The year is 2290 much has changed in the universe, as has my perspective on life.. Once upon a time it was all about the hunt, the honour, the sport.. But now it seems that life has passed me by.

Shane and i have moved to a very special place that i hold very close to my heart. Maia.. Wuis't'kei.. My birthplace..

I am not the only one that has changed though, as my mate has also.. On a mental.. And physical change.. For Shane is now becoming a yautja and I waited ten agonising years for the procedure to end.. But he still has the same charm when i first met him.. Yet he has many new things to learn. All has been well.. We have a good life, i am now a matriarch of a small village that my parents once watched over.. But when we find a crashed escape pod containing Tet'va another yautja.. Who is more specifically Ki'xals mate. She informs us that Ki'xal our son, is in danger.. We set off on a one way mission to find him, to find our very species under threat. A war.. On Yautja Prime..

GHARD3H: Light in shining darkness.

Chapter one: End of an era..

Shane…

2290 month unknown, day unknown.

As the blood moon illuminates the forest there is silence on the breeze, not even the night time wildlife dare make a noise. I make my way silently up the verge, trying to keep my breathing as quiet as possible. I don't sense Ghardeh anywhere and my pheromone vision picks no trace of yellow anywhere.. I can't say for sure that i have lost her.. Trying to lose Ghardeh is like a fox trying to escape bloodhounds on a hunt, and when she finds you.. You are like a penguin trying to stop a runaway polar bear.. Still when she said run.. I ran.. I know how her vision works so i have masked my scent with.. Shit.. Yep.. I smell worse than a karnaks backside in summer but i might have thrown the beast off my scent. I make my way towards a stream. The water gently calmly swishing away i jump over it and find myself a nice clearing.. Want to know what a karnak is? I'll tell you because I'm in a meadow full of them.. Imagine a rhinoceros.. But three times the size and not two horns but six.. Yeah.. They are docile. Unless there are young around.. Lucky me there isn't any.. I silently sprint my way across when i reach a cliff. "Pauk.." Fuck..

I turn off and head for the thick forest to the left.. She is not winning this round.. Ghardeh and i have been together for longer than my human years. Best thing that ever happened to me in any sense you can think of, but her.. Huntress side has been kicking in recently.. And i never get used to it. Unnerving is an understatement and stories just don't have the same feel of 5-6 hundred pounds landing on you.. Let me tell you.. Fucking hurts… Yautja don't see relationships the same way as humans and i still make the mistake of thinking.. HUMAN RELATIONSHIP.. Yeah no.. Even back when we first met the way she would act around me was very alien.. Obviously, but more than that it was scary. I run up a jagged rock and find a cave.. "Sei-i." Yes.

I crawl inside.. See if she finds me here.. I'll be screwed either way.. It's that time.. Where she wants to play a game.. A Predators game, roll predits. sorry i couldn't resist!

Ghardeh..

Clung to a tree basking in the blood moons light i scan my terrain without my mask.. I taste the air for any tell tale sign of my mate.. The trail ends here.. I drop down with a weighty thud and walk up to what i find is excrement.. I concentrate on the particular scent.. And sure enough i see footprints.. Leading away.. Clever Shane.. Very clever.. You threw me off for a moment.. Now i have you.. I take to the trees and follow my new lead.. The footprints giving off a blue glow. Despite it being mild weather this night.. I reach a meadow.. I slowly follow the tracks moving silently around the karnak.. I slowly curl and uncurl my hands as i concentrate.. His tracks end with a muddled footing.. Then left… I run on when i find the trail ends.. My whole body tenses up.. "I have you.."

I slowly enter the cave..

Shane…

I find my way through the twisting claustrophobic systems of the cave and find an exit.. I climb the cliff and jump up to find i am near some ruins of sorts.. With a small pool.. I'm beginning to feel caked so i decide to get rid of the camouflage.. No doubt she would have eventually found a consistent scent and followed it.. It's fun giving her the slip but eventually it ends the same.. I wash off the krud and get out of the drink.. I make my way around the ruins which seems to be some arena of sorts, it's black stony structure crumbled and forgotten by time.. Vines climb around and down the arms of the once elaborate struts.. I make my way to the forest when all of a sudden.. Everything goes quiet.. I smile.. My wristblades both extend. And i slowly turn to see the sexy Yautja stood behind me with a tilted head. Tense and just about to pounce..

