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Powder's small feet scraped against the cobblestones as she trailed behind Vander and Vi.
The crisp Zaun air hung heavy with the faint metallic tang she had grown accustomed to, but tonight, there was something different... a buzz of excitement, a quiet hum of anticipation.
"Why does it take so long to have a baby, anyway?" Vi asked, breaking the silence. She had her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jacket, her voice tinged with impatience.
"It's not like fixing a steam valve, kiddo," Vander replied with a chuckle, his large hand ruffling Vi's hair. "It takes time to do something that important. You'll understand one day when you're older."
Powder walked a few steps behind, clutching her tiny sketchbook to her chest. She hadn't said much since they left the Last Drop, though her mind was racing.
A baby sister.
What would she be like?
Would she cry all the time?
Take up all of Mom and Dad's attention?
"You okay back there, Powder?" Vi called, glancing over her shoulder.
Powder gave a small nod. "Yeah… just thinking."
Vi squinted at her, suspicious.
Powder's quiet moments often ended with an explosion... sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally. But tonight, there was no mischief in her eyes, just something thoughtful and a little nervous.
When they reached the hospital, Vander led them through the maze of hallways. The faint smell of antiseptic stung Powder's nose, but she barely noticed. Her heart thudded in her chest as they approached the room.
What if the baby didn't like her?
Vander pushed open the door, and there she was... Felicia Lane, their mother, her wild violet hair damp with sweat, but her face lit up with a grin that could rival the sun.
"Well, if it isn't my little champions!" Felicia exclaimed, her voice carrying the familiar mischievous lilt that Powder always found comforting. "Come on in, don't be shy!"
Powder hesitated in the doorway, peeking around Vi, who barged in without hesitation. Their father, Connol, was sitting beside Felicia, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. And there, nestled in Felicia's arms, was a tiny bundle.
Uncle Silco stood by the window, his arms crossed as he regarded the scene with his usual unreadable expression.
"Would you like to see your baby sister?" Felicia asked, her voice softer now, though her eyes still sparkled with mischief.
Vi darted forward, practically bouncing with excitement. Powder on the other hand stayed rooted to the spot, her feet glued to the floor as her mind raced.
Felicia tilted her head, looking straight at Powder. "Hey, bluebird, don't just stand there like a stunned shimmer rat. Get over here and meet your baby sister. She doesn't bite... at least not yet."
That drew a giggle from Powder. Slowly, she made her way to the bed, her sketchbook clutched tightly to her chest. Vi was already cooing over the baby, her finger lightly brushing against the tiny fist that peeked out of the blanket.
Powder hesitated at the edge of the bed until Felicia patted the mattress. "Come here, Powder. You won't break her... promise."
Swallowing hard, Powder climbed onto the bed, her heart pounding. The baby's eyes fluttered open, and for the first time, Powder saw them... amber brown, warm and curious. They locked onto Powder's blue ones, and something shifted in her chest.
"She's looking at me," Powder whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Of course she is," Felicia said with a grin. "She knows her big sister's a little genius."
Powder leaned closer, hovering over the tiny bundle. The baby gurgled, her little fingers reaching out as if to grab hold of something... anything. Powder hesitated, then slowly extended a finger. The baby's hand closed around it, impossibly small but strong in its own way.
"She's so... tiny," Powder murmured, her voice filled with wonder.
Felicia laughed softly. "Yeah, but don't let that fool you. This one's got the Lane fire in her veins, same as you two."
Connell leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on Felicia's temple. "She's perfect," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.
Powder couldn't stop staring. For a moment, all her worries melted away... the fear of being replaced, of not being enough. None of it mattered. This was her sister, and she was perfect.
"What's her name?" Powder asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Isha," Felicia said with a proud smile. "Do you like it?"
Powder nodded, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Yeah. I like it."
Silco cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Well, if the introductions are over, I'll take my leave. Congratulations, Felicia, Connell."
Felicia waved him off with a grin. "Aw, come on, Silco. Don't pretend you're not secretly soft for this little bundle of chaos."
Silco's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "I'll see myself out."
As the door closed behind him, Vi nudged Powder's shoulder. "So, what do you think? Ready to be a big sister?"
Powder looked down at Isha, who was still clutching her finger. A warm glow spread through her chest, chasing away the last remnants of doubt.
"Yeah," she said softly, her smile growing. "I think I'm ready."
Felicia leaned back against the pillows, her tired but happy eyes watching her eldest daughters dote on the newest member of their family.
"That's my girls."