When Nate's father and stepmother arrived on Heiya Island, Nate wasn't there to greet them. He was off collecting the Peaches of Immortality. Well, actually, he had gone to the Thousand Year Peach Tree to collect some ripe peaches. It was mostly for agricultural purposes. Nate was wanting to find out if such an ancient tree's fruits were still fertile. Of course, it would take years for a sapling to grow big enough to bear fruit, but trees have nothing but time.
It was fortunate that Nate was able to return home when he did. His family hadn't been kept waiting long when he was back. But then a new family member decided to make their big entrance. Shuixing felt her first contraction and knew that it was time. Thankfully, the trip to Heiya Island's hospital was rather short and she was taken into the birthing room as soon as possible.
Nate was pretty anxious at first. He knew cows can have difficult births. He was lucky his half-brother was an easy delivery. But he had no idea how different it would be for a water buffalo. Would Shuixing or their child be alright?
Fortunately, some comfort came when Tsuku came by. "Shuixing is one of the healthiest women I know. If anyone can make it through, it would be her," he told Nate.
"I know, it's just our first child," said Nate.
"I know, I was just like this when Manami had our pups," said Tsuku.
But not long after that, Nate got word from the doctor that he could see his wife. Going into her room, he saw a tired-looking Shuixing holding a small calf. "It's a girl," said Shuixing.
"Well, Aunt Meryl will be pleased," said Nate, "She's been saying there are too many boys in the family right now."
"And Blueberry's sisters don't count?" asked Shuixing dryly.
Nate shrugged and said, "So, how are we going to name her? You want to give her a Chinese name?"
"It doesn't have to be her first name," said Shuixing, "She can have it as her middle name."
It took a bit of discussing between the two of them, but eventually, they were able to present Maya Quin Yuan Bowman to her grandfather. "She takes a lot after her mother," said Ulysses, holding his newborn granddaughter. It was a little odd that his second son was only about a year older than her. But the Animalian virus had a way of bringing generations closer together in more ways than one.
"I'm sure we'll see some of her father in time," said Blueberry.
Shuixing was still tired from the ordeal, but she was brimming with pride and love. Years ago, she'd never thought she'd find true love and have a family of her own. Now she was in a bigger family than she could have imagined. The only way she could feel more blessed right now was if one of her sisters finally decided to propose to their boyfriends.