“Does it hurt?” Jaeyoung asked, taking his place by Levi’s feet.
Levi’s jaw tensed as he nodded.
“It’s all right, Levi, you’ll get through this. Let’s start by spreading your legs,” Jaeyoung instructed. “Deep breaths. In, out.”
Levi did as he was told and focused on his breathing. “Phew... This is a lot. Ow.”
Sweat prickled his skin, and his hands curled into fists. It was the most I’d heard him complain since his pregnancy began. I wished I could do more to ease his pain...
An idea came to me. Maybe therewassomething I could do.
My feelers slowly floated towards him. The tips hovered above Levi’s chest. He noticed them, panting hard, then met my gaze and nodded.
Accepting Levi’s invitation, I allowed the tips of my tendrils to burrow into his chest. The second they breached his skin, they turned ethereal, like morning mist. Levi gasped and shuddered at the feeling, but it didn’t add to his discomfort. I knew because I felt exactly what he felt. The deep, aching pain was interspersed with sharp jolts of agony that came and went in waves. I ground my teeth as the pain washed over me, too. My poor, sweet filum.
“Are all human births like this?” I asked roughly.
“You mean painful? If so, then yes, generally speaking,” Jaeyoung answered. “But on Earth, we have ways to dull the pain.”
“Zat’tor, wait,” Levi said, putting his hands on my feelers. His palms were clammy with sweat. “I don’t want you to suffer.”
He was too kind. I placed my hand on his.
“You did not know this would happen when I pollinated you,” I reminded him. “It’s my responsibility to bear this burden alongside you. I will be fine.”
Levi made a sad face, but he must’ve realized I wouldn’t agree, so he saved his breath.
“Here, Levi,” Fhi’ran said, offering him a drink. “This will help the pain.”
Levi smiled gratefully and sipped from the cup. “Hey, this tastes better than the stuff you gave me before.”
He sounded relieved, like he was already in less agony. I felt the change in his system. As I weathered the pain alongside him, his share lightened.
“Good,” Jaeyoung said. “Keep breathing like that. Steady.”
“What’s even going on down there?” Levi grumbled. He sounded more annoyed than agonized, which was good. Our assistance was working.
Jaeyoung didn’t respond. He stared at Levi’s body, blinking in thought.
“Hello?” Levi called when he didn’t reply.
“Sorry,” Jaeyoung said. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“Great. Really reassuring, Doc...”
“It’s not bad,” Jaeyoung corrected. “I’m intrigued. How do you feel?”
“Okay, I guess,” Levi said. He smiled in my direction. “Zat’tor’s helping.”
Jaeyoung glanced at where my feelers touched Levi’s chest, but turned his focus back to Levi’s body. He seemed fascinated. I was intrigued by his curiosity, so I leaned towards him to see what he saw.
I immediately understood. Levi’s hole—the one I’d stretched earlier today—was open. Something pink and gold and fleshy emerged from it.
“Fhi’ran, do you recognize this?” Jaeyoung asked his fellow healer.
“Ah, yes,” Fhi’ran confirmed. “That is the birthing chamber from which all Maeleons are born.”
Levi sat halfway upright. “What? Birthing chamber? What’re you talking about? I can’t see!”