"How'd i do this time?"

Her eyes are glistening in the dim red moonlight and i must say.. If she wasn't a 7ft or so mass of muscle I'd say it looked romantic.. Instead she growls and unleashes her own wristblades.. And slowly and intently stalks towards me. "Anytime now darl.."

She roars.. Well damn..

Ghardeh…

I make my way through the cave system.. His tracks left a bright orange aura.. Meaning his little camouflage trick has final wiped off.. And i can sense he is close.. My anticipation causes a slight spike in my pulse, i begin to hear the water from outside, i look down into the crashing waves below.. "M-di." i look around when i see his signature on the rock to the right. I look up to see climbing patterns.. I jump up and hoist myself up with one arm. The only thing i have on me is my black hunting armour and wristblades.. The armour only covers my breasts and lower front back and hips. My mask clipped to my right back hip slot. I make my way to the ruins and see that the pool of water has been disturbed.. My whole body shudders when i see just a glimmer of his yellow aura.. Stood in the circle of trees.. My whole body tenses.. Found you..

"How'd i do this time?"

I look him up and down as he unleashes his wristblades.. Causing my huntress tendencies to spike to a height..

"Anytime now darl.."

That's it…

I roar.. And at the same time stalk towards him.. He stances and the game ends.. He's mine.. And i have him exactly where i want him.. I walk up to him as he strikes out i disappear and throw him to the floor from behind.. I used a decoy.. He rolls over and smiles.. "That was naughty.." He kicks off my knees sliding on his back across the leaf strewn floor and stands. "Let's do this properly.." He takes off his wristblades and sets them down.. I do the same.. He approaches me but i trip him up and he crashes into the leaves with a smile, I lean into him and rub my body into his.

"Is Yautja mode turned on Ghardeh?"

"Turned.. On.."

He laughs.. "What you are turned on? Or yes it's turned on?"

"Both.."

"Well in that case.."

I let in a deep hiss as he slaps me across the face.. I return the favour by grabbing his side and digging my talons into his flesh.. He squirms and laughs.. "Ghardeh that tickles.."

I rip off his front armour and his eyes trail it as it flies to our left. I grab one of his arms pinning him down. He smiles..

"What are you going to do?!"

"Break you.." i say with a purr..

With that said i pull off his armoured guard to his lower armour and lower to his legs..

"Ghardeh…"

He tries to kick me away but with a growl i grab both his legs with my free arm.. And my purple tongue wraps around his genitals and give him an oral session..

"For fuck sake Ghardeh."

I pull away from him and throw him across the floor. But he has other ideas.. He tries to grab my lower armour but I play hard to catch, his arms catch fire and he causes a ring of fire around me causing my vision to show bright white around me which distracts me long enough to feel a hand rip off my lower armour.. The fire in a flash dies down and Shane dives onto me wrapping his legs around my waist and i lower as he strokes my purple streaked dreadlocks.. Over the past two centuries my colours have began to change. My oranges are mixed with purple patterns and flecks. My once Black specks are now a solid purple, some of my markings have faded into my white skin tone. Shane says he loves the newer look being 632 years old.. I'm beginning to slow down. Most Yautja don't live past several hundred years.. But it seems having a yautja-human keeps me feeling young.. He tries to play his usual sexual game but it isn't working this time and i throw him back.

He lost which is nothing new, and now the game is over.. Though he keeps trying, always finding new ways to throw me off the trail if not for a moment. He will never win but i don't tell him that, part of the sport is seeing him improve.. Though i was impressed he evaded me for 6 hours.. But sooner or later something always goes in my favour.. We get back to our home, a modest abode.. Seeing as it is just Shane and i.. Ki'xal has been gone for several decades on hunts with his mate Tet'va, they seem to enjoy joint hunts and always one up each other and at the moment they are both on a mission together.

