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They said that perseverance can help one in attaining success in life. That, no matter how tall the obstacle is, to achieve your goals hard work is a must.
Lucy grew up in a rich household and all of her ‘friends’ would tell her that she doesn’t need to dirty her hands anymore. Everything that she wishes will be given for the Heartfilia family has numerous assets and companies. Jewelries decorate their walls, expensive paintings plastered for no one to admire, and dresses fill up her shelves collecting dust and never seeing daylight.
If she listens to what her father says, all is well.
However, where can she find the true meaning of life if that’s all she must do to survive?
Lucy made up her mind ages ago to run away, to free herself from the shackles that binds her and the manipulative and ignorant father. It took her a year before destiny called out to her, pushing her to meet with the man who has claimed the heart of the young celestial wizard.
Natsu Dragneel, a precious member of the elite guild called Fairy Tail.
He became someone who Lucy heavily depended on. May it be on their jobs, guild competitions, and even with regards to her own life. He became the flame that ignites the passion etched deep inside her heart. That even though there are a few tough times during her stay in fairy tail, Lucy continued to smile due to the light that Natsu has provided for her.
Up until now where she was tied up in a dark and muddy room, wounded and broken.
The last thing that Lucy remembers before passing out is being separated from her team during an ambush when they were all travelling towards the city where the job is located. As she reached towards the man who was calling out her name, extending his arm to grab hers, an unfortunate event transpires, pulling her away from her family.
Just when Lucy was about to look at the people who took her away from them, darkness clouded her vision. It was the last thing she saw before passing out.
Regaining her consciousness only made her feel terrible. Every part of her body seemed like it has been bruised or scratched. The metal chains that bind her to the wall was too small for her wrist. Even is she tried to move, all she felt was the pain coming from it.
“Natsu!” She screamed, wishing for a reply. “Happy! Gray! Erza! Are you there?!”
And indeed, there came a reply, but it wasn’t within her expectations. “Shut up! Screaming like that, are you really a Heartfilia?”
Lucy frowned. “Who are you?”
“She’s dumb.” Another voice entered their conversation, but those words weren’t directed to her. “As if we’ll tell you.”
Lucy clicked her tongue and began inspecting herself. The keys she valued the most weren’t with her, and when she tried using magic, it was instantly repelled.
Anti-magic chains. Lucy heavily sighed, knowing that the more she resists, the more wound she’ll attain.
“Where are my friends?” Lucy once again tried. “Are they in this place?”
“You mean those monsters?” The man who told her to shut up responded. “As if we can get them. You’re weak, so it’s easy to capture you.”
The young Heartfilia once again frowned, accepting the fact that she is indeed weak.
“So?” Lucy grins, pushing the pain aside. “What do you need from a weak person? The Heartfilia estate is long gone, you won’t get anything from me.”
Countless explanations appeared in Lucy’s mind and without fail, she elaborated a plan on how to escape from these people.
But the response she received left her pale and speechless.
“You’re young and beautiful. On top of that, a rare celestial wizard.” The second man replies, bringing shivers down to her spine. “You’ll sell quite well.”
“You…” Her voice cracked, but nonetheless, her eyes continue to burn from madness. “You psychos.”
A sudden wave of electricity jolted her whole body as pain continues to flood her system. Lucy screamed. She clenched her fists until she drew blood, focusing more on staying awake rather than her own sanity.
It was then that she noticed where the electricity was coming from. The celestial wizard made a mental note to do something about it later once she regains her energy.
“What a pretty scream.” Says the second man, laughing hysterically. “We really landed on a good one.”
It was the last thing she heard as her whole body slumped forward, gradually loosing consciousness.
“Natsu…” Lucy bits her lip, trying her best not to show her vulnerability in front of these psychos. “I’m sorry…”
‘I shouldn’t have argued with you.’
‘I should have treasured every moment we had together.’
‘Dying in this cell, or in the place they’ll send me sounds so terrifying.’
