Chapter 35

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

One day turned into several of them. A week had gone by so fast but not enough for Kaail. There was so much that A'stea taught him, explaining how their hideout work and how the Hish made such an underground city work. There were areas for the training of the young and others interested in defending themselves. A place for the pups to play and run, to be free as they saw fit as their parents took care of chores. A bustling city, much different than the world above but A'stea and Kaail enjoyed each other's company . . . and it was the center of attention to everyone.

"And that's where we store the meat to distribute to everyone. Everything is gathered to give to everyone."

A'stea and Kaail were strolling along for another part of the tour, looking at a massive tent with many sorts of smell that made his mouth water. He wasn't one to be starving like this but seeing the tons of meat was almost insatiable.

"You better hold off your stomach until tonight."

"Tonight?" He trilled, surprised.

"Yeah. It seems that everyone wants to celebrate."

Kaail stopped in his tracks, causing A'stea to turn around in confusion. He clicked his mandibles for a moment and then scratched his head. "Celebrate what?"

A'stea paused but then giggled into her mouth. "Celebrate being alive and well. And to welcome you and the new recruits."

"New recruits?"

"Yeah. The guards that ambushed us a few days ago."

He squinted his eyes. It didn't make sense that they would allow some Hish guards to join them after what they did. But A'stea did explain before that they didn't mean it, only following orders from the Amengi. A common theme around here.

"And you knew about this?"

Right then and there, A'stea turned her head slightly to the side, trying to cover the small blush coming into her cheeks. "Well . . . I thought it best to get yourself acquainted more with the others. Having a celebration gets rid of all the worries and fears for a while. It lifts your spirit and all."

She shakes her head and looks at him with a smile. "I think it will be good for you."

Kaail snorts. "I don't do parties. It sounds ridiculous."

He immediately regrets saying that part when he saw A'stea lower her head. Her eyes filled with disappointment. It was true that he wasn't exactly a social butterfly. He'd rather be in his own space where no one else can judge him. This place was no different. He kept seeing the stares at him and most weren't out of curiosity. But then again, that was a few days ago and it seemed to grow less and less.

And secretly, he didn't want to disappoint A'stea . . . especially given what happened a few nights ago with the nightmare she had. And his own that still bothered him to this point.

He sighed. "Alright. You win."

A'stea perks up, smiling. "Good. You'll like it. Trust me."

Kaail tilted his head and saw her hazel eyes glowing in brilliance. He couldn't help but smile back. But just as they were about to continue their way, someone called A'stea's name. They turned around and saw Fi'ka coming to them, jumping in excitement but puffing for air when she reached them. Bu'at was not far behind but he took his time.

"Fi'ka." A'stea asked. "What's wrong?"

Her friend took a minute before she got it out. "Where have you've been?! We need to get primed up for the party!"

A'stea pulled her head back, surprised. "Primed up?"

Fi'ka nodded her head like a fast jackhammer, making Bu'at chuckle and Kaail froze in confusion. "You promised that when you finally came to a celebration, I would get you dressed up. You promised!"

It was eerily quiet where all four of them stood. Even a few Hish walking by noticed. Not liking it at all, A'stea shook her head in frustration. "Fine then." She pointed her finger at Fi'ka. "But I'm not going to wear a dress."

Fi'ka's eyes lit up like a pup who got a present. "Of course." She turns to Kaail. "Pardon me but I have to borrow her for a while. Is that alright with you?"

Kaail was still getting used to Fi'ka being so comfortable around him now. A few days ago, she would have attacked him without hesitation. Now, it's like he couldn't get away from her. At least she's alright with me. But in his shock and confusion, he reluctantly nodded his head to Fi'ka's request.

"Then let us go."

Without giving A'stea time to say goodbye, Fi'ka already dragged her away from Bu'at and Kaail. She allowed a few feet separation before she released herself from her friend's grip.

"Are you out of your mind?" She growled, which did nothing.

"Come on, A'stea." Fi'ka leaned her head closer as they walked together. "I want to do something with that hair anyway."

A'stea glanced to her friend and could feel that there's more to her plan than what she's saying. "What is it, Fi'ka? What are you plotting?"

"Oh, nothing." But then, her friend leans closer until her inner mouth is next to her ear. Her mandibles grazing over her skin. "I just thought you want to look good for a certain someone."

She glanced for a second to see Fi'ka raising the muscles above her eyes a few times. A'stea felt her cheeks burn again as she turned away. Her lips quivered a bit, making it a little harder to speak out what she wanted to. "Fine. When did you jump on the boat with Kaail being your friend."

Fi'ka said nothing and kept dragging her away from them. She feared the plan she was getting herself into. But at the same time, a part of her was excited for what's to come.

