Finished - Jan 12, 2021

Word Count - 6372

Music - Two Steps From Hell - Norwegian Pirate

Summary:
Fairytail is one of the only good Pirate ships to sail the seas of Fiore. Natsu and Lucy act as scouts and are responsible to retrieve a stolen necklace from an enemy ship. What happens when they run into a trap and someone they didn't expect to meet?

WARNING: Depictions of sexual assault

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The Fiorian Seas were never quiet, for it was full of ships traveling through it's waters. Boats made for transport, cargo and even some merchants. However, the most deadly of ships were those that held Pirates. These thieves vandalized homes, destroyed towns and tore families apart for their own self interests. Each acting upon their villainous thinking, simply because they could get away with it. Using their swords and large groups to take advantage of innocent people.

However, they was one "Pirate" ship unlike the rest. This was a ship made by the people, for the people. This crew was handpicked by the Council and used as a defense against dreadful pirates. Each member a master swordsman, marksman, strategist or navigator. They called themselves Fairytail, that they might be a beacon of hope or the civilians of land.

Fairytail had been given a new mission; retrieve a stolen, ancient necklace from an enemy ship. This shouldn't be a hard task, but the artifact was aboard the Tartaros. This particular group was much deadlier than most and would take the highest level of caution.

Therefore Fairytail sent their best team to complete the job. An elite team of two, a small enough group so they wouldn't attract attention. The first member is exceptionally resourceful, cunning, with excellent slight-of-hand. The second has heightened senses, therefore extremely observant and protective of their comrades. They are both experts in close combat and stealth. They had been partners for years and have mastered their techniques together. Making them the perfect team for spy missions.

Together they both walked on the docks, making their way towards their dangerous destination. One male, one female, they walked cautiously close to the edge of the water. The male stood much taller than his partner, his eyes easily gazed over the top of her head. Reflexively, he always kept one eye out for danger when they were alone.

"See anything yet?" Natsu's partner Lucy asked, knowing that his eyes wouldn't stay steady.

He took a deep breath and shook his head. "Not yet."

"Good. We shouldn't yet. Their ship is docked on the south side of the pier, so we have a bit further till we get there." Lucy double checked her notes.

Lucy was right, the Fairytail was docked far away form the Tartaros. This way the enemy wouldn't spot their ship and they would be far enough away if something went awry.

"Then...can I do this?" Natsu took Lucy's hand in his, not waiting for her answer.

Lucy laughed at his childish action and nodded, squeezing his fingers gently. Once they start their mission, there would be not time for them to show their affection. If their enemies found out how close they were, it could be used an a weapon against them. Therefore they kept their relationship a secret outside of Fairytail.

"You are sure they will be here?" Natsu asked.

"I'm sure. Levy and I have been tracking them for weeks. This is the only western port they use to restock their supplies. According to our calculations, they should have arrived late last night and are currently loading everything on now." Lucy once again pulled out her notebook and read her notes. "We should be able swim around to the side of the ship and climb up the anchor. The whole should be large enough for us to enter. That will bring us directly into the lower decks. From there we just need to find the treasure room."

"Hey." Natsu took the small leather book from her hands. "Relax, we can do this."

"This isn't going to be like any normal mission Natsu." Lucy looked nervous.

"Hey. If anything happens, we have each others back. Besides, Fairytail is just around the corner for support. We will be fine, I promise." He reassured her.

Lucy took a deep breath and nodded. His promises always made her feel better, for Natsu was a man of his word.

"Hey!" A loud voice caught both Natsu and Lucy's attention. They instinctively hid themselves quickly behind nearby crates.

"Did you hear?" Natsu popped his eyes out from behind the cargo and saw a man calling out to another crew member. "I heard that Fairytail was docked on the northern pier!"

"Really? No way, you actually saw their ship?" The second cremate exclaimed in excitement.

