Author's Note: Hey guys! Another chapter for you all! As for now, I am revoking the 5 review rule because we are dwindling down to the last few chapters and with midterms literally this week I want to make sure you guys get quality editing for what I do. I again want to thank the reviewers for making this experience over the past couple months amazing. You guys are the best fans and I am so blessed and honored you have stuck with me throughout the whole story.

Just a reminder as well that the poll will be up until the last chapter; we have already met the goal so there will be a sequel. Just not right away since I am focusing on graduating this semester and been working on my NaLu fanfic. Kinda need to look at a different perspective before I come back to this one you know? So don't flip out right away that I have left you guys hanging. To give you an estimate of when that first chapter will be up; I'm hoping after my birthday later this summer. Though if someone guesses the correct date of my birthday I will PERSONALLY pm that person the first chapter.

Anyway the song that inspired this chapter is called "U" by Gareth Emery featuring Bo Bruce. So by now you all know the drill. Pull it up to give it a listen and read the chapter to capture the essence of what I was trying to portray. Enjoy!

I'm Screaming Out For You

~Chapter Twenty-Two~

Lucy awoke by the early morning sun the next day. They had gotten to go to the beach the other afternoon. It did wonders for the pregnant mother as the cool ocean breeze and water really hit the spot. It was short lived however as Loke, along with every wizard, was watching her like a hawk. She didn't get to be out in the water as much as she liked and had to have at least two people by her side the entire time. Though, she did try to enjoy the fun as much as she could. By the time they had gotten back to the safe camp she was worn out and most of her energy spent. It did not take her long to find the bedding and quickly fall asleep.

Sunlight streamed through the cracks of the tent as she slowly came back to the realm of the living. Lucy felt her blanket slide down her swollen belly as she sat up in their futon bed. Her lower back was aching something terrible. she turned her tired gaze to the messy spot next to here that should have been where her Leo was asleep, but instead found it empty. Her lips were turned into a frown that graced her expression as suspicion settled into her half awake mind. Just what was that silly lion up to now? Once she gained the will power to convince herself that getting up was a good idea and to go find him would be beneficial; she, on shaky legs that felt like jelly, gotten up on the futon with great effort and wrapped herself in the celestial robe that was laying over one of their chairs.

She stepped out of the tent to the harsh morning light. Many people were up and doing various tasks; many she recognized were the royal soldiers. She waddled over towards the main tent to where she could see familiar faces; especially that of her Leo. Many people were gathered around the center as the Princess was talking. Lucy waddled up to the crowd of mages with the corners of her mouth turned down in a frown. Everything was suspicious to her as here they all were without her.

"What is going on here?" she demanded. She had her arms crossed under her bust that rested on her protruding stomach. Loke's attention, along with the others, suddenly were focused on her as they didn't know that she had someone snuck up on them.

"Lucy, you should still be resting." he quickly went to her side to hopefully conduct damage control. He could feel her emotions through their link and he could feel the trouble he was in. Lucy did not waiver as she leaned against him.

"I'm fine really. Just, what is with the meeting?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Just preparing for today's task." the Princess smiled at the pregnant mother. Lucy looked from her friends to the strangers. Somehow she had a feeling that this meeting was not supposed to include her and was more than likely about the fighting between the zodiacs that would probably be starting today.

"Oh good, so I am with Team Natsu right?" she asked. She did not miss the dark look thrown from Loke at her side, but chose to ignore it.

"Very funny Lucy, but your task is to stay here in the safety of the camp." Erza's one was light, but one could easily detect the underlying serious tone underneath it.

"That isn't fair! Everyone gets to go off, attack my other family, and leave me behind!" Lucy glared.

"You are pregnant Lucy, what could you possibly do?" Gray replied with his own arms crossed and suddenly only in his boxers.

"I can still use the 'Lucy Kick'!" she snapped. A ripple of laughter and snickers echoed through the crowd but Lucy's gaze darkened at the seriousness of her reply.

"You know, her coming with us could really he-" Natsu was about to suggest that Lucy join them regardless but was silenced by a death glare from the Lion spirit.

"Loke looks scary Natsu!" Happy whispered to his partner a little too loudly. The Princess cleared her throat as to regain her group's attention.

"I am sorry Lucy, but I must agree with Loke's decision on this. A battle is no place for a pregnant mother. This could harm you worse and put all three of you in danger or worse. I am afraid that you would be more of a liability than someone who can be helpful." she delivered her final decision.

