Chapter 3: Descending Walls
First I would like to thank all of those who have read, alerted, and lurked my story. A special thanks to the following people who left a review: KaiH, "Iamluck", weirdCOMBO, KitaKat, ida-criss-wild, GoblynQueen, RevDorothyL, mizukikage, and Luv4Uncas! You guys are so awesome, and appreciated.
Extra special thanks to Khalthar for giving me an encouraging push with his warm review of my story. Thank you!
My apologies for not posting this sooner, but it seems that in my splicing from months earlier, most of this chapter got lost in cyberspace. Anyway, I had a lot of rewriting to do, and I'm not happy with this chapter. Also, I lost a family friend on today (12/11/11), so I'm emotional.
Things pick up in the next chapter if that's any consolation. Constructive criticism is always welcomed, and reviews are nice, too.
Disclaimer: I don't own Aliens or Predators, and make no money from writing my story.
Warning: this story is rated M for several reasons: regular smut, interspecies smut, angst, mentions and descriptions of rape, torture, physical and emotional abuse, drama, fair portions of humor, and language. Consider yourself warned!
Descending Walls
Axel rushed to Medical, rounding the corners of the ship as if on auto-pilot. He found himself tired, it seemed he had made this exact journey at the beginning of the sleep cycle, and now here he was again only two ooman hours later. Not to mention the other ten times before that; being called away from meetings, training, overseeing his ship upgrade, and cycle meals. Now, here he was again, and the next cycle day had yet to start.
"What has happened now?" Axel inquired as he entered Medical. The Senior Healer, Xintorf, bowed his head before replying, "It is the ooman, again. Her sleep was disturbed by another one of her nightmares. When we tried to administer the medication, she refused and locked herself inside the lavatory."
Axel rubbed his temples. He was frustrated with the Healers, wondering why they couldn't take care of the female's acting out while he attempted to get some rest before the early cycle. To this thought he grunted, knowing the truth was that the Healers had satiated HIS request for her to remain in Medical even after she was physically able to leave.
Axel headed to the Flossie's room. Over the past fortnight the female was having more and more of her nightmares, and she communicated less and less. She barely talked to him now, other than affirmatives and negatives. He recalled that this behavior had started around the time of the last Ranking Festival, and had since then clearly deteriorated.
He entered her room, walking calmly towards the lavatory door. He stood there for a moment. What could he do? He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, still contemplating how to arrive at a quick and favorable outcome.
"Go Away! I don't want your medicine!" Flossie yelled from the other side of the door, realizing that someone was in the room again. "Little One, I do not have medication for you. I came to check on you," Axel spoke calmly.
Flossie sat on the restroom floor a few feet from the door, rocking herself slowly.
She hadn't considered that the alien doctors would snitch on her...again. Well at least not this soon. "Sorry they called you for nothing, you should go now!" She yelled again.
"No, I will stay. Tell me why you are refusing the medication?" He asked, almost yawning. Axel folded his massive arms and leaned against the wall adjacent to lavatory entry. "Tell me," He spoke again a bit louder.
Flossie sighed, how could she explain something she didn't understand herself. She just felt so overwhelmed, her mind never settled down unless they medicated her. She couldn't wrap her head around a positive thought for more than two seconds, without it being overshadowed by Christon's death, or being kidnapped and tortured by such a vile creature as "thatsorryass". It always came back to her pain. It always came back to the hurt in her heart.
She never had a chance to mourn her husband's death. Instead, she tried to change that dark forecast in her life by running away to another country expecting a more favorable climate- Paris.
The trip to Paris had been planned for a year, but prior to their departure, "duty" called her husband away. Although it wouldn't have been the first time they had to postpone plans, something about this time didn't sit quite right with Flossie. When she expressed her concerns to Christon, he simply replied, "Sie, don't worry so much, I will always be with you." Of course that reassurance lead to comforting, which lead to kissing, which lead to her panties dangling from her ankle, which probably lead to...
"I'm Pregnant! I'm Pregnant?", Flossie screamed.
