About eight and a half months passed rather quickly and almost everyone prepared for the big day.
Alina and Asura were playing with Sora and Jet, twin phoenixes Tej and Soraya had about four months after letting Zintan go.
Sora and Jet were quite unique, like their older brother Zintan. Sora was a female Phoenix with a vibrant pink body with white flames while Jet took after his Father, with his white body, but had pink flames, something that surprised everyone, including the Father.
Both Zephyr and Nixie as well as Soraya and Tej were watching over eggs, which they finally realized took around three months in Eden to hatch, and the Father had expanded their land before eventually creating their own, "space," in Eden, much like he did the day three billion souls showed up to limbo, but since he took the place immediately down, he decided to create it in a space next to his manor.
Luna and Leo were also given new homes now, one on each side of their Fathers Manor and their Father had allowed them to watch the souls via a one way portal and the Father would deal with any issues in the underworld.
The phoenixes' space was very grand, with plenty of nature, trees, canyons, waterfalls, rivers with a miniature sun to keep the heat high enough for the growing number of phoenixes.
He named it "New Beginnings," and planned to create two more phoenixes sometime after the chosen one was born.
It also had plenty of food for them to hunt, although they mainly ate fish, they'd occasionally have to capture some protein in the form of a deer, doe or any of the other animals of New Beginnings. The parent phoenixes taught their children to always pray for the food they tracked down and killed, knowing their souls would be at rest and at peace.
Thankfully the four adult phoenixes got along quite well, although once in a great while Nixie would feel a bit down because she didn't hatch any "new colored phoenixes."
The others picked up on this and tried to cheer her up.
Zephyr always joked around with Soraya and Tej, mainly to make Nixie feel better, about, "how nice it must be to be producing all these unique colored phoenixes because Tej was such an old man."
This often made everyone laugh because it was true and Tej knew it was good fun, so Tej always told Zephyr that he indeed was the more handsome Phoenix.
It was quite the sight to watch the Phoenix children play, as they were currently doing tag team races. They'd do boys vs girls, siblings vs siblings and play other games like hide and seek to see who was the best. They tried mimicking the adult phoenixes ability to hide their flames and shrink their bodies.
Luna and Leo quite enjoyed their break from duties but took their magical training with their phoenixes very seriously.
Tej and Soraya would babysit and the four were eagerly awaiting to meet the newborn human that Zintan protected, for it would be their first trip to Earth and the Father promised the four children could all go.
Meanwhile, everyone in the Elrod family's life were beyond ecstatic for the couple.
Savannah's co-workers and nurses would always share all these compliments with her; she did truly radiate with beauty during her pregnancy.
People enjoyed Sebastian's sermons more than they typically did, which was impressive because he was beloved in three Kingdoms before he knew he'd become a father.
He stressed the importance of belief and treating others well and how miracles could happen to anyone. People were truly lifted by his words, especially considering his circumstances.
Both of them happily shared the secrets by stating "divine intervention," honestly for them, it was easier that way. They just described it as a miracle, which most of the public believed.
There were always those who thought it was all a lie and ruse for Sebastian's career, especially with the Phantom Keep pushing out rumors Sebastian and Savannah could have children all along.
Those naysayers didn't bother the Elrods, especially because of all the love and support they received. When Savannah started showing, Sebastian's sermons became so packed that he chose to schedule three a day. This way, people weren't over crowded and standing in the back.
Although it came quickly, Savannah and Sebastian were practically forced to take paternity leave as they continued working non-stop during the pregnancy. Little did the world know, Zintan had given the baby tons of energy which literally kept Savannah well rested, with an extra pep in her step, which rubbed off on Sebastian.
Unfortunately word finally reached Theo about a lying couple claiming to be barren, carrying a child and Theo sat with Erebos, perched on his shoulder, in his grand castle that stood in the middle of Phantom's Keep.
