Author's Note: Hey everyone! I know it has been a while and I have been busy working on the story while I have been doing some self care. Thank you all again for the well wishes and for being there for me. I am hoping that after next month, things will finally start to settle back down and I can get back to my normal life and really continue to focus on putting out chapters every week or two. And again, if anyone is willing to edit my chapters for me, please let me know.

Did I mention how much I love your reviews? If you haven't heard from me yet it is because 1. you don't have an account for me to reply; but trust me. I read them and I see you. Or 2. I haven't gotten around to it when I posted this. Please continue to be patient with me as I try to get to each and every one of you. I love giving out hints for what is to come should you ask the right questions and I love reading that my work makes you FEEL something. No greatest compliment to an author than a reader telling said author that their story has made them feel a certain way. It is the best compliment in the world and I treasure each time someone tells me it. Thank you all for reviewing and reaching out to me. I can't tell you enough how blessed I am and I don't take a single one of you for granted. I will continue to post chapters as long as you continue to let me know some feedback or just let me know how you feel in general. I want to stay connected to you all as we continue this journey together. So please don't hesitate to reach out to me through reviewing or PMs because, again, I read them and I see you and I want to continue to stay connected.

So without any further things to discuss, the song for this chapter is "Haunted" by Holly Brook. One of my personal classic favorites. Please give it a listen as you read. I think you will see how Natsu and Lucy are feeling that really connected with the lyrics. And hey, while you are at it, lemme know what you think so we can fan-out together! Enjoy guys!

Saddest Parts Are Inside My Heart

~Chapter Twenty-Five-

~Cellar Point Bay~

Early morning haze pulled in a morning storm off the port of a small trading spot. Light rain fell on the sleepy sailor town in the wee hours of the day. At the hole-in-the-wall local inn, Lucy sat at a table in their makeshift apartment. She peered out the window while sipping her tea. The soft sounds of water droplets hitting the glass pane was somewhat soothing as it kept Lucy in a trance of her own deep reflections. Her mind playing over the events of the past day or so. Her home was attacked by masked men and they had to fight to barely escape. Lucy had used her trump card of having Aquarius fill the entire estate with water while her and the others were air lifted by Sing and Rogue to safety. She would be surprised if anyone survived that amount of water.

~A Few Days Ago~

Lucy clung to Yukino whom was clinging to the back of a white dragon named Sting. The wind rushed past them as the burning palace was becoming a faint light behind them in an ocean of deadly water from the lake. Lucy trembled against Yukino as the air chilled her straight right through her. She didn't know how long they were flying as it certainly felt like forever.

"You alright Lucy?" Yukino called.

"Y-yes. How soon until we land?"

"Soon Princess, just looking for a place to land." Rogue's voice boomed over the sound of the flying.

"I think that might be a decent spot for us to use." Sting replied as they were flying over a clearing. The two dragons descended from the skies and made a safe land on the ground. The dragons waited until their passengers had climbed off their backs before shifting back into their normal forms. Minerva handed the men their clothes as they quickly changed.

"What is the plan now?" Yukino was the first to ask.

"I don't think there are any survivors." Sting mused thoughtfully.

"That gives us an advantage, but we need to strike while the iron is hot." Minerva voiced.

"I agree. So I have a plan." Rogue spoke which gained everyone's attention.

"Let's hear it." Sting urged. Lucy remained silent as she attempted to warm herself up from traveling through the chilly night sky and coming to terms from them all escaping from their close brush with death. Sensing Lucy's ailments, Yukino produced her shawl and lent it to the Princess to which Lucy accepted it gratefully.

"Minerva and I will return to the palace and claim to be the only survivors. Lucy, I'll need something from you to prove your death." Rogue explained.

"Wait! How come you and Minerva get to be the only survivors? What about Yukino and me?" Sting fussed.

"Because you and Yukino will need to protect Lucy should your lives be discovered. Besides, having only us survive means fewer stories to collaborate together." Minerva explained.

"That would make the most sense. Now the Celestial Palace is destroyed again, it will make the story more believable. You sure you are the only survivors?" Lucy questioned.

Sting snorted, "After what that mermaid pulled and our fighting, I'd find that hard to believe."

"Just be careful." Lucy cautioned.

"Don't worry Princess Lucy, we can handle this situation." Minerva reassured.

"So while Minerva and I return to give the good news, you will need to head towards the Northern Kingdom. You should be able to seek asylum there." Rogue pointed out.

