Author's note: To be honest, I've already written the whole story. I'm just waiting for reviews. Reviews=Chapters. Simple algebra and shit like that.

Chapter 3

Signs of Life

(Lucy pov)

Hell. A full 4 weeks of hell!

It started great. Gajeel took me on a mission to take down a group of bandits terrorizing Clovertown. He and Panther Lily barely helped, leaving me to face them on my own, which was very difficult in the rain. After receiving the reward, we headed home. We met up at the guild the next day and I learned why we went on a mission. Gajeel said I was quick on my feet, but I tended to avoid close combat. "Lucy, you need to get comfortable getting up close and personal. A Dark Mage won't give a fuck if you have a comfort zone. They will use whatever advantage they have to take you down." Which led to one of my first lessons: if they think they have the upperhand, break it… literally.

I am grateful to Gajeel, I truly am, but damn he is a fucking slave driver!

Yesterday, I started throwing up. Did he stop? The answer would be a big, fat, flashing no. He told me to stop being such a wuss. So he continued to push me, uncaring of the vomit spewing from my mouth occasionally. We were about to start our daily hand-to-hand combat training when Makarov shouted for the guild's attention. Apparently, Laxus and his team uncovered a den of Poison Wyverns and has requested back up. Gajeel offered to go. He is a Dragon Slayer, he said with his usual cockiness. Erza had already taken and left for an S-class mission days ago, so Makarov approved Gajeel's request. He told us that he had contacted other guilds and Sabertooth and Quatro Cerberus answered. Bacchus from Quatro Cerberus was on his way. Orga, Sting, and Rogue from Sabertooth are leaving from their completed missions. Gajeel left immediately, telling me to keep up my exercises or I'd do all further training in a thunderstorm. Lily waved and flew after Gajeel. Just like that, I was alone.

Well, I wasn't completely alone. I still had Natsu, Happy, Gray, Wendy, and Charla. However, Wendy seemed busy now-a-days, practicing with that staff Erza loaned her. I guess it was a good fit for Wendy. No blades, but it can still pack a punch. Natsu and Gray were yelling about who could stay awake the longest as I left the guild and headed home for the night.

I was preparing dinner, chicken bryan with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese and a caesar salad on the side. I had dropped the chicken into the pain, sizzling softly on the hot pan. The scent of cooking meat wafted through the air. All of sudden, I was hit with nausea. I ran to the bathroom and spilled the contents of my stomach into the toilet. I heaved until there was nothing left, and heaved some more. Virgo sensed my distress and opened her own gate. She dealt with the food, making sure nothing was burning while I slumped against the porcelain. I got up and opened a cabinet, searching for nausea pills. I noticed a box of tampons. I ignored them and continued looking for the pills when it hit me.

I was late.

I dug through my memory, telling myself I was overreacting. There's no way… I'm on the pill. It was one night! It's not possible! I recalled my last period. Freaking out, I called out to Virgo. She was the most level-headed of my spirits and kept rather detailed notes on my life. She walked into the bathroom and disappeared after just one look at me. She returned quickly with her personal calendar in hand, filled with significant and trivial events in my life. The notebook was open on last month's page and her finger rested on the day my last period had ended. She scanned the pages, flipping back and forth between this month and the last. She closed the booklet and looked at me. She didn't have to say anything. That look said it all.

I lost my balance. Virgo caught me and half-carried me to the couch. I sat there in a daze, thinking about the symptoms I've been showing. I don't know how long it took me to build up my courage to ask Virgo for a pregnancy test, but it felt like years. She bowed her head and disappeared in a cloud of gold dust. She appeared not even a second later, holding a Celestial pregnancy test. She handed it to me and said it was 100% accurate. I wobbled over to the bathroom and followed the instructions. The back of the box said it would take two minutes to process my DNA. Virgo was sitting on the couch, patiently waiting for the test results.

