I appreciate those who have not only read the whole story, but also those who have been patient with me. I have a lot going on that is mostly school-related. The next few chapters is all family stuff and I actually like writing these things. They just take time. I also just wanted to upload something, even if it wasn't over 10k words. Enjoy!

Ehecaocelotl: 5 Months Old (One month later)

(NOTE: I forgot to say that ancient Nahuas actually put no clothing on their children until they turned 3 years old, which is what I am doing here.)

Teoitotia's POV:

Considering that Ehecaocelotl was still very young, we are more relaxed for the birth of our second. However, we need double of every required thing for a baby. One of the first things I thought of was how early my first was born. I hope it doesn't occur again. It was nighttime and we were just about to go to sleep. We were just lying down on our petlatl and Ehecaocelotl was rolling back and forth between Fujin and I. Fujin was lying on his back, eyes closed, trying to fall asleep. I was on my side, staring at Ehecaocelotl as he sought to amuse himself. Then he rolled over on his side. "Mmmm." He didn't get a response and rolled over a bit more. Fujin's body prevented him from going on his stomach. "Mmmm." No response and Ehecaocelotl decided to open his mouth and leave saliva all over Fujin's arm. I smiled as Fujin opened his eyes and looked down to his left.

"I heard you the first time," he said as he picked up our son. Ehecaocelotl was on Fujin's chest and Fujin said, "I thought you were talking to someone else. Interesting way to gain my attention."

"Ah."

"Hm? You want to tell me something? I'm all ears."

Ehecaocelotl tried crawling up, but he was still working on that so Fujin moved him closer to his face. Ehecaocelotl grunted and opened his mouth. I grinned, waiting for his mess. Fujin turned his head and closed his eyes. Ehecaocelotl connected his mouth on Fujin's cheek and moved it around, leaving a trail of saliva and cooed. I laughed and said, "Show him who's boss."

When our son lifted his head back up, Fujin turned to look into his eyes and began to wipe the slobber from his cheek. "I know. I love you too." Ehecaocelotl laughed and my grin widened. Fujin's eyes widened and he said, "Do you actually know how to give kisses and just wanted to annoy me?" He hooked his hands under Ehecaocelotl's armpits and pulled him higher with a growl. With our son's neck exposed, Fujin softly bit him, growling. Ehecaocelotl grabbed his father's head and had a wide grin while cooing. I scooted closer to them and grabbed Ehecaocelotl, pulling him to my chest.

I feigned a scolding tone as I spoke to Fujin, "My son is not yours to eat." Once Ehecaocelotl was on my chest, I kissed his cheek as I turned my back to Fujin and said to him, "You can give me all the kisses you want." Ehecaocelotl cooed and moved his head to give me a wet kiss. I almost immediately felt Fujin's chest on my back.

He told our son, "She's mine," and softly bit my neck. I burst out laughing when Ehecaocelotl gave his father a threatening look. "Hm? Have a problem with that?" I felt Fujin's hand caressing my abdomen where our youngest was growing.

"Ah."

I laughed at our son's response. Fujin replied, "A jokester aren't you?" He moved back to lie on his side facing us and I held Ehecaocelotl close to me as I turned to my other side. Ehecaocelotl turned his head to look at Fujin in a neutral expression. Fujin stared into his eyes and gave up, moving to kiss his cheek. "I know, I know. You love me and I always start the fights. I actually appreciate the kisses you put in the effort to give me." He kissed our son's cheek again. "But she is mine." We chuckled when Ehecaocelotl frowned. Fujin grinned. "We'll work on that then." He leaned back to lie down as I shifted our son and I. Ehecaocelotl knew what was coming and opened his mouth to latch on. When we settled, Fujin turned and leaned in to capture my lips. He placed a hand on my hip and I place a hand behind his head. He brushed his hand over my belly and broke off our kiss so I could feed our son in peace.

Ehecaocelotl: 7 Months Old

I was four months along and anyone can see my small bump, so there was no hiding this. Not even with a cloak. We decided that Fujin was going to deliver our second. Ehecaocelotl finally learned how to crawl. This was good since he could amuse himself more easily, but it was also bad since he could almost crawl anywhere. It was a bit from dawn and I was feeding Ehecaocelotl. A few weeks ago, he bit me while feeding (ouch by the way) and I growled at him. He understood and never did it since. Fujin opened his eyes and turned to face us. We made eye contact and held it for a few seconds, then he closed his eyes. It seems like Ehecaocelotl was full and turned his head to look at his father. He turned his head to look at me and I pointed my chin at Fujin with a grin. I slid a hand under my son and started to turn him on his stomach. He got the clue and finished the turn. As I hoped he would, he crawled to be face-to-face with Fujin. Ehecaocelotl froze and I hoped he would do something amusing. He started breathing heavily and then yelled in front of his father's face before giving his father a wet kiss. Immediately, Fujin opened an eye and I chuckled. He pulled his head back and stared at our son. "I just got an alarm, didn't I?" He pulled in our son to his chest and Ehecaocelotl started cooing. Fujin closed his eyes and responded, "I know. You're the one that woke me up." Another coo was his response. "Mmm. I do appreciate that kiss, even if it was wet." Another coo and then Fujin set him back on our bed.

