Disclaimer: I don't own Predator or Aliens or anything from the movies or books,… But I do own my imagination and the characters I bring to life.

Also, this story is a sequel to Hunted and Hunter, so I hope, to better understand the characters and following unfolding story, you will read that first. Now without further babbling on my part… drum roll please… with great pleasure I present…

HUNTERS AND TREASURES

Chapter 1: New

The sounds of clicked, trilled, growled and roared conversation didn't diminish one bit when the irritated growls of "Make way, let me pass! Don't you know this is an emergency!" tried to get through the crowd. The Yautja, whose growl for attention belonged to, weaved and dodged others of his kind through the crowded Great Hall, his hurried steps never faltered, even when he had to duck a fast approaching platter of food or stumble over a few steps in his haste. Others barely noticed him at all, used to seeing him everywhere always mumbling and rushing at all times of day or night. He was very short for being one of them, his coloring a pale mixture of green blotches on brown skin, with dark blue-ish dreads that were far too short and made themselves obvious by sticking out at odd angles. He also had unfortunately, a rather stout physique where the customary norm was muscular. But for all his outwardly, perhaps even a few inwardly eccentricities, he was the model of efficiency and reliability, for these traits made him indispensable to one of the most powerful Yautjas in existence, which he was right now franticly trying to locate.

Finally getting a glimpse of the tall figure he was searching for, he instantly changed direction, almost crashing into a few hunters, obviously no longer paying much attention to his surroundings, causing quite a few disgruntled growling curses and surprised yelps thrown his way when he recklessly trod on feet. He barely noticed. His mind was completely focused on trying not to lose sight of his quarry and his persistence was rewarded after two more close misses; one with a bottle of C'ntlip and the other with a flailing spear that belonged to an older hunter avidly discussing and on the verge of reenacting a hunt.

Stopping abruptly in front of the High Matriarch, he bent a bow that was over before it could be completed, clicking hastily "Forgive my bold interruption my Ruler, but I have grave news!" Glancing down at him, Dahi'ra had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. Every, even the smallest occurrence that went wrong or didn't go exactly as planned was "grave news" in the eyes of her efficient palace aide. Turning to him, she clicked "What is it Berh'in?" the aide almost roared the words , but caught himself at the last moment, clicking furiously "She's gone, again! I went to her rooms to fetch her for the gathering but she wasn't there or anywhere in or around the palace!" Dahi'ra knew exactly who "she" was. Thinking for a moment, she clicked "Did you try the infirmary? The gardens? The cooking hall?" the words getting faster every time the aide shook his head "The baths? The cattle pens? The traders? The armory? The archives?" at the last one Berh'in paused, he hadn't checked the vast underground hall directly beneath this one, simply because he didn't think the ooman had access there. About to turn around and stomp all the way there, he was stopped by the Matriarch "Leave it. I will go." Watching her leave, he let lose a relieved sigh. At least now he could relax a little, eyeing a glass of C'ntlip that passed him on a tray, he debated with himself for a moment before he shrugged and grabbed it, downing the contents in one gulp. It did seem, he supposed, that since the ooman had come to live here, he'd developed quite a fondness for the stuff.

Down in the archives, the echoing hum of machinery, the activity of tapping and sliding hands were all that was heard when Dahi'ra arrived. Navigating almost endless rows of ancient skeletal trophies of beasts long gone, stone and metal slabs of written words, polished armor and weapons that hadn't been in use for centuries, she couldn't help but muse that her own would find a place here one day, among the prized possessions of rulers past. Their history was kept safe here beneath the palace, where expertly dimmed lights and controlled air would keep their treasures intact for millennia to come.

