New Beginnings:

Lucy wasn't quite sure why Wendy wanted her here. Oh, Wendy had explained it to her:

"I just wnat someone who's gone through it before to be there with me," she'd nervously said about two months ago.

Lucy kind of understood. Giving birth was by far the most painful thing she'd ever gone through, and all the horror stories she'd been told about the pain prior hadn't done it justice. Having someone there who had endured the agony and survived could be comforting she supposed. Still, giving birth was such a personal experience. While she was going through Lucy only wanted Natsu there with her. If she could have ensure a safe delivery for all three of her children she probably wouldn't have even had Porlyusica there.

Still, all women were different, and Wendy had requested that she be there alongside her and Romeo for this big moment. So, of course, here Lucy was, holding one of Wendy's hand while Romeo held her other one.

"Ow," Wendy whimpered as her whole body tensed. "Ow, this hurts!"

"Of course it hurts. It's childbirth," Porlyusica scoffed.

"Glad to see you're your usual bright and cheery self," Lucy grumbled as she patted Wendy's hand.

"Oh, this hurts really bad!" Wendy cried.

"Just try to breathe through it," Lucy encouraged.

Wendy nodded, taking deep breaths between her nose.

Romeo gently stroked her hair, despite the fact that his hand was shaking violently. Poor boy looked scared to death. At least he hadn't fainted yet. Gray still held the title as the only father in Fairy Tail to faint during their first child's delivery.

Wendy relaxed a bit as she let out a loud gasp.

"There, see?" Lucy smiled. "You made it."

"That wasn't even the real thing," Porlyusica stated, causing Wendy to whimper.

"But she made it, that's the important part," Lucy snapped.

"It's going to get worse than this?" Wendy asked, voice and bottom lip trembling.

"Only for a little while," Lucy lied. "And then you'll have your baby."

"Y...yeah," Romeo nodded. "Just focus on that, we're having a baby."

Romeo's eyes began to widen. Lucy realized that it was suddenly hitting him that in a few hours he would be a father.

"Here," Lucy held an empty bucket she'd grabbed just before she joined Wendy in the delivery room. "Why don't you go get some water so we can cool her off."

"Y...yeah, okay," Romeo nodded as he stood up and took the bucket from Lucy. "I'll be right back," he promised Wendy who simply nodded. Once he left Wendy turned to Lucy.

"Lucy?"

"Yes?"

"I'm not...I'm not sure I can do this."

"No one is," Lucy smiled. "But we all manage in the end. You'll see."

"But it already hurts so bad. And it's only going to get worse! How am I going to get through this?"

"Well, you really don't have a choice," Lucy shrugged, casuing Wendy to whimper. "But you're stronger than you realize, Wendy. And you're about to get a major stregnth boost."

"How?"

Lucy smiled as she gave Wendy's hand a soft squeeze. "You're about to become a mother. Trust me, when you're a mom you end up doing things you never knew you'd be strong enough to do before."

"Really?"

"Really."

Wendy tried to smile, but another contraction stopped her and she hissed as her body tensed.

"Easy, now, keep breathing," Lucy enocuraged, rubbing Wendy's arm.

The contraction ended and Wendy collapsed against her pillow, groaning and whimpering loudly.

"I know," Lucy patted the back of her hand. "Trust me, I know, but it'll be worth it in the end, just you wait."

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"Uh-oh."

Romeo jumped and yelped as he felt a strong arm around his shoulder. He turned to find Natsu standing next to him.

"Looks like someone's got the pre-baby jitters."

"Dude, get off me, I'm trying to get some water," Romeo shrugged his old friend off as he walked forward.

"Well, let me walk with you and give you a hand," Natsu offered. "Maybe talk a bit, see if I can't get you to calm down a bit."

"Natsu…" Romeo's voice was soft a shaky.

"Yeah?" Natsu asked, looking at the younger man who's eyes just kept getting wider and wider by the minute.

"I don't know what I'm doing," Romeo confessed.