Fujin looked at me. "I'll be gone for a while, but I should be back a few hours after mid-day."

"Then you should get going. I'll be here."

He nodded and sat up with a sigh. Ehecaocelotl looked up at him and Fujin looked down at him with a small smile. "Don't miss me too much, alright?"

...

I was making a few tortillas and kept on checking up on Ehecaocelotl, who was crawling around on a large mat I set nearby. I turned my head to glance at him before flipping a tortilla and deciding that it was cooked. I grabbed it from the comal and moved it around in my fingertips. Once I deemed it cool enough, I ripped about a forth of it to shove it in my mouth. I looked down and ripped off a small bite size. I blew on it a bit and turned part of my body. "Ehecaocelotl," I waved the piece at him, "want some?" I smiled a bit when his eyes brightened and crawled over to me, cooing. I had started feed him bits of food, but his diet still mostly consisted of milk. The most common being tortillas. I turned back to check on the other tortillas before looking back as Ehecaocelotl stopped. He sat back on his legs and I moved the tiny piece of fresh tortilla to his mouth. He opened his mouth, accepting the familiar food. I fed him the chunk and he started semi-chewing. I turned back and moved the tortillas around. "Mmmm." I turned to respond, "More?" I ripped off another chunk and fed him. Then I felt a very familiar spirit approaching. I finished up the tortillas and set them in the basket before putting out the fire.

Ehecaocelotl was sitting and watching me. Ehecaocelotl and I turned to look at the entrance. In came my beloved in his usual battle gear (NOTE: The default MK11 skin with the tattoos all over his arms). Before he fully stepped inside, Ehecaocelotl shouted in excitement and started to crawl toward his father. I smiled. Fujin's face brightened and walked faster with open arms to then kneel on the mat before our son could crawl off of it. Ehecaocelotl cooed in happiness and Fujin hooked his hands under our son to pull him up to his chest. "I missed you, too." Fujin gave him a big kiss on the cheek before walking over to me. I stood up and we leaned in for a short kiss.

"How did it go?" I asked.

He looked at the food. "Are you going to eat?"

"In a bit."

"You should eat. Did you bathe him?"

"I did. Anything new?"

"The others are merely dealing with their personal issues, but we have no need to take action."

I nodded and turned to set the food in place so I could eat.

Ehecaocelotl: 9 Months Old

I am now six months along and this pregnancy has gone by fast for me. Perhaps it is because I am busy taking care of my oldest. We were currently in bed, about to go to sleep. Ehecaocelotl was having a "conversation" with Fujin. I thought, Hm. I cleaned up my drawings of the design I was thinking about for future pottery I would make. I went to go wash my hands and prepare for bed. When I came back in the room, they were play fighting. When Fujin rolled them over to his side of the bed, I lied down on my side. Fujin said, "Alright, I win this time," and set Ehecaocelotl down between us. Our son turned his head to look at me and cooed with a smile. I held out an arm open and he snuggled against me. I turned him so he was parallel to me. "Nnnnn."

I chuckled. "Quema (yes)?" He stared up and me. I raised an eyebrow. "Were you not just calling me?" He huffed and I smiled. "Ehecaocelotl, say 'tata.'"

"Mmmm."

"Tata."

"T- t- t- t-."

"Almost. Ta-ta."

Fujin rolled over closer to us and looked at our son. "Amo (no). Say 'nana.'"

I narrowed my eyes at Fujin and looked back down. "Ta-ta."

Fujin said, "Amo. Na-na."

We looked up at each other and had poker faces. I looked back down and put a hand on Ehecaocelotl's cheek. I smiled inside at his look of confusion and repeated, "Ta. Ta." Before Fujin could say anything, Ehecaocelotl turned over and buried his face in the bed. "Well, worth a try," I sighed. Fujin turned on his back and made a sound of agreement. Then Ehecaocelotl crawled over to Fujin and put his hands on his father's chest.

"Ta-ta."

Our eyes widened. I had the silliest grin and thought about sitting up, but it would be a struggle, so I scooted over to them. My head was a few inches from Fujin's. I semi-shouted with excitement, "Queeemaaaa! Say it again! Ta-ta."

"Tata." I thought, Good at taking orders, eh?

Fujin pulled our son to his chest and closed his eyes while embracing him. I felt the overwhelming emotions from him, then I put my nose and lips on his cheek. I purred in comfort. He turned to face me and set our son between us. Then he put a hand on my cheek and closed the distance for a long kiss. I put a hand on his upper arm in comfort and returned his emotional kiss. My spirit went out of my body to envelope around us. It let out a long, low sound of comfort.

"Nn."

My spirit went back into my body and we looked down at our firstborn. I grinned. "Yes, you get one, too." I lowered my head to kiss his cheek three times with a purr. He reached his hands out to put them on the sides of my head and gave his own purr. Fujin joined us and wrapped an arm around my waist to then put his nose and lips on my cheek to give his own purr.

