Chapter 10: Confrontation
Maria couldn't hold the tears back when I'stih came into her view. She put both hands on each cheek, trying to comprehend what had transpired here.
She saw a huge gash across his chest that was slowly dripping neon green blood and covering the ground surrounding him. His hand holding it together as an attempt to stop the bleeding but it was too large to close up on his own. Maria could see many, smaller gashes all over his legs and more on his arms as if he tried to defend himself. She could only imagine that something bigger and stronger could have done this to I'stih.
Maria darted fast towards his side and cupped his face between her hands. His mask was nowhere in sight and his spear was on the ground next to him. His eyes were closed with no sign of movement.
"I'stih. I'stih. Please wake up."
When she didn't see any response from him, Maria placed her ear on his chest and felt relieved when she heard his heartbeat but it was weak and slow. She lifts her head to try again.
"I'stih!"
With that, I'stih twitches and opens his eyes slowly towards Maria and the tears she has been holding back were released, trickling down her cheeks.
"I'stih! You're alive!"
She held his hand in hers as he groaned while trying to shift around. Without notice, Maria felt Za'taan come to her side, removing his mask at the same time and looking down at I'stih. Ya'stu kneels down on the other side of him and takes his mask off too, looking very concerned for his brother.
"Brother . . ."
When Ya'stu calls out to him, I'stih turns his head slowly to him. Maria could tell that it was a struggle for him to speak but the words came out nonetheless.
"Ya'stu . . . Za'taan . . ."
When he called out for his brothers, Maria was expecting Ya'stu to come to his aid immediately but in a twist of surprise, it was Za'taan who moves quickly to I'stih and presses his hands on his chest to stop the bleeding.
"I'stih . . . Don't worry. We're going to get you healed soon. Just hang on, please . . ."
There was a tone of concern in Za'taan's voice and when she turns to stare at his face. It shook her beyond belief. She saw his red eyes lose their glow as they displayed a great amount of despair. This was a side of him that Maria never thought he had, much less see it herself.
Ya'stu comes beside I'stih and takes out something from his belt that looked strange to Maria.
"What is that?"
"It's medicine. It will help heal his wound but it's only a temporary solution. However, it's our only choice."
Ya'stu takes out a small device that reminded her of a syringe but it was filled with a clear liquid. She wondered what it was that made it special for healing wounds. Before she could speak out, Za'taan grabs her shoulder with one hand.
"You might want to cover your ears."
Maria became baffled at his request.
"Why?"
"I'stih will probably scream out in pain. Although it will heal him, it causes much agony to those who are given it. You might lose some hearing since you're an ooman so just cover them."
She didn't know what to make of this situation. It hurts him but heals? Why would they do such a thing? Before she could ask such questions, Ya'stu takes the syringe and plunges it into his chest and I'stih lets out a shrilling cry.
The waves of the cry rang into her ears, creating excruciating pain in them and Maria cries out from it. She tries to cover them with her hands while closing her eyes tightly but it was intense and she was sure that she would lose some hearing. The pain was so bad that she faintly noticed a pair of arms wrapped around her, cocooning her head in a protective manner. It only lasted a minute until I'stih stops completely.
She drops her hands from her face and lifts her face up to see Za'taan closing his eyes tightly as if he was the one in pain. Something inside of Maria moved her to place a hand flat on his chest as a sign of comfort to him. His racing heartbeat on her hand telling her of the agony he was going through. This was a side of Za'taan that made Maria wonder if he really was strict and brutal due to his personality or he's hiding something underneath.
Then she saw Za'taan's eyes open fast and looking down at her and saw something in them but couldn't make out what it was. It didn't last long when Ya'stu grumbles, grabbing both their attentions and Maria reluctantly pulls away.
"Well . . . I'stih is healing well but we need to get him out of here. He needs somewhere safe to rest until he's fully recovered."
Za'taan shakes his head for a moment. His dreadlocks swirling all around him and Maria wondered if they felt the same way as hair. If she could just get a chance to . . . No! She can't be thinking about this now!
He twists his head around a little to stretch his muscles before addressing Ya'stu.
"Well, we need somewhere that is not open space. Somewhere that is somewhat hidden until we clear the area of prey."
Maria thought for a moment until she came up with an idea. It was a risky one but with everything going on, she knew it was their best choice to go with, especially for I'stih.
"We can go back to the cave where my group is right now. It's closed off except for the exit and I can look out for I'stih until he's ready."
At that moment, Za'taan and Ya'stu turned towards Maria with stunned looks on their faces. She didn't know if they were surprised that she would offer such a thing or worried. But her doubt was soon washed away when Za'taan speaks out.
"We're not going to do that."
"Why not?"
"The last time we went there, your ooman companions threatened to shoot up. Not to mention that they will take any opportunity to kill I'stih if given the chance."