I was not so patient. I paced circles around the couch. Two minutes felt like eternity when waiting for that answer. Am I pregnant? I couldn't help but think about the possibility. Yes, I had always wanted kids, but I had hoped to be married. I planned to have a loving husband and a big house with big dog lounging on the porch. I want a big family. I knew what loneliness felt like and I never wanted to feel that way again. I promised myself to have many children so that even if me and my husband died, they would always have each other.

"Princess, two minutes has passed."

I froze solid at the sound of Virgo's voice. Two minutes was up already? How could two small minutes feel so long yet go too fast? "Would you like me to read it, Princess?"

I shook my head, unable to speak. I needed to do this. I forced my legs to the carry me to the coffee table. The test appeared so innocent lying there. I peered down, fearing the moment of truth. I saw it. Two black lines overlapping each other. My legs failed me. Virgo caught me before I hit the floor.

I am carrying the child of a man that does not love me.

I am pregnant with Laxus' baby.

I am pregnant.

I'm pregnant.

I sat there, on my couch, for an indeterminable amount of time. It could have been seconds, minutes, or days. In that span of time, the fear had turned to joy.

I'm pregnant!

I turned to Virgo with a smile on my face. "Virgo! I'm pregnant!"

Virgo smiled back. "Congratulations, Princess. Shall I inform the others?"

"Yes! Yes! Wait. No! I'll do it. I want to be the one to break the news." I grabbed Virgo's hand and stared into her glittering eyes. "Do not tell anyone what's happening but the King. Tell him to keep it on the down low until all of my spirits know first! Promise me!"

She nodded, "I swear, Princess. I will tell the King now."

I wrapped my arms around her. "Thank you, Virgo!"

She vanished again, leaving me to ponder over who'd I'd tell first. Loke? No, He'll come out on his own when he sees Virgo smiling. Taurus? No, that's not right. Ah!

I pulled out the key that I knew like the back of my hand. I ran to the kitchen and filled a cup of water and stuck the key inside. "Open, Gate of the Water-Bearer! Aquarius!" A flash of light signalled Aquarius' arrival. She looked livid.

"What have I told you about summoning me in a cup, you insufferable…"

"I'm pregnant!" I beamed at the mermaid. She was like a mother to me. Sure she was stern and kinda scary, but I know she loved me. The bluenette stuttered and gaped at me. I noticed a twinkle appear in her eyes as her gaze dropped to my stomach. She wiped her face of emotion and crossed her arms, her nose shooting up into the air. "It had better not be an idiot like you." Her insults wouldn't work. I could feel the excitement rolling off her in waves. The water around us reacted to her glee. Even the canal outside was dancing. Aquarius ordered me to tell her boyfriend next, or she'd drown me. When she left, all the water in the area calmed.

I pulled out the next key and held it before me. "Open, Gate of the Scorpion! Scorpio!" Another flash of light and a cloud of red dust left Aquarius' boyfriend standing in my kitchen. "Is everything okay, Princess? Aquarius seemed a little off."

I nodded vigorously. "I told her that I'm pregnant."

"Heh, are you sure that was such a good idea? I know my baby, and she hates when people play jokes on…" His voice faded away as he took in the smile on my face. "You weren't kidding? You're pregnant?"

"Yes!"

A genuine smile spread across his face. "This is great news! We are so going to celebrate!"

"Yeah we will! Just keep it quiet until I've told all my spirits."

He shot me a thumbs up. "I won't tell a soul until you say otherwise."

He vanished in a cloud of Celestial Dust. I pulled out another key. "Open, Gate of the Crab! Cancer!" My childhood friend poofed into existence.

"How can I help you, baby?"

"Cancer, I'm pregnant!"

Cancer jumped with surprise. A rare smile stole across his face. "Congrats, baby! I look forward to styling your offspring's hair."

"Me too, Cancer. Don't tell anyone until I've told all my spirits."

Cancer nodded and vanished.

