After the intense battle with Jackal, the guild reconvened to regroup and assess their next steps. Master Makarov knew that facing Tartaros and their devastating weapon, Face, would be no easy task. He suggested that Lucy and Erza visit an ex-Magic Council member named Crawford Seam. He believed that Crawford might have valuable information that could aid them in their mission. Natsu frowned as he heard the plan. He didn't like the idea of Lucy leaving his sight, not after the close call they had just experienced. His gut churned with unease, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible might happen if she went alone.
Lucy noticed Natsu's apprehension, and a small, reassuring smile tugged at her lips. She approached him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Natsu," she said softly. "We'll be back soon, and we'll bring back information that can help us stop Tartaros and Face."Natsu grunted, unable to form the words to express his concerns. He knew Lucy was strong and capable, but the world outside the guild was a dangerous place, especially with Tartaros on the move.
Erza stepped forward, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders as she addressed the group. "We'll make sure to stay safe, but we must gather any information we can. Crawford Seam might hold the key to stopping Tartaros."
Lucy nodded in agreement. She understood that this was a crucial mission, and she had to face the risks it entailed. With a final reassuring glance at Natsu, she and Erza left the guild, determined to seek out the former council member.
Back in the guild, Natsu couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. He clenched his fists, his determination to protect Lucy stronger than ever. He vowed to himself that no matter what obstacles stood in their way, he would always be there to watch over her, to ensure her safety, and to taste the chaos that only she could bring to his world.
Lucy and Erza arrived at the residence of Crawford Seam, the former Magic Council member who was rumored to have crucial information about Tartaros and the Face weapon. The building exuded an air of importance, with its elegant architecture and imposing façade. As they entered, Crawford Seam welcomed them warmly, his demeanor oozing charm and hospitality. He led them to a tastefully decorated sitting room and gestured for them to take a seat. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, a pleasant smile on his face.
Lucy and Erza exchanged glances and accepted the offer, sitting down on the plush chairs. Lucy's unease from earlier had not completely dissipated, but she tried to maintain a sense of caution. She knew they had to be careful when dealing with someone who had been part of the Magic Council.
Crawford Seam soon returned with a tray of tea and cups. He poured the tea and handed each of them a cup with a courteous smile. "I'm delighted to have guests like you in my home. Now, let's discuss how I can assist you in your quest."
Erza nodded appreciatively, sipping her tea with caution. "We're looking for information about Tartaros and their weapon, Face. We believe you might have insights that could help us."Crawford Seam's smile widened, but there was a glint of something unsettling in his eyes. "Ah, Face, you say? That is indeed a matter of great concern. I'm afraid I have some knowledge on the subject."
As they continued their conversation, Lucy couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She glanced at her tea, suddenly feeling a sense of drowsiness creeping over her. Erza, too, seemed to be affected, her eyelids growing heavy.
"Is everything all right?" Lucy asked, her voice wavering as she struggled to stay awake.Crawford Seam's smile turned sinister as he watched them succumb to the effects of the drugged tea.
"Don't worry, my dear. You'll find out everything you need to know soon enough."
With that, Lucy and Erza's vision blurred, and they lost consciousness, falling victim to the trap set by the very person they had sought help from.
In the dark, foreboding depths of Tartaros' base, Kyouka, one of the nine gates and a master of torture, smirked menacingly as she led her captives into the dimly lit torture chamber. Lucy and Erza, weakened by the drugged tea and unable to use their magic, were bound and chained, their arms stretched painfully above their heads.
"You've done well, Crawford," Kyouka purred, her voice dripping with malice. "Bringing me these delightful gifts."
Crawford, who had secretly been in allegiance with Tartaros, nodded approvingly. He had betrayed his former council and willingly become a pawn for the dark guild, providing them valuable information and setting this wicked plan into motion.
"Of course," Crawford replied, feigning innocence. "I'm always eager to assist in the advancement of our cause."
Kyouka approached Lucy and Erza, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "Let the interrogation begin," she sneered.
Hours passed, and Kyouka used her dark magic to torment them, seeking information about Fairy Tail's plans and strategies. Lucy and Erza endured the pain and degradation, refusing to reveal anything that could endanger their guild.
Meanwhile, back at Fairy Tail guild, Natsu paced anxiously, a sense of unease gnawing at him. He could feel the absence of Lucy's presence, a void that made him increasingly restless. Sensing something was amiss, he sought out the Master, demanding answers.
"Master," Natsu said, his voice laced with urgency, "where is Lucy? And Erza?"
The Master explained the plan, unaware of Crawford's betrayal. Natsu's fists clenched in anger and worry. His instincts screamed at him that something was terribly wrong.
Fueled by determination and worry for Lucy, Natsu rushed off, determined to find her. Unbeknownst to him, Happy and Ash followed closely behind, their concern for their friend mirroring Natsu's own.
In Tartaros' lair, the torture continued, and Lucy and Erza's determination wavered. But deep within their hearts, they held onto hope, knowing that their guild and their friends would come to their rescue.
Inside the dimly lit torture chamber of Tartaros' lair, Kyouka reveled in the agony she was inflicting upon her captives. Lucy and Erza, bound and helpless, gritted their teeth as curses coursed through their bodies, amplifying their suffering.
Erza, her fiery spirit unbroken, glared defiantly at Kyouka. "You won't break us, no matter what you do," she hissed through clenched teeth.
Lucy, her body trembling from the pain, managed a weak smile. "We've faced worse than this," she whispered, her voice filled with determination.
Kyouka chuckled darkly, her eyes glowing with malevolence. "You're quite resilient, I'll give you that. But you underestimate the power of Tartaros. We serve a greater purpose, one that mere humans like you could never comprehend."
As the curses intensified, Lucy and Erza's screams of pain echoed in the chamber. Kyouka relished in their suffering, convinced that she would extract the information she sought.Meanwhile, Natsu, guided by his unwavering determination and heightened senses, closed in on Tartaros' location. He could sense Lucy and Erza's scents growing stronger, and it fueled his determination to rescue them. Happy and Ash flew beside Natsu, their concern for Lucy evident in their expressions. Happy clenched his tiny fists, his determination mirroring Natsu's. "We're gonna find Lucy and bring her back, no matter what," he declared. Natsu's gaze remained focused as he pushed forward, his determination to reunite with Lucy burning hotter than ever.Back in the torture chamber, Kyouka's cruel interrogation continued. The pain inflicted upon Lucy and Erza was excruciating, yet they remained steadfast. Lucy, with sweat-drenched hair clinging to her face, spoke through gritted teeth.
"Your master, Zeref, won't succeed in his plans," Lucy declared, her voice trembling but resolute. "Fairy Tail will stop him, no matter what it takes."
Erza, her eyes burning with defiance, added, "We've faced the darkest of foes, and we've always prevailed. You're no different, and neither is your master."
Kyouka's laughter filled the chamber, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Lucy and Erza's spines. "You underestimate the power of Tartaros and the determination of Zeref. The end is inevitable, and your guild will fall."
As Natsu drew nearer to their location, his fiery determination surged. He could feel Lucy and Erza's presence, and it fueled his resolve to reach them no matter the cost.