CHAPTER 11:

On The Run Again

Iliana woke up to meet the dusty floor again. Luckily, her sleeping bag was warm and comfy that for once she didn't care. But she also felt a warm heat source so she looked behind her sluggishly. She was surprised to see Kantra lying on his side next to her but outside of the sleeping bag. The first night he had slept sitting up next to her against the wall.

I guess I'm doing a good impact on him, she thought.

The day before had gone smoothly after Kantra's massage. He'd actually fallen asleep on top of her from its soothing touch and Iliana had ended up squished under his bulky form. But she was able to take on his weight and had woken him before suffocating. So far, he seemed to be lightening in his moods around her which she was glad for. They'd eaten all the food she'd packed, mostly Kantra, so now they had nothing.

We'll need food to keep our energy up, she thought. It can't be too bad to find a store nearby.

Yawning to get the sleep out of her body, she hugged herself inside her sleeping bag to get warm again. She unzipped it and started to climb out quietly. Before she could finish getting one leg out, Kantra's arm wrapped around her. She tensed up instantly at thinking he was awake, but when she looked, he was definitely asleep.

Must be a sleeping reflex, she thought. Now, how do I get out of his grip?

She felt warm under his skin making her want to stay in his hold. Trying to go underneath it, he held her closer making her squeak. This time she couldn't get out of his hold though, making her mind groan mentally. Well, she could always sneak away later. But it would've been better to shop in the morning when no one's there. Sighing, she wrapped her hand over his and laid on her side again. His skin didn't feel rough as she thought it would, well maybe around his hands, but otherwise no. She held his arm close like a pillow to get comfy. It made her warm instantly putting her to sleep.

Seems he's making a better impression on me, Iliana thought.

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"Hmm, potato chips can be good despite they're junk food" Iliana grinned.

Grabbing a bag, she put it into her basket. Going down the aisle, she turned to the vegetable and fruit aisles. She couldn't cook anything yet since they were still on the run. Besides, Kantra who'd just eat rare meat. She had no idea how he did that and liked it, she gagged anytime she saw him do that while he was at her old place. Unfortunately, she'd need to get some to appease his carnivorous appetite.

She wrapped up vegetables she could use in salads and were easily eaten without being cooked like tomatoes, cauliflower, lettuce, and broccoli. After getting those things into her basket, she headed to get some fruits. She loved peaches and apparently Kantra did too. But she got the canned types for easier preparation. She also took some apples, oranges, bananas, and pears to at least have some fresh fruits.

By the time she headed to the aisle line, she had food along with any hygiene supplies they'd need.

If he wants to borrow my toothbrush, he can forget it, she thought and grinned.

"Hello there" a voice greeted.

She turned around and didn't see anything. Some people walking around and gave her odd looks. She just smiled weakly and tried to act natural.

"Over here, you little sneak" the voice said from a side aisle.

She headed over there since she already knew who's voice it was. But it made her wonder how he found her so easily? What was he, a bloodhound or something? She saw him cloaked and standing next to an aisle.

"Kantra, how do you keep on finding me?" Iliana asked sharply, trying to balance her basket.

"I put a motion tracker in your earring" he said, simply. She touched the one he motioned to immediately.

How can he put something like that on something so tiny?, she thought surprised. Shrugging, she let go of her earring.

"Ana, I told you to-" Kantra started.

"To stay there and don't leave, I know" she said, sighing. "But we need food somehow, Kantra. We're not exactly hibernating animals that can go without food for months."

"But you can't keep sneaking out like this, I was worried!" he snapped. "How long have you been out?"

Why doesn't she ever listen to me?, his mind demanded.

"Not for a long time and I'm sorry" Iliana said, looking down. "But we do need our energy, especially you. Didn't you see my note?"

"What note?" he asked, shrugging.

"I wrote one and tucked it into my sleeping bag" she stated.

"Ana, I saw you gone, I wasn't about to look in your covers to see if you shrunk" Kantra said, simply.

"You're getting good at being humorous" she said, smiling.

"Don't flatter me, you're still in trouble" he said, firmly. She reached out to grab his hand into hers making him growl. "No, you cannot flirt your way out of this."

