Chapter Text
“Gem? Are you ok?” Worry was etched into Tango's voice as he saw his friend leaning on his equipment and holding on for dear life, all Gem could do was strain a smile as another wave of contractions hit her harder than before.
It’s not like she willingly volunteered to join the games while she was heavily pregnant, it’s just hard to appeal to god-like beings to not include certain players into new seasons. No amount of begging and threats could change their minds, besides the idea of a player surviving for two very much interested the Watchers. Luckily, everyone else was understanding enough to give her a quick death if she was their next target to avoid further complications.
The most recent session really exhausted her. Despite her efforts to keep a positive outlook for the majority of the sessions, the constant moving to avoid the snails very much exhausted her.
“Contractions,” was all she could say, while she tried to catch her breath.
Tango was not convinced, even though the baby wasn't his, he still felt a sense of responsibility for the child considering that the father is his closest friend back on Hermitcraft.
Bdubs came to her side, “Gem I think you need to sit down.” Gem shook her head, “I'll be fine, I just need to get to either Skizz or Cleo.” Bdubs gave her a look, “Why didn't they meet you at your base?” Gem didn't have an answer to that.
Bdubs eyes went wide, “Gem-” “I'm fine. I just need to check in with Skizz and Cleo.” “Gem, I think your water broke!”
Tango looked down and could see a dark wet patch running down her pant legs, “Gem, you really need to sit down.” Tango tried to remain calm but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't panicking.
“I'm fine.” Gem said sternly, wincing at a new wave of contractions.
“Gem, I think the baby is coming,” Bdubs said.
“No, it's not.”
“Gem-”
“It’s too early.”
“Gem-”
“I just need to get Skizz-”
“GeminiTay!” Bdubs was in front of her now, his hands firmly yet gently grabbing her face, “This baby is coming, whether you want it or not!”
Gem was quiet for a minute, then she let out a sob, “Zed needs to be here… he needs…”
“Zedaph isn’t here,” Bdubs held her, “Look, we're going to call over Skizz and Cleo. Is there anybody else you wanna call for?”
Gem looked at him, “Can- Can someone get Pearl and Impulse, please?”
Bdubs nodded, “Of course.”
“I already sent a message to Cleo. I also told them to bring Pearl and Impulse too. I'll go get Skizz right quick.” Etho said before running toward the mountain.
Another wave of contractions hit Gem, any attempt to stand or walk resulted in her legs almost giving out.
“Tango, get her in my base!” Bdubs ordered. Tango didn't argue, he picked Gem up and brought her towards his base, “Bdubs, I don't want to dirty your bed.” Gem said weakly. “Damn the bed, you're in labor!”
There were many emotions running through her head, the physical pain from the contractions, despair as she realized her lover won’t be with her, and guilt as she was delivering in another player's home. As soon as Gem got in bed, Bdubs and Tango were scurrying around to find extra blankets and pillows in an attempt to make Gem more comfortable.
“Impulse! Pearl!” Cleo shouted. Hurrying to gather all the potions needed for the delivery. They knew that the likelihood of Gem delivering during these sessions were likely but hoped that because of how short the seasons were in the past that it wouldn’t have come to this. Rapid footsteps can be heard outside, “We heard screaming, what happened?” Impulse said.
Cleo turned toward them, “We need to hurry, Gem is in labor and you two are her lackeys.” Neither player was able to process the information as they were dragged away by their zombified friend.
“Mate, you’re not going to get a kill if you keep leaving the scene,” Mumbo explained. Grian nodded in agreement.
Skizz scoffed at his teammates, “Look man, I’m playing the long game. But also I’m just trying to make sure that Gemmy-Bemmy is doing alright, I mean her body has gone through a lot of strain as of late.”
Grian laughed, “You really are a dad.”
“I will wear that badge with honor,” Skizz said, puffing his chest out.
“Hey… Is that Etho?” Mumbo said, looking out the window. Both teammates joined to observe his claim and sure enough, there he was running up the mountain.
“What’s he want?”
Etho barged in the tower, looking around before landing on Skizz, “Skizz, the baby. It’s coming!”
Skizz blinked at his friend before the words finally registered, “Right now?”
“Yes, Now!” Skizz quickly jumped into action and dug through one of the chests, collecting all the materials for the delivery, “Where is she now?”
“Gem is at Bdubs base, and Cleo is on their way along with Impulse and Pearl.” Satisfied with his items in hand, Skizz jumped out the window and flew towards Bdubs base.
Upon entering the base he bumped into Bdubs carrying an obscene amount of pillows, “Perfect timing. Gem needs you.” Looking at the bed, he can see his buddy Tango rubbing in her back trying to help soothe whatever ache and pain she’s experiencing while Gem was hunched over and gripping the mattress for dear life.
“Gem, I’m here!” Looking at the current set up, he was appreciative that they were trying to make everything as comfortable as possible for her, “Thanks guys, just do what you guys are doing until Cleo gets here, alright?” Both men agreed and carried on.
