Chapter 27

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

The meeting was going on earlier than expected. Master Thu'at had to listen to the jabbering of other masters, high and low, about the main issue that has been growing as of late. The clicking of tucks echoed, making it worse.

"More servants are disappearing. And no one can tell us what's happened to them."

"Some say that the Hish warriors are starting to go too."

"Not many but still alarming."

The bickerings were hurting his hearing. Master Thu'at slammed his fist into the table, silencing the voices altogether. "Arguing amongst ourselves won't solve this dilemma. What other reports have come in?"

He glances at a guard standing on the side. "Not much else. But there are rumors that a rebellion is coming. In great numbers that none can comprehend."

"The Hish are stupid and naive. They aren't organized enough to even hunt for food and gather resources. At least the servants anyway."

It was quiet after that. All eyes were looking elsewhere other than themselves with only Master Thu'at and S'wqua looking at each other. It was a silent conversation but one that is understood.

Master Thu'at grumbled. "There's nothing else we can do until we find more about this so-called rebellion. For now, keep watch over your servants and warriors. Look for any signs of disobedience and deliver it appropriately. It will be hard since the tension is high with the tournament coming soon. But fear not, we will crush this rebellion if we have to. Dismissed."

Disappointed, the other masters left the meeting room. Master Thu'at and S'wqua stayed in their chairs and even sent the guards away for a one-on-one.

"Just great." Master S'wqua commented. "This is so troublesome, dealing with panicked Amengi who can't think for themselves. They are almost as bad as the Hish."

Master Thu'at grumbled. "True . . . but let's not get ahead of ourselves. If the rumors are true, then we need to be more observant."

"But how? It's bad enough that this is happening right before the tournament. But with a plasma container stolen a while back, things are getting worse." Master S'wqua grumbled, tapping his claws and looking aimlessly at the wall.

Master Thu'at hummed. His thoughts wandered. "They may have a Leader."

He watched Master S'wqua squint his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying . . . that the Hish aren't intelligent. So I can only guess that someone is leading them . . . someone organized enough to pull such stunts under our feet. If we find out who it is . . ."

"That shouldn't be too hard." Master S'wqua chuckled. "We're surrounded by idiotic servants and warriors who know nothing but fighting and following orders. If what you said has merit, it could be an Amengi master trying to gain power over us. A low ranking one at best."

"No."

The room went silent.

A grumble of disappointment rang. "Are you saying that it is a Hish?"

Master Thu'at shook his head. "Not quite. But I have my suspicions on who it could be." He turned to Master S'wqua. "Have you been keeping watch of the ooman?"

"That thing?" He puffed. "Not worth my time. And do you think she might be their Leader? Please! The audacity of it."

"Never misjudge the beings around you. They might surprise you . . . but I think that she's trying something else." He thought for a moment. That one time back at the prison underneath his building and the Amengi guard that was saying such stupid things. He didn't believe it but deep down, it didn't feel right. Especially the look Kaail gave . . .

"What do you propose then? Kill off the Hish as a warning?"

"No." Master Thu'at sat up, looking out the window with the view of the city below. "Let them play their game a little longer. But it won't be long until we make our move. Let's play this little game a little longer."

Then he smiled. An evil smile . . . "I like to have some fun too."

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

Kaail stretched himself on a bench seated on the edge of a massive training room. Located in a separate building near the stadium, many Hish warriors come to improve their skills and focus on weapon handling. He didn't think it necessary to attend but Master Thu'at wished to see him in progress. The masters settled in a room on one side of the training room blocked with special glass to prevent injury to them. Of course, they would. The energy was high. The musk of confrontation was thick. As the tournament got closer, more fights would happen and injuries would follow. The masters watched to make sure their 'prized' possessions weren't damaged.

His attention was drawn to his side. "Are you okay?"

Bu'at was kneeling with his head low. "I'm fine. Still have a headache. So annoying."

It was a miracle that Bu'at had made it out alive with little punishment. His stunt at the party ended with a few whips on his back when his master found out. Kaail could see some of the scarring peeking out from beneath his friend's dreadlocks. They still had a greenish bruise on the edges. He knew too well that it was bad.

"I'm sorry you had to endure that for me," Kaail spoke quietly for only Bu'at to hear.

"Really?" Bu'at raised an eye. "You? Apologizing? That's new."

"Don't get used to it." He turned with a growl.

"Hey. I didn't mean it. It's just . . . I'm not used to this new side of you. Does it have anything to do with your secret female?"

Kaail slapped Bu'at's head enough as a warning, focusing back on tightening the straps for his bone gauntlets. "You need to be more careful when you speak." His eyes, followed by Bu'at's, scanned the room and noticed a few Hish warriors turn their attention. As soon as Kaail growled a warning, they went back to their businesses.

