Hello, my friends!

It's been so long, and I am sorry, but I promise things will be better from now on. I plan to update more often and with some help, I hope to finish this story. I know it's been a while, so feel free to reread the last five chapters to catch up! I missed you all!

I should explain, shouldn't I?

I lost the inspiration for this story, not gonna lie it was hard to even look at it and I even debated removing it because I don't like unfinished business, but that didn't seem fair to you guys and it would have been crazy hard to re-upload... So I decided to suck it up and start writing again, and to my surprise, I rediscovered my muse!

So yay! I can keep it up for you guys! Hopefully at least.

Much love,

BlackRose999

The Star Queen

Chapter Seven: A Gift Fit For A Dragon

While Natsu and Lucy had their honeymoon at the resort, the members of the Fairy Tail Guild worked tirelessly to create the one thing they would both need now that they were full-fledged mates, a house. Erza had been the one to suggest it, and with Clara's help, she'd gotten permission from both the Mayor and The Magic Counsel to build a home strong enough to withstand any of Natsu's tantrums, and comfortable enough for any future offspring they may produce in the next year or so. Based on the opinions of both Cana and Clara, it shouldn't take them too long once they start 'bopping like bunnies'. The plans for the house had been approved by Makarov and shown to Gajeel to ensure that it had the homey feeling they had been hoping for when it came to a dragon, had they not done so it might've harbored a cramped and enclosed feeling instead.

Erza was working the guild like a master would his servants, she was bound and determined to have the house finished before the newlyweds returned for the Wedding Party. The possibility of them returning before the expected date was slim since they would most likely be enjoying themselves at the resort and wouldn't want to leave anyway. Such work greatly reminded the members of the time they had to rebuild the Guildhall after Phantom Lord annihilated them, Erza was just as much of a dictator now as she was then.

The house they created was a cottage-like two-story manor, complete with a garden for Lucy and a training field for Natsu to unleash his boundless flames. The living room was large enough for five people to sit comfortably without having to touch one another, yet still small enough to remain manageable when cleaning. The floors were done in a beautiful rosewood and coated in a protective finish to prevent any scuffing or scratching, counters and dressers were made out of mahogany and polished to shimmery perfection, and doors were made out of thick sweet-smelling finished cedar. The kitchen and dining room were easily big enough to hold at least ten to fifteen people, including the couple.

When the building was finished, when the backyard was complete and perfect, they allowed themselves to stop. Erza smiled, happy with the perfect house she'd had the guild produce for the newlyweds. She congratulated everyone, then led them all back to the guild for celebratory drinking.

Meanwhile

Lucy smiled to herself, feeling Natsu's contentment through their bond, and petted his hair gently. She was sitting in the long sunning chair, with the evening sun on her skin, and his head on her lap. He snored softly, and suddenly the feeling of pain lanced through her, the choking biting pain she'd felt so many times before. This time, Natsu felt it too. He woke immediately, and quickly looked at her with confusion and fear, had they been attacked? Was she injured? The questions ran through her mind and before she could answer the pain ebbed and died, taking with it her breath. Exhaustion swept over her, and she felt herself growing increasingly more tired.

"Luce? You ok? Do we need to go see Porlyusica before we head home tonight?"

"I-I'm ok Natsu, it's been happening for a while now, so I don't think it's a deadly thing. If it gets worse we'll go see her ok?"

He looked unconvinced but nodded. Touching her face, she heard a soft inquiry of exhaustion and nodded. He helped her up and led her to their bed, where he held her all night long. She woke to feel rested, and suddenly realized it was their last morning here, they were due back to the guild for their final Marital Party tonight. Smiling, she found herself listening to the radio as she cooked breakfast for Natsu. She sang along softly, delighted to feel the sensation of awe and happiness soar through their mark as he woke to her gentle song.

He slowly sat up, stretching his body to let the new day flow in, and smiled at her. She was still singing, enjoying this blissful moment when someone knocked on the door. He made sure they were both properly dressed before he flung open the door, allowing a footman into the room to help them pack for their afternoon journey home. Eating quickly, the two of them made their way down to the lobby as they waited for their Magicar to drive them home. Surprisingly, they found Natsu was only a little bit queasy as they drove home, and realized that their bond was making it easier for him. Because Lucy had no problems with Motion Sickness, the bond made it easier for him to endure the Dragon Slayer sickness.

"Well, that's convenient…"

"Right? No more pukey Natsu, you'll be able to fight on trains and stuff now!"

"WOOHOO! AYE SIR!"

She giggled and watched happily as he fell in love with the countryside as they moved, no longer worrying about vomiting his guts out. He asked questions, was attentive and nosy about everything, and she loved it. And it was over too quickly, they reached Magnolia City and got off, happily lugging their suitcases up Main Street toward the guild. They were met by a crowd of people, cheering as the sun sets behind them.

"WELCOME HOME!"