"Then I'll stay with him. I can watch him while both of you go hunting and I can talk to my group about this since they'll understand me better."
Za'taan looked at Ya'stu and began making the clicking noise again. She really was fed up with them talking in front of her without letting her know what is going on. When they were done, Ya'stu gives a look to Maria that he was unsure about this.
"I don't know Maria . . . The other oomans in your group aren't like you. They might attack us before we even get close."
Maria began to feel the anger rising in her chest. She wasn't upset by Ya'stu but the fact that they think she can't handle herself.
"I can reason with them! They trust me and I'll do whatever I can to make sure I'stih is safe. I promise."
Before Maria could say anything, Za'taan steps forwards until they are only inches from each other. He began to growl at her but Maria stood her ground, not wanting to relent to his command.
"You don't get to decide. We'll find another area that is away from the oomans and you have no say about it."
Maria was not having it. Her body began to burn with rage and Za'taan was only fueling the fire. Why can't he see that he could trust her? She's more than capable of handling it herself and she won't let anyone hurt I'stih.
"I don't have to listen to you! Unless you have a better area to put I'stih other than the cave then be my guest! But don't think for one second that I'm going to follow you like a good soldier. It's the only way!"
The growl in Za'taan's chest grew louder but Maria stood her ground. Her anger was almost to the breaking point until Za'taan yells out.
"You're just an ooman!"
That was it! Maria released all her anger inside and forcefully swiped her hand at Za'taan, hitting his cheek and mandible on the way across. His head turned quickly to the side as Maria slapped his hard without warning.
It took Maria a moment to realize what she had done and froze in fear, waiting to be reprimanded by Za'taan. What the fuck did she do?! Both of them were still while Za'taan and Ya'stu opened their mandibles and inner mouth wide open. No one dared to move until Za'taan started to rub his cheek and mandible a bit.
"I . . . I . . . I'm sorry . . ."
She watched him intently for a moment, sensing the rage inside of him but in a twist, Za'taan just turns his back around with his hands tightened into fists on his sides. Maria wanted to ask him if he was okay until she saw his shoulders shake a little and then he spoke.
"You're right . . ."
"What?"
"Your plan is better so we'll go with that. Now, help get I'stih before I change my mind."
Maria was stunned. She never would have thought that Za'taan would agree with her, especially after she slapped him in the face. She was expecting him to hit her or something but instead, he followed her plan. For once in her life, she felt so much pride inside her as this was the first time she ever stood up to anyone, much less a killer alien from outer space.
"Maria!"
His words snapped her out of her thoughts. "Okay!"
She moves towards I'stih's side and grabbed his arm in an attempt to lift him up but he was too heavy so she called out to Ya'stu for help. He moved towards the other side of I'stih, wrapping his arm around his shoulder and letting his brother lean on him for support. Maria helped to get I'stih up on his feet.
"Alright. The cave should be over in this direction. Let's go."
Ya'stu nodded and took little steps while I'stih groaned in pain. Maria knew that he had to endure it until they got to their designated area. While both Ya'stu and Maria were moving I'stih, she took a glance in Za'taan's direction and saw that he was looking up into the sky with his eyes closed, not even noticing that everyone else has taken off. Ya'stu noticed him too.
"Za'taan! Let's go."
It took a moment before Maria saw him move from his spot, opening his eyes slowly and at looking at her. It was only a moment but during it, she saw those red eyes glow for a moment until he put his mask back on his face, blocking his expression from her. She felt disappointed that she couldn't see his face anymore but all she knew was that they needed to get to the cave as soon as possible.
[TWO HOURS LATER]
They finally made it to the cave and Maria felt relieved at first but then Ana comes out with a happy expression but turns sour at the sight of the Yautja brothers next to her.
"Maria. What's going on?"
Maria could tell that Ana was nervous but she tried to remain calm enough to get an explanation from her.
"These are my friends. They protected me from the kainde amedha that attacked us from before."
Ana raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Kainde amedha?"
"The black creatures that we saw in the church. They are here to exterminate them but I'stih was seriously injured and he needed to be somewhere safe until he recovers."
When Maria tells about finding a safe place, she saw Ana's eyes widen in horror.
"Are you suggesting that we let these monsters bunker with us!? They almost killed you and they're not human!"
"But they brought me here before when I was injured to keep me safe! Without Za'taan, Ya'stu and I'stih, I would have been long dead!"
That stopped Ana dead in her tracks as Maria knew she couldn't deny that statement. The brothers protected her when they would've left her for dead but seeing as that Ana wasn't totally convinced, Maria continued.
"I owe them my life and I can't just abandon them when they did so much for me. Trust me, Ana. I would never put anyone in danger if I knew it was a possibility. Please . . ."
It seemed like ages until Maria saw Ana take a huge sigh, finally relenting.
