Author's Note: Here is the next chapter! Thanks for being so kind and patient with me. I know it is kinda lame I am taking longer to get updates out and I apologize. It just got a little hectic trying to get one out at a long length each week. This way I can have some breathing room as well as make sure I give you guys a good chapter. I hope you enjoy this update! And one reviewer mentioned something about Natsu's Dragon Slayer senses, I hope you like what I did with that suggestion! Btw, sorry for the ooc'ness that happens at the end of the chapter. It just seemed fitting. And I apologize for the super late update! Went on vacation and it screwed everything up haha. Please review! I really wanna hit over 200 reviews with this chapter. I know you guys can do it because each and every single one of you are amazing!

x-x-x- Chapter 15 Dread -x-x-x

Out of nowhere Happy slammed into Natsu's back. Rubbing his nose, that he felt for sure was smashed in his face, he moaned, "Natsu...what was that for?"

Natsu stared blankly ahead, his eyes going distant. Concerned, Happy flew forward and did a 180 so he was in front of his best friend that was more like a father to him. When he saw the vacant expression on Natsu's face he gritted his teeth. It was the same kind of look he had had when they were in the warehouse two towns back.

"Natsu?"

His voice seemed to snap Natsu out of his haze, the black eyes focused on him. "Something is really wrong."

Happy looked right and then left, even behind him for good measure, "What do you mean? I don't see anything."

"Not here."

"Then where? What are you talking about?"

Natsu's voice was low and dark as he answered, "Back home, something is wrong with Lucy."

"Huh?! How is that possible? I mean, how do you know?"

"I can feel it."

"Feel it?! I think you're going crazy." Happy deadpanned as he waved his paw in front of Natsu's eyes. "That warehouse must have done something to you because there's no way you should be able to know if something was wrong with Lucy, we're several towns away from her. At least 100 miles lies between here and her."

Annoyed with the waving paw, Natsu swatted it away; which evidently sent Happy in a spinning whirlwind. "Look, I don't fully understand it either but I just know something bad is happening to her. It's like..." he paused and gripped his chin with his thumb and index finger, "... I can feel what she's feeling. The babies are in distress too, in fact, they are freaking out which isn't helping matters."

"Wow...you're scary."

He didn't feel scary, in fact he felt the opposite of that. Natsu felt vulnerable and helpless, extremely so. The amount of pain Lucy was in...

Clenching his hand into a tight fist he felt the fire engulf it, reacting to his feelings. "We need to get back now. Can you go supersonic?"

Happy's ears drooped but then his face set in determination, "It'll be hard but I'll do it. If what you say is true about Lucy then there's no way I can fail."

"Thanks."

Grabbing onto Natsu's backpack Happy turned his eyes to the sky, "Thank me when we get there. I hope we aren't too late."

"Why isn't it working?" The young blue haired girl exclaimed in dismay.

Porlyusica frowned as the temperature on the thermometer that had been in Lucy's mouth a moment ago read the same as it had been earlier. She was burning up, any higher and the babies would be in serious trouble. "I'm not sure child, but we will keep trying our best."

"I...I..." Wendy's eyes filled with tears, "... Natsu will never trust me again if Lucy doesn't make it. I won't be able to show my face in the guild again!"

"Hush! There is no reason for you to be saying those things." the older woman reprimanded. "We are doing everything we can for her. What she really needs is for Natsu to return."

"N-Natsu? Why, what will he do?"

Porlyusica replaced the towel that was on Lucy's forehead with a fresh cool one. "I'm not entirely certain but I believe with him near it lessens the pregnancy side effects of her having dragon slayer children."

Wendy blinked once, and then twice more. "Huh?"

"Believe me child this is something I do not even understand. This is an ancient magic we are dealing with the likes that has never been seen before. Who know what will happen."

Sniffling the young dragon slayer asked her next question in udder fear, "Do you think Lucy is going to die because of this?"

Porlyusica locked eyes with Wendy, her face never revealing her emotions. "Frankly I do not know. If things keep going this way...Lucy Heartfilia will not make it through the night."

Wendy covered her face and began to weep, "We can't lose her...she's like the light that binds everyone together."

"We will do everything we can. But if she fails to make it...it will not be either of our faults."

Wendy's cries were muffled in Lucy's ears as she struggled to move her body. Why wouldn't it do as she requested? All she wanted to do was open her eyes and tell Wendy she was going to be fine. There was no need for the dramatics. She wasn't going to die.

Her mind began to cloud over and the darkness seemed to get only thicker.

When Lucy managed to get her eyes open what she saw surprised her and made her fall on her rear. "What's going on here?" She asked out loud. Noticing this she covered her pink lips.

