The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2)

by DarkOne09

*Continuation of The Ripple of a Stone by Yeyinde. All credit goes to the original author.* A human wakes on a Yautja Predator Dropship, unable to remember who she is. But does she want to remember? And can she become someone new, in a new world where she must prove herself to all those who think her to be dishonorable? (ON HIATUS FOR NOW)

21. Chapter 55 (Tension Grows)

Chapter 55: Tension Grows

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! :))))

Nei'hime was shrouded in darkness but she was fighting something. The shadow was about to lunge at her along with Dhm'Ni and Nala. She had to protect them, no matter what. Although she had orders from Paya and Cetanu to get out with them, there wasn't any time. The shadow was swift and was almost about to get them when she decided to send them away. She succeeded before the shadow engulfed her in oblivion.

Now, she was trapped but knew she was not alone. She saw nothing but felt something snake around the ground and touch her ankles for a second. She tried to attack with wrist blades but caught nothing. It sliced into nothing but air. C'jit! Where is that bastard?!

"Well . . . It's refreshing to see you again."

Nei'hime swiftly turned around. Again, nothing but blackness but felt the very presence of her enemy . . . and the enemy of all Yautjas and species alike. "You."

She heard a hiss, sounding like out of amusement. "That's all you've got to say? After everything you and my kin have put me through, I expect more of a . . . 'warm' greeting."

"All you deserve is to rot in your cell and hope you burn in Hell."

The darkness bent and pulled as if forming a curtain. She stood back and prepared for a fight, even if she wouldn't do so much as make a dent. The darkness swayed back to its original position but the animosity grew, thickening like syrup and unable to push it aside. "I don't deserve it."

Nei'hime growled. "You brought nothing but misery and agony to my friends and family. You made them suffer . . . made me suffer."

Out of nowhere, she was slammed hard by a massive force. She flew into the air and rolled uncontrollably on the unknown ground before she managed to get a hold on herself. She grunted, hissing when she felt her ribs sting with each breath. Great . . .

"I have suffered far worse! Betrayed by my own kin who felt they should have control!"

The hissing sound grew in intensity. Nei'hime forced her body to get back up quickly before another attack would come. Her eyes formed slits and her facial muscles tightened to show her anger. Teeth bared for her invisible enemy to see.

"And now, you aid them in destroying me! After being imprisoned for thousands of years!"

The darkness extended again but much differently than before. She could see an outline of a shadow but much bigger than expected. It was colossal and if she could compare it to a room, it was well on its way to being the size of a Mothership. But it didn't deter her. Her enemy only feigned innocent. She knew far too well of how capable he was so she never let her guard down. She expected another hit but the shadow merely stood. She couldn't see his eyes but they were well focused on her.

His voice turned down in volume. "You've just as naive as they are."

She grunted when another shot of pain went through her ribs. "Better naive than a coward."

The shadow swayed back and forth, watching for a second before she heard chuckling. Now he's laughing? It was almost humiliating to hear him like that towards her. All she wanted was to get at least a good hit on him . . . so he could feel a fraction of the hurt he'd caused. But her mind knew better. The chuckle stopped and the shadow shifted closer to her.

"I guess it doesn't matter what you think. You're all selfish, regardless if you're human, Yautja, or even the lowest of lifeforms. You all have become arrogant, thinking you're superior to anyone else. This universe was much better when I was in control."

A long pause and then the shadows move closer. Nei'hime readies her wrist blades, prepared for a showdown if it had to. That's when she finally saw the red eyes emerge as large as herself. Unlike the shadows he creates, these had slits in the middle like a cat's eyes and it stared right into her.

"But it won't be long before I get everything that is rightfully mine. And I'll return the universe to its former glory . . . where nothing matters. And you'll cease to exist."

The shadow chuckled before pulling away. The next thing she knew, it formed a fist that was three times the size of a boulder, raising it above her. Nei'hime braced to get out of the way and thought ahead for the next move. He wants a fight . . . then bring it on!

The fist came down as expected, coming down like a large meteorite about to crash land on a planet and destroy everything. She began to think a few steps ahead, thinking of any possible moves that might be useful or not. She would easily defeat an opponent this way but this was 'Him". This wasn't going to be easy for her.

"Val'ha!"