Ehecaocelotl: 10 Months Old

We could sense our youngest's spirit now. Oddly enough, it felt very similar to mine with a tad bit of playfulness. Like before, we cannot tell the sex. I assume that our children had been so neutral because of us; Fujin and I are fluid in nature (but we do have our moments of solidness). Ever-changing. Obviously, the lack of confirmation disappointed Sarutahiko and Kojin (*eye roll*).

...

Kojin, Raiden, Fujin, Sarutahiko, and I were sitting in a circle outside the mat in the middle in which Ehecaocelotl was crawling around and entertaining himself with the wooden, lacquered (NOTE: A specialty of the Nahuas of the mountains of Guerrero in the municipal of Olinala) jaguar, coyote, serpent, deer, eagle, and elemental glyphs I made for him. The teotzin and I were talking about the events of the world and a few other things. I wasn't saying anything in the next conversation and saw as Ehecaocelotl was crawling over to Fujin, who had a wooden, lacquered jaguar in his hands. Ehecaocelotl climbed his way up using Fujin's leg to stand and grabbed the toy. Then he turned around to eye the serpent Sarutahiko had in his hands. Ehecaocelotl looked down at the floor in uncertainty and took a step forward. I unconsciously leaned forward both in interest and ready to act. He paused and hesitated greatly. But then he slowly took another step forward and very slowly removed his hand from Fujin's knee. Everyone stopped talking and turned to pay their attention to Ehecaocelotl. He stood there, standing, and wobbled. Before he could fall, he took another step forward.

Sarutahiko showed the toy serpent at his nephew and tempted him. "Want it? Come and get it."

We froze in silence as Ehecaocelotl struggled to take another step, but he wasn't halfway to his destination. I could see the frustration in his eyes, but he continued to take his small steps. It took him a while to be within inches of his uncle, who continued to encourage him. Fujin told our son, "Don't stop. You have nothing to lose. Go on." Ehecaocelotl turned his head to look at his father and then turned back to look at the toy. He took another step and Sarutahiko extended an arm to be ready to catch him should he fall. I think we were all at the edge of our seats as Ehecaocelotl took the last few steps. Then he took the final step and we praised his efforts. Of course, he didn't care. The only thing that mattered was that he got the toy. He played it safe and crawled back to Fujin with the toy in hand.

Kojin said with a smile, "Ready to fight, eh?"

"Don't start," Fujin replied with annoyance.

Kojin rubbed his hands. "So, what's next? Kombat? Elements? Weapons? Spirit?"

"Education," I calmly replied. Sarutahiko chuckled at Kojin. I informed them all, "Actually, he knows two spirit defense techniques."

Raiden spoke up in surprise, "Does he now?"

I nodded. "I believe that he will start sooner than I since he has much more to learn."

Fujin whispered with pride, "An excellent spirit." I know he didn't just mean the fighting aspect and I agreed in pleasure, "Mm."

Ehecaocelotl cooed, "Nana."

A Few Days Later...

My family and I were walking to the forest. Just before we walked into the trees, we shifted into jaguars. Fujin pulled Ehecaocelotl in before he could wonder off with his jaws and looked at me with a huff. I grunted and started to walk into the forest. Ehecaocelotl eagerly followed beside me and Fujin trailed beside him but a bit more behind to protect us. I don't think he realizes how funny it is considering that we are still within our borders, but I never say anything. We were a bit more deeper in the forest and still within our protective barrier.

Fujin got my attention when he suddenly asked, Ximayana? (Are you hungry?)

I hesitantly looked back at him as we walked. I lowered my ears and gave a nervous chuckle before replying with a bit of embarrassment, Achitzin. (A little.)

He stopped and I did too, then I saw as Ehecaocelotl also halted. Fujin walked over to nuzzle my face and purred. Ahnipinaua. Xichiacan nican. Nimaz. (Don't be embarrassed. Wait [plural] here. I'll hunt.) He licked my muzzle before lowering his head to say something to Ehecaocelotl. Then he looked into my eyes and turned to leave. When I could no longer see him, I lied down right where I was and Ehecaocelotl started to play with me.

...

I heard a snap and looked up as Fujin came into sight, carrying a grey fox and a rabbit. My ears perked but I didn't move since Ehecaocelotl was feeding (I had just fed him before we came, but here we are). Fujin closed the distance and stopped within a few inches to lower his head and drop the prey. I looked up at him and licked his face with a groan of appreciation. I dug into my meal and after I finished the fox, Ehecaocelotl came around to look at the rabbit with hunger. Definitely a hungry one, I told Fujin with a tone as if to say that it was his fault, but he doesn't eat, of course. I ripped the layer of fur off and took out chunks to give my cub. He eagerly dug into his share and I finished the rest. I grabbed the carcasses and left them a few meters from us. Then I lied down on my side in a spot where the sun hit me and Fujin walked over by me with Ehecaocelotl in his jaws. He dropped our cub and they started playing. I closed my eyes and decided to take a small nap.

A While Later...