"So we will need to go to Cellar Point Bay? That is the quickest way there last time I checked." Sting thought aloud.

"We will see if we can get support from Prince Natsu in getting you safe passage. Get settled there first and wait for us to send word in a few days."

~Present~

Lucy was suddenly pulled from her memories by a silver haired woman sitting before her and pouring herself her own cup of tea.

"Ginger tea again?" Yukino lightly giggled. Lucy gave a little nod but continued to watch the rain. A silence settled once again awkwardly. "You thinkin' pretty hard 'bout something?" Yukino yawned tiredly as she attempted again to start conversation.

"Nothing too serious." Lucy smiled softly.

"Seemed serious from your expression. I'm a good listener." Yukino didn't look up from pouring the milk and sugar in her cup.

"Just worried about the situation overall.." Lucy sighed as she took a sip from her cooling tea on the table.

"I can understand that, but not to worry, you are in good hands." Lucy felt Yukino hand atop of hers as she offered her emotional support.

"Natsu has to be going out of his mind..."

"And he has others there to help put him back together until Rouge and Minerva explain the situation."

"Problem is, how reckless will he be until they arrive?" Yukino chewed the bottom of her lip nervously when faced with that question. Neither needed to say the obvious. It would be a miracle if there wasn't sort of destruction from Natsu's end.

"I wish I could go to him." Lucy returned her attention to the rain outside.

"I know you do, but I promise, where we are going, you will be safer and then you will be reunited soon." Yukino withdrew her hand and sipped her tea. Lucy didn't offer a response as she continued to stare out. "You know Princess, you seem paler than usual. You probably should try to take better care of yourself."

"I know I am not feeling well. I think all this stress has gotten to me. That is why I am drinking this tea." Lucy offered.

"Well don't push yourself too hard. After all, we need you in top shape for traveling to the Northern kingdom."

"You know everyone mentions the Northern kingdom or Northern Palace. Levy showed me a picture of a young boy with dark hair in those photos we looked at. She said his name was Prince Gray at the time."

"Yep, he is the King of the North now. It was only a few years ago that he obtained the crown and title. He ended up marrying the Sea Queen's daughter Juvia. She was a Princess off these sea island chains in the south, and was traveling to kingdoms when they met."

"What are they like?" Lucy found herself curious.

"Aww, don't you want to be surprised?" Yukino teased.

"I have come to find it is best to know a situation before walking into it rather than after."

"Well they have a son named Storm who is around 2 or 3; just a toddler I think. They are a nice couple. Gray is a fair ruler and has a somewhat relaxed personality. Juvia is nice on her own. She is a hopeless romantic for Gray. But my advice to you is to make it clear you are not interested in Gray early on. She doesn't take to jealousy well."

"Yikes..."

"But she is a sweetheart other than that and very kind. Just...when it comes to Gray, he is her husband and wants everyone to be aware of that fact."

"Starting to think that going to them for help might be a bad idea." Lucy felt a chill up her spine.

"Problem is Princess, we don't have many options to choose from here and we need their help. If your heart is only for my Prince, then you have nothing to worry about." Sting joined the conversation as he took a seat beside his beloved Yukino and kissed her cheek affectionately.

"Morning Sting." Yukino blushed.

"Hmph, some morning when I don't get to wake up with you by my side." Sting grumbled mocked dejectedly.

"Oh don't start with that. You are always gone to train in the mornings before I wake most of the time. Besides, I was catching up with my friend." Yukino cuddled close to Sting whom had happily wrapped his arm around her and pulled her chair closer. Lucy suddenly felt out of place as if she shouldn't be seeing such an intimate moment between the two. What is worse is she felt the sudden urge to run from them or to burst into tears.

"What's the matter Princess?" Sting easily picked up on Lucy whom didn't hide her once guarded expression. Blinking back, Lucy suddenly stood.

"I...I should go back to laying down. I don't feel well."

"You look pale. You aren't getting sick are you?" Sting spoke with concern.

"I don't think so. It is just the stress I feel." Lucy bused her empty teacup.

"Get some rest. We will let you know if we get a response from Natsu." Yukino spoke.

"I appreciate that." Lucy offered a sincere smile that faltered as soon as soon as she turned away from them and headed back towards her own room to rest. For some reason she felt sudden exhaustion. Perhaps it was the rain or maybe the traveling; regardless, all she suddenly wanted was a soft bed to sleep in.

