Chapter 52: Caution

Authors Note: This story I have written may not be exact with the customs and culture founded by the Predator movies, comics, or stories but I have tried to stay in the area of their beliefs and ways. I have brought in elements from each of the categories and have combined them into one. I do not own Predator. Updates will be regular and changes will be made if any suggestions are made for me. Some of the mentioned items in the Yautja world are made up by me. Good Reading. This is from the original author and I will be sticking to it. Enjoy! :))))

Sya and Nei'hime watched from afar, seeing only Nala's back as she read the book containing the Story of Creation. He could remember as clearly as the day when he went through the same scenario. He was merely a pup in training when he was brought here, reading of Paya and Cetanu along with his ancestors that followed along. It was then that he got the inspiration to become the best hunter he could ever be . . . and he did. Becoming an Arbitrator is a great honor that very few Yautjas ever lived to see, much less obtained. Now, he never thought he would come here again, watching his first daughter read the very same story.

But his attention was being pulled somewhere else. He remained still but he glanced to the side, studying Nei'hime. The female was striking in unique appearances. The red and black colors in her tresses were unusual but familiar at the same time. She appears similar to . . .

"Do you have something to say?"

He snapped out of focus when Nei'hime spoke, noticing she'd turned her head to him. Sya moved his head straight to avoid contact but since she'd already noticed, he felt an answer was needed. "Not really."

"Don't lie. I can tell."

Her computerized voice couldn't hide the frustrating tone. Sya shifted uncomfortably for a little bit before he sighed. "I have many questions to ask. You aren't exactly giving any indication of who you are other than being the leader of a clan we have no idea existed. Some are starting to think you have connections with the Yautjas wearing the black Awu'asa."

Her masked face flinched away to which Sya took notice. But it was gone in a split second as she looked back through the glass door and then to Nala. "You aren't wrong about that." He tensed at hearing such a reply. So she's with them?

"But not in a way you think I am. There's no doubt I'm on your side."

Nei'hime turns to face him. Sya did the same but only went halfway, still keeping an eye on Nala as is his job. But it was getting hard since he felt he was going to get answers everyone wanted to know.

"Those Bad Bloods we've encountered are much more dangerous than you think. This last attack is only the tip of the iceberg so we must be careful." She looks back to Nala once more. "All we can do is protect the future at all costs. Even if it means sacrifices must be made."

Sya clicked his mandibles. "What are you saying?"

She sighed deeply. Sya could feel remorse radiating off her body like heat. It wasn't something he'd expected from her. It was silent for a minute until Nei'hime rolled her shoulders in a stretch. The feeling he felt earlier was gone again. "If you want to know, meet me in a week from now on my ship. I'll answer any questions you might have."

That stunned him. He never imagined this female would suddenly let him in on what she and her clan knows. But what she said earlier disturbed him in some way. Tip of the iceberg? Protect the future? Sacrifices to be made? Even with those small pieces of information, he was more confused than ever.

All of a sudden, he heard a faint clanking sound coming from the temple. His head whips forward, only to see a puff of smoke where Nala was standing. Nala! He didn't know what was happening but he needed to make sure she was okay. But a hand pulled him back when he tried to take a step forward. Instinctually, he growled and faced whoever laid a hand on him. But he froze upon realizing it was Nei'hime, looking at him calmly through her mask. The soft purr she gave was another surprise but did the trick in relaxing him.

"Don't be afraid. She's alright."

She lets go of him and Sya looks back. The smoke was gone with Nala merely standing in front of the table before turning around. The book remained there and unfazed. He straightens when she approaches the glass door, waits for it to slide open, and walks inside where both of them were waiting.

"Nala. Is everything alright?" He checked her body to see if there were any injuries or anything unusual.

"What is it, Sya?"

He met her blue eyes, seeing that she wasn't frightened or concerned. He opened his mandibles and mouth to say something but snapped it shut. She seems fine . . .

"I thought something happened to you inside the room. Did it?"

Nala shook her head . . . a little too much in his opinion. Like she was hiding something. "Nothing. I read the story as instructed. Can we go now?"

The eagerness was another flag for Sya but when he saw her fidgeting, his instinct to make her feel better kicked in. With a deep sigh, he moved out of the way, giving her an opening back to where they came from. "Let's go now."

