Chapter 10.
Natsu and Lucy stood at the doorway as Wendy and her staff hooked Layla quickly up to machines after he had set her down. Leaning down on his shoulder, Lucy sobbed as he rubbed her shoulder. "She'll be alright baby. She's safe. You both are" he said with love and compassion kissing her forehead. Taking her hand, he began to caress it when she slightly flinched. 'I'm an idiot' he thought looking down and remembering how hurt her hands were.
"Wendy can you guys please look at Lucy's hands.." his face etched in sadness. "Of course, Lucy, come with me hun" she said taking Lucy's hand delicately and lead her to the sink where she stuck Lucy's hands under. She clenched her teeth shoving the shriek she wanted to let out far down her body as the water felt like multiple little knives all over her hands.
After a minute, Wendy turned the water off and wrapped Lucy's hands in a soft towel drying them. "I hate to do this Lucy, but we have to make sure nothing is infected" She confessed turning away from her. "I understand" she answered knowing full well what Wendy had to do. Taking the cap off the hydrogen peroxide, Wendy put some on a cloth and very carefully began to rub Lucy's hands one at a time. Letting out small cries, she closed her eyes when she felt Natsu's hand on her shoulder comforting her. "Just a little longer Luce" he whispered into her ear.
She quickly nodded when Wendy gave her a kind look and started wrapping Lucy's hands in bandages. "There, all done. You shouldn't have to keep them on for long. Just a day or so, and you should be alright" "Thanks Wendy" "Your welcome." Running a gentle hand over Layla's face, Wendy looked back at Natsu and Lucy.
"Do you guys know what poison he gave her?" Natsu shrugged his shoulders "I wish I knew. Luce?" he said looking at her. "He didn't tell me a damn thing" her bitterness stung as Natsu put his hands on her shoulders. "It's not your fault baby" "I'll take the blood sample I got from her and run through the system. Only reason I didn't do that earlier was because there are a lot of poisons out there" "What is it Wendy? I can see there's something you don't want to tell us" he stated.
"It..It could take hours; it could be any number of things. I'm sorry" she told them as she looked down in regret. Rubbing Lucy's shoulders, he said, "then you better get started" She looked up surprised at Natsu's optimism.
"R,right" she stuttered going over quickly to her counter where a flask of blood was sitting. Sticking it in a machine, she went to a computer and waved the other two over. "What are we looking at Wendy?" he asked serious looking over Wendy's shoulder at the computer as the ingredients of the poison were listed and different names popped under each one with percentages.
"The database is going through what's in the poison and if there's a match of anything, this will find it. From Layla's condition, it's a concoction of different things. If we can find out what's in it, then we can make an antidote." "That's great" exclaimed Lucy. "How long are we thinking Wendy?" he asked looking at Layla. They both looked at her expecting an answer. "Wendy" Natsu said impatiently.
The computer started beeping as names started disappearing leaving a single name. Wendy turned and smiled. "I got it Natsu" "WHAT" yelled Natsu and Lucy. "Yes" she said happily. "It's a poison called the Azealia poison. With what's in it. I can make an antidote" "Are you..are you serious?" said Lucy. Tears began to well up in the corners of her eyes.
"Yes Lucy" she answered with a kind smile. Grabbing the vile, she said "I'll be back soon. Just keep holding on guys. Layla will be saved" she walked out as Natsu and Lucy took a seat next to Layla. "Oh, baby girl" she whispered taking her hand and kissing the top of it. The threatening tears began to stream down her face.
"Natsu..she's going to have these scars the rest of her life" Hugging her, he put a hand behind her head. "It's okay Luce. She's gotten through this before. She'll make it again" "It's not fair. She's been through enough. She shouldn't have a constant reminder" "Hey, hey" he said softly getting her to look up at him. "She's going to be fine baby. I promise. Our little dragon is strong." Emotionally she nodded her head.
"Hey..you okay?" "Ye., Yeah" she muttered wiping her tears and resting her head on his shoulders. "I just wanna go home with our baby" "Me too Lucy, me too" A minute later, gray and the others walked through the doors. "Hey" said Gray. "Is it okay if we come?" "Yeah" he said looking back at Layla. "Layla…" uttered Tristan.
