The night was heavy with silence, broken only by faint sounds from behind closed doors. Gyomei sat just outside, his prayer beads clutched so tightly that his hands trembled.

He had faced countless dangers—battles that would break the strongest of men—but never had he felt such helplessness.

“Lord above…” he whispered, voice cracking through quiet sobs, “grant her strength. Keep them safe. If hardship must come, let it fall upon me instead.”

He bowed his head, every moment stretching endlessly until, at last, a single new sound filled the air—soft, bright, and full of life.

The breath caught in his chest.

“Gyomei-sama!” called the midwife. “It’s time.”

He rose and hurried inside, his immense frame filling the doorway. That small voice came again, and his heart trembled—it was his child.

But before anything else, his gaze found her.

She lay resting on the futon, hair damp, her face pale from exhaustion yet radiant with peace. Relief washed over him like sunlight breaking the clouds.

Gyomei fell to his knees beside her. “You endured so much…” His tears flowed freely as he reached to gently touch her hand. “You are incredible… I was so afraid, and still you held on.”

When the midwife placed the tiny bundle into his arms, he felt the weight of the world turn light. The baby was warm and small, his cries soft and full of strength.

“You are strong already,” Gyomei whispered, his voice full of awe. “Strong like your mother.”

He turned toward her again, emotion brimming in his voice. He leaned close, resting his forehead to hers.

“You gave him life. You are the reason he breathes. I am proud beyond words.”

The baby’s cries softened, soothed by the steady rhythm of Gyomei’s heartbeat. He sat there holding them both—his world gathered in his arms.

That night, he refused to rest. His wife leaned against him, their child sleeping soundly on his chest. Every few moments, he murmured quiet prayers of thanks, his thumb tracing slow circles against her hand.

When she stirred faintly, he whispered, “Rest easy. I am here. Always.”

His voice carried both strength and tenderness. “You have given all that is needed. Our family is whole.”

The baby shifted, clutching a bit of his robe, and Gyomei’s tears returned, gentle and full of gratitude.

Outside, dawn crept softly across the horizon. Inside, time stood still—a family held close by love and devotion.

“We are a family now,” he murmured into the stillness. “And for as long as I live, I will protect you both—with everything I am.”