Without hesitation, Nala walked onward and through the second doors with Sya and Nei'hime following suit. She tried her best to keep herself stoic so Sya couldn't figure out what she was doing. She moved a hand to her chest piece when she believed their views were obscured. She slips it between, tracing her fingertips on the corner of the book she found to make sure it was still there. She thought it would be difficult to hide it but surprisingly, it fits in well.

Keep it safe . . . when the time comes.

The voice sounded more urgent than ever. Whatever this is, it must be greatly important. Question is . . . how much? Nala removed her hand when she sensed Sya coming closer to her side, dropping her hand casually like she was merely moving it. Sya didn't see what she was doing when her hand fell. Still, he couldn't help that she was hiding something but he figured she was being her unusual self. He purrs for reassurance and Nala smiles in response. He does the same and pulls back to walk behind her. He looks towards Nei'hime on the other side of Nala, getting a small nod from her. He motions in the same way, figuring that she wanted to make sure of the promise she made to him.

In a week, he would get the answers to his questions but a part of him worried of what those answers might bring . . . and if he'd regret finding out.

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

Meanwhile, a meeting was being conducted in secret to discuss the matter of the A'tu Clan and their elusive leader. Lord Khupiee, of course, attended it even though it was immensely composed of Elders. They requested him to be there to give his input on what he's experienced with Nei'hime. The bitterness towards her for the embarrassment in front of his clan was dimming but remained. There was something about her that he started to be curious about. She fights but claims to be an ally. If that's true, why all of the secrecy? He pulled back to the conversation when an Elder slammed his fists on the long table.

"I can't believe the Patriarch and Matriarch allow that female of a leader to have access to everything. It took many seasons for any of us to gain a part of what she got."

It was typical for some males to get frustrated with the recent changes. For no reason, Nei'hime was allowed permission to go anywhere she wanted to, even the private sectors of Homeworld that a few privileged hunters can go. Added to the fact that Nei'hime came out of nowhere, it's understandable. But they don't know what Lord Khupiee has been. His mind was still coping after the conversation with Dhm'Ni and the discipline from Ras'Lech. He stayed silent and listened to the meeting.

Elder Figira speaks softly. "True . . . but there is always a reason behind our leader's actions. The only question is what makes that reason so important."

"Does it matter? We have the right to know about it!"

The Elders roared and cheered in agreement. Lord Khupiee, in some way, understands but he's not one to make a commodity of it. The Patriarch and Matriarch's words were sacred and law. They wouldn't allow a stranger in without a good enough reason for it. They and Nei'hime knew something that they didn't want to find out. He was wise enough though to wait it out. All will be revealed in time . . . He remembered those words very well from his father and the rest who have taught him that.

"Lord Khupiee? What is your opinion on this Nei'hime and the A'tu Clan?"

It took a minute for Lord Khupiee to register one of the Elders had asked for him. He figured they would ask for his input but didn't think it would be so soon. He grumbles. "They are a strange bunch. It feels like they are keeping a secret from everyone else."

"Exactly."

He was stunned and saw it was Elder Ukinda who spoke out. Lord Khupiee grumbled, not in the mood for praising. Ukinda ignored it and kept going. "What else would they not tell? Maybe they are working with the Bad Bloods in black Awu'asa that have attacked your party and almost killed your last son."

Lord Khupiee growls louder this time. "Keep Dhm'Ni out of this. And we don't have any evidence to suggest that claim. Watch your tongue before you speak."

The flash of the memory with the Bad Bloods was still too much for him. The wound was still fresh of what transpired afterward. Ukinda grumbled in response but a growl that wasn't his own broke through the meeting. Lord Khupiee knew all too well that it belonged to Pakka. He was the one Yautja he could count on to speak of negativity to any foreign beings . . . ooman or not.

"I would think . . . my brother . . . that you would want justice for those who took your mate and then almost your two sons."

He had enough. Lord Khupiee raised from his seat and threw a fist on the table. His anger fuelled him with uncontrolled power. "Don't think I don't want that. But there's more that we need to find out but pointing the fingers is childish for you."

"What did you say?!"

Pakka stood up as well, snarling like a wild animal. Lord Khupiee wouldn't go so low to initiate a fight over a small matter, even if it was his brother. But Pakka took it further and began walking around the table and towards him. He didn't care who was in his way, regardless of rank. Does he want a fight? So be it then. He waited for Pakka to get closer and make the first move. He would end it as quickly as he starts it.

