Chapter 26
Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.
Nobody moved for what seemed like forever. Fi'ka couldn't believe what she was seeing. The warrior that attacked them back so long ago was standing next to her best friends. A'stea's mind was blank, unsure of how to move forward or explain herself. Kaail remained steady but was tense and ready if he needed to.
A'stea managed to get herself together, seeing Fi'ka's eyes widened in horror. Slowly, she raised her hands, and calmly moved towards her. "Fi'ka . . ." Her friend still didn't move. "I know what you're seeing . . . but let me explain."
Something snapped in her. In a split second, Fi'ka was right at A'stea, to her surprise, and pushed her behind. She pulled out her knife hidden in her clothes and pointed it at Kaail. "You stay back!" She roared but was weak.
Kaail, on the other hand, moved forward with the intent to protect A'stea. Despite the notion that A'stea knew this short Hish female, it wasn't going to stop him. He growled fiercely, raising his shoulders to look bigger for intimidation. It sent a fearful sensation through her limbs but Fi'ka stood her ground. "You heard me! Stay away!"
Kaail could see the female was scared to the bone. Her hand holding the knife trembled badly. Even her legs almost gave out. Weak. He growled in return, moving forward again.
This went against much of Fi'ka's nature. But A'stea knew enough that when push comes to shove, Fi'ka would fight back. It was a poor attempt but the intentions were clear. She would fight to protect her. But this is not a good time to play the hero. I have to be the peacekeeper.
Before anyone could move, A'stea shoved through and stepped in between them. Her body blocking their views of each other. Kaail relaxed and took a step back. Fi'ka was baffled and her body froze in shock and maybe a little surprised.
"A'stea?" Her voice shrieked.
"Fi'ka." She spoke as calmly as possible. "Calm down. He's not going to hurt us."
"How do you know?" She thrust the knife right in Kaail's general direction. "He's the Great White Warrior. He killed thousands of us and much more. And why is he even here?" Fi'ka's eyes darted from A'stea and then to Kaail. Something clicked in her mind and A'stea knew it.
"He's got you under a spell . . ."
"What?" A'stea couldn't believe it. She's delusional.
Again, Fi'ka tried to push her out of the way to get to Kaail. But A'stea was aware of it this time. Without thinking, she rammed her body against Fi'ka's, pushing as hard as she could to keep her at bay. Her friend kept screaming and roaring, slashing the knife anywhere she could . . . at the beast in front of her.
"What did you do to her!?"
Fi'ka pushed again. A'stea was shocked at how strong she was. She was a small Hish female but never saw her react like this. At least . . . not this bad. Still, she stayed strong and held her back. She glanced at Kaail from time to time, glad that he didn't try anything. But the worry in her red eyes made her feel the same.
As the two females fought, Kaail watched carefully. He didn't like what the Hish female was saying, thinking he poisoned A'stea's mind to which was neither true nor possible. His anger towards that female was strong but drowned by the need to protect A'stea. The knife made him anxious, especially being waved close to her.
The female and A'stea struggled against each other until it happened.
Fi'ka got so frustrated that she whipped herself around to break free. But at that moment, the knife managed to cut deep into A'stea's arm, leaving a jagged edge filled with blood. A'stea shrieked but knocked the knife out of Fi'ka's hand. By the time Fi'ka realized what had happened, Kaail reacted.
He charged in like an angry Ri'ghar, spreading his mandibles in a roar. His claws ready to tear the female apart. But only got a few steps in before he saw A'stea push Fi'ka away and run to him. "No! Kaail!"
She shoved her hands on his bare chest as hard as she could. There was enough shock in him to be pushed back a little. Despite the splatter of blood that should be the main concern, A'stea didn't even register it. The act to keep the peace was stronger.
"It's alright, Kaail." She made her voice quieter than it was. "It's alright . . ."
The anger in him faded, replaced with uneasiness. His focus turned to her forearm. He gently grabs her wrist to get a better view of it. "You're hurt. It's deep."
A'stea shrugged, breathing a little heavily due to loss of blood. "It's nothing serious."
It did little to calm him. Kaail grabbed the closest piece of cloth he could find, tearing a bit from his clothing. He wasn't a healer, not even close, but he knew how to tend to his wounds. As much as he could, he wrapped the cloth around her arm and put pressure on it. A'stea hissed but kept still, letting him do his job.
Unaware of them, Fi'ka watched in curiosity and weird fascination at their interaction. The Great White Warrior that everyone feared as being the most brutal fighter . . . tending to A'stea with such gentleness. She saw he was being careful with his claws as he finished wrapping the makeshift bandage before tying it together. He looked for any signs of blood anywhere he missed.
"Does that feel better?" Kaail looked to see A'stea's reaction. He got a small smile at him.
"Yeah. It stings but it doesn't hurt anymore."
She patted his hand in a kind gesture. Kaail nodded his head, softly rubbing his hand on hers.
But their self-awareness kicked in. Both turned to Fi'ka, seeing her wild-eyed at them. A'stea wasn't sure if her friend was still in shock or something else. She pats Kaail before walking slowly to Fi'ka, more carefully this time.