I summoned spirit after spirit, eager to share the news with my Celestial family. Capricorn was thrilled. I think he shed a tear as he left my apartment. Taurus cried at the news, weeping his joy for the life growing in my womb. Gemi and mini flew around the room, shouting their glee to the apartment walls. Aries was uncharacteristically loud, squealing at the thought of my unborn child. She had already started planning the baby's room. Who knew Aries had a thing for babies? Sagittarius was delighted by the news. He offered his babysitting services should I ever need a break. When he made the offer, Aries opened her own Gate and none too gently asserted herself as the baby's caretaker should I ever need assistance. Loke was happy for me, but livid with the man that had impregnated me was no where to be seen. I made excuses and Loke left with a grumble. I was feeling considerably drained by so many summonings, but I was able to summon my beloved Silver Spirits and quickly told them of the newest Heartfilia. They poofed away after a gave the news. Virgo popped into my room and I gave her the okay to spread the news in the Celestial Realm.

I hadn't even finished my sentence when she vanished. I shrugged it off and got ready for bed. As I curled up in my sheets, I thought of my growing baby.

I woke up the next morning with Aries hanging over my face.

"Good morning, Miss Lucy. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I made you breakfast."

I rolled out of bed with a groan. I slipped on my watercolor silk robe and shuffled into the dining room. I froze at the sight of the buffet on my table. There was enough food to feed me for a week! Natsu could eat it all in one sitting, no doubt, but there was no way I could eat so much in a single day!

Speaking of my pink-haired partner… "Where's Natsu? He's usually…"

"Sleeping in your bed at this hour? Sorry. I warded your apartment against unwanted guests. His violent nature could put you and the baby in danger. You can let them in by opening the door or windows." Aries, clad in her pink wool outfit and yellow wool apron, poofed back to the Celestial Realm. I sighed and made my way to the window. Something told me that Aries and I were going to spend a lot of time together. Once I opened the window, a mass of blue and pink blurred past me and into the dining area. I closed and locked the window and hurried to my table. I giggled at Natsu and Happy's dumbstruck faces as they stared at the food laden table.

I took my seat and started piling food onto my plate. "Help yourselves, boys."

They needed no further encouragement. They dug into the food and started cramming it into their mouths as if they hadn't eaten in days. I took my time eating, savoring the flavors. By the time I had finished, Natsu and Happy were patting their swollen bellies with contentment. Just looking at their bloated torsos reminded me of the life growing inside me. I frowned as I realized I would be as big as Natsu's belly in a six months. Maybe five. I scowled at the unbidden image that formed in my head.

I'm going to be so fat.

I excused myself and walked back to my room. I took a shower and slipped into a white crop top and mini skirt with separate sleeves that clung to my bicep and flared out mid-forearm, flowing to my knuckles. The gold accents sewed onto the hems of the silky cloth glittered in the light and made me feel a little brighter. Ready to face the day, I exited the bathroom. Natsu and Happy were exercising.

"Good morning, guys! Ready to head to the guild?"

The pair jumped on the feet. Happy shoved the fish he was using as a weight in his mouth. Both saluted me. "Ready when you are, partner!"

I giggled at their goofy antics and led them out of my apartment. We chatted about random things on our way to the guild, me on the ledge of the canal, Natsu holding my hand, and Happy floating above us with another fish sticking out of his mouth. When the guild came into view, Natsu brought up the topic of missions. "Hey Luce, want to go on a mission today? I saw one that involves a lot of fighting!"

I stumbled, almost falling into the canal, when I realized just what Natsu had said. How am I going to go on missions? Would Master let me if he knew my current situation? If not, how am I going to make money? Without those missions, I won't be able to afford all the things my baby would need. Not to mention food and rent! What am I going to do?

"Hey Luce. Are you okay? You look a bit pale." Natsu leaned closer to me and sniffed my hair. "And your scent has changed! Are you sick? Don't worry Luce! Me and Happy will take you to Wendy right away!"

