*Three days later*

"Eh? Erza? Are you crazy or something? We NEED to do something about this!" Natsu shrieked, not fully believing the conversation he was having with her.

"Natsu, calm yourself." Erza spoke bluntly. Her eyes unlike his were not filled with panic.

"What reason do I have to be calm, Huh? Lucy has been asleep for THREE days now! Something has to be wrong!" Natsu shook his head in frustration and pointed to the golden haired girl laying on the bed, just were Natsu had left her when he save her from Nightmare Element.

Gray and Levy had come back that very same day. They were a bit beaten up but the joyful smiles on their faces reassured that friends that everything was truly alright. Gray mentioned that Blair had a weakness, one which he accidentally exposed.

Blair was one of those women who was quite obsessed with her features. All hell would break loose if even a single thing was out of place. One of Gray's ice spears had managed to take off a chuck of her hair. Causing her to loose her mind. After that her fighting style changed and became I but more sloppy.

That's when the two finished the battle. Vallen himself had actually given up because he couldn't fight Levy. He claimed she was "far too cute and precious to harm". This pleased Levy very much. Much like a boost of self confidence.

"Oi, Natsu. Lucy is fine, after all she's been through three days of sleep is not anything but normal." Gray added in, hearing his friends bicker drove him made. Though he made hardly any effort to show it.

Natsu plopped down on the only open seat in the room, a chair next to the viewing lacrima. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest and a vicious scowl took over his features.

"Natsu." Eva spoke up, she was staring out the sliding glass door. Her hands places gently behind her back.

"Eh?" Natsu replied.

"I am really glad to see that you care about the well being of my niece. It's a relief to know she can trust in someone like you." Even though no one could see her face, they could all tell she was smiling.

"Someone like me?" Natsu questioned.

Eva turned her head slightly so Natsu was visible out of the corner of her eyes. She nodded once before continuing.

"Protective and loyal. They are two characteristics that make up a great friend. I know Lucy has everyone here. But you having her back as well makes all the difference." She replied.

Natsu rubbed the back of his head and let out a nervous chuckle. "Y-yeah."

Just then Lucy felt that her eyes were shut. So like anyone would do, she forced them open. The scene around her was almost a shock. Everyone seemed so calm and relaxed. Natsu and Eva were smiling at each other.

She propped herself up by her elbows and tilted her head. Her eyes met cousin's. Who let out a surprised gasp.

"Lucy! You're awake!" He beamed.

This got all the rest of the groups attention and suddenly Lucy was surrounded by a pack of excited wizards. Her aunt Eva was the first one over to her. Darting across the room and throwing herself around her nieces body. 

Lucy wasn't sure why seeing her awake was such a shock. But it was nice to see how much they cared about it. Eva began to cry once more. It had only been a few hours since she had collected herself, but again she lost it.

Lyon couldn't hold back a smile. His arms where wrapped around his mom and his cousin tightly. Everyone else stood back a couple feet. Letting the family share a moment together before they stepped in. 

Levy and Erza were next. Erza was particularly overjoyed because now that she was awake, it meant that she had not completely failed her. Levy was just relieved that one of her best friends was okay. Over the past three days they all had their doubts. 

Some of them kept them hidden better than others, though. Erza tried to keep a positive state of mind but after the second day that trailed on, it almost seemed as if she wouldn't wake up. Eva on the other hand had lost it after only a few hours of not being able to wake her up. It was understandable that she terrified of losing Lucy. 

It was a fact that she was the last person left in the Heartfilia line. Seeing as Layla and Jude had passed away several years ago. Keeping their only child safe from harm was on the top of her priority list. 

Lucy's eyes landed on Natsu, who was standing back even farther than Gray. He looked conflicted. He wanted to just scoop Lucy up in her arms, hold her tight, and never let her go. But it seemed a bit strange. 

"Natsu. Thank you so much for saving me." She spoke lightly, her voice filling the room with its gentle touch. 

She knew that Natsu wasn't the only one who saved her. Of course Gray and Levy were a big help and for that she would forever be in their debt. But Natsu helping was something she never would have expected. 

Since Lucy had joined the guild all she got from him was a cold shoulder. Then she watched him fight to protect her. Something that amazed her beyond belief. She wanted him to know how much it meant to her that he was able to do something like that for her. 

Natsu looked at the ground and rubbed the back of his head nervously with his hand. "It was nothing, really." 

Lucy pushed herself off the bed. Standing so that she was of level height with everyone else. It came clear to her that Natsu wasn't going to simply accept her thanks. She'd have to do something to prove to him how much she truly did appreciate it. 

The last person was Gray. He was staring at her with a relieved look on his face. He was completely filled with joy that his best friend was in a good condition. But he didn't know what to say. So he simply walked up to her and placed his arms gently around her, pulling her tightly against his chest. 

He felt her bury her face in his dark navy blue shirt. Her arms snaked around his waist. Gray let out a heavy sigh. Everything was alright, nothing at this moment was going to go wrong. He wouldn't let her be taken away ever again.