Chapter 20: Chiva Bound
"Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it." – Winnie the Pooh
The coziness of warm bath water eased the soreness that was already beginning to set in his body. The workout had been intense and Jack was grateful to Chance for all her efforts to prepare him. He leaned back against the pool edge, closed his eyes and reflected on what he had just learned. He was to attend the Chiva Hunt but with a group of less-than-stellar falling stars among the budding young males that wished to be known as Hunters. It made for a huge disappointment in his mind and had not been something that he had even remotely factored into the equation of his first hunt for Kiande Amedha.
So what now? How could he bond with other males that were not trust-worthy? His attention when hunting would always be divided as part of him concentrated on finding prey and the other part worried about what his fellow Hunters were up to. How could there be a true Hunt Brotherhood bond among such as these! His friend Chance had given him a way out – hunt the Hard Meat solo with a Blooded Hunter, or in this case a Huntress, as witness. The idea of a solo Hunt was daunting, that was true, but at least it was honorable.
Jack became aware of his body once more and that his thoughts had brought it back into constriction and tension. Deliberately, he sought to empty his mind and allow his body to relax. The Huntress Chance was across the great tub from him, her mind adrift in some unshared dream. She sat on the underwater bench, head supported in back by the pool edge, red lock ends floating around her shoulders and heavy lids half-shut over her eyes.
When he once again found the place where his arms became light and floated, he let out the whisper of a sigh along with his out-breath. As clear as a bird on a cool morning, he 'heard' words in his mind. They were spoken without a voice but he heard them as if another person had been standing close by and had begun talking quietly in his ear. "Who are YOU to concern yourself with honor?"
Startled, Jack looked over at the Huntress who was still in her half-asleep state. He searched around the room but there was no one. Convinced he had experienced some sort of lucid dream state, he tired to shrug it off. However, the words would not leave him alone. Who are YOU to concern yourself with honor? What does it mean? Who am I? I'm Jack – the created hybrid 'offspring' of a Yautja Hunter. My biological parents are human but the Hunter's blood has altered me. Still, deep inside, how Yautja am I? How human? He found no answers and again allowed himself to relax. Once again, the mental voice came to him saying, "You do not wish to hunt with those you think are not honorable. Yet, you seek another hunt without obtaining permission." Jack's eyes opened wide and he sat bolt upright. "What's wrong," mumbled Chance from the other side of the pool.
"Everything. Chance, I can't plan a Chiva without Theron's permission! It would be against everything he has taught me and…well, I can't go against him like that. I hope you understand."
"K," she nodded and resumed her lulling relaxation. Jack left the soak, dried and clothed himself and sought out his Sire. He found Theron at a console, consulting star charts.
"Sire," Jack began, "I wish to speak of something important with you."
"Certainly," Theron switched off the chart and gave Jack his full attention.
"I have learned from Chance that our destination is the training camp of young Yautja who are considered to be at the bottom of their group of UnBloods. Is this correct?"
Theron looked a little angry, "They are certainly not considered the best our planet has to offer. Why did Chance take it upon herself to inform you of this?"
"I was asking many questions, Sire. I do not believe she did it to harm me in any way." Theron nodded and he continued. "She also told me that there is another way to Chiva – a solo hunt with only a Blooded Hunter to observe. Is this also correct, Sire?"
A grunt came from Theron, who was completely annoyed by now. "Sei! That is a desperate way to Chiva."
"Honorable Sire and Elder, would you support my Chiva in this manner? I have great concerns about joining a Hunt with those who are so..."
"Unworthy?" Theron filled in.
"It sounds like they are," Jack responded with anxiety steaming through his scent aura.
"That is one way of judging them," the Sire pursed his tusks. "Jack, what do you think about the concept of judgment?"
They had spoken of this before, so Jack responded quickly, "Well, on one level it is a requirement of living. If someone comes to my house and wants to come in, I have to make a judgment about them. Like – will it be safe to let them in?"
"And how do you do that?"
"I would note whether or not anyone in the house is expecting a visitor. I might ask to see the visitor's credentials. Now that I'm part Yautja – I'd sniff at him for sure. I'd probably also judge him by his appearance and his manner."
"What if you allowed him inside your dwelling and he tried to steal from you or injure you?"
"I'd punish him! Maybe even kill him," Jack answered.
"But what would you think of the previous judgment you had made about him?"
"I would judge my judgment as faulty – in this case."
"Good. What if you decided the opposite - he was not trustworthy and you did not allow him to enter your house. What if later you found out that he was a pure and honorable person? What would you think about your earlier judgment of him?"
