~Lucy~

April had passed and so began May. Trying to sneak away to visit Porlyusica was not an easy task. At the end of March, more guilds arrived as the remainder of the Magnolia citizens were aided in fleeing the city to stay in the capital Crocus. Without having to worry over possible casualties it was time to prepare the city to be a war zone. Armies that were sent over by the Union of EarthLand helped in pushing back the forest that surrounded Magnolia. The less damage to Magnolia the better; it was agreed upon by the council and fighters the forest will grow back in time, and to preserve homes and buildings would save the majority of civilians from being homeless. When I thought I could get away Avery, the girl from the Dark Goddesses guild, swooped me back into the guild and asked if I could give a speech to the armies and guilds that resided in the Guild Hall. "I'm not so good at public speeches Avery. Plus I think it'd be best if we were to wait for speeches and final feasts until the Day comes closer."

"But none of us knows when that will happen! I say we celebrate every day as if it were our last day on EarthLand. I'm sure it would keep the people's morale up if you give thanks to them being here." Avery and I stepped onto the stage. My nerves overcame me when I shook my head. "Aves, I really don't do public speeches. The last time I had a public speech was at a funeral and believe me, it didn't do any good." The girl just smiled. "This isn't a funeral. This is to thank the people for their service in coming to the frontlines. Now go on!" Before I could say a word Avery announced to everyone to look at us. Hundreds of eyes were on us when Avery told the crowd I'd like to say a few words. The black-haired girl patted my shoulder and then scurried off the stage leaving me to fend for myself. Nari watched with a scowl on her face, and Veda and Gawen were smiling warmly. My comrades that sat at the bar stared in silence, but most of them also smiled and raised their ale to show support. Natsu was at the end of the bar closest to the stage; at first, I almost whispered through our Connection to somehow get me out of this, but I suddenly was against it. My tense fists gradually eased whilst I stood up straighter. "Thank you all for being here." My voice began strong and prideful. "I know all of you had to stop your lives to be here today. Some of you may be against being here due to me standing in front of you. I also know some of you had left close relatives and friends to be here today. All of you, mage and soldier, men and women, some good and bad, we all stand together as one today. I may not have your trust or your respect due to the circumstances that occurred a year ago and that's fine as well. Remember this children of EarthLand, I stand before you to ensure the victory of your Realm, and even if every last person falls to their knees, I will promise this to all of you! Let me promise you that every soul sitting in the Guild Hall and every soul on the battlefield that's to face the destruction forthcoming will not regret choosing to stand and fight beside me and my comrades! Today we all share a common enemy, and perhaps tomorrow we may face the opposers that wish to vanquish the people of EarthLand! If we fight tomorrow I will lend my sword, I will lend my strength and I will even give my body to promise all of you, children of EarthLand, WE SHALL NOT FALL!"

Cheers and applause erupt in the crowd. It was an unusual feeling that coursed over me. Most speeches I give had always lacked something. If it were either words or the way I presented my speech this one was different compared to the others. I didn't know if we would win and I don't know if this could all be in vain on our part, but hearing myself believe in not only our cause but believing in myself as well was a feeling unlike any other. I did that speech over a month ago at the end of March. April was constant work with lumber being moved after cutting down the trees. Many of our healers set up the entire Fairy Tail Guild Hall to be their infirmary room. Wendy, Chelia, Santos, and more worked together and came to learn more about each other. While helping Veda and Santos move more cots in the center of the Guild Hall I heard Wendy call my name. "Lucy-san!" Wendy came up to me as her hair was disheveled and her clothes were raggedy as she had worn them yesterday. "Hey, Wendy. Umm, when's the last time you went home?" I asked the Sky Maiden. "Oh, I haven't been home since yesterday morning, but that doesn't matter right now! Lucy-san, can you do me a big favor and go talk to Porlyusica sometime this week? I thought it would be a good idea to have some more help for our medics and healers, and Porlyusica has the best hands when it comes to mending!" If I was holding something I would have dropped it. This was my chance. Finally, I would be able to see Porlyusica without having to find some petty excuse to go see her. "I'd be happy to Wendy. I'll go see her before the week is over."