Natsu and Lucy made serious eye contact, their cover had just been blown and they hadn't even started their mission. It seemed that their popularity amongst the public was now turning into a disadvantage.

"What do we do?" Natsu whispered to Lucy.

"They know we are here, it's not long before the entire Port knows." Lucy bit the side of he finger. "It's probably not safe to continue."

"But you have prepared for this for too long to back down now. It will take months before we have this opportunity again and that's if they will have the necklace onboard."

"Agh!" Lucy cursed quietly. "You're right."

"Come on, let's go." Natsu took her hand and together they made their way quickly through the docks. Their footsteps silent and hidden. Finally, they approached the Tartaros.

The ship was stained black, as if it were drenched with ink. A dark presence loomed over the sails, as if it was a warning to everyone around. Just the sight of the ship made Lucy uneasy.

Slipping seamlessly into the water Natsu and Lucy swam around to the stern and found the anchor. Together the climbed up the large chain and through the whole easily, making it into the lower decks.

"Alright, the necklace should be on the second level."

"What level are we on?" Natsu asked and Lucy pulled out her notes from her water proof bag.

"Three, so it should be just above us."

"You are amazing Luce." Natsu winked and ran quietly to the nearest staircase.

She had truly prepared for everything. Lucy had researched the manufacture of the Tartaros's ship so she could get a copy of their blueprints. Since the ship was a stolen vessel from a local trading company, they gave her the specs happily.

Peaking around every corner, Natsu made certain their path was clear before advancing. Every turn in direction, every step was taken with decisive meaning as they weaved their way to their destination.

"This is it." Lucy pointed towards the door just ahead of them. "This should be their treasure room."

Natsu pulled out the key that the trading company had given them, the door opened easily. Scanning the room, they both quickly entered once the deemed it safe. Closing the door behind them Lucy looked around.

"Its empty." Lucy's shoulder slumped.

"What do you mean? I can see the necklace right there." Natsu pointed to the obvious table in the center of the room.

"No." Lucy reached her arm out and stopped Natsu from progressing. "This was too easy."

"We still have to get off the boat, that doesn't sound too easy."

"Somethings not right." She shook her head then suddenly realized something terrible. "They knew we were coming."

The moment the words left her mouth, a bright light blinded their eyes and something caught their feet and lifted them harshly upwards. Natsu and Lucy's bodies crashed into each other from the impact of what seemed to be a large net under their feet. The sound of mocking laughs flooded their ears as their net was lifted into the air of the top deck.

"Well well. Fairytail. Welcome to Tartaros." Natsu eyes widened as he recognized a mans voice.

Untangling his limbs from Lucy, he sat up as best he could to face the man taunting them. His entire body started to shake the moment his eyes saw the monster before him. Someone who did not belong to the Tartaros crew, someone who Natsu wished never to see again. Natsu was immediately filled with rage and fear. What was he doing here?!

Acnologia. The man who had killed Natsu's father Igneel. The one person which Natsu lived to kill, yet also feared the most.

"We have been waiting for you." A man with long black hair smiled up at them. Natsu recognized this man as Mard Geer, from Lucy's pictures. He was the Captain and not one to mess with.

Lucy felt the wind swing the net side to side. Wind. Wind? She turned her head sharply and looked of the side. The boat was moving, they had set sail! No longer were they attached to the dock and far away from the Fairytail.

"Did you really think you could board my ship without me noticing?" The man laughed, with lightning speed he unshaved his sword and sliced open the top of the net. Making Natsu and Lucy to both crash down onto the deck heavily. However they both found their balance quickly and drew their swords in defense.

"Do you honestly think the two of you can take on our entire crew?" A woman Natsu recognized as Kyouka mocked.

"We can at least try." Simultaneously, Natsu and Lucy pushed off each others backs and ran into battle. The numbers were one on four, it was obvious that they were heavily out numbered. Some of the extra crew decided to sit back and watch the show, laughing at their misery.

