Author's Note: So many, many, many thank you to everyone who has read, liked, or reviewed my story! The fact that so many people enjoy it, just makes me so happy!

So I discovered this thing called a Poll. And if you go to my profile, I have set one up to see if you guys want to vote to have a sequel to this fanfiction or not. Like I said, if I get 10 yes, then I will make a sequel; otherwise I will wrap this up and we will call it good enough. Again, the choice is up to you guys!

For this chapter the song "Wonderland" from Natalie Kills comes to mind. Pull it up and give a listen as you read!

Who Needs Love As Long As You Love Me Truly

~Chapter Fourteen~

"When do we leave?!" Lucy exclaimed.

"You don't." Makarov interjected as Lucy turned to him surprised. Clearly he hadn't forgotten their last conversation.

"But Master, I am better now!" she pleaded in protest to his objection.

"After being sick and almost losing your magic, you want to put yourself in more potential danger?" He snorted at the notion. Did this girl learn nothing?

"Parlyusica has told me as long as I use the bath products from the springs and that I visit the springs once a month, that I should be fine. It is just a library Master; nothing bad could happen from reading a book! Besides I'll be protected and I'm sure Levy will need an extra pair of eyes!" she reasoned.

"I'll personally protect her." Natsu stepped forward as he stood by Lucy. She looked over with a grateful expression at her friend coming to aid her case.

"Aye!" Happy agreed as he sat on his friend's shoulder.

"Can't let Flame Brain take all the credit. I will go as well." begrudgingly Gajeel stepped forward much to Levy's surprise. Happy and Panther lily exchanged knowing expressions that went unnoticed by those around them. Makarov looked at the four before him with an unhappy glare.

"M-Master, I could really use her help." Levy pleaded hesitantly as she sided with her best friend. Truth be told, she wouldn't mind if Lucy came, it would give her a reason to keep an eye on her and she has always been helpful in the research they have done together so far. After all, it was just books and it wouldn't put too much stress on her.

"Stupid brats." he grumbled to himself at their persistence. "Fine! But when something happens, you had better come straight back! Do not fight, your goal is to get information and return. That is all. Nothing, and I mean nothing happens to these children!" He spoke darkly. Then his harden gazed turn to Natsu and Gajeel as they both gulped at the intensity coming from the guild Master. "If there is so much as a moment of discomfort from Lucy, it will be you two that pays the price." Both dragon slayers nodded but one could clearly see the sweat of fear running through them. Makarov was the guild Master for a reason and he was not one to get on his bad side. Lucy tried to hide her laughter at how comical the two were looking as they gotten their orders from the tiny man. However, she straightened up as she was next under the Master's gaze.

"You take care of our newest members. I want them unharmed."

"Yes Master." Lucy nodded with a smile of relief that she would get to go on with the mission.

"I say we leave immediately. Lucy, do you have everything?" Levy asked turning to her friend.

"Yeah actually. Although, we will need to make a quick stop back to my apartment. I want to grab a few things and my keys."

"Alright then, we are wasting time." Gajeel interjected as the group turned to leave. The group made their way out the exit doors as everyone was watching them depart. Makarov looked at his children with a heavy heart as an ominous feeling of dread was welling within him. Mirajane came up beside him as she was sensitive to the emotions of other's around her. She could feel Makarov's uneasiness and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" She questioned gently.

"You brats need to learn to listen and follow my instruction at least once in a while." He sighed annoyed. He may have put on a dark scowl, but anyone could clearly see this was a face of a concerned parent.

~Train Ride~

Along for the ride in total was Lucy, Levy, Natsu, Gajeel, Happy, and Panther Lily. Natsu and Gajeel wasn't as sick as Wendy had given him a dose of her anti-motion sickness healing magic. He was laying back in his seat with a cheesy grin on his face as, for once, he wasn't going to throw up. Happy, Panther Lily, and Gajeel were playing cards while Levy and Lucy were immersing themselves in Levy's research that she brought along. They were well on their way to the town where the Magic Library was near.

"Hopefully, we should find more information on Librium when we get to the library." Levy's smile was contagiously hopeful as Lucy couldn't help but join her in that shared hope.

