Chapter edited 8/24/18.

"We will be back in Magnolia before you know it," Wendy said, smiling up at her friend. "I'm sure everyone will be glad to know you're safe."

Lucy nodded, pulling at the clothes she'd been given. Carla didn't exactly opt for her well-known short skirts and crop tops, but she did manage to pick a skirt and decent top. It covered her well enough, more than her clothes normally would. She was grateful.

She couldn't imagine showing skin right now, not after him.

Wendy's quick work managed to save her from scarring. Even the deep wounds across her back were gone, nothing but a memory now. The bruises that once covered her chest and stomach were faded too, and she was thankful Wendy didn't say anything when she saw the marks while healing her.

Glancing at Freed, she was glad even a margin of her dignity remained. He hadn't seen every mark, which was her only saving grace. He'd already seen her in the basement, she didn't want to imagine what his mind would come up with if he saw the bruising on her torso too.

"Are you ready?" Freed asked, his coat draped across one arm. They wouldn't be able to do anything about cleaning it until they were back at the guild, and by then Lucy feared it would be ruined. It was already dried with blood, and using the sink didn't seem to help.

She tried cleaning it a few minutes ago before he gently took it away, telling her to not worry about it. Honestly she felt terrible for ruining something he clearly enjoyed, but there was nothing to be done about it now. He wouldn't let her keep scrubbing at the stains anyway.

She nodded once, standing on her own. Carla purchased a pair of flat shoes for her, something she greatly appreciated. Walking in any sort of heel would be her downfall right now. She'd barely managed to eat anything for breakfast. Despite her malnourishment, the idea of food made her sick. Hours ago she was practically salivating at the idea of food, but when it was placed in front of her she could barely stomach a couple bites.

Well, most things made her sick right now. That was something she had no problem blaming on him. Hopefully she got her appetite back soon, noting that the pants Carla bought in her size were a little too big.

She followed the others out of the room, glad everyone was kind enough to not push her right now. She didn't think she could honestly talk to them, her mind a million miles away on her keys.

Could he really accomplish it? Using her spirits as a gateway, could he really-

"Everyone's worried about you," Wendy interrupted, oblivious to the dark thoughts circling in her head. "I haven't gotten to talk to everyone yet, but Master said they were rushing back to see you. Everyone should be in Magnolia by tonight, I'm sure they are excited to see you."

Her heartbeat picked up, fear setting in. What was she supposed to tell her friends? Wendy didn't dare pick her mind for details, and while Freed asked questions he wasn't pushy. But Natsu? He'd demand an answers so he could go fight the man that did this, not to mention Erza and Gray. Hell, she'd be lucky if the trio didn't start a riot to try and avenge her.

Feeling tears rising up, she swallowed thickly. She couldn't imagine telling anyone the truth, and while she loved her friends dearly they were not always the best at respecting boundaries. What if they pushed her to talk?

She was suddenly glad Freed and Carla were walking ahead of them, determined to get on the earliest train to Magnolia. Freed seemed to be decent at reading her, and that was the last thing she wanted. He might pick up on her apprehension, and she didn't want to talk about it right now.

Forcing a half hearted smile, she looked down at Wendy. "It will be good to see everyone again."

The ride back to Magnolia was more peaceful than Lucy was used to. Typically when she traveled with her team the journey to their destination was just as much of an adventure as the mission itself. With Freed and Wendy it wasn't nearly as exciting.

The same could not be said for the guild hall. She almost fought the group on going there, knowing there'd be a lot going on upon arrival. But she knew they wouldn't listen anyway, and she needed to face Master and the others sooner than later. If she thought she could slip in easily though, she was wrong. The moment she stepped in, it was like a sensor went off and everyone's attention was directed at her.

"Lucy!"

She was somewhat grateful she followed the other three into the guild, at least it gave them a brief moment to try and move out of the way before she was attacked. Too many arms folded around her, the concern her friends felt overbearing compared to what she thought she could handle.

Everyone meant well, but she felt her heartbeat picking up. For the first time in her life, she actually felt anxiety from her friends.

"What happened?" Erza was saying, her voice sounding far away even though she was in her face. "We were so worried, I made Gray come back early. Tell us what happened-"

"Let me see her," Natsu interrupted, pushing at Erza. "Luce, let me-"

"Give her space Flame-Brain," Gray snapped, somewhere to Lucy's left. "We can't just-"

"Lu, come sit down," Levy said, gently touching her shoulder. "We can-"

"Bunny girl needs rest," Gajeel interrupted, his voice lost in the sea with everything else. She didn't think he was touching her, but now she wasn't sure.