Natsu and Happy grabbed each of my hands and started dragging me to the guild doors. I hardly noticed, too caught up in my thoughts. Wendy is a healer. What if she finds out I'm pregnant? If Natsu, heavens forbid Erza, thinks something is wrong with me, they'll go to Wendy first. The poor girl will crumble under a single glare. Erza will tell Master and he'll will forbid me from going on missions. And of course Makarov will tell all the S-class Mages, if not the whole guild, of my pregnancy to keep me home!

I froze, overcome with nausea and dread.

Laxus!

If Master Makarov finds out I'm pregnant, he'll no doubt tell his own grandson! I don't want Laxus to stay with me out of pity. Even worse, if Makarov makes him stay with me because of the baby.

Tears filled my eyes as another thought crossed my mind.

What if Laxus denies the baby? Knowing Laxus, he won't tell anyone of his shame, but all secrets come out at some point. Everyone will know. They'll pity me and see me as a slut! Everyone will hate me!

"No!" I shouted, pulling my hands out of my partners' hands (and paws). Natsu and Happy stared at me with confusion and concern.

"Luce? Is everything okay?" Natsu asked softly.

My face flushed with embarrassment at my outburst. I can't let them know. I have to act like everything is fine. "Yes. It's just that… I'm perfectly healthy and I don't want to waste Wendy's time."

Natsu and Happy shared a look. "But your scent…"

I cut off Natsu. "Is different because I got a new soap."

"But you always get Vanilla soap and Strawberry shampoo, Lucy."

"I do, and I love that scent, but I thought I'd try a new brand. That's probably why I smell off."

Natsu sniffed the air again. "Huh, you might be right. It doesn't smell bad, just different. I don't like it. I think you should stop using the new stuff."

"I thought I'd try something new, but if you guys don't like it I can switch back to my go-to stuff. I just wanted to switch it up." Great. I forgot that pregnancy changes a woman's hormones. I guess that means scent, too. How am I supposed to hide my scent from a Dragon Slayer?

What if Wendy smells me and realizes straight away?

"Natsu, is Wendy here?" I asked as nonchalantly as possible.

Natsu placed his hand on the door knob. "Yeah, but she's under strict orders from Erza to keep training. If Erza finds out someone disturbed her training..."

We all shivered at the same time, picturing an enraged Erza. "Y-Yeah. I just wanted to know. I thought about inviting her over for a sleepover, but I want to keep my life thank you very much."

"Me and Natsu will come over!" Happy grinned. "We can tell scary stories and eat fish and marshmallows!"

"Uh… I was going to talk to Wendy about becoming a woman and everything it entails like periods and…"

"Ok! Enough on the subject! What do ya say about that mission?"

Natsu had opened the door, ignorant of the barrel soaring towards him. I winced at the loud thwack as it connected to his head. He was silent for only a moment then his hands were engulfed in flames and he immediately began blaming Gray for throwing that barrel at him. I walked past the newest brawl, dodging projectiles on my way to the bar. I sat on my bar stool and signalled for a smoothie. If Gajeel were to hear I had a milkshake, he would make me run laps until my legs gave out. Kinana placed the drink in front of me. Her presence startled me. "Um, Kinana? Not that I dislike you or anything, but where's Mira?"

The purple-haired woman smiled and nodded towards the second floor. "She's in the Master's office along with Erza, Mystogan, and Elfman. He seemed pretty anxious. He'll tell us if it's important, so I'm not worried. Much…"

"Oh, Erza's back? Already?"

Kinana nodded. "Came back with a new fur coat. Probably from that monster wolf she took down. It looked really nice." Kinana peeked up at the second floor, her brow creased in stress.

I patted her hand. "I'm sure it's not life threatening. Maybe it has something to do with that Wyvern problem. Or one of those special request missions. I heard Elfman got one a few days ago."

Kinana giggled. "Yeah! He won't speak of it to anyone, but Mira told me he was requested for a birthday party." She leaned closer, cupping her mouth so that no one would read her lips. "He did some pretty embarrassing stuff to keep that kid happy."

