Chapter 54: The Shadow Looms

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! :))))

Nala and Dhm'Ni froze right then and there. The gods that all Yautjas revered and also feared stared right back at them. Their masks did little to dull the aura of intimidation they emitted. It took almost both of them to not kneel and obey them. Nala knew that they weren't exactly happy to see them. Her legs shook from the pressure.

"What are you doing here? And how did you manage to get inside?" Paya spat with a growl of displeasure.

Nala stuttered but couldn't come up with any words. Paya turns to Dhm'Ni for an answer and even he couldn't say anything. He lowered his head in submission but held Nala close to him, fearing that the gods might try something with them.

"Calm yourself, my love." Cetanu pressed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure there must be a reason for this without our knowledge."

"Yes . . . A reason."

Nala noticed Paya turn to Nei'hime. She was certain that it was her . . . no doubt whatsoever. But a scent caught her attention that she didn't before. The smell was familiar but different at the same time. She couldn't pin what it was but it came from Nei'hime. Also, she noticed something else. Her skin was not much of a Yautja. Before it was all uniform and full of scales but now, it was soft and pale . . . more ooman than she'd expected. She watched as she lowered her head in submission when Paya sprayed her mandibles at her. She said something but it was too faint to make up the words. Still, Nei'hime refused to look towards them as if hiding her face from them. Nala could tell she wasn't wearing a mask. And yet . . . Why is she hiding from us?

Nala spoke. "Can you please tell me what's going on?"

She sort of regretted asking in such a demanding tone. Paya's attention turns to her and roars. "Watch your tongue, human. Or else you'll regret it."

In a split second, Nala's view was covered by a massive form. Dhm'Ni had moved to protect her. The urge to make sure she's safe was stronger than the fear growing inside by the gods of his ancestors and himself. Paya saw this and stopped suddenly. Her expression shows shock and yet intrigue. "Interesting." Again, she glanced at Nei'hime and then back to them. "So that's why."

"What is it, my love?" Cetanu purred, inching closer to her.

"I think I know how they got in here."

They whispered between until Cetanu pulled away and looked to Nei'hime. Again, Nala heard them whispering but not enough to hear exactly what they were saying. A minute passed before she became impatient, especially with all the secrets swirling around. "Hey!"

The attention in the room turned back to them. Paya growled of course while Cetanu merely tilted his head out of curiosity. Nala moved around Dhm'Ni and out of his protection. Still, he stayed close to her side as they walked closer. He knew that if others had seen this, they would have thought he was insane to even approach them, much less talk so casually with them. But like Nala, he wanted to know how Nei'hime was here doing the same thing without getting reprimanded for it. A thought crossed his mind that they knew each other much more closely than he expected.

Who is she?

On the other hand, Nala was too frustrated to consider the same. She wanted answers . . . and now. She stopped halfway when Paya growled in warning. She wasn't entirely stupid that she'd go in without thinking. "Explain why we're here. Is this some kind of dream or telecommunications? I wanna know what this pauking place is."

Nala looked around as she spoke, waving her arms to prove her point. But she stopped when she looked past where Paya, Cetanu, and Nei'hime stood. In the end, a massive door adorned the entire wall but what made it strange was the chains that crossed it, locked together by some device with a hold in the shape of a circle. Her body shuddered when she felt something blow from it and through her body. It felt like the wind but it was more . . . ominous.

But her attention drifted back when Paya let out a groan of disdain. "Hold your tongue, Seichi. You may have been chosen but that doesn't mean you're immune."

Chosen? Her frustration vanished, taken over by curiosity once more. Cetanu reached for Paya and pulled her back. Both snarled at each other instinctually, like two angry lions ready for a fight but no willing to initiate it. Nei'hime moved to the side but moved so that her face was away. She hadn't spoken at all since they made their presence known, quite different from the recent times they'd talked.

"Nei'hime? Tell me what's going on." She spoke softly this time, hoping that a change of pace might give her what she wanted. She didn't respond and turned her face away even more. She saw her body begin to shake slightly. Nala opened her mouth but stopped when she was interrupted.

"She doesn't have to tell you anything," Cetanu explained. "It's not time for you to understand."