Nevertheless, they both fought with all their strength, hoping Fairytail would see their combat and come to their aid. They held their own until their bodies were at their limit. Both completely exhausted and battered, but not willing to give up. However, it became apparent that Fairytail was not coming and they were on their own.

Lucy dodged swords from every direction, her stamina wearing thin. She was so focused on defense she had no opportunity to attack, if it continued like this, she wouldn't last much longer.  Duking under another attack she stretched out her leg and spun her body around sharply. Knocking down one of her opponents. However, in the process she left the top of her head vulnerable. One of her foes took the opportunity to slam the hilt of their sword down, brutality upon her head. Immediately, Lucy lost her vision and dropped to the deck.

"Lucy!" Natsu saw what happened and turned his attention from his attackers to his fallen partner. The Tartaros crew grabbed him and slammed his body unto the floor, satisfied with their fun and ready for serious action.

Natsu eyes burred for a moment from the impact, but he shook it off and focused on Lucy's still form.

"What a pity." Mard Geer shook his head in disappointment. "Such vigor you have, what a shame it will all go to waste."

The Captain drew his long sword and placed it just above Natsu's neck. "Goodbye Fairytail."

Natsu prepared himself for the worst and closed his eyes, but something stopped Mard Geer before he could strike.

"Wait."

This one word had captured the attention of the entire ship, all eyes on Acnologia. The intimidating man stepped forward and addressed the captain.

"Leave the boy to me. We have some catching up to do."

"You?" Mard Geer was obviously not accustomed to receiving orders.

"Yes. He is the reason I came on this dinky boat." Acnologia stepped right up to Mard Geer and stood over him. "Do what you want with the girl, but the boy is mine."

Natsu didn't like anything about that conversation. Not only did he not want to go with Acnologia, but he didn't want to leave Lucy with Mard Geer.

"Fine." Mard Geer gave in to the powerful man and removed his sword from Natsu's neck. He turned on his heals and retreated. "Bring the girl to my chambers."

His chambers?! No! Natsu struggled harshly against the strong grips on his arms. However, he was no match for the three people pulling him to his feet.

"Leave her alone!" Natsu growled at the men who dragged Lucy away.

"She should be the least of your worries right now." Kyouka crossed her arm in satisfaction.

That was false. Lucy was always Natsu's priority, she is always more important than anything else! He watched helplessly as they were separated, Lucy taken below deck while Natsu was dragged to the bow of the ship. He did not take his eyes off her, not until she disappeared into the dark level bellow. Only then did he give his attention to the man before him. Acnologia.

"String him up." Acnologia commanded sternly.

Doing as they were commanded the Tartaros crew stripped off Natsu's black coat, bound his wrists together and strung them above his head tightly. With his back pressed against the mast, he had little room to move. Yet he refused to show any fear and held his solid expression.

"I can see the resemblance Dragneel, you are the spitting image of Igneel." Acnologia mocked as he drew closer to Natsu's face.

Natsu took a deep breath in order to calm his emotions, for he knew that Acnologia wanted a reaction from him. Therefore he kept his exterior silent, however, his mind was a blaze of rage.

"I can still recall that day, what was it...five years ago?" The dangerous man tapped his chin casually.

"Thirteen." Natsu corrected.

"Has it really been that long? Time flies you know."

Natsu didn't answer, instead he glared deep into Acnologias eyes with hatred. The man shrugged and changed into a more serious mood.

"Your father was a thorn in my side, now it seems so are you." Acnologia drew Natsu's sword and examined it. "I came to this retched ship to apprehend you. Of course it was I that leaked your Fairies little plan. But all I really want is you."

"What do you want with me?" Natsu asked, his anxiety slowly rising.

"Truely, I want you dead." Acnologia thrust the sword against Natsu's unprotected throat. The motion made Natsu instinctively pull on the ropes against his wrists, however the action only made the knots tighter.