Her fear was wasted when those in the room didn't appear to have noticed her. Something strange was going on and she wasn't sure she understood it; but that was something to worry about at another time. For now this was her chance to figure out what was going on below her.

The main person she was able to pick out was Jellal Fernandes. His signature tattoo was on his face, bringing attention to it. Not only was that a startling feature of his but his blue hair rivaled for attention. His elbows were resting on the cracked table and his chin rested in his clasped hands.

"That was much too close. Next time I don't think we'll get away from him quick enough."

A pink haired girl beside him rolled her eyes, "We managed perfectly fine."

"No, we did not. We left evidence behind." His gold eyes flashed and the girl bowed her head in shame it would seem.

"She didn't mean to." A cloaked figure entered the room, the door slamming shut behind them.

Jellal didn't seem surprised or concerned at all as the figure approached and sat down to his right in the empty chair that seemed to be put aside just for them. "Are you kidding me? It was carless."

The person grasped the edges of the hood and pulled it back, her long black hair cascaded down her back in droves. Lucy gasped when she saw who it was. So it was true...the three of them were back together again, but this time it didn't seem like they were on the good side.

Chewing on her fingernails Lucy stepped closer to the table, 'Something is wrong here. They were working along with us but now...' Everything inside of her screamed and demanded she leave before something worse happened. What were they now? Were they enemies?

"We must end them." Jellal's voice was firm. "All Dragon Slayers must die, otherwise this world can fall into ruin."

Die. Ruin. No.

Lucy stepped backward, her hand going to her stomach. All must die? Her family...they were being given a death sentence and for what? Just because of the magic power they possessed?!

Jellal had moved and now was holding a circular item. Lucy focused in on it but before she could make out what the item was she was snatched out of the dream and forced back into darkness.

Meanwhile in the outside world Wendy was holding Lucy's limp hand. "Don't die Lucy. Please."

Porlyusica patted Wendy's head, "The fever has lessened slightly, she may pull through."

"Not without Natsu."

"No...not without him."

The door burst open and Gray stood there silhouetted by the sun that was behind him. "He's coming."

"What?!" Wendy shot to her feet, the small stool she was sitting on falling to the ground.

Gray smirked, "Natsu."

The sky dragon slayer's eyes lit up, "R-really?!"

"Yeah, he just got into town a few minutes ago. Said something was wrong with Lucy and wanted to find her right away."

"Wonderful, why isn't he with you?" Porlyusica asked with a sigh. If Natsu understood just how much trouble Lucy was in he wouldn't be dawdling at the Guild.

As if sensing the old lady's foul mood Gray's eyes narrowed, "He's getting some food. He hasn't rested or ate for two days getting back here. When he came into the guild he nearly collapsed. Don't worry, he'll be here."

All the eyes in the room flashed to Lucy as she made a whimpering sound. Cold sweat was pouring down the sides of her face now. Wendy gasped and rushed to the older girls side. "We don't have much time left. She's been like this too long...the babies..."

Gray clenched his hands at his sides, "Damn, he's coming Lucy." He stepped over to the blonde and touched her cheek, "Don't you dare give up yet, you hear? Natsu is coming!"

Lucy's eyes fluttered open and she looked up into Gray's face, "He is?" Her voice was rough and she winced as she swallowed. "Natsu?"

"She's awake!" Gray announced to the room. Porlyusica rushed to his side with Wendy close at her heels. The healer dabbed a cool cloth against Lucy's forehead.

"How are you child?"

"I saw something..." Lucy tried to continue but began to cough. Blood came up in her palm and she whimpered again. "...am I dying?"

"We hope not."

"But you don't know for sure?"

Porlyusica looked away and then turned towards the door. The door had been left open from when Gray had arrived and now a pink haired boy stood there. He was breathing hard as if he'd run the entire way and a blue cat was perched on his head.

"Lucy!" It was the cat that spoke, his voice filled with concern.

Natsu took a tentative step into the small hut and stopped when his eyes found the spot where Lucy was lying. "Lucy..."

The girl jerked at the voice and her hand went to Gray's arm, "It's Natsu, where is he?" Her voice was filled with slight panic.

Gray soothed her the best he could, "He's right here." Looking over his shoulder he motioned with his head for Natsu to come closer. "Get over here you ding brain."

Natsu, too tired to fight back, stumbled forward. Happy pounced off his head and landed on his feet, watching with wide eyes what was about to unfold.

Falling to his knees beside the bed Natsu took Lucy's hand in his own. "Luce...I'm so sorry it took me forever to get here."

Lucy's brown eyes took a while to focus on him but when they did she smiled, "Hey you, doesn't matter, I'm glad you're here now."

