To be honest, when I started this I didn't know it would go this long. So thank you for reading and sticking with me. I know some of you have been here from the start and I can't tell you how much it means to me that you enjoy my little story. Yes, I know it's been a while, but please understand that life gets hectic and the longer this story gets the more I want to do it proper justice so I rarely find the time to sit down and really work out chapters. I make no promises about exactly how many more chapters will be coming, but for now at least, here's a new one to wet your appetites.

Also, some of you asked about Aubrey and how she could speak when it took Maia years to learn xenomorph. If you notice, Aubrey doesn't actually speak aloud. She uses her mental connection with Alcander to telepathically talk to the others.

Now, who's going to show their appreciation and review!? And I'd like to ask that if you are going to take the time to review, say more than just "update". Tell me what you actually like and dislike about my chapters. Thanks.

Chapter 17- The Choice

Garran and Alcander ran until well after the sun had set. Their pace only slowed when we were deep in the forest and there were no signs of the humans following us. There was a large rock formation covered with moss that created a naturally hidden alcove and a cave at the very back. Garran slowed, and took stock of the area. With a final sniff at the air he said, This will be a good place to spend the night. The rocks provide protection and cover. This is as safe a place as we are apt to find. He lowered himself to the ground, tired muscles groaning in protest as he settled on the ground. I slipped down from under his crest and stroked his exoskeleton. Massages don't really work on hard skinned xenos.

"You must be exhausted after running for so long." I said to him, still soothing as much as I could. "How about I hunt for some dinner while you two rest?" Garran swung in great head in rejection of the idea.

I need your presence by my side. We can hunt together. I sighed. That was so like him.

"You've done all of the manual labor today. Let me contribute. Aubrey can come with me. We won't go too far." Garran, after pausing to no doubt try and form a good argument, finally pulled back his lips and nuzzled my cheek sweetly with his inner mouth.

My little warrior. Alright. But be quick about it. I hate being away from you.

I smiled and gave him a quick kiss on his slimy lips. "I know," I said smugly and turned to face Aubrey. "Hungry?" I asked. She leapt down off Alcander and nodded. Alcander petted her hair with a small inner hand and then she turned and ran into the bushes. I glanced at Garran. "I guess that means go." He chuckled and I set off after Aubrey.

The forest was dark and alive with the sounds of night creatures, mostly small insects. This was the prime time for stealthy predators. The lack of light made it easier to camouflage myself, but it also made it nearly impossible to see my prey before it saw me. I slowed to a walk and took cover in a thick patch of tall ferns and listened. Squirrels in the trees. Frogs by a shallow pool. Birds hidden by a thick canopy. All too small and difficult to catch.

There. The shallow breathing of large herbivores, still munching lazily on low bushes and grass. Deer if I was lucky. I moved back and went around the ferns so that I could remain quiet though my tummy threatened to gurgle with hunger. Shallow starlight trickled down through leaves and played tricks on the senses, but there up ahead were the flicking tails of a small heard. Garran would need a whole doe for himself at the very least. I had to take down two.

Suddenly, movement exploded from the other side of the heard which startled the animals and sent them sprinting my way. It was Aubrey. I hunkered low and the frightened creatures ran right by me. I struck out with my blade slicing tendons and rendered two females lame. Once the rest had run off, I quickly ended their existence with a cut to the trachea. Aubrey walked over completely silent and dragging the body of her initial target. "We will eat well tonight." I said cheerfully. She smiled but gave no verbal reply. It was clear she was unused to verbally communicating with people. How long had she been on her own? I grew up with the hive, with dozens of brothers and sisters. I could not imagine a prolonged length of time all alone in silence with no one to share my joys or sorrows with. In that moment I wanted to reach out and do something to comfort her, but instead we simply dragged our kills back to our males side by side. Quiet comradery was best for now.

Garran's POV

I don't believe many males truly experience what it is to have found the compliment to their soul, for when you find your match, you feel a wrenching in your chest whenever you are parted. I felt it now, and strongly, deep where no medicine could reach. I could touch her mind and ease the ache but I needed to speak to Alcander privately before our women returned so I kept my mental distance. Besides, I reminded myself, Maia would be fine. There was no reason for concern. She was a skilled warrior and would even have a little fun hunting. Plus, she needed to feel useful. She worked hard so that she would not be a hindrance to the hive. It pained me that she felt that way, as if being human was something to be ashamed of. Little things like letting her hunt though, made her feel strong and needed. So I let her do it. And if she ever needed aid, she would call me immediately.