"Welcome to the club," Natsu chuckled. "I haven't met a new dad yet who had a clue what they were doing. Heck, I still don't know what I'm doing half the time and I've been through this whole baby thing three times."

"I just...this is a baby," Romeo said. "This is a baby! A BABY!"

"Well, yeah, what did you think Wendy was carrying around inside her the past nine months?"

"No, no, I mean I've known this was coming. I knew we were going to have a baby, but now it's happening! It's actually happening! And I don't know a thing about babies, or kids, or being a dad. I don't even know how to change a diaper, how am I going to do this?"

"No one does," Natsu assured him with a pat on the shoulder. "Even people like babysitters or nannies who have been around kids their whole lives, it's different when you're helping someone look after their kids from when you've got you're own to take care of."

"I guess," Romeo sighed.

"Hey, you'll be fine," Natsu said. "The fact you're this worried shows that you care. All kids really want is to be taken care of and loved. You've already got the love part down, so you'll be fine."

"You think so?" Romeo asked.

"Hey, if I can be a decent dad anyone can," Natsu chuckled.

"I guess that's true."

"Hey, don't push your luck."

Romeo smiled. "Thanks, Natsu."

"No problem, now go get some water for your wife."

"Oh, right, that!"

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"So, what's the verdict?" Mirajane asked as Laxus returned and sat next to her at the bar where she was cleaning up some of the mess from the reception.

"Well, talked to the Magic Council, they'll have an official hearing tomorrow. But it's looking like since Myers worked alone Phoenix Grave won't be held accountable. And since no one actually got hurt he'll probably be able to weasel his way out with a slap on the wrist."

"Oh, well that's a fine how-do-you-do!" Evergreen scoffed as she, Freed, and Elfman joined Mirajane and Laxus at the bar. "My little princess could have been seriously hurt and he gets to walk away scott free!?"

"Jura did assure me that Myers will be harshly warned to steer clear of Fairy Tail in the future," Laxus said.

"I'm not confident that will fix anything," Freed sighed.

"Me either," Laxus agreed. "But, hey, he's out of our hair for now."

"So the freak show ain't getting any cuffs put on him anytime soon, eh?"

Everyone turned at the sound of Bixslow's voice. He and Lisanna stood hand-in-hand, changed out of their wedding attire with a suitcase in both of their hands.

"What are you two still doing here?" Laxus asked. "You've got a honey moon to go on! Get out of here you crazy kids!"

"We just came by to say good-bye," Lisanna said as she held her arms out to hug Mirajane.

"Have fun!" Mirajane cheered as she hugged her sister.

"Take care of my little sister, Bixslow," Elfman warned.

"Oh, I will," Bixslow smiled devishly as he shot Lisanna a seductive look that made her blush.

"Not. What. I. Meant," Elfman cringed. "Never gonna get that image out of my mind."

"Oh, stop being a baby," Evergreen scoffed as she waved the young couple off. "Go and enjoy yourselves."

"But not too much!" Laxus shouted. "Don't break any beds, y'hear?"

"Not helping," Elfman groaned.

"Make no promises," Bixslow shouted over his shoulder as he held the door open for Lisanna, who playfully slapped him in the chest.

"Definately not helping," Elfman began to look a bit green.

The rest of the Thunder Legion (plus Mirajane) just smiled and shook their heads.

"Ah, those two," Freed sighed. "It's a bit sickening how in love they are at times."

"Oh, stop it you party pooper," Evergreen scoffed.

Laxus chuckled suddenly, spotting Romeo racing across the guild hall with a bucket of water in his hands. "What's got him worked up?"

"Oh, right, you weren't here," Mirajane said. "Wendy's in labor."

"What!?"

"Mm-hm."

"Oi, what a night!' Laxus put a hand to his forehead. "Marry off Bixslow and Lisanna. Get four more Guild Members. Fight off a vengeful psychopath. And now Wendy and Romeo are having a baby. Anything else I should know about?"

Evergreen smiled evilly, a mischivous gleam in her eye. "I don't know, is there anything else he should know about, Mirajane?"

