Chapter 11 – Heartfilia
Magnolia - Present Day
Gray told himself that this was the last time he'd come in to search. After glancing around the premises and making sure the coast was clear, he snuck himself underneath the police tape. While Natsu's death had been deemed a suicide, given the other charges that were pressed on the man, the police still had his case open. Thus, Natsu's home was still under police jurisdiction. Gray slowly made his way up to Natsu's room in the darkness.
He had searched Natsu's corporate office a million times, but had come up with nothing. More importantly, there was also nothing that pointed to the crimes that Natsu had apparently 'committed'. That was the only thing that kept Gray going. Until he had his own solid proof of Natsu's wrongdoings, he would believe in his friend.
Gray had long wanted to search Natsu's room, but the police was all over it for the past few weeks, so he didn't have the chance. But now that he finally got inside, he knew exactly where to go. Natsu had always been a fan of shows where their characters had secret bases. Thus, when Natsu purchased his own home, he made sure to create one himself. Right in his own bedroom. Called it his ninja hideout.
What an idiot.
But it was in that moment, where Gray was feeling around for the switch he knew Natsu had made – since the idiot had all but bragged about it to him long ago – that he thanked Natsu for being so transparent with him.
Gray pressed the switch and there was a soft click that could be heard in the room. He got on his hands and knees and felt for the one tile that had just become loose. He smiled when he found it. A passage underneath the floors revealed itself to Gray with stairs leading underground. Carefully climbing down, he made his way along the cramped hallway until he reached a small room. He was not surprised to find that the inside was a mess. There were multiple trinkets and artifacts that Natsu collected throughout his travels over the years. Thankfully, the police hadn't discovered this place yet.
Gray searched the room, high and low for any clues into Natsu's death. But everything he found was completely useless. Until he located one locked cabinet. Gray cursed to himself, since he had no idea what the password would be. He tried multiple phrases: fire, ninja, multiple different kinds of food. But nothing seemed to work.
Gray paused before he attempted his final phrase. There was no way that it would work, but Gray was willing to try anything. He slowly pressed each letter into the keypad.
I.C.I.C.L.E.
There was a soft click.
"Goddamnit Natsu," Gray whispered underneath his breath. Moisture gathered in his eyes. Leave it up to the bastard to use his own nickname as the passcode.
Gray quickly opened the door. There were multiple files and items inside the cabinet. Quickly skimming the contents, he pulled out the largest folder, filled to the brim with old articles and photos. Some were even in black and white. On the front of the folder was one word.
Heartfilia.