Skizz walked up to Gem, pulling out a water bottle which she was grateful for, “This may seem dumb, but how are you holding up?” Gem looked at him, “Like I’m having a really bad cramp, but it’s duable.” Skizz nodded. If they were back on Hermitcraft they’d have more experts that are more than qualified to help in this situation, but they weren’t on Hermitcraft, they were in the Life Series, and the only people that are semi qualified to handle this were him and Cleo and they both only knew the basics. On top of that, the only thing they had available were potions, and with no medications to help her Gem is going to have a rough birth.
“Well, if that pain gets any worse I have a lot of regen potions just in case,” Skizz said, placing the bottles on the nightstand. “I also have some of my old shirts that you can use, and don’t worry they’ve been washed and cleaned.” Gem looked down at the garments and she began tearing up, “Hey, don’t cry. I have plenty of shirts so losing these won’t be an issue.”
Gem shook her head, “It’s not that. I just wish Zed was here, he should be here,” Gem wiped her face, “I should have held out a little longer for him.”
Skizz felt a pang of sadness for his friend, despite their situation he did his best to comfort her however he could, “Gem, I’m sure that Zed would have understood your situation.” Tango chimed in, “Yeah, I don’t know many people that would cuss out the Watchers like he did. Admittedly they didn’t hear him say it, but still.” Bdubs nodded in agreement, “And besides, if he did have an issue about it I could bop him on the forehead with my handy-dandy shovel in your honor.”
Gem laughed at his friend's declaration.
It wasn’t long before Cleo and the others showed up. After Tango and Bdubs left the room, Cleo and Pearl helped get Gem into some comfier clothes.
“Alright, love. I’m gonna have to see how far you are.” Cleo said.
Gem cringed at the idea of having to lay down when her back was already throbbing, “Please don’t make me lay down! My back already hurts!”
“Oh no, love- We won’t make you do anything, but I do need to look down if that's ok?”
Gem shook her head giving Cleo permission to continue, “Alright. Skizz, can you lend me a hand?”
He was already on the move, he carfully helped Gem get on a kneeling position close to the end of the bed and Cleo was able to perform their examination. Their eyes went wide, which concerned Skizz, “The head is crowning. This kid is coming.”
Skizz called Impulse over to take his place and quickly got the preparations ready. Pearl stood next to Gem holding her hand, only to quickly regret that decision as she felt her hand getting crushed.
“Alright Gem, you're gonna push on the count of three, ok?” Gem shook her head, holding on to Impulse's arm and Pearl’s hand, bracing herself to what’s to come.
“One, two, three! Push!” She was suddenly hit with the worst pain imaginable, the pressure growing more and more and just the strain felt overwhelming, both physically and mentally. She tightened her grip on Impulse and Pearl, very grateful for their help.
“Doing great, Gem.” Impulse strained, feeling her nails digging into his skin but he remained her pillar. Pearl tried to match her strength but it was futile.
“Ok, stop. We’re going to try again in a minute,” Cleo said, watching Gem closely as well as the baby. “Skizz, be sure that blanket is ready.”
“Already on it. You’re doing great Gem, just breathe.”
Gem really wanted to comment on that, but with the building pressure and the pain she was experiencing she couldn’t bring herself to talk. The best she could do was listen to Skizz and Cleo while holding on Impulse and Pearl for dear life.
“Ok love, you’re gonna push again.” Gem braced herself for the countdown while Pearl and Impulse talked her through. When the count went to three, Gem pushed with all she had, again the pressure and the pain was immense but she wanted to be over with.
“Gem! Stop pushing!” Cleo announced. The ugency in their voice worried her more than the pain itself, did something happen? Was the baby ok??
“Sorry, the umbilical cord was wrapped around the kids neck.” Cleo said, their calm and soothing voice mirroring the polar opposite of Gems' concerns. Had they not stopped her, would she have accidentally mudered her own baby? The thought alone made Gem’s blood run cold. Pearl looked over and noticed dread covering her friend’s face, “Gem you are in good hands, you can do this, ok?” Gem looked at her friend and nodded, but still unsure.
If they were back on Hermitcraft, would she have to worry about umbilical cords and all this pain? Maybe, but they’d be in a better location rather than on an isolated server with limited materials and one person being able to contact the outside servers.
“Alright, you’re gonna give one big push.” By now Gem was exhausted, her legs shaking from the pain, her grasp still iron strong despite the people holding her up. She didn’t want to continue, she wanted it to be over with. “Gem, I know you’re tired, but you are making great progress. Just hold out a little more, ok?” Skizz said, Impulse and Pearl joined in after and all Gem could do was nod.
On the third count, Gem screamed in agony as she pushed with all her might, her friends coaching her and supporting her through the process. Then, there was relief. The pain resided and all there was now was a dull ache and Gem nearly collapsed from the exhaustion. Cleo handed the baby to Skizz and quickly ordered Impulse and Pearl to lay her on the bed.
As her mind started to come back to reality, Gem realized something, why can’t she hear any cries? Gem called out, “Skizz?” Skizz had his back toward the group, hunched over and she couldn’t make out what he was doing. Dread started to pool in her stomach, Cleo did their best to calm her down and to try and get her to drink a regen but Gem was very occupied with something else, “Skizz, is my baby ok?” Impulse and Pearl looked at Cleo but Cleo couldn’t meet thier gaze.