"However, I cannot kill you yet. I plan to use you and extract all that wonderful information you hold about Fairytail."

"That will never happen." Natsu stood his ground proudly.

"We'll see about that."

"Sir." A man who held a striking resemblance to one of Natsu's closest friends interrupted their "conversation".

"What, Fullbuster." Acnologia hissed.

"The Captain requests and audience with the prisoner." Natsu now recognized this man as Silver Fullbuster, Grey's father. Natsu had never seen him before in person, for Grey had said he never wanted to set eyes on him again. Their family history was not so clean.

Acnologia growled and turned his attention back to Natsu. "We will resume our little chat, Dragneel."

A little relieved to be taken away from Acnologia, several other Crew members untied his rope from the mast. Natsu let gravity do it job as his hand fell back down, however his wrists were still tightly connected and made it quite difficult to struggle against the new arms pushing him forwards. Their feet shuffled down the stairs and into the lower decks.

**********************************

The muffled sound of clinking of coins echoed through Lucy's beating skull. Her head still trying to recover from the blunt force trauma. She squeezed her eyes and rolled her stiff neck, trying to appease the throbbing of her temples. Taking a deep breath she opened gathered enough courage to open her eyes.

She starred up at the ceiling, which looked no different than The Fairytail decks. The same wooden paneling, held up by bended posts. However, she was not foolish enough to believe that she was home.

Lowering her vision, her theory proved correct. She did not recognize the room at all, it was filled with many lavish treasures. Shelves of large books, crates of colorful fabrics and countless priceless artifacts. No doubt where all treasure had moved to make space for their trap of earlier.

However, Lucy found herself laying down on a soft surface. Her hand and feet tied down tightly to each corner of what seemed a large bed. She pulled against the restraints, but realized she was stuck.

"There is no use struggling. I made those knots personally." A voice caught Lucy's attention and she froze.

she squinted into a darker corner of the room and noticed a man sitting nonchalantly in a chair, he starred at her with an intense gaze. His eyes made her uncomfortable, especially because she couldn't move.

"I've heard rumors about you." The man stood and came into the light. The Captain Mard Geer took a seat on the bed next to her.

Lucy stayed quiet, not wanting to give him any attention.

"Are you truly the run away Princess?" Mard Geer pressed once more, but Lucy ignored him.

"Why would the daughter of such a wealthy family run away and joins Pirates?"

Lucy kept her mouth shut, but it was becoming harder to do so.

"I wonder how much daddy would pay for his little girl back?" He lifted up a piece her her hair and sniffed it.

Feeling extremely uncomfortable with the lack of distance, she turned her head as far from him as possible. Yet she could feel her fingers start to tremble.

"Not feeling talkative today?" He smirked. "Thats okay, I have ways to change that."

Mard Geer seemed pleased that Lucy was staying quiet, now he could use more serious ways to convince her to talk. Therefore he swung a leg over her hips and straddled her, placing his hands on either side of her head and leaned his face very close to hers. Too close.

"What is your last name?" He demanded sternly.

Lucy was surprised by his action, but refused to answer his question.

Mard Geer sat up and folded his arms. Shaking his head in disapproval and spoke calmly. "I will ask. One. More. Time."

He leaned back down and started to unbutton Lucy shirt. Lucy starred back at him horrified.

"What. Is. Your. Last. Name?" Each word was another loose button.

Lucy did not break eye contact, her expression hard. She would not falter.

"Alright." With this one word Mard Geer lost his patience and completely ripped off her shirt.

Hands. Hand and fingers played with her, but she refused to make a sound. She pulled harder against the ropes on her wrists, but she couldn't escape. Alien hands moved roughly against her skin, as a wave of disgust flooded her mind. She felt gross and used as this strange man made his way around her body.

She could feel tears start to fall from her eyes, but she refused to cry vocally. She would not give this monster's the satisfaction.

