Author's Note: My jeep broke, but it's getting fixed. So I couldn't go to campus or do anything else today. So I finished another chapter! Enjoy! Review!
Chapter 55: Telling
I'm in a daze as I walk through the halls towards our balcony. I can't believe I'm pregnant. My hand rubs my stomach. I take a tense and defensive stance just as Noroi from Animalia steps out from around a corner. My green eyes narrow at the black haired man. I can still see him as the short teen that placed the seal on me in the past. "Shouldn't you be watching your teammate fight?"
He chuckles darkly. His black hair is tied in a high pony tail with sharp gold eyes. He hides his body shape under dark baggy clothing. He holds out a brown gloved hand. "That was over ages ago, not that I care about that brute. Coming from the infirmary, beast? Are you injured? That would make my job so much easier." Noroi's voice is smooth and dark like an alluring curse.
"Are you sure you want to try me, Noroi?" I slip a hand under my cloak to grasp the handle of my Scarlet Shadow. "It took your entire guild to take me down last time. Do you really think you can handle me by yourself, child?" I smirk at the narrowing glare I receive.
"It seems my seal has been broken." Noroi straightens up. "That's alright though. We didn't come to the games for you. You were just a pleasant surprise, devil."
I growl. "What did you come for?" My hand tightens on my halberd.
A deadly smirk crosses his otherwise handsome features. "That slayer of yours."
The next instant, his back slams into the nearest wall with my hand around his throat leaving his feet dangling off the ground. I take a sick pleasure in the quick flash of fear I see in his eyes. I snarl in his face. "What do you want with Naiyo?"
His answer is airy and soft from my hand cutting off some of his air supply. "Since she uses your type of magic and you disappeared, she was the perfect replacement. Plus if you did return, she would be excellent bait."
I close off the rest of his air supply with a deep growl. "You will not touch my daughter. Do you guys really think that you can capture us by yourselves? It took how many of you when I was alone. Naiyo is strong. I am strong. And do you really want to start a war with Fairy Tail? You have to know what has happened to the guilds that declare war on us." I relax my hand just enough to let him speak.
Noroi takes a few breathes trying to take the blue tint from his skin. He grins wide. "A war with Fairy Tail? Don't make me laugh. Why would they help a monster like you? They don't even know what you are, do they? Do you really think they will help you when they find out your secret?" I tense as he hits my fear right on the nose. He must notice because he continues. "Oh? So they don't know." He cackles. "They will desert you, even that fire dragon slayer. Who would want to be friends with a devil?! It's still just the two of you. And we have gotten stronger as well. We have fought you once so we know what it takes. I know you are still weak from my seal. You may have survived it, but you aren't human. Do you think that slayer of yours can survive being completely drained of her magic?"
I tremble from anger and fear. He has stated all of my insecurities and worries so easily. I knew I had them, but to hear them from my enemy. I start to crush his windpipe. I remember what Minerva from Sabertooth had said about hurting another team outside of the games. Fairy Tail just started to be favored. I can't ruin that for my family and friends. I snarl threateningly. "You are lucky that you are a participant in the games, or I would kill you where you stand…" I look at his feet which are still dangling and smirk. "…well where you hang. Though, I think I will send you back as a message to your guild." I pull my other arm back and curl my fingers in a claw shape. I plan to slice his face in a way that will hopefully scar.
He grabs the wrist that is at his throat with wide eyes. Noroi is weak from lack of oxygen to the point he can't concentrate his magic. As I move my hand slowly towards his face to increase the terror level, he kicks out his knee towards my stomach. Porlyusica's worlds echo in my head about this being a delicate pregnancy with a high chance of miscarriage. Normally, I would catch it with my hand, but the fear for my unborn child makes me react without thinking. I jump away from him to the other side of the hallway in a crouched position with my hand over my stomach and hissing. He collapses to the ground holding his throat, coughing for air. He glares in my direction, taking in my stance and reaction. I glare at the smirk that graces his face as I realize my mistake. "Interesting…" He disappears in a flash of quick movement.