Nei'hime froze upon hearing the voice. That split second of hesitation almost cost her everything. The giant fist almost crushed her to bits when a ray of light blinded her and the shadow that was attacking. The fist hesitated for a second and a huge blast of starry night sliced into it, shattering it to a million pieces. Nei'hime braced herself as she heard the agonizing screech echoed in the dark space, almost deafening her. The shadow growled and turned to whatever intervened, only to get blasted again by another light. It had no choice but to pull back, hissing in the direction of the blast once more.

"You traitors!"

Nei'hime watched as Paya and Cetanu showed up through the darkness. A sigh of relief escaped her as backup arrived. They positioned themselves between her and the shadow, growling in fury while baring their sacred weapons at it.

"You will not have her." Paya snapped her mandibles at the shadow, putting the Izel on the front as a display to back off. Cetanu did no less, pointing the Kire between the red eyes. Nei'hime stepped forward to be at their side, ignoring the soreness in her ribs.

The shadow stayed quiet for a moment, floating in the air until it began to chuckle. "You won't always be there to protect them. You may be Gods to the Yautja species but I know the truth. You're just as weak as them."

Without warning, Paya and Cetanu raised their weapons in unison. They glowed with such brightness, forming the shape of a triangle with black and white swirling. Nei'hime wished she could join and help but she had no choice but to watch as the mixed light shot towards the shadow. When it made contact, it screamed and roared in agony. It began to pull back and shrink in size, whaling around to try and break free. It was no use though. The powers of Paya and Cetanu were enough to put it back in its cage once more.

But the last remark it made sent chills down her spine. "It won't be long before I'm freed." It chuckles. "And when I do, your loved ones will be the first to pay."

Nei'hime bit inside her cheek, knowing that the threat it made was not to be ignored.

The shadow shrieked until it tightened into a ball of black. The final touch was when Paya and Cetanu roared once more and the ball blew into a million pieces, shrouding them in a blast of mist. Nei'hime could barely see Paya and Cetanu as they looked back at her. Their masks couldn't hide back the worry she felt from them.

All of a sudden, the pain in her shoulder came back. She screamed and fell to her knees. This was entirely different . . . far more painful. Oh, c'jit . . . Her time was up and she had to leave before things got worse. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on getting back to the real world.

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

She expected pain but nothing like this. As soon as she could feel herself, Nei'hime opened her eyes but the agony followed. First, it was her ribs that ached from the attack brought on to her but her other arm was another. The burning sensation crept into her fingers and reached to her knuckles. She never thought that a small area would bring so much misery. Nei'hime hissed, lifting herself in a sitting position to check her surroundings.

She was in the bedroom that was provided by the Patriarch and Matriarch . . . to make her more comfortable. She accepted it out of honor but in reality, she felt no better than she was on her ship. She slowly looked around, only noticing someone was lying in bed with her. She saw Hun'ta sleeping peacefully, undisturbed.

She wondered. Will I ever feel like that?

Again, the burn in her fingers prompted her to move and find out what it is. But in her scuffle to get out of bed, Hun'ta's eyes opened. She froze, hoping he would return to sleep but it didn't work. His golden-green eyes sought her and morphed to show concern. "Nei'hime . . . what's wrong?"

He raised his body and scooted to get a good look at her. Instinctually, she pulled away and ran to the bathroom. As much as she didn't want to hide from him, Nei'hime didn't want him to worry. There was too much on each of their shoulders as it is. She didn't bother to close the door and went for the mirror, moving her hand to get a better look. As suspected, small black veins were growing from her fingernails and made their way close to her knuckle. But what worried her most was how fast her condition was growing. She shook her head and slammed her fist on the edge of the sink.

I should have known better. This is what I get for pushing myself like this. She noticed the gloves that resembled Yautja flesh. She hated wearing them but they have become a necessity . . . now more than ever.

"Nei'hime."

Hun'ta followed her into the bathroom, watching for a moment. Nei'hime grunted but didn't answer, keeping her head down. He walked slowly, careful not to make the wrong move or else provoke an attack. It wasn't the first time it happened and won't be the last.

"What happened in there?"

Nei'hime sighs, lifting her body but refusing to look up. "They were there."

"Who?"

"Nala and Dhm'Ni."

Hun'ta hissed in shock. "They were?"

She nodded. "I was talking with Paya and Cetanu when they arrived. I have no idea why but they almost saw my face. And now, they may have figured out who's voice they've been hearing." Her body tenses again as another wave of slight pain went through her arm and in the fingers of the other.

