Vanished

Chapter 14 – Pieces

Author's Note: Time keeps on slipping, I hope everyone is having a great new year! My twins celebrated their first birthday last month, and things have slowly become a little more manageable to sit down and write again! Brace yourself, the feels are upon us. Just yesterday we reached 100 Reviews! I am both honored and humbled; as I am so grateful this story is so well liked. SO I'd like to give a huge thank you to my readers. You're all amazing! I'd like to welcome you all back to the world of Vanished, and without further delay let's get on to the story!

I look forward to hearing your reviews!

The darkness was slowly settling in as Natsu stared blankly up at the stars above, head on his hands with his elbows on his knees as he sat on a rock after his vigorous pacing. He couldn't remember when he'd sat down away from the group, but it was still bright at the time with the sun lingering in the horizon.

It was when he looked skyward, he was reminded of Lucy the most.

Heaving a deep sigh, the dragon slayer knew he needed to get back soon. Leaving on such tense terms just wasn't his style, and he supposed he would just need to suck it up around all of the...lovers.

He stood up slowly, stretching his arms out in front of him to hear a satisfying pop.

"Well, time to get back." Natsu spoke aloud, turning around only to find someone was approaching.

Immediately a small flame erupted in his hand.

Sniffing the air as the wind was in his favor, he immediately recognized the scent, raising both his brows high as he walked through the bushes.

"Bixlow?"

"Natsu! Long time!" Bixlow offered a lazy wave towards him; walking forth till he was but a few feet away from him. "Looks like we caught up to you guys, Freed found some things out you might be interested to hear; he's looking it over with Levy now." He was quick to stick his tongue out in a rocker like fashion holding his thumb up. "It's juicy!"

Juicy! Juicy! His babies floated through the bushes after him, repeating him with vigor as one of the souled tiki dolls turned a bit; staring straight off to the side. The floating doll turned to the side a bit before floating back to Bixlow.

"Really!" Natsu grinned, the fire once more returning to his belly. "Well what are we waiting for – let's go!"

Juicy! Juicy! The one tiki doll chimed out, bumping into Bixlow's arm a few times.

"What is it baby?" He cooed out, watching the little doll turn back to the direction he needed to look.

Well, if he'd been drinking; he was sure he would have spat it out in a stream of shock. "WHAT IS THAT!?" Bixlow flew open his metal visor, his figure eyes wide and shell shocked as he momentarily forgot that only he and his babies could see what he was seeing. His hand were shaking as he was pointing at mid-air to none other than Lucy who looked just as wide eyed and nerve laden.

"Bixlow! You can see me!?" Lucy pointed back, her mouth agape with awe as things slowly began to make sense.

"Yes….BUT WHAT IS THAT!" He yelled again, clearly pointing at her swollen abdomen.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON BIXLOW!" Natsu who'd been simmering since he began to stammer and yell like an idiot reached his boiling point; looking feverishly at whatever the hell he'd been pointing at. "I don't see anything!"

"Ohhhhhhhh I don't think you want to baby…" Bixlow swallowed hard, seeing Lucy's face become as red as can be.

"Bixlow don't say a word….he, obviously doesn't know yet." Lucy rubbed her arm, looking longingly at Natsu as she could see the way he looked right through her; for legitimate reasons.

"I'm not touching this one with a fifty foot pole….but I think I can help out just a little bit." Bixlow laughed nervously, grabbing one of his babies from mid-air and stared into it; the doll slowly lost a bit of its luster before it was merely lifeless in his hand. "Now look at me…" He said urgently as he headed to Lucy and stood before her. "It's going to feel weird…" And without hesitation his eyes lit up, Lucy stared into them as she felt her soul become constricted, controlled by him. Slowly she was sucked into the doll as the color began to become vibrant once more, the small wooden tiki began to float wobbly.

"You can speak – baby." Bixlow smirked, looking back to Natsu once his eyes lost their glow who was looking ready to flip shit from being so in the dark. However, Bixlow was not going to be the one to even try and explain this one….it was nearly on par with trying to talk to Laxus about….well anything with criticism.