It was Saturday morning, the first day of May. I snuck out of bed without stirring Natsu or waking up Happy that resided in his small bed at the foot of Natsu's bedside table. I grabbed a change of clothes and went to the bathroom to freshen myself up with a quick shower, brushed my teeth, and put my damp hair up in a ponytail. I slid my jeans on and threw a black tank top over my chest. Knowing it was still chilly outside I grabbed my blue cardigan after putting my black ankle boots on. Somehow I managed to sneak out of the house only leaving a note I left on the kitchen counter that told Natsu about my business that I was going to speak to Porlyusica for Wendy. The morning was quiet with no sound of any animals or even a breeze. Months ago I could hear the streets of Magnolia bustling with busy markets and school kids running to get to class on time, and now, the city of Magnolia was vacant. It was a bizarre feeling to live close to a city and not hear a soul. Most of the army that joined the Union and guilds stayed close to the Guild Hall some even making large camps to be close to the Guild Hall.

I decided to take my time as I made my way to the East Forest that was left untouched. The closer I came to meeting Porlyusica the more I began to think about my condition again. It has not worsened, but it also didn't get better either. Whenever I ate something sweet the results were the same as when I drank the sweet tea for the first time. I pushed my thoughts aside deciding I would wait until I made it to Porlyusica's treehouse. An hour almost passed until I could smell the faintest scent of potions and herbs from Porlyusica's home. The pathway to the entrance of her home showed as I walked by the garden that flourished with life. Hesitantly I knocked on her wooden door. I stood in front of the door waiting for a couple of minutes. "Hello? Porlyusica?" I called out knocking on the door again. The door swept open and I was greeted with a straw broom whipping my face. "Ow!"

"Get off my lawn you annoying, pesky no good-" Porlyusica halted her attacks. "Oh. It's you." The old woman placed her broom back on the ground. "What do you want?" Porlyusica barked. I flinched by her unfriendly tone. "I'm here on Wendy's behalf. The Sky Maiden sent me to ask you if you'll join her and the healers to help us with the oncoming war against the Gods."

"Another war." Porlyusica scowled. "Why am I not surprised. What did you do this time girl?" Porlyusica opened the door to allow me to enter. I stepped inside holding back my tongue from being rude. "I have done nothing. If anything I came across information the Gods weren't too keen of me sharing, but because I did I gave the Realm a chance." I sat down on the white-sheeted bed that was for patients. Porlyusica placed her broom back in its corner before crossing her arms. "Nevertheless, an old woman can't be too cautious after all you've done."

"Please, we are in need of your guidance. You have many years of practice as a healer and you could help the mages and medics when the Day comes closer. Everyone going to the frontline would be grateful if you assist us." I looked down to my feet. "Please," I begged. The old woman grumbled under her breath. "No good humans always fighting. You're not even full human and you consistently fight like one. However, I know what you did when you sacrificed your life to defeat yourself. You brought back Wendy, and for that I am grateful. I'll come and help you and your silly war. But after that, we are even and you never speak to me again."

"I can agree to that," I answered. Just as Porlyusica was about to see me out I stopped her. "One moment. I came here to speak for Wendy, but I also came here to speak to you personally for myself." The woman turned around already annoyed. "What?" I held my hands together on my lap. "There's something. . .wrong with me. I've lost the will to eat and rest, and when I do eat food tastes strange on my tongue. I spoke to Wendy about it but she couldn't find anything with her magic. To be honest I'm scared about these changes. I don't know what's happening to me." Porlyusica furrowed her brows. She turned to her potion table clasping a glass that had a green tint to it. She splashed unknown herbs that smelled wonderful when she excused herself. "Stay there." Porlyusica left her home for several minutes until returning with a strand of barley. Porlyusica took the stem off the barley when she turned around with the green liquid in her glass. "Spit."

"What?" I asked. "I said spit." She pushed the glass under my lips waiting for me to spit in the liquid. "I don't understand why you need me to-"

"SPIT!" Without another second to spare I spat into the glass. Moments later the green liquid changed colors from green to a honey-like yellow color. Porlyusica grabbed the barley and dropped it in the glass then set it on the table. She waited without saying a word as I watched in confusion. The barley that was floating suddenly sunk to the bottom like it had become a rock. The barley shrank back into itself until it became a small seed. "I knew it." Porlyusica sighed turning away from me. "What is it! Do you know what's wrong with me?"

"I know one of the things that are troubling you." The woman looked back at me leaning herself into the table. "Lucy, please be honest," My stomach felt knotted by Porlyusica's sudden seriousness. It worried me more when she said please to me. "when was the last time you bled?"

My heart fell.

"Wh-When I. . .bled?" I asked dumbly. "Your cycle Lucy. When was your last cycle?" I was thankful to be sitting down. If I were standing I'm sure I would have fainted. Everything became upside down, the room spinning out of control. This couldn't be happening. It couldn't happen! "I don't remember. It might have been a month ago? Maybe two? So much has happened I haven't even noticed." My shaky hands left my face when I met Porlyusica's eyes. "Porlyusica," I whispered with a knot in my throat.
"Are you saying I'm pregnant?"

