Disclaimer: I do not own anything. I'm rewriting the story from Blackwitch31, all credit goes to her.
Enjoy.
Blind Hunt
The Attack
The days streamed together in a blur ever since she had met C'Tack. The slow ticking of the clock and the days slowly creeping by in an oozing fashion. Before Bruna knew it, a month had passed since she had met the predator and her thoughts had not strayed far from him. Tomorrow she had to go back to work, but the predator seemed to take over her mind. Bruna wondered where he was, how he was doing and she became depressed at times when she knows that she might not see him again. Bruna sighs as she lays down with C'Tack and his where a-bout's stuck in her mind as she drifts off to sleep.
Bruna struggled with her shirt as she tugged it from the hanger. She had work soon and this was not helping. Reaching out with her other hand, she untangled the shirt, felt for the tag and then put it on the right way. After her ministrations, she was ready for work and on her way out with Lance leading. As she came to the building, she let a smile grace her face as she heard the voices she hadn't heard in a while.
"So how was your vacation Bruna? I hope it went well." Alice said while coming up close to the blind woman. Bruna's smile got larger when she realized just who was talking to her.
"Hey Alice, my vacation was great. Well, there was that project..." Bruna was cut mid sentence.
"Why were you out? I know what you said to me before, but really, why did you call out?"
Bruna took a second to process what was said to her and then she shook her head with a frown on her face. Opening her mouth, she closed it, scrunched up her face and then it lit up as she found the right words to use.
"Oh, well, I had an unexpected guest. I did not want to leave him because he needed help, so I helped him."
Alice narrowed her eyes and then rolled them. " Always helping and not caring for yourself Bruna. You've always been that way." Alice then smiled as she wrapped an arm around Bruna's shoulders.
"Alright everyone, time for work! We have new orders, new projects that need to be completed, that means you too Bruna!" Alice called out while snapping her hands together and making some jump slightly. People scampered and ran to their stations, getting to work on parts that needed to be made.
Several days had passed by and Bruna's friend, Brian, came to visit her with a very worried aura. Bruna scrunches her face up as she hears the fear in his voice.
"Is there something the matter, Brian?" Bruna asks, her voice shimmering with worry over him.
"Bruna," Brian says while sitting and taking her hands into his and leaning against the table. "There are people around my apartment complex that are disappearing." Bruna raises an eyebrow while shifting in her seat.
"Are you sure? Do you know these people at all?" she questions while Brian takes a deep breath and lets it out.
"Yes, I do know them. I know at least two that have gone missing and they have yet to return home."
The two sitting at the table were interrupted as the T. V's news channel came on.
"We are sorry to interrupt, but we must inform you that five of the eight missing people have came up within the area of the sewer system in Zuma. The health officials say..."
Bruna let a held breath out while still glad that the bodies were found.
"Sad, but I do hope that the reason for their death is put on the later news." Brian murmured while Bruna shushed him.
"Brian, I want to hear the rest!" Bruna snapped while reaching for the radio next to her and finding the volume button, turned it up.
"Later examinations also show that they have had head injuries and acid burn marks on the lower limbs of their bodies. We are investigating on who could have done this to the people and we advise that you be careful from now on."
Brian reached forward and clicked the off button. Bruna's hand raised to her mouth as she sucked in the air with a sharp gasp.
"Oh My God! Who could have do this to the poor people! They did nothing wrong!" Bruna said while shaking her head. Brian only seems to acknowledge this for a second and slumps down in the chair.
"Acid...who would use acid? This is some sick joke!"
Bruna's face held a look of concentration as she also seemed to be pondering the same thing.
"Brian, there is no way that this could be the work of a man, or at least a single one... but it must be something else!"
Her friend just shakes his head while looking out the window. "Bruna, you want to go and get a drink?" he asked while still occupied with the window. Bruna reached forward and felt for his hand. Coming in contact with it, she grasped his large hand in her small one.
"Look, I appreciate the gesture, but I have training with Master Taru and he is coming to my house in a bit."
Brian sighed with sadness while looking at her. He needed her advice but he knew that she also had a life that she wanted to live. Sighing again, he gets up while pulling his hand free from Bruna's small one.
"Alright Bruna, but promise me that you'll be safe, okay? And be careful."
Bruna smiled and nodded her head while she heard Brian's receding foot-steps. She couldn't miss training, so turning back, she continued to work until it was time to leave for training.