"I would, again, judge that my judgment of him had been faulty." Jack was beginning to wonder when his Sire would get to the point.
"So what would you say is true about your judgment?" Theron calmly continued the lesson.
Jack thought for a few minutes. "My judgment is not always correct."
"Good! Would you extend this idea about your own judgment to others?"
"In other words, do I think that the judgments of others are not always correct?"
"That is what I mean."
"Well…sure. History is full of examples of that. Yet, we must continue to judge situations, circumstances and others in order to live."
"You speak purely, my offspring. What I hope to show you is that many times both humans and Yautja judge others incorrectly. I would like you to keep this in mind as you join your Chiva team at our destination. Until that time, I would like you to think about the meaning of honor."
Theron looked squarely at his son, who nodded that he would obey. Satisfied, the Hunter turned back to his charts. Jack knew that the conversation was finished and there was nothing more to discuss. He was going to join some strange team of hybrids on the approaching planet that perhaps were not as dishonorable or ill-fitted to be marked as he had been led to believe. His Sire was not going to give him an exact answer. Instead, his Sire had guided him to judge the situation and the UnBloods for himself. At least it doesn't sound boring!
The sleek Hunt transport waited motionless as the space-time corridor swept around it, bringing the sought out destination closer and closer. Eventually, the corridor ended and birthed the space vessel out of its canal into the local fabric of the universe that was warped around this particular star and its forlorn planets. The ship cut directly into the path of the largest planet which appeared as a gaseous body with a face covered in veils of multi-colored streaks. Here and there, the streaks swirled into a vortex as gigantic storms waged war with whatever surface was below the impenetrable clouds. There was no indication of what land masses or bodies of water, if any, were under the atmosphere. The ship orbited the bright planet several times and then ducked down below the shining variegated veil.
Theron monitored the controls, which were set to allow computer-controlled piloting, but there was little need for his attention. While he monitored, he pondered the relationship between his son and Chance. It was good that his offspring had finally found companionship and someone to spar with besides his Sire. An outsiders participation in his training had benefitted Jack a great deal, Theron decided. Her raw, sometimes uncivilized, manner would prepare him for the so-called c'ntlip-dregs-of-society UnBloods he was about to meet. Although Theron doubted that they all fell into that category. It was at the now-deceased Matriarch's insistence that certain segments of society be permitted to train and Chiva.
In spite of feeling pleased about the growing friendship, the Hunter could not shake a sense that something else was happening between the two. He had scented no mating musk from either of them, although at times Chance seemed to flirt with whichever of the males was available. Theron had decided it wasn't deliberate seductiveness on her part – it was how she had learned to behave and survive during her puphood. He had steadily become aware that instead of a mating partnership there was almost an air of secrecy between the Huntress and his maturing son. Jack came to me with the idea of a solo Chiva. He stated that he learned that from her. Were the two of them possibly conspiring to conduct a marking Hunt by themselves? If so, it is good that my Bloodline chose to speak of it to me. I trust that he is finished with the idea and that he will heed my words regarding what he will meet below.
Theron piloted the ship down through the planet's atmosphere. Jack and Chance were beside him, their eyes glued to the viewing ports around them, watching as the different hued clouds flashed by. Lightening illuminated the ship from different sides and tiny streaks of energy fell through the gloomy sky like drops of burning rain. They slowed as the clouds began to thin and were met by shearing winds. Theron was piloting manually now and his hands were steady at the controls as the ship continued flawlessly to the landing area. If Jack and Chance would have been allowed to leave their seats, the Elder was certain he would have noticed ooman-like nose prints on the clear ports. As it was, he was glad he had not tasked either of them with anything during this landing. I am over-indulgent due to the overly-strict nature of my own training, he realized. I hope that I have not coddled Jack too much.
Suddenly the ship pushed through the cloud layer and the land below became visible in the dim light. It was a vast area of mountain ridges, hilly areas and plains. Jack picked out the wavering path of a possible river and showed it to Chance. Lower and lower the ship descended and some of the details of the landscape became possible. By the time they had neared the landing site, the trio had witnessed that the planet was quite probably barren. There was no life in evidence anywhere – not one crawling thing or blade of plant life showed itself. Both the Huntress and the young male wondered how any training or Chiva was possible here – was the air even breathable?
As they passed low over the rocky plain, Jack could see they were following a fissure. Wider and wider it grew until it became a hole to whatever was below. The young male caught his breath as they suddenly dove down into the gap and plunged beneath the surface of Bhu'ja Agaj'ya. He looked up to see Chance staring wide-eyed at the rocky walls as they continued the downward dive.
