Vermillion's Cub

Chapter 23: Useless

Chapter 23: Useless

3rd POV:

By now the sun was starting to rise but that gave Adallai no comfort. It also didn't help that every now and then she would hear a raspy breath and cough from Natsu, who would also fade from consciousness every once and a while. One thing that did bring her comfort was holding Natsu, since Adallai got a hold of her she made sure Natsu stayed in her embrace, never once freeing the girl from her arms, not that Natsu wanted her to. 'Fuegoleon...Please help us.' She squeezed her eyes shut.

She could see the shoulders of the guards from the chard doorway, every now and then she would hear them laugh and exchange jokes. At first, every half an hour or so that man, Licht, would come back with, what he claimed, was medicine but Natsu refused it every time. It would end with her either knocking it to the ground or throwing it back at him. Eventually, he stopped coming altogether, saying something along the lines, "You will soon understand, my dear." normally ending each encounter by calling Natsu by the name, Nifa.

Adallai's thoughts were interrupted by a small gasp, Natsu had woken from her fainting spell. Natsu looked around squinting her eyes, "Every time I wake up, I keep thinking this was a bad dream...And we will wake up back in your room..." She said weakly, long since grown tired of the burnt but surprisingly sturdy room.

"I know...Are you feeling any better?" Adallai asked but she already knew the answer just from the girl's appearance. For one, Natsu's fever was still raging and had only gotten worst, her skin had a consistent layer of sweat and she had dark circles under her eyes, her eyes were also bloodshot. To be blunt, she was a mess and Adallai knew they needed to get away. Natsu wouldn't take anything that man gave her, even if it was medicine, she didn't trust it.

Natsu started coughing again, at first it was muffled but soon turned into a fit. Adallai shifted the girl to free up one of her arms, with it she grabbed the end of her nightgown and let Natsu cough into it. It was a better alternative than her gloves. After what seemed like forever Natsu finally calmed down, letting her figure slump back onto the blond.

Taking the fabric away, Adallai slowed her movement, on the fabric were specks of red and pink. She whipped them with her fingers and the smeared, it was blood. Looking back at Natsu to see the girl already had her eyes closed, which was good Adallai didn't want her to panic. '...We have to get out of here... she won't make it if we stay much longer.' They couldn't wait for Leon to save them. Who knows how long it will be until he saves them, that's assuming he could find them.

Adallai gently shook the girl awake, "Natsu wake up it's important." once again Natsu forced her eyes open, barely craning her neck.

"I know it hurts to move but I need you to do your best." Adallai hinted, shrugging her shoulder at the two laughing males. At first, Natsu was confused but nodded, they were getting out of there and no matter how much it hurt Natsu would do her best, cause she feared if she didn't then she would never get rid of this sick feeling. The blond looked around and spotted a rusted pipe about a foot away, it was dark orange and had many burn marks but it looked sturdy enough. Bring it closer she made sure it was safely hidden from outside view. "Okay... when you're ready. I need you to pretend to faint and try to hide your breath, I'll call for help. Just be ready to move at a moment's notice."

Natsu nodded, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes, letting her body go limp.

Seeing she was ready Adallai started her impromptu plan. "Natsu...Hey." She shook the girl, for a second actually believing she was dead due to her pale skin and such. "Hey wake up." She said just loud enough for the guards to hear. The guards are now silent, listening closely.