Light tinged the upper stratosphere, the lavender clouds above painted into the usual fiery orange and pink hue of the rising star.

Dawn has approached.

The Bones of the ursus click and clack tumbling together in a heap as its picked over by the group who are careful to make sure to not miss even the smallest hidden morsel.

One of the adults experimentally bites into the femur of the animal testing the strength of the bone but swiftly concludes that his teeth is a poor instrument against its sturdy thickness. He hungrily gnawed superficial jagged marks at the proximal joint shaving down its once smooth groove. The rest scatter uninterested finding nothing left.

The end to the feeding has left the group seemingly list less.

They look expectantly both at the leader and I, knowing that time is not on our side. We had returned after the private consolation of emotions. The leader working diligently past his own failed feelings, forging  strength to preside more wisely and resolutely toward the vulnerable mass in his charge.

I have learned much from his confession of how they came to be in this state.

The leader shakes his head and calls only for the strongest. They need to make a den with much urgency.

The air fills with chirps of distress from the young ones that will be left behind without their sire, afraid of being abandoned. The leader gave a stern look with lips curled over sharp teeth and it quieted them down for a moment but tears flow instead in great quantities.

I trot over nonchalantly, tired and ignoring the whole scene, laying myself over a soft patch of dug up dirt from my sadly empty cooking pit.

They leave hastily, retreating into the woods without a second glance.

The remaining weakened adults busy themselves huddling together with, what I can only presume is, their broodlings. They each hunch over tenderly shielding the thin bodies from the chilly winds starting to blow.

The ones whose sires must of left wander between huddled bodies trying to find an accepting adult willing to shield them. But many had multiple little ones with no room for more.

A particularly strong wind blows past chilling all in attendence and waves of shivering disperse among the small crowd. I continue to lounge unbothered and relaxed despite the nippy conditions, unaware of the others.(@minipurse)

A small shivering body wavers in front of me. This one must be particularly unlucky, it has found no one to share warmth with. He turns eyes wide in trepidation and fear unsure of what to do next, his eyes flash briefly a resolve to find a safe haven.

He looks onto me, still.

" Come" I wave, finding no reason to reject this little one , opening my arm to welcome him into my warm chest.

He hesitates for a moment looking back at the group who had been unable to help him. He knows he will soon die from hypothermia before his sire comes back for him.

Cautiously he scuttles toward my body. His small icy hands hitting my flesh first, he mumbles very softly. Heard only barely " its so warm" in his surprised voice. His cold face presses on to my side and he sighs more relaxed.

He does not move for a very long time warming himself. Slowly with time he had began to gently slide down to the ground, his eyes closed. He had fallen asleep. I scoff gently readjusting the young one, pulling his back closer to my front. His body had began to slowly envelope him in his own little protective cocoon and I curl myself around the small body protecting him from the strongest of the chill.

I feel eyes pressing upon me once more and again I look up to see three sets of little eyes looking just as desperate as the young one asleep before had. They shiver pitifully, clinging to one another for the meager heat that was generated between them.

It looks to be not enough.

With an outstretched hand I gently reassure and wave them closer as well. Each of them looked upon the other, collectively deciding in this instance that this is for the best, engraved allover on their tiny anxious faces.

I wanted to laugh. It is true I am an unknown male nest member unrelated to them, whose objective is unknown but I do not falter on my core principles. I know who I am and what I am not. I have many faults but very little regrets. I am wholly a member whose circumstances has forced him to operate within the scope given and within those confines have found a mediocre place to practice those beliefs.

Honor where it matters most, compassion when it is needed, Justice despite turbidity, leadership in utter chaos, and violence when peace is no longer an option. These are the rules I abide from, lest I fall into grave depravity as I have seen so many others fall.

The new ones scurry closer jostling over their placement, moving the sleeping one side to side. They pile over one another in a squirming fashion deciding their placement, snuggling close to each other within my curled up body.

The wind gusted past more fiercely cold than before. My skin prickling and any semblance of tiredness banished from my mind.

They quieted down with eyes full of sleepiness and I know I will keep them safe, guarding patiently until their sires come back.

******************

The leader's group returned together, looking both tired and relieved.

The waiting crowd awoke from a brief rest of theirn eyes. A light sleep for times such as these, stirring from the sounds of the oncoming footsteps.

The clicking of joyous greeting drowned the air. Acknowledging the absent members with solace.

Slowly many bodies jumble in varying degrees of rising animation.

The younglings are gently awoken from their short slumber and the adults prod them forward with care, drowsiness heavy on thier tiny faces, hastening their departure.

Low grumbles and groans jilt the surrounding air, heavy with anticipation for proper rest.

Heads bob past many shuffling bodies, in an opposing wave, as the group reunites.

"Tiklir! Tiklir where are you, my son?!"

another voice cuts in as well desperate over the rabble " Have you seen Tacare?" "Tlurne?" "Has anyone seen my Tacare?"

I hear the near sobs and fear in the searching voices.