"Damnit!" I stand up hissing at myself. I stalk down the hall quickly. "Now they know, damnit!"
"Now they know what?" I stop midstride at the familiar unwanted voice. I spin around on my heel with a hard glare and arms at my side.
I am greeted with the red eye stare of the Sabertooth dragon slayer. "Rogue." I grind out through gritted teeth.
He takes a few steps towards me. "Who knows what?"
I click my tongue and scoff. "Why do you care, Rogue? What are you doing here?"
He stops a few feet in front of me. I see the smallest twitch to his nose. "I didn't care for the battles, so I took a stroll. You smell different."
I tense at the last statement, and my eyes narrow. "It's none of your concern."
He glances around the hall. "Why are you near the infirmary?"
"Like I said, it's none of your concern." I spin on my heel and start to walk away. I can feel his eyes still on me as I leave, so I stop. "You should stop staring, Rogue, if you know what is good for you." I turn the corner and out of his sight as I make my way onto the balcony. I stop in the shadows just before the balcony. The others don't realize I am there. I look down at my hand on my stomach then at Natsu. How do I tell him? I take a deep breath and step out into the light.
The others seem too focused on the arena to notice me. I stand at Natsu's side and look over the railing to see what has captured their attention and gasp. Laxus is in the arena with the entire Raven Tail team beaten around him. The guy in the gold armor is actually Laxus's father and master of the guild, Ivan. I snap my head in the direction of their balcony and see their unmoving forms disappear. What's going on?! What did I miss?! I remember Noroi's threat and glance at Naiyo to see her with her team on their balcony looking just as amazed as everyone else. Animalia is standing on their balcony indifferent. Noroi is standing in front with a bruise forming on his neck.
"Mayen!" I turn to see Lucy leaning back with wide eyes. "When did you get here?" I must have surprised her since she was so engrossed in what was happening.
I feel a warm arm slither around my waist. "I just got back, and I'm fine. Porlyusica said to see her at the end of the day if nothing changes." I wave a hand in front of my face. "Tell me what happened here."
Erza speaks up first. "It seems that Ivan used some sort of illusion magic to cover up the real fight between Laxus and all five of them. It had looked like Alexei was beating Laxus, but it disappeared to reveal this."
"It's not fair." Natsu pouts. "I wanted to beat at least one of them."
"It's almost like he did payback for us." Gray's voice is soft from the other side of Natsu.
"What else did I miss?" I look around.
"Animalia beat Cerberus, Sabertooth beat Pegasus, and Desert Rose beat Mermaid Heel." Lucy states matter-of-factly. Wow, I missed a lot.
Laxus leaves the arena but stops next to his father. Some soldiers come out a drag a cackling Ivan in the other direction. Other soldiers collect the rest of the Raven Tail team. "After some consultation, it's been decided that Raven Tail is disqualified!" The announcer gives us the update. "And they're banned from participating in the tournament for three years."
A screen appears showing the pumpkin man mascot in the arena. "Well, that result was an embarrassment, but let's move on to our fifth match, the last match of the day!" There is a loud cheer.
"From Fairy Tail A, Wendy Marvel!" The announcer calls. We cheer for the excited sky dragon slayer. Natsu and Gray wish her luck as she heads to the in a new outfit. "Versus Cheria Blendy of Lamia Scale!" Sherry's cousin steps out to the battle field.
They meet in the center while the pumpkin speaks. "Alright, the moment you've been waiting for!" Cheria trips over a rock and face plants. Wendy rushes over to her in concern only to do the same thing. The crowd laughs while the respective teams sweat drop.
I giggle behind my hand. "She's too cute. I'm glad I'm not missing this fight." I cup my hands around my mouth. "Go Wendy!" I ignore the twinge in the back of my mind at the magic that suddenly comes from the arena.
