Yautja language

Thoughts or passed events

WRITTEN WORDS.

I do not own predator, AVP or anything else. Nor do I receive money for this.

Chapter 2 :

Lyna woke up to a pair of yellow eyes staring at her. The child recoiled a bit in surprise until she saw the piece of paper in his hands.

-YOU NO EAT. WANT FOOD?

-YES

My stomach was hurting; in 3 days, the only thing I had was a fruit and water. Right away, he took a tray that must had been beside the bed and put it on the mat before sitting himself behind it. So, we were having breakfast together.

There was a lot to eat on that tray; fruits (that I didn't know of), a kind of porridge, raw meat again and water.

When I seemed to hesitate, Ari'dan wrote: - SAFE EAT. GOOD FOR YOU.

Slowly, I reached for a blue fruit and the meal started. We ate in silent, observing each other. When we finished, the boy took the paper back.

-SORRY FOR BROTHER. YOU NO SLEEP, YOU NO EAT.

-NOT YOUR FAULT.

Ari'dan smiled or what I assumed to be a smile. So Big black was his brother… in the beginning, I had thought he was his father. The young alien studied me once more; pulling at my clothes and my raven hair, making comments in his language.

HOW YOU HERE?

The second I read these words, everything came back to me and I hugged my knees as fat tears rolled on my cheeks. My host looked like he was panicking for a while, then wrote:

WHY YOU SAD?

So, he knew what tears meant for humans. I didn't want to talk about it, but I remembered him yesterday and grabbed the sheet.

WHY ARE YOU SAD?

He was hesitating, a forlorn air on his weird face.

I TELL IF YOU TELL.

Fair deal. I wrote even though it was difficult for me.

THEY KILLED MY DAD.

Ari'dan looked at the paper then back at me, understanding. He knew who ''they'' were. I nudged his knee, reminding him of our bargain.

ME TOO.

It downed on me; they were sentient beings… They were not just '' aliens'', ''monsters'' or ''beasts''. They had feelings, like humans. They were people, well…not exactly, but close enough to it. Ari'dan was probably as sad as me and for the same reason too.

I reached for his hand and squeezed it. For a moment, the boy was surprised then he squeezed back.

From this moment, I knew we would become friends. And we did more than that; we became inseparable.

We were each other's shadow, one never too far from the other. I learned how Ari'dan knew human writing; he was passionate by my species. My friend had studied and read so much about us! He had immediately known I was female, a child and that I was tired. He knew about the tears too.

For the next year, we taught each other all we knew about our own race. We spent hours writing and exchanging information. Both our writing improved. Ari'dan had an English dictionary containing translation for his language and we both learned new words in my tongue. After a year, I could understand their language and Ari'dan mine. Last month, he began to show me his writing. It was easy enough and soon I would be able to read yautjan too. Speaking it was another matter; some sounds were hard to make for me. My friend had few difficulties with English.

He told me they were called Yautja. That his brother's name was Dena'ee. Honored, Arbitrator Dena'ee. Quite serious and intimidating this guy, I must say. He was obviously not so fond of humans; more tolerating me than appreciating my presence whenever I was around.

Ari'dan was doing fine now; he had gained weight and he was taller too. When I asked Uria about it, she told me he had scarcely been eating or going outside after his Sire's death. But since I was there, we were always having our meals together and I had insisted to go outside so he went too.

Even though my friend started to feed himself correctly and play in the backyard with me, I could see he was naturally smaller and thinner than the other children. To be honest, he was more intellectual material. Even in the yautja society, these kids were picked on. It was even worse since they were supposed to be hunters and warriors. Ari'dan had no friends. Not a single one.

I was young and my seven years old self wanted to explore; so I asked him to go in the streets. Ari'dan was reluctant and would not answer me when I asked why. It took me two days to convince him.

That day, I've learned why he was so hesitant.

We walked in the public place for a few minutes, then other kids and preteens came to us. Immediately, I felt my friend tense. Out of the blue, a tall boy appeared in front of us, crossing his arms on his chest and giving us a nasty glare.

'' So the rumors are true; your brother really brought back a human pup here last year.''

I didn't know this guy, but I knew I didn't like him.

'' He did. '' Ari'dan answered coldly.

'' It looks weak and pathetic, like you. The arbitrator made a good match. ''

I growled at the comment and my friend's antagonist looked surprised.

'' It understands us?!''

'' It's a ''she'' her name is Lyna, not ''it''. Yes, she understands; she is not stupid. '' He snorted, clearly saying to his enemy he was an idiot.

Bad decision.

'' Watch it, bum.'' He growled, puffing his chest and coming closer to Ari'dan.

He was scary and well over 6 feet; all muscles. Future hunter this one. He raised a hand and violently pushed my friend's shoulder. I knew what it meant; he was challenging him to a fight. Ari'dan stumbled a few steps back and didn't move; he just lowered his head.

Big And Mean laughed: '' Scared? You're just a weak coward! ''

He took a step toward us and my first reflex was to put myself between them. He stopped for a moment then continued; I refused to budge.

'' He declines your challenge and shows you are his superior. Stop.'' I said, trying to look brave. The top of my head was just a bit higher than his navel.

Big And Mean cocked his head: '' It talks our language and it's protecting you. Well that's cute. ''

He looked down, addressing me this time: '' You are lucky I don't hit females, even humans. Remember this: you belong to a no-good and weak yautja. ''

On these words, he left, bringing with him a few youngsters. I felt a hand on my shoulder as we walked back to the house:

'' What you did was stupid. ''

'' And you? I thought you were all warriors! Don't you know how to fight?''