The sires have returned in search of their little ones, surely.

" Here!!" I growl loudly over the busy atmosphere.

Heads whip about and bob towards me in a flurry, squeezing between bodies.

The first to approach heaved heavily, body glistening more than usual from the exertion and plastered with random bits of black dirt.

Breathless the sire exclaimed
" where ..is ...my ..son?"

Naturally I furled myself so he could search amongst the tiny bundles. With trembling hands he lifted a small cocoon to his body, choosing the bottom most one. " Thank you.. He is my only surviving offspring of twelve and the very last of my lineage. His name means grace, Tiklir. I beseech you remember him. I owe you a debt of gratitude ." with a voice subdued with emotion clutching the single bundle.

He bowed, running back into crowd, his face soft with relief and tenderness. Only then did I realize he had a large sprawling grey mass on his back as he sprinted away. He is infected.

Many came to inspect the bundles in my care, looking for their own broodlings. Although equally as many left empty handed when they did not find what they seek.

Their younglings were found amongst the familiar nest members around later as I looked on.

The crowd thinned but still these little ones remain.

I grew worried.

Are they orphaned and none would take them? If so..... Will I become a father carer?

The idea would not be so unpleasant....it would mean more family for my younglings.

My thoughts are swiftly interrupted by slowly  approaching figures.

Finally two more have come inspecting and they collected the remaining bundles from me.

They shyly muttered their abundant thanks hurriedly, as each herded a cluster of younglings away. I felt crestfallen for a mere moment but happy that they have been claimed.

The once soft ground was smoothed flat where many feet and bodies laid upon its surface. Now its devoid of both visitors and its original condition.

The leader returned offering a short farewell after such a brief acquaintance.

Still I am suspicious of their sudden emergence. The inkling strong of their involvement.

My eyes narrow, my voice firm while slightly probing, careful to withhold even the slightest hint of accusatory slander on my behalf .

" Are you Ckire? Is it you who came to the N.I.C.K.A ship?Answer this question nest brother before you depart.I will think no less of you, I promise"

His unaffected eye twitched and He blinked hard not hiding the truth, "We had no other choice. We found the answer we expected, there is no help for lowest of us from those charged above" his voice harsh with anger.

He had told me that death will come for them soon when we spoke alone together earlier since they could find no plausible cure in such a short time frame.

" That is not true. In your despair you have forgotten about the one before you. I will help you, put your trust in me, nest brother" Slowly I return to my feet grasping the pack once hidden under my body. Swinging the bag heavily into his surprised arms.

The two healing drones hiding popped out, likely aggravated by the poor treatment of their temporary home.

" Execute martial order: 16-b

The drones piped together in unison
" Order received. Voice authentication complete: High Commander Tehlka"

" Take them with you for now, they will leave when the task is done" I say softly with aching remorse.

It is seemingly selfish that I can not give them to this ailing group but I can only share this needed gift for as long as they need it.

The drones will not leave my side for too long, their programing will not allow it. N.I.C.K.A has a vested interest in my wellbeing as well as the new expectant offsprings.

The leader threw the bag back, now empty of its small occupants.

" Thank you" He turned leaving with his shoulders straighter than before. The drones balancing haphazardly onto his body.

I exhale a deep breathe that I have been struggling to stifle.

Another day, another time.

****************

Night comes swiftly over the land.

The shortening cycle of the rising star in the sky during the planets day creeps into my body's circadian rhythm.

The pull to slumber deeply grows more incessant as each day passes.

The light fast dimming in the horizon over the vast sea, flash dazzling displays of translucent pale blue light before disappearing over the horizon. The sun lost to the other side of the planet.

Alone I stand on the rocky shore with rope in hand, the end tethering a fresh kill on a sharp bent metal hook.

Not long after awakening I set out to hunt, catching this unfortunate creature as a tasty lure.

The rope is slack limply floating with the waves to and fro awaiting a curious bite of a wayward unsuspecting creature.

The gentle tranquility of the cove coddled my empty mind to wander aimlessly, without purpose.

My hand gripped instinctively over the rope that suddenly became taut with tension. It pulled me forward, tugging me into the cold waters. Willing me to drown or release this unwilling captive.

I do neither.

With all my strength one foot than another pull backward into the beach once again. Leaning with my full body weight to the ground the creature comes thrashing up from the dark blue waters depths. The sea bubbling and turning as we are lock into battle. With slow deliberation my hands creep forward over the rope, shortening the distance between us.

The creature struggles, flipping itself over several times in a bid for freedom. My hands twisting the rope over my arms impeding the loss of any distance.

The shallowness of the water began to impede its escape as my hands worked faster drawing it closer to the shore.

Big black glassy eyes emerge from the water, jaws slowly gaping. With gills flaring the conical long head slid side to side splashing water about hopelessly.

I let the rope fall from my hands and I leapt swiftly into the cold water, hooking my claws into its open gills. The mouth full of triangular teeth snapped together as it floundered mid air.