~Natsu~

Natsu sat before his brother in a conference type meeting room with Erza by his side along with her Father and other prestigious members of both parties. Jellal stayed at the side of the room unnoticed while a person sat between both parties scribing away an official treaty. Natsu stared blankly ahead and not really focusing on any particular thing. Erza and her father were talking with the scribe while they conducted their own part of the treaty. Zeref coldly attempted to capture Natsu's attention to which Natsu wouldn't even indulge as his mind was thinking rather heavily about these past few days.

Rogue had made Minerva go into hiding in order to protect her and to have better protection against Zeref's affairs. Natsu had advised Rogue to use the upmost safety and protection in regards to spying on his sibling. He didn't want another person being harmed by this man. Rogue swearing to be cautious in infiltrating any and all information that he would get from Zeref in order to stay ahead and prevent another attack.

That is why Natsu had found himself in this insufferable meeting per Erza's idea. She wanted to make the first attack while the opportunity window was still open. She wanted to go through the process of her being chosen as the future bride of Prince Natsu as he had now made his choice much to Zeref's smug satisfaction. So now here they sat in the meeting working on a draft of a treaty that would go into full effect the day after their wedding. Something that Natsu was all but dreading as he had agreed with Erza to go with her plan.

With the final decision being made, both Lisanna and Cana needed to work swiftly on supporting both Natsu and Lucy without giving any information away to Zeref. Cana, with her father Gildarts, made their quick departure shortly after Natsu had made his announcement to Zeref and was making her way towards where Lucy and the others were sitting tight. As for Lisanna, she had informed Natsu that she would return to her kingdom and discuss with her siblings to help convince them to help the Lost Princess and see in her treasury for any of the golden keys.

"Both parties will be married in one month after properly making preparations of the wedding ceremony. Upon the union, the Kingdom of Dragons will have the Desert Kingdom merge as one and its resources be added to the royal house's inventory. In exchange, the former Desert Kingdom will now and forever be under the protection of the Dragon Kingdom and the Desert Kingdom's customs will be respected as well as practiced without prejudice." the scribe read off the treaty's outline of his own written work. Natsu was pulled out of his own thoughts by the voice of the scribe and caught Zeref's eye accidently. He quickly looked away with the same blank expression unwavering from his facade. He, in all honesty, didn't care if his brother was offended or not by his lack of actions as of late. As far as Natsu felt concerned, Zeref had lost that right when he had attempted to have Lucy killed and then led him to believe that she was murdered. In his eyes, this was unforgivable and he couldn't care less if he had to see his brother outside of absolute formalities. Unfortunately, Zeref appeared to be trying to fix the gap he had made.

"I believe we can agree to these terms." Erza's father spoke after hearing the treaty's draft read.

"And I agree as well. Over the course of the next month, we will continue to modify until we are both satisfied with the final draft before the wedding." Zeref contently spoke.

"It is settled then." the scribe shifted the documents into a folder as all members of the table stood and began to gather their belongings. Natsu was the first out of the room with Erza following closely behind.

"Natsu let's get a treat. That meeting left me famished." Erza played the affectionate fiancé by looping her arm around Natsu's and snuggling close to his side. Even acting like this, Erza still managed to exhibit a mature ambiance around them. Jellal followed closely behind in the shadows as her body guard.

Natsu never responded to Erza's request. He had simply turned down the hallway that would lead them towards the kitchens. Safely out of earshot of those from the meeting, Erza dropped her act and continued to walk beside Natsu. "You need to stay focused." she spoke looking ahead while they continued on their way.

"What did I do this time?" Natsu spoke devoid of any emotion.

"A little more passion in regards to me is a start. And would it kill you to put up a front in rebuilding a relationship with your brother?"

"Yes it would." Natsu replied flatly.

Erza let out an aspirated sigh, "The point isn't for him to suspect anything. You are going to blow our cover!" Erza scolded annoyed.

"I don't care. Zeref knows what this is. If he wanted an genuine romance, he would have accepted Lucy and we would be the ones getting married." Natsu kept walking.

"That isn't the point! You don't want him to stick his nose where it doesn't belong. The last thing we need is for him to discover what is really going on and make another order that we know we may not come back from."

