Chapter 34: Fleeing

Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies

I was expecting pain or slow death. I didn't believe that I would get out of this. Hakr'ouh's blades slowly came at me . . . too slow for me. His dark, red eyes burned with evil. It was too much for me. I lifted my head into the air, closing my eyes. I tried to imagine all the good moments I treasured. First, it was my mother when I saw her as a child. Her smile radiates like the sun as I giggled, holding the drawing I made so she could see. Next, it was a time when all of the Loonies and I had drinks, partying with no care in the world. I could still remember Nebraska attempting to flirt with me but I would slap him away. Rory comes to my side and giggles like any happy child with McKenna and Brackett watching over.

The scene changes to Yautja Prime when Sa'iye and I drank too much c'ntlip but have the time of our lives. Her giggles were too funny and I would laugh to the point of almost throwing up. Za'hir, Olgoth, and T'uark were also there, enjoying themselves. But of course, the twin brothers would get out of control and Za'hir would have to break it up. Then the scene changes to Daugo and me when in my room. Despite everything, I missed his purrs that soothed my body into relaxation. The warmth of comfort was always there no matter how complicated our arguments were.

Finally, Lar'ja comes into view. He stands there, smiling as if nothing could bother him. His golden, piercing eyes stared right into my soul, melting all my worries and fears. His arms open to welcome me. I didn't hesitate and ran to him. Although I felt happy, a small tear falls from the corner of my eye, full of sorrow and despair. What's wrong with me?

But then, he disappears as I felt a sudden tug of my neck being pulled forward. I didn't open my eyes but I heard Hakr'ouh's roar full of agony.

"Stupid mutt!"

Huh?

In an instant, the hold on my neck dissipates quickly and I felt my body fall to the floor. With the constriction now gone, I coughed but every time I did my throat would burn. I heard roars and growls flood the room along with several blasts from shoulder cannons. I felt arms wrap around me even so gently, lifting me up and back on my feet.

"Anya!"

There was no mistake who that voice belonged to. I looked up to see Daugo holding me tightly to his chest. His eyes conveying worry but also a relief.

"Daugo?"

He smiles. "It's alright. I'm here."

He tightens his hold on me as if he couldn't believe I was next to him. But my mind was trying to understand what's happening. How did he find me? I heard another growl that sounded more like a dog than a Yautja. It was only when I turned to face forward that I saw A'kib with Hakr'ouh's arm in his jaws, holding on as Hakr'ouh thrashed to get him off. He must have brought him here. Good boy, A'kib.

My attention diverts to more noise behind me. I glanced to my right and then to my left, seeing many Yautja warriors with the red crown on their armor and skin. Some had their shoulder cannons activated and I follow where they pointed. Sure enough, several Bad Bloods got a direct hit and died on impact with holes in their chests. I figured Daugo had brought reinforcements from our clan. My chest lifted a little in relief that I had backup now. Both sides stayed at a standstill as all of us watched A'kib and Hakr'ouh fighting in the middle.

He was doing serious damage on Hakr'ouh's arm, seeing a fair amount of green neon blood splattering everywhere and even more when Hakr'ouh swing outward. A'kib held a little longer until he was thrown into the air. But as quick as a cat, he twists midair and landed on his feet in front of us. Hakr'ouh's arm was mangled beyond recognition. Chunks of his flesh dangled like someone tried to butcher a piece of meat and did it unsuccessfully. But I frowned when it started to heal. A'kib remained poised to attack with his back hunched and teeth bared. He growled fiercely at Hakr'ouh in a warning. He turned for a split second to see me. His facial expression lifted into joy and his stubbed tail wagged. I smiled, glad that he was here.

"Looks like the cavalry has finally arrived."

All of our attention turns to Hakr'ouh, smirking directly towards Daugo as if he expected his arrival. Daugo pulls me behind as he steps forward. Without hesitation, his wrist blades come out. He slowly lets out a growl, letting a bit come out so it would last longer.

"You traitor . . . you monster."

Hakr'ouh huffs. "Why does everyone think I'm such a thing? As I said to Ta'kasa, I never was loyal to the Council."

"We trusted you . . . I trusted you. To think that you were the one who killed my son, my mate, and gone so far as to torture Lar'ja and Anya?!"

Daugo's mandibles spread, opening his inner mouth to bare his teeth at him. In response, A'kib snarled and hunched very low to the ground like a leopard prepared to pounce and kill its prey. The tension between them affected the others. On one side, the Bad Bloods tensed and pulled back a few inches. On the other side, members of the Dark Blade Clan were leaning forward, eager to start a fight and kill them. If I wasn't bugged by my scratchy throat, I would have done the same. The eagerness was there but my body was still recovering. But I started to wonder how the Killer Yautja became so powerful with warriors who seemed to want to avoid fighting. Very uncharacteristic for a Yautja.

Hakr'ouh tilted his head up as if he was amused. "So you found out?"

"I did. All of your betrayal."

Hakr'ouh shakes his head and his dreadlocks go swinging. "I did what was necessary for all Yautjas. All of you fools want to remain stagnant when we have enemies who are advancing beyond what we're capable of."

"You mean the oomans?"

"Exactly. I made many sacrifices to ensure our future, even if it meant that others had to die."