We giggled in unison before Kinana was called off to work. I prayed that Wendy was busy and wouldn't approach me. I scanned the room, sipping my smoothie, looking for the small bluenette. I didn't spot her in the crowd and heaved a sigh of relief.

Turning back to the bar, I pondered the issue of my future. I could disguise my scent with body mist for the time to keep the Dragon Slayers from discovering my baby. I once heard Natsu complain that perfume completely clouded his nose. Body mist was lighter than perfume, so it shouldn't make him nose-blind. On the issue of missions, I could only hide my pregnancy for so long before even a baggy shirt couldn't disguise my swollen belly. How am I to make money without missions? And when I finally give birth, what then? I can't leave my baby alone with some stranger. I doubt I would be strong enough to go on a mission anyway. Labor is painful and exhausting and I will need to be with my baby for several months before even thinking of a babysitter.

Maybe I could go on a bunch of missions now, one after another, and save up. If I'm going to do that, I can't go on missions with all of Team Natsu. A reward looks big on paper, but shrinks with each stray attack from the three powerhouses of Team Natsu. After the reward is depleted to pay for damages, the rest is split evenly between the Team. A depleted reward split between seven people is pitiful. It's not like I can't handle the cramped schedule. I am forced to go on several missions a month just to keep a roof over my head and food in my belly. If I did these missions with Natsu, or alone, I could have enough money to keep me housed and fed until I can go out again. I'll have to watch my money carefully, but it's nothing I can't handle. I've been doing it for years.

Yes! I can do this! I'll be alright! If I remember correctly, a woman doesn't really start showing until 12 to 16 weeks. If I abandon my usual style and wear dresses and loose shirts, I think I can hide the baby bump for a good five months. But what am I to do for the other four? I can't get a job outside the guild without questions. Then there's my Team and their reactions. Geez I am so royally screwed!

I laid my head on the table, doing my best to ignore the beginnings of a killer headache forming in my temples. I soft chime signalled the arrival of one of my Spirits. A dainty hand patted my arm. I accepted the offered comfort.

"I'm sorry, Princess."

Yup. Definitely going to be seeing a lot of her. "Yes Aries?"

"We are all here if you need us. And Gemini has offered to retrieve missions from the guild until you are ready to visit the guild once more."

"Thank you, Aries. It really helps knowing that my friends are here for me." I sighed and sat up, propping my head on my hand. "If only there were a way to speed up time. I think the waiting is worse than the…" I trailed off as a plan began forming in my head. Time. There is a way to play with time. I can't, but Ultear can! I slumped in my seat when I remembered that she couldn't manipulate life, only objects. But Mavis Vermillion, First Master of Fairy Tail, could do it! She made the Fairy Sphere to save us. Though it slowed time instead of speeding it, I think she could help.

I had my hand on my keys, connecting my mind to my Spirits. "Aries…"

The Spirit nodded, her face set in fierce determination. "Understood, Princess."

"Talk to Grandpa Crux about this and make sure everyone knows." Aries nodded and poofed away to execute her orders. I sipped my smoothie, watching as Makarov's door opened and the S-class Mages spilled out. They walked towards the door, ignoring everyone around them. Mira stopped by Kinana and whispered in her ear before following her fellow Guildmates out the door. While everyone gossiped about their odd behavior, I snuck up the stairs to see Makarov. I knocked on the door, slipping inside when he invited me in with a soft 'enter'. I closed the door and stood in front of his cluttered desk. He peered up at me, giving me his full attention. "Yes, Lucy?"

I walked downstairs running over my plans in my mind. I made my way to the bar, taking extra care of dodging flying objects that could harm me and my baby. I plopped down on a bar stool at the end of the bar. This new seat offered me a view of a good portion of the guild and it's occupants. I signalled Kinana for another smoothie. She hurried over, a startled look on her face.

"Now what are you doing over here?"

I smiled at her as she whipped up a strawberry smoothie. "Oh, I thought I'd switch it up and find a new seat. At least now I can see anything hurtling towards me."

