Author Note: I do not own Predators. This is purely fan-made for entertainment, and I don't make money doing it (only praise). Hope you liked the last chapter. It was really intense, what with Al'nagara dying and Bakuub in a blood rage...Anways, Enjoy!

Chapter 24

-Paya-sain'ja-

Blinded by tears, oblivious to the stinging of branches whipping my soft skin, I ran through the forest. Vaguely, in the faraway part of my mind still capable of rational thought, I wondered if my aching jaw was broken, or if I should go back to the ship. My panicked, distressed mind didn't listen, and I kept running. It was only until I came to a field cut in half by a wide river that I stopped, my lungs burning from running.

Never would have been able to do that much running before my coma, I thought dryly, sitting on the riverbank.

I stared at my reflection in the river's mirror-like water, and saw a different version of myself. Since waking, I hadn't seen my face, as the yautja had no mirrors. I wasn't a vain person, and didn't give it any thought, but now, confronted with my visage, I wondered at my appearance. My soft cheeks had become sharper, more angular, from the hard work I'd done since beginning my training. My eyes, usually bright and thoughtful, were more intense and currently full of tears. Angrily, I wiped the tears from my eyes. I hated crying, and rarely ever did so.

Why did Bakuub snap like that? I wondered. Sure, he just lost his brother, but he was ready to kill Yeyinde! He wouldn't even let me pray for him!

I wanted to scream at Bakuub. He wasn't alone, and I knew I, of all people, could relate to him. I had lost my home and everyone I cared about. Why didn't he realize that?

I jumped when I heard rustling in the trees nearby, half drawing a dagger. I relaxed, however, on seeing one of the native animals scamper out of the forest. It was a Wr'kha, a creature that looked somewhat like a badger, only with shorter claws, slightly longer legs, and with mottled brown fur. It was well known for being very tame and gentle (the definate opposite of a badger). This Wr'kha was obviously just curious, and came right up to me to sniff my hands. Hesitantly, I reached out to touch its fur, and found that it felt like a dog's fur.

"Hi, there," I said in English (which felt strange after weeks of speaking in yautja), trying to distract myself from my misery. I winced as I spoke; my jaw ached.

It gazed up at me with liquid brown eyes as I talked. It made a sound like a bark, tilting its head to one side, like my dog on Earth used to do. I scratched its chin, smiling when it climbed into my lab.

"You're like a puppy," I informed it. "I wonder if I can keep you...?"

I stroked its fur while it purred like a cat, while I talked in a soft tone, feeling more relaxed than I'd felt in a long time. I wondered if Bakuub and Yeyinde were okay, and if I should have stayed nearby.

Cetanu and Lil'ka, if you're listening, please help Bakuub and Yeyinde, I silently prayed. Also, please take care of Al'nagara. I really wished I could talk to them right now. I hoped my prayer would be answered.

"Paya-sain'ja!"

I nearly jumped hearing someone shout my name; the Wr'kha in my lap kept me still, as I didn't want my new friend to fall. Yeyinde crashed through the trees, looking worried. He had a few small cuts on his chest and arms.

"Paya-sain'ja, are you okay?" he asked.

"I guess," I said, realized I'd spoken in English, then repeating it in yautja. "Where is Bakuub?"

"I knocked him unconscious," said Yeyinde. He bent and turned my face to examine my injured jaw. I bit back a hiss of pain as his claws pricked the bruised skin. "Your jaw isn't broken, thank the gods," he said. "Let's get back to the ship. I'll need your help carrying Bakuub and Al'nagara back."

I nodded and gently set the Wr'kha on the ground. It reared and balanced itself on its hind legs, leaning against my leg. Smiling, I scooped it into my arms. "Yeyinde, can I keep this Wr'kha?"

He put his head to one side. "Like a...what do you call it...?"

"A pet?"

"Yes," he said. "You want a pet?" When I nodded, he said, "You'll have to look after him yourself."

"I will," I assured him. "I'm good with animals."

I thought about a name for him as we headed back to the lake. Just as we entered the clearing, I decided to call him Hades, my favorite Greek god (I've always loved mythology). Gently, I placed Hades on the ground, smiling when he followed me like a puppy. Yeyinde and I carefully picked up Al'nagara first (so scavengers wouldn't be attracted to the scent of his dead body) and took him to the ship, then returned for Bakuub, laying them both in the medical bay.

"Yeyinde, do you think Bakuub will be okay?" I asked hesitantly, nervously petting Hades.

"It's hard to say," said Yeyinde. "He just lost his brother to a kainde amedha and a hybrid has been born. Hybrids are even more dangerous than a regular kainde amedha."

The thought of a super-powerful kainde amedha sent chills up my spine. I gazed sadly at Al'nagara, whose chest was burst open, the wound glowing green with his blood. I couldn't imagine having a monster inside my chest, bursting from my body. What a terrible way to die, I thought.

"Not having a medic will complicate matters," mused Yeyinde. He, too, looked sad to lose Al'nagara. "I should report this to the Elders. No doubt they'll want to know about Al'nagara's death and the hybrid."

"Can I come, too?" I asked, hoping to see Bhu'ja.

He shook his head. "You go to sleep. After today, you need some rest." He overrode my complaints, saying, "Trust me. You need sleep."

I reluctantly agreed and went to my room, falling asleep with Hades curled up next to me.

Please review! The next few chapters are going to be interesting, so stay tuned!