Hey Guys,
Wow, okay long chapter and a lot happens in this one. For those of you hating on Laxus, I think this chapter should throw in a major curve ball. (Mwahaha!) Anyway, hope you like it. Also, for all my NaLu shippers, it gets cute.
As always, enjoy!
- Singed.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.
"Okay, when I say so Lucy, I need you to push, got it?" Wendy asked. Morning light was streaming through the window. It glistened off the sweat on Lucy's forehead. Her hair was sticking to her skin and she was exhausted. Levy was also there to help Wendy with anything she may need. A spasm raced up Lucy's body as another contraction took over and Lucy screamed.
"Lucy!" Natsu's voice could be heard from some distance away. Gajeel and Gray's job was to keep him as far from the house as possible, while Erza and Juvia stood guard at the entrance. Since they were both pregnant, it wasn't like they could do much to stop a furious Natsu, but he still feared and respected them a little so he might take an extra second to consider it. It was a good thing that Lucy had prepared for Natsu's probable reaction to her pain. Levy had had a similar issue with Gajeel during her labors, but nothing this bad. Natsu was probably going to burn down the entire forest at this rate.
The latest contraction subsided. Lucy closed her eyes and relaxed, letting out a long breath. This was getting exhausting and she was ready for it to be over.
"Is there anything you need, princess?" Snapping her eyes open quickly, Lucy saw Virgo standing there.
"Virgo! It's been so long."
"Almost ten months, princess. I felt your distress and came as quickly as I could. Would you like me to punish the child that is causing you so much pain?"
"No!" Lucy's voice was filled with rage and she had no idea where it came from.
"Very well, princess as you wish." Suddenly, she turned as the air shimmered and Loke stepped through into the room. Lucy was used to embarrassing situations with Loke, but this one took the cake. She was covered by nothing but a thin sheet and with her sweating buckets, it wasn't hiding much. Loke took one look at her and smirked, before turning around.
"Well, I must say that's not quite how I'd wanted to see you in bed, but I'll take what I can get." Lucy screamed in both frustration, embarrassment, and pain as another contraction took over. Wendy, ever the thoughtful one, quickly covered Lucy with a blanket to save her some dignity, but it was a little late for that.
"Get out!"
"Lucy!" Natsu screamed, filled with rage. The noise of battle soon followed near the entrance. Loke's smirk simply increased and he turned back around and leaned against the wall. That jerk! He knew exactly what he was doing. Ever sense they'd mated, Natsu had had issues with Loke. It seemed that Loke had no issue with enraging Natsu when it came to his open flirtation with Lucy. In fact, Loke seemed to find it amusing. However, right now he could get them all killed.
"Loke, go back now!" Lucy took a moment to calm herself enough to pry open the bond. She'd gotten good at keeping it closed most of the time, but she'd learned the trick of being able to read his thoughts when she wanted. What she read wasn't good. Apparently the pain of the labor had allowed Natsu to somehow access her through the bond. He knew that Loke was in the room and he knew that he'd seen her practically naked. Yeah, Loke had to go now.
"Virgo!" She screamed with command. "I order you to take Loke back to the celestial world and punish him."
"What?" Loke said as Virgo bowed.
"With pleasure princess." Virgo grabbed Loke and spirited him away just in time.
"Good thinking, Luce," Levy said as she brought in more water and towels, along with some last minutes supplies for Lucy and Natsu for the next few days.
"Thanks."
"You don't think that she's going to hurt him do you?" Wendy asked.
"I'm counting on it. Virgo is the maiden. As far as I know, she uses punishments to take out her frustrations. I have a feeling that I'll have to apologize to Loke later." They all nodded as another contraction took hold.
Wendy checked and suddenly became very businesslike. "Okay Lucy, push!" Lucy did as told and although she tried to stay silent, she just couldn't. A low scream raced from her lips, but she was determined not to not let it build in volume. Natsu was closer than he should have been and if he slipped past the others before the baby was born it could end poorly. When the contraction finally subsided, Lucy laid back panting. Levy whipped her brow with a wet cloth and Lucy thanked her.
