Fall of the Forsaken (on hold)

chapter 17

(1 week later)

-Alita-

"there you go, any better?"

Kora giggled as she got more comfortable. "My back is still sore but I think that this is as good as it's gonna get, I'm not as lucky as you."

folding up a blanket I set it aside and looked at kora questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"really? look at me and then look at you, you're only a month behind me and you hardly look pregnant while I'm over here with a belly the size of a basketball! I'm pretty sure I'm going to be stuck on bedrest for the next three weeks until this baby decides to pop!"

I gave Kora an amused smile. "I'm sure it's not going to be nearly as bad as you think, Elazar will be back with Azriel and the others any day now and he will make sure you're well taken care of and comfortable up until your due date.

Kora only groaned and rolled her eyes. "Being comfortable isn't the only problem here, unlike you I'm going to be stuck inside. Do you know how boring that's gonna be? at least you can still get up and walk around and do something productive!"

continuing to smile I just shook my head. "I doubt it'll be as bad as you're thinking it will be, besides..." My voice trailed off as I looked towards kora and Elazars den, where kaizen, Nanku, and Xeith were all sitting, keeping guard over us. "I doubt I'll be able to go out or do much else."

Kora's gaze moved to the boys as the mood took a complete nose dive. "You think it will really come to war between the tribes?" She asked quietly.

I continued to watch kaizen teach the boys how to make a salve that might save their lives should they ever obtain an injury that they may need it for. ever since me and tarkov encountered those netaris scouts in the forest, we were under heavy guard. "I don't know."

Truthfully the whole situation felt sickeningly familiar, and left an uncomfortable chirping deep in my stomach. This was all happening because of us, because of the life we were trying to bring into this world.

We weren't doing anything out of malice or hate, we were doing it out of love. for our partners and both our species. Yet it feels like everyone is against us, like what we are doing is an aberration, when all we desire is a chance to be happy and live our lives. I unconsciously put my hand over my own belly.

we aren't doing anything wrong...

Silence filled the space between us until I shook my head and sighed, before

finally pushing myself up to my feet. "It's probably best we don't think about it right now, especially when you're so close to your due date."

Kora watched as I got up to leave, seemingly worried. "Hey, Alita?" She spoke up, grabbing my attention.

"hm?"

"You know you can talk to me, right?" I could see the concern written all over her face, she was worried about me.

giving a warm smile and a chuckle I came over and handed kora an extra blanket. "Of course I do, don't worry I'll come back and make sure to come talk to you every day so you aren't entirely bored alright?"

She opened her mouth as though she wanted to speak but decided against it and pressed her lips into a line before nodding.

"if you need anything else just let kaizen know and he'll come get me okay? but for now, just get some rest!" I smiled brightly at Kora before turning to walk out of her and Elazars den.

As soon as I turned away however, my smile immediately disappeared as I felt evermore uncertain.

stepping outside i shuddered at the cold chill of the air that caressed my body as i left koras den, and rubbed my arms.