Sensing his nervousness, Natsu gave Tristan a comforting smile waving him over. Going over, Natsu put a firm hand on Tristan's shoulder. "She's going to be okay kid. She's just sleeping right now" "Thanks Natsu" he said rubbing Layla's hand. " Hey" said Lucy who came and took Tristan into her arms.
"She's safe. We both are. It's okay" Grabbing her shoulders, he felt tears welling up inside as Lucy whispered, "it's okay" Understanding what she was saying, he started sobbing on her shoulder while she closed her eyes and held him. "I..I'm ,I couldn't hh-help" "No honey, it's not your fault. You and Lily did nothing wrong" she said while he continued to cry on her shoulder.
"Hey Natsu, hate to ruin the moment" Sting interrupted. "What?" "What do you want to do about the scumbag in the trunk?" Scrunching up his face, he said "humph, let him rot" "If you want to question him, leaving him in the trunk isn't the best way to do that" implied Sting. Everyone was quiet looking at Natsu giving Sting a death glare.
"Sorry" he apologized quickly as Natsu went back to looking at Layla. "Natsu, I can take him to the outhouse" "That's fine" he muttered. "What house?" "Sorry Sting, that's my business" said Natsu stopping any further questions. "Right, I understand" "I'll be back as soon as I can" said Gray. He waved to the others and walked out the door.
Hearing footsteps, Jellal looked to see Wendy coming in with a big smile on her face immediately getting Natsu's and Lucy's attention. Wiping his tears, he let go of Lucy who went over and grabbed Natsu's hands. "Well?" they asked hopeful. "I got it guys; I have an antidote" she said. The joy on her face evident as Natsu and Lucy hugged each other.
Taking Layla's I.V, she injected the antidote and then put her I.V back. "How..how long?" Natsu asked nervously. He just wanted to be able to take her home. "It should kick in a little bit, but it will be a while before you see anything. That poison did quite a bit of damage so she will still be out. You two should get some rest, especially you Lucy" she said lightly giving her a look.
"I'm fine" she said definitely crossing her arms. "Okay, well then you guys should at least get something to eat. As a doctor, I strongly urge it, please" she said looking around, knowing nothing else she said would get through to them. "Thanks Wendy" Jellal said with a kind and thankful expression who had come over to open the door for her. "Ever the gentlemen, aren't you?" With a chuckle, he said "Erza would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't" giving the others a laugh. As Wendy left, Tristan came and stood with Jellal and Sting. 'They are both exhausted' he thought seeing how pale their faces looked and the dark bags under their eyes.
Leaning into Jellal, he pulled and gave him a subtle look to the door. Getting the hint, Jellal nodded to Sting motioning to Natsu and Lucy then the door. Receiving the message loud and clear, he said "Natsu, we're going to get a bite to eat, you and Lucy hang back here" Each taking a seat beside Layla, they looked uncaringly at him.
"Whatever" "Go ahead, just watch out for the kid" Slightly grinning, Jellal lightly shoved Tristan out the door as Sting shut the door behind them. "Not bad Tristan" complimented Jellal. "Yeah, I'm impressed" Embarrassed, Tristan said "well I figured, as long as we were still in there, there's no way they would fall asleep, even if they wanted too."
"You aren't wrong about that. Since we're out here, you want to get something to eat?" he asked and laughed as Tristan's stomach gave them the answer. "Take that as a yes Jellal" joked Sting. "Sorry" Laughing, Sting slapped a hand on Tristan's shoulder. "No need to apologize, come on let's go get something to eat. Hopefully these two stubborn rocks will have fallen asleep" Agreeing ,they all walked out. After about an hour, they were walking back in when Gray came behind them.
"Hey, what's up?" "Nothing, just got back from eating." Sting said when there was a silence. "Okay, on that note, come on kid" "Wha" Tristan started to say before Sting grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him away from Gray and Jellal. "How did it go?" asked Jellal coldly "The bastard tried to make a run for it" he answered callous looking away from Jellal. "You didn't, did you?" he asked looking at Gray's blank expression.