"Still not talking?" Mard Geer temporarily halted his pursuit and looked at her face. "Oh, did I make you cry? Good. That means we are getting somewhere. But I don't want to simply see you cry, I want to hear it."

"Now let's make you scream." Mard Geer lowered his body and positioned himself just above Lucy's skirt.

She suddenly knew what was about to happen next and she yelled in protest. However, nothing could prepare her for what was coming.

**********************************

Natsu's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the lower deck, however he didn't have a lot time before he was roughly lead down a long hallway.

The Captain had technically saved him from Acnologia, who knows what he would have done if Silver had not interrupted. Natsu could have been rolled up and sent out to sea, or decapitated, or sliced into sandwich meat. The possibilities were endless.

However, now he had to face the Captain. What did he want with him? If he wanted information, he must know that Natsu would never talk. Lucy probably proved that, they would never spill Fairytail's secrets.

Lucy! Natsu remembered how his partner had been wounded and suddenly worry captivated his mind. They were seperated and he needed to find her!

He didn't have much time to look when one of his captors knocked on a door. It seems they had arrived at the captains quarters. After a moment the door opened and there stood Mard Geer. However he was wearing only a robe, which struck Natsu as odd. He wasn't even carrying his sword, a good pirate always carries their weapon.

This was when a familiar sent entered Natsu's nose and he suddenly pulled desperately against the hands holding him back. This particular smell was a combination of three things. One; Lucy's blood. Second; a scent of Lucy that only appeared when she and Natsu were intimate. Thirdly; the hideous smell of Mard Geer mixed together with Lucy's wonderful scent.

The combination of these three things sent Natsu into a furious rage. It could only have meant one thing. Mard Geer had forced himself upon Lucy.

"We brought him Captain." Kyouka addressed respectfully.

"Good." Mard Geer folded his arms and leaned against the door frame. This gave Natsu just enough room to see inside.

From his angle, he was able to see the frame of a large bed. However, the bed was facing away from him and he could only see half of what was on the bed. But this was enough to understand what had happened inside.

Natsu saw the right side of Lucy's naked body splayed out on the bed. Her hand and foot both tied down, each rubbed raw from the friction of the rough ropes. Her bright hair scattered messily behind her head. But the worst part was the fact that she was still. While Mard Geer was distracted, her moment of peace, she wasn't moving and inch. She wasn't struggling to free herself and she wasn't cursing out in protest. Natsu could tell, without even seeing her face, that she was giving up.

"Lucy!" He called out to her, hoping she would hear his voice.

"Shut up!" Natsu was hit on the head to stop his recklessness. However, this did not stop him.

Natsu continued to kick and struggle, trying to break free and reach his partner.

"Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel." Mard Geer blocked his view of Lucy and caught Natsu's attention.

This man used his full name and Natsu forced himself to listen to the man that hurt Lucy.

"What?"

"I seem to be at a loss. Your friend won't talk, no matter what I try, she refuses to say a word." Mard Geer seemed frustrated by this. Probably because it was the first time he has been unable to crack someone. Natsu felt a sense of pride fill him, Lucy was staying strong even after the hell she endured.

"Thats right. Fairytail will never break." Natsu smirked.

"We'll see about that. I have a question I need answered."

Natsu huffed in amusement if they thought he was going to talk.

"What is Lucy's last name?" Mard Geer asked in a serious tone.

Natsu was surprised by this question, for it didn't relate to Fairytail hardly at all. Instead it was about Lucy, they wanted to know if she was the heir to the Heartfilia line. Which she was. But being such put a huge target on her back. He would never put her in harms way and refused to answer.

"Not a sound from you either? Oh well, how about we try again in an hour. Maybe some salt water will change your mind. In the mean time, I think I'll have a little bit more fun."

Natsu's heart dropped when he heard the second part of Mard Geer sentence. "Wait! No!"