What? No, I am no like that!, her mind said.

"I am not and you're getting too human at times, it's creepy" Iliana said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "I like your whole alien hunter attitude, not when you're hunting me though."

Despite he was angry at her, she knew how to lighten his mood. He didn't want to seem like an angry parent of sort but he needed to look out for the both of them. But he did appreciate her gesture to come out and get them food, despite she could get hurt.

"Let me do the shopping next time" Kantra said, sighing. "I can sneak in and out easily and we won't need to be wasting money. Are you finished?"

"Yep" she said, cheerfully. "I got you some peanut butter."

No, not that!, he thought when she held up the clear can.

"Oh no! You know I hate it!" he said, instantly. "It sticks to the roof of my mouth along with my teeth, I don't see how you oomans eat it."

"Yeah, we're crazy that way" she said, smiling. "But I like it, and I'm taking it."

She turned and walked down the aisle while swaying her hips mockingly. It may have looked mocking but he couldn't help but notice her figure. Very nice. He shook his head to snap out of his silly thoughts.

I must be losing my mind for thinking she's attractive even at all, he thought. Ugh, I've been on Earth too long.

"Umm, Kantra?" Iliana called him. He looked up. "I'll meet you outside so don't go anywhere."

"I won't besides, I'm not you" Kantra said, smugly.

"I won't, besides, I'm not you" Iliana mocked and faked his pose.

"Get out of here before I throw something at you!" he said, picking up a bottle of soda.

"Yipe!" she squealed, ducking away. He grinned after she left.

Yes, she does amuse me so very much, he thought. Silly ooman.

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"Good?" Iliana asked, while taking a spoonful of her pudding cup.

"Very" he replied while holding the cup with his mandibles and licking the cup clean.

"Gee, makes us look inferior for having hands when you guys do that" she mumbled pathetically.

"That's because we're a better species" Kantra said, placing the cup down on the floor.

He did not just insult me, she thought.

She grabbed a spoonful of her pudding and threw it on his face. He clicked in surprise when it landed over his cheek and eye. He wiped it off instantly and growled at her. She grinned at having the chocolate goo on his face.

"Who's better now?" she grinned.

Before she could react, he grabbed her by the wrist. He pulled her forward and made her land on her back. Crawling over to her, he looked down at her. She growled while he smirked arrogantly.

"I think I'm better, my dear" he replied with a grunt.

She grabbed his wrists and brought her legs forward. In a swift move, she wrapped them around his neck. He tried to pull her head back but she threw him to the side with all her strength. She cried out when he didn't let go of her wrists and she ended up with her head on his side. They both relaxed from that quick brawl.

"If I didn't say so, I'd say I'm getting good" Iliana said, smiling.

"No, I let you do that, if I used my strength on you, you'd be dead" Kantra pointed out and poked her head. "But it's nice to have someone to train with, despite you're puny and fragile."

"Don't make me go at you and poke your eyes out" she warned. "I'm not scared of you, yautja man."

It'd be surprising if she isn't, he thought. Most oomans wet their clothes from fear.

"You remind me of my kind's females sometimes with that attitude" he chuckled, while resting on his back. "But you're too small to have their strength."

"I have no intentions of being an alien" she grinned and puffed up her chest. "But thanks for the other part. I'd tell you something that you remind me of, but the only thing is the attitude."

"Is that good or bad?" Kantra wondered.

"I like it, it's nice to know a guy that's respectful to females" Iliana said, sitting up. She then smirked, "But it could lose a bit of the arrogance."

He pushed her forward playfully and hissed. She growled and turned around quickly to kick him gently. Throwing herself onto his chest, she reached up to yank his mandibles. He grabbed her hands instantly with his own hands and wrestled her back and forth.

This female actually takes me on despite she knows I can throw her off easily, he thought. Little female.

He grabbed her hands and parted them sideways away from him. She fell onto his chest with her own making her groan out in pain. If you're a female, never fall onto a guy with your chest when he wears metal armor.

Ouch, that had to hurt somehow, he thought.

"Sorry" he mumbled.

"Yeah, that magically makes it all better" she said, sarcastically.

