Guys. Please. Don't kill me. I got dragged into a lot of stuff this past week and I had no time whatsoever to edit my chapter. Gah! I'm so sorry! I know I said this would be out a week ago! To make it up to you, I've added some things onto it! I was going to stop it on a cliffhanger, (you can probably figure out which part). And I am officially going to stop making up plans for my chapters. It never goes like I want it to. I had planned to go a completely different route with this chapter, but for some reason my hands have written this. Even I don't know what's going on anymore! I pulled up a blank word document to begin the next chapter, and my first thought was, "I wonder what's going to happen?" GAH. It's so much fun, though. There's something in here for the faithful NaLu fans, so watch out for that :D Enjoy!

Disclaimer: What I own: Pack of gum, worn down hairband, twenty dollar bill. Nope, no Fairy Tail.

Taken

Chapter 11

The guild went silent, staring murderously at the intruder. Every head was turned their way, each with different thoughts on his intent. Natsu had no reply, silently preparing to light up his fists and fight. I can't let them take me away from Lucy right now. She's still too vulnerable..

Lucy was staring wide eyed at the man who held Natsu's shoulder. Under arrest? H-how did they find out that Natsu..who told them? "N-no!" She yelled, throwing herself in between the man and Natsu, much to both of their surprise. She shouldered the intruder's arm off of Natsu, protectively spreading her own arms in front of the fire mage. "I won't let you!"

"Luce.." Natsu whispered, moving to stop her. He was startled when Elfman came to stand in front of him as well.

"Protecting your friends is a man!" He roared, looking contemptuously down at the newcomer.

Cana came up and leaned on Natsu, grinning at the other man. "To get to him, you're gonna have to get through the whole guild." Shouts of agreement came out as guild members left and right came to stand in front of Natsu, some of them grabbing Lucy and moving her so that she stood behind them as well.

"Sorry, Lu-chan, let the rest of us handle this, ne?" Levy said to her, pushing her towards the dragon slayer. Natsu caught her in his arms, holding her close.

"Minna.." He said in wonder at his friend's protectiveness.

Lisanna looked back at her long time friend, having already transformed into her cat persona. "You don't really think we'll let him take you, right?" She winked. Natsu grinned.

Erza came to stand in front of the group, placing a sword at the man's neck. "Speak your name. Who told you to come here."

Unflinchingly, the man replied. "I am Horanz, of the Magic Council. I come on the behalf of the murder of a young man by the name of Damon Yuzuno." Lucy recoiled at the name of her attacker, pushing her head into Natsu's shirt. No one had dared utter the name around her before. She couldn't even bring herself to think it. The way this man so nonchalantly spoke it unnerved her. "His particular power was very important to a mission we had going on. His murder is quite the scandal, and we demand commission for his demise. A life for a life." He stared pointedly at Natsu in the back.

The mage growled, slowly moving Lucy to stand behind him before lighting his fists. "The bastard deserved to die." Natsu ground out, preparing to move forward. He was stopped by Mirajane's arm.

She was sending a deadly look to Horanz. "What makes you think Natsu's the one who killed him?" She shot the question at him. Horanz simply raised a brow.

"The council was keeping an eye on his every move. We know. Everything." This time his look was directed to Lucy, more specifically, the chain that still bound her arm. She gasped, grasping at it self consciously.

Natsu caught the look, confused. Lucy had her chain in a death grip, eyes wide in terror. Memories were flooding through her with a wave of nausea. One glance at the celestial mage and it became clear.

"You..knew?" Natsu's words were quiet, he was looking to the ground with his bangs shadowing his eyes. A small flame flickered in his clenched fists. The crowd's anger began building with Natsu's at Horanz's confession.

Levy gasped, hand over her mouth. "But..you're the magic council.." She whispered softly, shaking her head.

"What the hell." Mira ground out, satan soul on the brink of escape.

"YOU KNEW, AND YOU DID NOTHING TO STOP HIM?" Natsu yelled, enraged. With a mighty bellow he threw himself towards the man, only to be blocked by Gray. Struggling in the ice mage's grasp, Natsu was staring at Horanz, sanity escaping him. "LET ME AT HIM, THE BASTARD!" He punched Gray in the stomach, felling him with an 'oompf'. Elfman grabbed him next, crushing the small man between his arms.

"Natsu..we're all angry. You're a true man, so control your anger!" He said to the struggling mage, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Natsu continued to try and free himself from the man's arms for a moment before finally going still, letting out a breath of fire. His teeth clenched as he hung his head.