But it was too late. The door closed and Mard Geer disappeared back into his room with Lucy. Natsu was taken up again and dragged away from the door. Not even ten seconds later, Natsu heard Lucy's screams. The sound ripped his heart and physically hurt his soul.

Her wails of pain and fear continued to echo through Natsu's brain long after he was taken out of range.

"Lets see how much water this sea dog can handle?" The man known as Jackal laughed.

Natsu noticed the ropes Jackal was pulling, bringing up something from the side of the ship. After a few more good hauls the shape of a small boat appeared just above the railing. Once secured Natsu and the three people holding him pushed him onto the floating dingy.

Once they found their balance, the boat was slowly lowered down. However it was not placed onto the water, instead it hovered just a few feet above.

Natsu assumed they had gotten stuck, but it seemed the water was not their goal. Instead Natsu was pushed into the side of the large ship, splinters entering his arms with the rough contact. His hands were forced up and to the right, finding a single shackle connected to the hull of the ship. Only after his right wrist was contained were his ropes cut. With his one free left hand he swung at his captors, doing his best to free himself. However the attempt was fruitless and his arm was grabbed by two men and forced into the matching shackle.

The dingy lowered again and soon Natsu legs were strapped against the ship, he was going nowhere.

"Have fun, we like to go fast." Jackle cackled and they pulled the small boat back up to the deck.

Shifting his head upwards he saw the last of the crew disembark from the dingy and back onto the safety of the Ship. He wondered what Jackal had meant about the speed of the ship?

"Hard to Port!" A voice called from above and stamping of feet scuddled off to their duties.

Upon hearing this simple order, he suddenly realized his predicament. Natsu was stuck on the Starboard side! Speed!

A moment later the ship turned harshly, the water under Natsu feet rose higher with the sudden change in direction. The starboard side was now divergent to the direction of the tide. Therefore the waves started to crash against the ship's hull, thus Natsu's body. The impact of the water stung sharply and caused his back to hit against the hull. However, it was not deep enough to cover his head. Yet.

Nevertheless, he spoke too soon. The ship started to pick up speed and the water grew more violent. Waves crashed against him and billowed over his head. He didn't know when to hold his breath or gasp for air. The ship bobbed up and down with great force, causing Natsu to swallow heaps of sea water. He could barely breathe air in-between coughing and sputtering. He was getting barely enough air to keep him alive, yet felt like he was drowning. Just barely hanging onto consciousness, for if he slipped under, he would never wake up.

After what seemed hours Natsu was ready to give up, he was physically exhausted and in dire need of air. But a familiar noise caught his attention. A clicking chirp resonated to his left. Natsu swung his head around, and saw Happy! His pet parrot was perched on a line of rope a few feet above him. This blue parrot was very attached to Natsu and could find him anywhere!

"Happy!" Natsu sputtered. The bird flew as close to him as he could, without getting wet and listened for instructions.

Natsu made three short clicks with his tongue, followed by three long clicks. Lastly, three more short. Happy repeated the pattern back to Natsu and he nodded his head. The bird squawked in understanding and flew away. Keeping low to the sea, his blue wings blended in with the vast blue ocean.

Now he had a reason to keep fighting, stay alive. At least until Fairytail came with help.

"Hour is up!" One of the men called down to Natsu, it was at this point that the ship slowed down and turned away from the crashing waves. The water level sunk and the dingy was lowered once again to fetch him.

Natsu took these few minutes of peace to empty the water from his lungs and regulate his breathing. He shivered from the cold air upon his wet skin and shook the water out of his hair.

"Well done, you survived." Silver welcomed Natsu back aboard.

"He will not survive long. You have had your fun with him, now he is mine." Acnologia growled, obviously growing impatient.

"Its not up to us. That's an issue you need to take up with the Captain." Kyouka stepped in front of Natsu, blocking Acnologia's path.

This only seemed to aggravate the large man even further and he stomped loudly upon the deck, creating a thunder. "I am growing tired of this mockery."