Shane and i enter our home when we decide to clean up.. After running around for hours our scents are less than pleasant, after our clean down we head for the berth and sleep.. Despite our alone time we have a long day tomorrow consisting of meetings and dealing with undesirables..

The perks of being a matriarch..

Shane holds one of my fingers and kisses my forehead.. We enter the embrace of sleep..

Next day.

Shane…

I feel it again.. And this time it was awful.. Being imbued with a yautjas blood has its perks but human bodies are designed to only live 100 years max.. Not 200 or more as i have.. So every now and then i feel it.. A drained dizzying feeling.. Sapped.. Sluggish.. It is nauseating.. And Ghardeh senses it.. I may still look young.. But fuck me.. I crawl out of the berth and my legs give way earning a growled "fuck sake.." to myself.. I see Ghardeh get up with a raised hooded brow.. As i get up.. Then stagger to the restroom and my world spins.. I lean on the basin and close my eyes.. The world spins faster.. Then.. Stops.. My yautja side just kicked in.. It helps.. But the more i use it the more it takes a bit more of my humanity.. I've been struggling with it for years.. To the point i forget entire days.. It is now almost a separate part of myself. It always wants out.. Clawing at my eyes and chest.. It has caused a good few arguments over the years, where i have done something and don't remember doing it. But my mate slowly understands and has come to accept that i am telling the truth, talking of which Ghardeh walks in and notices I'm struggling, she holds my shoulders.. Completely silent. Then clicks.. "Trouble Shane?"

"No.. Just feeling old age settling in again. It is nothing.."

She bows her head and lets go. I look at her back catching her once orange pattern on her back that is now purple.. All of her black specks are now purple. And to be frank, she looks much better.. And she seems to like the new colour palette.. After i settle myself we make our way to the throne room.. I sit to her right while we are in meeting in my full yautja armour and mask.. With two wrist blades and twin casters. I still after all these years retain all of my gear. I watch as Ghardeh attends several meetings with several small clans.. They are wanting small simple actions like allowing passage or trade,

All goes well until a certain individual begins to test my patience..

"With respect matriarch, we know it is within the border but you must consider the risks.. Allowing us to expand opens new possibilities of alliances.. This rift has gone on long enough.. Settle this dispute between the clans."

Ghardeh lowers her hand from her tusk and places it on the arm of her throne.

"If i open the borders it gives free reign to rivalries.. I cannot and will not put Wuis't'kei in danger.. Not while we have a treaty in effect. How could you even propose that? What with the constant fighting as of late?"

"Since when has the voice of reason become the villain here Ghardeh? Why must you make things difficult for us? We c-"

"We've heard enough Zah'dris, the decision has been made.. The border remains closed until the fighting stops between you and the verge.."

His bright yellow orbs narrow at me and shakes his head with a snarl.. "You have said nothing since i arrived Ooman.. Do you always so boldly follow her words? Or has she dug her talons in enough around your neck to heel when she asks so?"

"My mate only speaks when there is reason to Zah'dris. Do not disrespect him."

I slowly stand as i hear Ghardehs angered clicking..

I approach the incompetent Yautja and though i stand below his chest i remain locked on his eyes and fold my fists.

"One more word, and I'll rip your tongue from your throat and strangle you with it pauk-de.. Fucker.. I'll show you what this ooman can do.." His tusks click and he arches his back but before he can inch his arm i release my wristblade. "Go ahead.. And I'll put one upside your head.. Use it or lose it.."

He looks at Ghardeh who remains seated but tense.. Then looks back at me.

"I fear if i try to fight you it will cost me greatly.. I submit.."

"Wise decision.. Ghardeh has told you her action.. Take yours.."

He bows his head to Ghardeh and takes his leave.. I loosen up and sit back beside her.

I cough twice..