Just generally not a good idea.

"Bixlow, I'm getting really tired of this sh-"

"Natsu…" No longer the repetitive and annoying chime of the other dolls; Natsu's eyes widened as it dawned on him it sounded exactly like Lucy… No. It was Lucy.

He couldn't breathe, let alone make his lips sound out anything his mind was screaming at him to say. He wanted to yell, he wanted to cry, he wanted to do so many things but all he could do was remain frozen in his spot as the small tiki doll floated towards him. "Na-tsu…" The voice broken behind the unchanging face of the silly doll, and it caused the dragon slayer to grit his teeth tightly as he kept his face strong….all this time.

All this time and here she was…had she been with him all the while? Did he just overlook her resolve to be by his side? No…he would have surely caught a whiff of her scent, or a sense she was nearby. He was positive he hadn't lost touch with her, the bond they shared seemed stronger before their second encounter with Blanc.

"I'm….going to go back. Don't be long…" Bixlow held his hands up before him as he backed away from where he came; clearly not wanting to be involved in more than he already was. Back! Back! The remaining babies chimed, floating behind him as he quickly headed back to the others.

While Lucy had looked to see Bixlow leave, Natsu hadn't taken his weary eyes off the tiki doll. Inwardly fighting with himself as Lucy had turned back around to look at him she tilted her small floating vessel to the side. "It's really….really good to see you aga-!" She was cut off abruptly as his hand had reached out to grab the small tiki head from the air; falling to his knees as he nearly crushed the wooden doll against his chest.

He hated it was just a doll, much wanting to feel the small of her back and the softness of her hair against his cheek but after all of this time he was going to take anything he could get. "Luce….how long have you been here…." He breathed out; eyes shadowed by his bangs blocking out the moonlight from reaching most of his face.

"Not long Natsu….I stumbled upon you just before Bixlow arrived…I'm so glad you're alright Natsu!" The small voice cracked more, wishing she had means to hug him back but being in this small tiki was even a blessing in this current catastrophe.

"I'm so sorry it took me so long…" His grip tightened ever so, but Lucy didn't mind; slowly easing her way out of his grasp to float up in front of his face.

"Don't be Natsu….I was out too, I'd heard you'd been put into a coma; I thought you would be fated to be the same as Trav. I never stopped believing you'd come for me, not now, not ever. You always find a way." Lucy reasoned, turning to place one of the small wooden wings on his cheek. "We have bigger things to worry about right now though…" Lucy gulped, hard.

"That's right!" Natsu jumped up, smiling victoriously as he looked back to the direction of the others. "Everyone's going to want to see you, and Freed found something important – apparently."

"Natsu that's not…" Lucy stopped herself, feeling a pit well up in her stomach. Was this the moment she'd been waiting for? To suddenly spring this on him when he couldn't even see her? Lucy had wanted so badly for Natsu to know of their conceived child….but as she looked to the relief, happiness, excitement on his face….she didn't want anything to dampen that. Would it really be wise for him to know before they faced off against Blanc? What if it weighed on him and altered his judgement….no…she couldn't risk it. Just like she couldn't risk him knowing of Igneel as much as it killed her to keep such a secret as big as this from him. What was another day? One more day till they reached him at the border where that bastard was heading.

One more day to put an end to this all.

"Lucy….what's the matter? Is there something you need to tell me?" He asked innocently, in a way that both elated and killed her in only a manner Natsu could muster.

Flinching visibly, she shook her small tiki body.

"No….I can't stay though. I have been traveling with….others, cursed like me. We have also been following Blanc; like you we'll ambush him at the border." She explained, watching the look on Natsu's face fall.

"Wait…you're leaving? Lucy, let me come with you and these other cursed then." He pleaded, making a motion to reach out for her hand out of pure habit but mid motion realized she didn't have any he could hold currently.

"Natsu…we can't even talk to you let alone lead you. I don't want to go….but it's for the best. I can't stay in this tiki head forever; we'll have to meet you there. We're all heading to the same place…" Oh, Lucy didn't want to leave his side after all this time waiting to see him…but in this state there was so little she could do.

