Leaving to become stronger

Part Fourteen

Lucy woke up with everyone's face looking worried.

The magic circle slowly disappearing.

"Gomme... minna... I'm fine... He'll wake up soon..." Lucy huffed, looking completely exhausted.

Just then, Gray slowly opened his eyes and realized that he's resting on Lucy's lap.

He sat up straight and blushed.

"S-sorry for causing trouble! And, T-thanks for saving me, Lucy!" Gray stammered, awkwardly.

Lucy nodded and gave a heartwarming smile, causing everyone to smile back at her.

"Stupid stripper..." Natsu slurred in annoyance.

"What did you just call me, flame brain?!" Gray countered.

"Would you two, knock it off!" Erza glared at them.

"A-Aye!" Both responded in unison.

As Lucy stood up, she started to feel dizzy.

She held her ground, somewhat staggering.

Natsu, Gray, and Erza noticed, that she looks like she was about to collapse.

When she was able to completely stand still, her knees failed her.

She knew she was about to hit the ground, face first, due to the throbbing of her head and she completely drained her energy by saving Gray.

She braced herself from the impact and closed her eyes.

Nothing happened.

She peeped with her left eye to see two firm arms, on her waist, steadying her to prevent her from falling.

"Be careful Lucy, you're drained!" Natsu exclaimed, looking worried.

She chuckled then apologized.

"Oi flame brain, I'll carry her since she used up her power to save me!" Gray declared, blushing.

"Not gonna happen, Ice pervert!" Natsu countered.

Lucy got surprised when Natsu grabbed her, and carried her on his back then ran past the others.

"O-OI!" Gray yells from behind.

When they were far from the others, Natsu spoke up.

"Rest. You're gonna need it." Natsu says seriously, looking straight ahead.

"O... kay..." she whispered peacefully, and drifted to sleep.

They took their payments and left to walk to the train station.

Lucy squirmed a little, and Natsu knew she just woke up.

"Where are we, Natsu?" she asked, groggily.

"We're on our way to the train station." he responded.

"How long was I out?" she asked, warily.

"Almost half an hour, maybe?" he shrugged.

"You can put me down, now. I bet you're tired." she cries, trying to break off from his back.

"Nope. I'm fine." Natsu stated evenly, and continued walking.

"But, aren't I heavy? Natsu, put me down!" Lucy struggled.

"Nope. I like it this way, and you ain't heavy!" he praised.

"I think you really did great on your training, this years..." Natsu glanced at her seriously.

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked, sounding confused.