Author's note: Natsu doesn't approve of LaLu... Sucks for him! Anyway, for the record, Lucy now has three new Spirits: Pavo the Peacock, Canis Venatici, and the third one is a mystery because I'm a bitch. Hope you all like this chapter! :3

Chapter 6

Time is Ticking

(Lucy pov)

Aquarius and Virgo disappeared as soon as I was safe on the beach of Tenrou. The island was as beautiful I remembered. The air was humid and warm, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the bite of sea salt. I had taken off my sandals to revel in the warm sand shifting between my toes. I started walking towards the forest, slipping my shoes back on to avoid any harm to my feet. I wandered the forest, letting my feet carry me to First Master's grave. As I walked and skirted the dangerous four-legged natives, I thought about Master Mavis. Would she be able to help? Could she speed time within a barrier of her making? If she couldn't, would she keep my presence here a secret as I carried and birthed my daughter?

Would she keep my heir a secret from Fairy Tail?

The plan was to birth my baby on the island where Fairies cannot die. Aries and Pavo were currently working on a bracelet for my baby. It would give her dark hair and violet eyes instead of my blonde hair and brown eyes. When my guildmates asked about where she came from, I would tell them I found her abandoned near Hargeon port. Knowing the women of the guild, they'd all chip in to help me raise her. When she is old enough, I hoped I would have plenty of volunteers to watch her for me. Hell, they could probably protect her better than I ever could.

"Lucy! You're here!" I looked up to see the small form of Mavis Vermillion. "Took you long enough. Now lets see the baby bump!"

I jumped back in shock. "How did you...?"

"Your Spirits! Now come on! Show me the bump!"

I smiled and lifted the hem of my shirt. My belly protruded out, keeping me from seeing my feet without a lot of effort on my part. The glamour did a good job at hiding it. When I look down and see my feet, I start to panic. I had to keep myself from stroking my belly in public lest I look like an idiot. "Do you… wanna feel?"

Mavis squealed and practically teleported in front of me. She touched my skin with reverence, showing a gentleness I had never seen before from the young ghost. "I can feel the baby's heartbeat…"

I grinned at the look of wonder on her face. I thought to myself that perhaps she had never been so close to an unborn child before.

"Now my dear, why is it that you've come here exactly?"

Here it goes… "She is the reason why I came here. I wanted to give birth to my daughter here. On this island. And I was wondering if you could… I mean you had done so once and I thought… Can you create a sphere that would speed up time?"

Mavis' small smile never left her face. "Why ever would you want to speed time?"

"I… I want to give birth to my daughter as fast as possible."

"Ah…" Mavis eyes twinkled with knowledge I could only ever dream of knowing. "Is there any reason why you can't endure it like every other mother?"

"It's for my baby's…"

"Don't lie to me, Lucy. Tell me why you're in such a hurry." Her voice was soft but firm, letting me know that she wouldn't stand for anything less than truth.

"My only source of income are the missions I take. I know more than anyone that money goes quickly. A baby is very expensive and I need to be on my feet and providing for her as soon as I can."

Mavis cocked an eyebrow. "Where is the father? Isn't he supposed to be helping?"

"The father… made it very clear he doesn't want me."

The atmosphere changed drastically. Maxis' hair lifted in a breeze of power, her eyes glinting with uncontrolled rage. "Who is the coward that abandoned you to care for his child alone?"

"He didn't abandon me. He doesn't even know he is a father…"

The power faded from the air. Mavis stood frozen in shock. "He… You didn't tell him? Lucy, your guildmate deserves to know of the life he created with you."

"Wha… How…. I never said he was in our guild!"

Mavis smiled sadly. "If he weren't, you wouldn't have come here. Who is he? He must be something special."

I felt my cheeks flush. "Yes. He really is special."

Mavis observed me silently. After a long minute, she smiled gently. "To answer your question, I can speed up time within a sphere. Know that it will take a lot of energy. I can turn one month into seven and no faster."

Darn it! I had hoped to be back in two weeks. Oh well. At least I called my landlord and informed her where I stashed a month's rent in my apartment. "And First Master? Can you keep… us a secret? That the baby is mine?"

"Why, Lucy?"

I couldn't look at her. "I don't want my family to think… differently of me. I'll tell them I found her abandoned and that I took her in. They'll never know of my shame. It's mine to bear alone."

A glowing hand appeared before my face. It caressed my chin, forcing me to face a lady of legend. "Oh Lucy. Your friends would never think anything bad of you. If anything, they'll be after the father's head for leaving you with to raise a child alone. I'm tempted to hunt the bastard down myself."

