Chapter 18: Luna of Alvarez

The soft light of dawn filtered through the windows of Lucy's chamber, casting a warm glow on the small cradle beside her. Nashi slept soundly, her tiny form curled under the blankets. Lucy watched her daughter with a peaceful yet bittersweet smile. For three months, the little girl had been her source of strength, even in this strange, foreign place.

Brandish, who had grown close to Lucy since the birth, stood at the foot of the bed, her face lined with concern. ["Take it easy, Lucy. You're still recovering,"] she said, her voice soft but firm.

Lucy nodded, her body still tired from the birth and the lingering effects of her celestial magic. The room felt serene, yet deep within her, an unsettling feeling lingered. As her bond with Nashi deepened, so too did her connection to something far darker. Ever since Zeref's cryptic warning, Lucy had been plagued by visions—flashes of a power more ancient and dangerous than anything she had ever faced.

Her breath hitched as a sudden wave of celestial energy surged through her, and with it came another vision. Dark shadows surrounded her, and at the center of it all stood a towering figure, cloaked in darkness. The air was heavy, suffocating. A deep, chilling voice echoed in her mind.

["You hold the key, child of the stars... and you will lead me to my throne."]

Lucy's eyes flew open, her chest heaving as the vision dissolved into reality. She clutched Nashi tightly, the sense of foreboding still gripping her. Brandish noticed the shift in Lucy's demeanor and rushed to her side. ["Lucy, what's wrong?"] she asked, alarmed.

Dimaria, who had been leaning against the wall, immediately straightened, her sharp eyes narrowing in concern. ["Another vision?"] she asked.

Lucy nodded, her voice trembling slightly. ["Something's coming. Something big. And it's after me… and Nashi."]

Brandish and Dimaria exchanged worried glances, but neither pressed further. They knew that whatever threat Lucy was sensing, it was beyond anything they could predict.

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Meanwhile, in Magnolia, Fairy Tail was bustling with the joy of new arrivals. Erza and Jellal had welcomed twin children, Irene and Simon, and the guild celebrated with boundless enthusiasm.

Just a month later, Juvia gave birth to her and Gray's son, Georgie Fullbuster. The birth had been fraught with tension. Juvia's life had been in danger during labor, and Gray was a mess of worry and frustration, pacing outside the delivery room as Porlyusica worked tirelessly to help Juvia.

["Gray, calm down,"] Natsu said, trying to soothe his best friend. ["Porlyusica's got this."]

["I can't calm down, Natsu!"] Gray snapped, his fists clenched. ["I can't do anything! I'm useless!"]

Gajeel put a firm hand on Gray's shoulder. ["She'll be fine, idiot. You think Juvia would give up that easily?"]

Inside, Juvia struggled through labor, with Mira, Levy, and Cana assisting Porlyusica. The tension was thick, but the strong-willed women stayed by Juvia's side, offering comfort and strength. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sound of a baby's cry filled the room.

Gray froze, his breath catching in his throat. The doors opened, and Porlyusica appeared, her face stern as always but with a hint of a smile. ["It's over. Both Juvia and your son are fine."]

Gray let out a shaky breath, relief flooding him. Natsu clapped him on the back. ["Congrats, ice full brain."]

Gray rushed inside, his heart pounding as he saw Juvia cradling their newborn son. His chest swelled with emotions he couldn't quite put into words. Happy was flying around, crying with joy, before hugging Gray tightly. ["I'm so happy, Gray!"]

Gray smiled, his eyes tearing up as he looked at Juvia and their son. ["Georgie Fullbuster,"] he whispered, kneeling beside Juvia. ["You did it, Juvia."]

Juvia smiled weakly, exhausted but content. ["We did it, Gray."]

Erza, standing off to the side, watched the scene unfold with tears in her eyes. Laxus, noticing her emotions, walked over. ["What's up?"]

Erza wiped her eyes. ["I just can't believe it… The next generation of Fairy Tail is already here. Bisca's daughter, Levy's daughter, my twins, Juvia's son… it's all happening so fast."]

Laxus nodded. ["Yeah, things are changing."]

Erza sighed, her voice softening. ["It's perfect. But… I just wish Lucy was here. And Natsu… I wish he was himself again."]

Laxus gave her a gentle side hug. ["It'll be perfect soon enough. Lucy will come back. She will. But for now, take care of your girls, okay?"]

Erza smiled through her tears as she looked over at Jellal and Meredy, each holding one of their daughters. Gray cradled his son in his arms. A deep sense of family and love filled the guild hall.

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Back in Alvarez, days passed as Lucy recovered. Ajeel visited often, bringing his infectious humor to lighten Lucy's mood. His grandfather, Yajeel, had also come by, offering his blessings for Nashi's future. ["She looks just like Natsu. But those eyes… they're all yours, Lucy."]

One afternoon, Ajeel's usual playful demeanor turned serious as he sat beside Lucy. ["Lucy, there's something I want to discuss with you."]

Lucy tilted her head, curious. ["What is it?"]

Ajeel paused, meeting her gaze with determination. ["I've decided to announce that you are my sister-in-law, and Nashi will be known as the princess of Alvarez."]

Lucy's eyes widened. ["What…? Ajeel, that's—"]

["Listen,"] Ajeel interrupted gently. ["This isn't just about titles. This is about protecting you and Nashi. As the princess of Alvarez, Nashi will be safeguarded by the full power of this kingdom. No one will dare harm her."] He smiled. ["I know you don't want to live in the spotlight, but this is the safest way. Nashi will live here as Luna Alvarez."]

Lucy's mind raced. The protection Ajeel offered wasn't something she could easily refuse. After a moment of silence, Lucy spoke softly but with determination. ["Thank you, Ajeel. For now, she will be Luna Alvarez. But one day… she will return to Fairy Tail. She'll go home."]

Ajeel smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. ["She's got the spirit of both her parents. Until then, Alvarez will be her home."]

Lucy leaned down, kissing Nashi's forehead. ["Your mother isn't perfect,"] she whispered. ["But I will protect you. And you have a big family—one here in Alvarez, and one waiting for you in Fiore."] She smiled softly. ["One day, you'll meet your father. And when you do, I know they will love you and you will love them too. And I will tell you about everything what happened. But for now, you'll grow as Luna. You'll be an amazing girl, just like your dad and your Uncle Gray. And a strong woman like your Aunt Erza and Aunt Juvia."]

Brandish chuckled, and even Dimaria let out a rare smile. The room filled with warmth, and for the first time in a long while, Lucy felt a sense of peace. Even though she was far from Fairy Tail, she realized she wasn't alone. She had found another family here.

But deep in her heart, she hoped for the day when Nashi could meet her true family, the one in Fiore, and finally bring her two worlds together.