"I'm not saying you are. I'm certain you're pregnant. When I did this for Erza her test did the same thing, but the results with the barley took almost an hour to change back into a seed. Yours was almost instantaneous. I have no doubt you're with child."

"No. No, I can't be pregnant. I can't be. I wasn't supposed to be pregnant right now!" I wheezed suddenly standing up to fast. The world spun faster than my eyes could handle. How could I have not known? How did Wendy not know?! "How! How did I not know!"

"I can't tell you something I don't understand, child. You are not fully human, perhaps pregnancy is different for you compare to other women. I can assume that if Wendy didn't see the child then the womb may be encased with your power to protect itself." My breathing quickened to the point I was hyperventilating. It wasn't possible. We were safe, Natsu and I have always been cautious. I couldn't recall a time that we weren't careful, but now I'm thinking more about it, the third week of March it slipped my mind. So much happened during that week that all I wanted was to feel safe. I wanted to feel Natsu's embrace and remind myself everything we've done will help us win in the end. I suppose Natsu needed to feel the same.

"Shit!" I yelled in anger. I wanted to break something, to scream until my vocal cord shatters, or yell at myself for my stupidity. "Oh Gods. . .Oh. . .Gods." I could only weep at that point. When I tried to stand I only fell to the ground holding my mouth with one hand and the other holding my still flat stomach. "This wasn't supposed to happen. We weren't going to try until the war was over. We're not ready. I'm not ready!" Tears left my eyes. I croaked from the thought that there was a baby inside me right now. It wasn't I was rueful of the fact I was pregnant. I wanted to be happy that I'm pregnant; there was a chance we could have more children. But the timing is all wrong, it wasn't supposed to happen right now. Porlyusica was next to me as she knelt on the ground. "Are you saying you don't want the child?" She asked with an indescribable look. I shook my head. "That's not it. Deep down I'm overjoyed to know I can have babies, but being pregnant now is too dangerous. I can't protect my body against the might of the Gods armies! What will happen if something happens to her? How can I protect my baby!?"

"I believe the child that grows in you has already done that for you." Replied Porlyusica. "If I sit here and focus I can sense your power the baby is closed in. You may have not known you were pregnant, however, your body has made a safe armor that encloses your child in it. I can only sense this since I know of your pregnancy, but if I were to just see you I can only sense the power that already radiates from you. Your powers have kept the baby from being noticed."

With child? Not even We took notice of the baby, but We see her now. We can hear her small heartbeat strong and loud. She is right, mutt. You are with child.

"What am I to do?" I whispered. How could I tell anyone that I'm pregnant? If the news of me with child is out I'll never see the frontlines. Natsu will blow a fuse if he finds out I'm pregnant and still facing the battle with our child. How could I tell him, or anyone for that matter? Porlyusica stood back on her feet. "It's none of my business what you do, but I suggest you decide before the End of the World is at our doorsteps. You can see yourself out." Porlyusica left me alone as she returned to her potions. Despite having no feeling in my legs I managed to leave the old woman's home walking straight into the woods without much a thought as to where I'm going. I was on the path for a short while with my hands over my stomach. What was I going to do now that I'm pregnant? Why wasn't I more careful?

You have to tell your husband.

"And then what?! Are we to sit idly in the Guild Hall as everyone we love goes out and fights our war!? I just need time to think, I need a minute to plan something." Forcefully, I ripped my hands from my stomach. I continued to walk straight on as I rubbed my temples to think carefully. Without a doubt, no one can know about the baby, but Natsu is the father and my husband. If I keep this a secret from him I know I would break his trust. Everything we've built and been through would mean nothing if I don't tell him about the pregnancy. Regardless that I'm having a baby, I also know I have to fight in this war as well. If I don't then we have already lost and everything we prepared will be for nothing. But if I tell Natsu he'll find some way to prevent me from facing the battle.

