Broken
This was all he’d ever wanted … Love born from her hatred, acknowledgement of his very existence. Wet coughs wracked Nuka’s battered body, his head slowly leaning against his mother’s paw. He’d almost done it. Almost destroyed the source of their pain and suffering, of his mother’s obsession. But there was only sorrow, forgotten affection in their eyes. Blue and crimson began to blur as his vision darkened, every wheezing breath against his shattered ribs enticing a rolling wave of dizzying agony.
“… I tried, Mother … I tried …” Nuka breathed, his voice but a strangled whisper. But he had. He’d done everything for her … Even passing by a lioness’ love. What was his legacy? There was nothing. Nothing but a light in her eyes. He would never meet his cubs. His only condolence was that they just might make it into the world. That they might live a happier life. One ear twitched as he heard his mother’s voice, his sister’s forlorn sigh. Someone was crying. Yet there was only one thought in his mind as he slipped into utter darkness, a shuddering breath escaping his muzzle. One last confession, one last reassurance. Both to his family, and to the lioness he’d been forced to all but ignore.
”˜… I love you …’