‘I miss your laugh, your smile, your bravery, and even your naughtiness.’
‘If I have to use all of my luck just to be with you once more, I’ll gladly offer it all up.’
“Wait for me… I’ll think of a way… to leave this…” Lucy couldn’t finish her sentence and finally drifted off to sleep.
***
Natsu Dragneel forced his way inside an abandoned building, destroying any wall that he might encounter. Gray tried to calm him down, but the young dragon slayer couldn’t take it anymore.
“It’s my fault!” He says while pulling the ice wizard’s collar. “I was about to grab her hand! If I had just reached out to her the moment, I sniffed that something was wrong, this wouldn’t have happened!”
“So, calm the fuck down you bastard!” Gray used all his strength to land a punch on Natsu’s face, wishing that it can wake the dragon slayer. “Everyone in our group is at fault. We were ambushed and we’re also careless. Stop acting like a spoiled brat and get your shit together!”
“I agree.” Erza stepped forward, her head staring at the ground as if it was her enemy. “We were careless.”
Natsu cursed once more before smashing another wall beside them. “She can’t just disappear on me. We still haven’t… I haven’t…!”
Silence enveloped the whole group as Natsu continues to try and finish his sentence.
It took him a few more seconds before continuing his statement. “I need her. We shouldn’t have argued before going to this job. It’s… my fault.”
“Natsu…” Happy tries to calm him down, his eyes teary and full of regret.
It was just a simple problem. He could have just admitted that he was in the wrong, but due to his pride, Natsu couldn’t do it. If he finally saw Lucy once more, he’ll make sure never to do it again, prioritizing her happiness more than his own.
The whole group was about to leave to look for another place when Natsu heard a scream. His face paled upon realizing who it is.
Without wasting another second, he dashed off, leaving his other team members in confusion.
“Lucy!” He clenched his fist and destroyed the ground. He lifted his head and smelled it, his eyes becoming madder for each second that continues to pass.
Blood.
Natsu jumped down and unleashed various type of spells as he continues to sniff where the celestial wizard is.
‘Please, if there is a god that can hear my prayer, make sure that she’s in one piece.’
‘I’ll think of her a lot more, prioritize her safety over my own, and protect the happiness she wishes to attain.’
‘So, please, don’t let me be late.’
“Huh? Who’s this bastard?” A man, probably in his 30’s, glared at him upon reaching the lowest level. “Who in the right mind would smash this whole place? Are you insane?!”
Natsu showed no interest in what they were saying as his eyes widened upon seeing the state that Lucy was currently in.
His mind blanked.
No words were needed.
A few minutes has passed before he finally came back to his senses.
The scent of blood filled the whole place as rocks continue to fall due to the destruction caused by the enraged dragon slayer.
“N-Natsu?” Lucy’s weak voice called out to his name, alerting the young wizard.
Disregarding the destruction, he has caused, he immediately made his way towards his friend. She was all bruised and blood continues to flow from the wound she attained from the shackles. Lucy winced when Natsu finally freed her.
“You’re fine now.” Natsu mumbles, his face deeply frowning.
Now… how can he ever face her after witnessing such a gruesome scene?
***
Lucy quickly understood. Even if he doesn’t say it, she knew what he was currently feeling. With his expression like that of a guilty man, which is so unlike his usual self, the young celestial wizard wasted no time to pull his body towards her – enveloping him within her bruised arms.
“Thank you…” She whispers as tears finally flowed down her face. “You saved me.”
Natsu stiffened, yet at the same time, felt relieved after hearing those words.
His arms eventually made its way around her waist as he leans forward to lay on her shoulder.
He whispered. “I’m sorry.”
Lucy grins. “I’m sorry as well.”
Natsu pulled away and directly gazed at her. “Let’s not fight before going on a job. This almost drove me crazy.”
Lucy Heartfilia laughs as warmth filled her once battered heart. “Yeah. Regrets are terrifying.”