"What's there to understand? There's too much unknown to us and something's going on. You say that I won't understand . . . but how do you know? I'm tired of being held in the dark!"

Nala surged forward but not at Paya or Cetanu. She directed right at Nei'hime, grabbing onto her shoulders to twist her around and get a clear view of her face. She figured she was strong enough to turn her around but it was like trying to push a boulder. It took all her willpower to get Nei'hime turned at least to the side.

But she was one step further. Nei'hime lowered her head so that her tresses covered her like a thick curtain. The red and black colors drowned any sight from Nala. Frustrated, even more, she moved her arm so that she could push it out of the way. Instead, Nei'hime twisted it until it was in a lock behind her back. Nala gasped and was shoved away, released from the tight grip on her. She stumbled and would have fallen on her face if Dhm'Ni didn't catch her in time.

"What was that for!?" Nala got back on her feet using Dhm'Ni before turning back on Nei'hime. She heard a growl come from her but it was pretty weak, maybe a slight attempt to dissuade her from pursuing further.

"Calm yourself, young one."

Cetanu moved Nei'hime closer to him, pulling her on his side before letting go. Paya took a step towards Nala in a threatening posture. This time, Nala felt the fear and respect all over again. She had to resist bowing her head and kneeling in submission. It was no less different for Dhm'Ni but a different reason. He feared that Nala was going to do something bad if he didn't intervene. Although his legs were weak, his determination kept him standing.

"Paya." She stopped and looked back at Cetanu. "I'll handle this. You're not exactly good at explaining things." He stiffened when Paya snapped her mandibles at him but relented. She pulled back and stood tall, keeping her cold mask on both of them and glancing at Nei'hime from time to time. After a minute, Cetanu had the clear and walked over to them, stopping in the middle of their parties.

"Seichi . . . I understand you and Dhm'Ni are confused but rest assured that I can answer some of your questions."

Nala straightened her back. "Some questions?"

He nodded. "There are some things that can't be said. It's too early for both of you to know."

"I want to know now."

Cetanu shook his head. "I can't do that."

"Why not?" Nala gripped her fists so tightly that they began to bleed. The sting of pain did little to ease her. It wasn't until Dhm'Ni held her hands that she felt relaxed for a moment. She knew this was getting her nowhere, arguing with those that haven't given any cause for it. And are Gods no less. She was treading a very thin line.

"Just listen, Nala." Cetanu raised his hand calmly and she complied, leaning back on Dhm'Ni for support. After a minute, Cetanu sighed.

"First off, you're in between worlds at the moment. We're not sure how both of you managed to enter here but what's done is done."

"Between worlds?" Dhm'Ni asked. "Like Purgatory?"

He heard of such stories that when a hunter dies, some have to endure a time when they are stuck between life and death. It only happens to Bad Bloods supposedly, sent to a fiery place that they must be judged by the gods if they are worthy of forgiveness or damnation. Most don't deserve such leniency but Dhm'Ni thought he would never know. Now, he's starting to think that it is a possibility or he's just dreaming but it's much too real.

Cetanu hums. "Yes but not exactly. Not many enter here except those we deemed worthy to talk to us. Mostly the Patriarchs and Matriarchs but a few come here."

"Like Nei'hime?"

Nala gazed over to her but again, the female refused to turn. She didn't have much energy to force Nei'hime to show herself but it only served to confirm that she has a great secret to hide.

"That is a different story." He shifts. "But there's an important matter to discuss but we don't have much time. Right now, it's not safe to be here."

Nala squinted her eyes. Not safe here? She opened her mouth to keep the conversation going but Cetnanu growled in warning. Normally, she would ignore and press on but this was Cetanu she was talking to. The aura around him grew, becoming overwhelming for her. Nala had no choice but to bow her head in submission. She thought it was the end of the conversation until Cetanu spoke again.

"If you need to know, some of the answers you seek are already in your possession." Nala and Dhm'Ni had the same reaction of confusion. Cetanu clicked his mandibles in a bit of frustration but kept going. "The book you found in the temple."

Nala's eyes shot out in shock. Dhm'Ni bundled the muscles over his eyes together. What book? He glances at Nala, seeing that she had some knowledge of it.

"My love!"

