Chapter 11
Off With His Head!
Lucy felt a cold chill against her back. Never had she been in this dungeon and wasn't in a cell. She was in a chair, Natsu sitting next to her. They sat as Mystogan slowly came to his senses. His head was hanging to the floor, but it quickly snapped up once he realized he had been chained to a chair, and bare naked.
"The fuck…" His head was pounding, the last thing he remembered was trying to stab Natsu. Mystogan looked up, finding both Natsu and Lucy glaring him down. The chains clinked as Mystogan pulled hard trying to release himself. He began to struggle in the bonds, glaring at Natsu and Lucy with disdain.
"Do you think that will work?" Natsu's voice came out raspy as he stood to his feet. He marched to the bars, chin held high. "I'm going to make you regret everything you did to her."
Natsu grabbed one of the bars, it vibrated violently. Natsu lifted his hand, summoning Lucy to his side. She stood, walking over to him. She handed him a small key. He took the key and unlocked the cell door, it squealed as it opened, Mystogan felt the dark aura coming from Natsu as he drew closer.
Natsu reached his hand out, clasping it around Mystogan's neck. His fingers began to squeeze his throat tightly, causing Mystogan's face to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. Mystogan struggled to break free, the chains rustled loudly with every move he made. Natsu let go, causing Mystogan to cough wildly, his head falling forward.
"So, how's it feel?" Natsu laughed. He grabbed a handful of Mystogan's locks, yanking them backward. "Answer some questions for me, and I may hold back a little."
Lucy stared at the scene in front of her. She wasn't even sure this was the Natsu she had gotten to know. He was brutal, harsh, and angry. She could only imagine what he would have done to her if she had kept refusing him. On the other hand, she knew Mystogan deserved what he was getting. Everything he had done to her was still visible. She looked down, using her arms to cover up everything she could see. She wanted them gone, never to be there.
"For every mark on Lucy's body, I will make it double on your's." Natsu hissed through his fangs. Mystogan's breathing still unsteady, tried to pull his head away from Natsu's grip. Only for him to scream in pain when Natsu jerked it more.
"First question, how much did Jude pay you to bring her home?" Natsu said as he pulled back his fist. Mystogan sat for a second, keeping his mouth shut. Natsu shoved his fist into Mystogan's side, causing the man to howl in pain. Mystogan hacked up a glob of blood, it fell down his neck. Natsu laughed crazily.
"Answer the question, Mystogan." Natsu growled, waiting for an answer.
Mystogan glares in response. Natsu slams his fist into his face, watching it snap backward and blood to fly from his nose. The sight of blood spurred Natsu on, his adrenaline taking control as he began to pummel Mystogan's face in. His knuckles began to turn red with blood, and finally, Mystogan relented.
"Okay, okay," he panted, his face smashed in. His right eye was swollen shut as he looked at Natsu angrily. "500,000 jewels."
"Oh, did that include molesting his daughter?" Natsu retorted, hitting his face again. "Now, why does Jude want Lucy?"
Mystogan's eyes avoided Natsu, refusing to answer him.
Natsu smirked, "Okay, my way then."
He sent a punch that made Mystogan fall backwards, the chair tipping over. Mystogan grunted as he hit the ground, before Natsu grabbed the chair and pulled it upright again. He grabbed the sides of Mystogan's face and squeezed harshly, leaning forwards so their foreheads were inches apart.
"Tell me. Right now." Natsu said lowly.
Mystogan stayed silent. Natsu raised his brows, "Fine."
Natsu rammed his forehead into Mystogan's face. Cracking rang through the dungeon, Mystogan's nose crunched under the impact. Natsu pulled away from him, Mystogan's blood trickling down his face. Mystogan huffed, trying not to screech from the pain. He took a deep breath, lifting his head to face Natsu. "So he can fucking murder you, prick."
Natsu cracked his bloody knuckles, tilting his head in enjoyment. Mystogan felt lightheaded, the world swayed around him. Natsu stopped his head, keeping it in place. He bent down, his eyes level to Mystogan's.
"Jude… wants Lucy so he can carry on with his plan…" Mystogan mumbled. Natsu leaned forward, his eyes red with anger.
"Tell me, what's his plan?" He said, a smirk formed on his face.
"He… he is gathering… an army…" Mystogan replied willingly.
Natsu backed away, standing to his feet. He turned to Lucy, who had a blank expression on her face. He hadn't meant to scare her, but in a way, she seemed to accept the violent justice.
"We're not done here." Natsu threatened Mystogan, leaving the cell with Lucy in tow. He locked the door and didn't look back.
"What're we gonna do with him?" Lucy asked as the pair ascended the stone steps into the castle.
"Get as much information as we can and then kill him." Natsu shrugged.
Luy nodded in silent agreement. She hated what he did to her. As they turned the corner, Gray and Erza nearly bumped into them.
Natsu grinned instantly at the sight, "You two look a lot better."
"Yeah, it's good to finally feel my arms again." Gray flexed his hand for emphasis.