I watched as Hakr'ouh swayed his body to each side, almost in a taunt. "Besides . . . your offspring were pathetic excuses of a Yautja warrior. One was reckless and charged without thinking, getting himself killed while the other decided to mate with a hybrid. And you're no better than them."

I leaned my head when I heard Daugo began to grind his teeth, taking a glance at his face. If I didn't know any better, I would have c'jit myself when I saw him. His golden eyes brightened to the maximum but almost clouded with his dark pupil. It made him almost alien-like but worse. His fists tightened so hard that I could hear flesh tearing. He was destroying his palms. I reached to calm him down but pulled away at the last minute, knowing that he would attack anyone in his current state. Still, he was struggling to keep himself together.

"How. Dare. You. I'll make sure you regret saying that when I tear you limb from limb."

Daugo steps closer but met with many of the Bad Bloods reacting, leaning forward quickly while growling. Hakr'ouh remains calm and holds his followers back.

"You think you can beat me? I'm stronger than you and in a one-on-one fight, you'll last a few minutes."

Daugo inhales and exhales deeply and the anger I could sense from him slowly dissipated. "True. But I have my clan with me. You're a mere Bad Blood and don't deserve an honorable death. You can't win against all of us and there's only a few of you here."

Out of nowhere, Hakr'ouh chuckles. It gave me a bit of a shock but I learned quickly that he's got something up his sleeve.

"I don't think so. We have more arsenal on our side."

He glances down at A'kib in amusement. A'kib answers with a snap of his jaws in his direction followed by a growl. He looks back up to me instead of Daugo.

"You stole one of Thant'oug's pets and turned it into your own. What a cheat you are . . . but we have our little pets now."

Hakr'ouh raises his massive hand and snaps his fingers.

All of us expected something to happen instantly but it was only silence. The confusion began to seep into me and everyone else, including Daugo. But my body froze when I heard a familiar hiss coming from the darkness. Although I only heard it only a few times in my whole life, it never went away from my memory. I knew what terror would follow it. I had wished I was right in thinking it was something else other than what it truly was. But as soon as I saw a figure growing out of the shadows, all my hopes were dashed.

The elongated head of a kainde amedha appeared followed by the massive spikes on its back. Its fangs and inner jaws emerge, baring its teeth as if waiting for a meal while its tail swung in fury. I was moved by instinct, positioning into a fighting stance. The nature of the kainde amedha is to attack swiftly and with no remorse. When it began to lunge, all of the Dark Blade clan, Daugo and myself pulled out weapons out. I grabbed my twin swords that were on the ground nearby and raised it quickly. But just as the kainde amedha was in the air with its claws out, it jerked into the opposite direction as something pulled it back. It falls backward but recovers to which I noticed it trying to bite at its neck. What is it doing?

I focused closer and saw a metal collar around its neck. My confusion grew along with my curiosity as I saw a chain attached to it. When I followed it upwards, my eyes widened in terror as I saw one of the masked Bad Bloods holding on to it . . . like a dog leash.

They're using kainde amedha like hounds!?

Yautjas pride themselves in killing their prey, especially when it came to the black serpents. But keeping one alive as something other than prey was heresy. They were out greatest foes and prey and to see a Yautja with a leashed kainde amedha was completely forbidden. But I had to keep telling myself that these were Bad Bloods and they are abominations as it is. But the familiar scene of the Bad Blood and the kainde amedha caused me to remember an unpleasant dream.

I've seen this before! Was that . . . a vision?

I was brought back upon seeing more chained kainde amedha coming out of the shadows with more Bad Bloods holding the chains. More and more poured out like a flood and before we knew it, our small bunch was surrounded. Daugo seemed restless, most likely trying to figure a way out. But his fingers started to shake a bit. A sign that he was starting to panic. This isn't good.

Hakr'ouh chuckles once more. "Now you see? We are the strongest of our species and with the kainde amedha as our weapons, you will perish."

He hums, reaching down for something in his pocket. He pulls it out and I freeze in horror as I saw it was the same device as that Bad Blood I killed back at their secret base. He did mention bombs all over Yautja Prime . . . but they never went off. Does Hakr'ouh mean to . . .!?

He laughs, causing my muscles in my fingers and limbs to bunch tightly. He lifts the device and hovers his thumb over the large button. "Let the liquidation begin."

I lunged forward, trying to reach him before he could press it. "Stop!"

But it was too late.

He presses the button down and the red light flashes for a few seconds until it glows fully red. I turned around with horror written all over my face.

"GET DOWN!"

The next thing I knew, the side of the wall explodes and a blinding light engulfs us. Knowing what I learned in training, I curled my body into a fetal position, protecting my chest and stomach so nothing would be able to pierce it. It probably wasn't necessary with my armor to do the job, I felt it best. I felt Daugo rush over and mold his body around my small form, covering me in a barrier of muscle. His face pressed against the top of my head as more explosions erupted but farther away.

It wasn't long before chaos ensued. Before we could figure out what's going on, Daugo was suddenly jerked off of me by something else. "Daugo!"

I got on my feet but I could barely see in front of me. The dust created by the explosion blanket the room in a thick cloud filled with dirt that pricked at my nose every time I tried to smell. I scrambled to look around and find Daugo. I only saw glimpses of shadows and heard hisses and roars mixed. Metal clashing with one another so I knew the fight had begun. Soon, I heard gurgles as if someone's mouth was filled with liquid. I knew all too well that it only meant a killing spree was starting. I don't know which side was winning but I didn't care.