"Gray" he said sternly. "No of course not, I shot him in the leg. I know Natsu want's to take care of him himself" "So what did you do?" "Nothing too bad, relax, I grabbed him and threw him down the basement then locked it and then came here" "That's it?, you didn't touch him or anything?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Gray said "it wasn't my place. Satisfied now?" He gave Jellal a skeptical look as he looked at Gray with an at ease face. "Sorry, don't think I've gotten sleep for days , it feels like" "I hear you. Come on, let's catch up with Sting and Tristan" Jellal suggested as they walked to the door where Sting and Tristan were standing outside of it with warm expressions on their faces. Looking in, they could see why. Lucy and Natsu were asleep on Layla's bed with Natsu's arms around them both as Lucy snuggled Layla to her.
Closing the door back up, they all stood there when Tristan asked "so what now?, we know those guys needs sleep more then anyone" "Well good thing about this being a mafia hospital, Wendy doesn't mind if we stay the night, There's couches in the waiting room.
"Come on" Jellal waved for him and Sting to follow as Gray walked behind them. Entering the room, Tristan looked around in surprise and relief. " A bed" he muttered happily running to the first couch he saw and threw himself onto it. "Well , I see you aren't waiting" Gray said amused. "Nope" "Hey Sting, have you told Rogue about all this?" Taking a seat in one of the long chairs, he said "yeah, him and Lily are both glad the girls are okay.
"According to Rogue, Lily was a tearful happy mess" "Hmm, I think we all were" "Shut it Jellal" Gray said lightly. "Ahh, let's get some sleep" urged Sting as he stretched his arms out and yawned.
Exhausted and beat up, they all found a place to crash on as sleep came over everyone quickly. The next morning in Layla's room, Natsu felt movement. Quickly he shook Lucy who woke up instantly and jumped off the bed with Natsu as they watched intensely at Layla whose eyes were stirring. Rubbing them, she slowly opened them to see Natsu and Lucy lovingly smiling at her.
"Mom, dad" she croaked. "Baby girl" Lucy cooed gently hugging her as Layla reached her arms up around Lucy's neck. "Are we, are we safe?" "Yes, baby dragon, I swear on my life that both of you are safe" Looking at her , he saw the loving look she had in her eyes. "Daddy"
"Hey baby girl" he said taking her and cradling her in his arms as he rocked back and fourth slightly. "I'm not dead right?. We are all still here" she said in a straight tone making everyone laugh. "Yes Layla, we are all still alive. Nobody is dead" replied Lucy. "Hey munchkin" "Uncle Gray" she said cheerfully.
Natsu stepped aside as Layla reached her arms out to Gray embracing her. Hugging her for a few minutes, he rubbed her cheek as Jellal came quietly up beside her. "Uncle Jellal" Her eyes lit up as she threw her arms around his neck sitting up on her legs. Everyone watched the tears slide down Jellal's face.
Her hair went all over his face, but he didn't care as he stood there hugging the girl that was a daughter to him. "Erza will be so happy to see you smiling again" he said softly. "Okay Layla, sit back baby, take it easy" said Natsu as Layla nodded and laid back down.
"That poison did a number on you. Last thing you want to do is be jumping around". Giggling she said, "yes dad" "Layla" Cracking a grin, Jellal stepped aside and let her see who called her.
"Tristan!" she yelled as he rushed at her. Breaking down, she hugged his neck while the others watched the loving young couple reunite with the other. Releasing her , he took both of her cheeks into his hands and rubbed them with his thumb. "I'm so" he cut her off as he placed his lips against hers passionately. "Okay, okay, that's enough for now" said Natsu politely putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm surprised he lasted that long" Sting whispered at Jellal. " Ha, even he knows the kids need a couple minutes" "Yeah and I can hear you both just fine" They looked to see Natsu with a goofy smirk on his face.
"Well I guess I'm chopped liver then" Sting said amusingly. "STING!, UNCLE STING?" Layla screamed in surprise as he came up and gave her a great big hug.
"Hey little Dragneel" he said knuckling her head. "What the heck are you doing here?" "What do you mean what am I doing here, rescuing you, you goof" "You, you came with dad?" "Hell yeah, no way was he going on this crazy mission without me" "Hmph, now that doesn't surprise me at all" Lucy said knowingly.