To this Axel opened his eyes. He was a bit ashamed that he had allowed the quiet, that followed his question, to lull him into rest. He had to reflect on what had been said. Obviously, the pause between his question and her reply stirred something in the female that ended in her revelation.
"You are refusing the medication because you are...pregnant?" Axel asked, anxious for a reply.
Flossie sighed in frustration, "Yes!...No!...I don't know! When I take it, I always know I will feel bad later...but "later" comes sooner and sooner now...and...and...I...I.." she sobbed.
Axel could only listen to Flossie cry. He had never been around such an emotionally sensitive being before. What happened to her at the hands of bad bloods would never happen to a yautja female, and if any male was foolish enough to try, he would never live long enough to be deemed a bad blood. However, this female was not yautja, and the emotions she displayed now were common among the ooman race, but rare among his. Axel did not know how to respond to this, and it bothered him.
As a yautja male, Axel's most unwavering weapon to help soothe and calm a female was his purr. He recalled that it had helped previously when she cried, and maybe it would help now, but first he had to get her out of the lavatory. He would have to either request her to come out, or possibly negotiate her out, but how? After much thought, he had an idea. It would require the use of trickery, and he knew just the bait to use.
Flossie continued to cry. She had wept from time to time silently to herself, or when Axel was around, but this was different...this was painful...heartbreaking, as realization hit her like a ton of bricks: her life, well what was left of it, would never be the same again. Her regrets, her broken promises, her lack of faith through those dark times...she cried releasing all of it.
Flossie tears flowed freely, lightening her load of past thoughts temporarily. She had herself a good old-fashioned cry. It was sometime later that she stopped producing tears, relaxing the inner fight her mind and emotions were having. Seeming to establish a truce between the wars going on inside her; Flossie wiped the last of her tears, and enjoyed quietness that offered itself instead.
Standing, she walked to the shelving unit and pulled down a few of the coverings she used for blankets. She walked back to were she was sitting and placed them on the floor. She stared past the covers for several minutes, before finally sitting down on some of them. "Better," She whispered, as she pulled another cover onto her.
Settling down now and letting her eyes close, Flossie was beginning to feel how tired she really was...and how hungry. She drifted quickly into the first stage of sleep, still aware but relaxing bit by bit; allowing comfort to draw her in. She took a deep breath, hearing her name being called, but she didn't answer. She was finally attempting to rest so her caregivers should be glad, because she was. She drifted a bit deeper, as tension left her body, and pain filed itself away.
Axel had his bait in place, and called to the female. When he didn't receive an answer, he used his mask to pick up her heat signature in the lavatory. She was resting lightly, vitals normal, and the tiny pup had a strong heartbeat. As he took a close look at the schematics of the room she was in, he noticed that there were two air vents connected to the lavatory. Perfect.
Flossie seemed to be having the best dream. She was on the beach with Christon, and she was beating him at beach ball, again. She knew the truth was her husband didn't mind losing, because he loved the view of her jumping up and down in a bikini hitting a plastic ball. Two points into the game and she was hungry, so much so that her stomach seemed to be growling loudly like two grizzlies fighting. Her picture of Christon faded, and she shifted uncomfortably as her stomach did not relent.
She moaned in her sleep; as she now dreamed about her favorite foods starting with breakfast: bacon, eggs, oatmeal, sausage, toast, bacon, biscuits, veggie omelet, bacon, rice with sugar and butter, bacon, fresh fruit, bacon...bacon? She could...smell it. Breathing in deeply while she slept; yes she could...Flossie's eyes popped open, "You can't smell in your dreams. Can you?"
She yawned, breathing in more of the smell. Indeed, it was bacon, or bacon-ish; whatever it was, it made her mouth water. Pure pork ambiance. She stood, letting her cover fall to the floor. She listened as she walked closer to the door, noticing that there was some slight shuffling as if someone was walking in front of it.
"Axel?" She called out hoping it was him, and not one of the Healers with more medicine. A familiar purr confirmed that it was him; making her relax a bit as she leaned against the lavatory door. "Yes, Little One?" he answered. Flossie breathed deeply, taking in another whiff of the wafting smell. "Do you smell that? It smells like bacon, or ham." She said.