Natsu knew she was right, but it physically made him ill to know he couldn't protect her in the slightest in this form. The only thing he could do was follow through with his resolve and kill Blanc, saving not only Lucy but all of the other cursed she had told them about. It made him uneasy about snuffing life away…but if it would save his Nakama….save the girl he'd grown to love so deeply he would do it in a heartbeat. "I won't let you down Lucy…he won't get away this time. Let's go….we'll go hear what Freed has found out and then you can head back…" Natsu trailed off uncharacteristically, noting mentally he'd never really said something to such a caliber before; almost as if he was letting her go instead of dying for her to stay beside him.

Lucy mentally seconded such a thought, and she let out a soft inaudible sigh at such a solemn moment.

She floated along just behind him, having to remind herself it was for the best.

It had to be.

It hadn't taken long to return back to the group, Natsu leading the way in an awkward silence as he seemed so lost in thought. Lucy had dared not say a word least something slipped out about what she vowed to keep silent about. As they passed around a large tree he looked up, and in turn the faces of their small group looked back at him.

Levy and Freed had been sitting to the side scowering the books he'd brought along with her magical glasses, Gajeel standing but a few steps behind Levy. Grey had been talking to Bixlow while Evergreen and Juvia had been huddled close looking quite menacing talking under their breath; stopping only when Natsu and Tiki Lucy had come into the small clearing.

"So what's this news?" Natsu blurted, wasting no time as time lost could mean Blanc was getting closer to the border.

However, he was paid no heed as Levy nearly threw the book at Freed and ran past Natsu; grabbing Lucy mid-air as she hugged her tightly. "Lu-chan!" Levy cried out, happy tears forming on the corner of her eyes as she swayed back and forth with the small tiki lodged in her chest.

"Levy! I'm so happy to see you…but this….is slightly awkward…." Lucy felt herself sweat drop before Levy chuckled and let her go. "Well it's not ideal but I couldn't help myself. We've all been so worried!" She was nearly jumping out of her own skin as Lucy was starting to feel something was up. Levy was a joyous and excitable girl…but this was a little too much even for her.

"You look awfully excited for someone so worried Levychan!" Lucy laughed, looking around to everyone. "It's amazing to see you all again…" She breathed, relieved…if it wasn't for the fact she was in one of Bixlow's tiki dolls it would have been just like normal.

"How could I not! You're my best friend Lu-chan, although it's a tragic time right now there is no reason to not celebrate when it's befitting!" She placed her hand on the cheek of the Tiki doll; earning what would have been a confused look from Lucy.

"What are you…" Lucy began, but paused as it played out in slow motion before her eyes.

The world went deafeningly silent around her, only to see the shape of Levy's mouth speak as her eyes still glittered with joyous tears; "Congratulations, you'll be an amazing mom!"

The others who had stood smiled at her, she could see in their eyes they wanted to say something; wanted to desperately see the news they'd been told by none other than Bixlow; who had shrugged his shoulders in a mischievous but well-meaning apology for spilling the beans. In his defence she didn't say not to tell anyone else; and he probably assumed that she'd told Natsu as to her original plan before a change of heart.

However, as her world still remained silent aside from her pounding heart she caught sight of Natsu who'd flinched at Levy's words….ones he'd heard without fail. Sounds began to filter back into her ears from such a strange episode, but as she locked her eyes with the back of Natsu's head she could only imagine the look on his face. The others slowly began to realize there was one person still in the dark about it, and as Levy turned around to see the faces of their friends who were facing him she turned white as a sheet.

"Oh…my god. I'm so sorr….I thought…." She stammered, looking back to Lucy but was clearly unable to read the silent Tiki before her.

Without turning around, Natsu had managed to barely contain his emotions as he croaked out a quick; "Lucy….you're pregnant…?"

The silent tension amidst the group had been so thick they were sure not even Gajeel's steel sword would be able to slice through it.