"Daugo!"

I cried out once more but I couldn't identify where he was. Thankfully, the dust began to clear up but then I saw several Yautja bodies littering the ground a few feet away. Some of our own along with a few Bad Bloods had fallen on top of each other. I saw a kainde amedha had fallen as well but its blood was starting to burn away the ground. The smell was awful and it burned my nose, made worse by the massive blood covering everything.

The dust cloud was finally gone but revealed the damage that had been done. I saw one of our warriors being eaten alive by several kainde amedha. They used their claws to rip into his stomach, tearing flesh like ribbon as they feasted on his intestines. I watched as the Yautja reached into the air, almost begging for them to end his life. He won't get an honorable death from them. There was nothing I could do for him so I took off in a direction I felt best.

As I ran, I had to dodge left and right as several Yautjas and kainde amedha kept running across my path. I almost got cut by a Bad Blood who was slashing down on a fellow warrior with his wrist blades. He saw me coming and rushed forward. Angry settled in my chest and I whipped my twin swords to the sides as the Bad Blood throws his arm into the air, letting his blades fall on me. At the last second, I rolled out of the way and he misses. His blades dig into the ground as I twisted my sword's chain, wrapping it around one of his legs. I pulled hard and the Bad Blood falls on his stomach. Before he could recover, I jumped on his back and plunged one sword into the back of his head while the other into his chest. He dies instantly, letting out a death rattle before slumping for the last time. I wasted no time getting my swords out of him, determined to keep running until I can find Daugo.

After what seemed hopeless, I finally caught sight of Daugo. He was fighting against two kainde amedha that were keeping their distance, waiting for the right moment to strike. Daugo roars in their direction and they comply with a hiss. Their tails whipped above, teasing Daugo as to when they will attack. Determined, I ran towards them without pause. I put my swords back and pulled out my two disks with one in each hand. I pressed on them and the long blades pop out. When I saw the kainde amedha lunging at Daugo, I made my move. Oh no, you don't!

I threw the disks at them. Caught off guard, the kainde amedha didn't know what hit them as the blades slice through their necks cleanly. They fall to the ground, leaving Daugo puzzled by what he witnessed.

"Daugo!"

My call reaches him and he whips his head towards me. I could see the relief on his face when he caught sight of me. "Anya!"

I smiled as I ran over to him. But then I noticed his facial expression changed, showing horror and shock. I didn't understand what was wrong until I felt something shove me from behind. Gravity pulls me down and I land on my stomach but then I felt a searing pain go through me like a hot rod, forcing me to scream in agony. I tried to get back up but massive claws pinned my arms and legs, immobilizing me. I managed to turn my head to the side, realizing a kainde amedha loomed over me. My eyes widened in horror when I saw its head coming closer, watching its inner jaws slowly protrude. It snapped like a piranha, aiming for the back of my head like any other of is kind would do. They always go for the fatal blow but also make their kill writhe in pain before death. My will to survive kicks in and I thrash, trying to get it off of me. But it was useless since it had my limbs in a lock hold. All I could do was watch as its inner jaws come closer.

This can't be it! I will not die like this! I refuse!

But in an instant, A'kib leaps on the back of the kainde amedha and bites down on its neck. The creature hisses in pain, diverting its attention to him. The kainde amedha had to loosen its grip on my arms in an attempt to hit A'kib. It misses but I take the chance, grabbing my knife from my hip and plunging it on the side of its temple. The creature screams in agony but it does the last thing I wanted it to do. I hit a fatal point so I thought it would go down quickly. Instead, it thrashes around in which its blood begins spilling from the wound, onto the knife and right on the side of my neck. One drop manages to touch my skin and begins to burn away the flesh, reaching for my muscles next. I screamed at the top of my lungs as it was the worst feeling I ever endured. It wasn't just like someone taking something hot and putting it on me. It was more like lava slowly seeping into your veins and spreading like wildfire, made worse that there's no way to put it out. It was horrible and my muscles quivered uncontrollably.

I almost blacked out from the overwhelming sensation when the weight of the kainde amedha was lifted off me. My vision was blurred from the pain so I couldn't see anything for a minute. When it does come back, Daugo's face was the first to come into view along with A'kib, whimpering in worry.

"Anya! Stay still!"

I groaned, still feeling the skin on my neck burn until Daugo placed a cool and moist substance that instantly stops the effects of the kainde amedha's blood. Yautjas called it the neutralizer . . . something all Yautjas take with them on hunts in case they run into them so that if they get soaked in kainde amedha blood, it would stop it from searing off a limb or killing a warrior. Its effects were immediate and I sighed in relief that it was gone but I knew it would leave a scar since my blood can't heal burns. Daugo lifts my body back on its feet and I hold on to him for support.

"Are you alright?"

I look up to him and nod. "I think so. A'kib saved my life."

I glanced down at him and A'kib barks in joy. I smiled but the moment didn't last long. Daugo starts to pull me away from the fighting and chaos with A'kib following close behind.

"Daugo! What are you doing!?"

"We can't stay here! We're losing the fight!"

"What!?"