"Okay Lucy. The baby is crowning. I'm thinking one more good push and you might be done." Lucy nodded, just as the next one came. Determined to have this over and done with, Lucy pushed with all her might and was rewarded when Wendy exclaimed in joy and the pressure was gone. Lucy flopped back in relief and sucked air in gulps. Just then, she heard the most beautiful sound in the world. A soft baby cry. Sitting up, Lucy looked over as Levy cleaned and swaddled the baby.
"A beautiful baby boy, Luce," Levy said, handing him to his mother. Lucy took the baby eagerly and she lost all sense of the outside world, including Wendy's healing touch, as she cradled the child to her chest. He was pink and new, his face scrunched up to the light. He didn't have hair, but Lucy could see some blond fuzz.
"Hello there my little one," Lucy whispered. When her son heard her voice, he opened his onyx and green swirled eyes. Lucy, filling with more love than she ever thought she'd possess, kissed his forehead and cradled him. She touched his noise and face, memorizing every detail.
"Lucy," Wendy said, coming over to stand by her. "Natsu will be here shortly to start the bonding period. I've put the supplies you asked for over in the corner and everyone knows not to come over for two days. I need to change the bed sheets though before he arrives." Lucy nodded and allowed Levy to help her up. Wendy worked quickly and was just stepping out, when Natsu shoved himself in. Wendy smiled and shut the door, as Natsu stood there, staring at his child.
Lucy smiled and beckoned him forward. "Come meet your son, Natsu," she whispered. He stepped forward and looked down at his son, pulling them both into his arms. He kissed Lucy and then his son, before ushering her into the bed and sat next to her, cradling her head on his lap. That was when Lucy noticed the baby sniffing. Dragon slayer alright. This was the start of the bonding period.
It was another dragon slayer tradition. The male dragon slayer would lock himself, the mother and his new born child away into a room, and take two days to both receive the child's scent and give his scent to his expanded family. It was a way to directly lay claim to his child just as he once did with his mate. His new child's scent would become part of him and his scent would become part of his child, along with the mother's. However, now that they knew that the children born of the dragon slayers were most likely dragon slayers themselves, it was thought that in those two days the child would imprint to memory the smell of its parents.
Natsu was fascinated with everything his son did, from sleeping, to nursing, to crying. If Lucy offered, he gladly took his son and spoke to him about all his dreams and the adventures they'd go on someday. If there had been a part of Lucy that didn't already love Natsu, it did now. As the sun set on the first day, Lucy dozed while Natsu held their sleeping son.
"Hey Luce," he whispered, turning to watch her.
"Hmm?" she asked looking back at him. He looked at her with such wonder and love that Lucy smiled and nuzzled his leg.
"What should we name him?"
"I was thinking after your father, Igneel. I thought it was fitting."
"What about your dad?"
"Hmm, well, you've already said that we're going to have twelve children, our next son can be Jude." Natsu's face darkened and he heaved a great sigh.
"I'd love to have more children with you Luce. I mean," here he turned a mischievous smile her way, "we do love the process of getting one of these." Lucy smiled back. "But," he continued. "I'm not sure I can handle hearing you go through that again."
"Try going through the actual experience." Lucy said with more bitterness than she meant. Now that it was over and she had her son, she already knew she wanted more.
"Sorry Luce."
"No, I'm sorry Natsu. We'll discuss it more later. I just want to have at least one more. However, Igneel it is. You can name the next one." Natsu nodded and placed the child between them as he laid down next to his mate. Sleep took them all and the little family dreamed pleasantly.
Five figures, dressed in dark cloaks sat in a room waiting for their leader. He wasn't late, but it was not like him to allow them to wait. He was a man of getting things done. Finally frustrated with the waiting, Number Four stood and crossed to Number Six.
"What do you think is taking him so long?"
"Knowing him, he's just gathering the last bit of information before he clues us in on the next part of the plan."
"Last piece of information indeed," she steamed. "Hasn't he had this all planned for years? What possible new information could he have?"
"Well maybe," Number Three seethed, "if someone hadn't had made their fertility potion just a bit too strong we wouldn't have caused any kind of commotion." He was of course referring to the fact that most of the women in Fairy Tail and Saber Tooth were now pregnant.
"Excuse me demon, but as I recall, it was you who was charged with actually introducing it into the guild halls. I even remember telling you to find a way to introducing it only to the women of interest and not the entire guild as I wasn't sure just how potent it was."
"And how was I supposed to do that?"