Fireworks blasted the night sky in various colors, with music filling the air as the party moved into full swing. Members of every guild had convened in Magnolia, including those from Sabertooth. Sting, Rogue, Frosch, and Lector were present as well as every major guild Master. Lucy wore a tailored and fitted white dress, with seed pearls embroidered into the bust and around the high neckline that featured an open back to show off her Mark. It featured no sleeves and a short train, allowing her to move freely in her heels. Simple pearl earrings hung from her ears, complimenting her long free-flowing golden hair.

Natsu wore a light tux, with his hair gently tousled so it fell in natural curls. His tux was black with a white undershirt, he wore black lacquered dress shoes. They looked every bit like a married couple, never leaving each other's sides. Her ring glistened in the sun, shimmering delicately with the colors of the rainbow, and perfectly complemented her diamond-inlaid band. She felt amazing, like royalty. He'd gone all out for her, and she planned to make his upcoming birthday just as special.

"Lu!"

Lucy turned to see Levy coming toward her, wearing a form-fitting black cocktail dress that cleverly hid her secret very well. She paused. What on earth did she sense from Levy? Brow furrowing, she looked questioningly at Natsu, who was desperately trying to hide his giggles. 'You smell it because I do.' He whispered through the Mark. Her eyes went wide, and she gawked at Levy and Gajeel who'd snuck up behind his mate, earning a startled squeak.

"Levy? When were you going to tell me? Tell anyone?"

She blushed, but put her hand on her stomach gently, and suddenly she was smiling so widely Lucy feared she'd tear her face.

"Only the Slayers and their Mates know, because they can smell it. So I can't hide it from them. But I wanted to tell people later, after the party. I'm not much of a drinker anyway so me turning down drinks won't raise suspicion with anyone."

Lucy smiled and nodded along, a gentle nudge breaking her from the conversation as Natsu grabbed her attention. Makarov took the podium and grinned widely.

"MEMBERS OF FAIRY TAIL, AND ANY OTHER BRATS HERE! We come today to celebrate the marriage and the Marking of a beloved couple! Lucy and Natsu Dragneel, we wish you a long and happy life together, and tonight, we drink to you!"

"YEAH!"

The guild cheered and raised their glasses to the two of them, and the festivities began. There was dancing, singing, a parade was hosted and fire dancers were hired. The party went on for hours, and only subsided when it came time to cut the twelve-tier cake. Food was hauled out and people sat at the long tables happily provided by the guilds, with Natsu and Lucy at the head table. Natsu stood and tapped his glass, getting the attention of everyone.

"I want to raise a toast to my beautiful bride, because without her I would not be here, I owe her everything I am, and ever will be. Lucy, an eternity with you will never be enough for me, but we can start there. I know it in my soul, we were born to be together, and I pray in the next lifetime I find and love you all over again."

Lucy wiped her eyes, smiling happily at her husband. The doors to the guild swung open, and Lisanna strutted in. Lisanna made her way to their table, and as Lucy opened her mouth to greet her, she glared at the blonde-haired woman, her eyes full of anger and pain.

"Natsu please, please reconsider this. She's not meant to be with you!"

Natsu stood angrily, putting both hands on his wife's shoulders as he stood behind her.

"Lisanna, that's enough, I told you before I don't love you. I love Lucy, I will always love Lucy!"

Blinking back broken tears, she finally addressed Lucy.

"You're not worthy enough to be his wife Lucy Heartfilia, let alone his mate, and I won't allow it. Under Fiore's Magic Law I have the right to challenge anyone at any time, and I challenge you for the right to wed Natsu Dragneel. You may be marked, and married to him already, but if you lose this fight you will divorce and reject your mark."

Lucy looked at Natsu in horror, the rejection of her mark would kill her, literally. But it would free him to choose another, at the cost of great mental pain. Anger filled her, and she stood. Tying her hair back, she ripped her dress at the thighs, allowing her movement.

"If I win, Lisanna Strauss, you will leave Magnolia and never contact, look or speak of Natsu again."

"Lucy no, you don't have to do this, I don't want her!"

Natsu grabbed her hand, begging through her mark to stop. She squeezed gently and kissed him. 'Trust your mate Natsu, for she is fire made flesh.' She stepped down from the table and regarded Lisanna with a look that made the white-haired mage falter ever so slightly.

"My name is Lucy Dragneel. Mated Wife of Natsu Dragneel. You will not win this fight Lisanna."

She spoke with such conviction that the hall fell into a hushed whisper around them, and Freed stood up to make the enchantments needed to keep the promises they'd made. When he was done, they would be forced to keep their promises, under pain of death.

"I will judge this fight."

"As will I."

Makarov and Erza stood, grim expressions on their faces. The severity of the fight could not be understated, making Clara and Levy tremble in fear. The two women made their way outside, facing each other from opposite sides of the training field. Lucy reached for her keys and Lisanna shifted her form to her Cat Soul, readying herself.

"Open, Gates of the Scorpion and Bull, Scorpio and Taurus!"

To everyone's surprise, both gates opened to show her spirits sporting flames. Taurus's axe was lit aflame and glowing with heat, and Scorpio's tail was the same. Lucy felt her body tense as the urge to shift appeared, but she didn't, instead, she lifted her hands and watched them light up with fiery fury. Lisanna balked, feeling fear starting to set in.