"Are you better, Fi'ka?" She asked.
She watched as her friend blinked her eyes and twitched her mandibles. And then, Fi'ka's mouth opened.
"I'm so sorry . . ." Her voice quivered. "I didn't mean . . . to hurt you. I just . . ."
"It's okay." She pressed her hands on Fi'ka's cheeks. "You didn't mean it. That's all that matters. Just don't do that again."
"But . . . what is going on?"
A'stea deepened her voice. "If you didn't attack earlier, then I would have explained to you. Then all of this 'drama' would have been avoided." She spat with a small hint of sarcasm.
"But he's—"
"I know who he is, Fi'ka."
A'stea came closer and placed her hands on her arms, rubbing them in the hopes of calming down. She expected not to work fully but at least enough for Fi'ka's mind to get back on track and think logically.
"You know?"
A'stea nods. "I do. I've known for months now. He's the male I've been telling you about."
As soon as she said that, Fi'ka's head snapped up. Her eyes widened for a moment and then relaxed a little. A sudden realization hits her like a boulder. Fast and strong.
"Wait." Fi'ka glances to the side at Kaail and then back to A'stea. "He's the male you've been telling me about? For the last few months?"
Slowly, A'stea nodded. A confirmation of her statement. "Yes. He is."
She watched as Fi'ka opened her mandibles and then closed them back and forth like a fish trying to breathe. A'stea can understand the confusion in her friend and waits patiently for her to catch up. When she felt it was time, she turned to Kaail and motioned him to come close. At first, Kaail didn't come straight away. But after a few moments, he walked over to A'stea's side, careful to keep an eye on the Hish female's reaction. She flinched when he was only a few feet away but kept her ground, even holding A'stea's hand for some comfort.
"Fi'ka . . . this is Kaail. Kaail . . . this is Fi'ka. My best friend."
It was an awkward introduction at the worst timing but she couldn't help it. Neither moved or spoke but their eyes locked on each other. Kaail remained quiet, thinking it's best to let this 'Fi'ka' make the first move. She was less of a threat than he was and might go smoother with A'stea helping. Eventually, Fi'ka tries to speak but comes out with a small squeak in the beginning.
"Hi . . ."
Kaail was unsure what to do but a smile from A'stea reassured him. He lowered his head slightly with a bow. "Nice to meet you."
Again . . . awkwardness.
A'stea cleared her throat. "Well . . . now that has been taken care of." She turns to Fi'ka. "Why are you here and following me no less?"
She knew she was right. Fi'ka would never come so close to the desert unless there's a reason . . . being me. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot on the ground. Fi'ka's began to stutter, looking to the ground like a pup that got in trouble and had to explain themselves.
"You kept disappearing more than usual . . . and I got curious if it was that male—"
"So you followed me just so you can peek? You're a pervert."
Fi'ka's cheeks puffed. The muscles between her eyes tightened. "I'm a pervert? I just wanted to see. But I didn't expect that it would . . . be him." She stuttered at the end, leaning for another look at Kaail.
He squinted his eyes in disbelief. This female is weird.
A'stea rolled her eyes. "You're in no position to judge. Especially when you pulled your recent stunt on me."
Fi'ka dropped her gaze in submission. "I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean it to be an insult but this is a lesson not to charge in without thinking. Have you forgotten about your training?"
She watched Fi'ka shake her head. "No."
"Then remember better."
Kaail watched in amusement at the two females. A'stea was like an older female lecturing the other as if she was the boss. The female Hish could do nothing but answer and lower her head in submission. Given what he'd seen with his own eyes and how A'stea had dealt with him, it was a nice change to see it from another perspective.
The conversation changed when Fi'ka brought up a sore subject. "What are you going to do?"
"About what?" A'stea asked.
"I mean . . . does he know about us? About our plans?"
Kaail listened carefully, not to look like he was paying attention. He observed A'stea's reaction, wondering how she'll answer.
"Not everything." A'stea scratched her head. "It's complicated."
"I'll say it is," Fi'ka commented. "After all, he isn't a typical Hish warrior from some random master. Can you even trust him?"
Now his trust was being into question. It ticked him off a little . . . to think this female was questioning right in front of him. He growled before he could stop himself. "I can be trusted."
A'stea and Fi'ka stayed silent until the first raised her hand in the air. "I trust him. I was thinking of bringing him to our hideout. To introduce him to everyone but you beat me to the punch."
Hideout? Kaail thought. Do they have a hideout?
"Do you think that's wise? Look at how I reacted. Imagine bringing him to everyone else. They'll try to kill him without a second thought. What will Nu'kha think?"
Again, he heard the male guard's name once more. Kaail felt a nerve in his elongated forehead pop out from underneath. It didn't help that Fi'ka made it sound like a big deal. Was it?
But A'stea grunted in disapproval. "It's not his business what I do and don't do. Not anymore." She paused. "When I talk with everyone else on how he can help us, then they might incline to at least check him out."
"And if not?"
A'stea sighed. "Then I'll think of something."
A minute passed until Fi'ka inched closer, whispering in her ear. "Do you like him?"