"Too dangerous?! But you dragged me all the way out here to tell me I can't at least participate?!" Lucy cried with her fighter side coming out. Apparently Natsu rubbed more on her than she originally liked. However, yes, she did know going into battle would be more than an insane idea and the safety of her families were her highest priority; but her one crux was someone telling her she couldn't do anything, especially if it meant them risking their lives for her.

"Lucy." came Loke's strong tone next to her. Lucy's eyes snapped to Loke's angry ones. "The Princess has made her final decision. Come on, let's get you something in you while I explain the situation better." he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and without giving her a chance to protest, helped to guide her waddling back out of the tent. Lucy could feel the eyes of those that were left behind were watching their retreating forms. But something felt off with Lucy; why would they have a meeting without her again and this time only invite Loke?

As much as Lucy wanted to argue to win her side, she had seen the look that Loke had given her; just that angered hold he had on her deflated any argument that she might have won with. The Princess had gotten back to the meeting as their voices faded from where Loke was leading her away and steering her towards the mess tent. The smell of food made her belly growl viciously and the movement inside the safety of her womb began to pick up to quicken her haste to start eating. For a moment Lucy felt her world get dizzy and the air in her lungs hitched. They were moving so much it was almost painful as tears were brimming her eyes. Lucy suddenly gripped Loke's arm as a panic spread across her features. She needed to steady herself and calm down; if she could just ride through the sudden pain she would be fine. After a couple moments, her breathing was returning normal. Loke had her in his arms as he looked down at her in helplessness.

"I-I'm okay..." she breathed through her sudden ache.

"Could have fooled me" he teased without humor. He steadied her as she regained her composure.
"They are just anxious for breakfast." Lucy tried to smile to reassure Loke.

"This was a terrible idea to bring you here." he softly spoke into her hair as he continued to not let her go.

"Heh, like you could have stopped me." Lucy let out a dry laugh. Loke did not respond as he helped her to the nearest table and went to get her something filling to settle the babies. She could tell from his form and through the emotions that he was greatly concerned. Lucy felt that no amount of buttering him up was going to make him feel any better about the situation they were currently in. Lucy, without realizing it, had one arm cradling her belly while the other hand was gently rubbing her belly to try and soothe it.

"Now, now Momma is getting breakfast so you two settle down." she gently spoke. She rubbed her hand over the swollen bump with gentle caresses as she felt the lives inside her try and connect with her hand. A mother's gentle smile spread across her features as her little ones knew her and could feel they wanted her more than anything.

"Shh, shh little ones, Momma is just waiting on Papa." her focused gazed on the belly was quickly interrupted by a plate of food being set in front of her as Loke pulled up a chair from behind. Without being able to ask 'why' to his bazaar behavior, he began to massage the kinks out of her back. Lucy hummed happily as he alleviated the pressure and began to eat the meal he had gotten them.

Once he was finished, his hands encircled around her middle as he rubbed her belly and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Leo, I'm trying to eat." Lucy teased.

"I know, but I want to cuddle with my family; is that really so bad?" he lightly kissed her mark. Lucy leaned back into him and enjoyed the warmth and protectiveness he gave. Loke couldn't help but smile as he felt the little ones try and greedily take some of his magic energy for themselves. He allowed them as he contemplated how he was going to explain the situation to Lucy. He was interrupted by Lucy turning her head to get a better look at him.

"Are you nervous?"

"A little but it is my duty as the leader of the Zodiacs and as your mate to restore order. I promise Lucy, I will fix everything." he gently assured her as he nuzzled her neck and lightly left kisses in his wake. The hot breath from his words left shivers throughout her body as it teased her sensitive flesh and she couldn't help but feel that familiar feeling of an ache deep inside her; but now was not the time for that.

She turned fully in her seat now to face him with a raised eyebrow. "You planning on fighting?" she pinned him down with her stare. However, Loke did not waiver his gaze from her as he saw the concern and uncertainty in her amber orbs.

"Lucy, you know I have to." he finally spoke. He could see the hurt and anger wash over his mate as she began to understand as she clicked the dots together.

"And what am I supposed to do? Stay behind and sit on my ass while those I love go to war? People are going to die!" she snapped as the anger outweighed the hurt. Already her extreme hormones were starting to surface. Loke knew he had only a matter of moments before she was going to be thrown into whirlwind of emotions that would send her into a tantrum.

"None of that Lucy." He moved the chair to her side and held her. "Everyone knows you are not being lazy and they know this is paining you." he tried to assure her. He rubbed his hands on her shoulders as she was seething and shaking in her angry.