She rolled off of him and relaxed next to him. Maybe that's what she got for taking on the yautja hunter. He moved to his side and laid down next to her. She gave him a 'What?' look but he just clicked his throat and grinned. Grinning back at him, she felt his thumb trail down her neck to her shoulder. She was surprised by his gesture but leaned her shoulder into it.

Great, Iliana, you're letting an alien touch you, she thought. Bravo. What's next? A vampire?

I'm touching an ooman, what is wrong with me?, he thought. But she seems to like it.

"For an alien, you don't have a rough touch" Iliana said, tracing her fingertips over his arm.

"For alien, you have soft skin" Kantra said back.

She grabbed his hand into hers and intertwined their fingers. Looking at her hand, she saw how small it was compared to his. While studying it, he squeezed her hand softly making her look at him.

She likes being intellectual, he thought.

"You do like studying living beings, don't you?" he asked, raising his brows.

"You're not an animal though, but a living being" she said, smiling. "You interest me somehow, but hey? What person wouldn't be interested in an alien?"

He leaned over her and said, "But you take very close looks."

"Is that a problem?" she asked, trying to let go of his hand but he didn't. "Kantra."

"I have no problem whatsoever" he said, rumbling his chest.

She grinned at his response. This was the first time he acting, how could she say, a little more than friendly? And she didn't mind, despite all the crap he already put her through (mostly hunting her down). Bringing his hand towards her, she brought him down till most of his body rested on hers. He was surprised by her sudden moves but he wouldn't be one to complain. Frankly, he wanted to see where this would head to . . .as long as it didn't end up with him getting a new mate.

They looked at each other for a bit while they lay face to face. Iliana smiled at knowing she couldn't do anything with him in any way. He was not from this earth and he had a totally different culture just like hers. Sure, he could be interesting but not enough to actually act out something with him. She trailed her fingertips over his arm softly while he leaned down. At first she thought he would actually attempt to kiss her or something, but he just rested his head against her neck.

Oi, tall and heavy, she thought.

"How's your side?" Iliana asked, softly.

"Could be better" Kantra grinned. "But it's better than being dead."

"I'll be here to look after you" she smiled and traced her hand through his black dreads. "Despite how much I've snuck out."

"I hope so and you won't be going out again until we move" he said, purring into her neck.

"Yes, Father" she said, rolling her eyes.

I hate sounding like a parent of sort, he groaned mentally. But she needs to understand.

"But I understand why you're doing what you're doing" Iliana relented afterwards. "So don't lecture me, especially after that face you put on."

"You can't depict yautja expressions" he said, quickly.

"Being with you has allowed me to" she said, grinning. "Your brows furrow and your top mandibles curl. Especially with your complaining."

"You-" he started.

But his wrist computer beeped suddenly and cut off his words. He got off of Iliana instantly and popped it open. He opened up a hologram that depicted a red beep that was moving in their direction. It wasn't close but they needed to move quickly in order to avoid it. Kantra sighed and closed it.

"We need to go now!" he said, firmly.

"What? Why?" Iliana asked, instantly. She sat up and got up after saying that.

"Eliok is alive and he's heading our way" Kantra said, going over to her stuff. "We must outrun him for as long as we can."

I hate this! Won't that thing leave us alone?, she thought.

"How did he find us?" she said, and went to her things to start packing any food that was out into their bags. "Oh god, he found us because of me, didn't he?"

"That is why I've told you to stay put" he said, nodding. He squeezed her shoulder to make her feel better. "But you had an excuse to go out but we have no time to argue. Come."

Grabbing up her stuff, Kantra headed to the door closest to them. She followed him quickly out the door and down the stairs. They took it slow because of Kantra's side but made it down safely after a bit. She grabbed his hand and led him to her car.

"How far must we be to escape him?" Iliana asked, quickly.

"Very. Why?" Kantra asked, looking at her.

"Come, we're heading to a national park to escape him" she said, grimly. "Yosemite is far from here and if he tries to track us, he'll fight me in my own territory."

"You're a very brave woman" he said, in surprise. "But he is big."

Yeah, well, I'm tired of him, she thought.

"Who says I can't use my own weapons and nature elements against him" she grinned. "Hopefully, he won't find us. I won't let him hurt either of us."

