A Star Removed from the Sky

Epilogue

Lucy sat in Magnolia Park, the wind blowing her golden hair while she closed her eyes. It was a beautiful day with the sun high in the sky, perfect for relaxing after the month she had just endured. Sitting on the pink blanket alongside her, holding her hand and watching over her, was Natsu. He would rather have been inside keeping her safe, but Lucy had insisted upon some fresh air, on a chance for her and him to pretend their curse hadn't happened, to forget the repercussions it held over them.

After Lucy had woken up, she'd been too weak to move her body. A coma typically causes this, but it was more than just that; the damage done by Ragus could not be undone.

Her heart would eventually grow stronger again, but it would always be on the verge of falling apart. If she endured one more heartbreak like she had, one more betrayal, she would die. At least, for the next few years, until her body could begin to repair itself. Porlyusica was developing a remedy to work help speed up the process, but the heart was hard to fix.

In the meanwhile, Lucy was told to be cautious, not to let herself get into any situation that could hurt her. For that reason, she was supposed to be under watch and avoid new people, at least until Porlyusica could assure everyone of her safety.

There were three rules: take care of her body and mind, avoid strangers, and finally, not fall in love.

Rule three was stressed more than any, as love was a powerful force, on the side of good and evil, able to repair or destroy. One mishap with love and her heart wouldn't be able to take it. But Lucy wasn't worried about Rule #3, because she'd fallen in love before any of this mess. She trusted no one more with her heart than the man sitting alongside her.

When she'd woken up and Natsu was right by her side, she was delighted. When he hugged her close and promised he'd never let anything happen to her again, she knew. There was no one else meant for her, only Natsu. She just had to make sure he felt the same way, praying that she'd been right about what he'd wanted to tell her all those months ago. But first, she needed water, because her throat was sore and dry from the lack of use.

Happy flew in with a glass of water as fast as he could without spilling it. He had tears in his eyes and a smile in his face, so happy to have Lucy back. He handed Natsu the glass of water ABC's launched himself into Lucy's arms, nuzzling her chest and exclaiming how much he'd missed her. She smiled and returned his hug to her best ability, while Natsu helped her drink the water. Her head was still fuzzy, and her muscles would barely cooperate with her.

Within minutes, the entire infirmary had filled with members of Fairy Tail, only a few didn't come inside because they had run after Levy and Gajeel to bring them back now that Lucy was awake. Erza, Gray, and Wendy were right by her bedside within seconds, all checking with her to see if she was alright. They tried to shove Natsu out of the way, but he clung to Lucy, unwilling to let her go. He kept everyone at bay who were stumbling over one another to see if she truly was awake, "Hey give her some space ya animals! She just woke up!"

Erza nodded and turned a glare upon the loud crowd, "He's right, give her space and stop yelling!" Everyone took a step back, but they were all happy to hear their friend was awake after so long. After settling down the crowd a bit Erza walked over to where Natsu was hugging Lucy away from everyone.

"And you, share!" She pulled him away from Lucy, who was laughing as he complained. "You're not the only one who missed her."

Erza, Wendy, and Gray, after pulling Natsu away, all gave Lucy a hug. Wendy was crying, Erza was smiling, and Gray looked relieved; they were gentle with her after she winced when they all squeezed her tight. Lucy was so happy to be surrounded by all her friends that she began to cry, startling everyone.