Theo threw dark spells in anger at any of his subordinates who spoke of this and couldn't shake the feeling that his Father was up to something.
Because Tej and the Father could sense the dark magic usage increasing the closer it got to the due date, they had Sebastian and Savannah announce the due date a month later than it truly was to prevent Theo from acting.
They weren't sure this would work, so they planned on bringing Leo, Luna, Zephyr, Nixie, Tej, Soraya and the four Phoenix children to an unknown location that Sebastian and Savannah would be teleported to on the day of the birth.
"Alright everyone, the plan for tomorrow is as follows," Luna began speaking. "I know Savannah and Sebastian would love to have their birth normally at Solace hospital, but they've agreed this is much safer. I've been spending time with them on Earth and they've agreed. They also appreciate all the financial assistance and wealth we've prided them as, "an anonymous," investor, but it's the least we can do.
"When her water breaks, we will all teleport to the location with our Father, who will oversee the birth. Leo will be on standby with his cooling magic and I'll be ready with lightning magic just in case. With all the prayers coming in for the two, it should go safely."
Just as Luna finished speaking, her cell phone rang and she picked up to a panicked Sebastian, "her water broke he's coming early she's running very hot please hurry,"
Within a blink of an eye, Luna told her Father and the next second they were in their hidden hospital room, at an unknown location on Earth.
Savannah was crying in great pain as the Father calmly stated, while placing his hand over her head to calm her, "do not stress, we are all here let's welcome you and Sebastian's son to this beautiful world."
With that, Tej and Zephyr had their children on their best behavior and sent Alina and Sora over to Sebastian to keep him calm.
They both sat on a shoulder, nestling their heads into him and telling him how excited they were to meet their big brother.
Sebastian smiled at this, and thought to himself, "this is crazy our child will literally have the blood, heart and soul of Tej, the first son of the great Father of Solace."
Luna smiled at Sebastian as they quickly got to work.
Savannah suggested they go with a natural birth, to which Luna convinced her to take the pain medication because "this isn't a regular child birth."
Savannah quickly began to appreciate this, as well as Leo's consistent healing and cooling spells to ease the pain.
After about thirty minutes, everyone heard a giant cry and Savannah, Sebastian began to sob hysterically. Tej quickly cut the umbilical cord and asked Sebastian to come over to the small desk for the both to do the honor of cutting the rest.
At the moment, Luna and Zephyr were prepared at any minute for Savannah to flatline, as she didn't look well. Sure enough, she did flatline but before either of them could react, Tej cast one of his many spells, "full restore," and a white beam of energy shot from Tej into Savannah.
Tej burst into flames and was reborn from his ashes as a younger, adult Phoenix, to which caused quite the surprise from everyone.
Savannah immediately woke up, feeling better than she ever had and said, "did I fall asleep, please tell me he's healthy," to which Soraya explained what happened.
To ease the mood, Tej looked at Zephyr in his young adult Phoenix self, shaking away the ashes, "who's the old man now Zeph" he said with a giant laugh and smirk.
This immediately made everyone feel at ease and Sebastian thanked Tej for sacrificing himself for Savannah.
"My pleasure, my body was getting quite old anyway and I knew full restore wouldn't cause me to be reborn as a baby. I've been reborn enough times to have a good guess to what age I'd be around and with Soraya's eyes staring at me like that, it appears she approves as well," Tej said with a laugh.
"Well now for the big question, did you two decide on a name for our great chosen one?" the Father asked.
Everyone stood with anticipation, with the exception of Savannah, who was now cuddling her newborn, with Leo's cooling mist covering both of them until Savannah finally said "Zander Zintan Elrod," with a nervous smile.
Just then, Zander's golden eyes looked right at Savannah, then right toward Sebastian, and finally at Tej and Soraya, who were now sitting with Sora and Jet, and everyone in the room saw the most amazing thing.
Zander smiled, almost as if Zintan was telling them from inside he loved the name.