I was at a loss. I stopped on my continuous path only to collapse into myself. I was bawling into my knees with my hands around my stomach again pouring my anger out in the open while I still could. I felt all alone with no one to lean on for help. I need help. There was only one person that I could think of, the only person that I knew that would just listen.

~~~

I was at the Guild Hall after trying to find my way back from walking too far off the path in the forest. Even so early in the morning, the Guild was bustling with activity as people were preparing their weapons or armor. Gajeel was checking any metal gear or weapons whilst Levy was sitting next to him speaking to Alva. Erza had a big belly in her late third trimester. She was sitting at the bar eating a slice of cake for breakfast as Jellal watched lovingly with his hand on her tummy. Most of the guild members placed bets that she was having a boy since the baby was constantly moving. Erza swore she felt a strong kick when she was twelve weeks pregnant, and if anyone dared to tell her that couldn't be possible she would without hesitation kick them in return. I thought of talking to Erza about it, but in the end, I knew she would force me to stay behind just like Natsu would. I quietly moved up the stairs avoiding any attention so I could speak to Master Makarov without any disturbance. I knocked on his office door hearing the old man call out to enter. I walked in greeting my guild master until I notice he wasn't alone. The Giver was sitting in front of Gramps with her worn hands sitting on her lap. "Ah, Lucy! We were just discussing you so you came just in time."

"Is everything alright?" I asked sincerely. "The Giver has offered her service as a medic to which I accepted. Wendy told me you were going to speak to Porlyusica about joining us?" I nodded as I sat in the opposite chair where the Giver was sitting. "I spoke to her and she also agreed in joining us. Seems we'll have two wise women to aid us in our time of need." Gramps smiled hearing what I said. "That's wonderful. Now, is there a reason why you needed to see me, Lucy?"

"She wishes to go to Aria one last time." The Giver said. Mine and Gramps's eyes went to the old woman that spoke for me. "You want to see what is left of the Light Goddess's home do you not? To see where your exceed and former Hand lies in rest?" The Giver asked. I nodded returning my gaze to Gramps. "The Day is coming soon, Master. I had to leave my city after laying my people to rest without grieving. I wish to see my home, and Seraphina's home, one last time before I must face my siblings."

"Do you wish to go alone, child?" Asked Gramps. I held my hands tightly. "If you'll allow it I would. My heart carries the guilt of leaving the remains of my people so sudden, but now that I have a little time left I would like to go. Just so I can say my final goodbyes to the Arians." Gramps nodded solemnly. "I understand. Does Natsu know you wish to travel alone?"

"Not yet, no. I was going to stay and help as much as possible until he arrives so I can tell him myself. I'll be back in a few days before the week is over." That should give me some time to think. Not only can I lay rest to Aria, but I can also see Adroath and Teral's shrine. And, it'll give me time to think about Natsu knowing about the baby. "Alright. Just wait to tell Natsu you're leaving for a few days and I'll allow you to departure today if you wish." I smiled. "Yes. The sooner I leave then the sooner I will return."

"Young master," The Giver intercepted. "if it's no trouble, I'd wish to speak to Lucy alone. There are matters I need to discuss with Mrs. Dragneel." I blushed hearing her call me Mrs. Dragneel. Usually, it's me correcting people about my new name, but the Giver always knew the changes around her. Master Makarov chuckled before excusing himself out of his office. It was just me and my Guardian alone in his office. The old woman was silent staring away from where I sat. "You've married the Dragon Slayer. Your six-month anniversary is coming up is it not?" My already blushing cheeks grew. "Y-Yes. May 8th will be our six-month anniversary. Though I can't say I'm not surprised that you knew." The Giver curled her fists. "Does he know?" She asked. Just as I suspected the Giver also knows. I shook my head. "He doesn't."

"Good. He mustn't know. No one can know." The Giver unclenched her fists as she sighed a breath of relief. "How could you be so careless Lucy? The hour of war is almost here, and here you are..." The Giver fell to a whisper. "with child." I wrapped my arms around myself. "Trust me, Giver, I never intended for this to happen. It was a shock to me when I found out only hours ago." I squeezed my stomach tighter. "Why can't my husband know? He has a right to know since he is-"

"Stop right there. He's reaching the Guild Hall now." We both fell silent for a moment. "You should know your husband better than anyone else! If he knows your "condition" then he will prevent you from facing your siblings. That cannot happen or the Realms we know shall fall. There is hope now, and the hope is within you." I looked down at my flat belly. "What do you mean Giver? What does my child have to do with any of this?"

"If I knew I would tell you, but there is a new path laid out. I've only seen glimpses as the babe grows more. It's possible for you to win, Lucy. You shall win the war and defeat the Gods." The Giver suddenly pulled me closer to her; she spoke so faintly that I wasn't sure if I heard her or not. "Swear to me you will not tell Natsu. Tell no one! If you so much as utter a word the fate of EarthLand's destruction is sealed. Swear!"

