Chapter 178 - 2.58 Unexpected Delivery (2)
Eris started to manipulate the little twins’ magic to calm everyone down. She noticed they had very unique healing spells and would eventually develop a stronger version of their mother’s vampiric control, which would be effective for all races. She used Brie’s as well, and everyone suddenly felt much more calm, aside from Sora and Brie, who were already pretty relaxed in the first place.
Sora used their family link to speak with his son telepathically. This worked for everyone except Julius. As much as they treated him like a son, he wasn’t born of Lockheart blood.
"Son, I feel really bad asking you this, but will you please portal to Sorbella until this is over with? Diana will not be able to see if anything goes wrong with you around. I’m really sorry Xander." Sora asked sincerely.
"Yes, no problem dad! If anything, I can just rewind time and watch it. I think I figured out how to do it myself with Eris’ help. It’s something we’ve been working on."
"Woah! That’s impressive but make sure you don’t dwell on the past too much. You have your whole life ahead of you and you’re immortal. Try to enjoy it. You’re the reason we left Paradise early, don’t forget it!"
"Thanks dad! Seriously, you and mom are amazing. Just let me know when I can come back. Love you."
"Love you too Xander."
Xander ran over to Diana, gave her a hug, and whispered, "I’m going to go so you can make sure Auntie Leila’s safe. I’ll be back soon."
"Ok, you’re really sweet. Can we still hang out tonight? You parents agreed to let me stay the night as long as we don’t sleep in the same room. You can just portal us somewhere though, right?"
"I really don’t want to do that. I don’t like lying." Xander said nervously.
Diana smiled. She was honestly hoping he would answer that way.
Xander opened a portal to his parents’ honeymoon beach house, which was still kept up neatly. Before they left for Paradise, Xander asked Celeste if she could make sure it stayed up to date. She agreed and he liked going there, just to sit and think while looking out at the water.
’Well, it’s not every day you get to see a dragon born. That’s gotta be pretty cool.’ he smiled while lying back. He wasn’t tired, but for some reason he couldn’t keep his eyes open.
’Ah, I get it.’
First came the good dream, where Diana was happily dating him and flying around with Hope. The nightmare wasn’t anything major, just him getting into a fight with some demon princes.
"Hello Xander."
"Nana Fena! I miss you. How are you?"
"I’m doing well. Portal up to Paradise. You deserve to watch. If you’re in Paradise, she’ll still be able to use her abilities."
Xander grinned widely in his sleep. "Thanks Nana Fena!"
He woke up quickly, opened a portal, slipped through and closed it behind him. He gave Athena a big hug, and they watched in slow motion from above.
*****
"Ok, everything looks fine now. It looks like Brie and Celeste help her pull out a dragon egg." Diana said while Brie and Celeste rushed over to Leila. "I don’t want to spoil what happens next!"
"Leila, how are you feeling?" Sora asked.
"I’m doing just fine. This is so weird! Why am I giving birth like this?!"
"Only Athena and Aphrodite know! Remember, she promised if you found the right soul, the dragon race would be restored. I don’t think this is going to be a phoenix thing at all. I honestly think my beautiful wife is about to give birth to an actual dragon!" Ignis, who finally calmed down, exclaimed.
"Aw, and you’re ok with that my love?"
"Hey! That’s my line!" Sera teased. "I’m kidding, but that’s very big of you Ignis."
"Agreed, such a noble man. With only a brother phoenix remaining and parents stuck in an eternal flame, he still graciously welcomes a child into the world with his lovely wife." Levi boasted. "This party is full of wonderful people, and today we will add another!"
Ignis started tearing up with joy.
"As long as my child is happy and anything like her mother, I will be very happy."
"Wait, you just said anything like her mother. Do you know something we don’t?" Rissa asked, confused.
"Did I? I didn’t even realize, honestly." Ignis shrugged.
Koda could tell Diana was still stressed out, so he went over and gave her a friendly nudge with his snout.
"It’ll be ok, young one. You are doing a great job. Without your warning, I don’t think anyone would have thought to check with the companions, other than our owners. You ensured this would be a safe delivery."
"Awwwwww. You’re so sweet Koda. Is it weird if I pet you?" she asked.
"Not at all, go ahead, behind the ear would be nice." he said while wagging his tail.
The party all enjoyed a non-chaotic process. Eventually, Leila pushed out a very large egg, around 10 feet tall, making it about a 23 inch circumference.
Ignis’ body was always naturally covered in flames, so he picked it up and Leila turned into her human form again, her naked body hidden by his brilliant red flames.
Celeste disappeared and reappeared with clothing for Leila, which she handed to Ignis.
"Thank you." he said as he handed Leila a large cover shirt, the went past her knees, underwear a bra and a pair of slippers.
He continued rocking the egg and singing to the delight of the party. Because Leila was with him in his flames, she asked to grab the egg.
"Xander, you can come back now." Sora said.
"Xander?" Diana asked.
Brie smiled, thinking, ’I pray to the wonderful Xander Joseph Lockheart that he comes home and explains to his Mother what he’s doing hanging out with his grandmothers in Paradise without his family! Athena, for your honor.’
1
In Paradise, Xander heard it and smiled. "Sorry, I have to go. It was really great seeing you and catching up!" Xander said cheerfully. "By the way, I know I’m 10 biological years old or whatever, but where do you think I’m at age wise, honestly?"
"Around 15 Xander, but don’t dwell on that. You have a very cute first girlfriend and she’s a very sweet girl. You are the grandson of the goddess of love. I’m just glad you found someone quickly who wasn’t after you for being a god."
"I also have this pretty awesome Nana Fena too. I’ll never stop calling you that, I don’t think."
"That’s fine with me. Tell your family I said hello."
"Absolutely! I wish I could see you more. Don’t be a stranger in my dreams!" Xander hugged her quickly, opened a portal to the honeymoon spot, walked in there and heard someone else calling his name.
"Xander sweetie, you’re going to miss the egg hatching! Hurry up goofball!" Brie said lovingly.
Xander smiled. ’I have the best parents I swear.’
"Sorry about that, I fell asleep for a bit! Nana Fena says hi to everyone," he said while appearing back by Diana.
Brie and Sora smiled as he saw him.
"Xander, that was pretty awesome of you to let your girlfriend stay so she could help the party deliver this baby!" Jax said cheerfully.
"You are such a sweetheart Xander, can we please go somewhere else? I already know what–"
The egg started hatching and everyone fell silent, quickly. Everyone anxiously waited until a little red dragon emerged with white wings, black eyes with little beautiful pink pupils. The claws looked like they were covered in snow. It awkwardly stumbled, trying to gain balance with tiny legs and long red tail, highlighted with white across its beautiful scales, trailing to a beautifully pointed angelic white tip.
"Mama! Mama! Dada!" The party could understand because of Sora’s link with Celeste and the bond of the companions.
"Oh my gosh, that is the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen!" Rissa gushed.
Leila finally appeared from Ignis’ flames and the two walked over to pick up the baby together.
"You were right Iggy, it’s a girl. What should we name her?!" Leila asked with tears falling from her eyes, gently kissing her husband after asking.
Ignis kissed her back and they held the beautiful baby, who was snuggled into his flames, enjoying the warmth.
"I don’t know, what does everyone think?!" Leila asked excitedly.