Fujin's POV:

As Teoitotia slept, Ehecaocelotl and I had entertained each other. I looked at her beautiful, graceful, strong form and determined that it was time we go home. I looked down as Ehecaocelotl turned to see his mother and he walked toward her. I followed behind him and we stopped before her. She was still deep in her nap and I nudged Ehecaocelotl to her. I licked her face and she opened here eyes slightly to only shake her head. She closed her eyes again and I walked down her body to stop before her bulging belly. I purred in adoration and licked her. I heard as Ehecaocelotl mewed and started to lick her face. Teoitotia groaned and I nuzzled her belly. Then she sat up and looked at us.

We should go, I stated.

She huffed and lied back down with a groan. Why?

I chuckled.

Ehecaocelotl: 11 Months Old (almost 12 months)

Teoitotia's POV:

I thought that having another so soon would ease my anxiety of giving birth, but I still felt the same as if this was my first. I was eight months along. It was a few minutes after sunset and we were in our house. My maternal relatives have joined us, including my great-aunt, her husband, and grown daughter for a night of song and dance. We were all sitting in the room reserved for these nights. I haven't participated in a dance for almost all of my pregnancy so far and it's the one thing I hate not being able to do. However, I could play instruments and sing. My cousin (Iztatetl), maternal aunt, maternal uncle (Iztacoatl), great-uncle, and I were playing the instruments for the next song. Everyone else was sitting on short stools outside in a circle. Ehecaocelotl was standing and holding onto Fujin's knee as he walked around a bit. I was sitting on my stool and going playing the small drum. My youngest cousin was dressed as a white eagle and in the middle of the circle to do the dance. (You can search up "Ixtakcuautli by Xavier Quijas Yxayotl") I started to play and look over to Ehecaocelotl, who was looking at the dance for a few seconds. Then he started to bend his knees somewhat in time of the beat. Every once in a while, he stomped his feet, which he had better timing in. I had a wide grin and continued playing the drum. Fujin looked down and smiled while trying to contain his laughter and any words he had to say.

Look at him go, Fujin chuckled. He's certainly like you in this aspect.

I told our son in encouragement, Xitotia, nehecaxoctzin (Dance, my little breeze). He stopped, looked at me, smiled, flailed one of his arms, and continued to dance. Fujin and I were trying to contain our laughter. I softly said to Ehecaocelotl and pointed with my chin, Look at her. He saw my youngest cousin and tried his best to mimic her, but he obviously quickly gave up to do his own dance.

Fujin chuckled in our minds and said, Oh well.

When we finished the song, everyone went on to encourage him for the next song and praised his previous efforts. I heard my grandmother cough. Ehecaocelotl just kept on turning his head in confusion as people spoke. I chuckled and told Fujin, Perhaps he will dance for the rest of the night.

Ehecaocelotl: 12 Months Old (3 Weeks Later)

I was 35 weeks along. We had everything ready for the birth. Fujin and I came up with the idea that when we sleep, there should be a blanket separating the children since Ehecaocelotl could accidentally smack his sibling. Also, I couldn't help but notice that my grandmother coughed often. I worried but didn't say anything. Fujin obviously noticed my feelings and we talked very little about it before he advised me to just directly talk to my grandmother about it. I took his advise and tried talking to my grandmother when she was alone. I grew frustrated when she kept on saying that she was fine, but the more I pushed, the more she avoided the subject. I gave up and the last thing I told her about her health was that she should at least be checked. She just said, "Mhm," and we never talked about it again.

It was two hours after mid-day and I was home with Ehecaocelotl, breastfeeding him, which was bit hard with my belly in the way. Fujin should be returning soon. He went to watch over the Jinsei as Raiden did his own things.

I finished feeding him and sat him on the mat. "Stay," I ordered and went to gather the food for the next meal. After setting everything together, I grabbed a tortilla and saw him lean in in eagerness. I chuckled. "Aya. I'm going." I ripped off a piece of the tortilla and handed it to him to distract him while I prepared his next bite. He grabbed the tortilla awkwardly and shoved it in his mouth. I chuckled at how funny he looked.

...

After we ate, I cleared the area. Then when I sat on the mat with Ehecaocelotl, I felt a bit of pain in my lower back. It was actually quite uncomfortable and made a face of annoyance. I can tell that this one will be born soon, perhaps in a few days. Ehecaocelotl snapped me out of my thoughts; "Nana." He handed me the "wind" glyph and I grabbed it from him.

...

I felt Fujin's spirit in Tliltetepetl and I looked up at the entrance. Ehecaocelotl turned around to face the doorway with the eagle in hand. I saw a hand move the rug to the side and Fujin stuck his head in with a smile. "I hope I was missed."

Ehecaocelotl dropped the toy and walked over. "Tatatata!"

I chuckled and Fujin hurried over to pick him up before he stepped out of the mat. Fujin threw him in the air and Ehecaocelotl laughed. "Aya. I can always count on you missing me," he stated with a smile. I moved on all fours and put a hand on the stool nearby to help me stand up. Fujin hurried over and helped me up. "Were you alone this whole time?"