The human sitting at a large oval table in the centre of the huge chamber, was engrossed in the holographic screen in front of her, sounds of surprise, winces and the occasional barely muted cheer escaped as she watched the holo-battle unfold. To her it was almost like she was there. Stopping behind her, Dahi'ra saw what had the little one so enthralled and couldn't help but be a bit saddened by the sight, for Cat was watching a hunting party on a distant planet and their efforts to overpower a much larger horned and spiked beast. She watched as Cat clutched the edge of the table as one of the warriors was slashed by the beasts mace like tail and thrown to the ground by the impact, clicking she interrupted "That battle was three months ago child, he has since recovered from those injuries"

Cat shrieked from surprise, almost falling off her seat, swiveling around she clutched her chest trying to slow down her heart "Oh my god don't do that! You just scared ten years of off me!" reaching past her, Dahi'ra pushed a button that made the video stop and disappear, noticing that Cat avoided her eyes as she did so. Sitting in a chair beside her, she clicked "Have you heard anything from your Clan other than from the reports and holo-feeds?" Cat had determinately avoided this line of conversation for the past year, focusing her mind and energy on new duties, explorations and research about anything and everything she could get her hands on. Nothing could, however distract her late at night from the hurt she felt as the months had passed and not a word had reached her from home, other than a few short message pads here and there from Azira'ah, but even those had ceased over time. It was hard not to feel resentment at the fact that they'd seemed to forget her very existence. Waving her hand in an aloof gesture, she answered with a smile and disinterest she didn't quite feel "You know I haven't" changing the topic, her smile turned real "I take it the party is in full swing?" used to the meanings and way the little one spoke by now, Dahi'ra trilled "That is why I am here." as she continued the laughter in her voice countered her chastising words "You were supposed to wait in your rooms. Berh'in was looking for you everywhere and you know how he gets when you disappear on him." Trying to look contrite, Cat gave up the effort with a laugh "I know and I'm sorry, but I can't help it! He's wound so tight and rigid with all his rules, it's hilarious when his feathers get ruffled." Shaking her head, the Matriarch stood, trilling "Ease up on him little one. Now come, we have delayed long enough I can already hear the drums." Not hearing anything herself, the human shrugged and followed her friend. Half way up, faint rhythmic beats grew louder as they drew closer to the Great Hall.

The drums signaled the first day of the week long celebrations that were held annually. A festival of sorts that celebrated the births of pups, successful hunts, changes both positive and negative. Homage would be paid to the Goddess Paya for fertility, strength and guidance. To the God Cetanu respect would be shown for their fallen warriors with sparring matches demonstrating hand to hand combat and skills with weapons. Even pups were encouraged to partake in light matches and other hunting techniques or in competitions where they showed off what they'd learned. The practice pyramids scattered around the palace would be filled with cleaver traps and a few dangerous animals let loose inside to provide a challenge to those who wished to show their prowess. Scientists showed their new discoveries, smiths would exhibit new weapons and traders would tempt with bargains. The week then topped off by numerous small hunting parties going into the jungle to hunt for the food that would be eaten on the last night. Last year, Cat had seen part of the festivities, mostly from the balconies around the Great Hall, and later read about them in the archives. She had come to Yaut a few days before the celebrations started, too apprehensive and uncomfortable to join in, she just occasionally observed them when her own company and tangled thoughts had become too much to bear.

Now, as she watched Dahi'ra commandingly enter the Great Hall, her own feet slowed and stopped just outside the entrance. A feeling of utter loneliness washed over her as she looked into the room, watching the Yautjas talk to each other, some with enthusiasm, other with growls, but all of them understanding what the other was saying, while she still got odd looks when she opened her mouth or was simply ignored and dismissed for being an ooman. Honestly, she'd never seen so many Yautja in one place, or act this uninhibited as they drank and ate with gusto. They trilled and roared with laughter at jokes she couldn't quite catch and probably wouldn't understand. They thumped their friends on broad backs and flirted outrageously with females... all of it was overwhelming to say the least.

So distracted by her rising astonishment, she didn't notice anyone approach or stop by her side until a purr vibrated in her ear "I think you would find it more enjoyable if you went in." She almost jumped out of her skin "Aaah!" whirling around, she knocked into a gray chest and bounced off. Grabbing her by the arms the hunter pulled her upright before she could hit the ground. He was amused when she thumped his chest with a small fist and glared at him "You brute! You almost gave me a heart attack!" adding an afterthought as she made sure she was steady "You should all be forced to wear bells." Giving a bark of laughter, he trilled "Perhaps." he waited for her to look up again before continuing with a purr "But I think I prefer our encounters like this." emphasizing his words by pulling her closer. To say she was shocked would be an understatement, as his clawed hands moved to her bare back and his head dipped lower, shock gave way to annoyance. Narrowing her eyes, she did the only thing she could think of under this circumstance. Grabbing his arms for leverage and power, she swung her knee into his groin and her fist into his mandibles "Pauk! Omph!" As soon as his grip loosened enough she bolted into the crowd without looking back, bewildered when she realized the roar echoing behind her wasn't from anger but laughter.