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By the time it was late evening and almost dark, the celebration was on its way. Several huge bonfires were up with many gathered all around it. The sounds were deafening. A mix of roars and cheers with pups giggling and running around. The smell of cooking meat was everywhere, although it was unusual. Hish could eat it raw but not a necessity.

"Where are they?"

Kaail grumbled impatiently. It had been several hours since he last saw A'stea and got no word of when she'll be coming back to him. A heavy weight was growing in his chest, not certain what it was or why he was feeling it now. He leaned against the pole of a tent and watched the servants dine and celebrate.

"Come on, Kaail." Bu'at rattled his mandibles. "They'll come. Fi'ka is well known to be precise when it comes to things."

"What things?"

Bu'at chuckled. "You'll see, my friend."

Right on cue, both of them saw Fi'ka coming towards them from around the corner. The first thing Kaail noticed was the change in clothing. Instead of the usual leather loincloth and bra, she was wearing a formal gown that was spit in the middle to reveal her midsection. The slivers of gold etched into a swirling pattern, glowing brightly with the bonfires nearby.

"Fi'ka . . ." Bu'at's voice cracked a little, surprising Kaail. "You look gorgeous." He bowed his head to her.

"Shut up." She scolded him playfully. "I saved this for a special occasion."

"I can tell." A purr erupted from Bu'at's chest.

Kaail had to hold his stomach together, seeing his friend flirting with Fi'ka of all things. Really? Now?

"Where's A'stea?" He asked a little too patiently.

He watched as both stared at each other until Fi'ka turned around to the corner she recently came around. "Come on out."

It was a minute before someone came around the corner of a tent. Kaail fought the urge to just walk over and see if it was her. But it was quickly replaced with shock as he saw A'stea come. But what he saw was nothing he'd expected and it brought a scramble of feelings that made his body burn.

Like Fi'ka, she was dressed in a similar design of a gown but with silver markings that outlined the shape of her body. Her midsection was exposed and she was wearing leather sandals that contemplated it. What caught him off guard was that her long, black hair was tied into many dreadlocks like the Hish with several silver bands as he called them. They shined with the glow of the fire . . . along with her eyes. He couldn't look away.

For some reason, she was nervous. Fi'ka promised that she wouldn't make her wear a dress but her persistence was equal to her stubbornness. She thought that it was only going to be a few moments but it took hours and the party was already starting. Annoyed as she was, it quickly dissipated into nervousness when they headed back to Kaail and Bu'at. Thoughts about what his reaction was becoming unbearable. Stop it already.

As soon as she saw the shocked expression in his red eyes, she stuttered. "What? Do I look bad?"

Geez, A'stea. That's the first thing you ask?

It was silent for a moment with Bu'at and Fi'ka looking back and forth in between. Kaail had his mandibles clamped to his inner mouth so hard that they began to prick at his skin. He was like a frozen statue until he saw all eyes were on him, especially A'stea's. He swallowed deeply and lets some of the steam out from inside himself.

"You . . . look different."

She tilted her head. "In a bad way?"

He shook his head. "Far from it. You look . . ." Again, he hesitated.

Just get it over with!

"Beautiful . . ."

A'stea widened her eyes in shock but then relaxed. Hearing him said that is what she needed. A smile grew in her as the warmth in her chest did. Kaail felt secretly the same, almost threatening to release his musk in reaction.

"Good." Fi'ka chirps. "The party has started and I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry!" Bu'at snorted.

Fi'ka tilted her head and turned around to head towards the center of the party. Bu'at followed, leaving Kaail and A'stea at the back of the party.

"What are those things in your hair?" Kaail inspected the closest one, noticing some writing embedded into it.

"Oh, this." She raised one of her dreads. "It's a little decoration I made, symbolizing all my achievements on hunts. Much like the trophies back at my tent."

Kaail hummed. "They look good on you."

A'stea smiled weakly, embarrassed a little. "Thanks. Maybe I'll make some for you if you like."

He turned away with a playful snort. Not really into that. They kept walking but he moved an arm behind her to keep up the pace. She tensed and then allowed him to hold her close, smiling out of his view. It feels good.

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The party went well on into the night with no signs of slowing down. Some of the Hish brought about instruments that were no more than drums and other things. Many Hish danced in an open field with no care in the world, moving in unison with the entire group. It was more relaxed since the pups went to bed early.

A'stea, Kaail, Fi'ka, and Bu'at managed to get food in time before they ran out of the limited supply to give out. It was the best tasting meat ever. Kaail had a few pieces that the masters prepared for him but they were only to boost his strength and keep him fit. This was different. The meat was flavored and cooked particularly and Kaail guzzled it down at the last bite. A'stea had to hold in a giggle when she saw him like that.

For now, they watched as the Hish danced while the spectators clapped and roared in celebration. The drums beat at a medium pace until they stopped and the dancers bowed to end their performance.

"That was good," Fi'ka spoke, nuzzling her shoulder on A'stea's.