"This is sure to be an incredibly cute showdown!" The announcer swoons. "I'm rootin' for 'em both!" The twinge gets stronger at the familiar magic. "Alright, the final match of day three!" The gong is struck. Gray and Lyon share a quick back and forth over their teammates. "Truly a cute combination! I'm tickled pink!" I can't ignore the magic anymore. Why is it familiar?
Wendy acts first with blue magic circles coming at her sides. "Arms, Vernier…Enchant!" She starts to spin in the blue sparkling light. "Wing Slash of the Sky Dragon!"
Surprisingly, Cheria dodges the attack by flipping and counters. "North wind, become the breath of the gods and blow on the land! God of the Sky, Boreas!"
"Black wind?!" Natsu shouts gripping the railing as Wendy isn't able to fully dodge the attack.
"She's a God Slayer!" I slam my hands on the stone, leaning slightly over as the battle heats up.
The attack is dispelled by a burst of wind from Wendy showing that she did actually dodge. Cheria sends Wendy into the air where the dragon slayer spins and send Cheria to the ground with her talon attack. They both land on the ground and send out their breath attack. That's why the magic is familiar! Cheria has a Lost Magic! That has to be why it's familiar, there's no other reason for Zeref's magic. There is a large wind blast from their connecting attack. Lucy has to hold her skirt down. Natsu moves behind me placing his hands on either side to help me brace. "Amazing!" I can hear the proud smile in his voice. I smile and picture him having that look with our child, and I blush which luckily goes unnoticed.
"Is this for real?!" Gray says above the loud wind.
"So that guy wasn't the only one…" Natsu asks once the wind dies down. I know he is referencing Zancrow from Grimoire Heart.
"You know her?" Erza crosses her arms.
Natsu stands up straight and crosses his arms without looking away from the arena. "That one guy from Grimoire, Shinpachiro or something…"
I sweatdrop. "Zancrow."
"Yeah, him…" Natsu nods.
"He used God Slayer Magic too?" Lucy tilts her head.
Natsu looks up, sweating, and tries to play it off. "God Slayer?! Nah, it wasn't that big a deal!"
"No matter who her opponent is, right now, Wendy has to face her on her own." Erza advices. "This is Wendy's moment of truth." She looks back at the arena.
Wendy seems to be the only one with damage. The announcer is still swooning ridiculously over the two. "Gadzooks! To the eye, they're as cute as can be, but both of them are impressive wizards!" The two start again, but Wendy seems at the disadvantage as she keeps taking damage from Cheria's attacks while our slayer can't get close. Wendy stretches out her arms and starts to eat the air. Cheria decides to copy her. What are Cheria and Wendy doing?! Is my imagination or has the oxygen thinned out abit!?"
"I've never seen Wendy eat air." I tilt my head in wonder.
"I wonder what it tastes like." Natsu scratches his chin.
"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art!" Wendy takes a wide stance. A large magic circle appears under feet as magic pulses from her.
"There it is!" Natsu nods approvingly and proudly.
I lean forward on my elbow watching the match with a large smile. "Go Wendy!"
The wind picks up in the arena surround the two in a barrier. "Light Burst: Sky Drill!" A large beam of blue sky magic hits Cheria head on and lights up the entire colosseum. The light dies down to show Cheria falling to the ground. Lyon cries out for his teammate. Lucy, Natsu and I cheer.
The mascot runs over to the injured Lamia Scale wizard. "Cheria is down! The winner, from Fairy Tail A…"
"Sorry! Wait a second!" A high pitch voice calls out. Cheria is still able to fight. "I'm just getting started!" She stands up and a light surrounds her as she heals herself. "You're impressive, Wendy."
"P-P-Pardon me!" The pumpkin dances a little. "Let the match continue!" He gives them space.
"What is she?" Natsu shocked voice comes from beside me.
"Look! Her wounds are gone!" I lean forward.
"Whereas Wendy can't heal herself, with Sky God Slayer Magic you can." Lyon explains with a satisfied look on his face. "Sorry, but she has no chance of winning this."