"I hope so too." Lucy returned Levy's hopeful gaze with one of her own. As they headed to the Magic Library on the train; they were estimated to arrive at the nearby village by nightfall. Once there, it would be half a day's ride to the library. Already Lucy felt exhausted from all the traveling she had been doing lately.

"You look tired Lu-chan. Why not take a nap?" Levy suggested as she peered up from her book. She saw the worried lines on her face and how the traveling, even after the springs, was still putting a strain on her. Lucy blinked at the notion of taking a nap, but it wasn't the worst idea that she had heard.

"You sure you won't mind?" she asked. Levy shook her head 'no' in response.

"Not at all, you need the rest anyway." she assured her pregnant friend.

"Alright then..." Lucy reached down to her bag and pulled out Loke's jacket.

"Isn't that Loke's?" Panther Lily asked as he looked from the game to see what the two girls were up to. Lucy gave a nod.

"Yeah, I sleep better when I have it near me." she smiled warmly. Lucy wrapped herself in it after slipping her arms into the arm holes. It still smelled of him despite how far away it had been from him; the soothing smell of sandalwood and vanilla calmed her nervous senses as she imagined him wrapping his protective arms around her. She was slightly brought out of her comfortable fantasy by Levy looking at her fondly.

"I hope to have someone love me as much as Loke loves you. Loke is so lucky to have you." Levy softly smiled at her friend. What she failed to see was Gajeel looking at the tiny mage smirking from the corner of his eye. Lucy curled up into her seat as she got comfortable.

"Oh Levy, I am sure you will one day soon." she yawned as she could feel sleep wanting to take over. A big smile spread across her face as any second she was going to see the man she adored.

~Loke~

Time moved agonizingly slow in this mystery realm for the caged lion. He had not heard from Lucy in several days...if what he perceived to be several days. Had she failed? Did they lose their most precious gifts of their love? He ran a hand through his mane for the thousandth time. He felt himself slipping from sanity. If he never saw Lucy again, he may very well give up all his magic to join her in the afterlife. He rather be with her in paradise than see another reincarnation. He would find her again.

He looked up to the endless night and cursed his existence. "Damn me..." he whispered sadly.

***Lemon Warning: If you are under 18, you're not permitted to read, skip to end of scene!***

"Loke?!" came a cry from the hut. He froze from a moment and then bolted back inside. He saw her sitting on his bed looking lost but that was more than enough for the beast inside him. She was sitting up on the bed and her eyes were looking at him in relief. He went to her and crushed his lips over hers. She tightly wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. He started to tear away their clothing. He needed her. He needed to be inside and to feel her around him once again. He needed to be reassured that she wouldn't disappear into a future without him. Especially without her knowing just how much she meant to him.

Lucy knew it was no use in resisting. He was in need and on a mission. She couldn't imagine being trapped with no real way out, nor any way to go protect the one he loved, or to see her body grow with his gift he gave her. His kisses were frantic and all over the place. Their clothes were discarded onto the hut's floor as he pulled her open as he rubbed her with one hand and himself with the other. Lucy withered under him in his pleasurable touches. He was going to do all the work, but she didn't mind. This was what Loke...her Leo needed, and she was going to comfort him in the way he needed to be comforted.

Lucy's surprise came as a shock as before she knew it, he slipped inside her. He began to move swiftly as his eyes did not turn away from hers. Lucy dug her nails in his shoulders as she cried out her love to him. He was thrusting so hard as gave into his lion side to claim her.

"Lucy! Lucy!" he growled to her.

"Leo! Leo! Gods Leo!" she moaned under him. The bed groaned and strained as it bounced with their movements as he roughly was reclaiming her. They were lost in their own safe haven as they didn't know where one began and the other ended.

'I-I love you..." she managed to cry out.

"Damn right you do! You belong to me Lucy! I am only yours!" the possessive lion roared. He continued to thrust until he released himself deeply within her. Lucy joined him in the state of bliss. In true animalistic fashion, however, he moved to her shoulder and suckled her neck as he began to seal his mark on her. Lucy let out an agonizing cry as she suddenly felt a burning sensation from where his mouth was covering her shoulder. Loke's eyes widen from his possessed lion form as he began to realize just what he had done. Quickly sobered, he swiftly removed himself from her shoulder and assessed the damage. His stomach dropped as he looked at her shoulder and then he saw it.