"Qa'dah bring the final participant.." The slender green yautja opens the door and brings in the final yautja for today but i feel Shanes heart jump..

"S'zalor?" I say with a slight shock..

"Matriarch.. It is good to see you and Shane again.. I was on-mission and decided to fly by.. I hope i am n-"

I cough harder and longer stopping S'zalors sentence.. I wave a hand to him.. "For.. Forgive me.. I'm.. Not well friend.. Ahh.. It's good to see you.. Been a long time.. How's everyone doing?"

He nods.. "Well as far as i know.. Nina and everyone is well, I am usually on my own hunts.. Looking for worthy game.. Prey.."

Ghardeh nods.. "You have changed Ghardeh, the new look suits you.."

"Hey! She's my queen go find your own!" I say with a smile.

"Haa i meant nothing by it but a compliment! You look well yourself Shane!"

"Yeah wish i felt it.." i cough again and almost choke.. "For fuck sake.. I need five darl… Fucking.."

I cough again.. And shake S'zalors large smooth hand.. "Good to see you again.. Send our regards to the family.."

"Indeed.. Get better Ze'rei Sain'ja.." Fire Warrior..

"Heh!" i laugh and take my leave i feel faint and my left ear pops causing me to feel disorientated.. I stagger right when Qa'dah goes to offer a hand.. "I'm find wei'gheh.. I'm fine.." She clicks twice and i feel her red eyes on me.. But i ignore it. As i reach outside the cool air sets my lungs into a spasm causing me to cough so much i almost vomit.. I've had this before.. But now it is so much worse.. My body is beginning to slowly cave in.. I know I'm dying.. Hell Ghardeh knows I'm dying.. There's not a lot i can do.. Well there is one thing but I've constantly said NO.. It's one thing to have Ghardehs blood change my chemistry and attributes.. But yautja technology and medical advances as well as body modifications make human medical care look like we live in the stone age.. Ghardeh told me that i am eligible to have a very rare procedure done.. It would kill me.. But at the same time.. Bring me back.. As a yautja.. I'm not kidding.. In yautja history it has happened twice.. Humans who have impressed the yautja immensely that they were given the right to BECOME a yautja.. There are complications.. Much can go wrong but Ghardeh tells me i have one defining factor.. I am ascendant.. And have her blood.. A powerful combination.. I couldn't see myself as a Yautja though.. Everything i am now would be destroyed.. But i would become so much more.. It haunts me everyday.. Knowing tomorrow i may not wake up.. I won't see my son or family again.. Ghardeh will be distraught.. She is trying to convince me.. She doesn't wish to continue alone..

I cover my mouth and swallow back another choke.. And spit a bright green glob of blood.. Apparently my accomplishments have earned me the right to such a procedure. Lucky me.. I walk to the purple sands of the beachhead and settle down taking my mask off hurriedly to choke.. And clip it to my left hip, I open my right satchel and inject a bright blue liquid and i immediately feel the soothing effects of the medication and my wheezing disappears, I feel Ghardeh behind me and she slowly sits next to me.

"Given it anymore thought Shane?"

I nod.. "Yeah.. I have.. But i worry.. About Ki'xal and the others.."

She nods.. "They would all agree that you deserve the chance.. I think they'd tell you to go for it.."

"I won't be the same Ghardeh.. That's what i fear the most.. I'm already losing my humanity day by day.. That which defines me.. And makes me.. Me.."

"You define you Shane.. Your character would remain the same.. All that you are remains.. All that changes is the vessel.. You undergo major physical modification, and being ascendant and by having my blood helps the process greatly.. You will still be Shane.. Just.. Yautja Shane.. Not just in name.."

I nod.. But i still have an edge of worry.. I don't know how long i have..

