The tranquil hut located near the top of Phoenix Mountains bared very little. Only the crackling of a fire could be heard. Iana was lying on a a bed of cushions and pillows. A melancholic demeanor marked her face. It had been quite some time between their decision to do it and their choice to actually start it. Meoru would be going. She stood short before her fifth month. Her belly had already swollen to quite some size. It was her only real comfort right now. Rubbing over her own belly, a smile pressed through her lips. Soon, their child would be born. Soon, this whole predicament would end. Soon, all worries would be gone. There was only one last thing to do. A simple question to Meoru.
While Zenshin was still out, scouting the area doing who-knows-what, Iana was alone in the small wooden cabin that would mark her and Zenshin's start. The start of their family. Iana had begun to accept the circumstances as they came. She would certainly miss Meoru. He had been a part of her for over 10 years now. And it was time to let go. Reveling in old memories, she touched her belly and decided to ask her last question. Something she would keep a secret from Zenshin for now. Something that would be personal, something only she would know. She giggled at the thought of knowing.
"Meoru... I know you're in there. I just wante-"
"Of course I'm in here. Where-else should I be?"
It came like a pistol shot. No pause and instantly interrupting her. She could feel his warmth, and the peaceful smile on his face. It comforted her knowing that he bared no grudge.
"I'll miss you... quite a bit. But before you go, I want you to tell me something."
"If it is something I can answer."
"I want to know before Zen... boy or girl?"
Meoru had to actually laugh. The human's curiosity baffled him time and time again. Especially at a time like this, and especially Iana. A person who was usually way too lazy to be curious.
"Mhh, I understand. But why do you want to destroy the surprise?"
Iana sighed, knowing that once he started talking like that there was no moving. It would become like discussing with a brick wall.
"I'm kidding. You humans have a bad sense for humor. It's going to be a girl."
Her eyes lit up in joy. And even a tear formed, rolling down on her face. A little girl. A daughter. She would care for her. Iana's resolve was fueled now. Beginning to imagine her future, it seemed bright. Bright, because Zenshin would be there. Because she would have a child. Because her child would receive all the love she and Zenshin had in their hearts. It was definite. She would care to make her daughter a great person. Her life as a parent would soon begin. And it was the brightest star on her night sky canvas that Zenshin had sprinkled all over.