Number Four just shrugged and flipped her hair over one shoulder. "That was your task, not mine." Number Six saw Number Three ready to pummel her and thought he'd have to step in, when the door finally opened and Number One walked in. They could tell that something had happened, because his step had changed. There was more life to it. More desire to move.
"Well, Sting has finally made his claim on Yukino. They had the ceremony two nights ago and mated. Thanks to our little potion and the monitoring spell, we know that she is already pregnant. Sting will know soon. Natsu knew the morning after, but his noise is like no other."
"Good," Number Two's gruff voice said, "we now just need Rogue to get his act together and mate that Lisanna girl."
"No," Number One said. "We can't wait any longer. Lucy gave birth two weeks ago and Levy's new child is now almost three months. We need to have access to these children as soon as possible."
"No offense, oh great leader," Number Four said, "but how are we even going to pull this off? The dragon slayers are now super protective and they will hunt their mates and children down. We're as good as dead."
"Relax," Number One calmed. "It is true that we must take the mothers with us. However, once we have enough milk from Levy and Lucy, we can kill them. Then we may kill the mothers of the others once they've delivered."
"What?" This was news to them all.
"I suppose my plan should be explained now." As he explained, he eased the panic of his subordinates and sealed the fate of the dragon slayer mates.
Mira took a deep breath and let it out. She was in serious pain today. She had barely slept and on top of that she had to be happy and bubbly. Evergreen and Elfman had moved up their wedding date. Mira watched as Lisanna, dressed as a bride's maid, fixed up Evergreen's hair. Mira was also a bride's maid and under normal circumstances she'd be happy as a clam.
"It's almost time," Evergreen stated as she rose and moved to the doors. She was just barely showing and if you didn't know then you would be none the wiser. Mira stood and tried not to grimace. Today was going to be crazy. Somehow though she put on a smile and moved down the aisle. Everyone was decked out in their finest and Mira gave an affectionate smile at Lucy and Natsu as they cradled Igneel. They were all just so cute. Levy and Gajeel sat near them with their two. If fact, all the dragon slayers were there with their mates, with the exception of course of Laxus and Rogue. Rogue was actually there, but being the only living dragon slayer who hadn't chosen a mate yet, he sat alone. However, everyone knew that he only had eyes for Lisanna and those who didn't know soon would if he didn't stop gaping at her sister.
The ceremony was beautiful, although Mira found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. She had to use all her will power just to stay standing. About half way through, she felt some relief and glanced over to see Wendy casting some of her healing magic. Mira gave her a thankful smile and turned back to the ceremony to see the sealing kiss. She cheered and then took a seat as soon as she could.
While everyone was congratulating the happy couple, Wendy came over discretely and gave Mira an even larger boost. "You pushed yourself too hard today."
"It was my brother's wedding, I had to."
"Hmm. No Laxus then," Wendy said, going back to an earlier conversation. It had been thought that Laxus would show up for the wedding of one of his Thunder Legion, but he never came. Evergreen tried to take it well, but everyone could tell that she was hurt. Elfman wanted to kill him, and when he finally found out that he was the one who got Mira pregnant, he probably would. Elfman knew she was pregnant, but he didn't ask about the father, allowing her to tell him in her own time.
"No, I'm surprised though. She sent out a lacrima message down their secret line of communication. He knew about the date change."
"Well, maybe it's for the best," Lucy said, coming up to them and sitting with Igneel. He was quiet, but ever watchful and Mira smiled at him. Lucy allowed her to hold him and Mira did so with joy.
'I'll never get to do this with my own,' she thought. A single tear ran down her cheek and she brushed it away as Lucy and Wendy tried to comfort her.
"You know Lucy," Wendy finally said. "I think if Mira's to survive, Laxus has to return." Mira stiffened and gave Wendy an angered look. This theory of Wendy's had been shared with Mira two days ago and Mira had explicitly told her not to repeat it to the others.
"What do you mean?" Lucy looked from Mira to Wendy, the later forging ahead.
"I mean, I think the reason her body is rejecting the baby's and her own magic is because she was never fully claimed. She never received the mark. Lisanna has found evidence that the mark is actually a spell that allows the mates to be compatible with dragon slayer magic. Since Mira never received one, she cannot carry to term a child with it."