"I swear his eyes were silver," Savannah thought and before she knew it, his eyes did turn back to silver.
Despite her confusion, the commotion broke her fixation with her son's eyes.
Out of nowhere, Zephyr noticed something wrong with Luna and caught her as she collapsed, only to be caught by Nixie as he too had passed out.
The Father and Leo stared at them with great worry, until they both woke back up.
Father quickly teleported to both of them and for the first time in billions of years, Luna's Father looked quite concerned.
Luna muttered, "Theo knows. Take us all to your manor, right now."
Zephyr immediately flew toward Nixie and his children, but fortunately everyone in the room teleported to the Kingdom of Solace as Theo appeared in the secret hospital setup to which he angrily used his dark magic to burn it all, "DAMN IT I WAS TOO LATE. That white beam shot and I knew Father had something up his sleeve but a baby? I need to find out what so special about this child."
Linking with Erebos, "start phase 1 of the plan, vampires to SilverCeest, werewolves to Nalthis. Send them in small groups, one family every week for the next two months so we can start blending into the other
kingdoms.
All the arrangements and papers are set, grab them off my desk and check with each Alpha to see who is best suited," Theo said.
"Certainly," Erebos confirmed and with that, each Alpha sent Erebos a family of vampires and a family of werewolves with several papers and a small book with instructions.
"Remember, vampires, you are gifted with magic and would like to enroll your children in Silvercrests' highest magical academy. They have three programs, 10 and under, 11-14 and 15-18. Now, I'm sure you could all enroll in the "Gold," section of the school. It's where the most promising students attend. However, in order to not stand out at first, you'll be joining the "Silver" section, so your children will still have a good foundation without being too suspicious. I'd advise not to use blood powers and showcase some other forms of magical talent Lord Theo will be blessing you with," Erebos commanded.
"Werewolves, same for you, but your children will enroll at Nalthis' military school. They share the same age system but they're ranking system is much different. Ensure your children test in the middle of the pack to avoid suspicion. Your new homes are already purchased and waiting for you. Read the instructions with you and master Theo will visit you shortly," Erebos commanded.
One of the werewolves bravely asked, "what about Harmonia," and to his surprise, Erebos was not angry.
"I like your forward thinking, maybe it's best you and your family stay here for now and we send some other werewolves to Nalthis. It's not the time to blend in Harmonia, although the vampires or werewolves could all blend in as tech savvy or regular workers, Lord Theo wants to wait as it is the Southernmost kingdom and we are the Northernmost kingdom. He wants to ensure support is built in on the East and West before moving in," Erebos explained.
"We are happy to go to Nalthis as planned," the werewolf known as Gregor started to state, but Erebos shook his head no.
"You've earned your family a home in the castle for your bravery and forward thinking, we will send the second option," Erebos demanded.
Gregor and his wife, as well as three children bowed and thanked Erebos for his generosity.
"Don't thank me yet, you and your children will begin training to be a part of Theo's personal guard. Although demanding, you will be much stronger and be the rare breed of werewolves that possess dark magical ability, if you survive, that is," Erebos said with a smile.
With that, the other group of werewolves were given the same instructions and both families, one of vampires, one of werewolves started the long journey to their new homes.
Theo reappeared, still rather angry and demanded to know why a werewolf family wasn't sent out yet, but before he could act out of anger, Erebos linked with him, showing him the conversation with Gregor and a malicious smile appeared on Theo's face.
"Welcome to the inner circle Gregor Tailwind and his family. Your training starts tomorrow, I'll show you to your new homes. Erebos, make sure their belongings are sent over immediately," and Theo snapped his fingers and he, as well of the five werewolves, were back inside the main castle on the third floor.
Meanwhile, just as Sebastian, Zander and Savannah caught a glimpse of Eden, they were quickly back at their house with just the Father.