I turned my head around and saw what Daugo meant. Most of our allies were either too injured to fight or already dead, being eaten by the kainde amedha or dealt with by Bad Bloods who let them suffer before they finished them off. The rest continued to fight but it was only a matter of time before they were completely wiped out.

It's . . . impossible.

Still, my pride as a Blooded warrior was causing conflict in me. A warrior would stand and fight until the very end, not run off like a coward that we're doing at the moment. It's a lesson that Lar'ja had told me before back on Earth, and enhanced in my training. However, the ooman side of my agreed with Daugo. If we stay here, then Hakr'ouh and the Killer Yautja would win. I hesitated, looking back to my comrades who were dying like flies.

"Come on!"

I didn't resist as Daugo pulled me away. I saw A'kib and whistled for him to come. He answers without hesitation, running through the chaos to follow. At first, I was confused about where Daugo was taking us. The entrance to the Council's room was blocked by Bad Bloods and kainde amedha. He was going in the opposite direction and heading to a plain wall. He lets go of me and places his hands over it, trying to search for something. Is he crazy right now? There's nothing there.

But I was mistaken when Daugo pressed on a part of the wall and it shifts out of the way. It reminded me of a horror movie with a mansion filled with secret passages. It wasn't long before the wall revealed a small underground tunnel leading to somewhere I didn't know. I had to yell so Daugo could hear me through the chaos.

"What is that?!"

"It's an emergency that the Council uses to get to safety! There's a lift not too far that will lead to a ship!"

Daugo pushes me through and A'kib follows suit. He presses on a large panel on the other side, closing the door behind. But before it does, I turn to look back and shivered when I noticed Hakr'ouh saw us fleeing. The smirk he gave me didn't assure me of our safety but I ran with Daugo and A'kib, hoping that we make it.

The tunnel looked similar to the one I went through during the Quitan. It was long and dark except for a bit of light illuminating our way. We ran as fast as we could, feeling my chest tighten and my lungs aching from catching a breath. Daugo kept looking back, making sure I was following. A'kib had very little difficulty keeping up the pace as expected since he loves to run. The tunnel seemed endless, never showing any signs of ending until I saw a large light ahead. We got closer and saw that it revealed a door to a lift, smaller than the Council's but it was more than enough.

Daugo stops at the panel next to it, pressing a series of codes that activated the lift. It comes to life with the gears starting up and the door opening slowly.

"Get in!"

A'kib and I did as Daugo told us, crossing the threshold before the door was fully open. Daugo moved inside and started pressing more codes to get the lift moving. Soon, the door began to close slowly and I placed my hands on my knees, savoring the moment to rest.

But my body jolted up when I heard a loud explosion in the tunnel. It was powerful since we could hear it from the lift. Daugo and A'kib growled, seemingly knowing the danger that was coming.

"C'jit! They breached the tunnel!"

Sure enough, I heard screeches and hisses echoing from the tunnel. A'kib barks and growls like crazy, knowing what's coming. The door is halfway closed when I saw three kainde amedha followed by one Bad Blood holding the chains to their collars. My heart pounded in terror when their sights zone on us. Daugo pulls out a knife, holding it in preparation.

"We can't let them get to us!"

I nodded and I reached for my knife, ready throw it if we have to. The Bad Blood roars, letting go of the chains to allow the kainde amedha to charge at us. My body shook in anticipation, hoping that the lift will close before it reaches us. But when I realized that the creatures were only a few feet away, I had no choice but to throw my knife. It gets one on the shoulder but doesn't relent its attack, seemingly more angry at the injury. Daugo throws his knife at another that lunged to get inside the lift. It plunges into the center of its head and it goes down inches from the door. But the other two were still coming with the Bad Blood running at us. I heard more heavy footsteps farther in the tunnel, indicating more are on the way.

"What do we do!?"

Daugo doesn't answer but rather pulls out his wrist blades, keeping his sights on the enemy. "Stay in the lift. I'll deal with these monsters."

"What!?"

I couldn't believe what he was saying. The door of the lift was almost closed. Even if Daugo fights, there won't be enough time to get back on the lift before it shuts. In short, he was going to stand his ground while I make it out. I grabbed his arm, digging my nails into his biceps to grab his attention.

"I won't let you! We'll escape together!"

Daugo hesitates to look at me but leans his head down. "We don't have a choice."

I opened my mouth to say more but our attention turns back to the outside and saw a kainde amedha jumping towards us with its teeth and claws bearing down on the door. There's a bit of opening left but enough that one of those abominations can get through. And that's what one had in mind. It crashes in between the cracks, leaving a small dent on each side. The door was still closing but the kainde amedha attempted to reach inside, enough that the door was struggling to close, The groaning of metal was a bad sign. Daugo pulled his wrist blades out, ready to push it out of the lift. I was mortified.

No . . . I can't let him do this!

I was prepared to attack the creature myself, finding a way to ensure all of us make it out of here. But as one of us was about to make a move, A'kib springs into action without warning. He lunges at the kainde amedha, shoving both of them out of the lift and freeing the door to keep closing. I was too stunned to move as I watched A'kib bite into the creature's neck, clamping down with his powerful jaws before jerking it clockwise. Its neck snapped and goes limp in A'kib's mouth. He spits the corpse out, only to turn and see the other two kainde amedha coming closer. They hiss in anger and A'kib responds with a bark and growl. The door was almost closed and my heart pounded in fear that A'kib will be left behind.