I glare in his direction and turn back to the arena, taking a deep breath. "YOU CAN DO IT, WENDY! NO ONE BEATS DOWN A FAIRY TAIL DRAGON SLAYER!"
"Go Wendy!" I look up to see Naiyo cheering enthusiastically for the little dragon slayer. She looks over at me and smiles with a wave. I return the gesture, and our two balconies cheer on the blue haired girl.
Wendy seems to be having trouble staying on her feet, while Cheria tries to talk her into giving up. "I can't!" Wendy widens her feet to stay standing. Her shout surprising all of us. "The fact that I'm standing here means that I'm prepared to fight for my guild! I don't need your pity. Until I fall and can't move anymore, come at me with everything you've got!" She gives her shocked opponent a heavy stare. "Please!"
They take fighting stances as Cheria warns the smaller slayer. "Well, now it's my turn to break out a big move!" She holds her hands out to the side and black wind starts to swirl around her hands. "I'll make it easy on you and end this with one strike. God Slayer's Secret Art!" She spins on her toes. Her guild yells at her for using the spell. Black feathers appear around her.
The magic rolling of the god slayer is immense. "W-What is that magic?!" Erza lowers her arms in concern.
"That's…" My eyes widen at the familiar sensation. Cheria sends the beam of black feathers at Wendy who raises her arms, but the attack goes around her. Wendy made Cheria miss by increases Cheria's strength without her knowledge, so the attack was too strong for her to control. Wendy jumps in with an attack, but Cheria heals the wound on her arm as soon as it is made. They jump into close combat with their magic.
"It's a clash of little fists! Is this tenacity for the sake of their guilds?!" The announcer cheers.
"Go!" Natsu steps up to the railing beside me. "Neither of you lose!"
The crowd starts cheering as well as the battle continues to rage one until the bell is rung. "There it is…time has run out!" The announcer calls as the dust clears showing two worn out fighters. "The match is over and it's a draw! Both teams receive five points!"
"Awesome!" Natsu raises his fists.
"You did great, Wendy!" Lucy cries out to our teammate.
"Way to go, Wendy!" I shout above the roar of the crowd. Even with the fight over, I still feel that sinister magic. At least it wasn't Cheria. I look around and see Jellal in the crowd having watched the fight.
"Both of them were magnificent." Erza smiles.
"This is the beast match I've seen yet!" Cries the bald announcer.
Cheria moves to the collapsed and panting Wendy and heals her wounds. The two shake hands and agree to be friends.
"The third day is over! With Animalia in an astounding lead!"
1st Animalia 53P
2nd Sabertooth 36P
3rd Lamia Scale 35P
4th Fairy Tail B 31P
5th Desert Rose 30P
6th Fairy Tail A 27P
7th Mermaid Heel 23P
8th Blue Pegasus 20P
9th Cuatro Cerberus 15P
We are finally not in last place which is a great feeling. We stay on the balcony while everyone else files out of the arena so it's not as crowded. Happy comes to join us. Since I haven't gotten a bout of nausea or fatigue I can wait till tomorrow for a checkup, hopefully. Natsu slips his arm around my waist as we make our way to leave.
We make it into the main lobby before the exit. Natsu pats his stomach with his free hand. "I'm starvin'!" My stomach growls in agreement.
"Come on, Natsu." Happy scolds as he flies with us. "I'm trying to bask in the afterglow of that touching ending!"
"I can't help bein' hungry!" His thumb rubs my hip. "Mayen's hungry, too. We should stop and get food to celebrate!" I squeak as he takes off running with his arm around me, carrying me along with Happy flying after us.
The rest of the team joins us at a restaurant to celebrate before going to the bar to meet with the rest of the guild. I, of course, don't partake in the drinking. Before Natsu can get too swept up in the fun, I am able to pull him outside to the side of the building in an alley.
"Is everything alright, kitten?" He steps close to me and places his hand on my forehead. "Are you feeling sick again? Do you need to see the old hag?"
