Chapter twelve: Lessons learned.
Ze'reikich'ja…
Later that night i go to bed when Ellida stays downstairs. She can't sleep with the discomfort of her back and face when i decide to go down to keep her company..
"Z.. I'm really sorry that Kaylum did that.. I don't know what got into him.. Are you angry with him?"
I sit against her settee and look at her face and tilt my head slightly.
"M-di.. I'm not angry, there is no point.. Ellida.. What happened?"
She sobs.. "I went to see someone after school, we went to see a movie but we bumped into the older brother of someone i hit when he was bullying Kaylum. I was rammed into the car and taken to his apartment when.. He continuously hit and kicked me.. His friends just watched and didn't let me leave.. He said something about how do i feel getting hit by someone bigger than me? Then that's when he repeatedly hit me in the face until i think i blacked out.. Then i regained consciousness as i was driven back.. They had hoped to escape Scott-free but they would never have known about us befriending a yautja.. In all honesty i thought you might've sensed i was being attacked.. And come to he-" She lets out a long sniff trying to stay strong but she lets out a slight cry. She hold a hand under her nose as she tries to stop her tears..
"I'm sorry Ellida.. I sensed nothing because I was preoccupied with the ship at the time.."
"Noo.. No it isn't your fault.. You can't be everywhere at once.."
I feel a slight pull of sadness that i could have saved Ellida.. But there was simply nothing out of the blue i felt at the time was wrong.. I sit on the settee and Ellida curls up to my side. "You are really warm Z.. Is there a way for me to reach you.. If I'm ever in trouble again? Not that i plan on being a problem maker.."
I nod.. And take in Ellidas scent taking in a deep breath.. It tells me everything i need to know.. And i immediately feel different signals.. Just like Delilah.. Though Ellidas signals are currently all over the place..
"There.. Just like your mother and Kaylum.. I can now detect you in my spectrum.."
She shuffles her head up.
"What so you can detect exactly how I'm feeling now?"
"Yes.. Just thinking of me sends out a signal i will react to.. Just don't use it unless it is urgent.. Or else I won't tell the difference.."
She gives me a slight smile.
"Ok.. Can you tell what I'm feeling now?"
As she says this i feel a slight unrefined signal.. And it was.. Pleasant..
"Ellida.. I advise against those types of signals.."
She laughs.. "I was just testing you, you big donut! Though.. I am really grateful of your company.. Ever since you've been here I've always been excited to see you.. Regardless of what mom has said.. I knew you would be nice to be around, you have a quality that's missing nowadays.. And you are so badass!"
I move Ellidas fringe from her swollen eyes and she holds my finger..
"Ellida, you are far too young.. Don't.. Your mother will blow my head off.."
"No she wouldn't.. She would understand.. I've been on a few dates at this age.. With my own age group that is.. But unlike my mother I've had an affinity for more unconventional relationships. Don't take this the wrong way but.. Aliens is definitely a bit far out.. It's just how do i show my appreciation?"
"By simply being happy and just flourish.. Today was a very bad and disgusting experience.. But you carry on regardless.. Friendship is appreciation Ellida.. How about i give some back.. Sleep.."
She lays her head against my chest plate when she smiles again.
"Your heart beats so slowly.. You have a big heart Z.."
I shake my head with several clicks and she laughs quietly.. "Disagreement there Z but i beg to differ.. Best friend ever.."
After an hour Ellida is asleep and i gently lay her down with her head on a cushion while i sleep on the floor.. I close my eyes and sleep..
Delilah…
As i wake i slip on my gown and walk into Ellidas room to find she isn't there, walking downstairs i see her laid across the settee with Ze'reikich'ja asleep on the floor beside her with his arms folded behind his head. I turn on the brewer when Ellida wakes up and manages to slightly open her eyes. She sees Z on the floor and she smiles. "Mom he is really nice.. He stayed with me all night.." She whispers.
I smile back and his eyes slowly open when he lifts up and looks at Ellida.
"Morning sleepy head.." She says with a smile..
"Morning Ellida, how do you feel?"
"Eh.. Still sore.."
"Yeah well you ain't going to school like that so you are staying home for a day or two.. I'll have to drive Kaylum to school today and no doubt work will tell me to stay here with you, what with Suzie last night."
"Mom Z can take care of me.. Just go into work.."
"Hun.. They don't know i have a yautja hunk here! And it's staying that way! So no I'm staying at home.."