Too many people, too many hands.

They kept talking to her like she could hear them, but their voices were fading into a blur. Behind her closest friends she could see other members of the guild crowding around, everyone trying to show their support and concern.

They just wanted to help.

She felt her breathing hitch, and for a moment she thought she saw Erza notice. Looking around she tried to spot Wendy and Freed, but they were behind the others, their expressions distorted as her vision blurred with tears. Everyone was starting to look like a giant mass of color.

Her cheeks felt we but, she didn't remember that happening. She couldn't make out their individual voices anymore, the sound a buzz in her ears. Her hands shot up, clutching her chest. She felt her breathing pick up, panic setting in.

"Hold still Blondie, you don't want those cuts getting worse do you?"

She flinched, remembering his grin before he'd started beating her again. The way his eyes widened as he watched her, the glee in his expression. She didn't remember him being this way, yet he'd evolved into someone completely different.

"Lucy?"

The voices sounded closer, but she couldn't focus on them. She couldn't even figure out who was talking. She dropped down to her knees, trying to control her breathing as her cheeks grew wetter.

"Back up-"

"Give her space-"

"Freed-"

She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her shoulders shaking. The hands were gone now, but she still felt an impression like someone else was there, holding her down. It seemed quieter in the room, but she wasn't sure. She couldn't focus on what was around her, her mind slipping off into her thoughts.

"Why won't you tell me?" he snarled, striking her again. She screamed, the pain ripping through her back. She'd lost the will to turn and look at him, the strikes across her skin burning paths each time he lashed out at her. Lucy screamed, trying to regain her senses. She didn't have her spirits there to aid her, she would need to do this herself.

"Tell me!" he cried again, grabbing her roughly by the arm. He flipped her over, her shredded back slamming into the concrete. Pain shot through her body, the impact momentarily leaving her breathless.

Her eyes danced closed for a moment before he kicked her, her rips screaming in protest from the strike. She gasped, trying to scoot away from him. He grabbed her shirt, tearing the front to shreds.

"If you won't comply, I'll force you."

Distantly, she realized someone was holding her. She thought she might even be moving. Their scent was different than his, soothing compared to her vivid memory. She tried focusing, blinking several times before something caught her attention.

Green.

She smiled a little, recognizing Freed's hair. He looked nothing like her attacker, and she realized he was carrying her someplace. The more she focused on him the more aware she became, still panicky but able to focus on her surroundings again.

They were upstairs in the guild hall, apparently on their way to the infirmary. Freed was saying something she couldn't focus on, looking away from her as they walked.

Instead of trying to focus, she turned her face away from the chaos around her into his chest, realizing he was the scent that brought her out of the memory. He was comforting and secure, just like when he found her.

Lucy took a shuddering breath, squeezing her eyes shut. She had to get ahold of herself.

"Natsu, calm down," Erza commanded, leading the way to the infirmary. Technically Makarov only asked for Freed to take Lucy upstairs, but there was no way they'd abandon their Nakama that way. Gray was directly behind Freed, arguing with Natsu the entire way.

They wanted answers, and he seemed to know the most. Why did Lucy only calm down when he approached? Erza could be calming!

She opened the door, letting Freed carry Lucy into the room. She thought Natsu might explode if he didn't get some answers soon, practically throwing Gray to the other side of the hall to follow them into the infirmary.

"What the hell happened?" he seethed, stalking Freed across the room. Freed already warned Natsu once about his temper, watching the way Lucy seemed to lose herself downstairs around her best friends. Freed glared at him as he tried setting the blonde on the bed, failing to detach himself from her when she refused to let go.

"Yeah man what's going on?" Gray snapped, his shirt now gone.

Freed, while trying to pull Lucy's arms gently away from his neck, glared at the trio. "Calm down. You're scaring her."

Natsu reeled, fire jumping to life around him. "I'm scaring Luce-"

"Natsu!" someone seethed, stopping the pink haired man in his tracks. Erza glanced towards the door, noticing the livid expression on Master's face as he entered. He only looked that serious when he was angry.

Lucy seemed to recognize Makarov, finally letting go of Freed's neck. Erza watched the exchange, surprised when he reached out to gently grasp her shoulder. It was surprising since the poor girl jumped away from literally everyone downstairs, yet she seemed to be searching for Freed's attention.