Lucy stood at the back, hands covering her mouth. "W-why.." She said, tears pooling in her eyes.

Horanz simply shrugged. "We do not care about the personal lives of our charges. He was free to do as he wished." Natsu's head shot up, sending a dangerous glare to the man.

"To hell with that!" He screamed, a newfound fighting spirit enabling him to break free of Elfman's grasp and run towards Horanz. "GAH!" He let out a frustrated yell as more arms grabbed him from behind.

Horanz smirked at the scene. "You really are foolish to believe that you can lay a finger on me. That's neither here nor there, however. What I've come for," He pointed a finger at a livid Natsu. "Is to take you into custody. If you would be so kind as to come without a fight, then no one will have to get hurt."

"Oh?" A frightening voice spoke from the bar. All heads turned towards the small man sitting cross legged, staff perched in between. "You're the one that's causing this commotion? I hear you're threatening my brats."

"Master!" Levy cried.

Gajeel smirked. "You're screwed now, guy."

Horanz scoffed. "And I suppose you're going to do something about it, old man?" He crossed his arms and looked at Makarov patronizingly. Most in the guild simply smiled.

"Yosh, old man, what took you so long!" Natsu grumbled, no longer struggling against his nakama, but still fuming.

Makarov stood up slowly, dusting off his pants. "I was busy, Natsu. Why don't you take Lucy away from here, I'm sure there's something you've been trying to tell her." The fire mage's eyes widened, but he smirked none the less. "I'll handle it from here. No one's going to lay a finger on any of my children. And ANYONE." His words became a roar as Horanz suddenly found himself face to face with the old man, "Who dares to allow someone from my guild to get hurt," The air around him stirred as he grew in size, making the intruder take a step back. Makarov turned glowing eyes to the man in front of him, his next words emphasized with a punch, "Will pay dearly." The guild began cheering rambunctiously, joining in on the fray. Go, Natsu. Makarov thought, looking back. I may have made a giant mistake judging the man who hurt Lucy like that..but I will make up for it. I promise.

Natsu shook his head, heading towards Lucy, who was still shocked from Horanz's confession. He grabbed her small form in his arms and carried her bridal style out of the door, mindful of the random punches and kicks being thrown. Finally..Natsu thought, amidst the chaotic yells of triumph from his nakama, and the terrified screams of anguish from the one who dared threaten it. Finally we can have some peace and quiet. Consequences be damned.

BAM. Natsu kicked his door open with one foot, slamming it just as hard behind him. Lucy jumped at the noise, but made no move to ask Natsu why he'd suddenly brought her here. She trusted him completely.

Sniffing to make sure no one was in the near vicinity, Natsu grinned widely before setting Lucy on her feet.

She steadied herself, before turning questioning eyes on the fire mage in front of her, who was still grinning like an idiot.

His eyes softened at her gaze. Gently, he moved closer to her, bringing his warm palm up to rest on her cheek. She closed her eyes at the contact, leaning into his hand. "Natsu." She whispered. His heart beat rapidly at the amount of love that was packed into that one word. He could also hear her heart, keeping time with his. Natsu moved his head towards hers, slowly. Finally. There's no one here to interrupt us. I may be selfish in trying to tell her this now..but, maybe it will help her cope if she knows there's someone who loves her. He leaned in more towards Lucy, who's eyes were still closed at Natsu's touch, breathing in her delicious scent.

"Luce." Her eyes shot open at the whisper of her name, a whisper she could feel on her own lips. Natsu was so close to her..so close..He tried to kiss me before, didn't he? She idly wondered, staring up into his onyx pools, which were trained on her mouth. I wonder..why..

She thought, just as his lips touched her own. Her eyes fluttered shut at the contact, and Natsu held still for a very brief period, gauging her reaction. When she made no move to pull away, or freak out, he closed his eyes and molded his mouth to hers.

He immediately suppressed a groan. Her lips were so soft, so sweet. Gently, he began moving his lips against hers, encouraging her to do the same. She followed along, as he grasped the back of her neck, tipping her head to gain better access. Natsu! Lucy thought, her feelings for the man in front of her overflowing. This was not what Lucy was expecting to happen the first time she kissed someone after what had happened. She expected to be ravaged by unwanted memories, pushing away whoever it was and sinking to her knees. She expected to sob in a pile on the floor afterwards, trying to ward off the remnants of her attack. She didn't expect to like it. She didn't expect to want more. This feels nice. It feels like I'm wanted. I guess Natsu doesn't care if I'm dirty..