"Nice to see you too Lucy" he said as Lucy gave him a look making him laugh. Walking over, he gave Lucy a brotherly hug. "It is good to see you but where's Rogue, I'm surprised he's not with you and where's Yukino?" "Rogue is at the house with Lily and Yukino is at home, probably still flipping out cause she's there and we're here" "Well you've told her what's been going on right!?" "Yes, Lucy" he said laid back. " I swear you two are related" "What can I say, we get along great."
"Anyyywayy" Natsu interrupted getting them all focused on him. "Hopefully we can take Layla home in a couple days, after that. Sting, you, and Rogue can go after. I don't think you need to stick around past that"
"Are you sure about that?, aren't you concerned about backlash?" "No, the bastard is locked up tight and aside from that, I'm sure word has spread around enough now from the cowards that ran when we got there. Nobody is going to dare stepping into my territory." The look on his face told Sting to drop the subject and not to push any further.
"Dad?, any word on how Erza is doing?" "I..I haven't heard anything Layla, I'm sorry" he lamented. "Jellal?" said Lucy as she looked to see if he heard anything. "I'm just in the dark as Natsu is. Her condition is still the same." Hugging herself, Layla said "I was hoping maybe when we got back..something might have changed" "Don't worry baby. This isn't all that surprising. Wendy said Erza could be out for a while. She'll be fine, I promise"
Taking comfort in her mom's words, she wrapped her arms around Lucy's stomach and laid her head on Lucy's chest while she rubbed Layla's back and kissed the top of her head. 'My little baby. Your safe, alive, let that be enough for now. You don't need to worry about anything else' "Hey, hey, how's my patient doing? Greeted Wendy as she walked through the door making everyone smile in the cheerful mood she was in.
"Hey Wendy" said Layla. She walked over with her stethoscope in her hands. "How you feeling this morning? You slept through the night so hopefully it means something good" she said with optimism as she listened to Layla's heartbeat then moved to listen to her breathing on different parts on her body.
"Breathing I'm happy to say sounds normal" "That's terrific Wendy. When do you think we can take her and Lucy home?" Natsu asked, trying to keep his eagerness down as the others saw him twitching. "Natsu, you know as well as I do, you could have brought Lucy home" she told him giving him a wink. "But I also know you two and that neither of you would leave Layla, but it looks like you took my advice and got some sleep." " Humph, yeah. That's debatable" argued Natsu. Wendy saw them shifting their standing positions. Amused she thought 'of course you both didn't fall asleep willingly. I know you didn't. Luckily your bodies spoke for you because you both at least look better then you did when you came in here last night.'
She could still from their eyes despite how much they tried to hide it that both of them were exhausted. In fact, just from looking around the room, to her, they all looked sleep for another twelve hours given the chance. "Okay Layla, I just want to make sure the poison is gone so I'm going to take some blood okay?" she asked as Layla nodded. Grabbing a syringe, she uncapped it and stuck it steadily into Layla's arm watching the blood come up.
"And all done. Nice job hun" she said taking the syringe and capped it back up. Slightly shuttering, Layla said "still hate needles. Does that fear ever go away" "Sorry Layla, it never really goes away" teased Gray. "Rats" she replied. "Wendy…is there anything you can do about Layla's arms?" asked Lucy with a sad look in her eyes.
With the same question on everyone's mind, they all looked at Wendy. Very subtle, Natsu balled his right hand ' I already know what's she's going to say, I know Luce does too…just from the look in her eyes' he analyzed in his head looking at the defeated look Wendy had on her face.
"Lucy, I'm sorry. The antidote took care of the internal damage done to Layla's system .. but It can't do anything for the marks on her arms" Using his free hand, he put it on Lucy's shoulder. "We already knew that baby. That's nothing new" Choking up, she grabbed at Natsu's hand and intertwined her fingers with his. "Come on guys, let's give them a few minutes" Gray said melancholy opening the door as everyone silently shuffled out the door. With a last look Natsu gave him an appreciative nod then Gray shut the door.