Mirajane's eyes grew side as everyone turned towards her.

"I…" she stammered. "How did you…?"

"Please," Evergreen rolled her eyes. "You didn't think no one would notice that you didn't have a single drink for the whole night of your little sister's wedding? Not even during the toasts? A bit odd if you ask me, unless…"

Evergreen glanced down at Mirajane's abdomen and shrugged with a smirk.

"Mira…" Laxus' eyes grew wide as he turned to his wife.

"Uh…" Mirajane rang her hands together nervously as Evergreen chuckled behind her hand.

"Mira...are you pregnant?" Laxus asked.

Mirajane chuckled nervously. "Surprise!"

Everyone just stared blankly, excpet for Evergreen who wore a horrid smile on her face.

"Well," Freed stated as she blinked. "That's certainly one way to cap off the night. I'm headed. Congratulations you two."

Laxus didn't even acknowledge his friend's exit, he just stared slack jawed at his wife.

"Laxus?" Mirajane asked nervously. "Aren't you going to say something?"

"Eh-um-ah-wha-" Laxus stuttered. "When...when did you find out?"

"Two days ago," Mirajane answered. "I was going to wait until tomorrow to tell you so we didn't steal from Lisanna's moment, but someone clearly had other ideas."

She turned and glared at Evergreen who just shrugged coyly. Mirajane rolled her eyes and looked back at Laxus, who still wore a stunned look on his face. She hung her head and nervously played with her hair.

"I know we weren't planning on having anymore children. I didn't expect this to happen either. But, it did. I'm sorry if you are a bit disappoi-"

Mirajane let out a surprised squeak as Laxus grabbed her face, pulled her towards him and kissed her.

"I'm not disappointed," he assured her. "Shocked, but not disappointed."

"Hm. The lightning dragon slayer for once is the one shocked, rather than the one doing the shocking," Mirajane giggled.

"Ha-ha," Laxus rolled his eyes before kissing her again, placing a hand against her stomach. Mirajane smiled, placing her hand ontop of his.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"Good girl, rest a bit" Lucy softly encouraged as Wendy laid her head back against the pillow, sweat pouring down her face, gasping for breath. Romeo picked up a wet cloth and began dabbing the sweat away. Wendy leaned into his touch, welcoming the cool rage to comfort her.

"Baby's already crowning so you're almost there," Porlyusica stated at the foot of the bed. "Get ready to push again and push hard."

Wendy whimpered, but nodded. She took a few more deep breaths before rolling her chin up to her chest and pushing.

"Come on, Wendy, you can do it," Romeo cheered, setting his hand on the back of her head to help her support it. Wendy let out a loud scream as she took a deep, gasping breath and began pushing yet again.

"Gimmee one more just like that," Porlyusica ordered.

Wendy obeyed, taking in a deep breath and pushing as hard as she could. She then gasped and all but collapsed against the bed, eyes closed, body trembling from relief.

A baby cried. Romeo snapped his head around as Porlyusica lifted up a tiny child, cleaned it off with a towel, cut the chord, and wrapped it in a blanket.

"Here you go," she said as she walked to Wendy's side.

Wendy opened her eyes, gasping as Porlyusica placed the child against her chest.

"A girl. Congrats," the old healer said before making her leave out into the hall-

-and heading down the wrong way.

"Um, Porlyusica, aren't you-"

"And get myself stampeded by a bunch of nosy bee-bodies. No, I've learned my lesson. I'm slipping out the back door."

Lucy rolled her eyes as Porlyusica disappeared.

"Hi, baby."

Lucy turned back, smiling at the sight she was met with behind her.

Wendy was propped up on her pillows, a tiny bundle in her arms as Romeo sat next to her, one arm around her shoulders, one hand craddling the back of the bundle's head.

"Hi," Wendy whispered again. "Oh, Romeo, she's even more beautiful than I imagined!"

"She is," Romeo agreed, tears welling in his eyes.

