Disclaimer: I do not own Predators. I wish I did.
Message to the Reviewer: Thank you all so much and for sticking with me. Forgive me for not updating in so long.
This chapter probably has some mistakes. I apologize for that. Just let me know and I'll fix it when I get the time. I hope you all enjoy.
Complete and utter boredom. That was all Kenzie felt. Even Rain, who was usually a ball of energy and fun hadn't been able to entertain her. She'd cleaned the entire house and even reorganized her belongings in the bedroom even though they didn't need it. She felt as if she was going to go insane.
Viper was currently working. What he did for work, Kenzie didn't know. Jay and Sonja weren't in their home, she had tried to call them twice. She could only assume that C'bra was out working as well since he hadn't answered either. Her brother was sleeping, but there was nothing new about that and her grandfather was…well he was being himself which Kenzie didn't think she could deal with at the moment.
She groaned in frustration and fell back on the couch closing her eyes. Since there was nothing else to do, she thought she may as well take a nap. A beeping went off signaling that someone was at the door. With more excitement than was probably necessary Kenzie shot from the couch to the door. She checked the monitor before opening it and allowing Vipers father and uncle in.
"Is your mate here?" Uncle questioned as he took a seat. Kenzie wonder why he didn't ask if his nephew was home, but nonetheless answered.
"No, he's…at work."
Both men began to click something to each other. Kenzie thought it would be inappropriate to yell at them for it and decided to instead fix them both a drink. She handed them the two cups and took a seat in the oversized armchair.
"We have been informed of the events that happened on your planet. Viper says that you and your family are rather skilled." Uncle stated before taking a sip of his drink.
"I suppose we are."
"Or is it just luck?" He then questioned.
Kenzie remained silent. She didn't know why, but she felt as if he was baiting her. There wasn't really a correct answer to his question either. If she said it was luck then he would think of her as a human woman who just managed to survive. She couldn't however say no either for the simple fact that luck was something that you couldn't discern. When S'kta realized she wasn't going to speak, he spoke again.
"We would like to test you're skill." Kenzie simply nodded. "It will commence in the evening cycle."
Kenzie's head snapped up and her eyes met his. A Yautja smirk graced his mandibles. He was enjoying this, her discomfort. She watched as he finished his drink and sat the cup on the table.
"I look forward to this evening's event." With that he made his way to the door and left.
Kenzie groaned. "He doesn't like me."
H'bu clicked his mandibles. "He does not like anyone. I am his brother and he does not like me. I am not very fond of him either, but that is not point."
Kenzie smiled. "What exactly did he mean by test my skill?"
"He merely wants to see if you are what Viper as talked you up to be."
"Will it be dangerous?"
"It will be challenging."
Kenzie sighed. "Great."
"I have something for you." H'bu stated changing the subject. He grabbed the small wrapped package from beside him and handed it to her.
Kenzie stared at it for a moment before opening it. She took out the oval object and looked at it for a moment. She wasn't sure what it was or what it did, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The border was a beautiful silver with engraved designed.
"It will help you to keep up with what time it is on the ship. As well as what day and time it is on your planet." H'bu informed her. He then proceeded to show her exactly how it worked.
Once the Elder left, Kenzie fell backwards onto the couch. She wasn't sure, but she suspected that Viper's Uncle would take great pleasure in her losing whatever event was to come.
Viper was outraged. He slammed his hands down on the table and glared at his uncle. Elder or not he wanted to rip the other male's head off. He'd always known his uncle was malicious more often than not, but this was taking it to a completely new level.
"You had no right!" Viper roared as he again slammed his fist down on the table separating he and S'kta.
"I merely want to see if she is as good as you say she is. You have no one, but yourself to blame for this. Boasting the way you did."
Viper growled lowly within his throat. He had not been boasting when he spoke of the skills that not only his mate possessed, but her entire family. He was simply answering questions that were being asked. Nothing more, nothing less.
"You know exactly what happened. You've seen it for yourself!" Viper spat. He was so mad he could feel the blood in his veins boiling.
"I would like to see first hand." S'kta simply stated as he leaned back in his chair.
Viper muscles tensed and he found himself wanted to launch across the table at his uncle. He had been so caught up in his anger, that he'd completely forgot that his Sire was there until he felt the older man's hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Pup." H'bu spoke keeping his son in place. Viper had never been the rash one of his offspring. That had always fallen to C'bra. The older male could truly tell that his brother was pushing his son's limits. It would be best for all involved if Viper excused himself at this moment.