Cat woke up with a headache that in her mind pounded in the exact same rhythm the drums had last night, fighting the urge to cross her eyes, she threw the fur over her head muttering "Oh this isn't fair, I didn't even drink!" She'd kept close to the Matriarch the whole evening, not wanting to give Sharky the chance to catch her alone again, being able to excuse herself to go to her rooms when the Yautjas started moving outside to continue their celebration. Groaning and massaging her temples as she threw off her fur, she headed straight for the bathroom for a soothing shower before going looking for something to eat.

Two hours later and feeling like new, she was standing outside on the palace steps, it always struck her how beautiful it was here. On the outside the palace looked like a normal wall of rock situated at the bottom of a cliff, you could only see the huge carved entrance into the stone, statues on either side of it, hiding the magnificence of huge halls and rooms it held like secrets inside. In fact whole city of intricately carved homes with symbols was situated in an enormous canyon, the stone walls on either side holding entrances on different levels. Beyond the edges of the cliffs there was only wild and untamed jungle, a perfect hot and humid world for its bloodthirsty residence. It took Cat months to get used to it and still she couldn't go far for any long periods of time because of the heat.

Taking a few gulps of water from her ever present flask, she stopped to watch two Yautja warriors engaged in hand to hand combat on a raised platform. She had to give them credit, they were impressive. Their movements were fluid and strong, even when one of them crashed to the floor by a well placed blow he somehow managed to make it look graceful. A minute later she cringed "ouch, that really had to hurt" when the green warrior missed an opening and was thrown to the ground again by the brown one only after a handful of hits. The small crowd gathered roared a cheer. Looking around at them and then at the green warrior picking himself up, she grinned yelling and jumping "C'mon Greeny grind that brown excuse for a Yautja into dust! Who's the warrior? You are!" ignoring the stares she was getting, she kept her eyes on the fight, clapping and whooping when her favorite dealt a few good blows, almost succeeding to throw the brown one down. The match turned more interesting when someone from the crowd threw spears to each of the warriors. Cat shrieked, clutching her flask to her chest "Look out!" when the brown one charged, his spear twirling in his hands and then quickly coming from the side, the green one blocked the harsh blow at the last possible moment, staying on the offense and parrying more fast attacks. Her breath caught when the brown warrior crashed his spear down from above, the green one containing the blow by thrusting his own spear up, hands on either side of it, the force propelled him to the edge of the platform. Hearing the crowd roar to the brown one to throw his opponent off, Cat screamed the opposite flailing her fist "You can take him Greeny! Show'em how it's done! Throw 'im off!" She jumped up and down "Yeeesss!" as the green warrior crouched lower forcing his opponent to tip forward, he then thrust up at him making him stumble back a few paces. It was all the advantage he needed, lunging at him, he hooked his spear under the brown ones neck and jumped almost at the same time, twisting his body in the air far enough so that he hit him in the back with a knee as he came down, releasing one end of his spear in the process. The brown warrior sailed of the platform and landed with a painful dusty thud. No one made a sound. Cat was too far gone to notice "Yaaaay! You did it! That was amazing!" Watching her, the green warrior inclined his head and then roared his victory, followed by the crowd. Turning, she grinned "Oh my god did you see that! The way he jumped and caught him in the back and-" her words and smile died when she recognized the Yautja next to her, though she didn't see him well last night, she knew it was him. He was about four heads taller than she was, his coloring gray in front with dark gray almost black stripes that started at his sides and probably went around his back as well as down his arms and legs. Tipping her head back she noted his face held the same striped pattern, even his dark grey dreads had black rims on them. What made her even more certain of the name she had given him was that he had completely black eyes just like a shark. He purred at her "Bloodthirsty little thing aren't you?" She itched to borrow a spear.

Let me know what you think ;)