But Pakka didn't make it.

When he was only a chair away, Elder Esa moved to block his path. Pakka stopped in his tracks and hissed in anger. "Get out of my way."

Esa didn't speak but shook his head as if disappointed. It only makes Pakka angrier and he roared with ferocity. "I said . . . get out of my way!"

"Look at you. Look at us." Esa grumbled. He placed his hands on either side of his hips. "Elders bickering over a small clan and a mysterious leader like spoiled pups. We have lived this far not with brute force but experience and wisdom. I would think you would act more reasonably."

Lord Khupiie was surprised when he saw Pakka's body relax a little. He had a nature to speak his mind and not listen to anyone else. But it was different in this case. But then again, Elder Esa is not one to be messed with so easily. He had a reputation for beating his opponents at an inch of their life and then leaving them to tend wounds that would last for weeks. Kh'Cho had a field day when Esa took down a few Unblooded who got too cocky.

Pakka let out a hiss of breath. "Still, I have the right to express my feelings. How can we trust that female and her followers when they appeared right when the Bad Bloods showed up?"

Esa sighed. "That . . . I cannot answer. But we need to tread carefully about this sensitive matter. Especially with the Patriarch and Matriarch involved."

The roars that were heard before went silent, replaced with grumbles of agreement and understanding. Lord Khupiee merely nodded his head. There was no doubt that this matter needed to be taken care of in a special manner. The meeting ended with an indecisive conclusion that left more questions than answers. He could do nothing but accept it, leaving the meeting room with a heavy heart. Was it right? Is Nei'hime a threat? Ever since she came, she showed no ill will of any kind, going beyond to helping them return to Homeworld and getting Dhm'Ni healed. But that uneasy feeling was still there.

It got even weirder when he saw Elder Ukinda conversing with Dyne. He stayed back enough he could hear some of their conversations but after a minute, he realized Ukinda was replaying the events of the meeting. Although it was secret, he couldn't stop anyone from gossiping. At least it's only his son.

But then, Ukinda suddenly went on his way, leaving Dyne alone where he was standing. Lord Khupiee sensed something disturbing. Dyne had his head down to the floor, staring like he was out of his mind. His mandibles hung like drapes similar to his tresses. No one paid any mind, too busy with their own business. Lord Khupiee decided to check on him and walked on over.

"Dyne?" He called but no answer or any sign of movement. He shouted this time, finally seeing Dyne lift his head in his direction.

He crosses his arm in greeting. "Lord Khupiee."

"Is everything alright?"

Dyne nods. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

He paused, not sure what to say for a moment. "I just heard your father speaking to you about the meeting."

"Oh yeah. He gave me the basics but mentioned to keep it a secret for now."

Lord Khupiee sighs. "It's true. But we can't come to sudden conclusions until we know more. That's all we can agree upon."

He had his eyes lower to the ground, can't help but think of the times with Nei'hime. True that she broke his arm and disregarded his authority but he sensed that she meant no harm. The more he thought about it, the more he thought that she might be trying to help them. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice the sudden change in Dyne until he raised his eyes again. He was back staring at the ground and it caught his mind in a bad way.

"Dyne?"

He didn't answer right away but heard quiet breaths coming from his mouth. "We shouldn't trust her."

"Excuse me?"

Lord Khupiee was taken aback, not sure why he suddenly spoke such a statement. "What makes you say that?"

This time, Dyne lifts his head again. "Don't you realize that she seems familiar? Like she reminds us of someone we know?" He paused to wait for a response from Lord Khupiee but none came. "Nei'hime seems to favor Nala and Dhm'Ni a lot, almost a little too much from a stranger. I've heard she even went to watch over Nala during her reading of the Story and healed Dhm'Ni when he was injured. I think they are connected to all of this."

"I don't understand."

Confusion burrowed deep in Lord Khupiee's mind but not as much as the dark feeling creeping from Dyne. It sent chills down his spine. He tried to look directly in Dyne's eyes to see his true feelings but they were too low for him. He moved to his side to get a better look until he was met with Dyne's face. As soon as he did, he wasn't prepared for what he was looking at. Dyne appeared to be in some state that he couldn't describe but his eyes were the worst. The pupils were dilated almost to the eyelids, making them dark and emotionless. Even the sliver of color was turning black and it sent ice flowing into his veins. He never felt this was in his life . . . terrified.