"Did they see your face?"

Nei'hime shook her head.

"Then it should be alright. They might ask questions but we can only answer to some and then keep—"

"It won't work!" She turned and growled at him. Hun'ta wasn't prepared for a fight and stepped back, holding his hands in submission. Realizing what she'd done, she turns around and hides her face.

"He saw them." She heard a small gasp of air erupt from behind. He was in shock and understandably so. "He tried to attack them . . . hurt them. Paya, Cetanu, and I managed to get him back in but he's getting stronger. I don't know how much longer we can hold."

She felt her heart turn to stone. She grips it as if it was going to fall out of her chest cavity. But it didn't do little to make her feel better. She knew that the inevitable was coming . . . that 'He' will rise once more and do well on his promise. He'll harm everyone she's ever cared for and 'He' will make sure she watches before the final act.

I can't let him win . . . After everything I sacrificed . . . I can't let Sekh—

Her thoughts came to a halt when Hun'ta wrapped himself around her. Her brain ceased to function normally and her body shuddered at his touch. He was warm like the twin suns but washed the pain away like the rain. Hun'ta leans his chin on her shoulder, sniffing her bare neck to get her scent, smelling that she was in pain.

"Don't think about it now. There's nothing we can do for the moment so stop worrying about things." He glances down at her hand and grabs it to get a better look. He signs, noticing the black veins growing.

"It's getting worse."

She answers softly, "Yeah. I pushed it too far when I fought 'Him'." She decided to not mention the injury to her ribs. She's certain that she's going to have a bruise forming later. "How's yours?"

Hun'ta sighs and pulls one arm away from her. He reaches for his trucks, the only clothing we wore and yanks one side down. She saw the same black veins that started on his thigh but now had reached the side of his hip. It's not as bad as hers but the progress it made disturbed her. Hun'ta was one that didn't show the actual pain he was feeling like herself. A burden that she and the rest of her clan must endure.

Still, it pained her to see such a sight. She turned away and stared into the sink blankly.

Hun'ta sighed. "What did Paya and Cetanu have to say?"

"That I should be patient. That all will be revealed in time but I'm so uncertain of myself. When Dhm'Ni and Nala appeared, Cetanu mentioned the book?"

"The book? Why?"

"That I'm not so sure. Maybe to satisfy their curiosity about what they'd seen. Nala was very determined to find out."

She heard him chuckle. "Much like you."

She couldn't help but smile at the corner of her lips. "I guess you can say that."

Both stood still and silent for a time until Hun'ta rested his face in the crook of her neck, savoring the heat and scent she gave. Nei'hime lifted her eyes and looked into the mirror and at herself, noting her soft skin and pale color. She stopped when she glanced into her eyes, looking in wonder at the mixed blending of dark and light blue like the ocean swaying with the wind. To a stranger, they would appear beautiful. But to her, her face reminded her how similar she was to two people that she yearned to meet.

At that moment, she wished she could tell them the truth.

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

For hours, Nala trained herself in the training deck, pushing her body to the very limits. Again and again, she practiced several moves for hours on end, gaining the attention of a few Yautjas who came and went. Her body sweating profusely. As much as it shows her dedication to her training, it was only a ruse. Nala had to find something to keep her busy, frustrated by her search that she eventually gave in.

It had been a week since the incident with the dream and has bothered her since then. Nala became determined to find Nei'hime and get the answers out of her, even if she needed to fight. But there had been no sign of her and neither were any of her followers from her clan in sight. Once in a while, she would hear the news that they spotted Hun'ta or someone else but they would be gone before she would reach the destination. Her temper tantrum would end up with a young male getting his ass kicked if he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many Yautjas stayed out of her way after that and stopped bothering to tell her more. Eventually, with no one to help her, she gave in but it did little to dissipate the frustration in her.

It got back that she told Dhm'Ni to give her some space for now . . . until she calmed down. He didn't argue but rather agreed so he decided to hang out in the society globe with Thr'ik. However, he let her know that he will do whatever he can to find out more of Nei'hime's location but couldn't guarantee. He gave her comfort in the form of a hug before taking off.

Eventually, her body gave in to the strain she put herself in. Covered in large amounts of sweat, Nala stopped to get some deep breaths in and sit down on the edge of the ring. She looked on her gauntlet, noting that it was still early in the morning. Pauk this. She lays down on the floor and closes her eyes, letting her thoughts run wild.