"Come on, boy! Get in the lift!"

I whistled but he didn't respond like before. He's not answering. Why is he not answering me!? I called for him again but it's the same response. The kainde amedha circle around him as if he was mere prey. A'kib hunched his back upward to make himself look bigger. The door inches closer, almost shutting my view of him.

But then, A'kib's head turns to the side and his eye focuses on me. In that instant, I gasped at what I saw. Although he's considered a lesser creature to the Yautja, I saw hope and bittersweet joy deep in his eye. He lets out a whimper that was mixed with despair and happiness.

I knew then . . . that A'kib was saying farewell.

"No!"

I tried to reach out for him but Daugo wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me back into the lift. I thrashed and screamed in his arms but in my current emotional state, I didn't have enough power to break free. I watched as A'kib turns around and charge at the kainde amedha. There was only a slit of an opening left so I could see him fighting hard. He bites into an arm of one creature and it shrieks in agony but he could only do so much. The other kainde amedha grabs A'kib from behind and throws him on his back. Still, he kept fighting and kicks the creature off. For a one-on-two fight, he was getting the upper hand.

But he was done the moment I heard a shoulder cannon go off. The blast hits A'kib in the stomach, sending him flying to the other side of the tunnel and he cries in pain from the impact. He falls to the ground but my heart sank when I saw a massive pool of green blood all over the wall. More spread from underneath A'kib and my body freeze in despair when I saw a gaping hole in A'kib's abdomen. I turned to the side, seeing the Bad Blood from before had shot a blast from his shoulder cannon. The edges of his flesh were steaming hot but nothing remained but a dark abyss in his stomach with blood oozing out. All of his organs were destroyed and my body trembled in agony against Daugo when I kept hearing his whimpers and cries.

But the kainde amedha would show him no mercy despite being on death's door. The last thing I saw before the door to the lift closes was the tearing of flesh as the black creatures ripped him apart. The door finally closes and the lift starts to descend lower into the planet.

"A'kib!"

I cried in Daugo's arms, feeling a stream of tears falling down my cheeks. How many more can I lose!? How many will the Bad Bloods take from me!? Why!? WHY!?

I thrashed even harder against Daugo's grip, enough that I managed to slip out of his grasp and slam into the door. I punched as hard as I could, screaming for A'kib in the hopes that he might hear me. But I knew enough that he was gone . . . and there's nothing I can do to bring him back. Knowing that fact caused more tears to fall out of my eyes. I kept punching the door, enough that my knuckles began to bleed and I felt the burning sting creep up my arms. I was like a child having a temper tantrum.

"Anya."

I barely registered that Daugo was also inside the lift with me. I didn't relent my bombardment, going as far as feeling my knuckles crack.

"Anya!"

This time, Daugo pulls my shoulder back so I was forced to face him. With the anger and despair still raging inside, I turned my aggression on him. I punched his chest several times to no avail. I kept going, wanting to get rid of this unsettling feeling until Daugo had enough. He falls to one knee so our faces were at the same level and grab my shoulders. He shakes me enough that I started to get whiplash.

"Look at me!"

My body stops moving and my eyes lock on his. It was hard to keep it due to the burning sensation that my tears left behind. My breath hitched uncontrollably and my chest muscles spasm as a result. But when Daugo starts to purr, it instantly stops. His eyes softened and his arms that were like steel bars a minute ago loosened.

"Anya . . . There was nothing we can do. We needed to escape and A'kib knew it. It's not your fault."

I stared at him like a zombie, absorbing his words, regardless if I wanted to contradict it. The last look A'kib gave me was proof enough. I closed my eyes, let my breath and heartbeat slow down enough that my thinking process came back into dominance.

"Alright . . . But what now?"

Seeing that I was calm, Daugo slowly lets go and gets back on his feet. "The lift will take us down to another tunnel that leads to a ship. In an extreme situation, the Arbitrators would bring them there to escape until the situation got settled. But with all of this, we're going to use it."

"And leave? To where? What about the others? And Arkarb?"

He paused for a split second. "Last time I saw Arkarb, he was finding a way to get communications back online. The Bad Bloods did something to interfere with the connection. But I don't after the explosions went off. We can only hope he made it out."

"Anything from Lar'ja? Sa'iye and the others?"

It was the one question I feared to ask but I needed to know. From what Hakr'ouh said, the sentinel planets were meant to split and capture the Elites and anyone involved. I clutched my chest, thinking if Lar'ja was safe. I looked back at Daugo with concerned eyes. It must have triggered something because his eyes dropped afterward. It wasn't a good sign.

"I don't know." He looks back up. "But we need to have faith that he and the Elites will make it. It won't do much good if we get killed or captured by our enemy. For now, we're going to get out of here and find a place to lay low. Understand?"

I nodded, knowing he was right. I tried to smile and ensure Daugo I would be okay. It was a poor attempt since my lips keep on quivering. Daugo purrs and kneels back down, holding my face in his massive hands.

"We will get through this."

After a few seconds, I shook my head in a 'yes' gesture. His mandibles move to let a smile form on his inner mouth. Despite any situation, Daugo had a way to make things better . . . to keep pushing forward. My body relaxes a little as I heard him purr yet again.

But out of nowhere, the lift suddenly jerks to a halt. I lose my balance and fell backward, only for Daugo to pull me back into his arms.

