Rebirth of Xena

CHAPTER FOUR

HEAR ME, OH MOON GODDESS

Xena’s POV

I let out a howl, and the wolf inside me began to emerge. The pain in my belly intensified, and I knew that it was time to give birth. I felt the wolf inside me take over, and I let myself go.

“Xena!”

“Xena, hang in there!” Elyse yelled out of concern, taking me to the massive slab of stone suited in the middle of the inner cave.

“Get on it, gently,” she said softly, helping me. I gently climbed on it, lying down as I struggled with uneasiness.

“Breathe in, breathe out,” she instructed and I did exactly as she said. “You will be fine,” she said

She leaned in immediately, attempting to help me deliver my child but I tapped her. “Don’t worry, I can do it on my own,” I said slowly and in a low voice. She hesitated but I insisted, making her let go. She stood somewhere close to me, watching me intently as I tried to help myself.

I closed my eyes and focused on the sensation of the baby moving inside me. I felt it begin to emerge, and I pushed with all my might. After what felt like an eternity, I felt the baby slide out of me.

“Oh, moon goddess!” Elyse cooed, rushing over to carry my baby.

I opened my eyes, and I saw a small wolf pup lying comfortably in Elyse’s hands. I could tell that he was a male, and he was perfect. Elyse brought her close to me and I leaned down and nuzzled her, making her let out a small yip.

I watched Elyse take my baby from my hand and clean him off, and I felt my energy fading. I struggled to keep my eyes open, and my breathing was becoming shallow and ragged. I knew that something was wrong, but I didn't know what.

“Elyse,” I managed to say, my voice barely a whisper. “I feel so weak,”

Elyse looked at me, her eyes wide with fear. “What's wrong?” she asked, her voice full of concern.

“I don't know,” I said, my vision blurring. “I just feel so tired,” I continued. “I want to have a good rest,”

She gasped. “Rest?” She asked, her voice trembling. Why was she trembling? It was a usual sleep and I needed it, especially after pushing out my little pup.

“Yes, rest,” I said, trying to sound more alive than I had ever done.

“Don’t. Stay with me,” she instructed

“I can’t. I am weak,” I replied, feeling a trickle of tears fall down the corner of my eyes.

“Why are you doing this to us?” She asked, sobbing.

Us? I smiled. I liked the sound of that. I have a mini-me and I loved the feeling I got from hearing that.

“Can I name my child?” I asked weakly

“Of course, you can,” she replied instantly, bringing him close to me.

I looked at his beautiful blue eyes and his gorgeous face, admiring every part of him including his tiny legs which he was always throwing up in the air at any given chance.

I lay there, my eyes closed, carrying him in my arms. I opened my eyes and looked down at my son, his tiny body resting peacefully in my arms. A surge of love and sadness washed over me at the same time. I didn't know why I felt weary but I knew I was going to miss him.

“I dedicate this child to you, O Moon Goddess,” I said, my voice filled with emotion. “May he be blessed with strength, courage, and wisdom,” Then I looked down at my child and said, “I name you Luca, for the light that shines within you,”

As I named my son, I felt a connection between us grow stronger. It was as if we were connected by a thread of fate, and I knew that I had given birth to the one who would always stand up for me. I looked down at Luca's tiny, perfect face, and I felt my heart swell with love. I had been through so much to get to this point, and now, I had everything I could ever want. A family of my own even though his father betrayed me but then I chose not to recall that or treat my son unwell. Suddenly, I wished that my parents were alive to hear, if not see, the gift the moon goddess had given to me.

I looked up at the shelter over our heads, and I felt a sense of peace and gratitude. “Thank you,” I whispered, and I knew that the Moon Goddess had heard me.

“Are you okay?” Elyse broke the silence. I was okay. In fact, I was fulfilled but then the weak feelings crawled back into me. I still felt like having a rest and my eyes suddenly began to feel heavy.

“Xena, please,” Elyse pleaded as she took Luca away from my hands.

I felt my body growing cold, and I knew that something was very wrong. Instantly, I knew I had to make a prayer request at the moment.

“O Moon Goddess,” I said, my voice filled with emotion. “I offer myself to you. Let me be reborn, and let me return as a stronger wolf. Let me have the strength to avenge my family and protect my son. I give myself to you, for the sake of justice and love,” I felt a tingle of energy run through me, and I knew that my prayer had been heard.

Elyse gazed at me and broke into tears, making my son shed tears too.

I tried to speak, but no words would come out. Elyse lay down my son on the mattress and rushed to my side with her eyes filled with panic.

“You need to stay with me,” she said, her voice urgent. “I don't know what's wrong, but you need to fight it,” But I could feel myself slipping away, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold on. The last thing I saw was Elyse's face, and then everything went black.