Chapter 16: Undeterred

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

"So remind me again . . . Why are we doing this?"

It was the tenth time Xen'ork asked that question and I was getting quite annoyed. I thought the last few times I growled would stop him or the fact that he needed to pay attention to driving the ship to our destination. As much as I didn't want to leave Mia, my plan to help her required to fly to a very 'special' place that most Yautjas wouldn't dare to go. I grumbled at his question, trying to work on the navigation system on the pilot's panel to find our target.

"As I explained many times over, we are going to get some materials for the armor."

"But why go through all this trouble when we can help your ooman female?"

I slammed my fists on the edge of the panel, growling in anger towards him. Xen'ork backed off a bit in his chair but his curiosity in his eye didn't fade. It made all the angrier.

"Her name is Mia. And she won't let me despite my offer." I turned back to the hologram imaging the navigation, pressing more codes to manage it. "She's quite stubborn."

I heard Xen'ork click his mandibles in a sort of amusing way. "More brave than stubborn."

I snorted by that comment but a small piece of my mind wondered if it was true. Mia wants to do this . . . save the hybrid's life but . . . I sigh. I don't know. Soon, the navigation started beeping loud and fast, indicating that our target was near. The anxiety slowly fades and I zoom the hologram to get a visual of our destination. The hologram can only go so far into the distance so it was barely a speck that I could see. The good news is that it will only take a couple of minutes to reach it and I could get a closer look when it's almost time. A necessary action since it can potentially be dangerous. It won't be long before we arrive.

"Xen'ork. Did you get in contact with Arkarb?"

He nods. "Of course. He'll be arriving shortly after we finish this fool's errand."

I slowly turned to him and growled low. He raises his hands in the air. "Just saying. This is something only those crazy enough to do it. Or want a death wish."

Xen'ork wasn't the type to get nervous over anything. But right now, it was written all over his face and even his body language. It doesn't matter . . . we're here now and going through with this . . . but I can't blame him. This personal 'business' of ours can become dangerous if not a death wish like Xen'ork employed. I looked back at the hologram and sighed.

"Alright. Let Arkarb know to stay a few miles away until it's safe in case he arrives earlier than expected. Once we're done, he can meet us at the designation I'll assign."

"Yes, my Lord."

I kept my eyes on the hologram but I could hear Xen'ork's voice calling for Arkarb on the communications. It was crucial to get Arkarb's skills as the best forger to good use. As much as I practiced in that area, I was far from making anything useful. Plus with the limited time we have, the best hands are greatly required. Out of nowhere, the alarm on the navigation goes off like sirens that are used to alert the occupants that the ship is damaged or in danger of being destroyed. It's quite annoying back when I first heard them but over time, I ignored it. This time . . . it was a good sign.

"We're close. Slow down the ship to 20%."

Xen'ork got to work and slowed the speed of the ship down. I watched as the marker got closer to us, beeping like the red lasers we used for targeting prey with the shoulder cannons. Soon, the beeping went off constantly until it sounded like humming. The hologram zooms in on the target but I didn't need to see anymore. A bright, orange glow came through the front windows of the ship and moved across the ground. My eyes traveled it up, over the panels and finally to the windows. My eyes caught our destination . . . a dying star.

In normal circumstances, a star would be more like a single light point in space rather than have an orange glow like the one in front of us. But not everything can last forever so when a star is in the process of dying, it starts to emit several gasses that would be poisonous if exposed within a planet's atmosphere. Luckily, the lack of air in space protects us from it but it makes no guarantees. Plus . . . it's not the worst thing that could happen. When time is up, the star compacts into a single point, holding all of its energy until it can't anymore. When that happens, the start explodes like an inferno, killing anything instantly within a couple of miles. The unpredictability of these stars and the potential destruction at any time . . . it's no wonder why most Yautjas would stay far away from them as possible during their travels.

I rolled my eyes. So we're considered the crazy ones . . . but for good reason.

I raised my hand to Xen'ork. "Stop the ship."