I close my eyes and purr at the feel of his warm hand on my skin and the heat coming from his body. I blink my eyes rapidly and shake my head to clear my thoughts. I have to do this now before I chicken out. I take a deep breath. "No, I'm fine at the moment. I brought you out here 'cause I need to tell you something." I take a sudden interest in the ground between us. "I-I…well…um…" My nerves start to get the better of me, and I start to tremble. "They will desert you, even that fire dragon slayer. Who would want to be friends with a devil?!" Noroi's words echo in my mind. I bite my lip.
My eyes widen as a pair of warm lips press against mine and gently suck on the lip I had bitten. I melt into my dragon slayer's embrace. He pulls back just enough for us to breathe. "How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?" Natsu brushes his lips against mine. "What is it, kitten? You can tell me anything. I love you." He hooks a finger under my chin to keep me from looking away from his green eyes. I remember the look in Noroi's eyes when he realized it. I recall Porylusica's words. I know I have to be careful so I won't be able to fully protect myself. I will need someone strong. My mate. I feel a warmth in my mating mark. Natsu nuzzles behind my ear and takes a deep breath. "Kitten, you smell kinda different. Are you using a perfume? It's nice."
Rogue said something similar. I must be far enough along for those with a sharp nose to smell it. Does that mean all of the slayers will know? I have to stop myself from biting my lip again. I need to stay focused. "I-I don't use perfume. It hurts my nose like it would yours." I push gently on his chest to back him up just enough that his alluring fiery and cinnamon scent can't distract me either. "You have to promise not to tell anyone what I am about to tell you, alright?"
Natsu's eyebrows crease at the command. He nods. "Aye, I promise. What's wrong, Mayen?"
I swallow and take his hands. I place the palms on my stomach. He looks down at his hands and then at me, confusion in his eyes. I stare straight into his green orbs though my heart is pounding. "Natsu…I'm pregnant…"
There is a stunned silence.
"Mmmm!" My eyes grow as big as saucers when Natsu drags me into a crushing kiss. One hand buried in my hair the other around my waist. He pulls back leaving me panting.
There is a huge grin on his face. "That's amazing, kitten! We have to tell everyone!" He grabs my hand and starts to march towards the bar entrance.
I dig my heels into the ground and stop him. He looks at me confused. "You promised not to tell anyone!"
He turns around slowly. "Why wouldn't we tell anyone, kitten? Are you not happy about this?"
"Of course I'm happy!" I look at him desperately. "Natsu, Porlyusica said I have a high chance of losing the baby. We have to be careful. If we tell the guild, especially now that most of them are drunk, word will get out. The games aren't over yet. We still have enemies. Animalia is still in the competition, and not to mention what Sabertooth might try." I start to tear up. "I don't want to lose the baby, even if that means not telling our friends till we know it's safe."
A serious look takes over the pinkette's features as he pulls me into an embrace. I cling to his shirt, hiding my face in his chest. "I'll keep my promise, kitten. I won't let anything happen to you or the baby." He rubs his nose against my hair. "I'm guessing that is what is different about your scent." I nod against his chest. "We'll have to at least let those that can smell it know. Happy might not understand, but the others will help." He kisses the top of my head. "I can't believe I'm going to be a father." I can feel him smiling against my hair which makes me smile against his chest. His arms tighten around me. "We're having a family, kitten."
"They will desert you, even that fire dragon slayer. Who would want to be friends with a devil?!" My eyes widen. I can't tell him yet. After the games, though, I will. I pull back and smile up at him. "I love you, Natsu."
He smiles back. "I love you, Mayen."
We go back into the bar to find it more chaotic as the Fairy Tail wizards get drunker. Natsu being in even higher spirits after my confession starts a booze barrel surfing competition. I go to the bar and get some tea with apple slices and chocolate sauce instead of caramel. I sit down next to Gajeel and the Exceeds with Levy on my other side. Panther Lily is posing for a picture by Reedus, but his eyes look in my direction after his nose twitches. He gives a slight nod which I return with a grateful smile to the smart cat.
