The first week they spent together comprised of trying to understand one another. They worked out a primitive system of sign language and drawings in the sand. It reminded Machiko of Pictionary. There was an understanding that when others came, she would leave with him; she would join their pack.
The thought of leaving didn't bother her. You would think that a person wouldn't be to ready to leave their own world behind. Machiko was turning away from her own species. The reality that she grew up in was going to be turned upside down. Who knew what his species was like. All she really knew was that they hunted for honor. Dachande made that clear to her.
Outside a house located in a desolate area, the two sat across from one another.
Dachande drew himself in the sand and then added others. He showed them hunting strange creatures. Then he drew what looked like the aliens they fought a couple weeks ago. He pointed back to one of the Yautja drawings and back to the alien. Then he made a slash, beheading the alien. When he moved his hand back to the Yautja he drew a mark on its forehead.
They trained unmarked warriors with other animals, but the Xenmorph were used for the rite of passage. Until a Yautja bore the mark, they weren't fully accepted into the pack. He pointed toward her mark and back to the pack drawn in the sand. His message was clear.
You bare the mark; you are one of us.
He then paused, like he was contemplating on what to say next.
Dachande circled half the pack, pointed at her, and nodded his head. Then he circled the other half, pointed at her, and shook his head.
Some would accept her, others wouldn't. Machiko nodded her head indicating that she understood.
His stare was firm as he made his next point. Dachande pointed at her, clasped his hand over his fist, and then to the Yautja. She will have to fight them. He stressed that she was to kill anyone who challenged her.
Machiko dropped her gaze to the pictures in the sand. The thought of going against a predator caused her stomach to tense. But that feeling was quickly fleeting. She had experience hell through her life and came out on top.
The fact that she was here with a predator is a testament to that.
The reason why she never really thought twice about leaving with him was simple. Growing up in a Japanese family, honor is something of grave importance. Part of her honor was taken away when her father brought shame on their family and committed suicide. For her whole life she was plagued by a demon in her dreams. It was only after surviving the aliens that struck Ryushi did the demon not plague her. Part of her honored was returned. Humans couldn't offer her the trials to build her honor. If she was to regain it, she must join the Yautja and fight.
Machiko brought her gaze back to Dachande and saw his was waiting for a reply. She gave him a grin and thumped her chest, then gave a firm nod.
Dachande's amusement could not be contained. A brief chuckle escaped his mouth causing his mandibles to twitch. There was no doubt in his mind about brandishing her with his clan's mark.
The time they spent together on Ryushi would comprise of training. Looking Da'dtou-di over, he gave a mental huff. Sure the she was slim, but he wouldn't consider her in great shape. The training that was to be bestowed upon her was going to be hell.
He had faith in her though. The eager look in her eyes reminded him of himself as a young blood. It's that urge to prove one's self, their worth, and most important their honor.
Dachande knew that once he was done with Da'dtou-di that the others will regard him as a master teacher. The blooding ceremony had failed, but he wasn't coming back empty handed. He was going to bring back something other Yautjas would consider a demon.