A'stea opened and shut her mouth quickly. Before her friend could ask any more, she twisted her around and pushed her back to the jungle while talking fast. But barely able to contain the embarrassment in her face.
"Okay. That's enough for today. I introduced him to you. So now you know and it's done. All I ask is that you keep this a secret until I say it. Understand?"
She pushed again and again until Fi'ka got out of her hold and turned around. "Alright! Stop pushing me!"
A'stea pulled back. "Sorry."
But then, Fi'ka focused her attention on her. A'stea felt exposed and flustered. And then, she saw Fi'ka smile evilly as if she saw something good. "You're blushing."
A'stea slapped her on the forehead. "That's enough!"
Fi'ka giggled. "Fine. I get it. Next time, give me a heads up as well. It works both ways." She grunts playfully until she saw Kaail once more. She swallowed heavily as she became nervous but raised her hand and shaken it back and forth.
"It's . . . nice meeting you." It was weak and uneasy but enough.
Kaail nodded his head. "Nice to meet you too."
What a weirdo.
Fi'ka said her goodbyes to A'stea before heading into the jungle. A'stea didn't move for a bit, rather exhausted. She had a great day with Kaail, only to become sour with Fi'ka's interruption. But what's done is done. This changed every aspect of her plan to introduce Kaail to the others but it may be the first break of the ice from the surface. The only hope and worry are what will come.
She turned to Kaail with her eyes closed and rubbing her head. "I'm sorry you had to witness that. I didn't know Fi'ka would follow."
Kaail grunted. "I expected such a reaction." He sounded bitter.
"Don't sound like that. I've already got enough today."
He sighed. He could see how tired she was through her eyes. She looks like she's about to pass out. He thought that her wound was causing it but saw no blood and barely smelled the residue left behind.
"I'm sorry."
A'stea shook her head with a smile. "It's not your fault. I should have been more open and careful."
Kaail tapped his fingers. "So about the others, you were speaking about?" He saw her eyes lit up a bit, not sure what it meant.
"Yeah. We have a hideout where I took the servants for safety. It's hidden from the Amengi and all we have left." Her eyes dropped to the ground.
He softly grunted and went to stand next to her. "If it's too stressful for you about introducing me, then—"
"No." She pressed her hand on his arm. "I think it's time. You deserve to know."
"And you trust me." He added with a smile.
She chuckled. "Yes. I do mean that." Her face softened. "You earned it."
He felt warm once more by her expression. He realized that every time she was happy, he was. What is she doing to me? He shocked himself. Do I not want this? Kaail moved his hand to graze her bandaged arm. Although he knew she was going to be alright, seeing her attacked like that was scary, even for him. His heart hammered in his chest. But when he inhaled deeply, her honey scent made him feel better.
He froze when she moved her fingers on him, grazing them on top of the one holding her arm. It took his breath away. "I'll be okay, Kaail."
He smiled. "I know you will."
They pulled away. A'stea turned to the side, looking at the jungle for a second. "Are you available in two weeks?"
Kaail tilted his head in confusion. He thought for a moment. "I have a lot of training to do for the tournament." He saw her mouth drop to a frown. "But . . . I'll be available."
Her smile returned. "Good. I think that's enough time to get the others prepared for your arrival. Are you okay with that?"
He nodded, a little too eagerly. "Yeah."
"Then I'll contact you then. Good luck with your training."
She smiled one more time, appreciating that he was alright with this. She was glad he was here . . . with her. She waves goodbye before leaving.
All alone, Kaail couldn't contain his excitement and chuckled, turning into a laugh. He fell on his back and pulled his hands over his head as a pillow. This was an interesting day. He stared at the sky for a long while, smiling at the thought of seeing her again. A purr had escaped him but one he allowed himself.
All he could think of was her, wondering if she felt the same.
Maybe . . . something more.
Hi everyone!
This was an interesting chapter. Fi'ka panicking and trying to get at Kaail. Kaail is trying to defend and fight back. And poor A'stea trying to be the middleman between two Hish that want to hurt each other for various reasons, end up getting hurt. But at least she'd calmed the argument before it got worse.
And a few funny parts with Fi'ka asking about if A'stea liked him lol.
But she's finally going to let Kaail in on what she's been doing and introducing him to the others. Let's just hope that they don't try to kill him like Fi'ka was about to (but to save her friend. True loyalty :))
Hope all goes well.
Find out when Chapter 27 comes Monday! ;)
Update: So I wanted to clarify some things about this story. It's a little different than my previous stories as I'm trying to find my style even after a while writing (and not the best in my opinion).
I apologize if this story doesn't seem to go in a certain direction. My goal is to have good character developments and show the bond growing between the main characters. But I also value everyone's opinions on the matter.
So with that said, there will be some changes to the story that might push the update of chapters back a few days so I can rewrite some chapters. I'm sorry for those waiting patiently for new chapters. And I appreciate your loyalty and support in such difficult times. Updates will be posted on Instagram.
Thank you for the reviews (Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Mariah (for both chapters lol), and IanAlphaAxel)! They are very important for me and I hope I see more readers posting as well. All opinions are welcomed. I hope you keep on reading! ;)
Happy Hunting to all! :)))))