Axel almost laughed, "I suppose you could call it what you like. It is very good." He was glad she was taking his bait, and hopefully he would have her out of the lavatory and resting soon.
He would rest as well, since he had traded training duties with another one of his clan brothers, Ma'hym. This male was in hock to Axel up to his deknas since he had used his ship to have a threesome with two females from then rivaling clans, resulting in several things:1) Extensive damage to his main sleeping quarters. 2) Extensive damage to his food preparation area. 3) Loss of his right rear thrusters. 4) Ma'hym being beat to a pulp by both females, and 5) Ma'hym being beat to a pulp by Axel.
Yes, Axel would be an Elder by the time his mei-wshei repaid him, and that was fine with him.
"It smells good."
"I have food for you, Little One." Axel assured.
Flossie was feeling better now, but was still leery of the Healers and their medicine. "Are those doctor aliens in the room with you?" She asked. To this Axel used his wrist computer to override the Healers "automatic entry", "No, and they are locked out of the room. From now on, you will not receive any unwanted medication, unless it is to keep you viable."
She shifted as she went over what the deep rumbling baritone voice had said to her. Flossie assumed that Axel had some higher authority to be able to overrule the doctors. Either that or he was telling her a big head, lipless lie. She had to be sure he wasn't lying. "Are YOU gonna give me medicine?" She questioned.
This time Axel laughed. "No. I only have food."
Flossie was tempted, but she had be sure she wasn't being lied to about the medication. "Do you promise no medicine, and no tricks?" She asked. Axel was insulted, the words he spoke were true, so there was no need to "promise" her things that were guaranteed in her favor. He had no reason to lie to, or trick her. He was a yautja of his word, and placed all he was upon his honor. She was his mate, but not a yautja, therefore she had a lot to learn.
"Only if you promise to stop giving the Healers c'jit every other moment and let me rest."
Now there was a word she had heard before.
Flossie thought about what was said, "No medicine unless I ask for it?" She asked, wanting him to confirm, and pull rank on the doctors.
"Sei-i, yes. I promise no medication unless you ask for it. Now, you have to keep your word," He reminded her.
She was still reluctant, but she figured if they truly wanted to do anything to her; she would be a distant memory by now. Axel hadn't so much as raised his voice to her, nor had he lied to her. Besides, he always brought her food which was a plus.
"I promise to let you rest, and not stress out the healers." With her confirmation, the female exited the restroom. She walked toward the table next to her bed where a huge plate of food sat, when warm air drifted over her body. Flossie gasped, as she realized she only had on a sports bra and panties. She almost ran to the bed, jumping in, and covering herself up.
Axel had noticed how the female was dressed before she exited the lavatory. He found it quite amusing that her sudden modesty caused her to quicken her pace, and hurl herself into bed.
"Better I assume." Axel laughed, as he took a seat in the huge chair next to her bed. It was now that Flossie realized that he was completely naked other than a strip of cloth that covered his male parts.
Trying to ignore him and his "hunk of junk", Flossie dug into her food. It was more of a ham type meat. It was slightly coarse, but it had been honey-cured, and it was good. She looked at what seemed to be egg whites. She knew they came from a bird, but what bird she didn't know. She sniffed them, before cautiously taking a bite. "Mmmm, I just need some salt and pepper."
Axel shook his head, as he sat quietly listening to the female enjoy her food all too much. He was tired, and probably would be for a long time if he didn't address the problems his mate was having, and causing.
An audible, pleased sigh let Axel know the female was finished with her meal. Good, now he could try for the answers he sought. "Little One, why do you cry?" He asked.
Flossie wasn't surprised by his question, nor was she afraid of it. It had been a long time since someone asked her a question that was out of concern. Even though this alien male may not be as concerned as she she thought he was; it was still good to hear someone inquire about her, and not just make decisions for her. She also was content to know that Axel actually listened to her, and had thus far kept his word.
"There are many reasons, but mostly because I lost someone that meant everything to me, and I've yet to deal with the pain caused by it. Also, I couldn't save Gabriella, or stop those those fuckers from hurting us." This immediately got a purr out of Axel, as he wanted her to remain calm. He didn't need her to regress, and retreat back into the lavatory.
