Reimagining Bloodchild from T'Gatoi's Perspective

 I heard something walking around outside, followed by pained breathing and then a muted thud. “Lien, can you stand up?” I asked suddenly. She was caged against me, her eyes half shut from the egg. She muttered something in reply, reluctant to stand up, “Up, Lien!” I said forcefully. I twisted towards the door, slipping out and spotting an unconscious Terran figure. My mind raced as I realized that it was a “N’Tlic.” I wanted to protect Gan from seeing, but I knew that I couldn’t let the grubs die. There were lives to save. 

I tried to send Gan away, but he insisted on staying. I couldn’t do anything to stop him, there was no time left. “Go out and slaughter an animal that is at least half your size,” I said to Gan. I sent out Lien and her daughters. Lien had always been good to me, she shouldn’t have to worry about her son. Gan came back with an achti. I wasted no time, taking Bram’s clothes off and using my claw to slice his stomach open. My heart filled with joy when I saw the first grub, healthy and plump with blood. I glowed with excitement as I continued picking at Bram’s body, exclaiming happily when I found a little male grub. I glanced at Gan, noticing that he was turning pale. I felt a flicker of worry, would Gan still want to be with me? I shuddered as I watched him close his eyes in disgust. Gan was my hope, he would nurture my children. I needed him, I’d chosen him before he was even born. 

“Go outside, Gan, and empty your stomach,” I said, secretly hoping that he would stay with me. I heard him retching outside, the sound of his footsteps receding as he walked away from the house. I would never understand Terrans. We provided for them, giving them a home and giving them the eggs they loved so much. I had grown up with Lien. She had been one of my closest friends growing up and we were practically sisters. I didn’t know why she was so hesitant about Gan. She had promised me one of her children earlier as a gift, knowing how much it meant to me. She’d changed her mind since then, treating me like an enemy. Terrans almost never died during the hatching process. I wish Gan and Lien knew that I would never do anything to hurt them. It was an honor for Terrans to be chosen. The relationship between Terrans and Tlic was destined, it was sacred and beautiful. 

Why were they so opposed to me? Would it be better to leave them alone? I thought back to Gan’s face as he helped me hold Bram down. I slammed my claws into the ground. No, I needed a Terran for my family. There was nothing more important than my children. I would convince Gan when he came back, and if he didn’t want me, then I would go to Xuan Hoa. I would show him how I would protect him, how he would be safe with me. Gan walked back in. I looked up at him, knowing he would be mine.