"I thought you'd be giving your mate a mark as well, Wendy? When the time is right," Lucy asked, taking a now fussy Igneel from Mira.
"Oh I will," she said glancing over at Romeo. Lucy and Mira both hid their smiles. "But, I think my mark would allow him to get me pregnant. Otherwise, I think my magic would reject his child."
"Makes sense, unfortunately," Erza said, coming up behind them. She too was starting to show and sat while they privately discussed Mira's predicament. Soon the party made their way towards the guildhall for the reception and everyone settled in for a good time. There was barely any drinking since most of the women couldn't and a few even grew sick at the smell. The funniest was probably Cana. She was horrified that her pregnancy had her practically running from any and every form of the stuff. Even just the scent of the mildest alcohol had her running for the toilets.
It had been no surprise that Cana had been one of the women who came back from a job pregnant. Gildarts had taken the news poorly for about two days, before he realized that this would make him a grandpa. Cana had stayed completely silent on the identity of the father, until he came stumbling in a few weeks ago.
"Yo Cana," he'd slurred. Bacchus had made his drunken way towards her and sat hard. "I hear that you're pregnant. Do I have a rival, or is that bun in the oven mine?" The guildhall had been dead silent, waiting for her answer.
"Of course you have a rival! I get around Bacchus! Just because you and I have an understanding of meeting up twice a month, doesn't mean I'm exclusive."
"Yeah, but it doesn't mean that you are sleeping around, at least not recently. I mean, ever since I realized you're the only chick who could keep up with me, I haven't really been with anyone else." Lucy had accepted some popcorn as Natsu placed his money on Bacchus being the father.
Cana blushed and stood, crossing her arms. "Well, I haven't really had time to see anyone else with all these jobs I've been taking and those trips to see you."
"Just tell me if I have to be a little more sober from time to time now or if I have to go beat some lowlife to a pulp." Bacchus took a big swig from his bottle. Cana watched him for a moment, before she grabbed his bottle and threw it into the fire. It promptly exploded as Bacchus turned his stare to Cana. Everyone thought he'd be mad, but he just looked at her questioningly.
"If I have to stop drinking because of our child, then so do you." After that Bacchus had stuck around. He wasn't quitting Quatro Cerberus, but he wasn't going to move Cana anywhere until after the baby was born. It was decided that since their guild halls were just two towns over from one another, that they'd live in the town in-between. Gildarts didn't particularly like his new son-in-law, but he had to respect the fact that he chose to be there for his family.
The reception was going well and everyone seemed to be having a good time, though it was beginning to wind down. Lucy was just about to request that they leave and go home for the night, when Natsu stiffened at her side. He looked over at the guild doors and then placed a protective arm around her.
"What's wrong, Natsu?"
"Nothing yet, but this is going to be interesting." Just then, the doors opened and in walked Laxus. He was disheveled and if the faces of the dragon slayers could be read properly, he needed a bath. The hall grew silent at his return and Evergreen stood, at first in shock, but then her face betrayed her hurt.
"Well, I guess I missed the ceremony."
Elfman, angrier than Lucy had ever seen him, stood beside his wife and growled. "You bet you did, you…"
"Look, be angry with me all you want. I'll admit I messed up. However, I was supposed to be here on time but I was stopped by the council on my way back. They were mad at me that I didn't come right away to their summons. Though, they seemed to expect my delay. Anyway, I tried to leave last night to make it back in time, but they caught me and made up some bogus story about receiving some complaints of someone from Fairy Tail member trying to burn the forest down around Magnolia about two weeks ago." Everyone stopped and turned to Natsu, who smiled sheepishly and waved as Laxus face palmed. "Anyway, I finally got the charges dropped late this morning and rushed as fast as I could. That doesn't matter now. What does is the original reason I was there in the first place." Here he held up a rather official looking letter and some of the anger in the room abated.
"What about, Laxus?" Freed asked.
"Something to do with the dragon slayers. It is rather urgent and when this reception is over, I'll need to speak to all the dragon slayers here." They all nodded and Laxus walked through the crowd, going in the direction of the showers. Lucy saw Mira duck down further in her seat, but Laxus didn't even look her way. He was just about to walk through the doors, when he stopped and took a big whiff of air. He turned back towards the room and looked, well confused, to the point of anger.
