~Lucy~

I wouldn't have believed if I wasn't told how long I slept. When I went to bed to take a nap the sun was up while being the afternoon, however, after waking up I noticed it was morning. Natsu wasn't at my side either which was strange as well. I think Natsu and I may have slept over twelve hours if my calculations are correct.

I took a quick bath, changed out of my jammies into jeans and a long-sleeve tee, I left my room to go see what I've missed so far in the wedding preparations. "There's no way I slept that long did I? I know I was exhausted, but that's insane!" Perhaps finding someone that was awake could help me find an answer. A butler was handling a stack of plates in each hand when he acknowledged my presence. "Ah! Good morning Lady Lucy." I returned his kind gesture then quickly helped him by grabbing one of the tall stacks of plates he was holding. "Excuse me," I began to say whilst following him. "but how long was I asleep? Also, have you seen Natsu anywhere?" The man walked down the steps with ease whereas I was close to tripping over my own two feet. "You and Sir Natsu went to your chambers in the early afternoon yesterday. It's close to being noon right now. I'd say you two have been asleep possibly twenty hours." Yep, my calculations were way off. "Almost an entire day? Gods we must've been tired!"

"That you were Lady Lucy. Sir Natsu is with Fairy Tail helping them finish the remainder of what's left of the wedding." We made it past the stairs and walked outside. My jaw dropped at the sight before me since I couldn't believe how much stuff they got done. Erza was wearing a hard hat holding a large wooden beam over her shoulder. "Alright people, let's get the tarp set up and we'll call lunch!" She announced plunging the beam straight into the soil. My comrades and citizens of Aria heaved and worked together on a white cloth tarp to set it over the wooden beam. Erza grabbed the second one. "They've been at work since the sun began to rise! It's amazing how much work can be done by your comrades Lady Lucy."

"Yeah. They never know when to call it quits." The butler used his free hand to grab the stack of plates from my hand. "Thank you for assisting me Lady Lucy." He bowed then returned to his duties before I can reply back. The autumn breeze gently passed over us giving me a warm sensation in my belly. Leaves we're becoming red, orange and yellow as the days grew closer to October. And yet the Lillies of Aria never wilted through any season, which was one of the reasons why I love looking at the flowers but never plucking them. "Hey, Lucy!" My best friend Levy called snapping my attention to her. Levy was already running up to me before I can tell her hello. I was enveloped into a tight hug as Levy giggled. "There you are, sleepyhead! We were wondering when we'll see you again! I thought you were hibernating for a minute there!" Her accusation made me roll my eyes. "I wish, however, we are cursed to never sleep for more than over a day." I swooned acting like I was heartbroken by the fact. Levy again giggled before pulling my arm. "Come on, there's a lot of stuff to show you. After you and Natsu went to bed Fairy Tail immediately started to work on the wedding. We already have the church ready where they will be wedded, food is almost finalized, and invitations are already sent out! All that's left is the after-party arrangement, which is why they're operating on that gigantic tarp over there along with a dance floor."

"And you guys did all of this in a day?" I asked completely baffled by it. Levy nodded. "Of course. We knew why you couldn't start the preparations Lu-chan. We knew you were trying to save Adroath so you were really busy." My head fell by hearing the sound of his name. Just as my heart was trying to heal it was already shattered by his name. He did pass away three days ago, and yet it only feels like it's growing harder every day to accept that. "Lu-chan, you can't blame yourself. I know you did your best to save him, but he's in a much better place. It'll take time but eventually, you'll pull through this. You always do Lucy." I needed to hear that, especially from my best friend. Without any notice, I pulled her into a hug. "You're too sweet for your own good Levy-chan. But thank you for the comforting words, I needed to hear that." Once more Levy and I were hugging. This time it felt different, there was a tight grip that Levy showed without noticing as her eyes fell to the ground below our feet. "I'm always here Lu-chan. We are bound by the Darkness, so either way, you're glued to my hip." A sad smile crossed my face. Thankfully Levy didn't share a piece of my soul, unlike Natsu, so I knew she was safe from immortality. But when it comes to the Souls Connection, I will also have to break the bond Levy and I share. I gave her a piece of Darkness so now I must take it back. "That I am." I finally said in return. "Well, I should make myself useful! I'm going to speak with Erza." Levy showed me one more smile. "Okay! If you need me I'll be in the library!" Levy waved goodbye and ran back to the castle. With a smile on my face, I shook my head. 'That bookworm. I swear where does she store all of those stories in her head?' Knowing Levy she would have learned a book on how to remember every single word on a page, no matter if it was a book or a menu.

