On a distant planet in an unnamed galaxy, a massive portal swung open, unleashing huge waves of energy that distorted the reality around it.

From that portal emerged a tall, horned figure with skin as dark as coal and wounds that testified to fierce battles fought in some past time. It fell at great speed, almost like a meteor descending upon that world.

Its impact caused an explosion that formed a crater several meters in diameter, enveloping its form in dust and earth, hiding its features from plain sight.

The figure lay unconscious on the ground for a long time until it finally awoke, confused by what had happened. It examined its body, riddled with wounds, some so deep that they exposed bones, and noticed with curiosity a type of knife lodged in its neck.

Upon inspecting it cautiously, it was alarmed to recognize the material it was made of.

"Where did that bastard get pure Ethyminium?" it wondered.

It felt a strange sensation in its body and, upon examining it closely, discovered that it was gradually beginning to fade. It knelt down and, like a wild animal, began to tear its own flesh with its hands.

Although its skin was resilient, its strength was greater, and soon enough, it exposed its entrails. It struck the ground with both hands, forming another crater large enough to contain it.

With its organs exposed, it extracted them one by one, starting with the heart, followed by the lungs and pancreas.

The knife's effect was nearly complete, half of its body had disappeared, but one last task remained: to infuse its essence into the pile of organs placed in the crater.

It placed its hands around the edge, observing the organs before opening its mouth and releasing a red cloud that dispersed through the crater and its surroundings.

The knife's effect was almost finished, only its neck and head remained. With one last scream, it cursed the universe, a lament that echoed through the cosmos and vanished from existence.

Now all that remained was the bizarre combination of organs in the crater alongside the red cloud that the creature had released, but as if orchestrated by some twisted mind, they began to merge in twisted ways.

The wet sound of the organs moving created a bizarre symphony in combination with the surroundings, forming a mass that gradually took on a specific shape: a humanoid figure.

This figure adopted the appearance of a baby, with skin as dark as the previous figure, eyes as red as rubies, and prominent horns. It cried and kicked like any common baby.

In the distance, a soft melody resonated, a voice sweet as honey accompanied by a muscular man pulling a cart loaded with many things. Both appeared humanoid, almost human, but distinguished by a pale skin tone and more subtle horns, depending on the gender.

The woman continued singing a song that evoked images of their world:

♫ The green valleys of Aldheran are so beautiful that, seen from afar, one might believe they're in heaven itself. Its people are lovely, and its children adorable, but most importantly, it is the best place to start a family. ♫

"Wow, I wonder why you're so happy today," said the man.

"Today marks thirty years of marriage, we've already collected fruits and vegetables for my special broth. How could I not be happy?" the woman responded energetically.

The woman turned upon hearing a peculiar sound, the cry of a baby. She looked towards the origin of the sound and spoke to her husband:

"I think we should go over there," she pointed towards the crater.

"Why? It could be bandits or some trap. Besides, look at that crater over there, that wasn't there before," the man questioned.

"Are you scared? Where is my old champion? I thought you were never afraid," she teased.

"Well, we'll see your face when I tell you I warned you," he said as he began walking towards the crater.

The woman followed the man slowly, protecting herself just in case. The crater was surrounded by a dense forest, offering additional cover against potential threats.

"I hear the cries closer," said the woman.

"Me too," replied the man.

The couple found themselves around the crater, looking inside. They found a large trail of blood and signs of massive destruction, but what interested them most was the small crater formed by that figure.

"That's where the cries are coming from," the woman pointed towards the small crater.

"Stay here, I'll see what it is," said the man.

"Be careful, love," said the woman, watching as her husband descended into the crater.

The husband reached the bottom of the crater, inspecting his surroundings for dangers. He slowly approached the small crater and looked around.

"I don't hear the crying anymore," he murmured to himself.

Slowly, he approached until he saw what lay inside the crater: a very peculiar baby. Its skin was a deep black, its eyes red like embers, and most surprisingly, it had horns as large as an adult's despite being a newborn.