Skizz started compressions, the baby was looking unaturally blue with no signs of life. He can hear Gem’s cries but he couldn’t get distracted, he needed to try. After a few presses, it was obvious that the kids' airways were too blocked for them to breathe. What he did next may have been the most impulsive, idiotic decision that he could have done that could have led him and anyone involved into serious trouble. With a steady hand, he placed his palm over the infant's head and slowly trickled his energy from his fingertips to the infant’s mouth, allowing the power to gently navigate and open the narrow airways in the newborn, and slowly but surely he can feel circulation slowly moving.
Suddenly a loud wailing came from the infant and Skizz felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The sound of the infant crying filled the room and everyone couldn’t help but break out into smiles and soft laughters. Skizz made his way toward Gem and placed the baby on her chest. Upon seeing her child, Gem couldn’t hide her delight, something so tiny, so beautiful. Tears welled in her eyes and she didn’t make an effort to stop them.
“Congrats on your little girl.” Skizz said, sitting on the edge of the bed. Impulse snuck a quick glance at his friend and Skizz returned the gesture, a quiet understanding of what had happened and a conversation that would be saved on a later date. For now, they supported their friend and a new member of her family.
Outside the area, a group formed around Bdubs base. All quiet save the yelling and screaming from within the base. Grian was pasing back and forth, his feathers puffing more and more with every stride. He's been trying to get in touch with Xisuma for a while and was just happy that The Watcher’s were forgiving enough to allow him to contact anyone outside the games on this occasion.
Finally, he heard him pick up and before Grian was able to get a word in, “Gem is delivering.” Xisuma said it as a statement rather than a question. Grian looked at his communicator for a minute before Xisuma continued, “There is only one reason you call me during these games and that usually involves the well being of some player, and I’m assuming that Gem is delivering, yes?”
Grian collected himself, “Yes. Cleo and Skizz are with her now. Is there any way that you can get Zedaph?”
“Already ahead of you mate, when is it a good time for her to talk?”
Suddenly the yelling stopped, and nothing was heard. Each member looked at eachother expectedly, waiting for something to happen. Then a cry erupted, a baby’s cry, and suddenly everyone found the strength to breathe again before a quiet celebration was thrown.
“How about now?”
Skizz gave a warm smile, seeing Gem and her child together. Pearl sat next to her friend, cooing at the sleeping infant, “She’s so pretty. What’s her name going to be?”
Gem looked at her baby, a puzzled look crossing her face, “I don’t know. We weren’t expecting a girl to be honest.”
Everyone looked over at Gem, “What do you mean?”
Gem looked up, “False said that we were having a boy and Doc confirmed it too. The nursery and everything is all boy stuff. We don’t even have any girl names picked out.”
Skizz spoke up, “Well, I know G is trying to get in contact with the server. You should be able to talk to Zed then.” As on que, a knock can be heard at the door.
Skizz opened the door to Grian holding his communicator, Skizz positioned his finger on his lip to let him know to be quiet. Grian made his way to the bed and gave a small smile toward Gem, “You look like a wreck.” Gem chuckled, “Gee, I wonder why.”
Grian pulled up a stool and sat next to his friend, “I have Xisuma on the com and Zed is with him if you wanna talk to him.” Gem nodded eagerly, finally able to talk to her lover before giving the baby to Cleo and taking Grian’s communicator.
“Hello?”
“Gem? Love?”
“Hi Zed.”
“... I heard that you delivered,” the strain in Zed’s voice pulled something in Gem’s chest that she couldn’t explain..
“I’m sorry…”
“No, No, No! I meant like– I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”
“There was nothing you could have done.”
“I know but I feel like some responsibility is on me as well,” As heartfelt as that was, Skizz couldn’t help but internally roll his eyes. Victim blaming must be their love language or something, no wonder they clicked so well.
“Besides that, how is our little man doing?”
Gem paused and looked at her baby for a minute, “About that… Turns out we had a girl.”
The silence was deafening and for a minute Gem was worried that Zedaph wasn’t taking the news as well as she'd hoped, “We have a little girl!?” The initial shock from the noise startled Gem and amused everyone else in the room, “Yes– Wait, you’re not mad?”
Zed scoffed on the other side, “Why would I be mad? I’ve always wanted a little girl! What does she look like? I bet she has your face!”
Cleo chuckled at Zed’s excitement, “He’s going to spoil her you know.”
Gem gave a nod, “Zed, she was just delivered.”
“I know but– I just wanna meet her so badly.” Impulse and Grian stifled a laugh at Zed’s mini tantrum. Despite his childish behavior, Gem was really grateful about the positive response from her lover, she just can’t wait to get home for him to meet her.
Her.
“Wait, we don’t have a name for her and I can’t keep calling her kid or something.”
“Hmm... Zora? I’ve always liked that name.” The more Gem thought about it, the more it grew on her, then anidea struck,“Zora Zire?” They technically didn’t need a full name for her but it felt appropriate to include one.
“That sounds lovely. Zora Zire, I can’t wait to meet her.”
With a name in mind, Gem and Zed said their I love you’s and good byes before ending their call.