Fight, Flight, or Gut You Like A Fish?

What to do, what to do?

》 Ayull pov 《

"Pauck!" 

Slamming my fist on the table causes a few tools to fall. I pay it no mind as I pace the forge. The dim lighting and warm atmosphere seem almost too soft, the fire doesn't feel nearly as hot as my gut. I feel as though my anger is boiling me alive. 

'How could I be so- so… weak!'

I come to a stop right in front of the kiln, it's fire dimming from not being used. What am I supposed to do? How do I fix this? Words are as deadly as a knife, sharp if it's used. 

'Why can't I just move on?'

Looking at the far wall I see a set of burnt, practically melted, armor. Too small for me, but just right for him.

Ever since he… ever since that day I've been unable to escape my mind. Flashes, shadows, figments of the past. They all haunt me, reminding me of something, someone, I wish to forget. 

 Every time these other 'oomans get to close I get stuck in the past, but now I have Veta, Bahtoh… Y/N. 

Oh Y/N, how do I fix this?

》 Bahtoh pov《

"The hounds like Y/N, a lot." I humm as Veta pets Koroľ. 

"Yes they do." Veta looks at me with an odd expression, "What is it you wanted to talk about?" 

"Something is wrong with Paika. I don't think all of her pups will make it." I can even hear the fear in my voice.

I know this is Paika's first litter, and I know she is strong. But I can't help my worrying. Paika has been with me through thick and thin, she has been my companion since I was a youngblood. So of course I am worried, she is like a best friend to me.

"What makes you say that?" Veta move's over to inspect Paika. "She looks to be in perfect health." 

"Feel her stomach." Veta does as I say. "Feel how small it is? At this point her stomach should be double that size, and she has been sleeping irregularly." 

Veta move's his hand over her, purring when Paika gives him a warning growl. I can see it in his eyes as he realizes I am right, but a look of shock also washes over his face. 

"Not all of them will make it, but there is at least one fighter left in there." He motions me to feel as well.

And when I place my hand on Paika's abdomen, I feel it. A light kick. 

I am sure Veta can smell my relief, Paika too seems to sense it. She moves to nuzzle my face, still letting me hold her belly. 

"A strong fighter there is."

》Y/N pov《

Warm water is amazing, whatever creature thought of heating water was a genius amongst rocks. My thoughts are brought to what Bahtoh said about Ayull. About how Veta prevented him from elaborating. 

'What happened?'

What could've possibly made Ayull so guarded? I guess a million things actually, I mean anything is possible at this point. 

Either way I need to get out of this water before I prune.

Hi, so I know this chapter was a lot shorter than regular and there is a reason. A reason I cannot share, but do not worry! This story will continue and I am not going on any sort of break to leave yall high and dry!

No, I am simply putting this here while I work on some art and storyboards.

Enjoy the snack, for soon there will be a full course meal at your feet ;)