"Why is everyone pregnant?"
Lucy waited with Yukino, Mira, Lisanna, Erza, Juvia, Kinana, and Levy as the dragon slayers discussed whatever Laxus wanted behind closed doors. Gray was busy talking to Jellal, so the others who weren't dragon mates could sit with their friends.
"So tell us Juvia," Erza said, "Has Gray been warming up to the idea of being a father yet?" Juvia shrugged, a sure sign that he hadn't, but it also meant that he hadn't made a turn for the worst either. It was so strange. Gray loved Juvia, and he was pretty good with kids, so why having his own was causing him such trouble was beyond the rest to comprehend. Especially since his attitude was hurting Juvia so much.
"Don't worry, he'll come around," was all Erza said. She turned her attention towards Mira. "And what of you Mira?"
Mira sighed. "I need to speak to him. Honestly, he'll smell it before I even say a word, but I still need to steel myself. I just hope he'll come out of the meeting soon. I need to just get him cornered before he has a chance to come up with a defense."
"And what will you say?"
"That I'm not expecting him to be a father or a mate, if he doesn't honestly want to be. But that if he cares for me or the child at all, that he must properly bound me at least so that I can raise him or her. It's not like he'll ever have another mate, but if he doesn't want to share my bed again, then that's his decision."
"He will, eventually," Levy put in. "He actually won't be able to have relations with anyone else ever, and his instincts are awakened now. He will seek you out again." Mira looked down, obviously distressed and she shook her head.
"I don't want someone just because they're forced to be with me." It looked like she was about to cry, but then she took a deep breath and charged on. "But, if that's the fate life's given me, so be it. But he will not ruin our child's life." Lucy was about to say something, when the doors opened and out stepped some very angry dragon slayers. All of them instantly made their way to their mates, and Natsu was actually burning his show prints into the floor.
"What's wrong?" They all asked at the same time. Jellal and Gray raced over and stood next to their wives. They might not be dragon slayers, but their protective instincts had been triggered by the sheer amount of anger radiating from the dragon slayers.
"Who do those magic council scum bags think they are?" Natsu murmured.
"Seriously," Gajeel growled. "As if we'd agree to something like that."
"What happened?" Yukino asked.
"The council is demanding that all dragon slayers go to Crocus for some special research on this new ability to produce dragon slayer offspring." Wendy informed them.
"That doesn't sound so bad," Levy encouraged.
"Right," Eric said with venom, "except that we have to leave our mates behind because we must be alone for a week with no distractions."
"Oh," all the mates said simultaneously. They got it, as did Erza, but Juvia tilted her head a little.
"So, you're angry because you'll have to leave your mates for a few days. But you all go on missions without your mates, how is this different?"
"Because Juvia," Gray said, obviously annoyed at her confusion, "if you haven't noticed, they are usually only one day missions, maybe two. Plus all of them are either newly mated and have young children or children on the way. Being away for that long will demand a lot from them. Think a little." The dragon slayers were a bit too preoccupied to be surprised by the harshness of Gray's tone, but the girls weren't. Lucy watched as Juvia tried to hide her tears by standing and making her way to the bathroom. Lucy wasn't really liking this new Gray.
"This is stupid," Gajeel growled. "Why can't our mates be at least in the same city?"
"I agree," Sting huffed as he placed his arm around Yukino. She patted his hand and sighed. The dragon slayer mates looked at each other and a silent communication ran between them.
"We can take care of ourselves for a few days," Levy started.
"No," all the dragon slayers said.
"Listen, this is stupid," Lucy said, standing. "Just go. Make the council happy for one week and then you can come right back. We'll even stay together. Have one giant girl's week and look out for each other."
"That's right," Wendy said. "And since they're testing dragon slayers for the ability to produce dragon slayer offspring, I don't have to go. I'm not of age yet and we won't know if I can or can't have these special children until I am, so it's pointless for me to go. I'll stay to be their personal guard." All the dragon slayers started yelling at once, all except Laxus, who just watched with annoyance as they argued. It wasn't like they could really say no. They had to go, but they weren't going quietly.
Mira, seeing this, was wondering if this was her time to approach him, when her pain came slamming back and she doubled over. "Mira!" All the girls cried and helped her to a seat.