After Levy was out of sight I turned to greet Erza. The scarlet-haired maiden heaved the final beam to the tarp they were making. "Excellent everyone! In just a few more minutes we will have lunch!" Erza jabbed the beam into the ground and knocked her fist on the wood to make sure it was secure. "Yep. She's not moving." Erza mumbled to herself. I gave a slight wave to her. "Hey, Erza." Erza's irises found mine when she radiantly smiled. "Good morning!" Her announcement made me laugh. "More like 'Good Afternoon' if you asked me." Erza requipped into her Heart Kreuz armor set. "To be fair I thought you were going to sleep through today as well. I knew you and Natsu were drained. Your eyes and aura told me everything." I sheepishly peered away. "Did I look that awful?" Erza chuckled under her breath then placed her armored hand on my shoulder. "No, but I knew you needed rest. I was hoping to see your eyes back to being bright and cheerful. However, they're still dull, almost like they're being pulled into a fog." Erza's eyes became concerned by the way she was looking at me. To answer her statement I just shrugged my shoulders. "They've been that way since Solantir became a part of me. I don't understand it either, but they don't look foggy if my eyes change into my Light Goddess or Dark One form. Other than that they're always dull brown."

"That's a shame. When I wanted to see you after two months I was hoping to greet your old eyes." This caused me to look up. Erza was staring what seemed to be nowhere, as if she was gazing into another world. "You've been through so much Lucy. I wanted to still see Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail. Yet, it seems you become less of her and more into someone else. It must be very difficult for you to go through these trialing times." Erza and I were walking to the plains of Aria where I first returned with angel wings. It seems like that was years ago after I escaped the Midnight Realm from Zelroath and his minions. The Lillies of Aria were still shimmering under the sun and were lively as ever. "Because I am changing, Erza. I'm not only a Celestial Wizard, but now I'm the Balance that sustains magic. I'm the Light Goddess and Dark One, and I also have the first Dragon to ever exist be a part of my soul. I don't think I'm a Dragon Slayer, but my senses have changed as well. My sight is sharper, I can hear more clearly, and my scent of smell is very sensitive." Erza placed her hands over herself. "I can agree with you about senses changing."

This caught my curiosity.

"Why are your senses changing Erza? It's not because you're bound to a Spirit Dragon are you?" Erza shook her head. "No of course not! It's just...I-I..." Erza turned away when I noticed she was beginning to shiver. "Erza?" I whispered now worried if there was something wrong with my comrade. I then heard a sniffle. "Dammit. My crazy hormones are making me want to cry." The scarlet mage used her hand to wipe away a tear. I moved myself to grab Erza's shoulder to make her look at me. "What's wrong Erza! Why are you crying?" Solantir flowed his magic to examine Erza's health and body. "It's nothing, Lucy. I'm very emotional is all. I am about to get married in four days." I clearly saw through her lie. Without even needing to tell Solantir he went on with his search. "I don't think that's it..."