Contemplating Flossie's words, He didn't understand why she had allowed such a great burden to possess her. There was nothing she could have done to change the events of her life.
Flossie didn't cry, realizing that it was the first time she validated her pain out loud, and in doing so, she got a small piece of relief.
"Thank you for asking about me. You're not like the doctors, you don't just assume things about me, or how I should feel. Thank you for looking after me." Flossie whispered.
Some of her words had garnered his attention. First, she implied that he considered her concerns, and seeing her as more than an ooman pet. With this, he concluded that she still trusted him, even though her behavior over the last fortnight had stated other wise. Second, she was sincere in her gratitude; an appreciation he was not accustomed to receiving from a female.
Axel nodded his head; regarding her words. "Why did you lock yourself inside of the bathing room?" He continued.
"Change of scenery. I was tired of looking at these walls, and decided I would look at those four walls for awhile instead," She stated, pointing to the lavatory.
She took a drink of her fruit juice before continuing, "I guess it will take some getting used to since this is my new home of sorts. I am just get tired of being in such a confined space. But, at least it is clean here."
Her somewhat avoidance of the question that was asked had given Axel insight into the female's struggle; revealing another side effect of her confinement in Medical: she was restless, anxious, not used to being confined to a small area for this long. In an ooman term, she was stir crazy. This would not benefit her with her emotional turmoil, it would further hinder her.
Axel stood, his towering frame making Flossie crane her neck to look up at him. He purred a loud rumbling purr that caught her off guard; making her jump. She closed her eyes as her worries took a "timeout" and caught their breath. Her body tingled from her feet to her head, and those tingles would sometimes linger on her body, providing a sense of protection, an impenetrable stability. She felt safe.
"After I rest, I will provide you with a more favorable living arrangement."
Flossie only smiled, not realizing exactly what Axel meant, but she could only hope she could escape these walls she was surrounded by, even if was only temporary.
Axel stayed awhile longer making sure the female was asleep and resting well. He was tired now, and he didn't like this unfamiliar feeling at all. So for now, he would rest.
Mik'l announced himself once again, before turning to leave. The older male yautja had only taken a few strides before he heard the door slide open, and Axel calling out to him, "Curator, I said to come by during the day cycle."
Mik'l turned to looked at him, tilting his massive head from side to side, "It is the day cycle, and my second visit to your quarters."
Axel had not realized how long he had slept. It was a deep, restorative sleep that his body and mind appreciated. "Please come, I seek your guidance," He clicked. The curator entered the living quarters, following Axel into the common area.
Mik'l could tell that Axel was having some kind of inner struggle, or trouble with making an difficult decision. Although he didn't know at this point what it was about, he knew it was serious if the warrior had invited him to his personal living quarters.
"I will not occupy your time for longer than necessary," Axel clicked, pouring a drink for his guest and one for himself. Axel placed the drinks on the table and motioned for the curator to sit. He motioned to the chalice as he picked up his own an took a healthy gulp, reacting slightly to the burn of the purplish c'ntlip.
"This is about the female ooman rescued from Celdhe's ship. She is now under my care as my charge and my mate. She is not a pet, due to our victims code of honor."
Mik'l took a few drinks from his chalice, "I know of your female, and I know the codes that protect her. I prepared the scrolls in which they were recorded, and I am the keeper of such laws." Axel nodded, knowing what the arrogant old pauk-de had said was true.
"My female is emotionally unpredictable, and the Healers have exhausted their avenues of possible treatment. Physically her body is well, and her pup is healthy. I have no complex understanding of the ooman psyche. I do not know how to fix her mind and feelings." Axel growled, frustrated at the rawness he was displaying.
This exchange had been very interesting to Mik'l. He had inquired about the female, an ooman that would not be looked upon as a pet, but one among them with status and honor. He learned of her tragic situations and knew that for an ooman; she would have unheralded emotions.
"I will help your female, but only if I have your permission to add what I learn to our archives."
With this, the older yautja stood grabbing his chalice and finishing his drink, "Prepare the female for my visit once she leaves Medical."
