Yuki couldn't even clearly recall what kind of mindset or state of being had brought him into the Immaterium.
The only thing burned into his mind was the single sentence Yuno had uttered to him:
"I am pregnant."
It was an utterly bizarre statement. Viewed through a human lens, he and Yuno engaged in intimacy practically every day—every necessary mechanical component was present, making the emergence of new life seem almost inevitable.
Yet, viewed from the perspective of the Tyranids, it was mathematically impossible. Both of their physical forms were merely organic constructs mimicking human biology. While the pleasure they experienced was real, the reproductive functionality was supposed to be a total fiction.
And yet Yuno insisted, with absolute certainty, that she was bearing a child.
To unravel this cosmic anomaly, there was no choice but to venture into the Warp and consult the very entities who might understand such a miracle.
---
In the Immaterium, within the Palace of Slaanesh, the atmosphere was unexpectedly lively.
Slaanesh was already waiting outside. The second to arrive was Nurgle, who had manifested a humanoid disguise while casually carrying a fruit basket.
"Long time no see, little Slaanesh."
"Ah, Grandfather Nurgle. You haven't changed a bit. When do you plan on granting dear Isha her freedom?"
Nurgle offered a gentle smile. "When the time is right."
As they spoke, Tzeentch materialized as well, taking the form of a white-collar professional in a tailored blue suit.
"How marvelous. The infinite, ever-shifting nature of the universe is truly a divine sight—surely you all agree?"
"You two-headed bird," Nurgle grunted. "The only change I appreciate is the miracle of new life. Today is a rather exquisite occasion; I suggest you refrain from spouting nonsense that might irritate me."
Slaanesh looked between the two mutually repulsed deities, already fantasizing about their grand, tragic love affair and mentally debating who held the dominant role—
"You genderless fool," Khorne's voice boomed as he strode into the hall. "If you entertain those disgusting thoughts for another second, I will sever your extraneous organs with my axe without hesitation."
The Blood God had arrived.
All four Chaos Powers had gathered to witness an event so miraculous it bordered on the impossible.
When the Four Gods gathered in one place, violence was usually inevitable. Fortunately, the Great Devastator arrived shortly after, bringing Yuki along with her.
The Four Gods had extended the invitation themselves, and since the Great Devastator was equally determined to get to the bottom of the phenomenon, she had accepted.
This was the first time Yuki had ever seen the Four Gods assembled in their full, true presence.
Just as the group was about to address the core matter, everyone suddenly went still. Yuki turned his head and spotted a young man of Central Asian appearance standing nearby.
"Well now..." Nurgle remarked with a quiet chuckle. "This is a rare sight. I didn't expect him to join the spectacle as well."
Even more unexpectedly, the youth spoke.
"Education... is paramount."
That single line nearly shattered everyone's composure.
Regaining his focus, Yuki finally voiced his burning question: "How is this even possible?"
"It is a union of souls," Slaanesh explained, leaning her face on her hand. "For entities like us, new life is not merely a merging of organic matter, but a fusion of spiritual essences. Logically, such an event requires both parties to actively consent, since it involves fragmenting one's own soul to embed it within a formidable host body."
Nurgle casually handed his fruit basket to Yuki, who stared at it in bewilderment.
"A small token," Nurgle said warmly. "Entirely germ-free, I assure you."
Seeing this, Khorne grunted and tossed a small hand-axe toward Yuki.
"For the child."
Yuki looked at Khorne, his expression on the verge of collapsing entirely. "You bastard... don't think I've forgotten what you pulled back on Baal!"
"Business is business," Khorne replied flatly. "Life is life."
Yuki accepted the axe as Slaanesh continued her breakdown: "My guess is that your souls bound together naturally simply because your bond was far too profound."
Tzeentch added, "A rare phenomenon, certainly, but far from impossible."
"Pay strict attention to education," the youth repeated. "The child must be raised properly."
For some reason, Yuki felt as though the God-Emperor of Mankind was speaking directly to him.
"Regardless," Tzeentch murmured, "the birth of this child will inevitably herald a new legend."
Yuno remained deep in thought before looking around the hall. "I trust none of you intend to lay a finger on my child?"
Khorne's response was the most blunt: "If you fail to protect your own kin, you have no right to blame us."
A suffocating wave of killing intent erupted from Yuno, yet Khorne did not flinch in the slightest.
Yuki quickly stepped between them to defuse the tension. The child was currently developing inside Yuno's physical shell; if anything happened to her now, he would lose his mind. Nothing else mattered right now except ensuring the safe birth of their child.
"Furthermore," the Emperor added once more, "prioritize education."
Tzeentch offered a gaze of mock pity. "Do not harbor resentment toward us—such is fate."
A brilliant, golden radiance suddenly flared around the youth's body. The searing heat emanating from the light was intense enough to make even Yuno feel a trace of discomfort.
"This will change everything," the youth declared calmly. "Do not stand in the way."
Yuno's eyes narrowed. "Change everything? What is that supposed to mean? Do you honestly believe this child will alter the galaxy's fate of being consumed by my swarm? Absurd. This is my child—the hope of the Tyranids, and the continuation of my supreme will."
The God-Emperor offered no further response.
The Four Gods continued offering Yuno various pieces of advice regarding pregnancy and care. How much of it Yuno actually believed was hard to say, but Yuki listened with absolute concentration.
Finally, Slaanesh offered, "Would you care to stay at my palace? I can prepare every necessary facility."
"And how would you even know what's necessary?" Yuki retorted with a scowl.
Yuno was well aware that these entities were fascinated by the unborn child, and she had no intention of placing herself in such a dangerous position.
"Say," Khorne grunted out of nowhere, "if you're open to the idea, can I be the child's godfather?"
Yuki stared at Khorne, genuinely mulling over the absurdity of the proposal.
A child born of himself and Yuno would inherit both the Tyranid Hive Mind and an independent soul—a singular entity entirely distinct from his own existence. Without a doubt, the child would possess staggering power. Having the Blood God as a godfather would make for an unheralded legend.
"In your dreams," Yuno rejected immediately. "I would sooner let the God-Emperor take the role."
The Emperor shook his head calmly. "No. I shall not engage in such matters."
The God-Emperor really is different from the Four Gods after all, Yuki thought with a quiet sigh.
And so, the supreme beings of the Warhammer universe stood together in the depth of the Warp, earnestly debating how to nurture and raise such a strange, unprecedented child.
Of course, Yuno already had her own plans. Participating in this discussion was merely her way of easing a rare, quiet anxiety within her heart.
The Tyranids possessed uncounted billions of sub-forms, but not a single true child. This was her very first time becoming a mother.
And for Yuki, it was no different—it was his very first time becoming a father.