Bruna wondered around with a snack in her hand. She was currently waiting for her sensei to get to the house and begin training with her. It wasn't long till she heard the door open and the sound of Taru talking to Lance floated into the room.
"Hey boy, you taking care of your mistress?" Taru said while rubbing Lance's head. Bruna came into the room and smiled while finishing up her snack.
"Well, you ready or you too busy 'Training' that stomach of yours?
Bruna laughed at her sensei's statement and just shrugged her shoulders until they were interrupted by another new's cast on the radio.
"We are sorry to interrupt your program, but a special bulletin has just come out. Locals have found three more bodies near the sewage system with the same acidic patterns upon their bodies. The authorities are collecting more evidence on this horrid crime as we speak.
There was a pause and Bruna gnawed on her lip while waiting for the rest of the broadcast.
"We have just been informed on more information. Four more people have disappeared near Zuma Beach... The Authorities have advised that all residents are to stay at home until further notification."
Bruna sucked in air as she took in the information that was happening so fast. Something bad had to be happening if this could cause such a ruckus. She was afraid, to say in the least. A blind woman, unable to see if something would happen to her. She was more or less in trouble if something came at her. Luckily Bruna had picked up the training.
"Bruna, calm down, there's no need to be afraid..."
"But Taru, I'm alone and even with Lance, there's still danger that can harm me!"
"Bruna, I have been training you for a while and from what I have seen, you're a fearsome fighter!"
Bruna rubbed her shoulder with her hand while blinking her eyelids over unseeing eyes. "I know I can fight, but not that well..."
"Bruna, don't you dare say that! You have fought several opponents in the past that have come at you with the intent to harm. You beat them senseless! Also, you know this forest, even being blind, you know it like the back of your hand!"
Bruna blushed and smiled while shaking her head.
"Well, talking about training, why don't we go now and get everything done?"
She felt her sensei exert happiness and quickly went with him to go train.
Bruna stood still, panting with slight beads of sweat rolling down her face. Her stance as in a defensive position as she finished that last move.
"Excellent! You're outstanding! Your stance is much more accurate and your technique is getting stronger!"
Bruna's cheeks flushed while she nodded her thanks to her sensei with a smile upon her face.
"Alright, lets see how well that hearing of yours is!"
Bruna was given a stick like spear and stood at the ready, listening to the air and the simple grass movements. Her sensei, she could feel, moved at her and with quick movements and the timing of how far the stick was coming down through the air, she blocked.
"Huh...I thought I wasn't making a sound..." Taru said while rubbing the back of his head.
"Taru, you're much too loud for your own good! I can feel you moving, hear your panting... and I'm as blind as a door nail!"
Both burst out laughing as they exchanged a couple more jokes before Bruna and Taru continued on with training.
Not far way from the clearing Bruna and her sensei were training, C'Tack was looking for the Xenomorphs. His attention soon drifted to the sound that came from a distance and with his curiosity, he soon came closer to the creatures making it.
His eyes fell upon two Oomans fighting and having a nature for the thrill of battle, he stood and watched the match until he realized it was only a workout. Huffing, he grew silent as her recognized the female, Bruna, relaxed and talking to the other one in the clearing.
"Sensei, I had a lot of fun!"
The Oomans spoke to each other, but also didn't waver from their training, introducing weapons into the whole work out. C'Tack trilled as he watched the Oomans weapons with interest.
"I shall watch and see how Bruna and this Ooman male use their weapons."
The training lasted for a while until Taru fell upon his back, exhausted from over exerting his body.
"We need to stop and continue tomorrow or I might not be able to even move! Let us meditate and cool down from our workout, it'll help regulate your breathing."
Bruna joined Taru on the ground while she pulls out two energy drinks, handing it to her teacher.
"Here, have one, it'll replenish your energy that you used."
Taru nodded while taking his and watching Bruna gulp her's down with much need, surprised she was so thirsty. Taru raised his hand and opened his mouth, but froze mid-way and sighed. Bruna had just started sputtering and coughing on her drink for she drank too quickly. Setting it down, Bruna joined in the meditation while shifting every now and then.
"Bruna, I believe you are a formidable opponent and if this criminal that they speak of on the news comes to hurt you, I wouldn't want to even be in his shoes!" Taru said while helping Bruna up and heading toward her house.