The man looked back and signaled to his wife to join him. She obeyed, walking to his side and being surprised to see the baby.

"A baby!" she exclaimed with joy, taking the child in her arms.

"Wait," the husband intervened with concern.

"What is it? Why are you so worried?" she asked.

"Don't you see? It's so different from us. It's not that I'm questioning its origin, but doesn't it seem strange to find it in a small crater within a much larger one?" he inquired.

"So what? It's just an abandoned baby. We don't know what happened for it to get here. Besides, look at its beautiful eyes," she replied, bringing the baby closer to her husband's eyes.

The man stared into the baby's eyes, feeling a wave of concern and fear that almost triggered anxiety. He quickly looked away.

"Please, don't show it to me anymore," he pleaded.

"Okay, I'm sorry," the woman apologized.

She began to rock the baby as if it were her own, until the little one fell asleep in her arms.

"We should take it home," she suggested.

"Are you crazy? The elders would punish us for bringing that... that thing to the village," he protested.

"It's not a thing, it's a child that needs care. Besides, we've been together for over thirty years and still have no children. Even Kranitan has more than twenty children, and we have none?" the woman said with sadness in her voice.

The man noticed the subdued tone in his wife's voice and struggled in his mind with the multiple decisions before him. Finally, he made the best decision for that moment.

"Alright, we'll take it, but you have to hide it very well," he said.

"Yes!" exclaimed his wife with joy, jumping up and down.

The man walked towards one side of the crater, with his wife following behind him along with the baby, skipping slightly due to the decision he had made. They stopped at what seemed to be the end of the crater, a wall rising several meters high, blocking the way up.

“What do we do now?” asked the wife, worried.

“Hold on tightly to the baby,” the man replied.

“Why?” she asked again.

“I’m going to throw you up.”

“Wait…”

Her protest was cut short as she felt her husband’s large hand on her back. With great care, he tossed her up to the edge of the crater, causing her to land on her rear and cushion the fall.

“That hurt!” she exclaimed angrily.

The woman walked to the edge of the crater and looked down at him.

“How do you plan to get up now?” she questioned, concerned.

“You’ll see,” the man said.

Her husband placed his hands on the crater wall, gripping the hard rock and beginning to climb as if it were the easiest thing in the world. The wall cracked as he climbed until he reached where his wife was.

“See? That easy,” the man said sarcastically.

“Like the old days,” the woman added.

The baby seemed to have woken up, squirming frantically as if trying to escape, but the woman held it firmly.

“What’s wrong with him?” the man asked, worried.

“I don’t know, maybe it’s the heat,” his wife responded, uncertain.

The baby opened its eyes, showing a vibrant red color, then opened its mouth and let out a macabre wail that echoed loudly everywhere.

“By Azhamat, what is that sound?” the wife asked, covering her ears with her hands.

“Make it stop!” the husband exclaimed, also covering his ears.

The woman placed her hand over the baby’s mouth, and it grabbed her thumb, put it in its mouth, and began sucking on it, calming down and falling asleep again.

“I think he’s hungry,” the woman said.

“Yes, hungry for souls,” the husband added sarcastically.

A roar in the distance left them paralyzed, like statues, waiting to discern whether it was a coincidence or if something truly dangerous was approaching.

“Is that the roar of a Mhonktan?” the woman asked, her voice filled with fear.

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“It seems so,” the husband replied.

The roar sounded closer, indicating the creature was heading their way. The ground trembled, and trees fell in its path.

“Run, go to the carriage as fast as you can!” ordered the man.

“But what about you?” the woman asked, worried.

“I wasn’t the former Shamonak champion for nothing. I’ll be fine. What concerns me are you and the baby,” he replied.

“Alright,” the woman said, seeing the creature making its way through the forest, and ran towards the carriage.

The man crouched, waiting for the creature that advanced like a force of nature. Finally, he saw the beast’s eyes among the bushes.