"What happened with Mystogan?" Erza pressed.
"We have him locked up in the dungeon. Jude sent him to kill me and take Lucy back to him. Apparently, he's gathering an army." Natsu explained briefly.
"I don't want to go back… That life was horrible." Lucy shuddered.
Natsu put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I won't let that happen."
Lucy gave him a grateful smile. Gray and Erza exchanged a knowing look.
"Hey, can Lucy and I be alone for a sec?" Natsu looked to his friends.
Gray put his hands up, "Yeah, yeah, go ahead."
Erza and him turned and retreated down the hall. Once they were alone, Natsu turned to Lucy with an intenful eye.
"Listen Luce, I have to know how you truly feel. We haven't talked about it since we kissed… And I'm worried that something will happen." Natsu explained, meeting her eyes.
"I do like you, Natsu, maybe not love yet, but… I do enjoy being around you and having someone be there for me is amazing." Lucy gulped as she met his intense gaze.
Natsu's eyes darted to her lips, perhaps for permission, before he reached out and gently took her cheek, pulling her towards him. Lucy willingly moved closer, closing her eyes and meeting his lips.
It had been two weeks since Mystogan had tried to assassinate Natsu. The kingdom of Fiore had slowly come to an agreement that Natsu was their king, a better king at that. He had been trying to make living conditions better around castle town before trying the whole kingdom. With the princess at his side, more people believed it was for the best. Since Natsu had announced the ball, more rich companies planned to attend, which the king hopes it turns out good.
However, Natsu, the princess, and his attendees all sat on a balcony, with a perfect view of the execution grounds. Natsu placed his hand on the railing, slowly standing up from his chair.
"Your crimes against Fiore will not stand. Off with his head!" He shouted. The guillotine rustled as the executioner nodded and cut the rope, releasing the blade.
"PLEASE N-" Mystogan screamed before the blade ran clean through his neck. His head fell into the basket below, almost tipping over.
The crowd yelled, cheered, and even threw tomatoes down below. Natsu sat back in his chair, smiling with delight. Lucy and the others sat there unchanged. On the inside, the princess had felt slight relief seeing the man who had degraded her be executed.
Below, the executioner picked up Mystogan's limp headless body, throwing it into a pit of fire in the courtyard. The stands started to empty, people discussing the crimes Mystogan had done.
Natsu turned his head to his partner, "Luce, you okay?"
Lucy snapped out of her thoughts, facing Natsu slowly, "Uhh, yeah, sorry. I'm not really sure how to feel. Happy, yet I'm disgusted."
"That's understandable, should we continue to make preparations for the ball?" Natsu asked rising to his feet.
Lucy looked at him, his hand held out in front of her. She nodded and took his hand gracefully. As she stood, Natsu pulled her into a hug. Lucy gasped lightly, looking behind the king and seeing Erza and Gray both giggling at the scene.
She pushed Natsu away, her face beet red. "Let's just go!"
Natsu tilted his head, but shrugged his shoulders. He led the group from the balcony back into the castle. They moved down the hall joking and laughing with each other. A maid turned the corner and ran into Gray, startling and apologizing quickly.
"Sorry," Aries bowed her head, looking towards Natsu. "I came to tell you the throne room is prepared."
"Thank you, Aries." He replied walking past her. Lucy stopped, grabbing Aries' hands.
"You're doing great. Don't stress so much." She said cheerfully. Aries only nodded, rubbing her eyes.
Lucy turned, jogging to catch up to the group. She grabbed Natsu's hand. He looked down, a bit startled. She smiled at him, ignoring the snickering of Erza and Gray behind him. As they approached the doors, a tall man with dark brown hair greeted them.
"King Natsu, Makarov has asked for your attendance at Fairy Tail tomorrow morning. Shall I have a carriage ready by dawn?" He said sternly.
"Yes. Thank you, Capricorn." Natsu replied as he passed the man. The doors to the throne room opened slowly. The group moved towards the throne, Natsu taking his place in the large seat. His friends took their seats in chairs that had surrounded a table before the throne.
"We have to make sure this ball goes according to plan. Lucy do you have your speech down?" He turned his head to Lucy. She nodded, pulling a scroll in front of her.
"Yes, of course. Are you sure you want to fake our marriage? They might not believe us because there hasn't been a wedding." Lucy countered, her expression becoming worried.
"We'll say there's a future wedding. So, I would say we are engaged." Natsu said, turning to Erza. "I need you to form a guard, to ensure protection for this event. Can you do that?"
Erza nodded, "Yes, I'll handle it."
"Gray, can you make sure the people are enjoying themselves? Walk around and entertain them. Secure their loyalty to us." Natsu folded his hands as he looked around the table. They all gave him a look of approval. He finally sighed and started slouching in the throne. "Being king is soooo hard."
The group groaned loudly, Gray threw his hands in the air, "You just confirmed stuff. How the hell was that hard?"