"Enough," Laxus said. "We'll discuss this tomorrow, but you all know that you have to go. Just do what you must and be in Crocus in five days." Sting, Rogue and Yukino said their good byes and left quickly. Kinana and Eric left only after Mira had been settled peacefully.
"Really, I'll be fine. I promise."
"Still, Mira, drink this," Wendy said, giving Mira the only thing that seemed to help her, a healing potion mixed with some dragon slayer milk. Lucy and Levy had been quietly slipping some to Wendy after she'd gotten the idea. Mira always seemed a bit better afterwards and the three women kept silent on what it was.
Igneel, Ali, and Gavy were cranky and with great regret, Levy and Lucy left with their mates and their children. Wendy and Lisanna stayed until Mira felt she could walk.
"I'm just glad that Elfman and Evergreen left before they could see that." Lisanna sighed and then helped Mira to her apartment. Lisanna was now living on her own, especially after Mira found out that she was pregnant. Mira had insisted that Lisanna should get her own place, since sharing space with a new born was irritating at best. Lisanna had originally refused, but Mira demanded it and eventually Lisanna couldn't fight it anymore. Mira knew that Rogue would make his move soon, so it wasn't like Lisanna was going to be staying long anyway. However, Lisanna was determined to stay the night with her sister. Mira finally agreed, but insisted that Lisanna go back to her place for her stuff. Mira wanted to take a bath before Lisanna got into her mothering mood.
Mira sank into her bath with a sigh and thought of how her perfect opportunity had slipped out of her fingers. There was no point in moping however. Instead she buckled down and washed. Then she took her time in combing her hair and pampering herself. She had just changed into her most comfortable pajamas and had settled down with a book when the clock struck eleven. Her sister should be back soon. She was actually drifting off, when the door opened.
"Lisanna, you're back," Mira said, not opening her eyes.
"If you're expecting company," a deep voice said, "I'll make this quick." Mira's eyes shot open and Laxus, who had been standing in the doorway, came all the way in. Mira sat up in shock, but stayed on the bed. Even though her baby bump was tiny, it still took more effort to rise than normal.
"Laxus!"
"What happened, Mira?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean to the women of the guild." He glanced at her and then away. "To you?" If she hadn't known any better, she could have sworn he sounded upset.
"It would seem we're all pregnant."
"It's too much of a coincidence. Especially since it's happening at Saber Tooth as well."
"It is?"
"Yes. Something is making the women of our two guilds extra fertile and I don't like it."
Mira nodded, understanding. Everyone had been very concerned with this, but no one knew where to start. It wasn't a curse or a blessing, they'd checked, and it didn't seem to be a charm or potion. They'd been putting a no-spike spell on all the drinks for a few weeks now, though it was a little too late, since most of the women were already pregnant by then.
"So," Laxus said, bringing her thoughts back to the present. "Who's the father?" This brought Mira up short. Couldn't he smell it, everyone else could.
"I thought your dragon senses…"
Laxus shook his head. "Eric and I hide it, but no. We might be second generation and more powerful in some ways, but our super senses only manifest in one particular sense. Mine is eye sight actually, Eric's is hearing. Sure, I can smell and hear better than the average guy, but my nose is simply telling me you're pregnant, not who the father is." Mira saw his fist tighten and she began to hope and wonder. Could Laxus actually be jealous?
"I haven't told anyone who the father is Laxus. I mean, the other dragon slayers know, but they've promised not to say anything yet because he doesn't know yet."
"Why not?"
"I haven't told him I'm pregnant." She took a deep breath and plunged forward. "We had a one night stand almost three months ago and he hasn't been around." Laxus stared at her, anger glowing in his eyes, but he just nodded and looked away. However, the one thing that wasn't there that should have been was understanding. Anyone else would have gotten the hint and Laxus wasn't stupid. This didn't make any sense.
"Well, it's your business Mira, but he's a scum bag if he'd treat you like that. You deserve better." Laxus left and Mira stared after him, mouth agape. If she hadn't seen it or heard it herself, she wouldn't have believed it. He didn't remember. She knew that he'd been a little drunk that night, but he honestly had absolutely no memory of it. Mira sank back and put her hands to her face. It was both a relief to know that he wasn't as much a jerk as she thought and an added stress to break it to the father of your child that you had indeed had relations and now there was child because of it.