They were golden and bright, easily distinguishable among the foliage. The creature emerged from the bushes, imposing.

It was gigantic, five meters tall and three wide. Its legs were as robust as tree trunks, and its back looked like a mountain. Its white fur contrasted with its large horns and its six golden eyes.

“Well, it seems I’ve hit the jackpot. It’s an ancient one,” the man murmured to himself, standing up.

The beast moved towards him, and he did the same. Both moved in circles, studying each other in a game of advantage and weakness until they stopped and charged at each other.

Meanwhile, the woman was at the carriage, rocking the baby and waiting for her husband’s return. She heard the crashing of falling trees and roars of pain.

“By Azhamat, will he be alright? I don’t doubt him, but it’s a Mhonktan. Those beasts can destroy an entire mountain,” she murmured to herself.

The sounds of battle ceased, giving way to a tense silence. Heavy footsteps approached her. She hurried to the carriage, placing the baby in a basket and drawing a large sword with a fearsome edge.

The footsteps grew closer, and the forest seemed to rumble with each movement. Suddenly, her husband appeared, carrying the Mhonktan’s corpse on his back.

“How about a big Mhonktan steak for tonight, dear?” the husband asked, with a triumphant smile.

“I knew you could handle that creature,” the woman said, running towards him.

She hugged him tightly, and he groaned in pain, dropping the corpse.

“What happened to you?” the woman asked, concerned.

“That beast managed to claw me in the chest,” he replied, showing his wound.

“Oh no, we need to get to the village quickly to treat your wounds,” the woman said, showing even more concern.

“It’s alright, just let me load the Mhonktan onto the carriage,” the man said, bending down to lift the beast’s corpse.

The husband mounted the beast on the carriage and heard the baby start crying again, although this time it was a soft, normal cry.

“I almost forgot it was here,” the wife lamented, taking the baby out of the basket and holding it in her arms.

The man grabbed the carriage with his powerful hands and began to drag it easily along the ground, making it seem effortless despite carrying the weight of the gigantic creature and his wife inside.

“Don’t overexert yourself, dear. Remember, you’re injured,” the woman warned as she rocked the baby.

“Don’t worry, it’s only seven kilometers to go,” the man replied.

The husband advanced slowly but steadily, spotting a settlement with several houses and structures in the distance.

“Look, we’re almost there,” his wife pointed out.

“I see it,” her husband confirmed.

They reached the settlement, which was sizable and surrounded by a large wall of stone and wood. The only entrance was guarded by armed guards.

The man dragged the carriage towards the guards, who approached to examine it.

“Well, it seems you faced some creature, didn’t you, Tawnylon?” one of the guards asked, recalling his name.

“Yes, just look at the carriage, Zyten,” Tawnylon replied, pointing with his thumb at the vehicle.

Zyten approached the carriage, observing Tawnylon's wife sitting in the vehicle, holding something covered in blankets in her arms.

"Hello, Aolani. What do you have in your arms?" Zyten asked curiously.

"It's just a wounded nanthon we found on the way," Aolani replied.

"I see," Zyten said, circling the carriage.

At the back of the vehicle, Zyten found the dead Mhonktan. His eyes met those of the guard, and although the animal was lifeless, he felt as if it were staring deeply at him.

"It seems it was true. Let them pass," Zyten said, signaling to the other guards.

"Thank you very much, Zyten," Tawnylon thanked.

Tawnylon grabbed the carriage and dragged it into the town, while Aolani held the baby firmly to hide it from view.

Inside the town, everything seemed different. People walked around calmly, and there was a prosperous and peaceful atmosphere. The houses were built with robust materials like wood and stone, providing resistance to possible natural threats.

Other people greeted Tawnylon and Aolani kindly, who responded politely until they spotted their beloved home in the distance.

"Look at it, it's been days since we've seen our home," Aolani commented nostalgically.

"Yes, I can't wait to lie down in bed and sleep deeply," Tawnylon added.