"Lucy...I know what it is." Solantir proclaimed sounding like he's seen Gwen's ghost. I released Erza after walking around to face her. "Isn't it obvious Cub?" Said Solantir now seeming like he was going to cry with joy. Hang on a moment. Erza's senses have changed, she was very emotional, and I haven't seen her ask for cake yet. "Erza, are you..." The scarlet mage knew I figured it out. She let out a sigh knowing she was caught. "Well, not only does MiraJane know, but now so do you." Erza uncovered a small smile when she warmly placed her hand over her armored stomach.

"Cub, your nakama is pregnant."

"Oh my Gods, Erza, congratulations!" I wrapped my arms around the Sword Maiden and squealed in excitement. Erza returned my hug whilst she laughed warmheartedly. "Thank you, but I haven't told anyone about the news yet. Not even Jellal knows so I expect you will keep this a secret!" I dismissed our hug and took a step back. "Why are you keeping it a secret when you should tell him!? I'm sure he'll be more than thrilled to know he's going to be a-" Erza abruptly shushed me. "Keep your voice down! You don't know if there's a Dragon Slayer nearby!" Only the sound of the tree limbs move by the wind was all I could hear. After the sound of a bird chirping, Erza huffed a breath of air. "Lucy, I don't want to tell the guild until after Jellal and I are married. Usually, you get married first and then start a family! Not the other way around."

"Yes Erza, I understand that." I grazed a strand of my hair behind my ear. "But you should at least tell your soon-to-be husband the news. I assume MiraJane found out because she's MiraJane?" That made Erza laugh. "Yes! It freaked me out when she pulled me aside and basically called me out. At first, I tried to deny it but you know how she is. She's the only person other than you that knows about the little bean." I could have melted where I was standing. Erza is calling her baby a little bean! That's the cutest thing I have heard in my life! "How far along are you?" I asked in excitement while trying to restrain myself from touching her armored belly. Erza shrugged. "I suppose a month now. It was awhile back." Erza was blushing the color maroon. I didn't need her to tell me the birds and bees to know how she got a little bean in her belly. "That's more than enough information! I'm just...I'm so joyous to hear this. Are you happy Erza?" The mage in front of me changed before my very eyes. Even though her child is yet to be born, Erza showed a motherly figure when she hugged herself. "I'm excited to meet him. Or her. I don't know what the little bean's gender is. I always wanted to start a family, and now it's actually happening. A part of me is terrified, but I'm most eager to meet my little bean. I wonder what he or she will be like."

"I'm excited to meet the little bean as well." With caution, I placed my hand where Erza's belly would be. "I suppose I'll be seeing you in eight months." I spoke with sweetness in my voice. Erza rolled her eyes once more. "Alright enough about me. I wanted to ask you something, Lucy." My focus left Erza's tummy to look at her face. "Ask me what?"

"I was wondering something, but first can you tell me what you hope for on my wedding day?" Her question caught me off guard. That was a silly question for her to ask me. "Erza, all that matters is you and Jellal are both happy. What I hope is that you two make it down the aisle and that you feel and look perfect on your big day." Erza nodded with a smile still showing. "Well then that settles it, you're going to be my Maid of Honor."

"Wah-ba-hah!?" An incoherent noise left me. Erza was already marching back to where the after-party was going to be held. "I spoke to all the girls, and the only two people I was stuck between were you and MiraJane. However, Mira said you were the one to deserve Maid of Honor." I ran to stay alongside Erza. "Hang on Erza! MiraJane has been with you since childhood! I joined the guild only a few years back are you sure you want to-" Erza stopped walking. "Lucy, I would be honored if you decide to be my Maid of Honor." With sincere eyes, Erza never tore her gaze from me. "It's really up to you, but I hope you do want to be my Maid of Honor. Hell, even Mira wanted you to have the title. So instead of overthinking it, help my big day be perfect. You said so yourself two months ago. The Maid of Honor's duty is to make sure my day is flawless."