I make three coffees and pass a cup to Ellida and Z i narrow my eyes at the window.. "You know.. We have all changed since you arrived Z.. And right now i can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing.. Definitely opened our horizons with aliens.. That's for damn sure."
Ellida gets up and heads upstairs. Moments later Kaylum walks down, I hear a vehicle approach and i look at Ze'reikich'ja and Kaylum.. I approach the door and open it to see Suzie walk up in uniform..
"Hey sis.. Just thought I'd pop on by.. I told the boss about what had happened last night, he gave you a week off for Ellida with full pay and sends his regards. Can i come in? We err.. Need to talk.."
I nod and open the door when she stops at the sight of Ze'reikich'ja.. Ellida comes down the stairs and she hugs Suzie. "Hey darl, how are you feeling? Still sore?"
Ellida nods.. "Yeah but i just want to forget about it and move on.."
"I bet.." she turns to Ze'reikich'ja and leans her head to the left..
"Alright let's talk about.. You.. Yautja.. How long have you been here? And why here?"
"I crash landed on this planetoid and found my way here roughly two weeks ago.. Hiding.. Up until now.."
I see Suzie physically flinch at his words..
"You aren't putting this family at risk with anything are you?"
"No.. Unless infectious charm counts.."
I hear Ellida let out a laugh.. And she puts a hand over her mouth..
Suzie smiles.. "An Alien with a sense of humour go figure.."
"He is soo cool Suzie! He has some really awesome weapons.. And super strong!"
"Yeah? He definitely looks the part with his.. Mandibles.. And.. Eyes.."
"Yeah Sue of course its the 'eyes'.. Been there done that.."
"Ok look I'll keep this little charade top secret.. But if anything bad happens to this family i will not be happy.. Of course I'm tempering my words.. Just.. Keep em safe.. For however long you are here. Ok?"
"Indeed.."
I hand her a coffee and she sits down next to Ellida.
"So Delilah.. When we went out this guy was here wasn't he? To think you wasn't lying about a yautja.. Who would've guessed.." She taps on the mug. "So do you have your own language? You speak ours very well.."
"Yes i have my own language.. But i prefer to speak in this language.."
"He has a secret only we know." Ellida says.
"Share with a sister?!"
"Nuhuh.. You will faint.. And i think it would be best if he told you in time."
"Ahh leaving me hanging.. I'll tune in next time then.. Right.. Thanks for the coffee.. You ah.. Want me to take Kaylum to school?"
I give her a wave of my hand.
"Oh no it's fine.. I'll manage.. Seriously you just worry about you.."
"Are you sure? I honestly don't mind.."
"Seriously darl.. I'll manage.. Besides Ze'reikich'ja is on hand for Ellida being her best friend."
I give him a wink and he Bows his head.
"Alrighty then.. And so you know the three blighters are charged with grievous bodily harm and obstructing justice.. For not reporting it in.. They won't be out anytime soon their parents have been notified.. Bye all.. And Z.. You are a handsome alien.. Take care.."
She winks at me then takes her leave while Ellida lets out a quiet laugh.
"See Ze'reikich'ja even Suzie thinks you are good looking.."
"Yeah except she would fly right into his arms.. She has no fear of any relationship.. Crazy woman."
Ze'reikich'ja…
Moments pass and Kaylum is set for school and Delilah takes him to the garage then drives off.. Leaving Ellida and i alone..
"Ze'reikich'ja do you know any self-defence you could show me? Just simple stuff.. Like blocking or throwing techniques? Throwing a good fist? Or a kick?"
"It isn't something you can learn in one day Ellida.. It takes weeks, perhaps months.."
"Well it looks like we best get on with it then don't you think?" She says with a slight smile. "I.." i let out a huff.
"Very well.. Let us go into the back garden.."
"So exciting! One oh one with a Predator! Moms going to flip!"
I stop and turn to her with a slight frown.
"No.. I think it is best not to tell her.. Or she will blow my head off.." I reiterate..
"No she won't! She'll be asking for lessons next! Then Kaylum!"
"Pauk.."
"Jee, I'm kidding mister mardy!" she lets out a tickled laugh and leans into me while we walk.
We stand in the middle of the grassed arena and i look at Ellida best assessing how to teach her when i stick to my old human fighting style, tiger fist those many many years ago.
"Take off your cardigan.."
She does so.
"Put it on the floor.."
She does so with a slight twist of her head to the left wondering what I'm saying.
"Pick it up and put it on.."