"Go see to your mate." H'bu stated guiding his youngest offspring to the door. "Prepare her for what's to come."
Never being one for arguing with his Sire, Viper nodded his head curtly before leaving.
H'bu took a seat across from his brother and placed his hands in front of him on the table. It was silent as he waited for his brother to speak. When it became apparent that he wouldn't be the one to start the conversation they both knew was coming, H'bu clicked his mandibles in irritation.
"Do you care to explain why you are really doing this?" The younger of the two males questioned.
S'kta shifted in his seat. "I have already told you and that offspring of yours that I only wish to see her skills."
Growing up, H'bu had become use to his brother's tongue and the way he spewed whatever he saw fit, however he saw fit. To this day he would have to say that S'kta and his…way with was words were a large factor in honing his patience. So, he let the disdain in the other male's voice go as he spoke of his son.
"As Viper pointed out, you have seen her in action. You know fully well what she is capable of and contrary to what you may believe; it was not simply luck that helped her survive. The small ooman is very skilled in the art of combat. Even more so than some of the nearly blooded warriors we have."
This statement earned H'bu a scoff from the older Elder and it was apparent to H'bu that his brother could not be sensibly reasoned with. Which unfortunately, for him was often the case.
"You and I both know that you did this for no other reason than your sick prejudice against ooman females."
"If that were true," S'kta clicked. "Wouldn't I have done the same thing to C'bra?"
"No, because unlike Viper, C'bra isn't always easily reasoned with and you know it." Silence befell the room as H'bu stood. "If something happens to Kenzie, Viper will blame you. He will challenge you and I will allow it."
S'kta scoffed, but he was mildly worried about what his younger brother had just stated.
"And if he doesn't. I will." H'bu threw over his shoulder as he left the room.
S'kta shifted slightly in his seat. Worry creased his brow. For the first time, he may have to deal with the backlash of his mouth. He didn't want that, not by H'bu's hands. S'kta may have been the older of the two, but his brother outranked him and if he was honest, he would have to say that his skills rivaled those almost unheard of and both of his nephews were fast approaching that level.
If he had to be honest even further he would admit that it was slight jealousy and not prejudice that caused him to set up this challenge for the ooman female. He was actually beginning to feel bad. Whether it was for her or himself in the event that she was not the victor, he was not sure. All he knew was that he would pray to Paya that the ooman was the one left standing.
"Please sit down." Kenzie stated as she watched Viper pace the expanse of their living room. "You're making me more nervous than I already am."
She had been watching him pace for the past thirty minutes. The time was drawing nearer and his constant pacing was doing nothing to settle her stomach. She hadn't even been able to eat earlier when Viper had ordered dinner. Even now the thought of eating had her stomach turning.
Viper finally sat beside her and he pulled her into his lap. He began to purr deeply in an effort to sooth her nervousness Kenzie presumed, but it was doing something completely different. By the way he hardened beneath her it was safe to assume that he knew it too.
His hands began to slip under her shirt and he weaved his mandibles through the ponytail she'd pulled her hair into. Kenzie leaned back and could feel the vibration within his chest. As good at it felt she had to stop him. Now was not the time for such things. Though, she didn't know if she would be able to in the future either.
"We can't do this now." She stated, even though she really wanted to.
"But you desire it." Viper countered, cutting off his purr.
Kenzie laughed lightly. "That doesn't mean we can."
Viper clicked something she didn't understand, but was sure wasn't all too nice as he removed his hands from her shirt. She figured it was approaching time for them to go, and headed down to her special room. She needed to get away from Viper and let his problem deflate.
Kenzie was already dressed in her long sleeve shirt and caviler vest, along with her cargo pants and boots. She was going into battle and she had to be prepared. She glanced at all of her weapons that were mounted on the wall, and decided on her machete, mk24s, and her assault rifle. She wasn't sure what she would be up against, but she wanted to be prepared. Taking a couple of extra magazines, she secured her weapons' belt before putting her guns into place.
When she made it back into the living room, Viper was standing at the door waiting on her. Just like that her nerves came rushing back. She didn't even know what it was she would be faced with, but she was sure that's exactly what Uncle had wanted. The thought of the unknown would scare anyone and Kenzie was no exception.