The troop of young males was noisily gulping down their evening rations under the watchful eyes of their Trainer and his assistant. They would retire to leisurely dining later – after the students were turned in for the night. Clustered along the sides of a great table, trios of hybrid human-yautja clicked and grunted as they consumed their meal. Only a single grouping was quiet. Arranged near a table corner was a silent threesome. They gave nervous glances at the Trainer and his assistant and then took a few bites or a gulp of water before giving a jittery glance again. The Trainer noticed their nerves and motioned for his assistant to join him. Once the other Hunter was at his side, he spoke very quietly and in hunt code. "They are as tiny tarei hsan caught in the light. Let's get this over with quickly." The assistant agreed and they both approached the nerve-wracked three who quickly stood.
All three pairs of eyes looked at their accompanying feet most studiously and tried not to emit their fear. The two Hunters stood at least a head, or more, taller than their students. Realizing something was happening, the rest of the trainees became still. The Trainer rumbled in a mighty voice, "N'dhi-ja, Pe-le'! You have come up short in your training for the last time. Choose your fate – now! Eta or dhi'ki-de?"
The miserable student, Pe-le', squawked out his fearful, but proud, reply, "I shall not become Eta!" Slowly, he lifted his eyes and looked at his superior. "At least let me fight you," he requested of the Trainer as he reached up and gave him a shoulder shove. The challenge was returned and there, on the edge of the dining area, the two began the circle of combat.
The student was at a disadvantage as his right leg quivered and he was forced to drag it on the floor while he looped across the round from his Trainer. Low growls and rumbled epithets crossed the makeshift arena as drops of salivary anger and fear dripped from the student's fangs.
"Hold and I will be merciful!" the Trainer growled. The student only widened his jaws in defiance and continued the pitiful lug of his leg over the floor. In a flash it was over. The Hunter jumped on the student and in the same moment grasped both sides of his head in immense cupped hands. A quick twist and the student was lifted so his dangling legs could jerk their death dance to freedom.
Without another word, the Trainer cradled the body in his arms and cared it away from the stunned diners. "Finish your meat and retire!" growled the assistant, daring them with his glare. "Waste nothing!" he chided as some of the UnBloods poked at their meal. Then he went to join the other in disposing of the body.
The limp form was taken to the surface by the masked Hunters and unceremoniously dumped. "Scavengers will see to it," rumbled the Trainer. "No need to waste solvent."
"We have a team of only two now," his assistant pointed out the obvious.
"Another is coming soon. He is partially trained and will take this ones place. He is…not the usual."
"What is so special about him?"
"For one thing – Honorable Theron, formerly of the Dor'an and also our former Matriarch's translator, brings him. He claims to be the Sire!"
The other Hunter clicked thoughtfully as they went below and removed their masks. "A Dor'an hybrid? That's a first! Did Theron train him?"
"It would seem so. I wonder what is wrong with him that his Sire would seek us out here."
"Masks!" ordered Theron as he headed for his gear and the exit hatch. Jack and Chance immediately fell in. The ship had landed on a flat-topped outcropping of rock that left little room for them to walk around the ship. A rock bridge spanned from the landing pad to a closed doorway. Jack didn't care for the narrowness of the crossing but knew that was where they were going. He focused on following Theron and didn't look down. Chance, on the other hand, peered everywhere as she brought up the rear. Heights didn't bother her in the least. The doorway opened for them and then quickly sealed behind them. Fans came on to exchange the outside air that came in with them for purer air. Then the next doorway in front of them opened and they followed Theron's lead and unmasked. Inside the next room, two large and exceptionally fit Yautja males greeted Theron and Chance. They merely nodded at the youngster with no mark on his forehead or mask. Jack stood quietly as the others spoke, knowing it was the Yautja way. He looked at his Sire and the two that had met them, and noticed how very Yautja they all were. Their greeters could be full Yautja for all he knew. Chance seemed to change before his eyes as she spoke with them, striking unconscious poses to show herself off. She was a sexually mature marked female suddenly in the company of two more full Hunters. He swore she nearly purred. Jack felt his temper riling but wisely stuffed it away.
It seemed that his Sire and Chance had been invited to stay for the remainder of the training and Chiva. When it was over, if Jack lived, they would be able to retrieve him. Theron and the Huntress were directly to guest quarters but for some reason, Theron decided that they would wait back on the ship. Jack, however, would accompany the two strangers to the student's quarters.
How much he wanted to turn and said 'goodbye' or anything to Chance and his Sire as he followed the Trainer and his second away. But it would have looked childish, he knew. So Jack faced bravely forward and followed the brawny Hunters towards an unknown fate.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Chance worried at Theron before they each went to their quarters to sleep for the night.