"It doesn't sit right with me!" she countered. Before she could argue or snap another word towards the lion; Loke sealed his mouth over hers. He moved his lips until he felt the anger from her subside to hurt and longing. Once he felt her calm, he allowed her to come up for air as he brought her to rest on his shoulder with his chin a top her hair.

"I know you don't like it but that is life. Besides your job right now is to relax and take care of our babies. I promise, we will come back. Just don't stress too much while we are gone...I don't want you to worry too much and hurt yourself." he kissed her soft hair. Vanilla and strawberries greeted his senses. She was so intoxicating to him and loved how her frame fit so perfectly against his body. By the stars and the gods did he love her and it pained him to be separated from one once again; and by choice none the less.

"That is asking for the sun to set in east and the waters to flood the desserts." Lucy felt her sadness give way to the hint of her own fears.

"Yes, but even though the deserts never flood, rain does come." he smiled despite himself.

"I like fighting by your side." Lucy tried to appeal to another angle.

"And if you do, who will fight to protect them?" he webbed his fingers over her belly to emphasize his point. Once again, he felt his two children try to take more of his celestial magic to which he obliged. He knew they would need it and he didn't know when he would return. He had to ensure they would be alright. A smile of warmth and pride shown on his expression as he felt them underneath his palm. So tiny and yet so amazing; these were his children and their legacy.

"I hate it when you are right..." Lucy begrudgingly pouted as she eyed his hand as she felt the movement within her.

"You will thanks me when they are healthy and safe inside your arms." he looked at her face with much adoration when she caught his eye. She was going to miss this man.

"So what is the plan?" she chewed nervously on her bottom lip and asked the dreaded question. Loke's eyes softened as he knew he had won her reluctant approval.

"We are going out in groups. Each group will have the key that the Princess has supplied us. Once we have sealed the Zodiacs away then we will return to the camp where you will be able to bless each one. This will return them to normal." Loke brushed a hair out of her face and looked back into those concerned eyes of hers.

"The Princess is to remain back with you and the royal guards. We know they haven't preformed the ritual yet. We speculate that they cannot do it without me. So I think I am the key to at least giving us some time to start sealing them away. In short, we have the upper hand on our side of things." he saw a little bit of relief from her as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss to keep that feeling going. He rested his forehead on hers as she cupped his neck with her palms.

"Make me a promise?" she asked. Loke noticed the hesitance in her tone but gave a nod.

"I promise to try; that is the best that I can do." he replied.

"No, you have to promise." she spoke boldly. She was determined and searched his eyes. He gave a sigh as he knew he could never truly win when she was like this.

"Very well Beautiful." he gave his word.

"Stay away from Virgo. Do no fight her." Lucy left no room for compromise. Loke narrowed his gaze as the weight of what she wanted him not to do registered through him. Lucy could hear the growl as he gritted his teeth at the mention of the celestial spirit's name.

"If she comes after me, I will not hesitate." he spoke darkly.

"You promised." Lucy reminded him.

"If she comes after me, I will not be defenseless! I promise not to destroy her or injure her too badly; but she has a lot of things coming her way if she decides she wants to fight me full on. I don't care if she knows about it or not, she is going to pay if she wants to go toe to toe with me."

"Leo, this is not her fault." she tried to reason

"She tried to kill my family, forgive me if I take it a bit personal!" he growled. Lucy leaned into him and it was her turn to calm him. She kissed him until she could feel him calm down. She needed him to calm down and the only sure way to do that was to distract his anger towards his lust. His expression went from hostile to soften in a matter of heated moments as their kiss deepen to one of passionate. His hands were on her as he was itching to just take her in that very spot.

"S-stop that..." he whispered as he parted for air. He was breathing heavier and was just aching to reclaim what was his again.

"Stop what?" Lucy feigned innocence. He pulled her into his lap as he growled.

"You know what." he chuckled against her skin as he playfully nipped and suckled on her mark. He could hear delighted giggles as she playfully slapped his shoulders.

"Just remember your promise!"

"Oh, I can think of a few ways you could better convince me." he chuckled.

"Oi! Loke! We are heading out!" came the amused voice of Gray as he called over. Lucy and Loke's eyes snapped over to where Team Natsu was waiting amused. A deep pink spread across Lucy's cheeks as Loke let out low growl.

"Damn them." he spoke low enough for Lucy to hear that she let out a giggle. She planted another chaste kiss on him to soothe his afflictions.

"Go, they need you." she encouraged as they both untangled themselves. Loke pulled her into his arms and she pressed as close as she could to him. "Come home to me alright?" she spoke in his chest.