Where is she? Is she hiding from us because of that dream? The lack of appearance confirmed that Nei'hime was also there and knew what happened. The only problem is why she's hiding now. It was all confusing to Nala and making her feel all the worse. She couldn't get the voice out of her head, repeating it over and over again. It was a soft voice, unlike a Yautja, and seemed gentle. She wished that she could see Nei'hime's face, only remembering the blue eyes for that split second.

Read the book.

Her inner voice spoke this time. That single sentence kept nagging in her mind. The recent events of that dream came back. She watched Paya and Cetanu fight with Nei'hime trying to get Dhm'Ni and herself out of there. But the shadow is the last thing she remembered. The aura around rang evil like a bad smell that you couldn't get rid of. The red eyes pierced into her and it reminded her of being hunted by something far worse.

That thing . . . is something else.

"Now . . . what are you up to?"

She heard a voice from above and opened her eyes to see Aja watching her. His tresses reminded her of vines if his skin wasn't the pale color with a light red tone to it. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you're okay. You've been training nonstop."

He moved out of the way when Nala tried to smack him away. She sits up with a groan, ignoring the ache screaming in her muscles. "I got a lot on my mind."

"I'm sure you have."

Nala looked away and Aja instantly regretted saying that. He hadn't seen her since she returned to Homeworld, busy with hunts and all. He wanted to check on her and make sure she was alright but he could see something's changed. He backs off, lowering his head as he purred. "I apologize if I offended you."

Nala spoke, looking up in a bit of surprise. "No, I . . . I didn't mean it like that. I'm not in the best of moods right now."

"I understand."

Nala sensed he was still unsure. She felt bad that she made him feel that way so she stood up and sighed. "Look. About what you did for me to save Dhm'Ni, risking everything . . . I'm glad you were there with me. I appreciate it a lot." She purred softly, hoping he felt better.

Aja looked up in shock, not thinking he would get a response from her like that. Inside, his heart leaped in joy to see her smile. It made all the trouble worthwhile and he would do it again if he had the chance. He wanted to show how much he appreciated it but had to be within limits. He lowered his head in a bow. "The pleasure is all mine."

Nala smiles, thankful Aja was kind to her. He looks back at her and smiles before remembering something. "I know you were searching for Nei'hime."

Her eyebrows tightened together. "How did you know?"

"A lot of gossip flows around her, Nalani."

She lowered her eyes. Of course, they would talk about her. "I guess."

Aja grunts. "I haven't seen her either in a week but I found out that she came out from hiding."

As soon as she heard that, her interest peaked. The gears in her head began to turn. "Where?"

"It's only rumors but the Patriarch and Matriarch are having a meeting with her as we speak. It's also mentioned that Sya will be attending it as well."

"Sya?" She never heard him having contact with Nei'hime.

Aja looked confused. "You didn't know?"

She shook her head. A feeling of frustration and disappointment filled her chest and mind. She and Sya have seen each other once in a while, having small talk about things. She did ask about whether he knew of Nei'hime's location but he gave nothing away. "He never said anything to me."

"Well . . ." Aja scratched between his tresses. "I'm not sure what involvement he has in all of this but it means that something big is going down. A lot of Yautjas are talking about it but many of the elders are suspicious."

"About what?"

"About Nei'hime. There is talk that she's involved with the Bad Bloods wearing the black Awu'asa. There wasn't much detail about it but not many think it's good."

Nala raised an eyebrow. "You've been doing a lot of research lately."

He smirked. "I had much time on our hands. And like you and everyone else, I want to know more but will wait to judge until I have everything."

She looked towards the wall. "I think there might be more to find out. For now, we need to be at the meeting."

"Even if we weren't invited? You know we'll be in big trouble if we do, especially after our last stunt."

"I figured as much." Nala stretches her aching muscles, helping to relax them long enough that she can still move fast if she had to. "I'll let Dhm'Ni know to meet us there." She enters a message through her gauntlet and sends it to him, not realizing the sudden change in Aja. For some reason, it ticked him off that she would call for him whenever things are happening but he wasn't one to argue. The desire to help her overpowered his jealousy of Dhm'Ni.

"Done and sent. Let's get going before we—"

Nala stopped when she caught sight of a female Yautja walking through the hallway beside the training ring. The hunter green color and the fascinating Awu'asa she wore gave her no doubt. Without warning, she ran towards the female and called out. "To'ya!"