"Okay.."
She does so..
"Take it off again.."
She leans her head to the left with a frown. But does so..
"Drop it.."
With a slight smile she drops it with a little flair of her hands.
"Pick it up.."
"Ze'reikich'ja!"
She snatches it up.
"Stop playing games with me!"
"Put it on.."
"Dandy Norman this isn't learning show me already Z come on!"
I ignore her and twist my finger at her.
"Off.."
She rolls her eyes and proceeds to take it off..
"On the floor?" She asks in a disgruntled tone.
"Sei-i.."
She drops it then picks it up..
"Put it on mister showstopper?"
I nod.
When she begins to do the actions.. Without me telling her..
"Is there a point to this? Other than tire me out? Because if that's the task.. It's working.."
"M-di.. Alright.. Stop.."
"Is my cardy still intact?"
"Leave it on the floor, and put it on as in action.."
She frowns. And brings her arms around when i approach her.
"Again slowly.."
She slowly moves her arms when i grab her left arm..
"Look at your left arm.. Watch the movement.. Put it on.."
She smiles as she realises i showed her a basic blocking maneuver..
"Take it off.."
Again she slowly moves her arms in a way she sees another blocking maneuver…
"Pick it up.."
She slowly looks.. "Z that's so weird! Blocking maneuvers!"
"Basic.. Blocking.. Only a few variants.."
I move into her..
"pick it up.."
She does so and moves back as i let out a small kick.
"Drop it.."
She notices her arms as she drops it and i slowly bring my leg to her arms.
"Again.."
I move into her and she slowly brings down her hands into my kick and grabs..
She smiles.. And lets out an excited sound.. "Nnnn so exciting! Show me them again! Go to throw a punch.. Slowly.. Yatty!"
"But of course.."
I slowly bring in a mid punch and she blocks while saying to herself.. "Put it on.."
I bring in another.. "Take it off."
Then a slow kick.
"pick it up and drop it.."
She bows her head and i nod to her..
"You can vary it up with how you move your arm but always keep it firm never relax your guard.." One.." I say showing her a horizontal forearm..
"Two.." I say slowly bringing it to vertical.
"always in a sweeping motion away from your body… And twist.." i show her while guiding her arm.
"Always stance to you dominant side facing back.. So you can bring in power to your attack.."
"Your palm.. Like this.. You want the lower part to connect with your target. Aim for the nose.. Or side of the temple.. For mid.. The solar plexus.. And low.. The genitals.. Or knees.."
I show her slowly pointing to each of the target areas. And Ellida slowly nods.
"If you can run.. Do so.. If you need me.. Hide if you can until i reach you.. If that is not the case then grab anything that can be swung.. And use the same targets.. Preferably the knees.. I'd say the head but you might unintentionally kill the person.. And we don't want that.. Or maybe we do.."
"Ze'rei!" She says laughing and slapping the air..
"Can i practice swinging something at you Z or are you too above menial things like that?" She asks with a cocked brow and a hand on her hip.
"If you feel it necessary then yes you can, just watch where you aim.."
"Ze'rei for the love of cheese! Stop making me laugh my face hurts.. Ho! It's painful!"
She takes one of the wooden swords and stances with it.
"Ok so I'll avoid the head.. I can't reach anyway and plus.. I'm not trying to anger you.. So chest.. In fact I'll avoid a low blow as well.. So chest.. And knees.."
I take the second wooden item and hold it ready..
She immediately walks towards me stanced and swipes for my leg.
I block it, she follows up with a wide strike to my chest when my swipe forces her arm down. Ellida backs away and swipes quickly across then upwards. Then diagonally right with a left swipe.
"Damn it Z i can't touch you, rrrrr!"
She continuously brings down the wooden sword when i grab it in the fifth strike and she kicks my knee..
"Dwayler.."
"Are you finished Ellida?"
"You are too good for me to beat so yeah.. I'm finished.. I'll commit what you showed me to memory.. Looks like i need loooaads of practice.." She stops as we both hear a vehicle pull up. It is Delilah. Ellida takes both of the swords and returns them to the shed then we enter the house.
Delilah smiles at both of us..
"Ellie why are you flushed? What have you been up to?!"
"Jee mom.. Z was showing me some techniques for throwing punches and blocking.. And correctly using a melee weapon.."
"Really now? What are you going to be getting into more trouble?"
"No mom.. Just in case.. Would you rather me shoot someone? I can do that.."