"Alright. I trust you and if you think that everything is okay, then I'll follow you but I'm not sure about Valeria, you mother and especially Juan."
Maria totally forgot about Juan in their discussion. She could handle her mother and somewhat Valeria. With Juan, it might be a different story but she had already agreed with this and she's not one to turn back now.
"I'll take care of it. Right now, I need to get I'stih inside and make him comfortable. Can you help me?"
"I can. Anything for you Maria."
Both of them smiled at each other and Maria signaled Ya'stu and Za'taan to come inside the cave. She stayed in front of the brothers while Ana stayed close by Maria's side, making Maria feel safe.
As soon as they all took a couple of steps into the cave, she could see Valeria gasped and run towards the corner of the cave and curling into a ball while her mother froze and stared at the brothers. She was expecting their reactions to be something like that but then came Juan, looking just as terrified with the shotgun in his hands.
"What the fuck are those things doing here!?"
With that, Maria sensed Za'taan walking forward and growling at him. She saw Juan cock the gun in his hands and she needed to do something quickly.
"Juan. They are not here to hurt us. One of them is injured and I brought them so I'stih can recover."
"Who the fuck is I'stih!? One of the monsters and you brought them here!?"
Again, another growl from Za'taan echoes inside the cave and Maria turned to hold up a hand and stop him from moving forward.
"I got this, Za'taan. Just let me handle this."
"I don't know, Maria. He's dangerous and can fire that weapon at any moment."
Maria firmly spoke to him so he would get her message clearly.
"I said I got this. Don't worry."
She could see that Za'taan was getting impatient but stopped moving forward and remained still. Maria sighed in relief that he listened to her. She turns back to Juan.
"I'm telling you. Put the gun down and there won't be a bloodbath. Believe me."
"Why should I!? You're just a stupid female that's going o get us killed cause you want to help anything that comes to you! I won't have it!"
He loads the shotgun and aims for Za'taan who was closest to them and was ready to pull the trigger.
"Juan!"
She didn't have time to stop him and he pulls the trigger. However, she moves fast between Juan and Za'taan and spreads her arms out like a shield. She didn't want anyone to get hurt because of her. She wanted determined to protect.
She closes her eyes and expects to feel pain but there was none. When she opens her eyes, she sees a massive, red striped chest in front of her. She looks up and realizes that Za'taan had shielded her from the blast. She gasped in the thought that Za'taan had protected her from the attack but then she became concerned.
"Za'taan!? Are you alright?"
She moves her arms around his body, checking for any signs of injury but then Za'taan grabs her hands with one of his, pressing tightly around hers but not too much. She looked up with concern in her eyes.
"It's fine. The bullet hit my armor instead of me so it didn't do any damage."
"Oh, thank goodness."
Maria felt relief flow through her body, glad that Za'taan wasn't hurt but then she heard a small purr coming from him. She looked up at him but couldn't see his face with his mask on. She didn't know what to make of it.
But then they were interrupted when Juan yells out once more, making Za'taan growl again.
"What the fuck?! It should have got you!"
Maria heard the gun being loaded again but before she could react, Za'taan releases her and grabs the barrel of the gun in his hand, moving it up so the next shot struck the top of the cave, leaving a huge dent behind.
Za'taan rips the shotgun from Juan and throws it behind him and then grabs Juan's shirt, lifting him off the ground.
"No! Please! Don't kill me!"
"Why should I? You were going to kill Maria. You don't deserve to live."
Maria saw Za'taan pull out his wrist blades and ready to slice Juan in half. Although she didn't care much for Juan, she didn't want to see more bloodshed today. She couldn't see any more people die.
"Za'taan! Don't kill him . . ."
He tilts his head slightly and in some way, Maria could sense something in him that convey a message of worry.
"Please . . ."
Za'taan turns his head back to Juan and then drops him onto the ground. Juan scrambles onto his feet and runs away from them, cowering in the same corner as Valeria.
She heard Za'taan snorts in disgust at Juan's cowering form.
"You're lucky that Maria is here. She saved your life this time."
When Maria saw him retract his wrist blades, Maria took a huge breath and smiled when he looked at her, which she heard another purr from him. She was beginning to wonder what that noise meant.
"Alright. Now that we got everything settled, we can put I'stih over her by the fire. Is that okay?"
She glanced at Za'taan who nodded and then to Ya'stu who was still carrying I'stih on his shoulder behind them. He also nods and Maria looks towards Ana who give a nod as well.
Without wasting more time, Ya'stu brings over I'stih to the area where Maria and Ana had spread out blankets so that I'stih would feel more comfortable. Everyone else just stayed far away from them. Maria saw Valeria and Juan shiver in fear and her mother just kept staring in shock. Maria will have to check on her after this was over.
Once I'stih was settled, Ya'stu turns towards Za'taan.