"Yeah, it was. They were pretty good." She looked to Kaail by her side. "What do you think?"

He sighed. "They are good. I've never seen such a celebration. I mean . . . not like this."

"Of course." She smiled, shoving him a little. "It's the happiest place on the planet."

"You said it!" Bu'at raised a glass of c'ntlip and dunked it in his mouth. It was a shock to Kaail that they even have such a beverage. He would have drunk more but he wasn't in the mood. His attention was on something else . . . or rather someone.

"Are you having a good time?" He had to ask, making sure A'stea was alright despite seeing the smile on her face.

"I'm good."

He watched as she looked around. His eyes followed, seeing the happiness in everyone around. Everyone's happy . . . He glanced at A'stea. She's happy.

His eyes softened at her form . . . her beauty. His heart began to race and time seemed to slow down. To see her smile . . . to see her happy . . . was something he never thought he desired until now.

Everyone's attention turned when a Hish female came to the center of the dance floor. "It's time for the K'ira-an."

Roars and clicks from the Hish, mostly males, rang into the air. It almost made Kaail jump from how sudden it was. The female Hish moved from their spots and went to the dance floor eagerly.

"What's going on?" Kaail asked, a little confused as to what's happening.

But before A'stea could answer him, Fi'ka comes butting in again. I swear that female is going to get on my nerves!

"Come on, A'stea! Let us go!"

"Wait . . ." She tried to pull away. "Hold your horses!"

"Come on!"

Fi'ka yanked harder and managed to get A'stea away from Kaail. He was tempted to pull her back to him and teach the female some respect. But Bu'at stopped him before he could say or do anything before they went to the dance floor, joining with the others.

"It's okay, Kaail. It's just a special dance."

"A dance?"

Bu'at nodded and then pointed to the female group. "It's when all the female Hish joins together to perform in front of everyone. But it had a certain condition and it's the most anticipated part."

Kaail tilted his head. Anticipated part? His friend smirked and looked back to the dance floor. "You'll see. Watch."

All of a sudden, the females and A'stea moved into position, forming several circles within themselves and lowered their heads in a bow. As soon as they straightened up, the drums began to beat at a slow pace. Kaail watched as the females began to move, bending their arms in such precise flow. They twirled around in their places, swaying back and forth in unison. The males watching were fascinated. Somehow, Kaail could hear a few purrs around him. But his eyes never left A'stea who stood in the middle, seemingly nervous.

The beating of the drums began to pick up the pace and that's when the females began to move in a circle. They would stop once in a while to do some kind of move and then continue. But every time they did, the crowds would roar in joy. It only confused Kaail even more but the dance was mesmerizing, especially seeing A'stea move with such flow. It made her exotic like he was seeing something rare. To him . . . she was.

But then, the females stopped and the drums began to quiet down, replaced with the eagerness of the males surrounding them. The energy had risen to a new level.

"Oh! This is the special part I was talking about." Bu'at commented.

Kaail saw the females split open a little until the outer circle of them was right at the edge of the dance floor. Each one raised their hands and guided them to someone in the crowd. Soon, more Hish joined in and he noticed it was all males.

"What's going on?" Kaail leaned closer to Bu'at.

"So this is the part where the females get to choose a partner to dance with them."

Partner? Dance with them?

Bu'at chirped, seeing Kaail's wild expression. "I told you. It's the best part of the K'ira-an. Although, I never have seen A'stea participate in this, let alone choose a partner. But who knows?" He emphasizes the last part, nudging Kaail's shoulder, much to his irritation.

Kaail watched as each female chooses a male to be their partner, hearing the purrs and clicks of mandibles as they met. A'stea had yet to choose and seemed like she wasn't into it . . . until he noticed Fi'ka whispering something in her ear. What is she planning?

She splits away and goes for a male that was a little taller than herself. As for A'stea, she stood there until her eyes flickered to him. They exchanged looks that almost made Kaail tremble for a moment until she smiled. The next thing he knew, she raised her hand in his direction.

He heard the soft gasps and then seeing many turn to him. The drums were still going but it was silent in his hearing. He didn't know what was going on but something told him it was serious.

"That's interesting," Bu'at spoke in awe.

"What?" Kaail whispered.

His friend paused for the moment, letting the tension linger for a few seconds.

"She's chosen you."

Hi everyone!

What a party that's going on! It goes to show that even the Hish need a break. And good to have during such dark times to have some fun :)

But Fi'ka and Bu'at are not going to let the two lovebirds alone. Maybe even planning to get them together. It's really sweet but also stressful for Kaail and A'stea. But I guess it might have worked out since A'stea had chosen him to dance with her.

Will something happen between them? Maybe something . . . good? Ooohhhh :D

Find out when Chapter 36 comes tomorrow! And I can assure you that this is the chapter everyone has been waiting for in some way. The start of something wonderful. ;)

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