Delilah smiles and points at her.. "There's always that option. So i had a word with the school they know you won't be in for a few days.. So.. What do you want to do?" She looks at me..
"I'd really.. REALLY like to see Z's.. Ship.."
I click..
"It is plausible.."
"Please? I'll give you another kiss on the forehead.."
"Ellie!" Delilah shouts with laughter.
"That won't be necessary.."
I see Ellidas cheeks go flush..
"And how exactly are you getting to said ship?" Delilah asks.
Ellida points to me.
"Zerri can carry me.. He's huge!"
"He isn't some transport service Ellie! What you think he is Uber or something?!"
Ellida looks at me with a gaping mouth… "Okay.. Ze'reikich'ja how did mom get to your ship?!"
"I carried her.."
Ellida spreads out her arms with a questioned look.
"So what's the difference other than weight and height?!" She asks..
"What's that supposed to mean cheeky scud?!"
"Kuds mom such a drama scoff.."
"Who's lighter Z me or Momma drama scoff?!"
"s'cuse me but I'm your mother you little scrib!"
Ellida pulls a rolled eyed face. Waving her hands about.. "Whatever.. You.. Say.."
"Ze'reikich'ja.. You are awfully quiet.." Delilah says with heightened brows..
"I find it best not to get into these arguments.. I'd like to remain neutral.. On this matter.."
"See Ze'rei has sense.. Can we go now Z?"
"Very well.. Just be mindful that the ride will get very rough.."
I see her face slightly twist…
"Don't even think about it Ellida.. Very inappropriate.."
"Ellie Berkley! That is very rude and highly inadvisable!"
"Mom you are one to talk? How often have you been messing with him?!"
"I… That's not the point! You are coming up to only 16 soon!"
"Jee mom.. I was joking! Criminy.. Can we go now?!"
I give her a nod..
"Be careful with her.. And go slow with her!"
"Mom for crying out loud stop! That sounds worse than intended!"
"Hahahaaa! I'll see you both soon.. That's what you get for trying it on before! I was being serious though Z.. Please.. Take care of her?"
"Without a doubt.. We will be back.."
I gently pick up Ellida and she wraps her left arm around me neck as i pick her up then cloak. We leave via the back door then she laughs as i begin to sprint towards the small wall then jump to the trees when she tenses up as we glide towards the trees.
"Holy crap! Don't drop me Z!"
I keep hold of her with one arm as i jump from one tree to the next when she begins to look ahead and laughs.
"How do you do this?! So awesome!" She leans slightly to look down when she quickly grabs on again..
"I shouldn't have done that.."
We reach the waterfall then i land on the ground..
She gets down and looks around..
"Wow.. So much damage here.. Where's the ship Z.. There's n-"
She gasps as the cloak slowly disengages and reveals the vessel.
We walk towards the ship and i lower the ramp..
She slowly enters with a surprised look on her face mixed with excitement.. "Oh wow Z! It's so much bigger than moms ship! Is that the cockpit?! She asks pointing and running towards it.
"It is indeed."
She sits in the pilot's chair and looks around the chair.. "This chair is huge! What's that the console for flying?" She asks while pointing at the wrap around console..
"Yes.."
She looks behind seeing the comms console..
"Can you call someone?"
"Not right now.."
She notices the star map.. And runs to it..
"Is that your galaxy map?! Can you show me your own planet?! Please?!"
"Of course, give me one moment.."
I press on the runes and type in the coordinates for Maia then the map zooms out, as it does so Ellida has a look of wonder on her face, then as it zooms back in towards the planet it highlights the world and runes Blinks into existence showing the population, makeup and other non interesting points, though Ellida can't understand it, because it is in Yautja runes.
"anywhere else?! How about.." She lets out a loud gasp as if she had a great idea.
"How about.. Earth?!"
I give her a clicky laugh.
"How did i know you wanted to see my original homeworld? Very well."
I set in Sol's coordinates and the galaxy map zooms across the systems which is roughly 1040 light years away then stops at Earth.. Ellida sees the population and even though it's in runes she looks back at me..
"Is the planet.. Dead?"
"No.. It is less populated now that humanity can reach the stars.. The last time i went as a human even though there was people still living there it felt like a wasteland.. Most live on Mars now. That is Earth 2.0 or at least was.. I know at some point a war had decimated certain cities on Earth.. But i was not there.."
"Can you show me one more place? Where Yautja come from?"