"Sorry," Bu'at whispered, scratching his back. "I keep forgetting. And it's not helping with my back itching."

"I get it."

Kaail paused, fiddling with his fingers and feeling Bu'at's stare bore down on him. He's not going to let this go. Will he?

He scratched between his dreadlocks for a few seconds. "It is the female if you're wondering."

"Really?" Bu'at's interest peaked, inching closer on the bench. "She must have a great influence on you."

"I don't know." Kaail sighs. "She's not the typical being we're used to interacting for many years. She's . . . different."

"In what way?"

"She's . . ." Kaail was having a hard time trying to make sense in his mind, much less tell it to another, annoying warrior like Bu'at. "She makes me feel like . . . I don't have to hide or act tough. And she's pretty strong herself."

"Is she a warrior?"

"She could . . . if she was allowed."

"So she's a servant?"

Kaail nodded. There wasn't any other occupant that fits A'stea's strong personality and no one would take her in, given her troubled past of causing problems. Still, she was more than that. She was proud, more so than himself . . . and intelligent. The gauntlet and the metal box she had a week ago was mysterious but part of him believed that she must have created it. I shouldn't be surprised.

"Geez . . . you fell hard. They are weak and scrawny and you make it sound she's one of us. A servant is nothing more than—"

Hidden from sight, Kaail dug his claws into Bu'at's back. He covered his friend's mouth before he could let out a cry. Bu'at growled under his breath. An instinct to a threat on his life . . . and he knew Kaail could end it with a blink of an eye.

He whispered next to his face. "I'll decide who I see and who I don't see. Stay out of it." He lets go of Bu'at. A small lining of green blood was trapped under his claws.

"Okay, okay, okay . . ." Bu'at groaned. "Take it easy. You opened my wounds."

"I'll do more if you insult her any further. You haven't even met her."

"Then when will I?"

Kaail paused. His mandibles tightened close, a little hard that it sent a stabbing sensation into the fleshy part of his mouth. He tasted his blood. "Soon. One step at a time. She's planning to introduce me to some of her friends. Not sure what to expect."

"Are you nervous?"

He didn't want to admit it. But he felt his legs quiver and muscles tremble at the memory of meeting Fi'ka. Her friend almost hurt A'stea greatly from his presence alone and A'stea seemed nervous herself. All he could do is shake his head.

Bu'at sighed. "If you trust her, then it'll be alright. But she better be quick because I want to see her soon." He smiled.

"I do trust her." Kaail wondered for a moment. "Do you think we have the right to choose our path?"

Bu'at grunted. "Where did that come from?"

Kaail shook his head. "It's nothing."

The sound of a bell got everyone's attention. All attention was on the masters on the other side. Master Thu'at stood and spoke through the speakers. "Training spars have begun. First participants come forth."

The spars were mostly hand-to-hand combat, matching what the tournament would start. The first stages would then go to the weapons spars and finally to the final stage where it's all-or-nothing fights, mostly fighting to the death. The training spars would act as models for new combatants but also refresh older ones. Kaail could do this in his sleep.

They watched as new warriors started first, watched by the masters with grumbles of disappointment to those who failed and praises, mostly nods, to those who won. Master Thu'at kept his eyes on him and he didn't like it. It was like that since the interrogation with the Amengi at that time. But his master wasn't going to pull anything with the tournament being so close . . . but it made him nervous inside.

The Hish have the right to decide for themselves.

He thought for a moment of A'stea's words. Is there a future where we are all free? Can it be possible that she and I can be—

Suddenly, the door to the training room burst open. Kaail knew right away who it was from the stomping earlier. He rolled his eyes. Here we go . . .

Mor'dath strides right in with his arms raised like a champion who already won. If anything pissed him off, Kaail hated a warrior boasting himself and thinking he was the strongest. It's absurd. He was strong himself but wasn't going to berate like a monkey.

"Sorry, I'm late. But ready to have some fun with you losers."

He moves around and throws some of his weapons to the side, mostly knives and a spiked chain that he specifies in. It hit a few Hish warriors that were in the way, cutting deep into one's chest. He was a machine with no other thought to beat and kill. A dumb one too.

Kaail knew what was coming. Mor'dath's entrance was the call for their fight. It's been this way since their rivalry started and their masters loved it for entertainment.

"Better make it quick . . . before his head explodes with masked stupidity." Bu'at added well. I was thinking the same thing.

With a sigh, Kaail stood. He took off any weapons he had before walking to the opposite side of the area. Mor'dath hisses and stretches his muscles, rolling his shoulders. His bones popped and muscles rippled. It would intimidate anyone else. For Kaail, it was boring and unnecessary . . . and his opponent knew it.

"Time for our annual showdown." Mor'dath crunched his knuckles one at a time. "But I'll win this one."