"Shut it, ice princess!" Natsu exclaimed. The group laughed at the pouting king.
"Now, are you sure you want to come with me, Luce?" Natsu asked, walking into the early morning air. Lucy followed behind him, both dressed in dark cloaks. A carriage had already been pulled up in front of the castle.
"Yes. I'm sure." Lucy met his eyes, giving him a determined nod.
Natsu turned and approached the carriage. The driver, a young man, opened the carriage door for them. Natsu gestured for Lucy to enter first, before following behind her. They sat across from each other, curtains concealing them from the outside. The driver climbed on, and with a snap of the reins they set off.
"Sooo…" Natsu tried to look out the window, but with the curtain drawn he returned his gaze to the floor of the carriage. "We have to get engaged for the dance."
Lucy looked at him, "Well yeah, but it's fake." There was a pause. "Right?"
Natsu scratched the back of his neck, "I mean it- it could be fake. Yes. Or, if- if you wanted… We don't have to… Necessarily fake it."
Lucy began to bury herself in her cloak, hiding her face from Natsu as she huddled in the warm clothing. "Well…" Her voice was muffled by the thick cloth, and she continued on quietly. "We could."
Natsu leaned closer to her, "What?"
Lucy sat up quickly, emerging from the safety of her cloak. "I said we could!"
Natsu fell back, not expecting the princess to take his offer for real. His face was completely red. "Are you… for real?"
The king couldn't process it in his head. The girl was serious this time and here he was being a complete idiot about it. His eyes glanced at Lucy as she nodded in response. Natsu fumbled for his pockets, his heart racing as he whipped out a golden ring engraved with flames.
Lucy's eyes widened as she sputtered, "You had that on stand-by?!"
"Uhh…" Natsu held the ring out, his mind sluggish. "Yes?"
"Can we talk about this… After we deliver the package to the Straight's?" Lucy asked.
Natsu nodded quickly, shoving the ring back in his pocket. "Right. Yes, of course."
The carriage began to slow down, and Natsu stomped on the floor to signal the driver. They rolled to a halt, and Natsu turned to Lucy.
"Hoods up." He said, pulling his own over his pink hair.
Lucy slid her hood up, readying herself. Natsu grabbed the burlap sack from the floor and popped open the door. He leaped out onto the road and reached his hand out for Lucy. She took it, and he helped her down. Natsu closed the door and moved to the front of the carriage.
"Stay here for now, keep a low profile." Natsu ordered the driver.
The village was still dark with early dawn, the sun hadn't risen yet. Torches were lining the shadowy streets.
"Keep your head down and stay close to me." Natsu said to Lucy, moving into the darkness. Lucy clenched her fists and followed him down the alleyway. The king and princess were silhouettes as they made it onto the main road. They hugged the side, only seeing a few other villagers prepping for the day.
The castle was close by, looming over the village. A stone wall encircled the castle completely. Two guards were posted at the main gate, both looking exhausted from the night watch. One was leaning against the bars, seeming to doze off while the other was repeatedly yawning.
"You remember the training Erza gave you?" Natsu whispered.
Lucy gave him a nod.
"Alright, I'll take the right. You get the left." Natsu said, positioning himself behind a wooden shop. He inched around it, finally coming up on the guard's left. He hadn't been spotted yet. He could see Lucy across from him, waiting his command. He held up three fingers before sliding closer, counting down. When he hit zero, both of them sprang out of the darkness. Natsu tackled the guard, slamming his fist into his chin several times until the man's eyes rolled back. He looked over to see Lucy crouched over the unconscious body of the other one.
He smiled. Good job. He pointed towards the gate, indicating they had to keep going. Lucy followed in his footsteps as he creaked open the gate and slipped through. They approached the long steps leading up to the doors. There were too many soldiers stationed up there, so they would have to remain down low.
Natsu gripped the burlap sack tighter as he made his way up the steps. Once he was half-way up them, he opened the bag. He winced as the smell hit him, and turned his face away. Lucy was waiting for him at the bottom of the steps, keeping a look-out. Natsu grabbed a fistful of the hair and pulled Mystogan's head out of the sack, setting it on the steps. It was disfigured and pale, the eyes staring blankly out at the village.
Natsu crumpled the sack in his hands, fleeing down the steps to rejoin Lucy at the bottom.
"Alright, we've got to get out fast." He murmured, glancing around nervously.
Lucy gave another nod, watching as he took off and quickly following him. The sun was beginning to rise in the east, casting a golden glow over the town. The villagers were beginning to wake up, and it wouldn't be long before the streets would be crowded with people.
Natsu grabbed Lucy's hand and hurried them down the alleyway where their carriage awaited.
"Let's go." He spoke to the driver briefly, pulling open the door and helping Lucy enter before jumping in himself. He slammed the door shut and the carriage swiftly began to move.
Natsu sighed, leaning back as he tried to catch his breath. Lucy moved to his side, resting her head against his shoulder. She exhaled softly, catching Natsu's attention.
"Yes."