Alcander seemed to have the same thoughts as I and did not give up protest to his mate going off hunting though I greatly suspect he did so reluctantly. The bond to our mates was strong and developed fast. Time did not matter as much when you could tap into someone's brain and learn about them in a moment what it would otherwise take months to understand. Alcander might have just recently found Aubrey, but that had little relevance to their affection.

Alcander faced me from beside the rock. We cannot return to the hive. He stated it plainly, skipping pleasantries and getting straight to business. We only had a short time before our mates returned. We had to reach a decision before they did so; it was our duty to provide for them and though they always thought they knew best, the human females often let themselves be led by their hearts and not theirs heads. In this instance, we must protect them from themselves as well.

Agreed, the queen will not tolerate our continued relations. She will be worried that this may somehow spread through the hive and take more of her children from her control like some sort of plague.

Alcander paused for a moment, then said. A new couple is not all she would be upset with.

A soft hiss escaped my lips. No, it isn't. I decided to admit what Alcander already suspected. I believe Maia to be pregnant with our offspring. Beloved as she is to the queen, our mother cannot permit another breeding within her hive. Her instincts may even drive her to attack Maia and I will not permit that to happen.

I did not believe that a xenomorph and a human could be reproductively compatible. That is, until I smelled her new scent.

I did not think it possible either but recently I have sensed strange chemical imbalances inside her body outside her normal monthly cycle. And when I look back, other subtle behavioral differences would seem to back the hypothesis. Perhaps, the original facehugger process of mixing xeno DNA with the hosts DNA has also occurred during intercourse. But I don't know the specifics and it does not really matter. It has happened. She has not been carrying for long. I am certain she does not yet know herself.

Will you tell her?

Of course! I noticed just before our journey here. I wanted to explain to her then and have her stay at the hive but if I could smell it then surely others would as well and without me by her side I could not ensure her safety. So I made the tough decision to bring her. Even then, I did not want to tell her until we were out of danger. I do not know how she will react to the news.

Alcander tilted his head. She will be pleased. She loves you very much Garran. She will be excited to carry your child. Do you know much about the human reproductive system?

Only what the queen knew and imparted to me. They grow the child within a womb and do not even lay an egg. They skip that process apparently and give human birth to a developed youngling. The queen told me that it is not like when a chestburster emerges, she said the process should not kill Maia but there can be complications. There are conflicting emotions inside me Alcander. On one hand I am ecstatic to have my own offspring, to have helped create a creature that is half me and half my beautiful Maia. But on the other hand I am terrified, more terrified than ever for her. If something were to go wrong… how am I supposed to protect my mate from our own child within her? The confession came out in a rush. Though Alcander and I were not the closest of friends, Alcander was the only one remotely close to my situation and thus the only one who might possibly understand.

Alcander thought for a moment. How long will the pregnancy last?

The queen said it takes months for a single human child.

Alcander drew quiet again. That was an extremely long time in comparison to a xenomorph's gestation. Finally he said, no we certainly cannot take them back to the hive. Maia needs a safe place to grow your child and Aubrey and I need a place where we can safely build our relationship. We will have to start our own hive.

I screeched a laugh. Where on this planet do you think is suitable?

I do not think it likely that we can get off planet and even if we did, I don't know where we would go instead. Do you?

No. Perhaps we should simply walk. There is much of this world that we have not seen and the Queen's territory only extends so far. The simple answer is that we just walk out of it. Find an unclaimed land. With a bit of luck, we can find a worthy geographical area and build it up into a sufficient home.

Which direction then? Alcander's lack of protest startled me, we had so rarely been in agreement during the recent past.

We follow the forest. East. Where there is water and game and shelter. Alcander nodded and that was that. We discussed the logistics of our plan and some fine details but soon enough I could hear foliage crumpling under the weight of a carcass being dragged ever closer. She was back. My head snapped up and my tail reflexively twitched in anticipation. She and Aubrey entered the clearing pulling four does behind them.

"Dinner is served." Maia said and dropped the heavy meat. I stretched out my large outer hand to her and she placed her small pale one in my palm. I tugged her to me. Well done my love. I whispered in her mind. With my free hand I pulled one carcass to me. I felt Maia's soft lips press a kiss to the side of my snout and a purr erupted from my chest in response.

Aubrey started a fire nearby and Maia pulled away to set some meat from a second deer over the flames to cook. It tasted much better that way, she'd told me.

While she waited for it to cook, she returned to my side. Where you belong. I thought to her. She jabbed me with her elbow in jest though I caught the smile that played on her lips. Still purring to her, I dug into the cooling carcass. The rich blood filled my mouth and flooded my body with strength. When Maia's meal was cooked, she snagged a large piece and leaned back against me and nibbled it. Her human mouth still fascinated me. Only one set of teeth. So wide and round. And that hidden muscle, her delectable tongue. The thought nearly made me moan. The way she skillfully worked that tongue on me sent my mind reeling. I moved my longue tail to coil around her. Her soft fingers stroked caresses over my flesh and sent shivers up my spine. I would topple a hundred hives for this female.