I smiled at that. They can try. Laxus is a very strong opponent. "Still, I will do this by myself. If La… If he doesn't want to be a father, I will not force it on him. I will take care of my problems by myself, just as I've always done." I pulled out Virgo's key and called her to my side. "Could you set up a tent for me, Virgo? And bring my bags? I really want to change."

Virgo nodded and left to retrieve the items needed to make camp.

Mavis was frowning. "I don't know, Lucy. At least tell Makarov the truth."

"Juvia already knows and has offered to help me however she can." Mavis' frown didn't go away. I thought the best way to distract her was to ask her opinions on the names I selected. "So what do you think of the name Aurora?"

Mavis brightened considerably.

I wish I'd let her worry over me. Mavis started listing names and their meanings when I brought up the topic. Then Aries and Virgo showed up. When told myself it couldn't get any worse, Aquarius poofed into existence with a stack of baby clothes.

Oh Mavis, women and baby clothes. Though I must admit I myself went crazy over the cutest little baby booties. Oh, baby feet are so tiny and cute!

After a while, Virgo escorted me to camp so I could rest after my long journey. I almost tripped when I found a freaking house instead of a tent. The tent was huge! Virgo walked inside and there were walls, walls, of the same waterproof cloth held up by a series of strong, flexible poles. I was led to a lavish bedroom and tucked into a woolen cloud bed of Aries making. I thought we had been warped to some snazzy hotel instead of a tent on Tenrou. I expected to look out the screen window and see a city sprawled out below me. Instead I saw a forest before Virgo closed and zipped the flaps. She picked up the light lacrima and bid me sweet dreams. She closed and secured the flap behind her, leaving me in a dim room. The only source of light was a small light lacrima and the sunshine that managed to fight its way through the trees and thick cloth of the canopy. If the lacrima went out, I would be left in near darkness. Thoughts of hotel rooms and Laxus invaded my mind as I succumbed to exhaustion.

I awoke to the thick smell of bacon and the lighter aroma of eggs. I rolled out from beneath the covers and hopped out of bed. I unzipped the door and inhaled the much stronger, mouthwatering scent of food. In the middle of the entry was a low table with overstuffed pillows ringing it. Virgo had set out enough food to feed me for weeks. There were plates of waffles, pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, crepes, and croissants. My belly growled and I sat down on one of the plushy cushions. I knew she was about to leave, but I didn't want to be alone. "Virgo? Can you eat with me? Just this once?" Virgo always cooked for me when I felt depressed. It usually wasn't a problem with me because Natsu and Happy, and sometimes the rest of my Team, was there to help me eat it all. But Natsu, Happy, Erza, Gray, Wendy, and Charla… they're not here. I haven't felt so alone in years. "Please Virgo?"

The pinkette nodded and sat across from me. She looked a bit uncomfortable, sitting at the same table as me, but I suppose it's due to a hundred years of abused servitude. In an effort to ease my friend, I summoned Aries and Loke to join us. Loke and Aries were more than happy to breakfast with me. From the slight smile on Virgo's face, I assumed I made the right choice. We heaped food onto our plates and ate all we could, talking and laughing about our past missions.

The food was delicious. Virgo even put chocolate sauce on the table for my bacon. It was probably the hormones talking, but chocolate coated bacon is the best!

After we had our fill, Virgo cleared the table. She stored the leftovers in the Spirit World and told me to let her know if I got hungry. I doubted I would for the next few hours. Ever since the cravings kicked in, I found that I could really pack it away. I almost ate as much as Natsu. Thank goodness I grew up with manners, or I'd eat like him, too.

I was sitting at the table when Mavis floated into the tent. She looked down at my belly and frowned. "You need to stop wearing that glamour. It throws me off knowing your pregnant and not seeing the bump I saw yesterday."

I giggled, "The clothes were to keep the guild from finding out. I'll ask Virgo to retrieve some normal maternity clothes."

"Good! I can't wait to see them. Virgo has good taste."

I sweatdropped, remembering all those times Virgo replaced my normal wear with more revealing leather and silk. Yeah no...

"Anyway, I came here to let you know that I will help you."

"Really?"

The woman/child nodded. "I can, and I will, but we have to go over a few things."

"I'm listening."

"Okay. Now as I said before, I cannot make seven months fly by in a day. This kind of spell takes a lot of magic power. I will be cramming nearly 200 days into just 31, give or take a few. I also will be releasing the spell before the month's end. I want to be there when you give birth to Fairy Tail's next generation. And finally, you are to stay inside the sphere until I tell you otherwise. To freely waltz in and out of the sphere will have disastrous effects on you and the baby. Do you understand everything I've said so far?"