Xen'ork hesitated at first but did as commanded when I glared silently into his eyes. For some reason or another, making no noise while glaring proves more effective that roars and growls. He turns the engine off and the ship stutters to a low sound, still on to make sure the ship stayed where it is and not float into space. I turned off the hologram and gazed on the star, watching the colors of orange, yellow, and a soft red blend together into waves. For some reason, it reminded me of the morning light on the ooman planet that Mia lives on.

Mia . . .

I closed my eyes and imagined she was right in front of me. Her brown-whitish hair flowing the same way as the star and her blue eyes shining with joy. It took everything in me to suppress a purr. The last thing I need is Xen'ork asking more questions. It was hard enough as it is when I returned to the ship and Xen'ork wondering why I was roaring to which I put the connection together when I mated with Mia. I made up some weird excuse that I was protecting her but I knew he didn't buy it. It was only when I told him of this plan that his focus shifted elsewhere. I opened my eyes and moved to the other side of the panel, pressing on another set of codes to activate the cranes.

"Keep the ship steady as we move in. I'll operate the cranes."

Xen'ork nods and increases the power of the engine enough that the ship inched slowly towards the star. As he was doing that, I activated the thermo indicator that monitors the energy of the star. It makes sure to warn us if the star is about to explode if the energy level increases to a dangerous level. A smaller hologram emerges, showing the measurements of the star. So far, the energy level remained constant by decreasing slowly over time. Good. Let's get this done.

I pressed more codes and the cranes activate. The sound of metal groaning echoed from the bottom of the ship, revealing two giant, metal claws that extended outward from the ship. The cranes are an unusual piece of equipment. They are only used for forgers to collect certain metals from around the universe . . . not something a hunter's ship would have. But being a diligent warrior in my youth, I requested for a ship that can be used for hunts but has the addition of the cranes. In the beginning, I thought I would never use them and the cranes would be left to collect dust. How ironic that they would have a meaningful purpose after all those seasons . . . and for the most unusual reasons that I would never dare to attempt if asked back in my younger days.

Once I tested the cranes to make sure there were no malfunctions, extending the length while opening and closing the cranes, I knew I was ready for the delicate work. I turned towards Xen'ork in his seat.

"Move slowly in."

"Yes, my Lord."

He increases the engine power and the ship slowly moves towards the star. My heart kept pounding from all the stress and worry I had to think about. I kept checking the thermo indicator every few seconds while focusing the cranes towards the core of the star. The material inside was the goal to collect and I needed to be careful. The core is under extreme heat and one mishap could spell disaster so great precision is needed. I took a glance towards Xen'ork and he looked terrified despite his attempts of hiding it by tightening his mandibles together hard. It was understandable. Xen'ork had to keep moving the ship at a slow pace and must stop immediately when I can reach with the cranes. It's vital since the heat radiating off the star could melt the metal holding the ship together. Both of us were under tremendous stress but I wasn't going to back down now.

It was the most stressful time, waiting to see how far the ship can go. We were only a few inches away when we heard the warning alarm go off. The ship's haul was starting to burn and the room began to steam with extreme heat. Even with our species able to adapt to hot humid environments, I could feel sweat slowly dripping from my skin and face. Xen'ork stops the ship from advancing.

"That's as far as we can go. It's on you now."

I didn't need him to say that. I'm prepared for it. I moved the cranes closer to the core of the star, careful to not miss. I had very few opportunities and if I don't get it right, I could easily accelerate the destruction of the star. My hands were starting to shake on the panel but I kept vigilant as I watched the tips of the cranes disappear into the blinding light. I had to rely solely on my instincts now. I tweaked the controls a bit, turning the cranes back and forth until I felt it. There . . . I pressed on the controls to close the cranes together. I heard the scrapping of metal following the command, giving me optimism that I got something. I commanded the cranes to pull back out and everything stood still as I waited to see what I got.

By some miracle or another, the cranes pull out with a small orb each that was brimming with a glowing color of white. I sighed, relaxing my mandibles and feeling a hint of joy flowed through me.

"I can't believe you got it. Lucky, I guess."