A bright burned symbol of the lion's zodiac symbol etched on her shoulder. His mouth slacked as he just realized what he had done. What did this exactly mean now?

"Lu-Lucy, are you alright?" he begged an answer out of her. She weakly nodded unsure of what was happening. She felt exhausted.

"I'll be alright...it stings..." she felt him nuzzle comfortingly on her shoulder, but she didn't question it.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...I lost control..." he murmured apologetically. Lucy reached her hand up and ran her fingers through it as she smiled warmly at him.

"It's okay...I needed it too..." she consoled him as she scratched his head lightly. He was still deep inside her as they laid wrapped up around each other. It felt like an eternity of peace until Loke looked down at her content face. He pushed the stray strands of golden hair from her eyes.

"Are they alright?" he whispered to her with his concerned tone.

"They are." she smiled. "You were right about the silver keys. Grandpa Crux told me of a springs that rejuvenated celestial magic." she cupped his neck and looked up at him fondly.

"There is a what?! It does?! Why have I never heard of this?!" he exclaimed.

"I-I'm not sure...but thank the stars that it does exist. My magic energy is restored and they will be fine for now." Lucy reassured him as she leaned up and kissed his shocked face. She felt him relax under her calming touch, and he rested his head back on her shoulder as he held her tighter.

"I have to get out of this hellish place. I need to get back to you...it is killing me not to be there..." He moved his head to her forehead and placed his over hers.

"I know my love. We will get you out of here...just be a little more patient please?" She willed him and he reluctantly nodded. "Well I have more good news that will cheer you up a bit." she cupped his face and rubbed her thumbs lightly on his cheeks. He looked so disappointed and she wanted to give him anything just to see that infectious smile of his return. "We are, right now, heading to the Magic Library to research Librium. It seems that is what the celestial spirits are after."

"Librium? The ritual?" Loke spoke as he was in deep thought as he back to look at her face. He looked confused and as if he was trying to figure out what was going on.

"My lion, something the matter?" Lucy planted a kiss, but he gave no response. Suddenly a look of horror overcame him. "Leo? What is it?" Lucy dared to ask. She felt him pull out of here which made her shudder at the loss of himself inside and he sat them both up right.

***End of Scene, Anyone Can Read Below This!***

"Librium is dangerous! It is a dangerous ritual! Lucy, you can't allow them to get their hands on it and do it!" he roughly held her shoulders as she never see him that worried.

"I-I'll try but what is it?"

"It is a ritual that the twelve of us perform to-LUCY!" he suddenly cried as she began to disappear.

"Leo! I'm sorry!" Lucy called back as she knew that someone must have removed the jacket. Loke kept trying to grasp her as cry out what the ritual was; but his cries fell on deaf ears as Lucy was slipping through his fingers once again. The pain looked on his face is what haunted her, but there was nothing she could do now about it. When Lucy opened her eyes she was laying in a bed with Levy holding the jacket and trying to wake her.

~Lucy's World~

"Lu-chan, it is morning. We need to start heading out." Levy told her smiling. It took a few moments for Lucy to register her surroundings. They had made it to an inn and it was morning. She tried to hide her emotions as it wasn't Levy's fault that she didn't get to hear Loke finish what he was trying to tell her. Regardless, she knew she needed to complete her mission and hopefully get back to Loke so he could finishing tell her about the ritual.

"I have been asleep? What time is it?" she asked sitting up.

"We didn't want to wake you. You sounded like you were having a good dream." Levy blushed. Lucy felt herself grow hot. She didn't think that her moment with Loke would be heard in her sleep. All thoughts of the ritual were gone as they were replaced with embarrassment at what Levy must have heard. If she could curl up in the blankets and die right now, she most certainly would.

"Thanks Levy..." Lucy embarrassingly thanked her.

"Lucy, what is that on your neck?" Levy pointed out.

"Huh?" Lucy got up and went to the mirror. Her eyes widen as they focused in on her shoulder; on it was the symbol of Leo the lion.