She followed him down the corridors until they came to the kehrite. By this time, Kenzie could feel her heart trying to beat out of her chest. Viper stepped inside and she followed him. If she wasn't nervous before she definitely was now. The place was packed and when she stepped inside it seemed as if all conversation ceased.
She followed Viper over to his father and tuned out as they began clicking to each other. She looked around and the only thing she saw out of place was a tall beam that seemed to be five stories high. She began to calm down a bit. If this was her challenge then she was sure she could handle it. It would take time and carefulness, but she could handle it.
"You will stand over there." H'bu stated drawing her attention as he pointed in the direction he was speaking of. "The challenge will be commenced in our native tongue. I will signal when it is time for you to start."
Kenzie nodded as the older male walked away. She turned to Viper who she found to be staring daggers at his uncle. She didn't know the story, but figured there was bad blood between the two. That or he was simply an asshole. Either one of those possibilities were likely.
She placed her hand on Viper's arm to draw his attention. His green eyes locked with his and Kenzie offered him a small smile. It was funny that at the moment she was trying to comfort and calm him down when it should have been the other way around.
"Are you nervous, Mate?"
"A little." Kenzie stated.
Viper took her chin between his large hands gently and turned her face up to him. "You will do great." Leaning down he locked his mandibles to her cheeks and proceeded to allow his tongue to run along her lips slowly.
Kenzie was relieved when he released her face. She enjoyed his affection, but the height difference always put a strain on her. She was sure it wasn't much easier for him either. Instead of completely losing the contact between them, she fell into his massive body. His arms wrapped around her and he began to purr lightly.
All too soon, Kenzie was signaled to get into position. Viper ran a finger down her cheek before he released her to take his seat. She made her way to the spot his father had indicated and waited. Clicking commenced, and Kenzie was ready. She prepared herself and tried to get in the zone. She could do this.
There was a forceful click and Kenzie glanced over at H'bu. He gave her a slight nod. With a large exhale she got ready to go. She could do this. She could do this.
The ground beneath her began to shake and Kenzie instinctively took a step back. She watched as everything in the kehrite seemed to change. Before her eyes it turned into a maze of regal proportion. She watched as objects around her began to rise. It took her a moment to realize not only where things rising, but where she was standing was sinking as well. She could not do this.
Viper watched in utter annoyance and anger as the kehrite shift into the Death Obstacle. He was well aware that whatever his mate faced was not going to be easy, but he hadn't known his uncle would go all out in such a fashion. His earlier rage with the older Male only intensified.
He stormed his way over to the Elder with the intention of knocking some sense into him. That would take the edge of his anger off at the moment. Even if the penalty for attacking an Elder was death, he wasn't thinking clearly and at the moment it didn't matter to him.
H'bu stepped in front of him and shook his head slightly. Viper clicked in irritation at his father. It always amazed him how the older male seemed to always know when he planned on doing something he shouldn't. He had never defied his Sire. Well, not since he began training for his Chiva as a young boy.
"Allow your mate's skills to do the speaking." His Sire clicked, shielding his brother from his offspring.
Reluctantly, Viper agreed. He had faith in Kenzie's skills. He knew she could get through this. She'd penetrated an entire Hard Meat nest and lived through it. This would be no different.
He turned his attention back to the challenge at hand and almost lost it. There was his mate on the ground wrestling with a Wa'ta'lu. His uncle better pray to Paya that his mate made it out of this, or they'd find themselves in that ring together sooner rather than later.
Kenzie couldn't believe her luck. She'd gotten off to a good start and was able to climb from the low leveled area she was standing on to the platform that was about twelve feet high. She should have known it wouldn't be that easy and prepared herself for the worst. If she had of she wouldn't have been surprised by the animal that pounced on her.
In size it was what Kenzie could only assume a Saber-toothed Tiger was at one point. Just as big if not bigger and at the moment twice as angry. It was taking all she had to keep it from ripping into her jugular. Placing her feet on the animal's stomach she used all of her strength to kick the animal away from her.
Swinging her assault rifle into her grasp, Kenzie fired off five shots. She stayed poised and ready just in case the animal sprang back to its feet. After a few moments, when it didn't Kenzie continued on.
The sounds in the kehrite were deafening and she did her best to block them out. Looking across from where she stood there was another platform which was even with the current one. Getting to it should have been easy enough, except for the ten foot gap separating them. Ten feet may not have been much to a Yautja, but it was a lot to Kenzie.