Natsu examined her from head to toes with his eyes. His head pounded and he gritted his teeth, "What is happening to you Luce? You don't look so good."

"I don't feel so good either."

"Dammit." he cursed, not at all happy with the situation.

Porlyusica placed her hand on Natsu's shoulder, "The babies are taking too much of her magical powers. You need to do something to make that stop for a time."

What could he do though? This was an area where Natsu was completely clueless. Slowly he stretched out his right hand and placed it on Lucy's stomach. The babies reacted instantly and kicked, or punched, at his hand.

The action brought a small smile to his face. "Hey you two in there. You're mom is really sick so I need you to do me a favor and stop sucking her magic, okay?"

It was strange but Natsu could have sworn they heard him and were listening intently. Deciding to continue he went on, "I know you need magic though so how about...you take some from me? I'm sure you'd like something different anyway." He laughed, trying to lighten the mood that was plaguing the small hut. "I'm sure you two are crafty enough to come up with a way to get my magic instead of your mom's."

A tiny thought hit his mind and he wasn't sure it came from him or the babies. "Just touch Lucy and it'll work." Nodding his head Natsu closed his eyes, preparing himself for the drain that was sure to come. "Then go ahead."

On cue he felt some of his magic beginning to drain from his hand that was resting on Lucy's stomach. As more magic drained out of him the color in Lucy's cheeks slowly began to return. Soon her cold sweats stopped and she breathed easier.

"Natsu...thank you."

Opening his eyes he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Anything for you Luce. I'd do this and more if need be."

"Aren't you tired from your job?"

He shrugged, not wanting to tell her that he was exhausted, "I'll just sleep a lot, no worries."

Suddenly Lucy lurched, "There's something I need to tell you about the Dragon Hunters!"

Natsu kept his hand on her stomach but otherwise folded his legs indian style. "I found some stuff too. Levy is looking over it right now."

Gray had stiffened, "What did you find out Lucy, and how? You were here the entire time?"

"I-I'm not sure. But it was like a dream but not really. Anyway," she waved her hand, "it was Jellal."

Wendy gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "What?! That's going to kill Erza."

"We need to keep this quiet for now." Gray insisted, "We don't want her doing something stupid."

Natsu snarled, "What is he thinking?"

Lucy bit her lower lip, "I don't know...but he thinks that if they don't do this...the dragon slayer's powers will destroy the world."

"So they are hunting them to stop that?" Gray asked, meaning for the question not to be answered.

"He thinks it's the only way." Lucy said, answering anyway. "I don't understand it and the dream faded before I saw what it was he was holding..."

Natsu's head jerked up, "He was holding something?"

"Y-yeah."

"What did it look like?"

"Well...it was circular that was all I could see." Lucy whispered, wishing more than anything she had paid more attention to the item now that Natsu seemed so intent on it.

"Color?"

"Uh..." her fingers tapped the side of the bed absently, "...it was gold."

Gray was watching Natsu closely, "Do you know what it is?" he asked.

Natsu blew out some air, "No...but it can't be anything good."

Porlyusica spoke then, "And now that they are after all dragon slayers because of their magic, you can bet they will be after those babies inside of Lucy. I doubt they'll spare Lucy's life if they find out about them before the birth."

Lucy's hand shot to cover over Natsu's that was on her stomach. There was no way she was going to let them get to her children. No way in hell or high water. None. Zip. She was about to vocalize this but Natsu beat her to it.

"I'll kill every single one of them before they lay a hand on her. Now that we know Jellal is involved there's no way I can turn a blind eye. Erza will probably hate me for eternity but when this involves my family...I don't care what hell I have to jump into. Even if it means making a friend hate me."

The room fell silent and then Gray filled the silence. "Does that mean if Erza was to..."

Natsu brought his onyx eyes up, they were hard as steel and glinted, "Then I'll do what I have to do."

Lucy made a noise of regret, "No...you couldn't..."

"I would Luce! I can't lose you and the babies!" His face was now contorted in fear.

Fear. Her Natsu was afraid and was showing it to her. Tears welled up in her eyes and she placed her free hand on his cheek. "Okay...okay...it's going to be okay."

"No...it isn't..." his voice broke now and tears began to trickle down his cheeks. "...If I can't protect you... if you die... I'll die..." He sobbed, "I can't live without you, I won't!"

Lucy's heart broke as she watched her boyfriend and love of her life break down in front of her and the three others that were in the hut. If there was a way to make sure she didn't die, or that he didn't...well then they'd take it. Whatever it was.

Her fingers brushed some of his tears away. "We'll make it." She was saying it to comfort him, but also to convince herself. They had to make it. There was no other choice.