"What the pauk happened?"

Daugo and I looked around the lift, trying to find the source of what stopped it. Was it a kink? Or a wire got loose? It is common for lifts to have minor problems since a lot of Yautjas use it to go up and down levels within buildings. It was false hope to cling on.

Then we heard groaning from above followed by a snap of a metal wire. Suddenly, one side of the lift drops to one corner and almost took us in surprise. Daugo growls and carries me to the higher side, grabbing hold of the metal frame.

"C'jit! They're cutting the cables!"

I looked up to the ceiling, even though I knew it was useless since I couldn't see anything. Lifts on Yautja Prime are automatic when you enter the codes but the mechanism is similar to an elevator on Earth, pulled by cables to go up and down. Severing them would be extremely bad. Without them, the lift would simply fall to the bottom. I had no idea how far up we are but I assumed that we weren't even close. Daugo moves to the door, trying to pry it open but growls in frustration. I followed close behind and reached for the bottom half of the slit. We pulled with all of our might but it was like trying to move an entire building by yourself. Pauk! This needs more than both of us to move.

Another cable snaps on the same side so the whole lift was falling to one side, hitting the structure of the shaft with brute force. It sends me and Daugo tumbling to the ground. The lift creaks and groans, struggling to keep itself up but it's only a matter of time. The third cable snaps and the sudden jerk sends me and Daugo tumbling. Instinctually, he wraps his arms and legs around me, creating a protective shell over my small body. I could hear the last cable wigging out of control like a harp string, ready to snap at any moment.

For a split second, Daugo looks at me. My eyes met his, showing remorse for some strange reason. Is he okay? I wasn't sure how to respond but I knew he was worried. He purrs as if trying to comfort me but it didn't have the same effect as before.

It wasn't long before the last cable snapped and the lift goes down fast and hard. I closed my eyes and held on to him, bracing for impact, which felt like forever. It wasn't long before it finally came, pushing both of our bodies into the ceiling with extreme power. It knocked me out cold but not before I felt Daugo's hold on me loosen and then disappear altogether. I cried out once more before I went unconscious.

"Daugo!"

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I woke up with a gasp after what felt like hours but only a few minutes had passed. It was the pain radiating inside every bone in my body that pulled me back. It took a while before my vision returned to me. I looked around, seeing that I was still inside the lift but it was completely damaged. It was like I was inside a shipwreck with the walls bent and electric wires hanging from the ceiling. My body was pinned down by pieces of it but I felt a small gap between that I could squeeze out if I have to.

But first, I had to get my body moving. I tried to lift by my arms but when I did, pain shot up through then and into my fingers. I gasped and fell once more. I moved cautiously, slowly getting up to my elbows to take a rest. My legs ached badly but I pushed it aside, stumbling onto my feet and getting a feel of my body once more. It felt like I got kicked by a horse multiple times. Damn . . . what a fall. I'm surprised I didn't get cuts all over my body.

But then, I remembered that I was shielded during the fall. Daugo! I realized that he was nowhere in sight. I spun all the way around but I couldn't find him. Where is he!?

Frantic, I scattered all over the lift, trying to find any sign of him. I was beginning to fear the worst when I heard a groan from the far corner. My head twists around and saw something moving in the rubble.

"Daugo!"

I called for him and his weak voice answers from a corner of the lift. "Anya?"

"Daugo!"

I called once more, stumbling over rocks and weaving under wires to avoid getting shocked. I couldn't see clearly with all the dust covering the area in a thick cloud. But as soon as I broke through, my heart sank in fear when I saw Daugo lying in the corner. He had multiple cuts everywhere, letting lots of blood flow out of him and onto the floor. Several metal pillars from the frame piled all around him. The fall must have broken some off. I watched as his head bobbed up and down. His eyes dazed from the impact and the loss of blood he endured. I gasped, rushing towards him until falling to my knees in front of him.

"Daugo. Are you alright? Talk to me."

He groaned as he turned his head, catching sight of me. "Anya . . . you're safe."

"Don't worry. I'm going to get you out of here. Just stay still and—"

"I'm afraid . . . I can't . . . move."

I squinted my eyes together in confusion. "Of course you can. All I need is to move the pillars and—"

My voice shudders to a stop when I noticed something in Daugo's right shoulder. I lean to get a closer look and I shuddered. A large metal pillar had gone through his shoulder, pinning him to the ground. Only a sliver of green neon blood coated the line of contact between him and the pillar, which was a good sign. But it was short-lived when I realized he was stuck, not having any way of freeing himself. Daugo tried to lift his upper body but roars in agony when the pillar shifted with him, ripping more into his shoulder and almost reaching his neck. He slumps back in defeat and my heart ached at the sight.

"Okay. But if I can pull it out, I'll be able to heal you and we can escape together."

Without giving Daugo a chance to protest, I grabbed onto the pillar and yanked as hard as I could. It didn't even budge an inch, frustrating the pauk out of me. I tried again but it was the same results. The pillar was so stuck that it would take a few Yautjas to get it out of the ground. Frustrated and not thinking straight, I decided to push the pillar to the side. I thought that it would bend so I could snap it off. But as soon as I moved it an inch, Daugo roars in pain that screeches in my ear. I pulled away quickly.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"

I groaned. I was only making Daugo suffer more than he should. I started to panic, trying to think of some way to get him free. I grabbed a fist full of my hair, yanking hard enough that I may have pulled some out. I lowered my head and started to breathe harshly.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

"Anya . . ."