Guessing by my waning health not long.. I stand up and we walk, later that day we walk in the forest and i slowly feel my yautja side take a grab for control. Ghardeh was telling me how she used to follow a particular path and watch the sunrise.. I remember when we first arrived here, Ghardeh was so full of happy thoughts and vibes.. Shortly after we helped repair the complex at Asteria, a hundred years ago we decided to spread out. We keep in contact with Neens and the family, much has changed over there, I went back to earth.. Briefly.. God knows what happened but it's more or less a wasteland.. Mars is the new earth now.. Terraformed.. Weyland yutani has liquidised and died off.. Some new United Systems Military or some such runs the show.. Though we are far from their radar.. Later that night Ghardeh and i lay in the berth.. I stare up at the night starlit sky..

She is asleep with a large arm over my chest.. I look at her.. She looks so peaceful asleep.. You wouldn't believe that she is some powerful alien who could smash you in a single swipe.. It makes me smile as her mandibles twitch.. Her breathing silent.. Hell if i paid enough attention i could hear her heart slowly thumping than her breathing.. Scary stuff.. Yet i dare not sleep.. Not after today.. Worry nips at my chest.. But my eyes feel heavier and heavier..

I put my hand on her forearm and gently stroke it.. She has always felt like a stone creature.. Nothing on a yautja is soft.. It's either a mound of muscle or a mound of bone.. Or both.. Yet here i am.. Still a slightly less squishy human..

I feel a set of purple eyes on me..

And it's unsettling to know without looking but it's the bond we both have..

It will always remain special.. She makes life worth living.. I look at her..

Her eyes ever so slightly taking in my thoughts behind my own eyes.. She knows what I'm thinking.

"So if i turn into a yautja.. Does that mean you will be as uncomfortable as i am when handling you?"

Her mandibles open wide and close in a silent yawn. "M-di.."

"Spoil sport.."

"Krit.." Idiot..

I look her in the eyes..

"Za kch-tanu.. Za non-co.." My love My life..

She lifts her head.. "Shane?"

I turn away and i feel a tear hit the corners of my eyes. "I'm dying Ghardeh.. And for once.. I am afraid to go.. I will lose too much.. I don't know how long i have left..The air.. It just feels weird.."

I turn to her as she lifts on her elbow her dreads slowly falling over her front..

I give her a nod.. "If i do this.. Promise me.. If i don't.. If i don't make the procedure.. You will remain strong.. Remain Ghardeh of Wuis't'kei.. For the sake of our son.."

She gives me a nod with a trilling.. Words need not be spoken for me to understand her..

I nod.. "Tomorrow.. I'll be making my decision.."

She slowly lays back down and i bring her head close to mine. And wrap around her.. Ghardehs warmth enveloping me.. I close my eyes and sleep.. Hoping i wake in the morning..

Next day..

Ghardeh..

I slowly open my eyes to see Shane missing, i look to the door to see it open so i get up and walk to the storage and take out a grey garment and slip on my brown leather sandals.. I enter the restroom to find Shane in the bath.. Thick with herbs and foamy bubbles. It was heavily steamed.. Shane cracks open his eye and smiles..

"In you get.. One last bath before i go to the killing table.."

"You are definitely sure now you want to go through with it? You was fighting it before.."

I enter the bath after unclothing and sit beside Shane, he leans his head into my shoulder and nods.. "A little scared but overall.. Excited.. But cautious.. Too many thoughts in my head to count, I'll do what i can to survive the procedure… It will take a long time.. Years.. That's what I'm worried about.. How many they can't say.."

"You already went in for consultation?"

"I did.. They know who i am.. Because of Zir'tehn… He personally told them to pen me in.. That my deeds are more than adequate.."

I give him a nod and we decide to have one last.. Session.. Shane stops mid way.. And pulls away..

"I can't do this to you Ghardeh.. I'm sorry.."

I say nothing but grab him in a grip.. "This is our moment.. Not our last.. Don't do that to me.." I hold him close, when he slowly agrees..

Not that he had a choice.. I had him in an iron grip.. We carry on.. I'm hit by the euphoria but i don't act upon it.. To a point.. I dig my talons into his legs and he grabs my arms and laughs.. "Not.. Funny.. Krit.." He wheezes a harder laugh and causes me to let out laugh also as he removes his arm from my genitalia..