Brave ooman she is, he thought.

Kantra squeezed her hand and said, "You're a very worthy ooman."

"Thanks, but don't tell that to your kind, they may want to hunt me" she said, popping the entrance door open.

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"Kantra is fleeing the city accompanied by a ooman" Eliok said into his communicator. "He has been able to evade me with his ooman ally."

"Eliok! I thought you said this would be done in less than a week!" his boss roared.

"That's before those two tranquilized me and threw me into a raging river" he answered back. "It took me a while to find my surroundings and get back on track."

"Pauk! It's hard enough keeping the Arbitrator at bay by telling him to track down other Bad Bloods" the yautja growled furiously. "He is getting suspicious to why I'm avoiding Kantra being hunted down!"

"I'm sorry but I'm trying my best" Eliok said, tersely.

"That isn't good enough" the yautja growled. "Try to track him down! I will be heading to Earth to finish it and I will contact you when I am there!"

"But-" Eliok started.

"But nothing!" the yautja hissed. "I'm finishing him off as soon as I can."

The communicator clicked off afterwards. Eliok hissed and placed it into his pocket. Howling into the night to relieve some of his anger, he went back to his tracker.

"I will find you, yautja" he hissed. "And I will make you scream before the end! No one has been able to win against a bounty hunter!"

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A yautja in gold armor walked down a metal floor. His dreads were black and reached his waist while adorned in white bones and gold clasps. His skin was red and held black stripes on his arms only while reaching a height of 8'0. His mask was etched in markings over his eyes all the way to his rims while his black optics scanned the area simply.

He walked up to the Arbitrator who was currently studying map charts. The hunter was ranked highly in his clan and had been working next to his clan's Arbitrator as an assistant to help track down Bad Bloods.

"Arbitrator Sau-Trul" the hunter addressed.

The larger and more adorned yautja got up and looked down at the smaller hunter. He wore the mesh all the yautja wore along with bone necklaces around his neck. His hair was adorned in blue metal clasps and wore a navy cape to match.

"Warrior Malkor" he said, nodding.

"I have received news that the Bad Blood Kantra may be on planet Earth" Malkor said, standing straight. "Permission to check it out?"

"On what grounds has this news been received?" Sau-Trul asked, crossing his arms.

No one said this would be easy, Malkor thought.

"I have received on my sensors that there is an unauthorized yautja on the planet's west hemisphere" he said, firmly. "We have also not sensed any recent activity from him in a while so my guess is he's there."

"And you want to verify his whereabouts only?" Sau-Trul questioned.

"Yes, sir" Malkor said, nodding. "If I find him, I will locate you instantly, but if he provokes me, I may take longer."

"Permission is granted" Sau-Trul said, after some thought. "Do not engage in battle, unless it is completely necessary. I am trusting you with this, Malkor. Do not disappoint me. I'd take care of it but I have to take care of other Bad Bloods."

"I would not dream of it, sir" Malkor nodded in departure. "Thank you."

Sau-Trul nodded to him while he departed. Malkor walked down the hallway and headed to his quarters. Finally, after 5 years he'd find Kantra and put him down for good.

Don't engage in battle unless necessary?, Malkor laughed in though. Not unless I provoke him first, then it'll be completely his fault if he decides to attack me.

"Time for your final breaths, my old friend" Malkor grinned when he was in his quarters once again. "Kahet is gone and there is no one to protect you now!"

He packed his weapons while thrilling in his laughter at thinking of how he'd make Kantra suffer.

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End of Chapter 11. Thanks to Caz, the Greatest Boba Fett Fan, Bastet1023, Predatordragonfreak, Kae-She Katsumi, Irish, and Cittygurl for their last chapter reviews. So I hope you all liked this chapter, and review afterwards if you're kind enough goes on knees. But thanks for reading!

To Bastet1023: The reason the Arbitrators hadn't come after Kantra was because Malkor was making other Bad Bloods come out in the open to take up the Arbitrators time since he works with them allowing him to track them down. And while they're busy, Eliok would try to kill Kantra for him but since it's not going well, now he'll do it himself since he hates him so deeply. Hope that makes sense. bites fingernails