"I'll get to the bottom of this. I will find out what she's hiding."

Dyne left before Lord Khupiee could stop him or say anything. The darkness was swirling around him. He watched Dyne for a bit but his attention drew to the wall next to him. The light in the hallway created shadows all the time but never like this. The one following Dyne had an unusual shape. It wasn't a Yautja but rather a big blob of darkness. But when Dyne turned a corner, the shadow stopped for a brief second. What the . . ? His body felt like someone shocked it as soon as the shadow turned its disfigured head if he guessed right. Then two red lights shined for a split second, appearing as if they were eyes. Lord Khupiee couldn't believe what he was seeing. But when he blinked his eyes for one second, the shadow vanished.

What . . . was that?

Lord Khupiee rubbed his eyes, thinking it was his imagination. He decided to go and take a hot bath for relaxation. He felt exhausted for the day. But as he walked, that image of the shadow was fresh in his mind. He began to wonder if he should suspect Nei'hime . . . or fear Dyne.

Unbeknownst to him, the Yautja with the black Awu'asa and red triangle marking on his chest watched from afar. He chuckled in amusement from what he'd seen.

"I guess he'll make a great puppet after all."

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

The trip back to the docking globe was the same . . . long and tedious. Only this time, Nala was more stressed than ever before. She had to wind her fingers under her chest piece to make sure the book was still there. She felt eyes staring at her back, knowing it was Sya. He didn't say much but that doesn't mean he wasn't concerned. Did he find out what I was doing in the temple? Does he know I'm hiding something? This was one of the times she wished the mysterious voice she was hearing told her it was going to be alright. But it didn't come and Nala had no choice but to keep it together.

The lift finally made it back to the docking globe. Nala was able to take a breath of fresh air for once on the trip. Her lungs filled with relief but she kept diligent, hoping no one suspected what she was carrying.

"We're back."

Sya rumbled. "You made it seem like it was a terrible experience."

"Oh no." Nala kept her voice down but hurryingly spoke. "It was interesting but I'm glad I'm back with everyone else. Where's Dhm'Ni?"

Nei'hime walked to her side. "Hun'ta told me he was at the training deck with some of the others. Do you want me to let him know you're back."

"No. That isn't necessary. I'll head to my room first and then contact him. Don't worry about it."

Nala nodded her head to Nei'hime and Sya before she headed to the residence, leaving both of them alone on the dock. Sya kept watch of Nala until she turned a corner and disappeared. Sya could smell her nervousness but failed to come up with any reasonable explanation. Why?

"I should be going too. I have things to attend with my clan." Nei'hime spoke and diverted Sya's attention from Nala. She knows that something is going on but he can't let him know . . . not yet anyway. "It's best that you get some rest."

Sya sighs. "Yeah . . . Good idea." He steps away and heads towards his room but stops when he hears her once more.

"Remember our promise. Meet me on my ship in a week." Nei'hime glances for a second before turning away, not wanting to begin a conversation that would end up forcing her to stick around . . . as much as she liked Sya.

She walked through the docking globe to reach her ship but decided to contact Hun'ta or To'ya. She activated the COMMS on her gauntlet, avoiding bumping into other Yautjas and got Hun'ta to respond first. "Nei'hime. Everything went well?"

"Everything did. It went as planned although I believe Sya suspects something."

She heard a soft grumble. "I figured as much. He's much wiser than anyone else believes. We should have known better given our experiences with him."

"I agree." Nei'hime sighs deeply. She needed to tell him either now or later. Building the courage in her chest, knowing how Hun'ta will react, she went for it. "I agreed to meet with him in a week and tell him everything."

"Are you pauking serious?"

His voice wasn't as loud as the feeling behind it. Now she was in for a world of lecture with more on the way when she meets up with him. Still, she had to hide the remorse of deciding without consulting. That she knew was her mistake she'll have to face. "Yes. I believe he needs to know . . . about what will happen and the consequences if we don't do this."

"But can we trust him? We have no idea if our sworn enemy is hiding in the shadows as we speak. Anyone can be a suspect and—"

"He's my teacher."