I gave him a nervous laugh, "Relax. It was only for part of the day. I went to the meeting with my grandmother nearby and then went to their house. My uncle walked with me back and we ate." Fujin turned his face and I could tell that he stopped himself from making a noise of disagreement. I put a hand on his arm. "I'm going to walk around in the garden and see if these cramps fade."

He looked back at me and nodded before leaning in to quickly kiss me. "Careful."

"Hm."

...

I had stopped soon and then I didn't feel cramps after. I thought I was in the clear and then at few minutes after 4pm, I felt strong cramps. We were about to go to my grandmother's house in a few minutes. I put a hand on a wall and closed my eyes while breathing through it. Ehecaocelotl was in Fujin's hold and no one said anything. Once it passed, I said, "Fujin, I don't want to alarm you, but I think we should stay home."

"No problem." He approached me. "I don't want to panic, but are you sure you're alright? If it's time, then I could drop Ehecaocelotl off with your mother."

"I don't know. Maybe it is time... Don't. Panic."

"I'm not."

"Let's just wait."

A few minutes later, I felt another cramp and closed my eyes in irritation. I breathed out. "You know what?" I looked into his eyes. "Maybe it is time. Prepare the sauna?" He nodded and went to do that after tying Ehecaocelotl on his back with my shawl.

A while later, he came back and told me it was ready. Halfway there, my water broke. I stared down at my belly. "Ohuaya, it's time alright." We arrived at the sauna and I went in. Then Fujin left me alone to prepare the room. He had everything it down. It was just like the first time.

Fujin's POV:

After I finished preparing the room, I called out Teoitotia's mother, I have news. It's time. The baby is coming today.

Do you need help?

I'm fine for now, but I will need you to take care of Ehecaocelotl in the later stages. Her water just broke a few minutes ago.

Understood. I will be there in an hour?

That is fine.

Then I called to my brothers, The time has come. Our youngest is coming.

There was a slight pause then Kojin asked, How long has it been?

A few minutes.

Sarutahiko responded, We'll be there in a few hours. I assume Raiden should be here by then. If not, then Kojin and I will be there.

Of course. See you later.

May the both of you be victorious.

I went back to focusing on our situation.

...

At 6pm, Teoitotia's mother, grandmother, uncle, aunt, oldest cousin, and grandfather had made their mini-camp at our entrance. I had greeted them and informed them of the situation. Teoitotia's grandfather gifted us another blanket of the same design as when Ehecaocelotl was born. I thanked him on behalf of both of us. I left Ehecaocelotl with Teoitotia's mother and I returned to help my mate. At 6:30pm, I helped her out of the tub and supported her as we walked to our room. I set her on the rugs I had set in the middle of the room by a wall. Once she was on her side, I set a blanket over her since she was naked underneath. I stayed with her for a few minutes as she breathed through the contractions and squeezed my arm (ouch). Then after another contraction, she opened her eyes and said, "Ehecaocelotl."

I nodded, understanding what she meant and said, "I'll be back."

I went outside and saw Sarutahiko and Kojin. Before I could ask them, Kojin said, "Raiden should be here soon."

I nodded and called my son, "Ehecaocelotl." I picked him up. "Your Na wants to see you."

"Nana?"

"Quema," I responded and walked to our room.

When I walked in, I lowered our son on his feet and he sat down to crawl to his mother. Teoitotia opened her eyes that reflected pain and smiled through it. Ehecaocelotl stopped by her head and softly said, "Na-na?"

Teoitotia smiled through the pain. "Nehecaxoctzin." Ehecaocelotl seemed to sense the pain she was going through and snuggled beside her. She stuck an arm out and pulled him close to her chest. I offered my hand and she took it to help her through the contractions. She tried her best to not make any noise, but a few groans and moans escaped. Ehecaocelotl wrapped his arm around her neck and nuzzled his head underneath her chin. I leaned into kiss her temple every once in a while.

At around 7:40pm, when the next contraction hit, Teoitotia squeezed my hand for dear life and it felt like she was breaking my hand. Ehecaocelotl turned his head to look at me and Teoitotia groaned, "Fujin, get him out."

I moved to hook my hands under Ehecaocelotl's armpits. As I pulled him away, I softly and apologetically said, "Ma xinechtlapohpolhui. Ticuepaz niman nitta micniuh. Aya?" (Forgive me. You will return later to see your sibling. Ok?)

"Tata-," he protested.

"Nixmati, nopiltzin. Niman." (I know, my son. Later.)

I picked him up and walked over to hand him over to be watched over his kin. When I returned, Teoitotia had her face buried in the cloths that served as pillows. I knelt down and rubbed her back as her contraction passed. Once it did, she started panting and began to sit up. I helped her up into a squat. She leaned back against the wall and breathed through another contraction. I looked between her legs and saw a head with a lot of hair. I looked up into her eyes and nodded. "Go on, my love."

She closed her eyes and gathered her strength. She took a deep breath and breathed out as she pushed.