"Alright Bruna." Taru says as they arrive at the house. " Please be careful and stay inside until the crazy criminal is put away. I don't want anything happening to you and I'll see you tomorrow."
Bruna put up her hand and quickly found Taru's arm with her finger tips. "Please, at least stay for dinner." Taru contemplated it and finally nodded his head while going into the house.
"So, if I might ask. What's for dinner?"
Bruna smiled and felt her way towards the kitchen. " Japanese food that I prepared already. It just needs to be heated up." Soon, both were sitting at the table, which Taru oh so kindly set for the two, and began eating.
"Please, don't be shy and eat all you want." stated Bruna as she put another bite into her mouth. Taru smiled as he looked at Bruna. It was an honor to even know her and get to become friends, cherished one that he will never forget because of her ability to go beyond her comfort zone and learn like a normal person.
"Bruna, I don't want to over stay my welcome..."
"Sensei, I've known you since I was four years old. You've been teaching me everything I know to this day. You're not just my martial arts teacher, but a father figure. There is no way you'd ever out stay your welcome."
Taru couldn't speak. He had never been so speechless in his entire life and just one woman had made him feel pride in just knowing her.
"Bruna..." he choked out, getting slightly teary as she continued to smile. "I'm thankful for those words. I have never heard them before and they mean a lot to me."
Bruna smiled bigger and nodded her head. If she made her sensei happy, then she had said something right.
"I respect you greatly Taru, and I hope you enjoy the meal."
Both continue to eat and talk with soft music flowing from the radio not too far away from the table, relaxing the two as they continue to converse. It soon begins to grow dark and Bruna worried about Taru getting home.
"Be careful Taru, please. I want you to be safe."
Taru shook his head and let a small laugh out of his lips. "What happens, is you worry way too much for that small body of yours."
Bruna grimaced and sighed. She was afraid something would happen, especially with this new killer.
"Please, be careful, I have a bad feeling and its best to follow my instincts..." Bruna murmured while remembering the news a couple of hours earlier. A creeping feeling crawled up her arms and filled her with dread and chills. Causing Bruna to gain a headache and a sickened stomach.
"Bruna, don't worry yourself." Assured Taru. He knew something was wrong, someone blind, people blind in general depend on their instincts. Their ability to sense other things was far more accurate than those with sight.
"Bruna, I'll be careful, just to help save you from your worries. I trust you with your instincts, but I'll be fine."
Bruna was still on edge, but relaxed from her stiff posture. Just knowing he can fight helped her relax even more, but still, she remained on edge. The hours drew by as they continued to talk and soon it was time for Taru to leave her house. Taru was just about to stroke Lance goodbye when he went still with fur on edge. Surprised, he drew back from the dog.
Bruna, not knowing what was going on, ran her hand over Lance's back and found him on edge about something. She was about to ask him what was wrong when Lance burst out into a barking fit like a madman.
Lance saw something in the shadows, moving silently and as it continues to creep around, Lance's bark grew stronger at the threatening silhouette sneaking around outside.
"I don't know what is going on with Lance, but he seems to think something is dangerous because he wouldn't be acting this way!" Taru called out while Bruna tried calming her dog down.
"I have never felt Lance react this way! Taru, there must be something outside the window, maybe a cat, bear or some other form of animal!"
Taru glances outside with a wary eye and then looked back at Lance's defensive stance. It was too overprotective.
"For Him to be barking like this, I doubt it is likely a bear or some other small animal Bruna!"
Bruna tilted her head as her sensitive hearing picked up a hissing sound, one like a cats but more fierce. Frowning, she turned her attention on Taru as he spoke.
"Ah...maybe a cat...I'll go check it out, it sounds like it got in through the open window..."
Bruna stood there, unable to move as Taru walked away from her to investigate the strange thing that had Lance on edge. The weird feeling that Bruna had previously about Taru came back, hitting her full force. Lance didn't take a second to move in front of Bruna with a protective aura surrounding him.
Two Xenomorphs had somehow entered into Bruna's house, one from the window in the kitchen, making strange sounds and the other, in her room. Which it didn't take long for that one to find the door to the hallway and move quickly towards the beating of Bruna's heart. Lance growled and Bruna remained silent as she listened for Taru to come back with information on what he found.