I heard Daugo calling me once more and I went to him without hesitation. I kneeled as close to him as I could, trying to push through the other pillar blocking my way. Daugo grunts as he tries to shift in his spot.

"You need . . . to get . . . to the ship."

I shook my head. "What?"

His mandibles twitch as he pulls back. He reaches down to his arm pinned by the pillar in his shoulder. He presses on his wrist gauntlet, entering something that I couldn't see due to the rubble around him. But the next thing I knew, his shoulder cannon pops out from his armor. What is trying to pull?

Daugo presses on his gauntlet once more and the cannon turns towards the wall of the lift that was still intact. Without warning, a blast flies through the air and hits it. I had to shield my face from the blast, waiting until the dust settles. When I looked up, a gigantic hole was created, leading into another tunnel like the earlier one. Confused, I turned back to Daugo. The color of his eyes began to dim but he fights the pain to speak.

"That . . . tunnel . . . should lead . . . to the ship. It . . . will take you . . . out of here."

As soon as I realized what Daugo was trying to say, I screamed in his face. "I won't leave you!"

"There's . . . nothing . . . you can . . . do to . . . help me. There's . . . no time."

"But—"

I was interrupted by a heavy thud on top of the lift, creating a large dent in the middle. I didn't know what it was until I heard growls and roars of a Yautja. I don't think that's one of our own. I hated it when I was correct because as soon as it stopped, a solid laser beam shot through the ceiling and burned even through the floor. I've seen a tool capable of generating something like that. Only forgers use it to detail armor or clean trophies of their flesh. But I figured the Bad Bloods are using it as a weapon to break in. I looked up and saw it starting to move along the ceiling, creating the shape of a square. My eyes widened in shock.

They're breaking in!

"Anya . . . please . . . go."

Daugo's voice was growing weaker with each passing moment. His breath was becoming more shallow and brief. I turned back to him, worried by how weak he was becoming. He could barely reach out his hand to me as I grabbed it. He's so cold . . . That wasn't good news for a Yautja. In a healthy state, Yautjas would generate heat twice as much as an ooman so they would feel like ovens if I wasn't used to it. But Daugo was turning into ice . . . He was losing too much blood.

I shook my head in defiance. "I won't go! They'll kill you if I do!"

My emotions became too hard for me to hold back. First, it was all anger inside but as I processed that the situation was becoming direr, despair began to overcloud me.

"I can't leave you! I won't run like a coward! I can't . . ."

My voice cracks and the waterworks start up. I could feel the cold tears falling down my cheeks. I tried to stop it but it was no use. I shook my head as I lowered my gaze.

"I can't . . . lose anymore . . ."

I couldn't finish my sentence. I didn't want to lose any more people that are precious to me. This was an awful reminder of when I lost my mother. Hearing her pleading for me to escape . . . Even now, I felt like nothing has changed despite the many seasons I spent here to become stronger. I tightened my eyes shut, feeling my tears spill all the more. I'm so pathetic . . .

"Anya . . ."

I felt Daugo's hand slip from my own, caressing my cheek gently. I shot up to see Daugo staring into my eyes. His claws rake over my temple as he let out a small purr. It calmed me a little, enough that I listened to his words.

"I promised . . . your mother . . . I would protect you . . . no matter what. And I can't . . . bear for you . . . to endure . . . the suffering . . . once more."

It took me a minute to understand what he was talking about. Did he knew . . . of what happened to me at the facility?

I should have known better. My mother and Daugo knew each other enough that she must have told him what happened. All those times that I saw him react when he saw my scars or when other Yautjas talked about him being an ooman pauker. He must have endured so much suffering that he couldn't bear for it to happen a second time. The sorrow in his eyes bore deep into my soul and I couldn't help but tremble at such a sight.

Daugo . . .

But then, he smiles weakly, moving his thumb to graze over my eyelid as I closed it. He removes it and I opened my eyes once more.

"Please . . . let me do this . . . for you . . . when I couldn't before. You not only . . . need to survive . . . but live."

My breath quivered and my chest tightened as I watched him let go of my cheek, bringing his arm back to his chest. He extends his wrist blades right as I heard a loud bang from above. I turned around and saw the laser was gone. Instead, a dent formed in the middle of the square. The sides barely holding on to the ceiling. Another bang caused it to creak even more and it was only a matter of time before they gain access.

I stared back at Daugo, pleading with my eyes to not do this. He doesn't relent, only tightens his fist with the blades out.

"Go . . ."

My body refused to move . . . too stunned to even flex a finger. Another bang gets Daugo to roar as loud as he could to my face.

"GO!"

This was one of the rare times I was truly terrified of Daugo. When he got very angry like this, I knew right away to not mess around. Instinctually, I pulled back in fear and jumped right on my feet. I walked a few steps backward and towards the hole. I kept looking towards it . . . then Daugo . . . and the ceiling. I hesitated, unwilling to leave Daugo behind. But a single glare of his eyes was enough. My fists tightened and my chest became heavy with despair.

"Pauk!"

I ran as fast as I could, going through the hole and into the tunnel. I never looked back, fearing that if I did . . .