Paya roars in shock and even Nei'hime lets out a gasp. But as Paya comes near, Cetanu purrs to reassure her. "It's alright. It's in their nature to seek out answers once their minds are made up. Plus, they'll need to read it eventually."

With that, Paya sighed in defeat and stepped back. Nala can tell they had strong respect towards each other. It's hard to imagine they are gods when they act much like the rest of them. I thought they would be more . . . dignified.

It wasn't a moment later that the floor suddenly shook. Nala braced herself but another, stronger quake threw her feet off the ground. Dhm'Ni cries out and grabs her in an embrace, trying his best to keep themselves standing but even he was struggling. She closed her eyes tightly, pressing her face in his chest as he purred, soothing her. The quakes stopped temporarily and she opened her eyes but as soon as she did, another quake came. It was so strong that Dhm'Ni fell to his knees with her still in her arms. She heard rocks and metal falling, striking the ground with such force. She lifted her face from Dhm'Ni's chest.

"What is pauking going on?!"

Her eyes zoned on Paya, Cetanu, and Nei'hime who had their heads turned to the door that she saw previously. When another shake rattled the room, she realized the source of it. The door trembled and shook in synchro with the quakes. The chains that held it together were jiggling, becoming strict when the door pushed against then, and then relaxing when it went back. This happened again and again, scaring her and Dhm'Ni.

The uncomfortable aura she felt from the door increased in ferocity. This time, it was like someone poured ice into her veins and then froze, turning them solid. She could see that the gods and Nei'hime were not immune although it was a bit different. Paya and Cetanu's bodies tensed in rage and uneasiness, growling together. Nei'hime didn't give the same reaction but stayed still. Her hands quivered, unlike anything she'd ever seen.

Paya didn't turn but she spoke with heaviness. "You need to leave."

"What?"

She didn't get to say more when the door shook again, much stronger. It was as if something was trying to break through the door . . . something that the Gods didn't want to come out.

"You need to go! Now!"

Now, she roared and raised her hand in the air. A bright light began to shine over Paya's palm and glowed in intensity, sucking into a small point that floated in the air. Cetanu had his hand up as well but it was black smoke that swirled over his arm and stopped at his hand. The next thing Nala and Dhm'Ni knew the translucent forms took shape. An oval one in Paya's and a shaft in Cetanu's. When it was done, she could see a shield and sword that replaced the light and shadow. They looked magnificent in her eyes, never seeing such weapons and she couldn't look away. Dhm'Ni held a gasp in his chest, expanding it painfully. He couldn't believe his eyes. He'd read it from the Story of Creation and even from his mother.

"The Kire . . . and the Izel . . ."

Nala listened, remembering where she had heard those names. She turned to Dhm'Ni in shock. "Did you say . . ?"

All he could do was nod. "Yes . . . It's them . . . The sacred weapons . . ."

Nala looked back at the weapons once more. The description and the designs were the same when she read the book. It was them . . . It can't be!

Paya and Cetanu stepped forward and towards the door, raising their weapons at the door. They turn to Nei'hime who stood by them patiently but worried. "Get them out of here before it's too late."

"But . . ."

Her soft voice rings in the room, even overpowering the slams and crashes of the door as it begins to shake uncontrollably. Nala hoped she would show her face this time but there would be no such thing.

Paya growls. "We need to keep 'Him' at bay! If 'He' catches them, then all of this will be over before it's begun!"

The chains rattled harder on the door. It wasn't long before the door began to creak open. The chains blocked it from opening fully but enough that something began to seep through. As if alive, the shadow inside stretched outward from the door and reached out until a small black mist broke free. Paya and Cetanu growled, raising their weapons to the mist for an attack. Nei'hime moved backward cautiously until she was barely in front of Nala and Dhm'Ni as they looked onward. The heaviness Nala felt before grew immensely as if it shifted from the door to the mist. It glides across the ground like a snake, sending shivers down her spine. She couldn't help but cling on to Dhm'Ni, barely getting it across his hip. He could smell the fear around her and she wasn't the only one. Dhm'Ni never felt anything like this, even worse than the nightmares of his mother's death. The instinct to protect Nala kicked in and he pulled her with him as they stepped back further, even though he struggled with the fear that spread in his veins like wildfire. No Yautja was ever fearful of anything and he was trained to be so. And yet, here he was, almost about to fall to his knees at this unknown form. Nei'hime stayed close, using her body as a shield as the mist began to rise and take form while her fury grew.