Backing up to the edge, Kenzie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She steadied her breathing before running as fast as she could. When she got to the opposite edge she launched herself across the open expanse.
Her landing was rough and Kenzie found her self rolling across the platform. Something she found was a mistake as she nearly rolled off the entire platform, this one not being as wide as the other. Catching the ledge at the last minute, Kenzie was able to get a pretty good grip and keep herself from falling. She didn't know what was down there and she didn't want to find out.
She pulled herself up and almost wish she had of just fallen. No sooner than she had gotten up, the platform started to crumble away. Kenzie looked around frantically for a way out and spotted what looked like a latter hanging above her head just out reach in the middle of the opening she'd almost rolled into.
She didn't have any room to get a good running start as the platform continued to crumble. Using all the strength in her legs Kenzie took the quick steps and surged herself forward. She was barely able to grab on to the bottom stair. There was nowhere to go, but up.
Colby watched in utter horror as the platform beneath his sister started to crumble away. He hadn't believed Jay when she'd told him that Kenzie was doing a challenge that had been issued by Viper's uncle. He'd called her house several times and when he didn't get an answer he'd panicked and ran directly to the kehrite with Jay on his heels.
Now as he stood mortified, he wanted to know why in the hell some one would ask his sister to do this. When she'd safely began climbing the ladder, he looked around for Viper. It took him a moment, but he eventually found him.
"What the hell is going on?" Colby asked over the cheering of the onlookers. Cheering that was grating on his nerves for the simple fact that they were taking pleasure in watching is sister come close to killing herself.
"Calm down. She is doing fine." Viper stated trying to calm the young male.
"She almost fell to her death. You call that fine? Why the hell is she doing this anyway?"
Viper sighed. He really didn't know how to answer that question. Because S'kta said so, didn't really sound like a good answer to him and he knew it wouldn't sound too well to Colby either. He also didn't want to lie to the boy.
He was saved from having to give an answer, by the scream that echoed through the kehrite. He snapped his attention back to the obstacle to find Kenzie on her back holding her ankle. He could only suspect that she had fallen from the ladder while trying to get to the next platform.
Colby went to step forward, but Viper stopped him a hand on his shoulder, though he was thinking along the same lines as the younger male. He knew that neither of them could interfere. No matter how much he wanted to. He silently prayed to Paya as he watched her get back on her feet.
Kenzie's ankle was throbbing, but she wouldn't give up. The stubborn and competitiveness she'd inherited from her mother was pushing to the forefront and she refused to give Uncle the satisfaction that bastard. Limping her way to the left, she began to climb the structure with the gutting rocks.
To say it was difficult would be putting it lightly. Her ankle screamed in protest as she climbed, but she simply ignored it and gritted her teeth until she made it to the top. There were two curved slopes on either side of an opening.
Kenzie knew that there was something inside and whatever it was, she didn't want to have anything to do with it especially when she noticed a dome coming up to engulf the maze.
She began to make her way to the ride slope, but a hissing sound stopped her in her tracks. She'd know that sound anywhere. Whipping around she was barely able to dodge the tail that came her way. Kenzie grabbed her assault rifle and pulled the trigger, but it was jammed. She figure she must have damaged it in her fall.
Immediately, she pulled one of her mk24 hand guns, just barely dodging another blow from the tail. Firing off round after round, Kenzie emptied the whole magazine into the Glass Mouth even after she'd dropped it.
She was so caught up in making sure that it was dead that she hadn't noticed another predator coming up behind her until it was too late. The force of something hitting her from behind sent Kenzie flying. She landed on her stomach as all the wind was knocked out of her.
She didn't have long to think about that as she turned over in time to avoid the spiked end of a Glass Mouth tail. Kenzie pulled her other rifle and took aim, but the tail came in contact with her wrist, knocking the weapon out of her hand.
Scrambling backwards, she tried to get to her feet as the tail came down towards her again. She was too slow this time as it ripped through the sleeve of her shirt that the vest wasn't covering and into her flesh.
White fire coursed through Kenzie's shoulder as she let out a cry of pain. She rolled over just in time. She was able to pull her machete from the sheath on her back. Once on her feet, she wield her machete almost blindly.
The results however turned out to be in her favor. She was successful in cutting off the edge of the Glass Mouth's tail. The creature screeched in anger as Kenzie began to run up the left side slope. Her ankle protested, but she continued running.