The tail scooped water up onto my body cooling my exerted muscles, its struggle now meaningless.

The aquatic creature is dragged deeper onto the beach with much effort. Carefully I lay its body over the rocky ground.

It writhed in silence.

My duty hasn't been forgotten in the slightest, giving mercy to a living being by ending its suffering. My claws sank deep into its soft orb, the body jerking violently in its final moments. Stilling as death took over. Serenity pooled and I gently pressed my hand over its body indebted. Its life ending to feed the life growing inside my beloved.

Quietly I hum the familiar hymns of old. Unhooking the bent metal from the corner of the creatures mouth, throwing it to the side. Working around the body, giving dignity to its sacrifice, I do not spare any thought of waste.

The contents of its cavity are emptied, processed by hand, and cleaned.

Within the bowels, life had begun to form. Its eggs soft to the touch. One bent inside its confines repelled by my sudden touch, the offspring alive.

Gently I gather all that I could find. Even if I had taken this one life it does not mean that I should take these as well. With arms carefully cradling the fragile eggs, tiptoeing along the volatile ground, I prance delicately over many stones.

Softly my feet slip into the water,
Delicately wading into crashing waves pushing deeper into the sea leaving behind the shore.

Water begins to seep into my arms. My body almost submerged as a large wave crashes into me.

Deliberately I let the sea take me without a struggle. Pulled under by the flowing water current, sound ceasing to exist. Tranquility and darkness envelope us as we sink further into a serene space devoid of any seen creature.

It is so peaceful...almost too hauntingly peaceful, gently floating down into the abyss.

I hope that within this foolish hope they may survive, for I have done as much as I can do for them.

Slowly I let my arms relax opening them fully, scattering the eggs into the ocean.

They disappear gliding into the deep darkness one by one, their fate uncertain.

Following the sight of the very last egg with my eyes. When it became engulfed in the vastness I look up onto the presumed surface.

The time to return to my place on land is evident, so I dare not linger any longer. A foreigner in an alien sea.

With all four of my limbs I start climbing up the oppressive weight of the water above me, fighting to return to the surface.

Time seemed to tick infinitely on, the sensation of not moving suffocating.(@minipurse)

My muscles weakened with exhaustion, the sea triumphing over this small struggling speck.

Suddenly the natural laws of nature ascended upon me and buoyancy pushed my body upward, breaking onto its wavy exterior.

Free from the depths, the surrounding water glowed a shining black and the shore a smidgen of grey.

Forcefully gliding with practiced grace cutting through volumes of liquid I make a path to land.

With much labor I crawl onto the shore spent . The rocks indenting their shape into my back.

Resting with abating breaths, the crisp air filters into my lungs.

Thoughts fill concerning my swift return to my catch, the must to anxiously secure its flesh from other opportunistic beings.

Otherwise it should largely suffice for my Beloved and our growing brood.

I may return after such an absence, my lips curl in elation.

Would she just be softly rounded with the barest hint of pregnancy peeking through at this very moment?

I do not know, would she know?

I hope not....

The answer would be set forth when I see her next.

Trudging along the pebbled beach. The sea creature lay as I had left it.

With no more delay. I choose a variety rocks, looking for a small hint of a metal mix in amongst the thousands available. Several promising rocks that I had gathered did not yield the expected results .

Alas the last rock at the bottom of the pile, before having to scour for more, seemed ladened with more swirling minerals than the rest.

Taking it roughly in my palm, stopping briefly to exhale the mounting frustration.

I gently strike it against the metal hook when I was ready.

Small sparks flew to life sputtering onto the ground extinguishing within milliseconds as they could find nothing to hungrily devour.

With the once abandoned tinder  a small fire is lit flicking the stone several times over the dried bits of plant matter.

Carefully by hand delivering the smoldering mass to the bottom of the pit. I watched as flames started to lick the available fuel strengthing.

A blaze crawled from corner to corner, smoke bellowing out in a thickening mass. Without repose the primed carcass is lowered down to the middle platform.

Quickly covering the pit with the  branches previously assembled for the task I ensure the heat does not escape, leaving only a small opening in which excess smoke may leave.

Many times I have watched my beloved shy away from the organs of any inhabitant of her land and she does not seem to enjoy the taste of such fare, So it was not included.

With much unbridled gusto I freely dine on the morsels without the fear of reproach.

Sitting idle near the silent sea grew tiresome afterwards.

Being slothful is not habitual, and I checked several times the progress of the carcass. Wherein the last prod from the stick, the meat softly gave way.

The once intense fire lowly glowed with embers along its stone bottom. A dimming end to its existence.

With calculated administration, dirt trickled down the sides of the pit smothering the lingering embers..

Hey, its been a while! Thanks for hanging in there, unfortunately the page had to be pushed back numerous times because how adulting has seriously put up a fight against yours truly. But I hope you like the progress so far. Please like subscribe, or leave a comment if you want.