"Yes."

She continued, "Excellent. No before I set up the sphere, I have a few conditions... favors to ask of you. You must promise to keep them or I will not got through with the spell. One; be careful. Do as your Spirits ask for they know best. They have had years of experience after all. Two; you have to tell Makarov the truth when you return. You can urge him to keep it secret from everyone else, but Third deserves to know. And three; you have to tell the father."

I nearly fell on my back. "WHAT?! Are you insane?!"

"The jury is still out." She said casually. Her face grew solemn. "Lucy, you are not the only parent here. It takes two to tango and it takes two to create a life."

"But… but…. I've already thought of it and I can't tell him. He left me, Mavis! Do you really want me to go through the humiliation of rejection? How will I tell my child that her daddy doesn't want her when she finally realizes that most kids have two parents?"

Mavis smiled, "You know what they say about assuming."

"I'm not assuming! I just don't want to get hurt!"

"You are overthinking things. Your child deserves a father and you should be willing to at least try to give her the original. Besides, I think Laxus might surprise you."

I froze in shock. "How…"

Mavis chuckled, "I wasn't born yesterday, Lucy. After your little stumble, it wasn't hard to figure out. Your slip of the tongue, and the magic signature of the baby inside you, was enough to point to the father. I commend you on your choice. Laxus is a strong man with a big heart. A bit on the stubborn side, though."

I overcame my surprise and slumped over the table. "Then you should understand why I can't tell him. We had one night together and I won't force him into fatherhood because of my mistake. I do better by myself anyway."

"Lucy Heartfilia! To claim that night as a mistake is to say your baby is a mistake! Yes, they were a bit of a surprise, but they will be loved. I'm not telling you to demand Laxus to marry you and help raise his offspring, though I would prefer he would. I'm just saying that you should inform him that he impregnated you. Do you want your child to grow up like Cana? It took her years to confront her dad and that's only because you urged her to face him! Please Lucy. Just tell him. It doesn't have to be now. You can wait until you get back and have settled. Laxus, and Third, deserve that at least." Mavis' voice grew softer as she lectured me. I know she's right. Even if Laxus refuses the baby as his, Makarov has earned the right. He took me in and saved me. He offered me a home and protection. I just hoped it wouldn't cause a rift between the two. Makarov practically raised Laxus from birth after his mother died in labor.

"Alright Mavis… I'll tell him. Just…. I need some time."

Mavis smiled warmly. "Take all the time you need, but you have to tell him. Secrets don't stay secret for long. They have a way of coming to light at the worst of times. Believe me when I say the humiliation of private rejection is better than the mortification of a public confession."

I hung my head in shame. "Can… can you be the one to tell Third Master? I promise I'll tell Laxus, but Makarov is like a father I always wished I had."

I saw Mavis nod from the corner of my eye. Virgo opened her own Gate and helped me to my feet. She led me to the bedroom and Mavis followed. "Now Lucy, I want you to get some rest. I'm going to set up the sphere after I call Makarov."

"Okay, First. Thank you."

"I'm always happy to help my children!" Her ethereal glow cast light on the walls. "Now get some sleep. And know that I can always dispel the sphere in an emergency."

I nodded and let Virgo lay me on the bed. The pinkette bowed and left the room, securing the door flap behind her.

The air pressure began to change as I slipped into the my dream world.

Laxus was standing in the guild, telling me to be safe.

(Makarov pov)

I'm getting too old for this.

The complaints of destruction and bills of Team Natsu took up most of my desk. I cursed the fact that the Thunder God Tribe and Cobra left for a mission two weeks ago. Usually Laxus would 'help' with the paperwork as a Master in Training. Now that he's gone, along with Erza and Jellal, there was no one that could take some of the load. Mira was here, but I learned my lesson the first time. She is a fearsome warrior and a great cook, but she gets bored with paperwork. When I came to an office full of origami and paper snowflakes, I swore to never ask Mira to help me in the office.

I was considering an 'accident' with Natsu and the complaints when Mavis popped into my room. "Hello Third Master!"

"GAH!" I fell back and hit the floor, clutching the skin above my rapidly pumping heart. "Give me a heart attack! That's fine!"

She giggled. "Really?"

"No!" I climbed back up on my chair, hunched over in pain. "Is there any reason why you wanted to appear out of thin air and scare me half to death?"

"Lucy is pregnant."