The couple arrived home, and Tawnylon parked the carriage in the back. Aolani began taking out the small items from the vehicle while Tawnylon handled the heavier ones.

"Take this inside," Tawnylon instructed, handing a bag to Aolani.

Aolani took the bag and entered the house, while Tawnylon took out the Mhonktan's corpse and dragged it to a small cabin behind the house. He left the body in front of the door and returned with a large axe.

"With this, we'll have enough to eat for several months," Tawnylon said enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Aolani was sitting in a rocking chair with the baby in her arms, looking out the window.

"I wonder where you came from," Aolani murmured to the baby, as if expecting an answer.

The baby raised its hands and made small joyful sounds, like any normal baby, despite its peculiar appearance.

The back door was heard opening, and Aolani looked in that direction, seeing her husband, covered in blood from head to toe, carrying a large bag on his back.

"Prepare the asbhentum rocks, we have enough meat to last six months," Tawnylon said.

“Right away,” Aolani replied, placing the baby in a safe and comfortable spot.

Tawnylon headed toward a well in the center of the house, took the bag, and began pouring the meat into it. Once finished, he sat at the main table of the house.

Meanwhile, Aolani brought a bucket emitting a cold smoke and approached the well, pouring its contents. The bucket contained stones with a blue luminous glow that, upon contact with the meat, caused a reaction that froze everything around them, creating an effective preservation and cooling system.

“Bring me some water, love,” Tawnylon ordered.

Aolani obeyed and went to a large bucket in what seemed to be a rustic kitchen. She took a ladle made of an unknown material and dipped it into the bucket, pouring its contents into a wooden jug.

“Here you go, dear,” Aolani said, handing him the jug.

Tawnylon took the jug and drank it in one gulp, then placed it on the table with a loud burp.

“Water tastes so good after several days without drinking it,” he exclaimed joyfully.

Aolani smiled at him, but her eyes focused on the wound he had.

“Take off your clothes; I have to treat that wound as soon as possible,” Aolani said worriedly.

“It will heal on its own, don’t worry about it,” Tawnylon protested.

“Come on, surely that creature had dirty claws full of bacteria. Don’t be stubborn, let me treat it,” Aolani refuted with an annoyed tone.

“All right, whatever the lady says,” Tawnylon responded sarcastically, taking off his clothes.

Tawnylon was left in only his pants, revealing several scars and tattoos suggesting a mysterious past.

“Do your thing, dear,” Tawnylon said, looking her in the eyes.

Aolani rolled up her sleeves and flexed her fingers. A phosphorescent blue light began to emanate from them, almost blinding.

“Don’t strain yourself too much; you don’t have the same power as before,” Tawnylon warned, concerned for his wife.

“Do you doubt the best healer on this planet?” Aolani asked challengingly, her voice strained.

The light covered Tawnylon’s wound like a celestial mantle, and it began to heal on its own, although it was evident that it was costing Aolani a great effort.

“Just a little more,” she said, her voice weary.

Tawnylon watched with shining eyes as his wife used everything at her disposal to heal him until he noticed her skin reddening. Worried about her, he took her hands.

“That’s enough, you’re straining yourself too much,” he said, concerned.

“Sorry, I just wanted you to heal quickly,” she responded, panting.

“Better go upstairs to rest; I’ll take care of the baby and the other things,” Tawnylon ordered.

“All right, take care of him,” Aolani said, getting up from her seat and heading upstairs.

A door was heard opening and closing at the same time, confirming to Tawnylon that his wife was in the room resting. He sighed deeply and looked at the ceiling before getting up and heading to the kitchen in search of something.

“Well, let’s see if I have some yamanto milk,” he said.

The baby began to cry again, but Tawnylon listened to it gently and normally, hurrying to find the precious liquid. He found it on a shelf, bottled in a small rubber jar.

“Here it is, calm down, I’m coming,” Tawnylon said, trying to soothe the baby.