"It is my faith that he will be," the gray Hunter answered quietly. "They will train for another ten cycles and then the Chiva will begin for those who have completed their schooling successfully."
"Well, what happens if they don't succeed at their training?"
"They are given a choice between life as a slave or death."
Chance's eyes became big around as an Elder's ring lock. "Oh God! Do you think there is any way that could happen to Jack?"
Theron looked at her with puzzlement, "I can not see the future, Huntress."
"But that is so horrible! If that happens to him, the ass-wipe better choose slavery!"
"You would rather have him serve as a dishonored slave than die?"
"At least he'd be alive!" she countered. "I'd buy him and he could serve me."
"Certainly," Theron's face took on a wry twist. "And how is it that you have come to refer to him as a cleaner for the back side?"
"It's just a human thing, Theron, you wouldn't understand." She gave him a grin and then went to her quarters.
Inside, she removed her leathers, splashed water on her face to clean it and hopped onto her bed. Hugging a wad of furs, she hoped and prayed, God…Paya…whoever is listening – help Jack to succeed. He must earn his mark! Don't let him be disgraced in front of everyone. Help him to bind with the other Hunters in his group. Bring him back to me – I beg of you! He's all I have! But, God, if he can't – don't let him choose to die! I would rather have him as a slave in my house than know he is only dust. Help him, I beg you!
Chance tossed and turned, finally falling into a restless sleep. She didn't know it, but as she slept, tears formed and ran down her cheeks, vanishing into her fur pillow.
"Here is your new team member," growled the huge Trainer as he punched on the room lights – awakening the two sleeping males from their beds. Naked except for loincloths, they jumped to their feet and bowed their heads to pay proper respect to their superior. Jack came around from behind the Trainer and went to the single unoccupied cot in the room and placed his bag upon it. Without an introduction, the Trainer grunted, whirled and left them alone. Three young hybrid males gawked and huffed at each other as if they all beheld something they had never seen before – which indeed, was true.
"Uh, I'm Jack," the newcomer finally announced, tempering his urge to stick out a hand for a shake. "Jack, Sired by Honorable Theron of the Od'hroer-ir Clan."
"I am Enlil, Sired by U'rak of the Ashur Clan. This speechless moron is my brother, D'agan. We are honored by your presence." The young males all nodded respectfully to each other, although Enlil received a fast elbow in the ribs from D'agan who then spoke, "Honorable Jack, may I ask a question?"
"Sei."
"Why…why do you appear so ooman?"
"My biological Sire and Bearer are both human. My Bearer became Honorable Theron's mate. He befriended me when I was a pup and when I was mortally injured he injected me with his blood. This had an unintended consequence. It caused me to mutate and become a hybrid – sort of like you. May I ask you a question?"
"Sei."
"Why are the students here considered…well, not the best that Yaut has to offer. You both seem honorable to me."
The two males were startled by the unexpected question. The eldest brother, Enlil, lifted one of his feet for the newcomer to observe. Jack looked closely, yes it was a foot, but then noticed that there was an extra small toe on the outside, his other foot sported the addition also. Jack's young face scrunched up, trying to understand. Then the younger brother, D'agan, lifted his cloth and there was, to Jack's surprise, the genitalia of both sexes. Understanding came then.
"You are here because of physical abnormalities?"
They shook their heads. "Sei," the oldest answered. "Our malformations make us unfit for breeding. It used to be that we would immediately be raised as Eta, from birth. But now, because of the Matriarch, we are allowed to train and earn our Clan Mark. We will never be allowed to Sire, of course, but at least we can have some honor and a place in the world other than at the very bottom."
"I understand," Jack replied, knowing now why his Sire had questioned him regarding judgment and honor. "And I am here because my 'birth' as a hybrid was not supervised by any Healer – so I do not appear as Yautja as others do. My Sire informed me that this was the only Training camp that would take me. I am honored to share the Hunt Bond with both of you." He bowed to the brothers and then they all clasped and shook each other's shoulders. Jack felt the warmth of camaraderie between them.
"Are all the others here for the same reasons we have?"
"H'ko," D'agan answered, "Many are the labeled 'problems'; many are the so-called reasons. There are some here that are only a scratch away from being hunted themselves as BadBloods. My brother and I keep to ourselves. We…"
"We must sleep now. The training will begin early," Enlil broke in. "You will learn much by emulating us, Jack."
Jack nodded and went over to his cot. Beneath his furs there, he thought of the events that had led him to this moment. He thought of his mother, and of Theron and Chance. Take care of them. Take care of…her.