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The sun set over the Boiling Isles, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape.
Hunter and Willow's cozy cabin near the forest where they carve palisman stood tall, now refurbished and brimming with life.
As for Hunter and Willow themselves, who were happily married for several years, they had carved out a peaceful life together. Hunter, once the Golden Guard, now spent his days tending to his garden and working as a a professional palisman carver, giving so many witches and demons (and maybe even humans) some very helpful friends. Willow, always the passionate and dedicated plant witch, had become a renowned botanist, her research changing the way people interacted with the flora of the Isles.
One evening, Willow found herself sitting in their cozy living room, her mind preoccupied. She absentmindedly rubbed her belly, a small, excited smile playing on her lips. She had news, big news, and she wasn't sure how Hunter would react.
As if on cue, Hunter entered the room, wiping dirt from his hands and smiling brightly at her.
"Hey, Willow," he said, planting a kiss on her forehead, making his wife giggle ever so adorably. "You look deep in thought. Everything alright?"
Willow took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Hunter, there's something I need to tell you." She paused, looking into his eyes.
'what's up?" he asked nonchalantly while putting away his carving knife.
"I'm pregnant."
Hunter's eyes widened in surprise. For a moment, he was speechless and even kind of distracted because what she said to him gave him a strange sense of deja vu.
After getting over that weird sense, he suddenly had a wide grin spread across his face. "Really? That's... That's amazing, Willow!" He pulled her into a tight embrace, his joy palpable and his wife Willow laughing from how much he was taking this news well.
"Yeah! We are going to be parents! Loving and understanding parents." Willow said as Hunter set her back down to rub her belly.
But as the initial excitement faded after hearing what Willow just said. A flicker of doubt crossed his features. He stepped back, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Wait Willow, I... I don't know if I'll be able to accomplish that. What if I'm.. a terrible father?"
Willow cupped his face in her hands, her gaze steady and reassuring. "Hunter, you'll be a wonderful father. You have so much love to give. Don't let this thought define you. Besides, I don't wanna any bad vibes on my watch." she pouted just before holding Hunter's head close to her like a sad puppy, much to Hunter's annoyance which turned to a cheeky smile.
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That night, Hunter tossed and turned in bed, his mind racing with worries and insecurities.
Memories of his uncle, Emperor Belos, haunted him. The fear of becoming anything like him was overwhelming. Eventually, exhaustion overtook him, and he slipped into a restless sleep.
In his dream, Hunter found himself standing in a vast, misty landscape. The air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of ancient trees. Ahead, a figure approached, moving with a familiar grace. As the figure drew closer, Hunter's heart skipped a beat. It was Caleb Wittebane, his original self, long lost to history.
"Hello, Hunter," Caleb said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's good to finally meet you."
Hunter stared in awe, struggling to find his voice. "Caleb... I don't understand. How are you here?"
Caleb smiled softly. "Dreams have a way of connecting us. I sensed your turmoil and wanted to help."
Hunter's shoulders sagged with the weight of his worries. "I'm scared, Caleb. What if I end up like Belos? What if I'm a terrible father? I never had what it takes to raise a child or any child in any way. I couldn't even save... Flapjack. My days of training and working hard in Belos' scout army was all that shaped me into who I was."
Caleb placed a comforting hand on Hunter's shoulder. "Hunter, you are not Belos, and you are not even me... not anymore. You are your own person, shaped by your choices and experiences. The fact that you worry about being a good father shows how much you care. Belos was driven by power, control, fear, and hatred, but you are driven by love and compassion, and not have so many friends but even family, all because you helped strain from Belos' horrid path... to me, that speaks more of you."
Hunter felt a lump in his throat. "But what if I make mistakes? What if I hurt my child? I don't... want them to end up like me... or my old palisman."
Caleb's expression grew serious but kind. "Every parent makes mistakes, Hunter. It's part of being human. What's important is that you learn from them and always strive to do better. I was a father once, over three hundred years ago. I made my share of mistakes at first, but I loved my child with all my heart. That love is what truly matters."
Hunter looked down, taking in Caleb's words. "I just don't want to fail."
Caleb lifted Hunter's chin, meeting his gaze. "How can one fail when they have a strong heart, loving soul, and an amazing family? You're not alone in this."