I stopped rubbing my shoulder. "I'm sorry, what was that you said? I think in my old age, my hearing is starting to go…"

Mavis wasn't smiling. "Lucy. Is. Pregnant." She enunciated each word slowly.

"Lucy is… Lucy is having…. What?"

"Lucy Heartfilia is having a baby."

"But… How?... Who?"

The ghost's eyes glittered with humor. "Well, when a man and a woman…"

"Eh!... I know how it works! Who is the father?"

Her face was uncharacteristically blank. "She wouldn't say."

I leaned back in my chair. Lucy is having a baby? But how does Mavis know? "How did you find out before me?"

"I know because she is told me."

I sat up straight and slammed my hands on my desk. "What?! I thought she went there to train!" Lucy is out there by herself, carrying a child!

"She came to me. She wants to have the baby on Tenrou."

I sat back and ran a hand through what was left of my hair. "How is she?"

"Good. She's coming along well. She said she is around three months along, but her belly is a bit big for a mere three months. I suspect she is carrying twins."

Twins! One of my brats are out there carrying twins! Why didn't she stay here? "Is there a reason she went to see you?"

"I believe she is running from something. Be it a person or shame, I don't know."

I sighed heavily. I was upset the one of my children ran off while pregnant.

But I am just as excited. A smile spread across my face. Mavis saw it and quickly shot me down. "She doesn't want anyone to know the babies are hers. When she returns, she'll claim she found them abandoned near the dock."

"Hee hee! We can still celebrate. No one has to know she gave birth."

Mavis smiled, "I know a certain female who would be more than happy to see a baby or two. Lets just hope she doesn't find out it's Lucy's."

I shuddered to think of the lengths Mira would go to to learn the name of Lucy's lover. I was tempted to hunt the bastard down and make him pay for not taking care of Fairy Tail's Light. "I can keep a secret. But when I find the children's father, he's going to wish he'd never met Lucy."

The First Master's eyes glinted with knowing mirth. Something told me that she knew the father. I shook off the crazy notion. If Mavis did know she would tell me. After she beat him senseless.

"Well Third Master, I'm heading back to the island. I'll watch over Lucy for the time being." She skipped to the door and walked through it. I assumed she was greeting the brats who were here. I sat still for a moment before jumping on the desk and dancing with unrestrained glee for my absent child.

The door creaked open and I plopped back on my seat. I looked to see the youngest Dragon Slayer standing in the door frame. "Yes Wendy?"

"Lucy is pregnant?"

So much for keeping it secret.

(Gajeel pov)

A loud whistle signaled the train's arrival. I didn't move from my shadowed corner until a familiar head of blue hair stepped off and into the crowd. I followed in my shadow form, keeping away from sight of any onlookers. When the female turned into a much less crowded street, I crept closer. I rushed ahead and solidified in an alleyway. I grabbed her as she walked past and pinned her to the brick wall. Her eyes widened in fear before relaxing in recognition. "Gajeel?"

"Hello Juvia."

I released my hold on her and leaned against the wall behind me. She brushed her dress free of imaginary debris. "What does Gajeel want?"

"What's up with Bunnygirl?"

Juvia stiffened, her eyes darting away from mine. "Lucy has gone to train with…"

"I know what you told Mira, but now you're going to tell me the whole truth."

The Water Mage fidgeted. "Lucy said she was going to train by herself."

"Where?"

Her fidgeting grew worse. "Lucy never said…"

"I can smell your lies, Juvia. I'm getting impatient. Where is Lucy and why did she leave?" I was worried about the Bunnygirl. I hadn't seen her in a while and Juvia knows where she is.

Juvia peeked out of the alleyway and stared into my eyes. "Juvia promised not to tell anyone."

"I can keep my mouth shut."

Juvia bit her lip in silent contemplation. She nodded after a few seconds and beckoned me closer. I humored her and leaned forward. She shot another nervous glimpse around the area and cupped her mouth. "Lucy is on Tenrou."

"Yeah, I heard I heard the purple haired chick talking about that. Why did Lucy go there?" I whispered back.

"To give birth."

I pulled back and stared incredulously at the woman before me. She smelled of water lilies and morning dew. Her scent was soft and clear. She wasn't lying. However, my reptilian dad didn't raise an idiot. People could lie without knowing they're lying.

Juvia held up her hand. "Juvia saw her. Juvia spent an entire month with Lucy. Juvia is telling the truth."

I processed the information. It certainly explained the change of her scent. "Do you know who the…"

"Laxus. Laxus and Lucy have been together for many months. They started seeing each other when Lucy saved his life during his exile."