Kinana laughed and put my smoothie on the counter. "Yeah. Remember that time when Gray's jacket ended up wrapped around your head? Oh goodness me, it took over half an hour to get those buttons untangled from your hair!"

We laughed at the memory. I threw quite a hissy fit as Wendy and Mira worked the jacket from my hair. Erza punished the boys for being so careless and raved about how I could have been hurt.

"Oh man, that was funny." I wiped tears from my eyes.

"Yeah… Everyone here adores you. I guess that's why you're the Fairy's Light."

I blushed at the title. I really didn't see myself as anything special. I tried my hardest to be there for my friends and my guild. I know that they're always here for me, so they should receive nothing less than the same in return. "Hey Kinana, I'm going to search the board for a job. My rent's coming up and I need to keep the pantry stocked for my nearly live-in guests."

Kinana giggled, "Oh, I hear quite a few stories from everyone on how your Team is always breaking in and making themselves at home in your apartment. Honestly, I have no idea how you put up with it. I would beat the daylights out of anyone who broke into my place, even if their fellow Fairies. Anyway, there a few new missions on the board. I think I recall one of them having a Silver Key as a reward."

I perked up at that. "Really?" Maybe I'll take that one! New family members are always appreciated. Now I'm excited to find out who they are. "I have to get it before someone else does!"

Kinana chuckled as I stumbled rushing over to the mission board. I scoured the board, searching the rewards until I finally saw it. I ripped the paper off the board and hurried back to Kinana. She scanned the paper over before nodding and writing it down in the mission log. "Is Natsu coming with you?"

I looked over the request. It looked like a simple and fun job. Some new fashion designer wanted a pretty model for a fashion shoot. I had to give the woman credit. Hiring a Mage from the number one Guild in Fioré would draw attention in contrast to some random face. I felt insecure and depressed after thinking about the woman's request. She would want someone like Mira or Erza, not some weak failure like me. I shook my head to clear the nasty thoughts. "Nah. He'll be bored to tears. Just tell him that I'll be back in a three days tops."

"Alrighty then! You're all set. I'll let the lady know who to expect. Now off you go."

I smiled and left the bar, leaving money to pay for my smoothies. I wanted to get out of here before Wendy knew I was here. I was about to walk out the front doors when a warm arm stopped me. "Hey Luce! Where are you going?"

"On a mission."

Natsu jerked back and shuffled to stand in front of me. "What? But I had one picked out. We were going on one together!"

I gripped his hands gently as he clung to my shoulders. "This mission has a Silver Key as an award and it seems really easy."

Natsu released my shoulders and smiled. "Then I'll come with you!"

"Natsu, it's a photo shoot. You'll be bored to tears."

His shoulders slumped. "So you don't want to be my partner any more?"

"Aww, Natsu, of course I do. In fact, why don't we turn this into a competition?"

"A competition?" His face brightened at the word.

I nodded slowly, "Uh huh. A race to see who finishes their mission first."

Happy appeared at Natsu's side as if he'd been there the whole time. "Stakes?" They said simultaneously.

I pondered that for a moment. I know what I wanted, but what would Natsu want? "If you win, you can enter my apartment whenever you please and I won't yell at you. This does not include breaking my things or eating all my food. For six whole months."

Gray sauntered over, wearing only his boxers. "What's this I hear about a race?"

"Screw off, Ice-Princess! This has nothing to do with you!"

"Hey now, Gray is on our Team, so he can join if he wants."

Gray smiled at me. "Cool. So what happens if you win?"

"You all stay out of my apartment unless you're invited, and if you are, you use the door and follow my house rules."

Natsu and Happy nodded. "Sounds easy."

Gray smirked."Then how about we up the challenge."

A cheshire grin spread across my face. The guild's attention was on us. "Let's see who can take and complete the most missions in one month. Not only will we be judged on the number of missions, but also the time it took to complete it and the damage we inflict in the area. We will be judged on quantity, quality, and damage. Makarov, Kinana, Cana will judge us at the end of the month."

Gray, Natsu, and Happy grinned. "Deal!"