Erza narrowed her eyes, wondering how she became so certain she needed Freed by her side when the two weren't close. They didn't even have a story yet about what happened. She knew they met up on separate jobs, but that was all. From the little she'd gotten him to say, it sounded like Freed didn't know much either.

"Everyone out," Makarov sighed, glaring at Gray and Natsu. "I'm not going to argue with you children. I need to speak with Lucy and Freed in private."

Natsu, flames still dancing around his head, crossed his arms and looked towards Lucy. "I'm not leaving my partner. Lucy needs me."

"Lucy needs quiet right now," Makarov snapped, his gaze unwavering. "You can come back later if she wants company. Right now I need to speak with them alone."

"But Master-"

"No buts," he continued, looking at the members of Team Natsu in turn. "I'm not going to argue with you three. Your nakama needs peace, and I'm sure when things settle down she will want to see you. Right now you're just stressing her out and scaring her. Can't you see that, or are you too concerned about making sure she tells you what happened first?"

The trio glanced at each other, recognizing the sound of Lucy's quiet cries. Natsu glanced over his shoulder, his heart breaking at the pained expression on her face as she tried to hold it together. Freed was no longer holding her shoulder, instead sitting on another bed beside her looking as lost as the rest of them. She gripped the comforter so tightly it would be a miracle if it didn't rip, and occasionally her eyes danced around until they spotted Freed again, as though to ensure that he hadn't left.

He didn't want to leave his partner alone, but she wouldn't even look at him. She wasn't looking at anyone, her eyes downcast as if she couldn't bear meeting anyone's gaze. Despite what his heart told him to do, he listened when Erza demanded he follow her out.

He didn't want to leave, but he wouldn't argue right now. Not when Lucy looked so broken, and she didn't even want to face him. His hands tightened into fists, wondering who could've possibly harmed his teammate.

Natsu didn't care who it was. He'd kill them for touching her.

Freed was thankful it was finally quiet. With the others gone, he could focus on Master Makarov and Lucy. The blonde girl had stopped crying, resorting to looking at her feet as he gave a brief summary about what he knew of the situation.

Lucy didn't chime in once. He was worried she wouldn't tell them anything about who attacked her. So far all of his hopes were dashed, and she had yet to open up to any of her teammates. Maybe it was too soon, but he had hoped some of her usual light would come back.

"How are you feeling my dear?" Makarov asked, his expression softening when Freed finished. He could feel anger burning inside him for the harm she went through but kept himself in check, knowing it wouldn't help. She didn't seem able to handle anger right now, and he'd been angry about it since yesterday. Waiting a little longer to blow off steam wouldn't kill him.

Lucy just shook her head, disappointing Freed a little when she didn't speak. Makarov shot him a look, as though trying to read the body language between them.

"Can you remember the address of the house?" he continued when Lucy didn't speak. "I want to send a team to investigate the location and see if we can't find out anything else."

"Yes, I gave it to Evergreen on the way in. I figured you would want someone out there immediately. She can give it to whoever you want."

Nodding, he focused on Lucy. She still wasn't looking at them, finding her feet incredibly interesting. He sighed, knowing without asking that she wouldn't share. She'd cowered when her dearest friends approached her, as though she couldn't stand the idea of being touched. He felt a wave of anger setting in, hoping whoever did this tried to find her so they'd have another reason to fight and beat him down.

But he wasn't going to get anything out of her right now. Lucy was scared for reasons he couldn't fathom, and keeping her somewhere she felt uncomfortable wouldn't help.

"Freed, take Lucy home," he said simply, surprising the man. "Ward her house. Whoever she wants to stay with her can, but otherwise I think some time to herself would be good before everyone tries to question her. Does that sound alright Lucy?"

The blonde nodded once, causing Makarov to smile. Her action was a bit jerky but otherwise obvious, even if she did bite her lip immediately afterwards. Wendy's magic could only heal so much, and the spot she bit swelled with a drop of blood. Makarov frowned, wondering if she even noticed. He was glad to see that now that there were less people around she didn't seem as scared, which made him wonder if more than one person had attacked her. Shoving the thought out of his head, he looked towards Freed again.

"Keep the lacrima on you. Once Lucy decides who she wants to stay with her-"

"I-I can't go home," she interrupted, her voice stronger than Freed thought it would be. Both men turned towards her as her head whipped up, eyes widening. "He'll find me!"

"Who child?" Makarov asked, his eyebrows drawing together. She just shook her head, quickly taking back what she'd said.

"You don't want to stay here Lucy," Freed reminded gently, eyeing her. "Everyone wants to know how you are. They will want to come up here-"

"I can't go home," she reasoned, gripping the edge of the bed. "He said so. He knows where I live. He'll break through the magic and finish what he started."