"Fucking blue beetroot juice twat…" Shane says washing his arm.. I grab him and he kisses between my eyes and my neck. But tries to stop me from wrapping my tongue around his genitals.. He laughs as he manages to grab my tongue, and pries it off.. But with a gurgled growl i headbutt his abdomen winding him and relatch on.. "No Ghardeh! Yautja are not supposed to do this! You are supposed to smash me!"

I retract my tongue so i can talk.. "Just like you are not supposed to be exploring a yautjas insides for lapis lazuli.. As you call it but you do! I can have my cake and eat it too.."

"Except it's sausage you big fridiot!"

"Pauk soh fuck off Shane.. Or else teeth will be used."

"Ghardeh.."

I pay no attention and give him a final oral session.. To the point it drove him mad..

"Stop teasing! End it already!" Fine I'll end it.. I think to myself.. I withdraw and give him the worst feeling ever and shut off all emotional connection.. I let him go and swim away from him..

"Now that was heartless! Hey!"

I let out a laugh and he smiles.. Then it fades.. "Well it's time.." He gets out and dries himself off.. Then clothes up, I do the same then we eat together before we walk to the cities medical centre.. Shane was shaking the whole way there.. Then the imposing building stands before us.. He lets in a breath then enters..

Several yautja walk up to Shane and conduct several tests.. Then he is given the go ahead..

"Are you aware that there may be complications.. And there is a probability that you may or may not survive the procedure? Once it begins.. There is no turning back.. Once it ends.. You will never be able to revert back to human.. You may or may not have access to memories.. Your experiences.."

Shane nods as do i..

Shane is taken to a room with a large machine.. He is placed on the machine and we have our last goodbye..

"Shane.. In order to begin.. We must shut your body down.. This will be done via fluids.. It takes seconds.. Tell us when you are ready.."

I look at him.. "I will miss you greatly… I'll tell the others and Ki'xal what is happening.."

Shane nods.. "I love you Ghardeh. See you on the other side.. If i don't make it.."

"You'll make it.. I'll be here waiting.. I will always love you Shane.. Good luck."

Shanes emotions begin to surface and i can't help but feel it also.. He must die.. To be reborn.. He has been here before, he signals for it to begin.. A red liquid is fed into his arm then he stares at me as the machine closes around him.. His hands are accessible.. And a window shows his face..

Moments later he begins to slip.. His grip on my hand wanes and as he finally lets go i see a tear roll from his right eye..

I remain at his side as one of the yautja tells me that it now begins..

Shane…

Through the window i almost shake.. No turning back now.. I feel the heavy fluid enter my system and it was almost immediate i feel Ghardehs fingers wrapped around my hand.. Then my eyes feel heavy.. "Well here goes nothing.. Just let go Shane.." with one final memory with all of us together it causes a tear to escape me.. Darkness..

I feel like I'm falling.. I am surrounded by darkness but feel my descent..

Is it wind? Is it water? No I'm not falling.. I'm running.. In pitch black..

I see a light intrude… In the distance..

"Shane? Why are you here? What are you doing in limbo?"

"Eve? Is that you? How can you sense me? How is this possible?"

"Shane you must reach my light i can barely hear you.. You are too far. Follow my light.. You should be able to see it.."

"I see it.. I'll be there soon.."

Author note: Welcome to GHARD3H: Light in shining darkness. This is Ghardehs final story, it was always meant to be a trilogy. This time though it focuses on Shanes inner workings also, he has grown strong over the years until finally his body decides its had enough, though it seems death still can't have him just yet, as he has been given the right to become a yautja. As much as he doesn't want it, he does. He will have many new challenges ahead of him and will become much stronger as a result. Although he isn't as sexy as he once was. (In his eyes anyway!) As with all of the new stories, this one continues with the on the fly translation, some words are my own and werewolfbleus and some are cannon that i use as a trusted source. I hope you enjoy this new instalment of Ghardeh. Once again if you do or don't enjoy it leave a review with any feedback it will help greatly.

And as usual stay awesome!