To'ya stopped upon hearing her name, freezing in her spot. Even with her supreme speed compared to Nala, it was too late to run out of there. Nala moved to block her exit, seeing in her eyes that she was tempted to flee. This was her chance and one she wasn't going to miss.

"Wait! Hold on a second!"

To'ya stepped back. "I'm sorry, Nala . . . but I'm too busy to talk to you right now."

She tried to take a step around but Nala moved with her. She didn't have the time to have a conversation, knowing what Nala will ask of her. Again, she tried to go around the other way but Nala blocked her again. She growled in annoyance. "Please . . . step away or else you'll regret it."

Nala didn't back down and growled back. "I need to know why Nei'hime is ignoring me. I haven't seen her or anyone else for a week and I need answers. So either you tell me or I'll find out myself."

"This isn't the time."

"When is the pauking time!?"

Nala roared so loud that the crowds stopped and looked in their direction. For To'ya, the situation was getting worse. She growled again but refused to initiate a fight. "I can't say. I can't tell you anything."

"But why?!"

Nala steps forward. The urge to push on her shoulders and start a fight was overwhelming. She was fed up with the secrets they were keeping . . . fed up with the same answer of being patient. She was beyond that now. She stepped forward, testing To'ya's resolve but watched as the female moved back.

"Tell me!"

Aja comes to her side and tries to pull her away. "Nala. Calm down. This is getting out of hand."

She swiped his hand away. "No! I need to know! I had enough!"

Nala turns and glares at To'ya, growling as fierce as a female in heat. In this state, there was no stopping her from getting what she wanted. This time, Nala shoves at To'ya on the shoulders. She was initiating a fight. She was prepared for it if that meant she got the answers.

But To'ya had enough. "I can't. I was ordered not to by our Leader. If I did, then you'll know that Nei'hime is—"

All of a sudden, To'ya felt a chill run down her spine. Nala and Aja felt it as well and appeared to affect everyone else in the room. Growls and grunts sang in unbalanced rhythm. The air became heavy and cold, reminding Nala of the first time she went to the Hunter's Globe. But this one had a scary feeling to it. It reminded her much of her dream and when that shadow appeared. She looked around, trying to find it but it was nowhere to be seen.

"Well . . . you're making quite a fuss in such a busy area, little lady."

She heard a male's voice calling from behind. She whips around and almost had a heart attack when she saw him. The first thing that caught her attention was the black Awu'asa he wore, too similar to the Bad Bloods that attacked them before. Why is one walking freely around? And no one takes notice of this?!

Well, she found out she was wrong when she glanced at To'ya. Her face went pale upon seeing the male as he walked towards them. On his armor, he had a strange symbol of an upside-down triangle with a black spot in the middle. Other than that, the male appeared to look like everyone else. He didn't have a mask, revealing to have pale greyish skin with little patterns on him whatsoever but his face sent chills down her spine. He had red eyes that seemed abnormal to her. I have never seen a Yautja quite like him.

The male stopped a few feet away. To'ya and Aja were tense and wary of him. Nala watched as the male bowed his head but gave a smirk that wasn't exactly the friendly kind.

"It's good to officially meet you . . . again."

Hello Everyone!

So we got some insight into this shadow. It knows Paya, Cetanu, and Nei'hime well but it's a force to be reckoned with. But for some reason, it seems to have a grudge against them that seems personal. What is this shadow?

We got a bit of a name from Nei'hime before she got cut off. But then again, she has other things to worry about. A secret meeting is to be held but Nala or anyone seems to not know the true nature of it. She's very stubborn at finding out the truth but another player comes into the mix.

A male with the same black Awu'asa has returned but why? What reason is he making an appearance now? And he's glad to meet her . . . again?

So much to find out but the next chapter will blow up everything.

Find out when Chapter 56 will hopefully be posted by next Friday (Unless things pop up. Changes will be posted on my Instagram).

Thank you NeverNeverLady, IanAlphaAxel, ClTex, HuntressQueen22, and Mariah for the wonderful reviews on Chapter 54. The mystery is building but I can guarantee that many secrets (not all of them) will be revealed in the next few chapters. I hope all of you can't wait. Trust me . . . I'm torturing myself lol.

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

Thank you and Good Hunting! :))))