"Sorry for the teleportation without notice, but I'm afraid had we not acted, Theo would have caused quite the trouble. Fortunately they are safe and I've cast a barrier of protection around the three of you so Theo will not be able to see, hear or find you, for the time being," the Father stated.
"You've already done so much for us, we're just happy to have a healthy, happy baby boy. This is something we never dreamed of and lost hope of long ago," Sebastian politely stated.
"Take an extended medical leave and if anyone asks, you're cherishing the time with your miracle baby. Leo and Luna will rotate staying with you for the foreseeable future and I will send Tej once in a while as well. Also, another large investment has been deposited to each of your individual, joint and business accounts from an unknown wealthy donor. This way you can continue to financially support your great causes while staying safe," the Father ordered.
"But what about preaching," Sebastian started to ask but was cut off by Luna, who had just arrived.
"Zander is 10 lbs 4 ounces and 26 inches tall. He has a healthy head of Golden hair, which should easily pass for blonde and his eyes are a shade of silver. Tej confirmed he sensed Zintan's presence and you need to be home with him 24 hours a day, seven days a week as we've never quite seen a child infused with a Phoenix and a system," Luna politely interrupted.
Just then, the Father opened a portal and the whole gang who were there for the birth sent waves, congratulations and the phoenixes used their magic to create some fireworks and congratulations to Savannah and Sebastian on a beautiful baby boy!"
At that point they both understood and Father told Luna, "I will look into this Theo mess, do you mind staying with the Elrods and looking after Zander and Zintan. You were always the second closest with Tej."
"Certainly Father," Luna said as she changed her appearance back into her human disguise.
With that Savannah and Sebastian finally slept in Zander's room and the Father and Leo returned to Eden.
Luna relaxed on their sofa and drifted off.
That night she and Zephyr shared another dream:
The first scene showed Theo talking to some sort of creature they had never seen.
The second scene flashed into Luna teleporting quickly to Zander's side, on top to a place she had never seen built by material and things she had never seen.
Next, Luna and Zephyr would forever keep a secret, as it showed something they didn't even know was possible and far too difficult to explain from a flash in a dream.
Finally, a Great War broke out and Zander was a grown adult, turning to tell Tej and Luna something, which couldn't be made out, and Zander looked more Phoenix than human.
Luna woke up to the cries of Zander and teleported into the room.
Embarrassed, she saw Savannah feeding Zander with a cool rag wrapped around the both of them, in order to not expose Savannah's chest.
Sebastian smiled and said, "he's finally eating, go rest you look like you just had a bad dream."
Luna politely excused herself and walked to her bedroom Father had created for her and Zephyr was there, with Nixie holding their third Child, Luz, a very light blue Phoenix with silver flames.
"She's beautiful," Luna said with her typical silvery tears falling from her face.
"Her name means light, which is a tribute to you Luna. You are the only one I know with silver hair and silver eyes, yet his flames are the same beautiful silver as your eyes," Nixie explained.
"Can I please hold her," Luna gushed with excitement.
Nixie said "Of course you can. Also, Zephyr told me about how you two keep having strange dreams that are causing you unrest. You should talk to Savannah, maybe she can help. Zephyr won't admit it but I'm certain the visions you are having are with Zander," Nixie said while wrapping her giant wings around Luna and Luz, who was still crying, with a gentle amount of heat.
Zephyr did the same after Nixie and whispered to Luna, "Remember, no matter what you and I have each other. Not a soul will know about the third scene and we'll figure it out together with your Father when the time comes, if that time does come, ok," Zephyr reassured her.
With that, Luna laid down and Nixie cast a light sleeping spell on her to get some rest. As much as Nixie would have loved to keep Luz with Luna for comfort, she knew the barrier only existed on the Elrods and decided to return with Zephyr and their newborn.
After a long day, the Father rested and noticed something.
Zander, the chosen one, had finally been born on March 28, 248 AE. Exactly 248 years after Luna suggested they restarted time.
"That can't be a coincidence now, can it?" the Father thought with a large smile.