Freed frowned, watching as she hugged herself, slowly curling into a trembling ball. Whatever the man told her, she looked absolutely certain that he would find her if she went home.

He didn't think the guild was a less obvious place though, and more people would want to check on her if she stayed. Staying here would just be bad for her mental health.

"What about someone else's house?" Freed continued, eyeing their master. "Perhaps Natsu's home or Erza's? They would both be fully capable of protecting you, Lucy."

"No," she whispered quietly, shaking her head. "He knows where they are. Who they are. He knows them. He'll try to hurt them too. It'll be my fault. Like my spirits getting hurt. Mine."

Freed seriously doubted someone could just waltz in and defeat any of her teammates, but he didn't say it out loud. She appeared to just be holding onto herself, willing the tears to remain at bay while she forced herself to continue the conversation. Lost for what he should suggest next, he looked towards Makarov for guidance.

"Where would you feel comfortable, Lucy?" he asked gently, glancing between the pair. "We only want to make you feel safe and secure. Wherever you feel the safest we will keep safe."

She didn't respond at first, staring between the two. Her eyes glanced towards Freed a few times, as though she wasn't sure what to say. After several moments of hesitation she spoke up, her cheeks coloring as she glanced at him. "He… I don't think he knows where you live, Freed."

His eyebrows shot up, taking in her words. It troubled him that she didn't seem to trust her friends, some of the closest comrades she'd had since joining Fairy Tail. He was fairly certain any one of them could protect her, but Lucy seemed to believe otherwise.

"If you believe that to be the best option you can stay with me," he said, nodding his head once. He wasn't entirely sure what he would tell her overprotective team, but he couldn't exactly ignore her wishes when she looked so scared. She was on the verge of a breakdown, and they didn't need Natsu breaking down the door when he sensed Lucy's tears. "We have to let the others know where you are though. They will panic if you just disappear."

She nodded stiffly, waiting for Makarov to agree. He relented, looking carefully between the pair. "You can use the back exit, though I don't want you making a habit of it. You should be able to avoid everyone that way, but they will want to know where you went. At some point you will have to talk to your teammates, my child."

"You can tell them," she said, standing abruptly. She didn't sway, something Freed had gotten used to since yesterday. Instead she looked determined, ready to bolt out the nearest door as fast as she could. "My team won't understand, but I hope they accept it. I… I can't face them yet."

Makarov nodded, despite the troubled look on his face. "Very well child. The two of you should leave if you intend on being left alone for a while. The others will notice your absence soon."

The moment as they got to Freed's home, he noticed she seemed to relax. The entire walk there she lagged behind, looking absolutely exhausted, yet the moment they crossed the threshold of his house she seemed to perk up slightly, her eyes actually looking around the space.

Well, at least she wasn't crying. She even lifted her head up instead of keeping it bowed, taking in her surroundings.

"I'm sorry to put you in this position," she said, standing just inside the house. She'd barely passed the threshold, clasping her hands together so tight they were turning white. "I don't really want to drag you into things, but he already knows where the others live." She hugged herself, keeping her eyes away from him. "I don't want anyone else getting hurt."

Freed titled his head as he watched her standing there, wondering what would happen when the others found out. He really didn't feel like having his house stormed by her teammates, and he hoped the rest of his own team stayed away for the night. They both just needed some peace and quiet before they would be able to figure out anything else.

"No one's going to get hurt," he assured, reaching to undo his coat. He realized he'd left it at the guild, having forgotten it someplace downstairs during the chaos. He'd have to fetch it tomorrow. He dropped his arms, keeping his gaze on the blonde. Now that she was all healed up she looked normal, but she was still much too scared for his liking. The physical evidence of her torture was gone, but he could still see the remnants of what happened haunting her eyes.

"Do you think he can get in here if he found me?" she asked suddenly, unconsciously gripping her shirt. He watched her movements, recalling Wendy's tears from earlier that day on the train.

"Freed," she whispered, drawing him away from their seats. "Did Lucy say what happened? She had… all these bruises on her chest and stomach. They look like fingerprints."

"What do you mean?" he asked, trying to get the mental image out of his head. He'd gotten a rather enlightening view down the her shredded shirt and blouse last night, though he'd tried to not think about it much. He noticed some bruising and cuts, but he hadn't wanted to consider the extent of it.

