to post another as quickly as possible since I gave you guys such a short poor one yesterday that took two months to write…lol kms.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are always welcomed!

Bye~|