Teoitotia's POV:

I pushed with all my might and felt a bead of sweat roll down my face. I focused on nothing else besides bringing my second child into this world. At one point, I growled, "The next you want more, you carry them." I don't know how much time has passed, but then I was snapped back to the world when I heard, "One more. The hard part is over, just give a final push." I looked down and couldn't see anything beyond my belly and heavily sighed before giving a final push. I felt my youngest slip out and I sighed inside in relief. I could only see as Fujin looked down and then he started to lift his head up. Then I saw my youngest child; brown as the earth, plenty of hair as black as pure darkness, and larger than when Ehecaocelotl was born, but still smaller than a full-term baby.

"A girl," Fujin whispered. A warrior, I thought. She started to sob and just before she cried, Fujin put our daughter on my chest and I instinctively embraced her. I thought that my heart would have to make room for her, but it my heart only grew bigger. I ran my hand across her back and closed my eyes as a tear escaped me. Fujin carefully embraced me and whispered, "Thank you." Knowing what comes next, he pulled back.

I gave the speech: "You have arrived on earth, my youngest one, my girl, my young woman, where your relatives, your kin suffer fatigue and exhaustion; where it is hot, where it is cold, and where the wind blows; where there is thirst, hunger, sadness, despair, exhaustion, fatigue, and pain. But there is joy, love, peace, hope, awe, relief, and amusement. The sun warms us, the earth nurtures us, and the water eases our pain. Your father and I welcome you to this overall, chaotic world."

Then Fujin took over: "My daughter, even when you are alone, remember that your ancestors and kin are always around to guide you while your mother and I will always be around for anything. All you have to do is reach out. We welcome you to this world. Now it is time for your mother to rest." He moved my hair back and then kissed my cheek. We waited a few minutes and I kept on looking at my daughter's eyes. I smiled and told Fujin, "She will be a handful."

He responded with a smile, "Reminds me of someone."

I tried so hard to not make a sound because it would hurt.

...

After cutting the umbilical cord with the obsidian knife and pushing the placenta, Fujin took care of everything else. He put on me a black loincloth and a large white hipcloth. After he lied me down on our soft bed, I handed him our newborn to be cleaned up. After, he put our daughter, wrapped in the blanket, next to me and put a light blanket over me since it was actually quite hot, even at night. I ran a thumb along the side of her mouth and she immediately turned toward my finger. I quickly removed my finger and told Fujin, "Can you hand her to me?" He picked her up and gave her a kiss before removing the blanket from her. I'm actually surprised she didn't make a sound. Then he set her on her stomach on my chest. I took over and moved her toward my breast. She immediately found my nipple and latched on. "Mm. Another hungry one," I noted.

"Well, you can't blame me."

"I'll figure out a way."

He chuckled at my response and said, "I'll be back."

Fujin's POV:

I walked out of the room and outside. Everyone that was sitting, stood up. I looked at all of them and saw that Raiden had arrived. I took in a deep breath and said with a smile, "A girl." Everyone quickly sighed in relief and were happy at the news. I saw from the corner of my eye as Sarutahiko and Kojin talked about how their deal was still active. I wanted to roll my eyes and looked down as Ehecaocelotl slowly walked toward me. I picked him up and said, "You can see your Na, now." To the rest, I said, "Excuse me. I'll be back," and walked back into my home.

On the way there, I told my son, "You have a sister." I couldn't tell if there would be any sibling rivalry, but I hope it wouldn't come to that. I love both of my children. Either way, I turned my head and looked into his dark brown eyes. "You are both precious to me. Always remember that. I am here for both of you. Now, let's see your sister." I walked into our room and it was exactly the way it was when I left. Ehecaocelotl and Teoitotia looked at each other and Ehecaocelotl wiggled to get out of my hold. I knelt by the petlatl and let him go. He crawled over and turned his body to have a better look at his sibling.

"Be gentle," Teoitotia advised. Ehecaocelotl lifted a finger and hesitated to touch his sibling. He looked up at his mother. She just smiled and grabbed his hand. She spread out his fingers and put his hand on our newborn's back. Then she manually moved his hand up and down slowly.

"Nana? Mmm?"

"Your sister. Remember when she was in here?" She pointed at her abdomen. "Now she's out here in the world with us."

Ehecaocelotl moved to lie down on his side and rested his head on her chest to see his sister. Then our newborn opened her eyes only to close them immediately. Ehecaocelotl lifted his head and pointed at her. He looked at his mother. She just smiled and said, "You have to be gentle and quiet around her."

I spoke up, "But you also have to be gentle with your Na, too. She's healing."

He turned his head to look at me and turned back to wrap his arms around Teoitotia's neck. She closed her eyes and with her other hand, she put in on his head. "I'm fine, just healing for a few days. I love you both."

To our surprise, he slowly got out and his volume tipped in the hard parts (NOTE: Highlighted by italics), "Ni-mi-tz-t-l-ah-soh-t-l-a."

Teoitotia smiled in pure happiness. "Nimitztlazohtla nohuican." (I love you too)

Ehecaocelotl sat up and turned to me. "Tata, nimi-tz-t-lah-soh-t-l-a."

I pulled him in my embrace. "Nimitztlazohtla nohuican." I caressed his head. "Nimitztlazohtla nohuican."

"Mm." I let him go and he turned around to point at his sister. "Nimi-tz-t-lah-soh-t-l-a."