"That's Natsu's magic! I'd know those flames anywhere, you're cheating!"

"No I'm not, I'm his Mate Lisanna, I can use his flames."

Snarling, Lisanna screamed out "HIS MAGIC WILL NOT PROTECT YOU FROM ME!" and charged. She was quick, dancing around their attacks like they were nothing, but with her confidence, she grew sloppy. Smirking she got close enough to land a punch to Lucy, who felt Natsu's fear spike through the bond. Sending Reassurance through the bond, she looked angrily at Lisanna and headbutted her in the face, then kneed her in the chest as she bent to reach for her nose.

Lucy wasted no time, screaming for a unison raid, she quickly hopped out of the way at the last second as the attack hit Lisanna. She closed her eyes, feeling Aquarius's magic fill her and change her, and when she opened them she summoned a ball of water to trap Lisanna in. Closing her gates, she reached for a new key.

"Open, Gate of the Twins, Gemini!"

"Piri Piri! You summoned us, mistress?"

"Change into me. You know what I want to do!"

Nodding, they shifted into Lucy, matching her power at the time of their copy. Holding hands, they felt their magic intertwine, and then they felt Natsu's magic join theirs as her Mate Mark lit up.

"Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens...

All the stars, far and wide...

Show me thy appearance...

With such shine.

Oh Tetrabiblos...

I am the ruler of the stars...

Aspect become complete...

Open thy malevolent gate.

Oh 88 Stars of the heaven...

Shine!

Urano Metria!"

Screaming, Lisanna fell to her knees after the attack, spent. She had been defeated, and Lucy sagged as she felt the loss of her used magic power. She'd poured every drop of magic into that attack, and she knew she'd used some of Natsu's magic too. She felt no guilt when she realized she may have cheated, for if she hadn't and she lost, she would have lost her husband and her life. For this, she was glad to cheat. Natsu ran to her, pushing past all others who tried to help her.

"Lucy! Baby look at me!"

She slowly turned her head to look at him, then quickly looked away and vomited into the ground. She did this twice more as Erza rushed to find Wendy, practically dragging the poor child to Lucy. She checked over Lucy and frowned, finding something she couldn't quite pin down. Shaking her head, she suddenly realized what was going on.

"Miss Lucy! You're pregnant?"

Lucy looked up at her, startled and shocked, then slowly, she touched her stomach. Natsu smelled the air, taking in a deep breath and then looking at her wide-eyed.

"Luce… You're… I can't believe it. I knew we had high potency during mating but not this high… I'm so sorry I didn't notice."

"He's right, you have the smell of baby all over you Bunnygirl. That's how we know."

Gajeel smirked at her, touching his nose gently, then wrapped his hand around Levy's waist. Said bluenette smiled, and knelt down to help her up.

"I… I'm pregnant… Holy Mavis Levy…"

Lisanna was taken to the infirmary, where she was treated for her wounds. Lucy watched her leave, seeing the glowing purple SolidScript magic on her chest, and knowing she'd been forced to leave her nakama behind out of blind jealousy. She felt bad, but Lucy knew it would have happened eventually. Her fingers touched her belly, as if gravitated there by some unknown magic. Pregnancy. She was carrying Natsu's child… She wondered how she felt about that, and after a moment lost in thought, she decided she was scared, but elated.

They'd only been married for four weeks, it was so soon, but she felt that somehow, this was meant to be.

Natsu came up behind her, sending his love through their mark. She reached up and behind her, running her fingers through his hair, and smiled softly at their reflection in the window. His hands rested on her belly, gently rubbing the soft flesh beneath his rough palms.

"So... Pregnancy. How do you feel?" Lucy asked softly, fully expecting him to whoop with joy and break something in his excitement.

"Truthfully, I'm a little afraid. I mean we're not really ready for this, are we?"

"No we're not, but I feel like we were meant for this, so I'm not as afraid."

He smiled and kissed the crest of her shoulders, smirking when she shivered as his lips pressed against her mark. She moaned softly, loving the sensations her mark was giving her.

"Lets tell the guild we're going home Natsu, I'm pretty sure that's what the present was anyway."

He paused, looking at her in confusion and mild suspicion.

"Nosey are we?"

"No... Just... Levy talks when she'd excited."

Natsu burst out laughing and pulled away from her with his arms still wrapped around her waist, smiling widely at his wife. His wife. He loved that word when it applied to her... The two made their way downstairs, past a weeping Mirajane and a somber Elfman, and up to a smug Erza. The redhead was chatting happily with Clara, the duo apparently enjoying a very energetic conversation.

"Erza! We wanna go home, where's the present you were going to give us?"

"OH MAVIS I FORGOT!"

Natsu laughed and Lucy smiled, following the horde of people who made their way to show them their new house, and when they arrived they couldn't hold back joyful tears. Engraved into the doorframe with Lucky's exquisite craftsmanship, was Igneel surrounded by a sea of stars.

The perfect entryway for the Celestial Mage and her Dragon Slayer.