"THAT MOTHER-" Lucy resisted the urge to scream and stopped herself as Levy jumped back from the angry mage.

"L-Lucy?" Levy asked confused. Lucy used her hair to cover it up and began to gather her things to take a quick bath.

"It's nothing Levy." was her reply as she quickly closed the bathroom door with a slam. She left a confused Levy in her wake as Lucy felt more than self conscious about what exactly Loke had done to her. Whatever it was, he was going to have to answer it when she got back to him.

After her bath and breakfast, the group set out on their journey to the Magic Library. Lucy made sure that the mark was covered with make-up and her hair as she didn't want anyone to question it further. But the mark was the least of her worries as she couldn't shake off an uneasy feeling as Loke was trying to tell her something important. He had said there was a ritual that was dangerous and that she should prevent from happening. Could the ritual be something that terrible for him to have reacted that way? Just how dangerous was it, and why must the twelve spirits not conduct it? Lucy was pulled from her thoughts by their carriage stopping. She peered out to see the gargantuan structure that stored the most important magic materials and data. If any place would have the answers, Lucy felt certain that this would be it. Natsu helped her out of the carriage as the others waited by the entrance.

"Let's get to it guys!" Lucy exclaimed when they rejoined the waiting group. Gajeel and Natsu opened the heavy doors as they entered the building. Billions upon billions of works greeted them as Lucy's jaw slacked at the overwhelming need to suddenly cry. Levy was practically ecstatic. She hadn't seen this many books in all her years.

"What am I gonna do while you read?" Natsu complained.

"Nap." Gajeel replied without missing a beat.

"Or spar with me." Panther Lily offered in a Gajeel-like fashion chuckle.

"I want to see if any of these books have fish inside them!" Happy grinned but the rest of the group shook their head.

"Have you guys already forgotten the real reason we are here?" Lucy crossed her arms.

"Let them go Luce. Better we work than let them bother us." Levy offered a smile.

"I suppose you are right." Lucy sadly agreed. the rest of the group looked relieve to not be able to participate. "Just, don't go too far from us alright?" Lucy reminded them. They eagerly agreed to that condition as the two mages set out to start the research.

~Hours Later~

With gale reading glasses on, both mages read through countless books. Some offered some new information, but mostly things they already knew about.

"I GOT IT!" Levy finally cried out from her corner of research. Lucy dropped her book immediately and rushed to where the blue haired mage was surrounded by towers of books.

" What does it say Levy?!" Lucy asked in earnest.

"It is a ritual. According to this text, all twelve zodiac spirits must combine to create Librium. This will sever the ties and connections between spirits and celestial wizards. They will be able to freely move from their world to ours without a contract." Levy explained to Lucy. Lucy thought deeply, 'was this something that Loke was afraid of? That we wouldn't have a contract? No, that would help rather than hinder. There has to be more to this such as what is the price to pay for this kind of freedom, or would something happened to Loke and the others? There has to be a missing piece we aren't seeing.' Lucy thought.

"Keep looking Levy, there might be something we aren't seeing." Lucy had gotten back up and started to return towards her own pile. Levy gave a nod as she went back to the text to keep reading on the subject.

"Wait Lucy, I think I found it!" she called out again.

"Huh? Already, that sure was quick. What does it say?" Lucy called from her spot.

"Librium needs an object, a globe specifically, called Astral Spiritus. This will conduct the ritual." Levy looked over to see Lucy back by her.

"Does it say where it is?" Lucy asked in urgency.

"No but...there is a serial number...Lucy, I think it could be HERE!" both women screamed as the ground disappeared beneath them and they were sent down. Happy and Panther Lily scooped up and caught them almost at last minute as Natsu and Gajeel came running to the scene. The crack of a whip could be heard as the maniacal laugh of Virgo echoed the quiet halls.

"Well, well this was easier than I thought!" she walked from the smoke to Natsu and Gajeel protecting Lucy and Levy.

"Happy, Panther Lily we need to go in that direction!" Levy held the book and pointed left of them.

"Aye sir!" Happy exclaimed as they flew off with holding both mages.

"And where do you think you are going?!" Virgo grinned evilly as she cracked her whip.

