Way of the Knights

Chapter 777: Birthday

Within the Sky Palace, there is a miniature lake.

The lake was clear, the waters are rich with spiritual energies and different kinds of medicinal supplements. Not only the lake can purify itself, it can also regulate its temperature thanks to the formations carved by Raven. 

Luna and Raven was currently in this lake right now not because they were taking a bath together, but because Luna was giving birth to Vanessa. 

Seeing the uncomfortable expression on his wife’s face as well as the beads of sweat rolling down he face, Raven felt a bit jittery. Nevertheless, Raven remained quiet and just wiped Luna’s sweat while holding his hand tightly. 

Unlike other women who were giving birth, Luna wasn’t screaming or yelling out strings of profanities at Raven – though that’d be funny if it happens. If anything, she just felt uncomfortable that’s all, giving birth wasn’t something outrageously painful like she was expecting. 

Additionally, Vanessa was behaving nicely. She was making it easier for Luna to give birth to her. 

“You can do this, Luna. Just one more push.” Raven whispered gently on her ears, encouraging his wife. 

Luna heaved deep breaths and with one final push. Vanessa was out!!

“Hihi! I’m born! Hihihi!”

The giggles of their newborn child echoed within the lake. Raven’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he saw Vanessa diving down the lake only to re-surface later, flying in the air much to his relief. 

“Come here, Sweetheart. Let us see you.” Raven chuckled and beckoned for Vanessa. 

The giggling infant flew down and dove to Luna’s embrace. Her slightly exhausted mother shook her head, laughing softly as she wrapped Vanessa with a cloth that she stitched personally. 

“Welcome to the world, Vanessa.” Luna greeted the child, planting a kiss on her little head with Raven following suit. 

“Hihihi…Mama, Papa! I love you!”

“We love you too, sweetie.” Raven chuckled as he gently tickled Vanessa on Luna’s arms. He then turned to his wife and said: “Let’s clean you up so that we can rest.” 

Luna didn’t refuse his offer. She allowed Raven to clean her up while she breastfed Vanessa for the first time. 

Seeing her child giggling as she enjoyed her first meal, Luna’s heart was leaping in joy. 

It was all worth it. Everything was worth it. 

Coming up to terms that she’s now a mother feels…a little weird for her still, but she didn’t mind it. Not at all. This inexplicable feeling of joy and satisfaction left her speechless. She can only stare at her child as she now became the center of her world. 

Raven felt this too…

Looking at the little baby girl on his wife’s bosom…Raven was ready to sacrifice the world for her. He can already tell that he’d be spoiling this little girl rotten in the future but he didn’t mind. Pampering his Little Princess is a father’s joy is it not? 

After Raven’s done cleaning Luna up, he wrapped her up in a new set of robes, carrying her and their child towards the bedroom. Neither Luna nor Raven were looking at where they were going since their eyes were stuck looking at the still giggling ball of sunshine that is Vanessa. 

Vanessa has a patch of jet black hair on her head which will probably change once she grows up. She inherited Luna’s golden colored eyes as well as most of her facial features. What she inherited from Raven was most likely his natural curiosity towards things. 

Luna giggled and said: “I can feel the commotions outside. Are they still trying to butter up to her?”

“Probably.” Raven snorted, “As if I’d let their grimy little paws touch her.” 

What they’re referring to was the commotion that occurred during Vanessa’s birth. Vanessa’s birth triggered a Heavenly Phenomenon to occur on the skies. All sorts of mythical creatures and blessings were alarmed and hurriedly came here to pay respects only to be ruthlessly blocked by Raven.

Just a stare from him caused them to behave like guilty dogs. Even though they wanted to extend an olive branch to Vanessa, without Raven or Luna’s permission, they can’t do it. These existences knew that if they pushed their luck, they’ll be obliterated in a heartbeat. 

They would know since they witnessed it happen just a few seconds ago. 