"Come on, Happy. Let's get going!" They started for the door, but were stopped by Gray's voice.

"Now wait a second, this doesn't seem fair. Natsu has a partner while me and Lucy are on our own."

Cana slammed her empty barrel down. "Gray's right! Either Happy stays here or Lucy and Gray get a partner." I nibbled my lip as I considered the idea. A partner might ask questions and come back with gossip. I can't have that. However, it looks like I have no choice. Juvia was clinging to Gray's arm. "Ha! Looks like you've got a partner, Stripper. Your turn, Lucy! Pick a partner!"

Several voices echoed around the room, volunteering to join me. I ignored them and pondered who was unobservant and I could trust not to gossip. Gajeel came to mind, but he was out on that Poison Wyvern mission. Who here is stupid enough to not notice signs of pregnancy and won't blab about our missions to everyone.

"Oh, hi Lucy!"

I turned to see Wendy coming down the stairs, her exceed not far behind.

"Charla!" I shouted.

The exceed in question quirked an eyebrow. "Yes?"

Cana grinned. "Lucy picked you as a partner, if you want to join her."

Charla hopped onto the bar. Wendy sat on a stool and asked for a blueberry milkshake. "Whatever for, Lucy?"

Natsu, Gray, and I are racing to see who can complete the most missions in a month with as little damage as possible. If I win, they have to stop sneaking into my apartment. I would appreciate it if you could help me."

Charla rubbed her chin with her cute little paw. "I usually detest such silly business, but I guess I could assist you. It would keep those heathens out of your home. Alright, I'll do it."

I smiled with relief. "You don't mind, do you, Wendy?"

"Oh no. I don't mind at all. I'm actually glad. I plan on spending a few weeks with Porlyusica to better my healing magic. Charla would have been terribly bored and now she has something to do other than watch me meditate and such."

"Yes, but remember girl, I will come back and quiz you on your knowledge! Don't think that my absence gives you an excuse to lounge about." Charla jumped off the bar and walked to my side. "Shall we take our leave, Lucy?"

"Let's. Bye Wendy! Wish me luck!"

"Bye Lucy!"

Charla and I walked out of the guild and down the street. I avoided the ledge this time around, keeping to the safe, solid ground. Mostly to keep Charla from lecturing me.

"Lucy?"

"Hm?" I glanced down at the white exceed. "What's on your mind?"

"Why did you choose me as a partner? I'm sure there are several others who would be better suited for such a silly race."

I returned my focus on the road ahead. "Don't worry. I won't be taking on dangerous missions. The race is about the quantity of missions, not the type. And to answer your question, I prefer a partner who wouldn't go gossiping about everything I do on a mission."

Charla hummed in thought. "I see. Do you plan on doing anything inappropriate on these missions? If you are than I must…"

"No no! I don't plan on doing anything stupid. I would, however, enjoy a bit of privacy. As you can imagine, I don't get much me time with my three partners. They are always breaking in and going through my stuff. That's kind of why I want to win so bad."

"Kind of? Is there another reason for the madness?"

I hesitated before answering. Could I tell her? I eventually settled on a half-truth. "I'm also trying to save up as much money as I can. I plan on going to Tenrou in a few months to train myself and better improve my magic." And give birth to Laxus' baby. Hopefully under a time-speeding sphere.

Charla nodded. "I see. Well, I admire your forethought and planning. I shall do my best to help you win this competition so you may accumulate as much money as you can. No doubt those hooligans eat you out of your own home."

I laughed, "Yeah. Natsu can really pack it in. I have no idea where he puts it all or how he isn't the size of the hall with how much he eats."

Charla giggled. "Yes, I wonder the same thing at times. Well, let us prepare and depart for our first mission!"

I opened the door to my apartment. "You got it!"

I noticed that no one said Happy Birthday yet. I see how it is...

That's chapter 3! I have no idea why I'm writing this. Anyway, reviews=faster posting! I love you all dearly and you keep me going!

-SPN :3