Kick Fifty-One: Bring me home...

Previously on FPG:

Igneel grinned, holding a thumbs up as we walked out the door. As I walked outside, everyone was already in two large SUV's ready to go. I hopped in my car, twisting the key into the ignition and started down the road in front of me. We were going to find him and the butterflies in my stomach, made me more and more scared as we kept going. 

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A/N: Heyyyy. I was lacking in inspiration and truly only want to give you guys my best work. Currently, I'm stuck at home with my family, and have already finished my school work for this week. While being under quarantine, I've been rewatching Fairy Tail. I wanted to thank all of you, especially since I've been gone so long. I deeply apologize, but I'm here now!!

Let me know how you all are doing!

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LUCY'S POV

Sitting in the car, with my sweaty, clammy hands on the steering wheel, flashbacks of times I shared with Natsu are racing in my mind. How we fought, how we made each other happy, how we graduated high school, and the pain I felt when I heard he had "passed." It makes my heart ache. Not just because I really, truly thought he had died, and we threw a funeral, but because some sick twisted son of a bitch decided it would be a good idea to toy with a bunch of people's emotions. But, no more, because I will bring Natsu home. 

NATSU'S POV

I blink my eyes, trying to adjust to the light in front of me, I can't seem to remember what last happened, all I know is I'm still stuck in this hell hole. I also know I'm helplessly stuck to a wall, at least I'm sitting though and for that much I can't complain about. 

It's been months. How can I tell? Well, I've taken mental note of the cracks in between the wall. When I was captured, it was around late summer, and now? Now the leaves of trees are scattered across the floor of this prison. The dirt and debris from outside brushed in by the wind. I moved my leg, seeing the scabbed up part of my leg just barely holding on from infection. 

After spending all this time in here, I wonder about Lucy. I wonder if she truly knows that I'm missing, or thinks that I'm dead, hell, maybe she even thinks that...demon(?) is me? My mind swirls with these thoughts hundreds of thousands of times a day, because I've never been so concerned for my love. The things he said he would do to her, while they made me mad, I had no energy.

Throughout the months I've been here, all I get to eat is literal bread and water twice a day. Sure, the bread is an entire thing of French bread, but I mean, c'mon, is that really enough? My muscles aren't even muscles anymore, it almost seems like they've evaporated. Although, at this rate, my body is holding on to every nutrient and fat it can, because this situation I'm in? Life or death. No pansies allowed. 

LUCY'S POV

After what seemed like literal years, we finally arrived at our destination, leaves and old branches scattered the floor, no gravel, or stone left to be seen. Trees had fallen on what I would assume is the prison area. The area we had pulled up to was the Magnolia army's old base. It was covered in black burn marks, and I could only assume they had moved after some type of battle. 

The area was in the middle of nowhere, no city or town, other than what was encapsulated in these walls. But enough of that, right? Where the hell is Natsu? 

"We should split up," I suggest, looking around.

"Mira, Gray, you're with me. Erza, Jellal, Juvia , you guys take the middle level. Gajeel, Levy, and Laxus, you take the top level of the prison." My eyes scan the crumbling walls, passing out the flashlights I had brought along. "Mira, Gray and I are taking the bottom floor." (The prison is ground level and has three floors)

As everyone split up, Gray, Mira and I made inside, carefully, hearing the rocks slipping down from the ceiling, and I can only assume the others footsteps are causing it.

"Be careful guys, this place seems to be on it's last leg.." I say, trying to maneuver around a big pile of rubble. 

"No kidding," Gray remarks, looking around uneasy.

"Yeah, you could say that again." Mira says.

THIRD PERSON POV

As the group split up, looking for Natsu, the great evil himself watched from afar, eyeing every step they took, knowing full well that none of them were ready for what was to come. For their hero, Lucy's lover, and their friend, was already gone. Wasting away in the cell he was chained too.

SIKEEEEEEEE, I'm sorry. I know I'm mean. But Natsu is still in very bad shape. 

NATSU'S POV

As I gain some feeling back in my numb body, I realize that asshole shanked me in the side. Are you kidding me? Could this get any worse? But, at the very least my chains are loose enough to put pressure on the wound. I carefully place my hands around the knife, pressing down as hard as I can. Yes, it's painful. 

"AGGH" I yelp, the pain almost screaming in waves, causing my hands to only press harder. I need to hold on. I have to see her.

LUCY'S POV

"AGGH"

"..." Mira and I look at each other, the scream wasn't far, maybe a few hallways away.

Gray runs ahead of us, not looking back. Mira and I follow, just not quite as fast. Then suddenly I stop, my feet not able to take another step.

"What if it's not him..?" I look Mira in the eye, anxiously waiting for the reassurance I need.

Mira grabs my arm, "You can't lose hope Lu, you've come this far. Don't doubt yourself now."

I nod, still uneasy about what's to come, but follow Mira after Gray anyway. 

And my god, am I glad I did.

Running in, I see Gray crouched down, next to a very slim looking figure. My eyes water, my lips tremble, and my knees give out. Mira isn't quick enough to catch me as I watch Gray's hands covering his around a knife. 

"Natsu..." I'm barely able to make it out, and it comes in a hushed whisper, but his head swivels slowly, his eyes blinking a hundred miles a minute, making sure this isn't some type of dream.

"Lu-...ce" He coughs, little blood dropping from his lip. 

I crawl over, carefully, almost as if he's glass and will break at any moment. My eyes do a quick scan, I notice his hair is almost black, but not from dye. His arms are lanky, and his stomach is barely covered by what little strings from a shirt is covering him. Bruises and scars cover his arms, legs, and chest, and I can't help but ask...

"Who did this to you?" I mutter shakily, trying my hardest to hold back my tears. 

"The King"

"The King?" Gray asks.

"The King of Hell."

Mira's eyes widen, "I thought he was imprisoned years ago," 

"That's who we went after..." Gray whispers.

"No that's who you and that imposter went after," Natsu shifts, pushing himself up just barely, "I was knocked out after trying to get food from the cafeteria."

Gray nods, "I thought that was what happened, but I couldn't be too sure." 

Natsu's eyes then widen, and look to me, "Did he touch you?"

"Touch me?" I ask, tilting my head slightly.

"R-rape you...?" He whispers.

"No. We found out who he was not too long ago, but not long enough that he could've done anything." I explain.

"Oh thank god." Natsu breaths deeply, as if there is no air. 

Mira grabs my shoulder, "We need to get him out of here and to a hospital,"

I nod, looking up to her. "Gray, will you and Mira go get the others?" 

Gray nods, standing up to leave before Natsu grabs his arm, "Gray, you and Lucy were on my mind the entire time I've been down here. Thank you."

Gray smiles, "Anytime bro." 

And Mira and Gray leave together to find the others. 

I grab Natsu's hand in mine, " We are leaving this place. Together. We will not be separated again."