"Oi Whip Girl, your fight is with me Gi-hii!" Gajeel growled.

"No it isn't!" she snickered as she suddenly disappeared.

"Shit!" Gajeel cried.

"Great going Gajeel! You lost her!" Natsu grumbled annoyed.

"She disappeared! How the hell is that my fault?!" he yelled back at Natsu. Both didn't have time to respond as a blood curling scream from Lucy stopped them in their tracks.

"LUCY!" both cried out as they bolted towards the direction of the crying. They quickly came to the sight of Lucy on the ground with Virgo's whip around her neck as her heel was digging into Lucy's back. Levy held the book in her trembling hands as she could only look at her friend being tortured.

"Get me the globe or I'll start electrocuting her and rip out the kid while you watch!" she sneered at the scared mage. She grinned sadistically as she twisted her heel in deeper; this earn her more cries from Lucy.

"Do-don't Levy!" Lucy begged but the blue haired mage was in tears at seeing her friend in this much pain.

"I-I have to..." she whimpered.

"Damnit Levy! Don't!" Lucy was sent into another bout of spasms as electricity coursed through her. She let out another scream just as Natsu and Gajeel showed up.

"You bitch!" Natsu screamed and fired up his fists.

"Make one move and I'll crisp her!" Virgo licked her lips in hopes.

"Ga-Gajeel I need-I need you t-to help me." Levy looked at him with those tears streaming down her face. She was trembling terribly as she wasn't used to this kind of dirty fighting that Virgo was playing.

"Come on Shrimp..." Gajeel nodded. Something inside him was aching to take down the pink haired bitch from harming Levy and Bunny Girl like she was right now.

"N-no don't..." Lucy begged in her weakened condition. She couldn't let them do this. If they did, then everything would be lost. She weakly tried to move, but Virgo held her in place with the heel of her spiked boot.

"If you aren't back in five minutes, she will get toasted." Virgo snapped sadistically. She took pure pleasure at the pain she was inflicting on the mage, as well, the control of the situation.

"V-Virgo plea-please don't do t-this..." Lucy forced herself to look up at one of her most beloved spirits. This earned her another shock as Virgo laughed cruelly.

"STOP IT!" Happy cried. Natsu glared with pure anguish at the spirit.

"Lucy..." gasped Panther Lily after the shocks stopped. The smell of hot iron filled the room as fresh blood was being spilt. Lucy was starting to bleed between her legs. Virgo could only laugh harder.

"Oh Leo will just LOVE hearing this when I return!" she gloated. Lucy looked up at Virgo weakly as tears fell.

"Virgo, why would you do this...I love you..." Virgo went to kick Lucy in her face, but Natsu punched her back as he picked up his harmed friend and, with her clutched to his chest tightly. He was seething as flames engulfed his livid being.

"YOU DO NOT TOUCH MY NAKAMA LIKE THAT!" he roared at her.

"N-Natsu..." Lucy was trembling in his arms as the blood was seeping onto their clothing. Natsu knew he needed to get out of here and fast as he quickly turned tail and began to run.

"Get back here!" Virgo screamed surprised that Natsu would even dare raise a hand to her. By now, Levy had the globe and was returning to where she thought Lucy was held captive. She was shaking terribly as she was so pale. Gajeel stayed close to her as they headed back, something had shook her worse than the current situation. Virgo's attention diverted from Lucy's escape to what was in Levy's hands.

"Hand it over!" she demanded.

"Virgo wait! There is something you must know!" Levy begged her to listen, but Virgo would hear none of it as she yanked the globe from her hands and then disappeared. Gajeel scooped up Levy as they ran after the direction of Natsu and Lucy. Lucy was crying hard into Natsu as her bottoms were soaked in blood.

"Where is it?!" she begged.

"I-I'm sorry Lucy...She took it..." Levy stayed close to Gajeel's side as she dared not to go to Lucy in shame. She lowered her head as she had to deliver the next news to her. "And...oh Lucy...I am so sorry...I, I read the bottom of the globe...after twelve days of freedom after the ritual is performed...all zodiacs will disappear forever." Levy's tears fell as Lucy let out a gut wrenching sob.