The truck door slammed open, and Little A stumbled forward with his usual clumsy enthusiasm, ready to greet the new arrival. But his cheerful chatter died in his throat as he looked down. The "pure female" wasn't an adult hybrid; it was a tiny, wide-eyed baby swaddled in a blanket. The stern guide shoved the bundle into his arms before driving off, leaving Little A staring in stunned silence. "They sent us a baby?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

The commotion drew the others, and the truth dawned on them all at once. Aiden, who had just jogged over, ran a hand through his hair in shock, murmuring, "I think I just became a dad." Milton, the cow hybrid, lumbered close, his gentle eyes softening. "They're so tiny," he rumbled, a low, soothing hum already starting in his chest as a dark patch of milk spread across his shirt.

From the coop, Kendrick the hen hybrid strutted over, his feathers puffing up in agitation. "Oh, fantastic. A baby,"he clucked, his former ER nurse instincts warring with his exasperation. "Now everyone will look at me! Support its head, Little A!" Yet, for all his complaining, he was already moving closer to inspect the infant, his professional drive to protect instantly overriding his annoyance.

In a moment, the farm's new reality settled over them. Fluffy the mute guard dog lay down at Little A's feet, a silent vow of protection. Looking from Aiden's resolve to Milton's nurturing hum to Kendrick's flustered care, Little A held the baby closer. A rare, clear certainty filled him. This was their life now, and they would protect this little one, no matter what.