Axel nodded his complete confirmation to the curator, as he mentally exhaled the burden that was weighing on him. Mik'l exited the quarters, and headed back to archives to start a new file for the Honored female.
After the curator left, Axel checked his wrist computer for messages. One was an invitation to hunt with a few of his clan brothers. A few were meeting reminders. One that interested him was confirmation that Celdhe had been discovered hiding on one the game preserves. He had killed several young bloods before being wounded, but he somehow managed to escape.
Frustration flooded Axel; he hoped that Celdhe recovered well, because he would be the one to take his worthless life.
Coming to the last message, Axel was concerned it would be from the Healers. He had not seen Flossie since leaving her before the morning cycle. If there had been a problem while he was resting, the Healers must have dealt with it or Flossie had. The last message was from Ny'kisde, the female he mated after the Ranking Festival. He read the message in amusement, it seemed that this female had her "plans" for him.
Flossie stretched wiping the sleep from her eyes, before leaving the bed and heading to the restroom. She stripped out of her panties and bra, and made a beeline for the shower. As the water washed over her body, she realized that she felt better. Her mind in particular seemed to keep itself neutral. Flossie knew she couldn't just "get over" all the things she had been through, so for now she would take things day by day.
She shampooed her hair, shaved areas on her body that she didn't like for hair to grow, and reminded herself that she needed to arch her eyebrows later. Flossie didn't know why she was putting so much effort into her appearance, it wasn't like anyone cared. She sighed, "Stop. YOU care, and that's all that matters."
After a meticulous cleaning session, Flossie dried herself with one of the furry towels, while using the other to tie up her hair. Once she had moisturized her body, she dressed in black camisole tank top, black boy shorts and yoga pants, black socks, and black and gray Asics.
Then, she went back to her "still damp" hair using a wide tooth comb and a brush. She noticed she needed her ends clipped badly, and thought it would be something she could do later. After she had combed her hair thoroughly, she added a light moisturizing spray that defined the curls and spirals of her natural hair, as well as gave it body and shine.
Next, came the eyebrow threading. Using her small mirror, and a string of thread; she worked slowly as she removed stray hairs from around her unkempt brows. Threading was a technique Flossie had learned from watching YouTube, and had been using for two years now. Since she and her husband moved around a lot, and every salon was different, it was easier for her to learn to take care of her own beauty needs.
Flossie exited the bathroom feeling a bit confident, and that was ok with her.
She smelled food, and saw a huge platter of assorted meats, and fruits sitting on the counter in her room. She smiled, knowing that Axel had been there. She questioned the amount of food he brought her, wondering if it was because she was pregnant. That thought got her attention.
Flossie really hadn't given her pregnancy much thought as she rubbed her belly questioningly. She didn't feel pregnant, and after a once over with her compact mirror, (which actually took a bit of time), she sure didn't look pregnant.
She walked around the room, and rubbed her breasts through her tank top slowly. Taking her time to note any tenderness, or other changes. Nothing. Could the alien doctors have made a mistake? Unlikely. These aliens were extremely advanced. Flossie's past thoughts of the probability of other world lifeforms consisted of the proverbial Little Green Men. Seems as if no one told this race of Hunters what they were stereotyped as.
The door hissed, and slid open, and Axel came walking in. She must have looked a bit silly walking around feeling up her size forty C's.
Axel was a bit shocked when he came into the room. He had only seen Flossie in her ooman clothes once, and for only a few moments. However, he hadn't noticed until now that she was in good physical condition. He changed his vision mode to see her as other oomans would, and he was stunned. If she were a yautja female she would be highly sought after. Her mammary glands were nice and full, her walk was a devastating sashay, extremely feminine, strong, and natural.
Axel even noticed that she had less "hair" above her eyes now, and they had the appearance of soaring wings. He also noticed her curly locks were neat and bouncy. He let out a pleasing purr, Flossie noticed it was slightly different from the one she had grown used to.
"Hi, Axel." Flossie smiled a bit embarrassed as she pulled her top down, and smoothed it out.
Axel nodded, still looking at her from head to toe. "I've come to retrieve you, Little One. It is time for you to leave Medical for your new home...with me."