As the dream began to fade, Caleb's form grew hazy, his voice echoing in the mist. "Remember, Hunter, you are not defined by your past. You have the power to shape your future. Try to do better and live longer than I have, and always be there for your child... more than I have."
Caleb hugged the now clear-headed Hunter as the light in this world began growing bigger and bigger, just before he also felt something land on his shoulder. It's a familiar looking cardinal, nuzzling against his neck.
"I don't wanna leave you." Hunter said.
"It's okay. We aren't leaving..." Caleb reassured him. "We are always with you..."
Hunter awoke with a start, the dream still vivid in his mind. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room.
He turned to Willow, who was still peacefully asleep beside him. A sense of calm washed over him, and he felt a glimmer of hope.
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Over the next few weeks, Hunter threw himself into preparing for the arrival of their child while Willow had to take maternity leave from her flyer derby team.
He and Willow transformed their home, creating a cozy nursery filled with plants and comforting decorations. Hunter read every parenting book he could find, determined to be as prepared as possible.
Along with this, Hunter even kicked his protective parent instincts to maximum overdrive, always being there for Willow like a soldier to his queen, much to Willow's amusement with a hint of annoyance.
"You REALLY aren't gonna leave me alone for the next few months, huh?" Willow eyed at the protective Hunter.
"It's my sworn duty to make sure my wife and our kid remains safe." Hunter declared. "I will harm those that dare to make you feel miserable.
Willow chuckled and assured Hunter that no one will bother, though after saying that she then thought of Boscha which made her have mixed feelings.
One evening, as they sat together in the garden, Hunter took Willow's hand in his. His eyes filled with a new sense of resolve. "Willow, I had a dream about Caleb. He told me that everything would be alright and that I should trust in myself and in us... and finally step up as the parent I will become."
Willow smiled, her eyes brimming with love and pride. "Hunter, I've always known you have the strength and kindness to be a great father. We'll face this new chapter together, and we'll be the best parents we can be. If not, well, we can always look towards Luz and Amity. I did hear that they were planning on having kids one day. When the time comes, we'll see how they do it. But, that will be a while and I think you still got it. After all, who fought off Belos with me? Who helped save me from being captured? Who fought against the illusion coven leader's scout army to save Caleb?"
Hunter nodded, feeling the weight of his doubts lift. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Willow's forehead. "Thank you, Willow. For believing in me."
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As the months passed, Hunter's confidence grew. He attended every check-up with Willow, holding her hand and marveling at the miracle of life growing within her. They faced the challenges together, supporting each other through the ups and downs.
The day finally arrived when Willow went into labor. Hunter was by her side every step of the way, his love and determination unwavering.
After hours of labor, their child was born: a beautiful, healthy baby girl with light green hair and a sliver of yellow hair, along with a familiar looking strand at the front of her.
Tears of joy streamed down Hunter's face as he held their newborn for the first time. In that moment, all his fears and insecurities melted away. He looked at Willow, who was exhausted but radiant, and then back at their baby.
"Welcome to the world... Evelyn," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion as tears streamed down and his hand cupped his mouth with utter disbelief in how amazing this moment is.
"*panting* such a nice name... where did you get it from?" the panting Willow asked.
"I... don't know. It just came to me the other night and I just... couldn't help but say it fits her perfectly... our little Evelyn..." Hunter answered as much as possible while still distracted by his daughter simply being in his arms, filling his heart with love and support.
His blue jay palisman Waffles nuzzled into the newborn's face gently.
The tired yet happy Willow reached out for her new daughter, gently caressing their baby's cheek. "We love you so much, and I am just... so happy to see that we made you. So beautiful" she said softly while shedding so many tears along with her husband.
"WOOOO YEAH! UNCLE GUS IN DA HOUSE!!!!" Gus suddenly barged in with pride and joy, much to Hunter and Willow's annoyance topped off with their daughter crying from such a loud noise.
"Oh....... sorry." Gus awkwardly chuckled just before he stepped outside for a moment.
As the days turned into weeks, Hunter and Willow embraced their new roles as parents. There were sleepless nights and challenging moments, but there were also countless joys and precious memories.
Hunter often found himself reflecting on the dream of Caleb. Whenever he felt doubt creeping in, he remembered Caleb's words and the love he shared with his family. He realized that being a good parent wasn't about being perfect; it was about being present, loving, and always striving to do better.
THE END