"Well...we are Pirates." She smirked.

"Enough of this foolishness, I am taking the boy now!" Acnologia drew his sword and attacked Kyouka head on. However she was ready and blocked his attack with her own sword. This one action rippled through the ship. Soon everyone was fighting as a riot overwhelmed the decks.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Natsu snuck away from the ruckus and hid himself amongst the cargo. His hands were tied again and he was without his weapon, therefore he had no other choice than to hide.

Natsu watched as crew member fought against crew member, the fighting seemed meaningless. Aside from those battling Acnologia, they were all brawling each other for game. However this was not the friendly banter Natsu was familiar with at Fairytail. This was much more violent and harsh.

However, he couldn't just sit and wait! He had to do something! Fairytail was on their way, what could he do to make it easier for them to board the boat? Suddenly, a thought popped into his head. He would have to be quick and invisible. In fact, he didn't even know if he could pull it off. But he had to try.

Head lowered Natsu made his way to the port side of the ship, reaching one of the large cannons he started to untie the ropes securing it to the deck. The task proved harder than anticipated since his hands were still bound. Once loose, he carefully and as-silently-as-possible he pushed the cannon over the side and into the waters below.

Miraculously, every one on board was too fused on their silly fights to hear the loud splash of the heavy cannon hitting the water. With more confidence, he worked his way around the deck and sunk every cannon. Feeling satisfied he hid back with the cargo in anticipation on what would happen next.

As he observed from his hiding spot small shadows passed over the ship. Natsu looked up to see the Fairytail birds circling Tartaros's ship. The familiar sight of Happy, Charlie, and Pantherlily. Happy the blue parrot, Charlie a white cockatoo and the raven Pantherlily. The bird scouts help Fairytail find their targets from afar.

Natsu was so overjoyed he almost jumped and yelled in triumph. However, no one seemed to notice the avian circle. Therefore he needed to keep his mouth shut and wait.

"Ship! On the port bow!" A voice called out, alerting the crew of the approaching threat.

"That was fast." Natsu whispered under his breath, noting how close his ship had already come.

"Ready the cannons!" Kyouka ordered, king charge of the ship in the Captains absence.

"What the hell?!" Jackal stopped in his tracks, seeing the clear lack of cannons. Natsu laughed to himself, seeing the confusion on their faces.

"It must have been that stupid fairy." A new face of Franmalth appeared within the crowd.

"Find him! He is our only leverage." Kyouka commanded and everyone spread out, looking for him.

Natsu started to panic, he wasn't hidden that well. They would find him for sure, it was only a matter of time.

However, in the amount of time it took to start searching for the stowaway. Fairytail had ample opportunity to board the defenseless ship. Using ropes to swing across and planks to walk, Fairytail was flooding onto the enemy vessel.

He could see his comrades boarding the boat, looking for him. Unfortunately, his view was blocked off when he came face to face with Jackal.

"Found you, little fairy." The man snickered, about to swing his sword down on Natsu.

At the last minute Natsu ducked out of the way, merely missing the powerful swipe of Jackal's sword.

"Hey, how about you pick a fight with me." Erza stepped in and blocked Jackals way, engaging him in battle. Jackal was foolish enough to agree and completely forgot about Natsu.

"Natsu!" He heard Grey call out to him from just a few feet away. "Catch!"

Catch?! Was he crazy? Natsu's wrists were tied, how did Grey expect him to catch anything, let alone a sword!

Nevertheless, was somehow able to catch the blade.

"What the hell?! Cant you open your eyes before you launch a freekin' sword at me?!" Natsu hauled back at his friend.

"You caught it, didn't you?" Grey smirked.

Natsu simply glared at him in annoyance. He plunged the sword into the deck with a mighty force, causing it to lodge into the wood firmly. From there Natsu positioned his hands on either side of the blade and quickly cut through his bindings. Finally he was free!