"Alright. I'm going out to hunt for the kainde amedha and find out who did this to I'stih. I'll go back to the scene and see if I pick anything up."
Za'taan bows his head towards him.
"Goog. Make sure to keep communications on at all times. You never know if the thing that injured I'stih will strike again."
"Got it."
Next thing Maria knew, Ya'stu comes next to her, ignoring the glares that Za'taan was giving out.
"Stay safe Maria and take care of our brother."
She smiles at him. "You got it."
Ya'stu clicks his mandibles before activating his cloaking device, making him almost completely invisible to her. And then, he was gone.
It was only Za'taan and Maria left now. Ana had to go and see Valeria since she was hyperventilating so much that she passed out with Juan arguing about the recent development. Maria noticed her mother had not moved from her spot until Ana comes over and hugs her in order to reassure her. She then lays down on the ground and Ana stays close to her as she begins to fall asleep. Maria kneels down next to I'stih's sleeping form, stroking his dreadlocks.
"Well . . . At least everyone is okay for now."
She stops her ministrations and looks up at Za'taan. Again, the mask obscures his face from her so she couldn't read his emotions so she relied on his body language for anything.
Yeah. In a few days, I'stih should be well enough to move on his own but needs to keep his strength up. I'll hunt for some food while I'm out so don't worry about that."
"Okay. I should go out to get food too."
"Why?"
"Cause we also need to eat and there is about four of us that need to eat as well but no one is brave enough to go out there so I'm the first choice."
"It's dangerous."
"But we need food and we can't just starve to death so I have to go."
There was an uncomfortable silence in the air and Maria was about to break it until Za'taan beats her to the punch.
"I'll get some for you and your friends."
Maria's eyes widened in surprise at his proposal.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm already hunting so it makes more sense for me to do so. Don't worry about it."
She was caught completely off guard. She never would've thought that he would do something like this for her. Before, she was lucky if Za'taan wouldn't kill her for something she did. And now, he was helping her as much as he can. It was small but enough for her and with that, she gave him a huge smile.
He just stared at her but she didn't care. She was glad that he was doing this favor for her. She heard him grunt a little bit after that.
"Okay . . . so . . . I'll be going then."
"Okay. Stay safe."
Maria smiles again at him as she watches Za'taan turns around but before he could get far, both of them heard groaning from behind."
"Za'taan . . . Maria . . ."
In a flash, Maria and Za'taan were by I'stih's side. She looked down into his eyes to see them barely open.
"I'stih! You're awake!"
There wasn't much of a response on his part but Maria knew he was injured badly so she waited patiently for him. Za'taan, however, didn't give him the luxury.
"What happened to you? Who did this to you?"
I'stih struggled for a bit as Maria kneeled beside him, holding his hand with both of hers.
"I was . . . ambushed . . . by the . . . Bad Blood."
"Bad Blood?"
Maria asked but none of the brothers answered her question and she wanted to know. However, she was cut off before she could speak.
"Do you know where he went? Any ideas at all?"
"He was . . . going . . . southwest . . . the last time . . . I saw him."
"Alright. Ya'stu is looking in that area right now but I'll join him soon. Just get some rest. Maria will be watching over you."
Za'taan glanced at Maria and she nodded back so she could tell him that she understood. He was about to turn towards the entrance of the cave until I'stih spoke again.
"Za'taan . . . I know . . . who the Bad Blood is . . ."
Maria saw that it grabbed Za'taan's attention quickly when he turned sharply at I'stih.
"Who is it, I'stih?"
She saw that I'stih was losing consciousness, tired from the long day they all had.
"It's . . . Vahrouh."
And then, Maria saw I'stih close his eyes and fall back down, entering into a deep slumber.
She was confused at what they were talking about. Who was the Bad Blood? Why is it important? What's going on? She wanted answers to her questions and turned to face Za'taan but then she stopped when she saw Za'taan's body go hard and rigid as if something had upset him.
"What's wrong Za'taan?"
"I need to go."
Before she could protest, he was out of the cave quickly and then, he was gone.
Maria was left to wonder about what I'stih had said about a Bad Blood named Vahrouh. Who was he and why is he important? What the fuck was going on?"
Everything was out of control and Maria was left to wonder if all of this was just a dream and that she would wake up soon.
But in her heart, she knew that this was too real to be a dream.
Hi Readers!
Luckily, I'stih is still alive but now, a new enemy has emerged but what connections does the Bad Blood Vahrouh have with Za'taan and his brothers? Will he become too dangerous that it would put everyone in harm's way, including Maria?
Plus, Za'taan is becoming more protective of her and going as far as hunting food for her. Is he finally revealing to her that she is more than just a simple ooman? Will they ever understand each other?
Find out more when the next chapter comes along!
Happy Holidays! :)))