Levy goes to talk with Lucy while Gray and Erza take a turn on the barrels. "Hey, cat, why do you smell funny?" Gajeel wakes up from his nap. His resting back against the table with his elbows.
My eyebrow twitches. "Don't call me cat, tinman!" I punch out, knocking his arms off the table, so he falls and hits his head.
"What the fuck!?" He gets in my face, but he stops when he sniffs the air again. "Why is your scent off, cat? Are ya sick or something?"
"Now, Gajeel, calm down." Panther Lily comes over once Reedus is done. "Don't go and work up Mayen. It's not good for her or the baby." His voice is low enough for only the three of us to hear.
Gajeel blinks and throws his head back laughing in his unique way. Luckily no one pays attention. "I never thought the pink idiot would have it in him. Congrats, cat." He goes to clap me on the back, but a hand stops him.
"Don't touch her." Natsu voice is darker than usual as he grips Gajeel's wrist.
"What's your problem, brat?" Gajeel snarls. "You're being overprotective."
I sigh and look down at my cup. "Actually, Gajeel, he's being the right amount of protective."
"Huh?" Gajeel looks at me.
"It's a very delicate pregnancy. What you about did, who knows, it could've terminated it with your strength." His eyes widen at my words. Natsu lets him pull his hand back. "That's why we don't want it to get out with the games still going on."
"I get it. I get it." He spins to face the table and takes a swig out of a mug he had sitting there. "I ain't gonna tell anyone."
"We'll keep you two safe, Mayen." Lily salutes. Natsu goes back to partying after leaving a peck on my cheek. I smile down at the Exceed. Two down. I look around the bar and catch eyes with Laxus, who raises his glass. He must've heard everything. I guess that's three. I send him a nod. Wendy is laughing with Romeo with a watchful Carla standing nearby and a pining Happy. We can tell them tomorrow. I smile at the cute budding romance.
The party ends in the wee hours of the morning. I am exhausted. Natsu carries me back to the room in his arms. I nuzzle his neck, ignoring the jibes from Gray while Happy carries my halberd asking if I'm alright. I can feel the question coming off of Natsu in waves through our mating mark. I nod exhaustedly. I can trust our team, since they aren't that drunk. The others drunk would be blabbing and want to party. Our team would at least listen first.
Natsu lays me down in bed since I am too tired to do it myself. I smile up at him as he kisses my forehead. "Rest, kitten. I'll handle them. I love you."
I let out a yawn and mumble. "I love you." I close my eyes but don't fall asleep right away.
"Guys, I have an important secret."
"What secret could a flamebrain like you have?" Gray scoffs from his side of the room.
"Shut up ice princess! You'll wake up Mayen, and she needs to sleep!" Natsu whisper shouts.
"Is she sick?" I can hear the worry in Wendy's voice. I hear her little feet come to my side of the bed.
"She's not sick…She's pregnant."
"What?!" is the entire team's reaction.
"Shhhhhh!" Natsu hisses.
"You got her pregnant?!" Erza whisper shouts.
"We didn't plan it." Natsu huffs.
"We have to tell everyone!" Lucy squeals softly.
"We can't, at least not yet." Natsu sighs.
"Why not, idiot?" Gray inquires.
"She has a high chance of losing the baby, so we can't tell everyone till the Grand Magic Games is over." Natsu explains. The others go quiet.
"Oh, the poor thing." Lucy tears up.
"We need to keep her safe since she can't fight freely." Natsu sounds serious.
"Of course we will, squinty eyes."
"She is our friend. We'll protect her, Natsu." Erza agrees.
"I'll make sure she and the baby are healthy with Porlyusica."
"We're gonna have a new family member." Lucy squeals softly.
"Good job, Natsu." Happy says bluntly.
I smile at the coughing from Natsu and fall asleep, knowing that my friends are there for me.
"They will desert you, even that fire dragon slayer. Who would want to be friends with a devil?!"