My mandibles flick.. She is unaware of my time there.. And it was not exactly a vacation..
"Ellida.. That place.. It is the author to all of my recent pain.. And i carry it too close to my heart to show you.. I'm sorry."
"Oh. Ze'rei.. I'm such an idiot.. I'm sorry.. Crap.. Now i feel awful.." She turns back and walks away from the galaxy map.. "Forget i asked.. I'm sure we can live with some mystery about your race.."
She walks to the ready room and looks at me with a telling questioned look.
I walk in first and she follows.. She immediately sees the photo on the desk and gently takes it…
She looks at me. Who are these people? Was it your old f-"
She lets out a sniff.. And wipes her eyes.
"How do you do it Z? Is that.. Your old family?"
She asks shakingly. Trying to hold her emotions together..
I hold her shoulder gently and point to a young man in a maroon suit and short brown hair next to his mother along with the rest of the family in a wide shot photo..
"That human was me.. Back when my uncle got married.."
"How did you.. Move on?"
She puts the photo down as she lets out a long sniff.
"Ghardeh helped very much, we helped each other whenever we felt life was getting too heavy.."
"And now she is gone too.."
She says wiping her eyes as they become tearful.
"Enough of that Ellida.. I have begun to be at peace.."
"I'm sorry it is just, you have lived for so long, your life is simply more than a life, it's a long story of history.. But along the way you have lost not one but two families.. And that really.. Hurts.. I don't know what i would do if i was to ever lose my grandparents or my mother or Kaylum.. Or.. You.."
I lean my head to the right as she says 'You'.
"Me? I am not family Ellida."
"No but you are a good friend.. You have looked after us as much as we have looked after you, i can tell mom has a little something for you and i can really tell you are fighting it because sooner or later you and this ship will be gone.. And we will be another.. Memory.. You will be a memory.."
"But it will be a good memory Ellida, other than the first night you have all made my life that little bit more worth living despite my recent pain."
"I know.. We keep talking about it when you come back here. Can we go back home?"
"Of course.. Let us go.."
"Damn it my face is beginning to hurt.."
"Stop crying then.. Idjit.."
"A what now?! Is that another Yautja insult?!"
"No.. It is a human insult.. Like idiot.."
She lets out a laugh.
"I like that one! I'm so using it on mom and Kaylum!"
She clamps around my neck but before i put my mask on she kisses the fleshy sides in between my mandibles.. Making me trill..
"Ellida.. I felt that.. Not a wise action.."
"Thank you for showing me your ship, and the other you, you are still good-looking.. For an Oylien with mandibles!" She says the last part in a funny voice and smile.
"Not you as well.. Not a good idea Ellida. It won't happen.."
"What? Humans can be such dicks.. Clearly.. Just look at what they did to me.."
She points to her face. And i nod then take off earning a gasp.
I tap on my sat-com and Ellida watches the ship close the ramp then cloak completely invisible..
"Wow.. Could you make me do that?"
"There is a way.. But you will have to ask your mother and it will need to stay a secret.."
"Z you are so cool! You are the best!"
We get back home when she slowly gets down and she sends me a deliberate signal.. While cheekily smiling at me..
I see Delilah leave the utility building and smiles.
"So Ellida how did you find the ship? Beautiful isn't it?!"
"Yeah! He showed me Earth and Maia.. Oohh and his old family.. To which i cried like a little girl.."
"So did i.. Nothing wrong with that.."
"Mom Z said you have something that can make you.. Invisible.. Can i take a look?"
"I thought that was supposed to be secret, Yautja?"
"It is.. I said don't tell anyone, but Ellida can know.. So long as she also keeps it a secret.."
"Well Yeah! I ain't sharing anything with no one.."
"Alright… Follow me dumpling.."
We go into the ship and Ellida sees the silver platform on the floor..
"That will turn me invisible?"
"No what it will do to you is turn you invisible.. After it works.."
Delilah says with a smile.
"Ellida, stand in the footwells but stay still.. No matter what happens you will be one hundred percent safe.."
She walks into it without fear then she narrows her eyes as she is scanned by a blue beam then we watch as her whole body is encased in d'lex and the black nanofibers.. She looks about herself..
"Holy Crap!"
The design is the same as Delilahs only slightly more armoured. In the forearms back and sides.
She walks forward and stops.. "Uhhhh that felt weird.. Like I'm not affected by gravity.." She immediately runs out and we follow her. She jumps and lands on the roof and lets out a huge laugh..