When the meal was finished, I could see the drowsy affect a full belly was having on Maia, but we needed to talk before we settled down to sleep. Maia, love, come with me.

She gave me a curious look. Is everything alright? She thought back to me, instantly coming alert.

I gave a slight nod. Yes, but I wish to discuss something in private. I gestured to Alcander and Aubrey finishing up their dinner.

Alright, she said and stood. I rose to me feet and padded silently into the forest. Maia followed at my side. When I could no longer hear the crackling of firewood I stopped and face Maia. I lay down once more and held out a large hand to her. Let me hold you while we speak. She took my hand and I pulled her against me, cradled within my grasp. I indulged in stroking my muzzle along her neck. Maia reached up a hand and slid her palm from my crest, down my face and back again. The effect was almost hypnotic.

What is it you wanted to talk about? She inquired.

Now that I had her attention, how exactly should I phrase this? Maia, I began, something wonderful has happened. But it is unexpected and I do not want you to be shocked.

She continued touching me as she thought, I sense you are nervous about admitting whatever this is. But we are strong together Garran. Whatever has happened, we can handle it. I can handle it. You just have to fill me in so we can do this together. Tell me what is on your mind?

I sent her waves of affection through our bond and surrounded her protectively with my body. Maia, quite recently I noticed that your scent has changed. Upon further inspection… well my darling, I believe you to be pregnant.

Her body went still. She was stunned, I knew. Not in a horrified kind of way but in a "last time I checked this wasn't possible" kind of way. "H-how?" She stammered in her surprise.

Xenomorph perseverance? What is that phrase humans have? "Love finds a way?"

Maia took her hand from my face and placed it tenderly over her abdomen. "I'm pregnant?" She whispered aloud. Her eyes went dreamy and unfocused.

Yes love. Our child grows within you.

She looked at me then. This is the part where I didn't know how she would react. Would she cry, or curse, or faint, or any number of things humans did? Instead, she wrapped her arms around my neck and spoke confidently against my exoskeleton. "We are going to be such great parents!" She stated. I hugged her back tightly and chuckled.

Without a doubt. Are you… happy with this news?

Maia kissed the side of my face. "Garran, I'm thrilled! A little blind-sided but, oh my god we're having a baby!" Here came the loud human exclamations that accompanied enthusiasm. She began to speak in a rush. "I wonder what it will look like. Will it be a boy? Or a girl? Will it have a gender? What will it look like? Have you ever seen a hybrid before?"

Oh my human made me chuckle. No, I have not. I believe we are the first. That I know of at least.

"Uncharted territory" She muttered.

Basically, the story of our whole lives.

She laughed at that. "I'm going to make little toys for it to play with, and we'll probably need to find a way to make diapers, and…"

What are diapers? I interjected.

"Early potty training." She supplied.

Oh, I see. I chuckled. Well we have plenty of time to plan for such details. I lowered my muzzle and ever so gently nuzzled where her hand lay protectively over her womb. Thank you for this gift you me give us love. You are forever my own personal miracle.

Maia's POV

I could hardly believe it was true. "You are completely certain?" I asked. If this was a misunderstanding, my heart was going to be crushed.

Yes, he responded, his muzzle still resting on my abdomen. I beamed at him. This was really happening! I could hardly rap my mind around it.

"I'm so happy, Garran. I'd never even dared to contemplate the idea!" I had never dreamed it possible. That and the Queen was the only mother in our hive. My smile fell at once. "Mother." I whispered aloud with trepidation in my voice.

Garran raised his head. Yes, mother. Maia, you must know that I cannot take you back to the hive. My heart seized up. Never go home? Garran felt my rising panic and clutched me tighter. Do you remember when I asked you if you would leave with me if it were necessary?

"Yes" The whisper was barely audible.

This is the time. I am sorry my dearest. I know this is very sudden. But if I can scent your pregnancy then so can she. If we were to return, your life would be in danger.

"I can't even say goodbye." I was being choked by emotion. How could such wonderful news be immediately followed by such sorrow? Why did one always follow the other in an endless cycle?

No, Maia. He waited for me to process this new situation. He hugged me and let me think.

Finally, I looked up at him. "We have been given a gift, one I will not jeopardize. I made my choice Garran, and I will not turn back on it. You and now our baby are my top priorities. If we must leave…then we leave." Garran pressed a kiss to my forehead.

