Odd Sensation

I quickly dashed to the dust bin of the room before Ysabeau could hurl up. I thanked my lucky stars that I went through my mother's pregnancy when I was old enough to understand the birds and the bees. My brother and I have an 11 years gap without any siblings in the middle.

It doesn't make me a doctor, but I'm guessing that I've got more experience with pregnant women than two guys standing in front of me.

"Quick reflexes," commented Bryan, turning away from the scene.

"You're the only one in the house right now; Baldwin has left to Teuton to do some more research on the snow at that area. By the way, what's with that comment about someone breaking down doors left and right? Who has been doing that?" asked Ysabeau after hurling up her lunch.

"Raiyen, that Time Mage doesn't understand the concept of privacy," grumbled Z.

I got a shock of my life as I realized I didn't know that Raiyen had vanished from the discussion half an hour ago.

"The guy's a Vigilante, master of spies. So when you were busy playing with the Map Crystal, Raiyen said that he needed to rush to Tomoe. Despite the two childrens' squabbles, Raiyen has to care if Tomoe sustains large injuries, especially ones that can knock him out."

"Luckily, Tomoe didn't get hurt too badly," explained Z as he saw my shocked expression.

"I'm not so sure about him getting hurt. I think the biggest blow would be his pride after it took a simple gesture from a girl to make him kiss the floor. He is never going to live that down or look you in the eye for the next few days," added Bryan, smiling under his breath.

"I hope the fox learned his lesson and sucked it up before we head onto this Major Mission. Or else I'll make sure to add a kick into the mix. Honestly, I never did like people who talked me down," I complained, trying to soothe Ysabeau's back.

"High Queen, please tell me what you are feeling in your abdomen," I asked, looking at Ysabeau.

"It's this feeling... I can't explain it... It isn't normal. I haven't felt this before..." complained the High Queen, with tears in the corners of her eyes.

"Okay... It's alright, no need to cry. Let's see, do you feel sharp pains? Like, someone stabbing you?" I questioned once more.

Ysabeau shook her head. I heaved a sigh of relief. At least she wasn't having a miscarriage. I don't think I would survive after telling the Bahamut that news.

"Is this your first pregnancy?"

"No, she had two kids half a millennium ago. Unfortunately, Ysabeau lost the second one in the womb. Most likely, she's experiencing some contractions of some form..." said Bryan.

"You shouldn't open your mouth to answer something you don't know about. Or else, I'm going to punch you to understand the pain of a contraction. No uterus, no talk. Besides, you should know the difference between cramps and contractions."

"They are not the same in terms of pregnancy language. If she's having contractions now, this baby is going and gone. Braxton Hicks occurs during the final period of pregnancy which isn't now. But not to worry, Lady Meslander, because that isn't happening to you now."

Bryan got a slap on the back of the head after what I had blurted out by the Galaxian Mage. The Slayer muttered a small apology before I continued with my examination. I sighed as I looked into Ysabeau's eyes.

"I had kids before, as what the Slayer said, but the second one didn't make it to the halfway mark. So this pregnancy has just passed the middle of the term, but it doesn't rule out the possibility of losing another child, right?" asked Ysabeau, with her words pouring out.

"I could still lose this kid, right? I don't see blood which-"

"Is a good sign. Please don't start thinking about those bad things before they even happen. I can't ask a pregnant woman to calm down, but I need you to do it now. You stressing up this much isn't healthy for you or the child growing in you. Mama doesn't feel good, and the baby can feel it."

Ysabeau started taking deep breaths, making her breathing calm, and I noted her heart wasn't beating as fast as before. That was a good sign since Ysabeau couldn't throw up any more food unless she had a buffet.

"May I have permission to touch your belly? Is it the only way I can know about your condition? You've got a miscarriage before, and this further complicates your diagnosis. I can't tell if the baby or you is safe without a physical exam," I instructed softly.