"Don't I always Beautiful?" he replied knowingly.

"Loke will come back with all of us Luce! Don't worry about anything but those babies!" Natsu grinned with his arms behind his head and watched them with his impatient stance. Taking in Natsu's body language Loke removed himself from Lucy.

"Gotta go Beautiful." He gave her a final, passionate kiss that left Lucy wanting more. Reluctantly she allowed him to go as she watched him head off in her stead with Team Natsu. A horrible feeling settled in the pit of her stomach that she felt herself tremble. She wrapped her arms around herself as the babies continue to move and settle.

"Don't worry little ones, Papa will be back before we know it soon." she tried to reassure herself as she watched the retreating figures head off to the long awaited battle.

~Days Later~

Lucy waited the past agonizing few days. No word came from the others as she felt beside herself while the Princess would occasionally check up on her. Lucy stayed mostly in her tent with her ice chips and her feet prodded up with the lacrima air conditioning going at full blast. As much as she tried to not worry, her mind was constantly on Loke and his well being. Through the mark she could feel his anger and his fear. Whatever he was undergoing, Lucy was certain that it couldn't' be good.

Night was settling in as he stars were illuminating the endless, vast sky. As each day past, more familiar constellations would appear. Lucy leaned against the one frame of her tent as she starred up among the heavens. She could see several of her family up there and she couldn't help the soft smile that graced her lips. They were all safe at least and soon this horrible predicament would finally be over with. However, a couple shadows in the distance caught her eye as she tried to focused on the running figures. Fear was settling in the pit of her stomach as she tried to make out who would be running towards their camp.

Her hopeful thoughts were disturbed as she recognized that it was Lisanna that was running back out of the darkness towards their camp with Arcadios closely behind her. Lucy took note that they looked worse for wear as she heard them came crying out, "PRINCESS HUISUI! PRINCESS! WHERE ARE YOU?!" she stumbled with the guards racing behind her. The Princess rushed out of her tent.

"Lisanna? Arcadios? My gods, what happened to you both?!" her eyes widen in shock as the guards came up to collect the two messengers. Lucy waddled as fast as her feet would allow her as she knew she needed to know what had happened.

"Lisanna! Are you alright?!" Lucy looked horrified. Her friend and the guard were bloody and covered in wounds from the battle.

" Lucy...I am...I am so, so sorry..." Lisanna had tears falling down her face. Lucy's heart sank at the words.

"Give us some air." the guard called out. The medical doctor of the royal army moved the pair to a tent to be tended to. Lucy tried to follow after them, but the Princess put up a hand to stop her.

"Perhaps it is best you return to your own tent until I have sorted things out." she spoke kindly but Lucy did not mistake the order under it.

"But she just-"

"I know what we heard, but right now I need you to go back to your tent until I come get you. Please Lucy." the Princess had two guards come up beside Lucy as she understood that the Princess was not going to negotiate. Lucy could only give her a hard look before she was being escorted back to her tent. She paced the small confinements as she waddled back and forth for what seemed like hours to her. Why had Lisanna apologized? Why had they returned? Had Natsu and the others failed? Her mind was going crazy as she thought up every horrible scenario it could possibly be capable of and it only seemed to fill her up more with dread.

"Lucy." came the voice of Lisanna from the opening of the tent. Lucy stopped mid-waddle as her eyes snapped over to the hurt comrade. Her expression showed her fear as it mirrored Lisanna's regret. Lisanna came more into the room as Lucy waddled to meet her.

"Lisanna you are still hurt...what are you doing here?" Lucy looked her friend over concerned.

"I have some news...and it isn't good..." she chewed her bottom lip nervously as she eyed the extremely pregnant woman. Lucy felt her heart racing at the anticipation and her stomach was dropping. Whatever Lisanna was going to say, it was going to confirm her worst fears.

"Li-Lisanna..." Lucy held herself.

"Loke..he turned back to that person...and we had to seal him and the rest of the zodiacs away. I'm so sorry Lucy but we sealed their fates." Lisanna watched the color drain from Lucy's face as she realized he was back in that place and she was taken away from him. But Lisanna knew that there was more. "The Spirit King...he is like the others...He is insane with rage and power and is destroying the zodiacs and the celestial realm as we speak. Natsu and everyone went to that realm to defeat the King and change-LUCY!" Lisanna screamed out in the middle of her explanation. Lucy's eyes rolled to the back of her head as her world went black. She had fainted at the news of Leo being taken away from her once again.