Flowery Path Filled With Thorns

Chapter 2

The blonde shook uncontrollably, wires clinking rapidly against the rails of the bed, while her tossing and turning tore the sheets apart. Her screams pierced the room. "Ms. Hearfillia please calm down." A gentle voice stopped her screams as she opened her tear filled eyes and saw her savior. He gently placed his hand on hers and gave her a warm smile. "You're safe now, I promise. I will protect you." She squeezed his hand with what strength she had left refusing to let go of her savior. A feeling of relief overwhelmed her causing her to pass out once again. Just as he her breathing returned to normal a duo consisting of an older doctor with the posture of a soldier and a relatively tall middle-aged man with black eyes and slicked back blond hair and a matching, extremely trim mustache, walked into the room. They immediately noticed the disheveled sheets and rushed to her side. "What happened? Did she wake up? What did she say?" Her father shot question after question without taking a breath. "She woke up suddenly, and was in quite a frightened and confused state, but after realizing she's safe she immediately passed back out." He looked down at his hand that was still being clutched tightly by the young blonde. A young nurse walked in with several folders in her hand, and handed one to the doctor. "Ms. Heartfilia is quite lucky that you happened to pass by that hotel room on the way to yours." The doctor smiled happily. "Her physical injuries were minor and should heal after a few weeks, her mental injuries; however, have me fairly concerned. While there was definitely no penetration, she was assaulted repeatedly which makes this traumatic event even more so. Her mental state will need to be closely monitored to ensure she heals properly. I know you have a reputation to protect, but the outcome will be much worse if this is left alone. I'm afraid the repercussions would be irreversible. I highly recommend that she see a therapist for a real chance at recovery." The doctor closed the folder in his hand, and gave a nod to the nurse. "We'll leave you two to talk and check on her again in an hour." He gestured the nurse to leave and followed quietly behind her. "I can't even begin to thank you enough young man." The father exclaimed to the man. "It was really nothing. The atmosphere didn't feel right when I walked past the door and when I heard the screams from inside, the whole thing just seemed wrong. It's only natural that someone would step in at that point." The man ran his hand through his hair and refocused on the sleeping blonde. "Well I would like to thank you anyways Mr. Dragneel. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask. I'm forever in your debt." He stuck his hand out and smiled warmly behind his blonde mustache. With his free hand he grabbed her father's hand and smiled back. "Please Mr. Heartfilia, just call me Natsu. Admittedly I do have a small request. I hope I'm not over stepping my bounds in asking, but I would like to be here while she recovers. It would mean a lot to me to see her fully recovered." The men released their hands. The father looked down at his daughter covered in bandages and wires. "Yes, that is perfectly fine. You witnessed her in such a sorry state it's understandable that you want to see her recover. I have some paperwork I need to take care of with the head doctor, do you mind to stay with her for now?" Natsu nodded in agreement and watched as he reluctantly left the room. He sat down in a chair next to the bed the girl still clutching his hand tightly, and pulled out his phone. "Her father agreed without hesitation to let me stay and monitor her recovery. Finding out what she knows and taking control of the case will be all too easy. I'll leave you in charge for now. Report back to me later." With a click on the other end of the line he shoved the phone swiftly back in his pocket. What a prize indeed. He smirked.