"Mom did you see that?! This is so awesome! Don't tell Kaylum! I'm a yautja!"
She jumps and front flips with a "Wooohoo!"
Then lands on her feet.
She then turns invisible..
"Ellida? Don't go running off!"
"Boo!"
"FUCK! YOU LITTLE SHIT! Don't make me jump like that!"
"So what does this do other than make me look more sexy?"
She lets out a long gasp.
"Z can we try that stuff you showed me earlier?!"
I give her a slight nod when she stances..
"I didn't do that.. My body did that itself.."
I let out a punch and she grabs my fist.
"Holy boly!"
She lets go..
Then Delilah lets out a surprised breath as i attack Ellida quickly and her arms flick out blocking my attacks.
Then she attacks.. And i block her punches until she kicks and back flips..
"Mom this thing is amazing! You can do ANYTHING! Can you fly in it?!"
I nod and she claps her hands.. "How?!"
"I don't think you should try that just yet.. Ease into it first.. Try a double jump.. Jump then at the height of your peak jump again.."
"Okay.." She jumps then as she hits her peak she is launched up higher and she waves her arms out with. A slight scream but lands with a hand touching the floor.. "Wow! Let's do that again!"
She double jumps again.. And again and again.. On the last try she jumps then flips in the air.. Before landing..
"Brave girl.. I couldn't do that.. I shit myself!"
"I think i best get out of this before i disappear and wreak havoc!"
She runs inside and after several clats she comes out with a massive smile on her face..
"That was awesome!" she says bringing two thumbs up. We go in for something to eat when Ellida is giving me a look as her mother cooks some bacon..
"Yes Ellida?"
"You have beautiful eyes.. They always change.."
I hear Delilah choke on something..
"Ellida.. If you start that.. You will be surprised where you end up hun.." she says with a laugh..
"Delilah, ki'cte.. Don't be giving her ideas i get enough of it from you krit.."
"Ffff… Get off your high horse Z.. You don't exactly halt yourself either.."
Ellida laughs out loud.
"Mom you haven't have you?!"
"Just a little bit.." She says inching her fingers together close to her right eye.
I give them both a snort and go to the restroom to clean up.
Ellida..
He goes into the restroom and i smile at mom before laughing..
"Are you serious? Mom! What did you say about not getting attached to a yautja and you have been playing games with him?!"
I give a slight sigh..
"That.. Armour thing was great.. Is it ours or his?"
"Ours.. But he said to keep it a secret.. So no spilling yer guts saying you can jump over a house or run as fast as the Yemen.."
I smile and nod when she pulls out some plates.. "Shopping on friday.. Again.. You think we should try some old dishes again?"
"Yeah i miss stroganoff.."
"Elli! Sodding stroganoff.."
"Don't go griping stroganoff.. We could always try wuldren or zortas again.. Or kratu again.."
"That was surprisingly nice I'll admit.."
She checks the bacon again before turning to me..
"How's the writing going anyway hun?"
I rub my neck..
"Going good when i get the chance to type.."
"Good, I'm glad you got it out there.. You never know people might eventually ask you for a sequel! You could write about us! With our little yautja!"
"Don't give me ideas.. I'll never be free of it!"
As i stop talking Z leaves the restroom almost glistening.
"Z could you show me how your things work? Like that disk weapon?"
He looks at Delilah then me again..
"Don't look at me.. You don't need my permission.."
Ze'reikich'ja…
I take my disc and Ellida follows me out, we walk to the middle of the backyard and she sits on the grass.
"So is it a frisbee of death or something? Does it make things explode like the rest of your weapons?"
"Not exactly, it is very potent in the right hands.."
I bring the weapon up then throw it.
It sings with a high pitched thwing and Ellida stands up as she sees the yellow trail it leaves in its trajectory then she sees it come back. Then i catch it.. The blades retract. We hear a creaking moan in the distance as one of the trees falls then lands with a thump and russle.
"Wow.. It is a dick to trees.." Ellida says smiling. "So it's a boomerang.. Disc of Death? And i also assume if you don't handle it correctly you can lose a few fingers?"
"Good assumption.. Yes.."
"So could you show me how to throw it?"
"Ellida, i don't think that is a wise idea.."
"And why not? If i have a master showing me how to use said weapons I'd say i'm pretty well covered.."
"That is until you lose a hand.. Or an arm.. Then i lose my head.. M-di.."