After a minute, the mist had become solid but rarely took a form that was familiar to anything. All of a sudden, it made a hissing sound that was similar to a kainde amedha but more sinister. Nala never thought anything could be worse than them.

"Take them out of here! We'll handle this!"

Paya and Cetanu growled in unison in the shadow. Nala wished she didn't see at that moment when a pair of glowing red eyes appeared. It searched around until it stopped right at hers and let out another sound. This one was an evil cackle like one of those villains from the movies when they were about to win. But this was nothing. It was lined with such a horrible motive to hurt and kill. That she was certain of. The shadow hissed again and curled its back like an animal about to attack.

"Go! Now!" Paya roared, just as the shadow lunged at them. Claws as big as a lion's teeth formed midair and raised to strike down Paya first. Cetanu beat to it and slashed his sword across. It missed and the shadow backed off, jumping so far that it was unnatural. The shadow hissed again and prepared for another attack.

Paya roared, looking back to Nei'hime. "What are you waiting for!? You need to leave with them!"

In a surprise, Nei'hime roars, not holding back or hiding. "I can't abandon you! You need me!"

"This is not the time for heroics!"

Cetanu growled, just barely blocking another attack from the shadow. But it had another trick up its sleeve. The shadow grew an appendage from its back that resembled a tail, plunging it down on Cetanu and nicking him on the shoulder. He howled in pain as green blood splattered to the ground.

"Cetanu!"

Paya rushed to save him, throwing her shield when she saw she wasn't going to make it. The light surrounding the white shield blinded the shadow, letting out a screech before it was stunned by the impact of the shield and thrown when Cetanu was able to grab hold of it. The shadow thrashed and cried in pain as Paya tended to Cetanu's wound.

Nala couldn't believe what she was watching. A battle of gods against a creature more formidable than she'd ever seen. Dhm'Ni tightened his mandibles close to his mouth. For once, he didn't know what to do: either fight or flee. The latter would have been out of the question for a Yautja but it felt like it was their only choice.

"I won't say it again!" Paya roared. "Take them to safety!"

Nei'hime hesitated. Nala could see her body trembling with uncertainty. "I can't leave you!"

"Do as we say, Val'ha!"

Dhm'Ni's interest peaked. Val'ha?

"GO!"

This time, Nei'hime obeyed. Keeping her head low for her tresses to keep the cover over her face, she gathered Dhm'Ni and Nala and pushed them towards the way they came in. They resisted for a moment but relented when they saw the shadow get back up, hissing in anger. To Nala, it appeared as though it was looking in their direction. Another wave of fear flowed through her when the shadow suddenly spoke to her shock.

You cannot escape me forever . . .

Its voice was inhuman, not even close to a Yautja. It was heavier and far darker. Neither Dhm'Ni or Nala was keen on staying to see what it was going to do next. All three of them managed to get to the entrance of the hall just as the creature leaped over Paya and Cetanu and headed straight for them with inhuman speed.

"C'jit!"

Paya and Cetanu rushed to stop it but they weren't going to make it. The shadow was too fast and was almost to its target. Nei'hime cursed inside, knowing that they were on their own. Nala and Dhm'Ni held close to each other as the shadow came closer.

"I'm sorry . . . but you'll have to go without me."

Nala asked. "What are you saying?"

Nei'hime didn't answer. "What do you mean? Tell us!"

But as she asked, the shadow leaped in the air, coming down on them like a meteorite with its claws bearing down. Dhm'Ni roared in defiance, ready to protect Nala and himself. Nei'hime looked up and got ready to face it.

"Nei'hime!" Nala shouted once more.

"GO!"

In a split second, Nei'hime turns to them and spreads her hand in front of them. A light suddenly grew over it and blasted towards Dhm'Ni and Nala. But for that instant, Nala got a small glimpse of Nei'hime's face when her tresses swayed out of the way. Although the light blinded her view, Nala could have sworn seeing the pale skin of an ooman . . . and the color of blue in her eyes.

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

"Nala . . . Nala! Wake up!"