Her arms came up tentatively to wrap around his neck, the chain falling behind his back; he responded by moving his free arm to the small of her back, pulling her in closer. Their lips danced together, and Natsu reveled in the feeling of kissing his mate. He could feel her heart pounding loudly, and it made him smile against her mouth that he was the only one that could do that to her.

The two broke apart for lack of air, both panting heavily. Lucy was staring up at Natsu heavy lidded, blush staining her cheeks. A small breath would come out from between her lips every now and then, and Natsu couldn't help but to smash his mouth back down to hers. So beautiful..he thought, running his tongue along her lower lip, asking for entrance. Lucy submitted, opening her mouth just so. Natsu eagerly ran his tongue over hers, coaxing it to move with his. Sighing into his mouth, Lucy held onto Natsu tighter, molding their bodies together. He groaned at the feeling of her body pressed up against his, deepening the kiss. Lucy's brain flinched a little at the groan. It sounded just like..but no. This was Natsu. He would never hurt her.

"Lucy." Natsu whispered into her mouth.

'Lucy.'.her eyes opened immediately at the sound of the foreign voice in her head, surprising Natsu by pulling away. 'Lucy, what do you think you're doing?!' An enraged shout echoed throughout her mind, a male voice that she recognized immediately.

"Luce?" Natsu questioned the girl, who had placed the palms of her hands against her head, squeezing her eyes shut at the intrusion.

'Don't you ever forget that you're MINE.' He shouted. Lucy let out a terrified shriek, making Natsu extremely nervous.

Grabbing her by the shoulders, he tried to get her to open her eyes, to look at him. "Lucy! Tell me what's wrong!"

Tears fell from Lucy's eyes as the haunting voice taunted her. 'You'll never be good enough for him.' It snorted. 'I made sure of that.' She screamed again, falling to the ground, still clutching her head. Blackness came forward, beckoning her to succumb. Her mark was on fire, filling her with a burning sensation that spread throughout her neck, yet the chain was freezing, emitting a constant pulse of cold hair through her wrist.

"D-Dam..on.." Lucy whispered, before finally giving in to the darkness.

"Lucy!" Natsu screamed, catching the fallen girl in a heap. He clutched her head to his chest. W-what's going on?"Lucy, please, open your eyes, say something!" Natsu gave her a firm shake. Her head lolled to the side, revealing her mark. He let out a sharp intake of breath at the sight.

It was black. Her normal purplish, bruise looking mark had turned completely black. The chain, he noticed, was actually cold. Small waves of chill rose from it, making him flinch. "Lucy." He buried his head in her neck, shaking. What have I done? This isn't supposed to happen! I was going to tell her. I was finally going to tell her and..

He was interrupted from pity as Lucy gave a sharp inhale of breath. "D..a.." She softly whispered, still unconscious. Natsu growled. She had said Damon's name before she passed out. He had something to do with this.

"That bastard!" He gently placed Lucy on the ground, moving to destroy anything and everything in his sight. A bookshelf fell, scattering its contents across the floor. The sound of breaking glass filled the otherwise silent room. Natsu's roars soon followed, flame spewing from his mouth. "He's fucking dead! He's not supposed to still be in her life!" He punched at a wall, mind running. He stayed, hand glued to the indent in the wall as he took deep shallow breaths. Igneel said killing him would break the mating! So why does he still have fucking control over Lucy? What did me kissing her have to do with any of this?

A whimper knocked him out of his angry stupor. "Lucy?" Natsu removed his fist from the wall and ran to the other mage. She was writhing in pain, clutching at her neck. Natsu closed his eyes, trying to get his bearings. It was hard seeing his mate in pain and not being able to do anything about it. Even after killing Damon the bastard still haunted their lives. It had to be his residue that was hurting her like this, making her chain freezing and her mark burning. He had to find out what was doing this. Igneel didn't prepare me for this particular step of life. He silently sneered.

As tenderly as possible, he grasped Lucy in his arms, carrying her out bridal style, mindful of her steady squirming.

"I'll find out what's wrong with you, Lucy. And I'll do everything in my power to make it better." He said softly to the girl, eyes shining. "And I know just where to start."

It's raining. Natsu absently noted, the scent drifting up through the cracks in the door. He sat with his foot making a steady rhythm on the floor, leaning his arms down on his thighs. He clenched his sweaty palms together, thoughts swirling vividly in his mind on Lucy's condition. The whole trip out here she had begun screaming painfully, sometimes calling out..that name. It broke his heart to see her like this. Her healing had just begun and now she's being drug back underneath by the same thing that hurt her once before. Waiting was killing him. He knew, if anyone had the answers he wanted, it would be her.