Thank you! He said with relief. Alcander and Aubrey will come with us as well. They are not likely to receive a warm welcome at the hive either. We will be our own family now Maia. We will start our own hive. I promise I will take care of you and I will do my best to ensure you are happy. I know this is a great sacrifice you are making, and I would not ask it if it was not absolutely necessary.

"I know Garran. And I trust you. But where will we go?"

My thought is to head East. Follow the forest and food out of Mother's territory. Hopefully we will find a good location and can start building a new home. I won't lie to you, this isn't going to be easy and we have no certainty of what we will find.

At that I laughed, "When has anything about our relationship been easy? But I'm ready and willing to fight for it. We are strong together. I believe we will make it."

Garran nuzzled my cheek and began to purr. My courageous little human. I reached up around his thick neck and hugged him.

"No matter what happens, always remember that I love you!"

And I you, my dearest one.

We held each other for a long while. Emotions swirled within us both, but we just held each other and let the knowledge that our lives were drastically changing sweep over and through us. Eventually, Garran moved. He pulled me close in his larger set of arms and stood.

We should return to Alcander and Aubrey. We will stay the night in this sheltered location and set out tomorrow. Maia, I must ask a favor.

I tilted my head with curiosity as he began walking us back to the rock formation. "Yes?"

Before this mission, I asked you to temporarily do as I asked, to follow every order for your own safety.

I could catch where he was going with this and slowly said "Yes."

I am asking to extend that agreement until we find or build a new home. I growled lowly in irritation. I understood his reasoning of course, but I was not always so submissive. I still had my own mind and opinions of things. I will not give orders unless absolutely necessary, but I need to know that you trust me and will do as I ask in an emergency situation.

I sighed heavily. "I agree. Begrudgingly and temporarily! But I'll agree. Until we have a new home."

Garran purred his appreciation and bent his head to rub his inner mouth along my cheek. I turned my head after a moment to kiss him there and his purring increased. I will not misuse your trust. He said.

"Garran, I want to ask you about something else."

Oh? What is it?

"I know we can't go back" I began, "But I feel like we have to do something to warn the hive about the humans and how dangerous they actually are." I would leave, but I would not completely abandon what had been my home and my family for so many years. A home that had been good to me.

Garran was quiet for a while. I know. I have no wish to return but I also have no wish for such a revenge. Your bond with Mother was the strongest. Do you think you can reach her? Even at this distance?

"I can try." I closed my eyes and reached for my link with the queen. Mother? Mother can you hear me? We waited for a sign. Eventually, there was the faintest nudge in my mind. It was slow and soft, as if through a thick syrup. Can you hear my words?

Again, the slightest of nudges. I hoped it would be enough. There are many more humans than we thought and they have specialized weapons to capture and kill us. They somehow know xenomorph weaknesses. Some of them are weak. But some of them are trained as warriors. They are dangerous! I do not exaggerate. I fear they will come and you must be ready for when they do! These humans are pathetic on their own, but their machines make them strong and they have numbers. A pause and then a final nudge in acknowledgment. I made no mention of our escape or that of our new plan. Just the warning. I hoped she would listen.

You've done what you can. Garran said in support. I made no reply, but relaxed against him. That might have been the last contact I would ever have with my mother.

…

We reached to the rocks quickly. As Garran stepped under the overhang, Alcander's head lifted.

I understand I am to congratulate you Maia. He said.

He knows already? I asked Garran.

He could smell it as well. He suspected.

Focusing on Alcander I replied, "We are very excited! But you know what this means."

He nodded his head. We will join you. I want the same thing Garran does, a safe place for my mate and myself to be together. Besides, Aubrey wasn't too eager about meeting dozens of xenos anyway. He chuckled and bent his head back down to where I noticed Aubrey was tucked in his arms. She reclined against him but her sharp eyes was focused on me.

"Happy for you." She said hoarsely in human. "Friends?"

I nodded at her and replied in the same language, "I would like that very much". She gave a sharp nod and rolled over to face Alcander, effectively ending our conversation. Alcander lowered his muzzle to rub against her. I knew they were conversing mentally when he started purring and his tail flicked happily.

Garran walked over to another wall and lay down. I could feel his exhaustion. How are your wounds? I thought to him.

Superficial. He replied. His tail curled up around me as he settled down. He scented the air one last time and lay his great head on the ground beside me and I snuggled up to him. So much had happened today. Both my mind and my body were exhausted. Tomorrow would bring its own trials, but for tonight we were free and safely together, I reminded myself. Garran began to purr softly and my eyelids grew heavy with contentment. Soon enough I drifted off to sleep.

What do you guys think? Should she have a humanoid girl? A humanoid boy? A xeno girl? A xeno boy? Review per usual. Many thanks!