"Mom wouldn't shoot you, you are a massive alien.. You say it like you are afraid… Of Mom.." Ellida says this with a sly smile.
"I am not afraid of your mother, i just.. Respect her very much.. I'd hate for something as small as, showing you how to use my weapons to turn into a warzone.."
"Ok then.. So if that armour uses weapons could you show me how they work one day then?"
"Yes, much more practical and safe.."
Ellida lets out a belly laugh with a shake of her head.
"You are so natural! So can i learn now?!"
I give her a lowering of my head. To which she goes into the utility building and comes out in the armour system.
"It's weird that everything is in english.. Does it detect what species i am or something?"
"Yes it does."
As the day moves surely along i teach Ellida how to use the weapons of the System, then taking a break to eat. Delilah was watching at one point before she went to pick Kaylum up from school. Ellida had learned pretty quickly and even went on a small climbing session just off the walls trees. Then she decides to take a break and go inside the house.
Delilah returns and Kaylum runs up to Ellida and i, then smiles.
"Has Zinja been looking after you Ellie?"
"As a matter of fact he has.. He has taught me a few new tricks. So no getting on my nerves. Scud burger.."
"Moooom! Zinja has been doing things with Ellida!" he shouts.
"Now why the hell would you go shouting something as stupid as that?"
Ellida slaps the back of his head as he tries to run.
"You are such a little fuck!"
I detect Ellidas anger.. She was fine just a moment ago..
"Come here! I'm going to have you!"
"Moom Ellidas being mean!"
"I don't want to hear it Kall! I have ears!"
Ellida flies for her brother when he skids across the floor but Ellida grabs him.
"Stop doing my head in!" She says slapping him with every word.. She isn't happy but it is more of a hormonal spike than an actual angered remark.
"Ellie that hurt you Keffer!"
"Good! Stop being a little shit then!"
She sits back down as i stand with a slight clicked gaze.
"Zinja.. What's your opinion of Ellies attack?"
"I don't wish to be brought into this situation you caused Kaylum.. It was distasteful on your half to say those words.."
"Jeez i was playing take a joke you two!" He runs up stairs laughing.
I see Ellida slowly stroking her face as the swelling has begun to subside.
"How's the bruising on your body Ellida?"
She looks and huffs.
"Feels a lot better Z thank you just hurts if i move a certain way."
Delilah comes in after plugging in her vehicle to charge then sits next to me as i sit on the floor in front of the settee..
We have a small conversation about my home.
"So Ze'reikich'ja, one thing I've wanted to ask you is what is your home like? Do you have housing like this or do you live on ships? Or in trees?!" Ellida asks trying not to laugh at the last part of her question as her mother snorts..
"We can live happily in and on both but Ghardeh and i have a house so to speak on Maia, it is a modest home with an arena and close by our throne room where we conduct meetings and the like. Zir'tehn an old friend, had his own temple to which he left to his son Riz'ghah. Or Ghardeh.. In Skri'jash'n, but it seems Riz'ghah couldn't handle the mantle, and with Ghardeh gone.."
"The temple remains unclaimed?" Delilah asks clasping her hands together leaning forward.
"No, there is still myself who is able to claim it but, i would not.. My place is in Wuis't'kei, not Skri'jash'n.."
"Is the other place of significance?"
Ellida asks rolling her legs up onto the settee.
"To Ghardeh it was her birthplace. She wished to return once Asteria was safe. Once that was achieved we headed back. It was the happiest she had ever been to return. And exciting for me at the time because i was moving away and got to finally visit her birthplace. It was a great honour her taking me there."
Delilah moves to begin making the meal.
"Is it a hot planet? Or like ours?" Ellida asks fiddling with her hair twisting her fringe..
"It is a warm planet, at least when i was human it was warm.. Always.. But it never felt humid.. It was a dry heat. Which was much nicer. But when i changed it became almost like a natural warmth.. Delilah do you need a hand with anything?"
"No, no I'll manage plus i like my kitchen huge alien free.. I can concentrate.. No offense.."
I give her a breathed laugh. "None taken."
Two days later…
As i make my way my ship i think back to Delilah today.. She was seriously worried about the impending USM sweep that's coming soon and as a result i moved all of my weapons to the ship. There is no trace of my presence there and for now I'll keep it that way.
She is hoping it lasts a day tops but she is not too sure how extensive the sweeps are of the area.
I enter my ship when i hear the faint blinking of a message on the comms..
I press the button to hear the message to see Qah'dah's mask.