"Boy, stop that incessant tapping, you're making a racket out here." The voice called out to him, making him jump out of his seat and run towards it's owner.

"Porlyusica! What's wrong with her? What happened? How do I stop it?" He ranted, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her. Porlyusica's eye twitched.

She violently shoved him off of her, looming dangerously over. "You. Don't touch me. You know how I feel about humans."

Natsu's eyes narrowed. An angry reply was on the tip of his tongue before she continued.

"I honestly don't know why you didn't bring her to me before. Healing is my specialty, and she suffered severe wounds during the attack."

"Wendy healed her." He stated, crossing his arms. "Just tell me what's wrong with her, stop with the foreplay."

Porlyusica sighed. This is one of the reasons why she hated humans. Always straight and to the point, never worrying about the idle details. "Boy, this girl is suffering right now. I've heard of forced mating, I've even seen it myself. This is a very bad case."

Natsu drew back, arms falling to his sides. "You've seen cases? So why is this still going on? I-I killed the bastard who did this to her! Igneel said it should have broken it! Why is she passing out, calling his name! Why is she still in fucking pain!" He yelled, angry at the unfairness of it all. All he wanted was to let her know she was his mate, his chosen one. He wanted to help her heal, slowly. He wanted to be there for her, to wipe her tears, to catch her when she fell. These damn obstacles were pissing him off.

"Natsu." The old woman started, going to sit down in a chair and gesturing for him to do the same. "What Igneel told you is not untrue. A forced mating is broken once the one who forced it died. But I'm sure he also told you about the poison left in the body afterwards." At Natsu's curt nod, she continued. "This poison is nothing to scoff at. It's the reason why her scar is still present and her chain is still wrapped around her wrist. The reason she passed out when you kissed her was mostly subconscious. There are certain..things..you can do that will remind her of what happened."

"So I can't kiss my mate?" He interrupted, angrily, a clap of thunder resounding throughout as if to support him.

"Let me finish, boy." Porlyusica glared. "Like I was trying to say, when she gets reminded, the poison that usually lingers in her mark or in her chain bursts forth, and takes over. It's a very painful process."

Natsu groaned, putting his head in his hands. "How do I fix this.." He mumbled.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You are actually the only one who can fix this." At this, he perked up, a light coming into his eyes. "Listen, Natsu. You have to get rid of the poison. It will be very difficult, and painful for the girl. She may not be able to accept it mentally, or physically. You have to wait until she is ready, or these attacks will go on."

He jumped up, impatient. "Just tell me how!" He screamed.

She closed her eyes for the briefest of moments and then opened them up, a slight blush staining her cheeks. "You have to mark her as your own."

Rain strummed steadily on the rooftop, the occasional strike of lightening lit up the two huddled in the room, staring at each other. No noise save for Natsu's steady breathing as he stared down incredulously at the old woman.

Well, I was planning on doing that eventually anyways..but..

"How?" He finally breathed out, sitting back down again. "How can I ever do that if she passes out when I kiss her?" He imagined it very difficult to complete a mating ritual with an unconscious partner. Not that he would ever try it. Wouldn't that be forced, anyways? And then they'd come back to square one.

"By waiting, boy." She said, still slightly embarrassed but trying to hide it. "You tried to kiss her too soon. The poison is still fresh in her body! You have to get rid of it bit by bit. The chain will actually go away with time, but the mark will remain until you remove it with another..ehem..mating ritual. Lucy is in no way healed completely. If she ever tells you she's fine, don't take it seriously. That girl..she has a big heart." Porlyusica looked fondly at the room that housed their current topic.

"Yeah." Natsu grinned too. "She does. But how do I know when it's time? Will it keep hurting her until then? When is too soon? What do I do if she passes out again? What happens if-"

"Stop!" Porlyusica yelled, standing. She pointed her staff at the fire mage. "You have to figure that out on your own. I have given you enough information to answer your questions, no? Just take the girl when she wakes and leave me. You know I hate humans." She humphed, heading to her room.

"What the hell!" the dragon slayer yelled. "Enough information, my ass! You've only left me with more questions!"

She stopped, hand on the door knob. "You will know, when the time is right, Natsu. Believe me." And with that she entered the room, leaving a very pissed off Natsu behind, ready to pull out his hair.