'' Dena'ee tried to teach me after our sire died. He's not a patient teacher. Anyway, it's not the first time it happens; I've been beaten by Chulonte before. I cannot defeat him.''

'' Have you tried?''

'' Of course I tried! He's bigger than me and he fights better. '' He groaned.

'' I think you should start training with your brother again.''

Ari'dan remained quiet.

We entered the house, going straight to his bedroom and flopping on the bed. I always slept with him; Dena'ee protested, but his little brother would have it no other way.

'' What will you do? You need to pass your chiva in a few years. '' I demanded, staring at the ceiling.

'' I know.''

'' Will you go to Dena'ee?'' I turned to face him.

'' I don't want to.''

Their relationship was not the best, but still. Of what I understood, Dena'ee had been left in charge of the household and his little brother since both of their parents were dead. He had just been named Arbitrator 5 years ago. He was always in his office, working on papers or gone on a mission. So not easy for him too.

'' Okay. But you can't be bullied for the rest of your life!''

'' That's why I stay here and read.'' He grumbled, half serious.

'' Ari'dan! '' I protested.

He laughed as I jumped on his chest, taking hold of his upper mandibles.

'' You will need to hunt and bring back trophies and skulls! You will be the greatest warrior because you're the most intelligent! And then they will all want to be your friend! '' I exclaimed in a childish way.

He chuckled and hugged me: '' I already have a friend. ''

'' Well… you're my only friend, but you are my best friend. '' I confirmed, hugging him back, a gesture I had shown him.

Knocks on the door immediately drew our attention.

'' Time to eat, both of you! '' Uria said on the other side of the door.

We parted and went straight to the dining room; Dena'ee was already there, at the table's end, waiting. Ari'dan and I took our usual places; him at his brother's left and me at his side.

Uria and a couple of servants came, bringing our meal, side dishes and drinks. As soon as Dena'ee grabbed his fork, we all started to eat. As usual, Uria, who was dining with us, was making small talks to everyone, trying to fill the silence. Until I spoke:

'' Honored arbitrator, '' I began formally, as he instructed me to call him. Dena'ee looked at me.

'' Ari'dan has something to ask you.''

Ari'dan's head turned sharply toward me, glaring.

'' If my little brother wants to ask me something, he always can.'' He said, waiting for my friend's demand.

He remained quiet until I poked him in the ribs.

'' Hum…I…If you don't mind… I would like to start training again. With you. As my teacher. If you still have the time, I mean. ''

Not bad.

I could see Dena'ee trying to suppress a smile; which was rare.

'' I've been trying to convince you for over a year; what has changed? ''

'' I just…think it is important to develop my….hum, fighting skills if I want to pass my chiva and hunt later… ''

The arbitrator shifted his gaze to me; he was not fooled, he knew it was me.

'' Well, I'm glad you changed your mind… And I will train you. Be ready; I'll wake you tomorrow morning. '' He said, staring at me.

I just looked down and continued feeding myself.

Xxxxxx

I was allowed to watch; nothing more. So I was sitting cross-legged on the kehrite mats and watching. Ari'dan was getting beaten; very bad. He really needed these lessons. I knew he would learn fast though; my friend was a genius. I had total faith into him. After the sparring, came the weapons handling; combisticks, throwing disks and shurikens, long and short swords and finally, their famous wrist blades.

I was amazed, truly. Dena'ee was moving with grace, speed and strength at the same time. It was like watching a panther or another feline of the kind. I knew then, why he was an honored arbitrator at his young age; he was particularly skilled. Better than the others. He was the sports prodigy of the family while Ari'dan was the intellectual.

And their weapons…they fascinated me; so sharp and shiny…deadly. I was utterly captivated and so this moment of the day became one I was eagerly waiting for. My friend was less enthusiastic; I had to drag him there, all the while telling him how good it was for him and his future. How necessary.

Dena'ee would not train me, nor was I allowed to manipulate the weapons, but I was permitted to practice the sparring moves with Ari'dan. For him of course, so he could practice when his brother was in mission or too busy. It did me good; I put on some muscles and it taught me basic fighting skills while Ari'dan could review his moves without fears of bruises. I was fast; always dodging his attacks and hitting him even though my tiny fists only made him laugh.

So, together, we both became slowly more and more skilled and transformed.

One morning, after our sparring, I was picking up the shurikens and the throwing disks; that was apparently my job for watching Dena'ee's lessons. I was done and about to go, but when I turned, Dena'ee was standing in the door frame, his arms crossed.

Nervousness invaded me right away; had I done something wrong today? I quickly tried to remember something, anything, but could not think of any offense. We just stared at one other for what seemed to me a longer than necessary.

'' I know it was your idea, Pup '' He finally spoke, using the only name he employed for me. Pup. And I knew of what idea he was talking about.

'' Hum. Not really. ''

He frowned and came closer; I tensed.

'' We both know Ari'dan would not have asked me. We both know he still doesn't like to come here. Yet, he comes every morning. What have you told him that I, his brother did not?''

We probably told him the same things… I shrugged, not knowing what to tell him. Dena'ee walked closer and I stilled. Would he kill me if I didn't give him an answer? The young arbitrator did not; he just placed his huge hand on my head:

'' Well, you can tell me later. I would have preferred that my little brother came to me of his own, but the results will be the same. I must thank you for that. '' He said ruffling my hair.

I blushed and looked down, not used to receive affection or praise from Dena'ee. He trilled and chuckled at my reaction:

'' Go now, Ari'dan will soon come looking for his shadow if you don't go to him. ''

I nodded and quickly left to find my friend.