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The first anniversary of the Awakening was near, and so was Cora’s pregnancy term. Lizzie was not quite sure how could babies appear from hugs and kisses, but she had decided to go with the flow and enjoy her new little brother or sister. And show him or her who the boss was. And maybe taste some of their baby food. Those little jars looked yummy. Nekojin were supposed to learn to eat real food faster than humans.

The living space, as large as it was, was crowded. Everybody was waiting for the delivery. Isla, Bree, Thomas, Cora’s siblings and father, Dimitri, Papa Allinder, Fay, Nottie, and Nerio. And that nice gentleman who could transform into a Dungeon and offered the town’s kids a good time, every other weekend. And the funny pirate who was the best entertainer in town.

Lizzie couldn't wait to find out if she'd had a baby brother or sister. No one knew. Cat-Folks had some strange customs, about not looking in boxes because something called Shrekinger's cat. Finally, there was some commotion coming from upstairs. Grace rushed down the stairs in a sweat, both hands grabbing the railing, her face pale as a sheet of paper, and her eyes widened.

“Don’t panic… Don’t panic…” she said to no one in particular, wobbling on her feet.

“Is the child all right?” Rowan jumped up.

“I g-guess so,” she stuttered, blocking the way to the stairs. “D-don’t go up… b-before I t-talk to you.”

“Is the child all right?” Rowan screamed, balling his fists.

“They are just fine,” Cora’s mother bellowed from upstairs. “I’m coming down to make the introductions. Remember, they have to be nicknamed.”

“They?” Rowan furrowed his brows.

The answer arrived together with his mother-in-law. Tucked in a large wicker basket were six tiny babies, wide eyes looking for the first time at the world, their cat-like ears moving to follow the sounds, and their noses wrinkling, maybe to feel around for milk.

“They’re precocious,” Captain Heclaws said. “Their eyes are already open.”

“Three boys and three girls,” Rowan’s mother-in-law said with pride.

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That was a little more than Lizzie had expected. Bossing around one little brother or sister, was OK. Ruling over six was work.

“I can act like a nursery for you,” the Warlord said. "On the weekends, of course."

“I completed my kill quota, I can stay around the house now,” Papa Allinder said.

“Well, my dear son-in-law, do you remember you asked us not ever to interfere in the education of your children, while you were trashing me around?” Engineer Heroars interjected in a calm voice. “I think it’s time you discover the pleasures of Nekojin parenthood on your own. Are those pieces of furniture antiques? You have anti-scratching insurance, I hope. Well, dear, let’s go,” he finished his sentence already in the door frame.

“Go fuck yourself,” Lady Shefrowns growled. “I’ll stay with my babies… I’m the happiest grandmother in the world! Iiii!” she clasped her hands together, her tail going straight up, a gesture much like Cora's.

Seeing how Rowan was wobbling on his feet, Lizzie had a revelation. Fun was OK, but sometimes, life had also its duties. Heroism. Like when Daddy jumped into danger to save her. And everything he had done since. It was time to repay some of that debt. She approached and took his hand.

“I’ll help,” she promised. “They are very cute, it can’t be so bad.”

There was a repressed giggle from the pirate, and she frowned at him. But Daddy was feeling better. His hand fondled hers, with revived strength. “Thank you, sweetie. What if you’d start by helping me name your little brothers and sisters before I go up to thank Cora for this amazing gift?”

“Sure,” she nodded energetically. Things were starting to look better already. “What are the rules?”

“Just look at their face and say what they inspire you. But something pretty, not like spitting and farting,” Lady Shefrowns added in a low voice.

Lizzie frowned, concentrating, hand in hand with Daddy. There were some blue and pink blankies around, and she thought those were boys and girls, but she didn’t want to assume anything. The first funny face on top was yawning, rubbing their eyes with tiny fists. Funny, or sleepy was out of the question. But what could be a nice nickname for a sleepy baby?

“This one’s a thinker,” she said.

“Good job, sweetie,” Lady Shefrowns smiled. “Hethinks is a great name.”

“And this one is the prettiest,” Lizzie gathered her courage. “Like charming.”

“Shecharms.”

“This one is assertive,” Lizzie pointed to the baby that was elbowing the others to make more room for himself. Her tone was more and more enthusiastic.

“Hefights,” Rowan said.

“A name for a good Captain,” his mother-in-law nodded.

“You wanna try, daddy?” Lizzie raised her eyes.

“You have my full confidence, sweetie. It’s like you’re reading my mind.”

How not to continue? Mommy was also smiling at them. “Hewinks, Shesmiles, Shewins,” Lizzie said, clapping. The last name was inspired by a girl who had won the pushing match with Hefights.

Rowan fondled her cheek, kneeling and searching for her eyes. “Thank you for your help. I’m proud of you.”

Lizzie felt like a bird. If she’d had feathers, she was sure they’d be all fluffy.

“Let’s return the babies to their mother,” Lady Shefrowns offered the basket to Rowan, and they went up the stairs.