I would break into a million pieces . . .

Hi Readers!

Another sad chapter for Anya.

She had lost A'kib who fought to protect her until the end. Just when we think she and Daugo are about to escape, the Bad Bloods have to pull this bullshit again. For that, Daugo had to pay the price.

But I felt so bad for him. He wants so much to protect Anya . . . not just for fulfilling Mia's promise but he cares for her deeply. It tugged at my sad strings from writing this scene.

But will Anya escape? Are the others, including Lar'ja, going to make it? Will Hakr'ouh and the Bad Bloods win after all?

Find out what will happen next when the last chapter (#35) comes Wednesday (12/18/19). Another story will end but another will continue. Balance and The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2) will continue after the week of Christmas. I got so much shopping and wrapping to do since I'm finally done with school until next semester.

Another preview of Balance for all to read! It's a bit short but I hope you love it!

I paced back and forth, thinking of my options. I know that if I go in, then there's a chance I might be killed or worse . . . captured. I believe this because Bad Bloods have been known to torture their prisoners and with the price on my head for my return to Hakr'ouh . . . it would be Hell. But if I do nothing, then they will use him as leverage or kill him to send a message. I couldn't accept either option. It's either succeed . . . or die.

I stopped and turned to face Sa'iye and Za'hir. "I'm going to get him out."

Sa'iye was the first to burst out in protest. "Are you serious!? That's one of the most secured ships in all of Yautja society. Going in there is asking for a death sentence."

I stomped my foot down and she pulls back in shock. "I don't care. I'm not going to abandon him after everything he has done for me."

Sa'iye grumbled before turning to Za'hir. "Do you agree with her?"

Za'hir didn't answer but I knew he would be honest and think of all possibilities before answering. He's thorough in that way and that's what makes him a formidable warrior. He rubs his chin for a minute before looking to me and then to Sa'iye.

"I understand your concern for her. I feel the same way . . . but she's our Leader. You know that Ta'kasa wouldn't go running into a Xy'lophion without knowing the consequences. Besides, we owe it to him for all that he's done. Without that, we wouldn't be here today."

At first, I could tell Sa'iye wanted to protest. Her mandibles twitched in frustration and uncertainty. But after a minute, she pulls back and sighs in defeat. Her eyes met mine and I kept a stern look, making sure that I wasn't messing around.

"Alright. I accept your decision. I only want what's best for you."

"And many others before you."

I made it sound like I wasn't pleased with her answer. She lowers her head in submission but I sighed, walking up to her. I pressed a hand on her shoulder and she lifts her eyes quickly to me.

I smiled. "But I thank you for watching out for me. Both of you."

I turned to Za'hir and he nods his head, barely giving a smile. Will he ever relax and show more emotions other than Sa'iye? I shook my head in amusement, pulling my hand away from Sa'iye. She smiles but then it fades, replaced with a stern look.

"But you'll have to explain it to him. He won't like it one bit."

I nodded my head. "I know . . ."

I was going to have a tough night on the ship to deal with him. One thing's for sure . . . I won't be able to sleep tonight. I turned to Za'hir and gave the orders.

"Let them know that we'll be making a detour. Find a way to track the Xy'lophion that holds him. Make sure to cover our location from the Bad Bloods before we head over there along with when we go in. Understood?"

Za'hir bows his head. "Yes, my Leader."

With that, Sa'iye and Za'hir take off to their room for the night to get some rest. As for me, I headed in the opposite direction, preparing myself for the fight of my life. But I was determined to do whatever it takes to bring him back.

Wait for me . . . I'm coming.

There you have it. Spoiled a bit but I hope it gets your minds reeling about all the possibilities. One more preview will be shown in the last chapter of Metamorphosis.

P.S. Thank you again for the wonderful reviews on the last chapter of Metamorphosis. And I'm planning to get the game called Predator: Hunting Grounds and use my FanFiction name to play on PS4. So if any of you are interested in playing with me in the game, let me know ;)

As for NeverNeverLady . . . I appreciate your constructive criticism on translating but it's for those who have never read or saw Aliens/Predators before so I want to make things easier for them to understand. I could put them in the end but I believed it was better to put it in the text so they don't have to scroll back and forth if they forget. If you have any other issues, you can PM anytime. My doors are always open.

Anonymous-E: I laughed at your review and I knew you have another Yautja to curse at. You made my day with it and I was looking forward to it (probably will after this chapter too lol). I did see the new trailers for the Predator game and I loved the bow with the Yautja female. I plan to play the game once it's released and try the weapon out. That way, I can get a better understanding of how it works so I can incorporate it into Flying Arrow for Respect. I can't wait until I play it. And got some names for the female Leader and Techie. For the first, it could be Ravaging Pride (Yautja name: Pa'to-ah) since she's serious and not to be messed with. For Techie, I think Advancer (Yautja name: A'jaur) would be good. It might not be the best but what do you think?

Mariah: Love your questions and all can be possible. But I can't spoil anything just yet. I want to surprise all of you. ;) I didn't post a preview of Balance since I still was brainstorming but I hope you like this one. It's short but it can mean a lot of things. Who knows?

Thank you and enjoy! :)))))

Reading notes:

Normal = Anya (human form) speaking English (ooman language)

Italic = Anya (human form) speaking Yautja

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language