Vanessa’s parents appreciated their offers, in fact they thanked them for their enthusiasm from the bottom of their hearts however, there is truly no need for this. 

They already have something for Vanessa which won’t be inferior to their blessings. In fact, it might even surpass what they offer to the child combined. The reason why Raven blocked them is out of selfishness. 

How can he allow these things to rob him and Luna their chance to become the ‘first people who gave gifts to Vanessa’? Of course, him and Luna should be first ones! Not them! 

Raven brought Luna and their newborn child to the bedroom to rest. At this point, Vanessa already had her fill and is now looking all around her, staring at everything with a pair of adventurous and curious eyes. 

Vanessa held on to the cloth that’s wrapped around her as she hopped from Luna to Raven and vice versa. She spent majority of her time inspecting their faces while giggling non stop. 

Just from the fact that she can employ the wind’s held in order to make her float around, it was clear that Vanessa wasn’t any regular child. Raven had already inspected her physique once he touched her. 

He discovered that Vanessa was recognized as the ‘Nature’s Child’. Meaning that she has an inborn affinity towards all sorts of elements. She can exert a certain amount of control over them and it only become even more obvious when she started riding clouds. 

“Wheee~!” Vanessa giggled as she drove around the room while being carried by a small cloud. 

Raven and Luna watched her in amusement, content to see her play around like this. For a newborn child, Vanessa has way too much energy so they figured that it should fine to let her exhaust herself like this. 

After watching her play around the bedroom, Vanessa yawned and jumped back to her parents’ embrace. 

“Papa! Stories, please!” Vanessa looked up to Raven in anticipation. 

Seeing that pair of adorable eyes and a puffy cheeks, Raven couldn’t bring himself to refuse her as he nodded and adjusted their positions. 

As Raven told her a story, Vanessa yawned even more frequently until the lull of sleep finally caught up to her. She was nuzzled in between Luna and Raven who watched her gently as she slept. 

Once again, the surreal feeling of being parents surged to their hearts. It was strange how much they were charmed by Vanessa. It’s also crazy how they can literally feel how they could sacrifice anything for her sake. 

So long as she’s safe, everything else can go to hell. It sounds like an exaggeration but it’s what they truly feel as of the moment. 

“Is this what being a parent is like?” Luna softly whispered as she rested her head on Raven’s chest. “I wish we have done this sooner.” 

“I know.” Raven replied, nodding softly as he gently stroked Luna’s hair. “Sorry, I got too caught up with my work.” 

“What’s done is done.” Luna murmured, clearly the exhaustion of giving birth was catching up to her already. “I’m just happy now. The only wish I have is for us to succeed in our plans. That way we can watch over her and live peacefully.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Raven looked at her and said: “I promised you didn’t I. Nobody will lay a hand on what we have so long as I’m here. I’ll protect you both.” 

The promise all those years ago before they ascended. The promise that Raven will create a world where their peace will never be disturbed or threatened.

Currently, even with the immense power he holds, this promise is still unattainable, but Raven was so close. Very close to succeeding. He just needed more time and accumulation, then he’ll be able to fulfil his promise. 

“I know you will.” Luna looked up and planted a kiss on Raven’s lips. 

With Raven’s arms wrapped around Luna and Vanessa, the two of them felt unprecedented security. It’s always been like this with Raven. His mere presence can assure someone that everything will be fine. If the mountains were destroyed, he’ll rebuild it. If the seas were overturned, he will calm it. If the sky falls, he prop it up. If hell arrived on earth, he send it back to where it belongs. If the invaders came to threaten the peace they have, he’ll slaughter his way to their home and destroy them thoroughly. 

Raven never faltered and never compromised when it comes to his ideals, which is why those who came close to him greatly appreciated his company. 

Now, with Vanessa’s appearance in this world, Raven became even more determined to make sure his family was safe. From the very beginning of his journey, his goal – why he tread the dangerous path of Knighthood, never never changed…

‘To become strong enough to protect everything he held dear.’