"You'll know when the time is right." He mimicked in a high pitched voice. "That's not giving me anything to work with." He sighed, falling back into the chair he was sitting on. So Lucy's poisoned. And it only comes out when she's reminded of her attack. So I can't kiss her. "Argh!" He screamed, throwing his head into his hands again. How am I suppsed to replace her mark if she can't stay awake when I kiss her? I don't want to have to put her through pain again. Waiting is the only option. I don't want to have to accept that, though. He sighed, rubbing his temples. But I guess I'm going to have to help her through this. The first thing that has to go. Natsu thought, getting up to move to the room Lucy was still unconscious in. Is that damned chain.

So..technically he didn't get interrupted, right? You guys forgive me? :D

I've made it extra long for you guys, so don't be mad at me for the week long gap! I have a lot going on right now and college is killing me. It's about to be that time again..midterms..ugh! But anyways, you guys' suggestions always give me new ideas, so plant one on me if you will :D Thank you so much to my faithful readers, I love you guys!

TykkiMikk _ Here you go, just for you a longer chapter :D I'm sorry they're so short, I'm going to try to write longer ones, this one's a little short compared to other fics too, but it's better than what I've been writing!

Darkened Shadows _ Gah, there are so many of your ideas that I plan on using soon, you just keep adding to the list! You really are a big help ahaha. Sorry I had him interrupted so much, my fingers just kept typing away until BAM there they go again. Bahh. But at least there was a kiss, no? Though I'm not sure when the next one will be..I think I'd like to keep the development slow and steady, since she's still not completely over what happened mentally. But what do you think?

KawaiiOdango _ Thank you for the compliment XD I understand, I'll scroll through the NaLu tags too, not expecting another pairing it's just something I'd like to do for fun but I'll lable it as side chapter, so you'll know which one to skip so no worries :D

Ashes2Ashes121 _ Yeahh ahaha it was very much murder. It got kind of blown off in this chapter, what with Makarov trying to protect his brats, but I know I have to come back to it eventually, probably in the next chapter. I don't Natsu to go to jail, though, that would ruin Lucy's healing D:

WildCard555 _ Remember how I mentioned that you guys' reviews give me inspiration? Ahaha it was yours that made me sic the council on him. I get a lot of good suggestions from reviewers, and I love using them. It kind of makes me feel like this story is a group contribution :D But anyways, I really don't want to send Natsu to jail. If it comes to that, it wouldn't be for long. Something will happen to get him out. He's the second main character to my story D:

xBlueLovex _ Looks like he didn't have to! Makarov and the gang were there to do it for him! He'll eventually have to face the council, though, so a fight may ensue! And it looks like GaLe is going to win, by the way, so you're in luck! :D

RockStarCuti _ I'm so sorry it's been so long! I hope you haven't forgotten about my story D: This isn't a cliffhanger (much) so you should be happy :D Thanks for your continued reading, by the way, it's nice to see people getting excited over something I wrote!

X-StarMaidenGazer-X _ Yeah, he gets pretty pissed. Good call on that one ahaha :D

Online Person _ I agree with you! I want to make everything right, soon, but the characters won't let me. D: I tried to write something happy, but it turned into this. Gah! Nice name by the way. :D

story-teller666 _ I hope I got you off of the edge :D This isn't much of a cliffy!

NewDawnFox _ Oooo I love Loke/Aires, too! That's actually one I didn't expect to get suggested, thanks! Natsu killed Damon, of course, Lucy's attacker way back in the chapters ahaha. And then one of my reviewers took him down to hell and tortured him XD

NaLuFire _ I'm very happy that you like it! It makes me happy! :D:D Here you go, another update!

Guest _ I know, it was sad D: But it will be a HAPPY ENDING! No one despair! It may take a while to get there, but there will be a good NaLu end to this fic.

Demon-Art-Lover1 _ Yes, I completely understand the part that you didn't like, don't worry I forgive you if you hate me for that D: But everything will get better, I'm glad you think it's well written, it's my first one :D

Guest _ GAH! Not Erza! Please! Here, here nother chapter, anything but that!

Quierta Riddler _ First off, thank you for not just reading two chapters and stopping ahah! I hate it, as well, when stories go straight to the romance after what happened, it's going to hurt and eventually heal but it's going to take time, which is what I'm trying to do. Sorry about the long gap, it's been school and life and school, and then a couple slaps from reality, but I got it out, finally! :D

sbscanoeist347 _ Well here you go, I hope this answers your 'what happens next' question! :D

Thank you guys so much for your continued reviews and continued reading, it warms my heart to read your comments :D I would like to say that I am planning on making this story quite long, so just bear with me through the rough patch and soon we'll be sailing smooth!