"Ze'reikich'ja! I've been trying to reach you for several days! There has been word from Asteria that the Red Dawn have received information that two hunters are moving to your location despite the warnings not to do so. You must be careful Ze'reikich'ja.. There is something else.. Something that has been found. Which was brought back to us.. Your weapons.. I've kept them for safe-keeping. I hope you find your way back soon leader.. We miss you.. And Ghardeh greatly.. The two hunters that are onto you are at best.. Arrogant.. Use that to your advantage.. But also be mindful of where their allegiances lie.. I wish i could come to support you but I'm trying to keep Wuis't'kei in one piece in your absence.. Proving to be a challenge but it is doable. I hope you return safe.. N'dhi-ja, Ze'reikich'ja.."
I tilt my head at the message as it ends…
Why are hunters coming for me if they were told not to? I am tired of fighting.. And they surely do not know that i was framed.. Yautja are not usually able to be reasoned with but then again.. At least someone knows? Otherwise a warning would not have been given not to find me? And if these two hunters want blood. They will be swallowing their own.. I won't stand by and allow them to kill me but i won't fight them.. But try to make them see.. I did not kill my allies.. For i have the proof.. But some are more eager for a fight than others it seems.. Only time will tell..
I make my way out of the ship and find my way to Sussa once again, only it seems there are several events happening.. Violence.. I don't want to get involved but when i see Suzie walking up to a door with a shooter on the other side i react, seeing as she is the only officer in the vicinity..
A shot goes off as i grab a piece of rubble as my talons dig into the masonry of my perch and throw it at the door causing a hole from the force of impact.
She dives to the floor and takes cover behind the wall just off the door.
I remain cloaked with the added benefit of the Midnight darkness.
I drop from my perch and land on the next roof to my right. I aim my energy fletchette launcher and fire at the shooter with enough voltage to knock him Unconscious… Suzie aims behind her in my general direction but didn't see where the shot came from but tilts her frame round the corner. To see the perpetrator knocked out.
I slowly move up towards Suzie and stop where she was originally stood as she enters the building.
"There are four more shooters in this building be careful Suzie.."
My pheromone vision shows her spinning around with a shocked gasp.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!"
"Highly ill-advised Suzie we have met before.. We have a mutual friend.. Dee.."
"Wait… I remember that voice now.." She spins round again checking the hallway to see nothing then leaves as i move back to a safer distance..
"Is that you Z?"
"Yes it is.. I apologise but i had to act otherwise you would have been wounded.."
"What the hell are you doing in the city at this time of night?! Are you stalking me or something? And why can't i see you?! You got some kind of cloak?!"
"Yes and I'd prefer it to stay this way for Delilah's sake.."
"Alright fine.. Look i need to do this job, so i need to go.. Thanks for looking out for me.. But a little coincidental if you ask me.. I'll hook up with you later.."
I move off silently. Yet i don't leave her completely alone.. The slums sector seems rife with crime.. How can the humans government let this happen? It is unacceptable..
I watch Suzie enter the building then she slowly clears the rooms as a vehicle pulls up, it must be the cleanup crew..
Furthermore they must have been gang members who were refusing to leave or was causing crimes..
I watch as she drives off and i finally let her be.. It is then i make my way back to my ship. Then plan my actions for the next few days.. The first place the USM will look is here.. I go to the systems area of the ship to make sure the plasma inducers are sufficiently powered the last thing i need is for the cloak to fail because of one needing replacing. All check out as i check the room. The blue hue and slight low whirring buzzing is all i need to see and hear. The core is still operational. No doubt I'll shut it all down when they arrive.
I decide I've done all i can and enter the ready room to sleep.
The two hunters…
Their ship edges closer to their target system, soon they will finally meet the ic'jit pauk and together they will end his life, despite more warnings to turn back they are committed to finishing what they have started. They don't need the warnings to know who they are dealing with.. At current speed they will arrive in two days.. Then the hunt begins.. The two hunters begin to make preparations.. Their masks still on the two docks which haven't left since they began this journey. But who knows if they even survive? They must survive..
Author note: The slight calm before the storm! Ze'reikich'ja is just about to have his hands full but unfortunately chapter 13 will be a while! I don't have an ETA on it as I'll be quite busy in the next week or so! Stay awesome everyone and thank you so much for the views and visits! I hope you are enjoying this story as much as i am creating it! So Yautja vs two Yautja vs the USM very soon! All hell is going to break loose!