"Well. This is awkward…." Laxus interrupted with a loud clearing of his throat; holding in his arms an unconscious Erza as the entire group looked his way before snapping out of their moment of silence. He'd arrived just moments prior when he'd heard Natsu's words, but he could quite easily put the scenario together – he wasn't an idiot like he'd argue some of the present company were. Pressing matters remained that although Erza would be alright she had been through a lot and her body needed rest; and not hiding haphazardly under a small cropping of rocks where he'd found her. Welcoming the urgent distraction Levy had politely excused herself from between Natsu and Lucy to head with everyone else to check on Erza and give the pair a moment of privacy.

Gajeel had intercepted Levy as she moved towards Laxus and Erza, noting with his keen senses she'd begun to shed her tears for a different kind of emotion. Lifting his hand he dropped it on her shoulder, making her stop as she hung her head. "I'm so stupid…" She breathed out trying to hold back a silent sob, only to have Gajeel squeeze her shoulder and pull her closer to him. "No one knew, shrimp. It would have happened to any of us who would have approached."

"But Gajeel…" Levy whimpered, but gave a soft gasp as his thumb brushed away a tear on her cheek; looking up as he had made sure no one as looking. "Can it. It's them…it'll be okay." Levy looked back to see the pair out of her peripherals and lifted a hand to set on his.

This was Natsu and Lucy they were talking about, and deep down…she knew they would be okay no matter what was thrown their way.

Both of them had looked to Erza with a casting glance of worry, but it was Natsu to take the initiative to turn around to look at Lucy…hurt clearly in his eyes.

"Natsu…"

"Why." He interrupted, cutting her short as he took a step towards her. "Why didn't you tell me…" Natsu asked sternly, his tone serious and rather frightening. It wasn't often he was so void and forthcoming; either he was enraged, excited, joyous, silly…but not this. She couldn't read him, nothing but the cracking betrayal on his tone. Lucy so dearly wanted to abandon the tiki and run, run so no one would be able to find her as she was so close to breaking.

It really didn't help her emotions were raging thanks to all the additional hormones coursing through her body…or astral body. She wasn't spared all the quirks of pregnancy, after all.

"I…."

"No, I don't want to hear it." Natsu decided, throwing his hand to the side to emphasise his point. "I told you….I'm going to be here. So why do you do this…it's like when you left after Phantom attacked. You don't have to do these things alone!" Natsu snapped, the fire in his eyes as intense as ever. Was he scared? Damn straight. Things had been such a mess since that mission…losing Lucy, getting her back…coming to terms he loved her beyond the bounds of friendship, losing her again…and now faced with a child from their night of loving passion. Everyone in the guild had a story, had hardship…He'd lost his parents, and the only parent he could remember – Igneel, he'd lost too. Lucy had lost her mother; and her father had become a source of pain for her since that whole ordeal.

Now she was keeping secret this pregnancy, with the only blood relative he had in this world now to his knowledge…did she not want him to be involved? It sounded like absolute lunacy that Lucy would ever think such a thing…but she'd also never given him any reason to think that she'd keep such a serious secret from him.

"Can't you trust me…?" Natsu pleaded, trying to search for any hint of expression but had a feeling as she was bound to one of Bixlow's dolls he would be given no such luxury.

"Natsu…stop…." Happy piped up, the only one brave enough to approach the pair as he'd kept his distance politely…but it was getting out of hand. He hated seeing Natsu and Lucy fight….bicker, yes…but emotions were hot and serious this time.

Lucy was shaking, thankfully no one could see the tears which freefell down her cheeks, her breath hitching as she tried not to cry loud enough to project from the doll. She'd believed she was not being selfish with her desires to spare Natsu any additional stress with the knowledge of their expecting child, or of the fact Igneel and the other dragons were alive. Yet with those eyes, the sharpness of his words and his feelings he poured out to her she felt as if she'd just said she hated him. She'd misjudged his maturity about the whole thing, and in turn hurt him quite deeply by trying to spare him for the time being. It broke her heart to see him like this, to be searching for a face he wouldn't find due to the curse. Now he was not only upset, but questioning her very bond with him; why after everything…she'd chose to keep such a huge bit of life changing information secret than telling her best friend…the father of her; their child.

