Aunlon's Arc

Chapter 1 of 4

Aunlon checks the nesting catalogs again, even though they have the compatibility charts memorized. Three legs braced against the floor, they scroll through profiles with their one arm, looking for someone who wants what they want: a family, a shared nest, someone to turn to when the eggs crack open. But Kipril shows up unannounced with food from the communal kitchen, and they end up walking to the old monolith instead. The crystalline structure towers over the clearing, catching light in its facets. Kipril is talking about their sister's latest project, gesturing with both arms, and Aunlon realizes they've stopped listening because something inside them has gone quiet. Not silent. Settled. The eggs. The eggs that have been restless for years, shifting and unsettled in their internal pouch, have stopped moving. Aunlon's four eyes widen. They press their palm against their abdomen, feeling the stillness there. Kipril notices and stops mid-sentence. "Are you alright?" Kipril asks, stepping closer. Aunlon looks at them—really looks—at this person they've known for cycles, who brings food without being asked, who remembers which benches around the story platform Aunlon prefers. The eggs stay quiet. Completely, impossibly still. Aunlon's voice comes out smaller than they intend. "I need to show you something." They reach into their carrying pouch and pull out the trail egg, the armored one that glows faintly in their palm. It pulses once, warm and certain. Kipril's expression shifts from confusion to understanding, and Aunlon realizes the future they've been searching catalogs for has been standing next to them all along.