"Exactly what I am staying away. Look, I can't hide what I feel and I don't care if he is suffering from my reaction for his doing. He can try all he wants, but I am not going to kiss his ass anymore. And last time I had checked, I have been meeting his stupid requirements. He doesn't like my attitude about it; well that sounds like his problem, not mine. Get your cake. I want to go work on a letter when we get back to my suite." Natsu folded his arms as they stopped right outside the kitchen doors.

"I get it alright. Just...I hope you know what you are doing."

"Don't worry so much Erza. Your plan is gonna work. Right now, I am just stickin' it to my brother. Your plan will not fail. I swear on it."

"It better not." Erza smirked with the fire in her eyes. She stepped into the kitchen to retrieve her afternoon cake. Natsu let out a sigh and rested against the wall. Jellal approached him.

"Not you too..." Natsu grumbled as he eyed the usually silent warrior.

"I got this from Lisanna earlier." Jellal passed over an envelope with the Strauss's seal on the back. Natsu quickly opened the contents to see what Lisanna could have possibly written. Inside was a letter that Natsu had spied as well as a golden key. Quickly reading the letter as he pocketed the key; Natsu read that Lisanna had returned home safely and was gathering her siblings support. Lisanna had gone to the treasury as promised and discovered Virgo's key by her sister Mirajane. She had wished to visit Lucy once she had settled in the North Palace and would write again soon. She expressed to stay strong and that Natsu would soon have the Crystal kingdom's full support.

"Good news?" Jellal spoke. Natsu gave a nod as he also pocketed the letter with the key.

"Looks like Luce has another key." he smirked.

"She should be pleased. I assume Lisanna sent that?" Erza asked as she rejoined the men that were waiting on her.

"Yes. The key is Virgo's. Mirajane found it." Natsu explained.

"Of course she did." Erza replied sarcastically which earned a perplexed stare from Natsu.

"Mira and Erza are rivals." Jellal whispered to the Prince.

"We are not! I am stronger than she claims to be!" Erza defended.

"Yes. We know you are." Jellal pacified Erza before she went and did something rash.

"We weren't even talking about strength..." Natsu mumbled. Erza took a bite out of her cake as she decided to not argue with Natsu with her smug smile. Natsu, not pressing the odd matter, led the way back while favoring his side where Virgo's key was hidden on him.

~Lucy~

The rain continued all throughout the day as Lucy found herself without energy for her motivation. At least her be was warm and inviting for a rundown inn bedding; although it left much to be desired from her bed from the Celestial Palace. Being in bed did have its downside as her mind was full of worries of her destroyed home. This time her friends were not there to help repair the damage of Aquarius' waves. She couldn't stop her mind from dreading to think of what would happen if things hadn't played out as they did. What if she hadn't trained or gotten stronger? What if she had refused to fight? By the gods, what she would give to have her mind stop over-thinking for a moment or two.

What made matters worse was she felt starving, but was too shy to ask for more food. They had limited means and were trying to stay hidden. The tea helped, but having the choice to eat all day would've been better. So with her stomach empty and her mind full, all Lucy could do was toss and turn the day away in bed. As it was nearing dinner time, Lucy finally managed to sit up in her bedding and have the blankets pool in her lap as she stared out at the rain still hitting the glass of her window. "I wish-" Lucy found herself cut off as her door was suddenly kicked in by the silhouette of a wild woman. Lucy let out a terrified cry; which was quickly silenced by a familiar laugh.

"Oi Luce! What are you cryin' for?" Cana came into the room with a huge grin.

"Cana?!" Lucy gasped and rushed over to hug her friend tightly. Something about seeing another familiar face was all too soothing for the worrying woman.

"Sorry I ain't what you expected. I mean sure I can dye my hair pink and make my balls smaller, but I ain't that much of a sadist." Cana chuckled. Lucy was too overwhelmed with happiness to be mad about the cheap shot aimed at the man she loved.

"Cana I can't believe you are here! How? When!" Lucy sprouted her questions just as they entered her mind.

"Really? That is what you asked? You know you guys sent Rogue to us." Cana pulled back to really look at Lucy.

"I am so glad you are here." Lucy felt the tears prickle her eyes as relief filled her.

"We are too. We have a lot to touch bases on."

"We?"

"My father and I are here."

"Gildarts?"

"Who else? Lucy, you feeling okay?" Cana took in the pale woman's appearance and noticed how tired she looked.

"It's been a trying couple of days. The stress has gotten to me I feel." Lucy offered a sheepish smile that fell short to a grimace.

