Natsu and his friends managed to get out of the alter but they weren't sure where to go next. The entire lair was like a labyrinth with all sorts of different directions. They were as lost as a needle in a haystack but they didn't stop running until they were sure that the vampires weren't chasing after them. Meanwhile Gray had managed to indeed slip out the nearest window and he hurried off to the safest room he knew of in this place. In his arms he held an unconscious Juvia who's face lay against his neck. She felt so weak and dehydrated and he could sense it. He needed to get her some water and quickly.

"It's okay my love." He told her gently. "Everything's going to be fine."

At the sound of his voice she started to stir.

"Gray?" She said looking up. "Is that you? Really you?"

"Yes it's me. I've got control again but for how long I don't know. Are you alright?"

"I'm so thirsty and I can't feel my legs."

"I'm so sorry." His voice and eyes so filled with regret and shame. "I did this to you. I gave you to those monsters and I tried to kill you...Oh God I tried to kill you!"

"Don't feel guilty dear, you weren't you when you did those things. I know that and so do Natsu and Happy."

"Juvia I just...I don't feel like those things actually happened. I feel like they're just part of a bad dream that I've just now woken up from."

"I'm just so glad you're back."

She embraced his neck and kissed him on his cheek, in the softest way possible. Then with a smile of relief she passed out from dehydration again.

"Oh Juvia how could I do this to you? Please forgive me!" He said clutching her gently. He couldn't believe all the horrible things he had done. He actually tried to kill the people he cared about most. His best friends, how could let himself do that? But what he found more unbelievable was that despite what he had done Juvia still loved. She truly did have a big heart. A heart big enough to love him no matter what he did.

"Freeze!"

Natsu and his friends appeared, pointing wooden stakes at him.

"Put Juvia down, Gray. Now!" Natsu ordered. "Hand her to me and nobody gets hurt."

"Wait don't shoot! Easy." He said and with great care he placed Juvia into Natsu's arms. "Natsu It's me! I'm back! Sort of...I mean I'm still a vampire but nobody is controlling me."

"But you might fall back under their control again like last time." Sam said.

"Maybe we could use communion wafers on him." Jack said.

"What'll those do?" Gray asked.

"If an unfortunate human who's been turned regains their human senses and is marked by a communion wafer than they should be able to remain with their free will intact."

"That's not a bad idea. Hand me a wafer." Jack handed a communion wafer to the vampire hunter. "Now I'm warning you Gray, this is gonna hurt like hell because you're still a vampire."

"I don't care! If it'll keep those blood suckers out of my head than do it!" Gray said. "Hurry! Before I lose my senses!"

Without any further hesitation, Sam pressed the wafer to Gray's forehead. It burned him like hot acid, he fell to the cold floor, crying out in agony. He was relieved that Juvia was unconscious because he knew that it would break her heart to see him in pain like this. When the pain finally ceased he stood up and the mark of a crucifix had been left on his forehead.

"When that mark disappears." Sam said. "It means that you're human again."

"Are you okay buddy?" Natsu asked.

"I'm fine. But Juvia is so dehydrated, she needs water badly."

"Don't worry we brought just what she needs."

They pulled out a canteen of cold water which was carefully poured into her mouth and they helped her swallow it. Gray made some ice and let out to melt into water that they could give her later.

"Do you remember what happened before you gained control again?" Natsu asked.

"Not exactly. When they were controlling me it was like I was in so dark place and I couldn't see or hear or move. Yet I somehow knew that I was doing something wrong but I couldn't stop myself. But then I heard Juvia's voice, I followed it, and the next thing I knew I had control of myself again."

"Pure love." Sam said. "It's the only thing the vampire is incapable of feeling or understanding. It's also the only thing that could possibly bring back the human side of a vampire's victim. When that girl said that she loved you it gave your human heart strength and it made your mind remember your feelings for her which weakened their control over you."

"Do you think that might work with Lucy?" Natsu asked.

"If her human side hasn't died yet then yes. But she doesn't have much time left. At precisely midnight tonight she'll become a vampire permanently."

Natsu thought for a moment and an idea came to him. It was very risky and he may not come out alive when this was all over but if this could save Lucy then he would do it. He would do anything for her.

"I'm going back for Lucy." He said.

"Now?" Sam asked.

"You said so yourself, if we don't kill the bastard before midnight then she's done for. So I'm going back for her and for that monster."

"Alright but I'm coming with you."

"Me too." Jack said.

"No you stay here and keep an eye on Gray and Juvia."

"Can I come?" Happy said.

"I guess but don't get in the way."

"Aye sir!"

"Good luck to you all." Jack said. "Don't worry about your friends Natsu, they're in good hands. I promise."

"Thanks and Gray." Natsu said.

"Yes?"

"I promise, I'll get that crazy bitch for you."

"Thanks man."

So the two men and the exceed reloaded their weapons and supplies, then they left to take on their greatest challenge yet. Though Natsu hoped from the bottom of his heart that this wouldn't lead to him having to kill the woman he loved.