The sound of scuffling feet could be heard behind her. Kenzie turned and positioned herself with her machete as the creature flew through the air at her, only to land on her blade. Jerking the blade, she pulled it out of the other side of the creature. She realized what a bad idea that was, when the Glass Mouth's blood began to burn through her vest and shirt.
As fast as she could she began to remove the articles of clothing, ripping the shirt down the middle and throwing it off. That left her in only her cargo pants and bra.
Her machete sheath had survived the acid attack and Kenzie picked it up and hung it around her waist before slipping the weapon back inside. She continued up the slope and found that there was a small pond in front of her. It was no more than about twelve feet wide.
Approaching it cautiously, Kenzie squatted, placing most of the weight on her good ankle. She dipped the end of her machete sheath in it slightly. When it came out in tack, Kenzie dipped her hand in it to find that it was lukewarm.
Just across it's expanse she could see the box she was supposed to retrieve up on the beam and a ladder leading to it. She didn't want to have to wade through the water, but she didn't see another way to it. Bracing herself she made her way in.
Immediately she began to swim through the water. She was about three feet from the ladder and felt as if she was home free. She reached out to grab hold on the ladder and found herself going under.
Viper watched as his Mate was dragged under the water. He stood frozen as he waited for her to resurface. It felt like it was hours before she finally resurfaced, but Viper knew it could have only been seconds. This was just too much.
He clicked his mandibles as he watched her fight off the Q'iz. He calmed down a bit when it was apparent to him that she had the upper hand. He glanced at his uncle and found the older male looking on intently. He almost seemed stoic. His body language slightly apologetic, but Viper wouldn't be fooled.
He turned his attention back to the challenge and saw that Kenzie was now climbing the ladder. She was almost there. All she had to do was make it across the beam and it would be over. Viper relaxed with that thought in mind. He was ready for this to be over and he knew that his mate was as well.
Kenzie was still gasping for air as she climbed the ladder. She was so close she could taste it. All of what she'd been through would be worth it to see the look on Uncle's ugly face when she beat his stupid challenge.
Once on the beam, she prepared herself for the worse. She stood there for a moment just taking in her surroundings. When nothing jumped out at her and the beam didn't start to move or some apart, she figured it was safe.
She retrieved the box and looked around. When the dome didn't come back down she began to worry. Hissing sounded and she turned to find the biggest snake like creature she'd ever seen. If she was honest big was an understatement. The thing rose up from the water below and it was staring her in the face.
It reared back much like she'd seen the snakes on Animal Planet do and Kenzie wasn't going to be the target. Without giving it much thought she jumped off the beam with the box in her hands. Kicking her feet so she wouldn't burst her stomach.
Kenzie sank down before kicking back to the top. She pulled her machete before taking a breath and sinking back under. She released the box and swam towards the snake. Coming up right beside it she swung her weapon ruthlessly. She couldn't hear over the water in her ears, but she hoped the bastard was shrieking in pain.
When she thought she'd cut it up pretty well, she slid her weapon back into it's holder before taking a breath and going back under the water. It took her a moment, but she found the box and made her way back to the surface.
Pulling herself out of the water she lay on flat ground, trying to catch her breath. When she saw the dome beginning to come down she closed her eyes. It was over and she'd done it. Take that you bastard, she thought.
Once she'd caught her breath, she noticed the arena had shift back to its original form. She grabbed the box and rose to her feet making her way over to Viper. Her adrenaline was wearing off and she was starting to feel her injuries. The worst being the bite she'd gotten from the smaller sea creature.
She fell into her mate's side and turned to Uncle who seemed to be staring at her in awe and relief. Only then did she register the cheering and booing in the arena. Holding up the box, she waited for Uncle to hold his hands out before dropping it in them.
"What's in there?" Colby questioned. Kenzie hadn't noticed her brother was standing there until he spoke.
"It is nothing." S'kta stated.
"It damn well better be something. My life was on the line for that." As she spoke the words, Kenzie's legs buckled beneath her. If it hadn't been for Viper she would have fallen to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up.
"It is not important." S'kta stated.
H'bu, whose patience was thoroughly being tested, took the box from his brother and opened it. He, along with the other three present looked into the box.
Kenzie opened her mouth as her eyes grew wide. She was utterly floored.