"No, Happy." Natsu snapped, catching the blue feline off guard, but Happy knew he had to stand his ground.

"Yes, Natsu! Don't you think Lucy would have a very good reason for doing what she did! She's our Nakama!" Happy nearly hissed back, his tail puffing out as he stomped a little foot against the ground.

"I….I can't do this. I can't do this right now!" Lucy's voice cracked from the doll, evident she was crying despite the unchanging face. She pushed against the constrains of her prison, eventually breaking free from the possession of the doll as the tiki head lost some of its vibrance and fell to the ground with a clack. She turned and ran, knowing no one but Bixlow would see her do so; as fast as her feet and legs could carry her in her condition. Tears had blurred her vision as the forest passed her by, trying to navigate back to the comfort of the dragons who brought her here in the first place.

Happy and Natsu had both snapped their heads back towards Lucy as the tiki head fell out of the air and onto the ground with a lifeless thump. Natsu was the first to rush forward and pick up the tiki.

"Lucy! Are you alright?...Lucy!" Natsu shouted, gripping the wooden head tighter as now the attention of the group was back on him; his eyes snapping to Bixlow.

"Is she okay?!" He demanded, but Bixlow looked to the doll, and then around the clearing. Closing his eyes he shook his head, "She's not here anymore Natsu." He said simply, having a feeling Natsu already knew this.

Dropping the tiki Natsu snapped his head around, desperately trying to pick up anything that could lead him to Lucy. His breathing began to become laboured as his anger towards himself boiled to dangerous levels. With his teeth nearly cracking under the sheer pressure of his jaws he bellowed out, sounding as ferocious as a dragon scorned as it echoed far into the depths of the woods.

"LUCY!"

Igneel snapped his head up at such a familiar roar, immediately getting up and quickly exiting from the cave. It didn't sound too far off, wings ready to unfurl and to fly into the night…but his ears picked up the quick steps approaching. The weight of the steps gave away exactly who it was, and his eyes softened as mighty leathery wings folded tightly against his side.

"Lucy…are you alright?" Igneel lowered his head to be eye to eye with the young girl; seeing and smelling the tears pouring from her eyes.

"I…I will be…" She stumbled out, her breath catching from the tightness of her chest aching painfully under her ribs. "He knows…that's the important thing…" She looked up into Igneel's eyes seeing her own reflection staring back at her. Biting her lip to cease the quivering she took a few weary steps towards Igneel and grabbed onto his snout; resting her head on the bridge of his nose as her shoulders shook in silent sobs.

The fire dragon let out a soft sigh, able to put two and two together that the meeting between her and his son did not go as the young girl had desired. He knew that Natsu couldn't have outright denied her and his unborn child; Igneel raised him much better than that. However his son was many things…but was definitely prone with a temper and a lack of tact when it came to the heart.

Either way, nothing could be done about that in their present state, and right now Lucy needed him more than he needed to find out what exactly happened.

"Hush, child…" Igneel spoke softly, warm tones he found himself only showing up when around Natsu and Lucy. "This is not good for the baby, come inside and get some sleep; things will work out in the end I promise you."

"I know…thank you Igneel." Lucy wiped away her tears, composing herself just enough to pull her head from the scales of his snout. It was late, she had so many emotions whirling around in her soul that she wasn't entirely sure what she should be feeling right now aside from a pooling source of guilt. Sleep would do her well, even if she was sure bad dreams might be in her near future.

Waiting a moment for Lucy to begin to walk back into the cave, the mighty dragon took a fleeting glance back out into the woods; knowing somewhere in their depths was his son.

A son who was probably tormented with the same raging inferno of emotion Lucy was facing. Oh, how he wanted to give the same sage wisdom to Natsu….but that was not possible. So without missing a beat he followed the celestial mage inside the cave, settling down with her as she'd slept on the side of his neck.

Yet for Igneel, it would be a long night of his dragon 'dream' state, as he played out how he would end Blanc come the morning.

Stay tuned!