Teoitotia's started to tear up and I wiped my eyes. Ehecaocelotl turned to his mother and pointed at her tears. "Nana?"

She grabbed his hand and smiled. "I'm not hurt or sad. They're happy tears." That must have confused him since he didn't respond. He rubbed his eyes with his hands and settled down next to Teoitotia. She lifted the blanket and invited him in. He eagerly snuggled in and got comfortable to then close his eyes, waiting for rest to come. Teoitotia looked down at our youngest and I asked, "Is she done?" I got a nod, so I pulled our newborn away from her mother to fix the blanket around her. Then I set her down in her previous spot. My mate and I looked into each other's eyes and I leaned in for a passionate kiss, which she returned. I pulled back and whispered, "I'll be back." I felt possessiveness in our bond and protective instincts rise to the surface, which kind of brought out that part of me too. I assumed it was going to be like last time and stood up to walk out to talk to our kin.

Teoitotia's POV:

When Fujin walked out of the room, Ehecaocelotl shifted onto his knees and rested on my side as he latched onto my other breast. I lifted an eyebrow and then remembered that it has been hours since I last fed him. I wrapped my arm around his upper back to support him. Everything was calm for a few minutes and then I felt the vibrations of footsteps. My hold on Ehecaocelotl tightened and I wrapped my other arm around my newborn in a way to now wake her. I tried to fight it, but then my eyes glowed gold and my lip twitched. Next thing I notice, I was showing my sharp canines and growling. As before, everyone talked to me via our spirits outside the room to avoid waking the children and set me off.

...

After everyone left, I glanced at Ehecaocelotl and turned to my newborn. I brushed her cheek with my fingertips and purred. "Nopiltzin, titechhualhuicaz mahuizyotl. Timitztlazohtlah." (My daughter, you will bring us honor. We love you.) I began to sing her the songs of our houses.

... ... ... ... ...

A Week and Four Days Later...

Today was the day we were going to do the naming ceremony lead by my grandmother again, whose health has actually been the same since a few weeks ago. I was slightly more relaxed but couldn't help and think of the worst. We waited for a week before determining when to do the naming ceremony because our newborn didn't cry at all until a week later after her birth. It took Fujin and I the next morning after her birth to see in our dreams about what her name will be. It actually required more interpretation than Ehecaocelotl's name. Kojin and Sarutahiko needed a clue as to what her name will be and I gave them a small clue; "That which swiftly adapts." I hope it worked...

It was just at least half an hour until sunrise and I finished dressing in my usual garments. Fujin (in his tlatoani outfit) and Ehecaocelotl (with nothing) were in the room, talking about the latest addition to our family. So far, Ehecaocelotl didn't show any jealousy and I hope it stays like that. I walked back to the room and then we prepared everything; I set our sleeping daughter in the woven basket that I had made for her before her birth. A mat was set in the middle of our living room and on top was a ceramic tub. I had filled it with water and I fed Ehecaocelotl. Just when I finished, my grandmother walked inside. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Fujin replied. I greeted her, "Ana." Fujin nudged Ehecaocelotl and he said, "A-na."

She chuckled and pinched his cheeks. "That works." Then she turned to me, "Is everything set?"

"Mhm." I turned back to start heating the water. Meanwhile, my mother and uncle came in with lots of food to set it up. As our relatives poured in, Fujin and I went to sit in our stools. Ehecaocelotl was on Fujin's lap and our newborn was between us. Fujin's siblings let the other approach us with their gifts and set them down in front of our daughter. Then came the Spirits:

Raiden was the first to come up. He knelt down and looked at his niece. Then he raised a hand with his palm up and summoned two daggers. The scabbards were beige and polished with a typical Japanese wind engraving throughout. One had the outlines of the fire and water glyphs while the other had the glyphs of earth and wind. The handles was modest; it had a red, blue, white, and black band going around it and spaced out for better grip. The rest of the handle was a beige color. He expertly took out the daggers and we saw that the blades were made of obsidian. He informed us , "Enhanced for durability."

Sarutahiko fought with Kojin and succeeded in coming up next. He held out the tantō in his hand and then removed the ribbon stabilizing the thin cloth hiding his gift and removed the covering. Just like his gift to our son, this blade was a straight tantō. The saya and sageo were black. The blade's handle was silver with gold etchings of the earth and over it was the black wrap. The tip of the handle was gold. Sarutahiko smoothly took out the blade and we saw that the gold habaki. The blade itself had the usual beautiful wave pattern. The gold bands on the tips of the handle had a coyote surrounded by wind. After we had enough time to see it, he put the blade in it's saya and covered it with the cloth again. Then, he put it in where the other gifts were.

Kojin came up last and showed us his hands. Fire appeared and immediately disappeared. He now held a wakizashi that was exactly in appearance as the tantō Sarutahiko showed us.