Xen'ork meant well but I didn't like the last bit of the comment about luck. There's no such thing as luck. I grunted and focused back on the cranes as they brought the orbs back to the ship. These things were the metal I was looking for and from the quality of them based on their perfect shape and glow, they were very fresh. I activated a sort of container that opens from the ship and the cranes carefully place the orbs into it. Another sigh of relief I take . . .

"Alright. Going to collect some more."

"Hurry though. I don't want to be here much longer."

I rolled my eyes away from Xen'ork's sight. A big pup you are. "Don't worry. Your job is to keep maintaining the ship."

From that point, it was repetition after repetition. The cranes would go back into the core of the star . . . come back with more orbs . . . and place them in the container. In between, I kept checking the thermo indicator and so far it was going well but it was no guarantee. There were times where I wanted to leave like Xen'ork a few minutes ago but Mia's face kept popping up. My resolve would be reaffirmed when I saw her brown eyes and smile. Don't worry, Mia. I won't let you down.

Soon, I got enough orbs that could make a complete set of armor and much more. There was more of the metal to be collected but the clicking of Xen'ork's mandibles from being nervous started to annoy me. "That should be enough."

I pressed on the controls and the cranes pull back into the ship with the container following behind. That will go into the bottom level of the ship for safekeeping and maintain their heat so they wouldn't harden before they were melded into objects. I felt so accomplished that we were able to pull a crazy stunt like this without any complications. Must have something going for us.

I turned to Xen'ork. "Get us out of here and head towards the Ta'taka planet."

He nods. "Don't have to say twice."

He gets to work on the ship and begins turning it away from the star. I took one look at it until the front of the ship couldn't see it anymore. But as Xen'ork was about to put the ship in position, the alarm goes off again. Both of us looked towards the thermo indicator instinctually and it showed us what we feared. The energy level of the star skyrocketed to a dangerous level within a few seconds and rising. I hurried to the indicator, pressing to see the details. It pops up and my heart sank. The star is only a few seconds before exploding and hasn't taken off. Even without the thermo indicator, the heat inside the ship increased and it feels like we're being cooked alive. C'jit (shit)!

"I told you this wasn't going to end well!"

I snapped at Xen'ork, roaring with anger inside. "Not now! Get us out of here!"

For once, Xen'ork snaps back. "I'm trying. The engine needs time to ramp up energy for a swift takeoff! We won't be out of there fast enough!"

I growled and swiftly moved across the panel, shoving Xen'ork in the process with no regard. He didn't react towards it but it could be either I was his superior and too strong for him in a fight or he knew what I was doing. I got to the small part near Xen'ork's seat and flipped open part of it, revealing the button that activated the wormhole. We have no choice! It's the only way!

"Get ready! I'm going to activate the wormhole! It should get us out of here before—"

Out of nowhere, a huge force pounds on the back of the ship. It was so strong that I slammed my abdomen into the panel and I felt my ribs cracking. It hurt like a mother pauker (fucker) but I ground my inner teeth together, pushing through the pain. That was . . . massive. The star is going to explode. Xen'ork got the better end since he was sitting in the pilot seat so he should not have any complaints. But of course, I was wrong.

"Pauk (fuck)! That pauking (fucking) hurt!"

I couldn't stand it anymore and smacked him on the head. He growls and leers into my eyes but they did little to scare me off.

"Enough! Start the engines!"

He grunts before fidgeting on the panel. The engine comes to life and rumble with such power. Another blast hurls on the ship and I braced myself on the panel while feeling the sting in my ribs. Once the ship was settled, I roared towards Xen'ork when we made eye contact.

"Push it!"

Xen'ork does without hesitation, slamming his fist onto the panel. The engine roars and the ship hurtles forward with great speed. We zip through space but the light from the star brightens with such intensity, even as our backs were towards it. Another blast hits us but not as hard as the last two but we weren't out of the woods yet. The alarm on the thermo indicator rang louder. It showed we had only a minute left to take off. I didn't have much time left and I got to work getting the wormhole ready. A few codes into the panel and the wormhole showed it was ready. I slammed on the button and the wormhole is released.

A ring flies from the bottom of the ship and opens a hole in space. I programmed it to land up near the Ta'taka planet but these things were unpredictable. I prayed in my soul that it will work. Please . . .