"I swear! I swear! I won't tell anyone." I answered sealing my promise to the Giver. Natsu can't know about our child until after the battle is won. He'll hate me when he knows what I've done, but if it guarantees our victory then it must be done. I'm so sorry Natsu... "Good. I know you'll keep your word. Thank you, Lucy. I know this will be hard, but I can promise you it will be worth it. I have seen hope for the first time since the Day of Reckoning had been foretold. There is hope." My chest shuddered from holding my cries to a minimum. "I feel terrible that this must be kept a secret. I told Natsu I would never keep secrets from him, Giver. This will break his heart and his trust." The Giver laid her hand on my lap. "In time, forgiveness will come. I know I'm asking too much to keep the child a secret from him, it's something no one should go through, and yet I know you wish to keep your family safe. If all fails they will perish. Natsu will perish with them and you shall be left alone in the Abyss until you cease to exist. You and the child shall be erased and Natsu will never see his child in the end." I was close to tears until I knew Natsu and Happy had made it to the Guild Hall. A beat later I was already standing wiping my eyes and clearing my throat. "I hope you're not wrong when this is all over. Natsu is a patient man but not even I know if his forgiveness extends that far. I'll be going to Aria." I went through the door to go and greet my husband. The Giver who was still sitting in the office whispered under her breath. I barely caught what she said. "I can only hope."

Before Natsu snagged a seat at the bar I caught his attention. "Lucy!" He exclaimed with a big smile. His arms reached out to me that when I greeted him Natsu pulled me into a big hug. "Hi," I replied returning Natsu's hug. Natsu became rigid as he pulled away to look at me. "There's something you have to tell me, isn't there?" He asked with a serious face.

You have to tell him.

I can't tell him. I promised. "I'm going back to Aria one more time. The state we left it fills me with shame. Before we go to war against the Gods I wanted to see to it my people are properly buried. I'll only be gone for a few days." Natsu took my hands. "You want to go alone? I'll go with you!"

Tell him of the child. It isn't right to keep this from him.

"It's okay. I need to see this through myself. It was me that failed them so I have to lay my city to rest. I'll be fine, Natsu. If something bad happens the Souls Connection will warn you. Just like it will warm me if something bad happens to you." I laid my head on my husband's chest so the sound of his strong heartbeat can soothe my turmoiled mind. The Balance begging me to tell him was beginning to make my tongue slip of any secrets I hold. They won't tell him, I won't allow it. I also can't allow myself to even say it. I had to leave now before I slip. "I'm going now. The sooner I leave the faster I come home. I'll be home in time for our six-month anniversary." That put a smile on Natsu's face. "Has six months passed since I married you? Where has the time gone?"

"Six months and only an eternity more, my love." I perked up on the top of my toes and kissed Natsu on the lips. "I'll see you in a couple of days," I whispered into his ear causing him to shudder. "Hurry back to me Luce." One more time I kissed him again and then said bye to a couple of my comrades. I left the Guild Hall walking to the forest until I was out of sight. I huffed holding my stomach again. "Why did you have to make it so hard to talk to him! I promised the Giver we wouldn't say anything!"

You're being selfish again. Not telling your husband that he's going to be a father is a cruel act to play! After everything he's done for you, this is how you will repay him?

"The Giver hasn't let me down yet! I have to trust her judgment so please trust me about my decisions. I wouldn't do it if I didn't trust the Giver. It's not only my life that's on the line doing this! It's yours also if we fail and lose against the Gods! I'll be erased, my child and you will be erased! Please, just hope we're making the right decision in not telling him!"

We don't like it. You said no more secrets, and now here We are keeping one of the biggest secrets any woman can hold.

"I know. I hate it just as much as you guys do, but if not saying anything helps us closer to winning then we have to try." The mist that covered the ground gently eased up. Spring was growing warmer, and the smell of grass remnants of late spring had come to an end. I summoned my wings quickly calculating that if I fly without a stop it will take me almost two days to reach Aria. Three days on a train compared to two days flying wasn't all that bad. I like flying, and not having to eat or sleep also benefits me to not stop. "We have a long way to fly. I promise to have a steady flight for you, Nashi." I hadn't smiled about the news of my pregnancy, but hearing my baby's name did put a smile on my face.

Nashi, my baby girl I already love beyond anyone or anything.

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🫣

*whisper* Surprise!!!

Lucy's pregnant! Let's hope she doesn't get in too much trouble when Natsu finds out (when the time is right. ;3)
I hope you Lovelies liked this chapter! Thank you so much for reading this far.

As always...love you all.❤️