We bowed our heads in thanks and they left to kneel on their mats. When everyone was settled, I stood up and said, "Thank you for coming to the naming ceremony of our secondborn. Fujin and I thank you all again for the effort and time you spent on these gifts. We will begin." I nodded my head at my grandmother and she came to pick up our newborn. She was already awake and grunted while moving her limbs as she felt strange hands on her. She knew that my grandmother was family, but she still prefered being around close family. My grandmother removed the blanket and cloth that served as a diaper. She looked more full than last week. The whole house was silent as my grandmother walked to the tub and knelt down.

Then, she wet her hand and put a few drops of water into her mouth. "Daughter of Fujin and Teoitotia, receive this water, for you need it to live upon this earth." She wet her hand again and put it on our baby's chest. "Daughter of Tliltetepetl, may your heart be cleansed of any unnatural no-good that might be clinging onto you." She dipped her hand again and let a few drops of water fall onto her head. "Let the water enter your body and dwell there." Finally, she lowered her into the tub and starting bathing her. "May the no-good spirits flee from your presence due to your parentage and strength." When she finished, she dried her off and wrapped her in the blanket that my grandfather gave to her the day she was born. Her head was uncovered and her hair was all over the place. My grandmother moved my daughter in her arms to present her to the universe. "May the Lord and Lady of Duality smile upon you in favor and may your other kin guide you to maturity. I present to all of Tliltetepetl and the teotzin-" She looked over at us.

Fujin, with Ehecaocelotl, and I stood up. I looked at our daughter and said, "Pixcicoyotl." (Peesh-see-coh-yoh-tl - "Coyote that Guards")

My grandmother lowered her arms and we approached each other so she could hand me my daughter. I looked down at her face and she gave me a look as if thanking me for rescuing her. I smiled and let out a tiny chuckle before turning to Fujin. I brought our daughter before Ehecaocelotl. "Ehecaocelotl, your sister has a name now. This is Pixcicoyotl."

"Pix-si..ot..."

Fujin chuckled. "We'll work on that."

I turned back to face my relatives. One by one, they came up to look at Pixcicoyotl and say kind words. I think that they thought that my protective instincts weren't as on overdrive as when it was Ehecaocelotl's naming ceremony and they all carried her. But they were wrong, and I got highly irritated but never showed it in my face and body language. Fujin's brothers were last and my relatives went to go feast.

Sarutahiko put his arms out and I handed Pixcicoyotl to him. He brushed her hair back. "I'm glad I got it right. They don't call me 'Smoking Mirror' for nothing. Also, I have to say, 'Pixcicoyotl' is quite an unusual name, but it holds strength and cunning."

"And the ability to adapt," I added.

"Ah yes. I'll admit, it didn't take me long to figure it out. You said years ago about how coyotes are the creatures that adapt; their specialty."

Kojin spoke up, "Ohhhh. Is she going to be a warrior? She's energetic. I can tell."

"She will grow up to be whatever she wishes to be, but she will know how to fight," Fujin responded.

Sarutahiko handed Pixcicoyotl to Raiden. Kojin asked, "Can she not also contend for the position of tlatoani?"

I looked at Pixcicoyotl. "She can. They both can when the time comes. The councils will decide."

Ehecaocelotl grunted and leaned over to me, wanting me to carry him. I took him from Fujin and Ehecaocelotl wrapped his arms around my neck and buried his face in my neck. There was silence since no one knew what to talk about anymore and then Raiden said, "She will be warrior among other things." He looked at Fujin. "That is why I gave her two daggers. She will be a strong one."

I heard Sarutahiko whisper to Kojin, "Like the mother."

Kojin demanded Raiden hand Pixcicoyotl over and he obliged. Then Kojin tapped Ehecaocelotl's back. My son turned to look at his uncle and sister. Kojin asked, "How do you feel about having a sibling?"

"Niqui-t-l-ahzoh-t-l-a." (I love her.)

Kojin smiled. "New words? Fast learner." He sighed. "And no sibling rivalry yet, eh? Lucky."

Fujin said, "Agreed, but I hope it stays that way for a few more years."

Kojin handed Pixcicoyotl over to Fujin and Raiden said, "It was a pleasure to be here, but we must be going."

"Of course, thank you for coming," Fujin responded.

"We'll be back soon," Sarutahiko stated."

"Of course," I replied.

They said their goodbyes and left. Fujin walked back to put Pixcicoyotl in her basket and then Ehecaocelotl tugged my cloak and moved it off to the side to expose my breast. I didn't feed him much when he first woke up. Fujin turned back to me. "You can go eat."

I hummed in agreement and then said, "I'll take him with me; he wants to eat."

"Alright."

I moved Ehecaocelotl to my hip and moved my cloak. Then I shifted him in my arms so I cradled him and he latched on. He might even fall asleep, I thought. Fujin leaned in to kiss my cheek and I purred at him telepathically. I walked over to join my relatives and feasted with them. My uncle, Iztacoatl, approached Fujin and initiated a conversation. Today was a day for rest.

I would like to say that I'm starting to learn classical Nahuatl and will perhaps have more of the language in the following chapters. Then I will learn more of one of my great-grandfather's dialect. So, who knows? I may even change all rightful dialogue to Nahuatl only? I assume that would be a nightmare for some of you. LOL.

Thanks for reading! I appreciate any feedback!