But as Xen'ork gets the ship closer towards the hole, the inevitable happened. The thermo indicator goes off like a constant bell but we didn't even need it to tell us what happened. The light behind us intensifies until I could barely see in front of me. The ship rumbles erratically and the heat skyrockets. My heart pounds from everything going off around me on top of the heat making me feel like my mind was boiling. If I make it out of here, I'm taking a cold bath.

Xen'ork and I braced ourselves as the star explodes, releasing its wrath that was rushing towards us. We were only a few feet away from the wormhole when the blast hits us. I roared in pain when I slammed once more into the panel, crushing my already cracked ribs. This time, Xen'ork got the brunt force despite the security of the chair and almost hits his forehead on the panel similar to me. But with some sort of miracle, the blast gave enough push for the ship to reach the wormhole in time. The next thing I knew, the heat and light disappear in an instant. I had my eyes closed during that time but when I heard only silence and our harsh breathing, I slowly opened them and let out a sigh of relief when I saw the planet Ta'taka, admiring the dull purple color from its sky.

We made it . . .

Both of us didn't say anything for a while, letting our bodies relax while coping with our injuries. My ribs ached but it dulled when all the stress fled from my body. I look over towards Xen'ork and he had his forehead on the panel, looking so exasperated with his mandibles hanging on the edge. I glanced at the panel that was showing the damage that the ship had taken. Other than some parts of the outer structure melted away, the ship was in perfect shape to fly. If we had taken more damage, we would either be floating in space with a dead engine or blasted into oblivion. Damn . . . we barely made it.

"I swear . . . if you ever . . . come up with . . . a plan like that . . . I'm staying home."

I didn't know what came over me but Xen'ork's comment made me chuckle but it only lasted a minute when my ribs ached from it.

"I . . . understand."

I looked to Xen'ork as he moved his eye to look at me. "Thank you, Xen'ork."

He gave a small smile. "Anytime."

With that, I slowly stood up on my feet and looked towards Ta'taka. "Contact Arkarb and tell him to meet us here. I'm sure he's nearby."

"Of course."

Xen'ork gets to work on contacting Arkarb while I looked out into space, still seeing Mia's face but with a worried look. It broke my heart but this dreaded feeling was much different from before.

So different . . .

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

An hour or so later, Arkarb had made it to our ship with his own that was smaller in size. He was a humble Yautja and only took the necessities with him except when it comes to forgery. He would pay with all of his trophies from his youth to obtain the rarest of materials. This time . . . he doesn't need to pay except to borrow his skills for something important. I stood waiting at the connector that can create a link between ships in deep space, located in the middle of the hallway. I waited until the green light gave me the sign that it was successful. I took a deep breath as the seal on the connector opens, revealing my old ally and friend.

"Arkarb. Thank you for coming."

I walked towards him with a smile, opening my arms for a warm welcoming. He does the same and we wrapped ourselves together in an embrace. Arkarb and I go way back when I was barely a pup training for my Chiva. He was an exquisite warrior that I looked up to other than my father but after a hunting accident that left him unable to fight, he focused his work as a forger that he had as a simple hobby. He became recognized as one of the many skilled forgers, giving him recognition despite not having the best trophies or skills as a hunter. It didn't change my view of him but rather strengthened our bond as fellow brothers in the same clan. He may be an old man with white dreadlocks now . . . but he's still valuable to everyone . . . including me.

After a minute, we pulled away but kept our hands on each shoulder as he spoke. "I would come anytime time you need me. But I can't help but think this time it is very important."

I lowered my gaze and shook my head, feeling the worry of telling Arkarb of what I know. Something inside was telling me to tread carefully but I knew deep inside that Arkarb would understand. He's wiser than I'll ever be. I sighed and looked right into his eyes.

"It's . . . complicated. I'll tell you more when you're finished with the forgery work. I hope you understand."

