Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Chapter 6

With Gajeel and the others. (One week until the ritual)

Exhausted and frustrated, didn't begin to describe how the group was feeling, they hadn't had any luck finding Lucy, or hearing clues on her whereabouts. They were all hoping that the Raijinshuu was having better success than they were.

Everyone had stopped to take a break while Gajeel scouted ahead. Gajeel was hoping to come across the scent of Lucy or Dai, but so far wasn't having any luck. He grunted and turned back around to head to the others. When he got back to the others, he shook his head.

"How have we not been able to come across any scent or clues?" Natsu growled out. He was getting frustrated and feeling very guilty. All he could think about was how she would still be there if he and the Ice Prick hadn't started to argue. He was beating himself up and made a promise to protect Lucy better when they got her back.

"I'm starting to think that he is around Acalypha Town. Master gave us our orders though, we are stay over here and continue searching, unless we get a message from the others." Gajeel stated.

"Then let's get back to searching, since you didn't find anything in the direction you went, let's go south." Gray stated. Everyone nodded in agreement and headed south to see if they could find any clue to where their Nakama was.

With the Raijinshuu

The Raijinshuu and the others sat around the fire, talking and deciding which way they would travel the next day. They knew that time was running out, with only four days until the ritual would take place. Freed read through everything that was written about the ritual in the book he had. He knew they would need to be in a clearing to have the moonlight shine down and see the lunar eclipse clearly.

"I may have an idea where he could be." Freed said.

Laxus looked up at Freed and raised his eyebrow. Everyone else stopped what they were doing to look at the rune mage.

"We know Lucy is from Acalypha, and that her family house is here. It is run down now, with lots of property, perfect place to hide out and perform a ritual without drawing attention." Everyone thought about what he said, and it made sense. All of them agreed to head to the Heartfilia konzern at first light.

The group reached the konzern, not realizing how big the place really was. Laxus was at the head of the group, listening for anything that would mean they found Lucy. He was also using his sense of smell to try and find the vanilla and strawberry smell of Blondie. So far, he hadn't picked up any sounds or smells. He knew they would cover more ground if they split into two groups but didn't want to chance finding something and be short by four mages. It would take them at least two days to cover the whole property.

With Lucy

The only relief she had was that she wasn't being tortured anymore. Every muscle in her body screamed if she even tried to move. She kept thinking how glad she would be when it was all over, and she wouldn't have to feel the pain anymore. Deep down she still wished to be able to see a certain mage one more time.

"L-Lo-Loke, I know you can hear me. Please as a friend, f-find a way to let everyone know I love them, and that I don't blame Natsu or Gray. You have been an amazing spirit and friend, and I'm glad for the time that I've had you. Tell the others I love them, and I hope you all find great new masters who are stronger than I was." Lucy started to sob, wishing she could have found someone she trusted to take her keys.

In the Spirit World

Loke stood there with tears running down his face at his Princess's words. He felt like a complete failure for not finding a way to get to her and save her. He talked to the Spirit King and even he couldn't force Loke's gate open, without it causing Loke great pain when she had the magic canceling cuffs on. He turned to look at her other spirits, all of them had tears running down their faces. Even if he didn't know where they were keeping Lucy, he had to find a way to get a message to the guild.

"Sir, is there any possible way for me to open my gate to give the guild a message? Since they haven't put the magic canceling cuffs on." Loke asked the Spirit King.

"Hmmm, I will grant this because of how dear Lucy is to all spirits. I am sorry we can't do more, old friend."

"Thank you, sir. Do you happen to know where the Raijinshuu are, I'd like them to receive the message."

"They are at Lucy's childhood home."

With that he disappeared in a flash of golden light.

With the Raijinshuu

They were heading towards the back of the property when a flash of golden light appeared in front of them revealing Loke. They were shocked to see the spirit but tensed by the grim expression on his face.

"I come with a message from Lucy, and it's not one I want to deliver…" He sighed.

"What is the message Loke?" Freed asked, stepping forward.

"Lucy wants everyone to know she loves them, and not to mourn for her. Also let Natsu and Gray know that she doesn't blame them. I hate to say it, but they have broken her, she believes no one is coming for her. We have kept watch from the spirit world, but with the magic canceling cuffs I haven't been able to come out until now. We also haven't been able to speak with Lucy telepathically." They all went ridged from what Loke told them.

"If you can't speak with her telepathically, how did she get you the message?" Cobra asked.

"We can hear her through the pool in the Spirit Realm, she started talking to me, knowing that I would hear her."

"Loke we will find her, there is a chance that she is here. From what Gajeel had said, there are only two places he hides out at. They had searched everywhere in Clover Town and the surrounding area. That leaves here." Laxus said.

"I wish I could help with the search, but my time is short here, the Spirit King opened my gate for me. But as soon as you find her use this to call me." He handed Laxus a lion pendant. Laxus nodded and put it in his pocket. Freed paled considerably at what Lucy had said.

"Before I go there is one more thing, Lucy might get upset with me, but I'm hoping this will make you guys more determined. Lucy still has a small sliver of hope of being rescued, and she hopes it's Freed. She keeps wishing she could see you one more time."

"She wants me to rescue her? Why me?" Loke just gave a small smile before disappearing back to the spirit world. To say the least the group was stunned.

"Laxus, we have to find Lucy!" Freed nearly shouted. Never in his lifetime would he have thought that there could be a chance for him to get the girl of his dreams. He wants to be the one to save her and help her heal from the ordeal.

"Freed, I know it's hard, but we need to remain calm. Let's get going and see if we can find her." Evergreen said. Freed nodded, and they all continued towards the back of the property.

Will they finally find her? Will Freed get to confess his feelings to Lucy?