She spoke softly but determined. She heard Hun'ta paused on the other side of the COMM and a long silence that followed. "Or will be anyway. I've known him long enough that he's honorable and will understand. I know it's a risk but one we need to take. Understand?"

Hun'ta sighs with a mix of grumble but eventually submitted. "Then let us hope it's the right timing . . . or Paya and Cetanu will have a word with you."

"I know." She lowered her gaze to the floor. The sense of dread filled her chest. "I know . . ."

All of a sudden, Nei'hime was hit with a sense of wickedness that slammed into her back. Her nerves and muscles shot and tightened all at once. It was a feeling that she knew all too well. She was forced to stop midway and the Yautjas behind her had to walk around but gave menacing glances. She didn't even recognize them. Her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips.

"Nei'hime? Are you alright?"

"Something's wrong . . ."

"What do you mean? What is it?" Hun'ta's voice raised in panic but Nei'hime didn't answer. She slowly turned around to see where that awful feeling came from. Sure enough, she saw a shadowy figure on the other side of the hallway. No one noticed it but they couldn't. The shadow was invisible to everyone else except for those who can sense it. Her fingers curled, forcing her nails to dig into her palms. Anger and shock took over her body.

The shadow grew in size until it was about the same height as the wall, which was about 9ft based on her estimate. Two red eyes came through and her blood froze like ice upon hearing the cackle voice it let out. No . . . It can't be.

Val'ha. It was Cetanu's voice this time. Be cautious. 'He' is here. Stay vigilant.

Don't let him get to you. Now Paya was speaking.

She knew it was serious if both of them were talking to her. They were gone through before she could ask any more. When she opened her eyes again, the shadow was gone. This isn't good.

But the feeling that she got from the shadow was replaced by another familiar pain. Her knees buckled from under her and there was no way to stop the momentum. She arches her back as she grips her arm in a pitiful attempt to put out the burning sensation that wasn't going away so easily. She was close to roaring into the air and letting out what she was feeling. No. Don't do it. She ground her teeth together and her breath made the inside of her mask hot and sweaty.

"Nei'hime! What's wrong!?"

The pain was gone as soon as she heard Hun'ta's voice. The heat was gone and her body almost slumped to the ground. She took deep breaths to regain her strength, enough that she saw several Yautjas watching her.

"What is she doing?"

"Is something wrong with her?"

"Maybe she's sick. I mean . . . she doesn't seem like a typical Yautja."

She had to get up. More trouble if I draw any more attention. She got back quickly on her feet but her shoulder felt sore when she moved it. Shaking her head, she spoke into the COMM. "Hun'ta . . . You're still there?"

"Yes, I am! What happened?! Did you get hurt?!"

Now, Hun'ta was becoming hysterical so he was worried. She swallowed some spit that collected in her mouth. "It's just my arm and shoulder but we've got bigger problems." she swallowed again. "He's here."

There was a pause for a moment. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes. I saw his shadow. It disappeared before I could follow it."

"That's not good." She heard several clicks from him. "You need to get back here now."

"On my way."

She turned off her gauntlet and straightened herself. Before she resumed, Nei'hime glanced to her shoulder and lifted her shoulder piece to get a better look. It wasn't the news she hoped for. The black veins on her arm have already reached to the base of her shoulder and started to grow new ones that stretched over to a part of it. C'jit . . . It's getting worse. She placed the shoulder piece back into place. I'm running out of time.

Nei'hime picked up her pace and pushed through the crowds, heading for her ship. But the dreaded feeling of someone watching her was not far behind.

Hello Everyone!

So many things are happening in this chapter but I can assure you that they have deeper connections than you think. The Elders don't seem happy with her. I mean . . . they don't appear to like strangers and maybe a bit jealous that she's getting the attention of the Patriarch and Matriarch. But at least Nei'hime is allowing Sya to join their little party. But for what reason?

And what is that shadow following them? Following Dyne? It's certainly not good.

Find out when Chapter 53 will hopefully be posted by next Friday. Things have been busy for me so I apologize in advance. For those currently reading Balance, the next chapter will be postponed until next week and hopefully, I'll be back on schedule.

Thank you NeverNeverLady, IanAlphaAxel, and Mariah for the wonderful reviews on Chapter 51. I hope everyone is doing okay as well. ;)

But stay safe and make sure to wash hands as much as possible. Stay healthy! :D

Thank you and Good Hunting! :))))