"You can wish all you want," Kaail smirked. "But it'll end with you under my knee."

He didn't even wait for the signal from the guard to begin. Mor'dath charged, roaring with all of his might. Kaail crouched down, waiting for him to come. They met with a crash like two boulders colliding. Their claws dug into each other as they pushed against each other. Mor'dath is strong but lacks restraint. Going all out from the beginning can make a quick fight but risky if the opponent is quick. It will exhaust anyone and then it will be too late to block a move that could determine the fight. Kaail thought Mor'dath would learn this by now. But after many seasons later, nothing has changed. He's too far gone.

Mor'dath shoved Kaail out of the hold and rammed his head into his stomach. Kaail had to hold in a grunt before his opponent wrapped his arms around him, throwing him high above his head. As usual, Mor'dath thought he won, raising Kaail's body to show his prowess. But it wasn't simple.

Kaail moved quickly, twisting his body hard enough to fall from Mor'dath's hold. He scratched his claws into his opponent's arm, hitting it just at the right spot. Mor'dath had no choice but to let go for a split second. This is what he'd been waiting for.

Kaail wrapped his arm over Mor'dath's neck and squeezed while the rest of his body slammed into his back. Both fell to the ground with Kaail on the top, still with a stronghold. Mor'dath thrashed and snarled like a trapped animal but Kaail squeezed harder, closing his airway enough to hear him gasp. It felt good to Kaail, seeing him wiggle like a worm. So different now, are you?

"Time!" The guard made the call.

Kaail lets go and moves away to avoid a swipe from Mor'dath. He growled as his opponent got to his feet. He's not finished yet. Mor'dath stomped over, anger in his eyes like fire from an erupting volcano. He wasn't about to get closer when a few Amengi guards blocked his way.

"Let me get that bastard! I'm not done!"

"Yes, you are." Master Thu'at spoke. "You'll have your chance when the tournament comes."

Mor'dath wasn't satisfied with that answer but there was nothing he could do. Mor'dath kicked a few pieces of dirt in his direction before storming out of the training room, knocking a Hish into unconsciousness with a hit to the temple.

Kaail grumbled, heading back to his seat when he saw his master motion him to come. He grunted in annoyance, not really in the mood, and still bitter of his master. Regardless, Kaail had to go. He glanced at Bu'at, who gave a worried look and went to the adjacent door to gain access to the private room.

As soon as he entered, Kaail was hit with a bitter smell. It was faint but still there. The Amengi didn't have much of a musk like the Hish but they still smelled back. The masters thought the more they smelled, the more powerful they were. Whoever the pauk made up that idea, I'm going to kill them. Some of the masters watched with curious eyes but they turned when he glared at them.

"Kaail." Master Thu'at called while getting up. "Come here."

They moved to the far corner of the room for some quiet. Kaail grumbled when they stopped. "What do you want?"

"You did well with that fight." Master Thu'at patted his shoulder. Kaail didn't like it. "Mor'dath and his master should be taught a lesson. I can't wait until the tournament comes. To humiliate them in front of an entire stadium is always welcomed."

"Spit it out." Kaail interrupted, mostly annoyed. "What did you need to talk to me about?"

"Oh yes . . . Forgive me. I got swept in the moment."

Kaail rolled his eyes. Of course, you did.

"But I think it's time to fulfill a promise I made myself for a long while. A promise that you should have taken care of by now." He watched his master turn his ugly, yellow eyes on him.

It took almost his entire being not to snap at him. He sighed to relive some of his anger. "What promise?"

Master Thu'at smiled. "It's time to teach someone a lesson."

As if on cue, the sound of a door opening caught his attention. Did it come from the training room? His master looked behind with a grin so Kaail followed to what took the center of attention. He thought it was Mor'dath again or another Hish.

But the smell of honey slammed into his mouth, filling his body with warmth but replaced instantly with the coldness of realization. His eyes widened as a small figure was pushed into the training room.

Oh no . . .

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the up and down of this story development. I had a bit of a mess trying to organize this story a little better but decided that I'll go with my original plot. I felt this was the best move for me so I apologize if this story is too long or not going the way it's planned.

But I can rest assured that you'll love it in the end. :)

A dark cloud has come over our characters' heads in the form of Amengi assholes. More suspicion of a rebellion is growing and is starting to get the attention of the masters, even Thu'at thinking that A'stea is their leader. Although, some think she's too ooman for that . . . bastards.

But another dick move when Master Thu'at is pitting Kaail against someone who needs punishment and I think many of you know who it is.

Will it go badly? Or worse . . ? Ohhh . . . the stress.

Hope all goes well.

Find out when Chapter 28 comes tomorrow if no changes are posted! ;)

Thank you for the reviews (Anonymous-E, Mariah, and Larita 1976)! 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! :)))))