Lovingly, Layla grabbed Lucy's free hand and said "it's okay mom. Really it is" "Lucy" Hearing the compassion in their voices, she broke down putting her face into her hands. "Ma,..Mom. it's okay..I'm fine..just another scar" she told her positively. Stepping beside her bed, Natsu put an arm around Layla's shoulders and looked at Lucy. "You are both alive and that's all that matters" "Right" she cheerfully agreed.
Holding her hands out, she looked at Lucy. "Come here mom" Happily, Lucy let the tears flow as she went over and hugged Layla to her. A couple days went by as Wendy thought Layla was well enough to be able to go home. Arriving home, Rogue and Lily were all over her. Having been stuck at the Dragneel house for days was driving them crazy not being able to see Lucy and Layla in person.
"Okay, okay, give her some space guys damn" Natsu insisted as he boldly stepped between them and Layla. "Sorry, we just haven't seen her or Lucy since everything" "As you can see, they are good" Feeling his annoyance, Lucy walked up to Natsu and put a hand on his. "Easy Natsu, ..you can't blame them for being anxious and excited. It's good to see you too Rogue" He stepped up to give her a hug and with a warm smile, she returned it.
After everyone settled down and was relaxing, Natsu announced that Sting and Rogue were good to go home. "Are you sure man?. You don't need us to stick around for anything?" Sting asked. "Nahh, I think your good besides I'm sure Yukino is missing you right now" said Natsu. "Okay, well in that case, we will get going" Sting and Rogue hugged everyone goodbye and as they headed out the door, Sting looked back at Tristan "You did good kid. Take care of her yah hear?"
"Yes sir" he answered with a proud smile, happy he had earned Sting's respect and praise. 'one thing is for sure; you really do have to earn the respect in this family. It isn't just given' he thought as he walked over to Layla and took her hand while she rested her head on his shoulder. "Natsu hey" Gray called out walking over to him.
"What's up?" Signaling Jellal over, they walked over to a corner away from Lucy and the kids. "What is it gray?" he asked knowing Gray wouldn't talking to them in private without a good reason. "What are you going to do with the scumbag? He's been in that basement for a couple days now"
Crossing his arms, he put his head down making the other two take a step back sensing his mood. "I don't care if that bastard rots in there. I just got my family back." "Natsu..sir believe me I know what your feeling.. Erza is still out thanks to him but that isn't an excuse to leave that man down there. We either need to drop him somewhere where no one will find him or finish him" Gray started to say something but stopped, closing his mouth he thought 'These two more then anyone deserve to punish that son of bitch…but even so the feeling these two are giving off. They have to make a decision soon or it's going to affect everything else around them' "Fine, Jellal let's go" he said going over and grabbing his trench coat.
"What are you two going to do?" Turning to the side, coldly he answered "taking care of him" sending a chill down Gray's back. Jellal had a similar expression as he walked over to Lucy and the kids. 'Ooohhkay. Maybe I shouldn't have said something..no. this is something they need to do' "Natsu, where are you two going?" she asked seeing Natsu put his coat on. "We are going to the safe house" he answered. "Jellal, are you going too?" He nodded as Lily spoke up.
"Your going to where you stuck my father aren't you?" Natsu's expression told her what she needed too. "I want to come" she said in an unchanging tone. "No" Natsu and Jellal answered. "I want to see the man that used to be my father pay" her voice shaky. "Lily" Lucy spoke with sympathy.
Sighing, Natsu walked and squatted down in front of Lily. Taking her hand, he looked at her with a softened expression. "Lily, I know you want justice for what he did to them but where Jellal and I are going, it's not something a child should see. Despite all the crap, you are a grown up one yes, but you are still a child."
"But Natsu" Shaking his head he continued " Lily, understand where I'm coming from sweetheart, this isn't going to be pretty. What I'm feeling right now, Jellal. That man is not going to go lightly. Having said that, are you still willing to go after what I just told you?"
Looking at her, he thought ' Lily..you've seen enough darkness already. Don't put yourself through more' in the hopes she would refuse. "Yes…I still want to go" Deeply sighing in disappointment , he stood up and looking down at Lily and said "then let's go"