Nala woke up with a gasp. Her heart raced as fast as it could. It took her a minute before she saw she was back in her room. The room and the hall were gone but the feeling of dread was still with her. She was so distracted that she didn't feel Dhm'Ni holding her until she felt his chest vibrate with a purr.

"Are you alright?" He tightens his hold on her, making sure she feels safe. Nala closed her eyes and pressed her face on his chest. Her lungs struggled to get a decent breath but they began to feel better after a moment. Her body relaxed against his as she finally managed to take a deep breath.

"Dhm'Ni . . ." He purred when she spoke. "What was that?"

"It doesn't matter now. We're safe."

"Are we?"

It was a question that neither of them could avoid but they put it to the side for now. They held each other for a few minutes until Nala pulled away, accessing her surroundings once more. She confirmed it was her room but when she looked down on herself, she was completely naked with the fur blanket covering both of them. Her cheeks heated up when she remembered what they were doing before the nightmare they entered. "Did we fall asleep?"

Dhm'Ni grunted. "Sure looks like it. We must have been dreaming."

She shook her head. "I don't know. It all seemed so real. Too real for me."

She lets go and leans over with her hands on her face. This is too much . . . Dhm'Ni left her alone for a moment, waiting patiently as she gathered herself. She leans back up. "Something doesn't seem right."

"About what?" Dhm'Ni asked.

"I mean . . . Nei'hime was there . . . along with Paya and Cetanu. I dreamed about them before . . . when I was close to death that one time."

His chest stung at the memory, rather not wanting to relive it again. "That time when you said Paya's name?"

She nodded. "That's how I knew about them."

The silence grew but only lasted for a second, broken by Dhm'Ni. "I heard that name before."

Nala turned her head to him. "What name?"

"Val'ha. It was the name the Bad Bloods spoken of when they had me captured. They asked if I had made contact with someone of that name."

She thought for a moment. "They did mention calling Nei'hime that. Do you know what that means?"

Dhm'Ni shook his head, giving a clear answer. "Unfortunately, I do not. But it means that Nei'hime may know more of the Bad Bloods than we thought. But we can't do anything at the moment. We need to get some rest and think about this."

Before Nala could react, Dhm'Ni wrapped his arm around her torso and pulled her down on the bed. Knowing that once he was like this, there was nothing more she could do. Defeated, she adjusts her body to get into a comfortable position and moves closer to Dhm'Ni. She takes a deep inhale to get that sweet smell of rain and vanilla she'd missed, calming her down. Although she had many questions she wished she could answer.

What was the shadow? What were Paya and Cetanu talking about? Why were they drawn there? Was it all real? Her head felt like it was swelling from just thinking about it. It must have been different for Dhm'Ni because, after a minute, she could hear him snoring. He does make a point that we need rest. We'll think of something in the morning. She lays her head on his bicep when he moved his arm underneath her, getting comfortable for much-needed rest.

But before she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but think about what Cetanu said to her.

If you need to know, some of the answers you seek are already in your possession . . . The book you found in the temple . . .

Her hand fell off the bed, reaching weakly underneath the bed where she hid the book from. She wondered if it had much significance than she expected. She left her hand hanging as she fell to sleep but thinking about one person to whom she'll have to have a one-on-one conversation about all of this, remembering those blue eyes that seemed so familiar.

Nei'hime . . .

Hello Everyone!

Well . . . a lot to say about this chapter and many more questions popping up with little answers. But I can assure you that there's a deeper meaning in all of this . . . even in the smallest details.

But will Nala and Dhm'Ni find the answers they are seeking? What was the shadow that's so desperate to hurt them? And the biggest question is . . . what is behind the chained door?

Something bad if even Paya and Cetanu are wary of it.

What could it be?

Find out when Chapter 55 will hopefully be posted by next Friday (Unless things pop up. Changes will be posted on my Instagram).

Thank you NeverNeverLady, IanAlphaAxel, ClTex, and Mariah for the wonderful reviews on Chapter 53. There is much mystery in this story but I can assure you that it will all come together. And I do like playing with the reader's minds sometimes and throw in a wrench once in a while to give the story some excitement. I apologize if it's getting confusing for you. ;)

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

Thank you and Good Hunting! :))))