"Natsu!" A feminine voice reached out to him. Searching for the voice he found Levy.

"Levy, be careful!" Natsu forced his way through the arena towards her.

"Where is Lucy!" Levy was Lucy best friend, of course she would be worried about her.

"I am going to get her right now. Make sure Wendy has a bed ready for her when I get back!"

"Is she hurt?" Levy's expression widened in worry. However, Natsu was ready gone. His feet would not rest a moment longer, not until Lucy was safe.

Carelessly running through across the deck he saw Mard Geer finally joined in battle. His first instinct was to brutally murder him, but Natsu needed to prioritize Lucy's health before revenge. Pulling himself away he finally came to the doors to the lower decks.

While Natsu ran to the lower decks, he remembered something important. Since he was brought to Mard Geer, he hadn't seen Acnologia. The man simply vanished, he didn't see him brawling with anyone above deck. Not now nor before Fairytail's arrival. This definitely seemed strange, but he didn't have time to worry about it now.

Refocusing on getting Lucy, Natsu slammed the doors open down the hallway. Finding the door to the Captains quarters, he opened the door softly, almost scared to enter.

Inside was the same room he had seen earlier, but his focus was upon the bed. Quietly he approached, not wanting to scare her.

Lucy laid, strapped to the bed frame. Her wrists and ankles bloody from the ropes, her face and legs bruised. Blood stained the bed beneath her core and upper thighs. The sight of her made Natsu's heart ache. She looked entirely broken and miserable.

Natsu sat down softly on the bed next to her and brushed her hair out of her face gently. However, Lucy awoke from her dazed state and panicked at the sudden touch. Thinking that Mard Geer was back for another round she cried out and pulled violently at her restraints.

Natsu gently moved her head up to face him and shushed her screams. "Luce, it's me."

It took Lucy a moment to realize what was happening, and calmed herself enough to face him.

"Natsu?" She choked, her voice raw from screaming. The moment she saw Natsu's face her tears fell. Not able to control her emotions she started to wail in relief.

As she cried Natsu untied her hands. Her arms sore from being in the same position all day, cracked and ached as she bent her elbows. They immediately found their place around Natsu's neck and she hugged him weakly.

Natsu used this position to help her sit up, leaning most of her body weight against Natsu's chest. Lucy's uncontrollable sobs continued as they simply held each other. Lucy's cries were that of guilt, relief and trauma. The sound broke Natsu's heart, remembering what she had endured.

A large booming sound reminded him they they had to leave, quickly. Natsu scanned the room for Lucy clothes. He found them torn to pieces on the ground, useless. However, he did see his own black coat that had been taken from him earlier. The crew must have brought it down with all the other stolen goods.

"Come on, let's cleaned you up." Natsu helped Lucy find her sitting balance. He then grabbed his coat and a random piece of fabric from a nearby crate.

He helped place her arms into his coat and fastened a few of the buttons. He then took the fabric and started to wipe off the blood and fluids from her legs. Lucy felt incredibly embarrassed and ashamed.

Natsu was being so gentle and patient with her, yet she still felt dirty and corrupted.

"Thank you." Her voice barely over a whisper, but Natsu heard her.

"Im sorry I wasn't here sooner." Natsu finished wiping her off and threw the cloth away.

"Im just glad you're here now. I wasn't sure if I would ever see you again." Lucy admitted.

"I will always be here for you." Natsu helped her stand, but Lucy found that her legs were in no condition to be walking. She immediately fell back into Natsu's grasp in pain.

"Something is not right down there." Lucy confessed the pain in her lower region.

"I cleaned up a lot of blood, you must have torn something."

Lucy hissed in both annoyance and discomfort.

"Lets get you back to Fairytail, Wendy is ready for us." Natsu slowly hooked his arm under Lucy's wobbly legs and lifted her up.

"Let's go home." Lucy rested her head against his shoulder.