"I did say that didn't I?" I murmured whilst rubbing my neck. I stood in place for a minute, considering if I was qualified to be Erza's Maid of Honor. I've known Erza for some time, however, there were more suitable choices that she could have chosen. Why she decided me, I'll never know. "Well, will you be my Maid of Honor?" The scarlet-haired mage asked once more with a smile. I closed my eyes, sighed, and smiled in return. "It would be an honor to help you on your wedding day Erza. Thank you for even considering me to be an option." Erza just waved away my statement. "Lucy I was only thinking of two people to be my Maid of Honor, you or MiraJane. When I talked to Mira, she insisted I chose you. Mira will be one of my bridesmaids but I decided I wanted you to be the one to be by my side through all of it." I clasped Erza's hands in mine. "I promise I won't let you down, Erza." In return, Erza smile grew brighter. "I know you won't Lucy."

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Natsu

"Can you really believe you'll be a married man in less than a week?" Jellal's cheeks became crimson which made him trip over his footing. "Honestly, I really can't. For the longest time, I thought I would be a wanted man my whole life, but now here I am, walking out of the shadows and marrying the love of my life. It's all thanks to Lucy, you know?" Currently, Jellal and I were walking together back to the castle to grab some more tools to finish up the tarp. It came off unusual when Jellal insisted I join him to help, but all the guys were smiling with smugness.

"I do. Lucy has helped this guild and all the guild members in so many ways. There were moments she did break the guild to pieces but we know that it wasn't her. Lucy is by far the most powerful mage to walk this earth. But I'm thankful...I'm so thankful the Gods allow her to walk on EarthLand. I know they despise her, but they haven't taken her away from us. That's all that matters to me." We strolled inside meeting the warm atmosphere of the castle. It was cold outside, but not cold to where we had to bundle ourselves up to keep warm. With the help of the sun, the guild and citizens were able to stay warm while the cool breeze of autumn drifted over us. As we were walking through a hallway, Jellal cleared his throat. "Hey, Natsu?" I glanced my eyes to him. "What's up?"

"I have a question to ask you. It's about my wedding actually." Jellal scratched underneath his chin before stopped. When he halted I also stopped walking as well. "Is there something we missed? I'm sure we have everything under wraps." Jellal shook his head. "No everything is going according to plan. I just wanted to say...if you wanted to be my Best Man?" His question completely went over my head. "Best Man? Why would you need a Best Man?" Jellal's head sank when he deeply sighed in disappointment. "I forgot how much of an idiot you were."

"HEY, THAT'S NOT NICE!" I shouted moving my arms up and down as if I was throwing a tantrum. Jellal pulled his head up. "A Groom asks his best friend or brother, or someone close to him to be his Best Man. When you're the Best Man at the wedding, you basically help me keep my groomsmen in line and also help the wedding go smoothly. And, you also make a speech at the after wedding party. You're basically my right-hand man." I nodded absorbing what he was saying. "Alright, so I boss around the groomsmen to make sure they don't screw things up. Who're your groomsmen?" Jellal counted his fingers. "Well, there's Laxus, Gajeel, Elfman, and then Gray."

"I will more than be happy to be your Best Man." I said without a moment of hesitation. "Really? That's great Natsu thank you! I'm happy you want to be my Best Man I'm sure you'll do just fine; just don't stress yourself over it alright?" Oh don't worry Jellal, I am more than excited to boss around Laxus, Gajeel, Elfman, and Gray than to be stressed.

What shall I do to torment Ice Freak, hmm, I wonder?

"You can count on me, Fernandez. These groomsmen will be on their best behavior." I evilly rubbed my hands together with a vile smirk on my face. Jellal somehow noticed. "Uh, Natsu? You're not gonna torment my groomsmen are you?" I acted offended. "What? Me?! Torment not only Ice Freak, but that dumbass Metal Head and stupid Lightning Jockey? Oh and I certainly can't forget Elfman can I?" Jellal sweatdropped from my questions. "I think I may have made a mistake." My vile smirk grew bigger. "Oh, I really think you did Fernandez."

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As always Lovelies...love you all!❤️