He walked toward the baby while shaking the milk jar, took it gently, and began to rock it as Aolani did. He uncapped the jar and tried to give it to the baby, but the baby struggled not to take it.

“Why doesn’t it want milk? Zyten does it like this with his babies,” he wondered aloud.

The baby continued struggling not to take the liquid until it grabbed it forcefully and threw it to the side.

“Hey! That milk was very special,” Tawnylon exclaimed, a bit annoyed.

Hearing the tone of Tawnylon’s voice, the baby began to cry frantically, writhing wildly.

“All right, all right, let’s get you something else to eat,” Tawnylon said, trying to calm it.

He headed to the kitchen and searched another shelf with a variety of food, from crops to meat.

“Do you want this?” he asked, showing what seemed to be a vegetable with several leaves and a purple center.

The baby continued to squirm, showing displeasure at the sight of the vegetable. Desperate, Tawnylon grabbed a piece of raw meat and showed it to him.

“This? Is this what you want?” he asked.

The baby’s red eyes lit up widely, and with a quick movement, he grabbed the piece of meat and began to chew it ferociously, as if he hadn’t eaten in months.

“Wait, that meat is raw; you can’t eat it like that,” Tawnylon said, trying to take the meat away from the baby.

But the baby devoured the meat without leaving a trace, then closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep, while Tawnylon watched in disbelief.

Without saying a word, Tawnylon climbed the stairs to the upper floor of their house and reached the master bedroom, where Aolani was resting.

“Hello, love,” Aolani whispered, lying in bed and watching Tawnylon with the baby in his arms.

“Hello,” Tawnylon replied, in a tired tone.

He placed the baby on the bed next to Aolani, who snuggled him while Tawnylon began to undress completely.

“I think I’ll take a shower; this blood is starting to smell bad,” Tawnylon said, looking at his body.

“I heated some water for you; I knew you would want to shower,” Aolani said tenderly.

“You always know what I want, darling,” Tawnylon responded.

Tawnylon went to the bathroom and found a large tub filled with hot water, with pieces of flowers and plants around it, emitting a captivating and refreshing aroma.

“Chamanth flowers, we must have picked them up along the way,” he thought.

He inhaled the scent of the bath before sinking into the tub, enjoying the simple pleasure of a bath. He closed his eyes and spread his arms on the edges of the tub.

“I deserved this,” he said to himself.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching from the bedroom to the bathroom. He opened his eyes and saw his wife, completely naked and covered only with a towel.

“Is there room for one more?” she asked, looking at him intently.

“There always is,” he said.

Aolani dropped her towel, revealing her body in its full splendor. Tawnylon was surprised and pulled his legs up to make room for his wife. Aolani entered the tub and sat facing Tawnylon.

“The water feels wonderful,” Tawnylon said.

“Yes, I added those special herbs we were given along the way,” his wife replied.

“I knew it was a good idea to help that small village get water again.”

“Their faces of happiness when you destroyed that giant rock blocking the river were incomparable,” Aolani commented, stroking Tawnylon’s cheek.

The two gazed at each other for a moment, exchanging thoughts and feelings, until Aolani decided to take a bold move and positioned herself behind Tawnylon, letting herself rest on his chest.

“You know, I appreciate you agreeing to adopt that baby,” Aolani said, looking up at his chin.

“I still can’t process it. It’s our first time with a baby, and we know almost nothing about how to care for one,” Tawnylon replied, visible concern on his face.

“Don’t worry; we could talk to Maharta about how to take care of him. If I remember correctly, she had more than thirty babies when she was young,” Aolani said with a tone of excitement.

“Yes, but we have to be subtle so they don’t suspect us,” Tawnylon added.

“Speaking of which, we haven’t named him. Do you have any suggestions?” Aolani asked.

Several names, important and popular among the people of his planet, passed through Tawnylon’s mind. However, there was one that stood out, resonating peculiarly in his mind, until it came from his lips:

“Thamuz.”