"Like-like someone held her down!" she cried, keeping her voice low. Freed was certain he knew where her train of thought was going, but wouldn't say it out loud. "Like someone… hurt her."

"No one can get in here unless you want them to," Freed assured, watching Lucy's movements. When he originally found her he thought she was just beaten, but her actions were starting to worry him. On their way to the his home she jumped away from someone passing by, her eyes wide with fear.

Just another man walking down the path, but she looked like her heart was going to leap out of her chest. He was surprised she didn't dissolve into tears in that moment with how badly she shook.

Lucy nodded, keeping her gaze away from him. Her eyes didn't look focused anymore, looking off at something he couldn't see. Freed didn't know how to get her to open up, even if he wanted her to. She needed to get whatever it was off her chest, but he got the feeling it was a long time coming at this point. Besides, he didn't know if he was mentally prepared for a response. Something about the way she acted made him afraid of her answer.

At least he'd seen that her underwear were intact when he'd accidentally gotten a full-view of her when she'd passed out last night. It wasn't a memory he was particularly fond of, and he definitely wouldn't say he could focus on her beauty when she was so beat up. But the mere fact he'd seen that article of clothing on her gave him hope she hadn't been raped.

He just didn't think he could ask the question. His mind wouldn't even go there if it wasn't for the large amount of bruising on her chest and torso, and her barely-there clothing.

And anyway, he figured she wouldn't give him a straight answer about it. If something happened she would dodge the question, and if not she'd just be uncomfortable and want to know why he asked in the first place.

He didn't need an answer right now, not after not even a full day had passed. He could wait.

"I'm glad," she whispered, interrupting his thoughts. He'd nearly forgotten they were having a conversation. "I-I'm not ready to face him yet."

"If you tell us who he is you won't need to face him," Freed reminded, thinking of all her friends back at the guild. They would leap at the chance to avenge her, and they didn't even know how hurt she might truly be. With an entire guild after one person Freed was certain they couldn't lose. "Your keys will come back safe and sound, and you will never have to face the monster again."

Lucy smiled faintly, shaking her head. "People can't avenge me Freed. At some point, this is a fight I will have to face head on."

He had serious doubts she could face anyone the way she was right now, but saying that might dissolve the little confidence she did have. Instead he decided to let the topic drop, forcing himself to smile. If they focused on something else maybe she would relax.

He hoped she'd feel up to seeing her friends and not panic. Today was a bit of a stretch, but maybe tomorrow she'd feel a little braver. Wendy and Carla were okay when they showed up in Crocus yesterday, and he was certain it was because of the mass amount of people who crowded her that she freaked out. If the trio could act calm and collected (and Freed nearly snorted when he realized those were descriptive words he was trying to associate with Natsu) she might truly appreciate their presence. If not, they would continue to frighten her, and he didn't even want to consider what that would do to their friendship.

"If you plan to stay here, at least let me show you your room," he reasoned, smiling kindly at her. He wanted to go back to her apartment where she would feel more comfortable, but so long as she was scared that wasn't an option. His house was unfamiliar to her, and he wasn't convinced she would find the same level of comfort here as she might sleeping in her own bed.

Lucy nodded, not nearly as excited as he hoped. They needed a distraction, but unfortunately with her mind on her spirits and attacker he didn't really know what would lift her up. Besides, he didn't know her well enough to take stabs in the dark. Books were an option, but he wasn't sure she could focus enough to actually read.

His house wasn't large, and a quick run up the stairs had them at the only two rooms in the place. He pushed the door open, letting her go into the guestroom first. He wasn't much for décor; a simple bookcase, table and chair the only accessories in the room besides the bed itself. At least it had a good view.

"I'm just across the hall," he said, scratching his head awkwardly as she looked around, "just in case you need something. I'm sure we will hear from the guild soon since we disappeared, so you should probably get comfortable. I can leave you alone if you wish."

"Just leave the door open," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I think I just want to stay in here a little while."

Freed nodded, letting go of the handle. She didn't look at him again, her eyes cast outside. From the expression on her face, he couldn't tell what she was thinking.

Turning away he entered his own room, hoping to find something to distract him from the blonde maiden. If he kept focusing on her, he'd just become more troubled. Looking towards his closet, he tried to make himself busy. He did need to find a replacement for his jacket until it got cleaned.

A/n: I really struggled with this chapter. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, but not how to make it super interesting, so pardon me if it's a little boring. I just absolutely hate stories that rush irrationally.

Let me know how you think it's progressing. Next chapter we'll see more about Lucy's attacker and her missing keys. Any thoughts as to who it is?