A tiny hand reached out from the bundle. Romeo set his finger against the baby's palm, tears streaming down his face when her tiny fingers clamped around it.

"Are you holding Daddy's hand?" Wendy asked, smiling ear to ear, tears pouring from her own eyes. "That's your Daddy, you know? And I'm your Mommy."

The baby let out a soft coo. Wendy's smile brightened all the more as she leaned down and kissed the baby's forehead.

"Welcome to the world, precious girl," Romeo whispered as the baby continued holding his hand.

Lucy carefully tiptoed closer, smiling when she saw the baby. She had darker skin, like Romeo, but her hair was a dark blue like Wendy's.

"She's beautiful, guys," Lucy said. "Have you picked out a name for her yet?"

Wendy nodded.

"Isla," she answered, never taking her eyes away from the baby.

"What about a middle name?" Lucy asked.

"Oh," Wendy finally lifted her head to look up at Lucy, grinning bashfully. "I guess we didn't get that fa-"

"Grandeeney," Romeo cut her off, reaching out to stroke the baby's cheek.

Wendy gasped and turned to her husband. Romeo just smiled at her before turning to Lucy.

"Her name's Isla Grandeeney Conbolt."

Lucy smiled. "It suits her."

Isla let out a wide yawn and began opening her eyes. Lucy began backing away to the door, letting the new family have some privacy. She made her way back to the main room where everyone was waiting. She walked straight to Laxus and whispered the news to him. He smiled, nodded, and then annoucned the new arrival to the rest of the guild who all cheered and applauded.

Back in the delievery room, Wendy still held Isla, gently rocking her back and forth and humming softly.

"She's perfect, Wendy," Romeo said as he watched on.

"I know," Wendy giggled.

Romeo leaned forward and kissed Wendy's cheek. "You did incredible."

Wendy blushed. "Thanks."

Romeo buring his face in her hair. "What did I ever do to deserve you."

"Oh, stop it," Wendy giggled again.

"I mean it," Romeo insisted. "You're every man's dream come true and then some. And now you've given me a beautiful little girl. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you for all this."

"I didn't give her to you. We made her, together," Wendy said. "Speaking of which, want to hold her?"

Romeo's eyes widened as his wife passed their daughter to him. At first he just stared at the baby in his hands, star-struck. Then he smiled, brought her closer to him and leaned his forehead against hers.

"Hey, Isla," he whispered.

Isla reached up and set both hands on either side of his face. Romeo's smile widened as he slowly turned his head side to side, letting Isla wave her tiny hands through his hair. He kissed the tip of her tiny, button nose before setting her against his shoulder and swaying his upper body back and forth.

"I love you," he whispered as he kissed Isla's cheek.

Wendy just smiled on as she watched them. Lucy had been right. It was all worth it.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

"Luce?"

Lucy lifted her head to find Natsu staring oddly at her. "Whatcha thinking about?"

"I was thinking about Wendy," Lucy answered.

"What about her?"

"She was just a little girl when we first met her," Lucy said. "She couldn't even reach our shoulders. Now she has a baby!"

"Kinda weird, huh?" Natsu chuckled. "But I'm sure that's what Gramps and Guildarts and all the other old timers thought when we had Nashi."

"I know," Lucy said. "I just...where did the time go?"

Natsu shrugged. "Who knows."

Lucy smiled softly as she looked around at their celebrating guild mates. "Now Mirajane and Laxus are expecting again. Between that, and Isla's birth, and Bixslow and Lisanna getting married, and the Orlando's coming here, it seems like there's justbeen new beginnings all over the place. I'm just glad they're all good ones."

Natsu smiled as he set an arm around her shoulder and brought her close against him. "Me too. But doesn't matter how good their new beginnings are, they'll never beat what I've got."

He gave her an extra squeeze.

"Oh, please, you goofy dragon," Lucy rolled her eyes as she leaned into the hug, and wrapped her arms around his chest.

"Just calling it like it is," Natsu said, nuzzling his face into her hair.