Crimson Bonds

Chapter 50: A Child of Power

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow through the curtains, as Babe sat beside the crib, gazing down at the small figure nestled within. Their child, still so small yet so undeniably powerful, slept peacefully, unaware of the storm brewing in the supernatural world.

Babe reached out, brushing a lock of hair away from the baby's forehead. A mix of emotions tugged at his heart-protectiveness, fear, love, and uncertainty all swirling together. The child's power had only just started to manifest, but already Babe could sense its magnitude, and that terrified him more than anything. The weight of the prophecy hung over them, and though they had managed to keep Pudding safe so far, he knew it was only a matter of time before the world came knocking.

Behind him, Billy moved quietly, his presence grounding Babe in the moment. They had both been through so much-survived battles, betrayals, and now faced the responsibility of not just protecting the world, but raising a child who could very well decide its fate.

"Can't sleep?" Billy's voice was soft as he came to sit beside Babe, his hand finding Babe's and squeezing gently.

Babe shook his head, his gaze still fixed on their child. "I just... I don't know what to do sometimes," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to protect Pudding from everything, but I don't even understand what's happening with their powers. It's overwhelming."

Billy's eyes softened as he looked between Babe and their child. "We're figuring it out together," he said quietly. "We've always faced things as a team, and this isn't any different."

Babe exhaled slowly, his tension easing just a little at Billy's words. He leaned into Billy's warmth, resting his head against his shoulder. "I just worry," he murmured. "What if they're right? What if Pudding really is the key to everything? What if we can't control it?"

Billy pressed a kiss to the top of Babe's head, his lips lingering there for a moment. "We'll handle it, whatever comes. You've faced your own powers before, and now we'll do the same for Pudding. They're part of us, and I trust you more than anyone to protect them."

Babe's heart swelled at Billy's words. He knew Billy was right-they had always been stronger together, and now, with their child between them, they were unstoppable.

As if sensing their parents' emotions, the baby stirred in the crib, letting out a soft, barely audible coo. Babe smiled and reached down to gently lift them into his arms, cradling the baby against his chest.

Billy chuckled softly. "Looks like someone wants in on the conversation."

Babe smiled down at their child, his heart full of warmth. "Hey, Pudding," he whispered softly, rocking them gently. "I hope you know how loved you are."

The baby blinked up at him, their wide eyes reflecting the soft light filtering through the room. For a moment, everything felt calm and perfect.

But then, without warning, a wave of energy pulsed through the room-subtle, yet unmistakably powerful. Babe froze, his breath catching in his throat as he felt the magic surge around them. The baby's eyes glowed faintly, the same shimmer of power that Babe had seen in his own reflection too many times to count.

Billy noticed it too, his body tensing as he moved closer. "Did you-?"

"Yeah," Babe breathed, his voice tight. "I felt it."

The air crackled with energy, the magic thick and tangible. The baby's powers, though still unrefined, had made themselves known, and with that first display, Babe knew the world wouldn't stay quiet for long. There would be no denying their child's potential now-not to the Council, not to their allies, and certainly not to the Leviathans.

The child squirmed in Babe's arms, seemingly unaware of the impact they had just caused. Babe swallowed hard, his protective instincts kicking in once more. Pudding had barely even begun to grasp their abilities, but it was clear that whatever powers they possessed were tied not just to their own bloodline, but to something much greater.

"What do we do?" Babe asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Billy's hand found his again, squeezing firmly. "We stay close, protect Pudding with everything we have. We can't let anyone manipulate them, not the Council, not the factions, and definitely not the Leviathans."

Babe nodded, his resolve hardening. They would fight for their child, no matter what it took.

Just then, the baby let out a tiny hiccup, startling both Babe and Billy out of their serious thoughts. They exchanged a look, and Billy couldn't help but chuckle.

"I think Pudding just tried to cast their first spell," Billy teased, his usual playful smile returning. "Maybe we should start calling them Little Mumu or Tiny Tofu. Seems like they're already following in our footsteps."

Babe snorted, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of it all. "Little Mumu?" he repeated with a grin. "I don't think we need to pass down our nicknames that quickly."

Billy shrugged, his smile widening. "Hey, it's a family tradition now."

Despite the tension of the moment, Babe couldn't help but laugh, the sound filling the room with a much-needed lightness. He rocked Pudding gently, the playful banter between him and Billy easing some of the weight that had been building in his chest.

"You're ridiculous," Babe muttered, though the affection in his voice was unmistakable.

"And you love me for it," Billy shot back with a wink.

Babe leaned in, kissing Billy softly, the warmth between them rekindling in that quiet, intimate moment. "I do," he whispered. "Always."

For a while, they sat together, their little family huddled close. Despite the world outside growing more dangerous by the day, despite the power now coursing through their child, there was comfort in this-this moment of peace between the three of them.

But even as they shared this quiet reprieve, the world around them continued to shift. The Leviathans' influence grew stronger, and with Pudding's powers now manifesting, there would be no going back. The supernatural world was on edge, and soon, everyone would know just how powerful their child truly was.

Still, in this moment, as Pudding cooed softly in their arms, Babe and Billy found solace in their love, in their shared strength, and in the knowledge that whatever came next, they would face it together.

For now, that was enough.