"Uh-huh..." Cana spoke slowly unconvinced, but didn't press the matter, "Well you should come out. We have food and we need to explain the plan. Plus, I think it is time you and my Dad formally met." Cana took hold of Lucy's hand.

"But I am not presentable!" Lucy blanched back.

"Oh please. You are covered and besides, my Dad has seen worse. Come on, everyone is waiting and we don't care if you are in your nightgown." Cana rolled her eyes. Without waiting for Lucy's next excuse, Cana pulled her from the room to where the others sat with their own food. Yukino was serving the dishes while Sting was discussing something intense with an older, handsome male that looked quite familiar. He had a few peppered strands through his auburn hair, a scruffy shadow on his chin and cheeks, and a familiar, warm smile. Upon Cana and Lucy joining the room; the man known as Gildarts, as well as the others, looked towards them.

"About time you joined us." Gildarts chuckled.

"Not my fault. Lucy was asking a million things." Cana rolled her eyes and made them take their spots. Yukino placed food in front of Lucy. Lucy couldn't help herself as she dug right in.

"Think Natsu might have rubbed off on this one." Gildarts chuckled. Cana shot her father a warning look to which he began to focus on his own plate. Lucy paid no mind as she was too consumed with the mini-feast before her.

Sting cleared his throat once they were all settled, "So we leave at first light tomorrow morning?"

"Yes. Our ship is ready and we have been granted safe passage to the Northern kingdom." Gildarts replied.

"We are going to need a few things before we disembark." Yukino spoke up.

"I assume proper clothes?' Cana replied.

"Yes, we haven't been able to venture out for obvious reasons. We were fortunate to have Sting call in a favor to stay here, but we may have already worn out our welcome..." Yukino blushed.

"I will get something for you three after dinner. We also need a few things for the trip anyway." Cana spoke after a long drink from her glass.

"How long will the trip be?" Lucy asked.

"Two, maybe three days; depending on the weather of our travel. But our ship is fast and the skies are predicted to be clear on our way up. I suspect we will have no trouble on our voyage." Gildarts winked at Lucy almost flirtatiously. Cana gave another warning glare and earned her father's rolling eyes with a muttered 'cock block' under his breath.

Lucy attempted to ignore the exchange in all its awkwardness. If she had to put up with a little uncomfortable advances from the man in order for all of them to gain safe passage; it was something Lucy was more than willing to endure for the sake of them all. Not that she really paid attention as she seemed focused on eating seconds.

"How is Rogue and Minerva?" Yukino decided to take this moment to change topics.

"Made it safe and sound back at the capital. Minerva is sent somewhere safe while Rogue will spy on Zeref's intentions. According to them, you and Sting were separated and there were no survivors. We are using that to our benefit. Our goal now is to get you to safety as Zeref right now is preoccupied with thinking he has won." Cana explained.

"Very good." Sting nodded, "Seems like a good goal that shouldn't be hard to accomplish."

"What we need to focus on now is our end of getting to the Northern Kingdom in one piece. Once there, we will be able to let Natsu know that we are alright. I know he is anxiously awaiting to hear from you." Gildarts gave a knowing look to Lucy.

"How is he holding up?" she asked.

"As well as you'd expect from Natsu when it comes to you." Cana carefully worded the response; to which Lucy could read between the lines.

"I see...then it is important that I write to him at once. He must be going through hell..." Lucy commented quietly with the guild filling her.

"Don't beat yourself up too much about this. Natsu is stronger than we all give him credit for. He has a great support system like you. So don't count on him being put out just yet." Sting offered sincerely.

"I agree. Sure he is worried about you, but I promise, he has more faith in your abilities to adapt as well as his friends. We both are in good hands." Cana smiled.

"Thank you everyone." Lucy sighed as she allowed herself to feel the first wave of relief since Natsu had left.

"Good. Now finish this third plate before I have to go shopping. We need to finish getting ready before tomorrow." Cana filled Lucy's now empty plate. Once the meal had finished, Yukino and Cana had left to buy clothes and few items for the trip while Lucy had returned to her bed. After a good meal and some relief from seeing her closest friends, it did not take long until Lucy had given into the warmth of her bed for a good night's rest. However, it was all too soon interrupted before sunrise by the other's awakening her to change and board the ship that was ready to lead them to safety. The ship was spacious and held a lot of cargo. Gildarts was at the wheel controlling the course after they all, including the crew, safely boarded and set their trip to this new land of water and ice.