The Xenomorph that was currently in the dinning room above Bruna, drew back its jaws and let its saliva drip from its mouth. Bruna reached up her hand as the saliva hit her shoulder and running her hand over that spot, she drew her hand back with disgust. Her face scrunched up as she smelled the offending stuff on her hand and she quickly tried getting it off.
"Oh this is disgusting! What is it, yuck, yuck!"
Bruna suddenly went silent as Lance let loose another warning growl. Reaching forward, she put her hand on his muzzle, gently, and felt it pointing up at the ceiling. Lance obviously sees what she can not and was in the creatures way of getting to its prey.
A cry from the kitchen caught in Bruna's ears. Smashing objects hitting the floor and loud clattering pointed out that Taru was fighting against something.
"GET OUT Bruna! Get out of here now! I don't know what it is, but its in your house and its not harmless!"
Bruna, in a panic, grabbed hold of Lance with surprise and fear.
"Lance sees another! I can not tell where it is, but I feel it near me!"
A scream answers her back and the agony had not gone unnoticed. Tears brimmed in Bruna's eyes as she heard her sensei die from what she could not even see. The sound of blood splattering everywhere imprinted in her mind as she shut her unseeing eyes from the outside world.
Lance continued to bark at the second Xenomorph, but yipped as it used its tail, knocking Lance aside. Bruna screeched and listened for her dog to start barking again.
"Lance!?"
Not hearing her dog, she jumps to the conclusion that he was killed by this monster that was a few inches away from her, filling Bruna's nose with an ungodly smell. Bruna found herself slammed up against the wall, pinned between it and the creature that was getting ready to kill her. It released its second inner jaw and brought it to her face, nibbling.
Bruna shut her eyes tighter, terrified at what was in front of her, threatening her life. She held back a whimper as she felt an odd thing nibbling at her face and just prayed that it wouldn't hurt her.
"Oh my God! I'm going to die!"
Bruna's brain seemed to finally register its predicament and her fear quickly morphs into anger. Using strength she thought she never had, she pushed the creature to the ground. Stumbling, she stepped onto the spears that Taru and her were using earlier that day and taking it up, she stood ready in a defensive position, waiting.
The Xenomorph, not knowing what it was, jumped at her, only to get hit and pierced by the spear that was held in the petite girls hands.
"You killed my dog and Sensei, it's your time to go!" With another thrust of the spear, she punctured the creature, killing it instantly. An acidic smell invaded Bruna's nostrils and she quickly let go of the spear, backing up a few steps.
"Acid? What kind of animal has acidic blood? Uh, it smells horrible!"
The next smell that penetrated her senses was the wood being eaten away from where the creature lay.
The sound of the other moving out of the kitchen draws Bruna's attention and she turns towards the sound of its hissing.
"Get out of my house you foul monster!" she screams, causing the Xenomorph to hiss and lunge. Bruna, hearing it, steps out of the way, stumbling and falling to the ground as the creature lost its balance and tumbled to the ground as well. Bruna's hand ran over her retractable stick and grabbing it, hoisted herself up and slammed it into the head of the Xenomorph. This action angered it even more and it attempts to strike her down with its tail, yet she moved just in time for it to miss her head and hit her shoulder. Grunting, she does not stop in trying to defend herself and not get killed.
"You want a piece of me!? Oh, you'll never get it, but you'll pay for killing Lance and my Sensei!" She shoves the creature with as much strength she could muster.
"I may be blind, but I'll be the death of you!"
Bruna brings down her rod and starts to hit the creature again, yet with another strike, it snaps in half, giving the creature the opportunity to grab hold of her and pin her against the wall, preparing for the kill.
Bruna closed her eyes, just knowing she had no chance of surviving and let the tear that escaped her eye, roll down her face as she sensed her ending coming closer.
"Please let this be a quick death and without any pain, oh please God!"
More tears streaked down her face, causing the creature to freeze at the odd smell that came from them. Bruna glared heavily at the creature in front of her, yet she did not know if it was looking right at the creature. Her anger and fear mixed within her sightless eyes were blindly watching the creature as it studies her tears with its senses.
"Why does it not attack me!? Is if trying to figure out what is the best way to kill me!?"
The Xenomorph was debating on either killing or impregnating her with their eggs to make more of them. As the Xenomorph seemed to have decided, it froze and let Bruna drop to the ground as its head rolled off, decapitated. Small specks of acid splattered on Bruna's leg and with a scream of agony, she passed out from the pain.