That would explain his behavior, too. Laxus seemed tense… on edge since the Wyvern mission. I overheard him and Cobra. It was enough to insinuate a woman, but I never would have guessed it was Lucy. It's a day full of surprises. And these things come in threes. "Why keep it a secret? We may not be buddies, but I know enough about Lightning Rod to know he is a possessive prick. He wouldn't let his woman wonder around without letting all men in the vicinity know she belongs to him. And he definitely wouldn't let her out of his sight while she's pregnant with his child!"

"Laxus and Lucy got together during his exile. If Master finds out, Lucy might be banished from Fairy Tail for aiding him."

That doesn't sound right. If Laxus wasn't reinstated, then she would be banished. But Laxus is an official member now. Hell, they could pretend that they just started a relationship. Why keep it a secret? Especially from Makarov? Unless… "Are you sure she wasn't lying? Could it be Natsu's kid? With the way he..."

Juvia glared at me. "How dare you accuse Lucy of lying and cheating! Laxus told Juvia himself!"

Laxus told Juvia, but not his Gramps? Then again, Juvia hasn't called Lucy her Love Rival since the ball. Maybe Lucy and Laxus admitted to being together to get Juvia off Lucy's back. But that still doesn't explain why Laxus kept their relationship hidden.

It occurred to me that Mira would have been all over them if she discovered that Laxus and Lucy were doing the dirty. I shuddered just thinking about how loud her squeals could get in her matchmaking mode. They would have been harassed every time they visited the guild. "Nevermind… I know why they kept quiet."

"Mira." We said simultaneously.

I patted Juvia's head and walked out to the street. "Wait! Where is Gajeel going?"

I didn't stop walking. I had to hurry and grab my things. It was already past noon. "I'm going to Tenrou to train. Tell Gramps to expect me in a few months."

I hurried home and started packing. When Lily asked where we were going, I explained that we were going to protect Lucy and her kid. He didn't ask questions, mostly because I think he was stunned. We grabbed our gear and headed out. While we rushed to the dreaded station, I pondered the situation. The only way Lucy could be pregnant is if she and Laxus were mated. A Slayer's inner beast would never impregnate a female that wasn't his. I knew it was a fact, but I had never seen a mating mark on Lucy's neck. Granted she could have been using make-up, but she would have smelled like Laxus. She never wore perfume as a favor to those of us with sensitive noses. However, Laxus was smart and would have told Lucy about our heightened senses and could have used more soap to hide his scent.

The less people who know a secret, the easier it is to keep.

Whatever. It doesn't matter. Lucy is all alone and pregnant. She needs all the help she can get. Last I saw Laxus, he went on a mission with his flunkies and dragged Cobra with him. He could be with her, but it was never safe to assume.

I purchased tickets for a train to Hargeon. I turned around and bumped into a small body. I reached out on reflex to catch the young female. Wendy looked up.

"Gajeel? What are you doing here?"

The less who know, the better. "Heading to Tenrou for training."

"Really? That's where I'm heading, too! For training…"

Liar… Does she know? I can't come out and ask her. She would ask questions if I was wrong. "Really? You trying to spy on me and Lucy?"

Her eyes grew wide. "You know Lucy is there?"

"That's right. We still have a lot of ground to cover before she gains my approval."

"Your… approval? You are going to be training Lucy?"

"I started training her a few months ago. We really need to get back to the regimen." After she pops out the kid.

Fear tainted the young teen's scent. "Well… What if she's sick?"

She knows something's up. "Sucks to be her. An enemy won't back off cause you've got the flu. She needs to toughen up or accept her role as a DID."

Wendy recognized the acronym. "Lucy is not a damsel in distress."

"Yes she is, otherwise Natsu wouldn't be saving her ass all the time." Oh yeah. Wendy is worried about something. "Is there a reason I can't train Lucy? Because she has got to be pregnant to get out of what I've got planned for her."

Wendy stared up at me. Her voice was quiet as she whispered, "You know?"

"How in the hell did you find out?"

"I overheard Mavis say it to Master. I confronted him and was horrified to know that Lucy is by herself in such a condition."

I nodded and turned back to the clerk. "Two more tickets." We exchanged paper and I herded Wendy and Charla to the benches. "When we get on the train, you tell me everything you know."

"Okay, but we need to hurry. Her… condition calls for a lot of attention and care."

I heard the train approaching. "We'll be there by tomorrow morning."

If Laxus isn't there, I'll kill him.

I hope everything makes sense. I hate it when I fuck up the facts. Who's enjoying this so far?

-SPN :3

By the way, BixLu lover, I accept your tackled hug!