He tilts his head to the side a bit and his eyes told that he knew I was holding back something important. All that I told him when I contacted him was that I needed him to come and forge 'special' armor and weapons for a 'special' someone. I didn't have the heart to tell him over the communications that it was for an ooman female named Mia but I did mention it had to do with the Bad Bloods that had killed Ba'kou and Ni'geria. That got Arkarb on board without hesitation. He knew how much this meant for me and always supported me in the darkest of times. But I would have to give him more information later. With only a month in ooman times, even someone as skilled as Arkarb's would be cutting it close.

I watched Arkarb's expression relax but still showed curiosity in his eyes, bowing his head in respect. "I do. So . . . you got the rare metal?"

"You bet. But we both almost got killed."

Our conversation was interrupted when I heard Xen'ork walk behind me. I leered at him for being rude but stayed quiet since Arkarb was with us. He merely chuckled at Xen'ork's attitude and remark but glanced at how Xen'ork looked at that moment.

"I can tell. You had gone quite a beating. But then again, I heard that Daugo had taken more injuries than you."

Xen'ork puffed out his mandibles out. "Easy for you to say. You didn't have to drive the ship out of that pauking (fucking) wreck. It was very stressful."

Arkarb huffed, not buying the excuse. Xen'ork didn't like it but he brushed it aside, letting me answer the last question Arkarb asked. "Yes. It was difficult but I have the metal in a room prepared for your equipment. How long will it take you to make the request?"

Arkarb shakes his head. "I know you wanted to make a full armor but you're only giving me less than a month to get it all done. I won't finish all of it in time but at least I can make some weapons for you."

It wasn't the news I was hoping for. I wanted to give Mia as much protection as possible when she goes through with her plan to free the hybrid . . . or Anya as Mia called her. But at least, Arkarb will make weapons for me . . . that's something.

I nodded. "I understand. I'll help you move the equipment you brought."

I was about to walk past Arkarb to grab what he listed before his arrival when he stretched his arm out to block my way. I would have snapped at anyone who tried to pull a stunt like that but this was Arkarb. Plus, I was more confused when I saw concern in his eyes. Arkarb looked towards Xen'ork.

"Xen'ork . . . Why don't you get my equipment?"

Xen'ork gave a 'what the pauk (fuck) look' but Arkarb only needed to leer at him to get him walking past us without saying a word. It was some special power Arkarb had that didn't require him to say anything nor make a sound. He was gone, leaving only me and Arkarb. The confusion only grew as he lowered his arm down.

"What's wrong?"

I asked but Arkarb stayed as still as a statue. The only thing that changed was the concern in his expression grew bigger . . . like he was holding something back. It was only a few minutes later than he finally spoke slowly.

"I have to warn you. I didn't come alone."

That struck something in my mind, filling me with concern. I specifically told him that only he can come and secretly no less. So who would come with Arkarb? And why would he let them? Unless . . .

Our conversation went to a halt when I heard footsteps inside the connector coming towards us. My mind was scrambling to know who it was as the figure came closer. It wasn't until they came into the light from the ship that I realized it was the last person I expected.

"Lar'ja."

My son walks sternly towards us like he wasn't pleased to see me. Why would he? Ever since his brother died . . . He stops next to Arkarb and bows his head. Lar'ja, like myself, saw him as a true friend but he would sometimes take advantage of Arkarb's sincere nature for his gain.

Lar'ja padded Arkarb's shoulder. "Thank you Arkarb for letting me come along."

Arkarb didn't say anything but nodded back to Lar'ja. With no words spoken, Arkarb turns around and walks back through the connector towards his ship, getting his equipment no less. It left with Lar'ja and I standing in front of each other with the tension so thick that you cut into it like ripping into flesh.

"What is it, Lar'ja? Why have you come?"

I heard a low growl coming to his chest, clearly telling me he was angry. I knew better that he might have found out about my secret conversation with Arkarb. Although he might not know why he was clever enough to put the pieces together. It was confirmed when my son spoke.

"Is it true? You called Arkarb with help for that ooman female."

I didn't say anything. I kept my eyes on Lar'ja and watched him struggling to control his anger, tightening his fists on his sides. I didn't know how to explain everything to him without him losing control of his emotions but he had the right to know and I wasn't ashamed to tell him. Mia needs me . . . there's nothing to be ashamed of.

I took a deep breath and looked straight into Lar'ja's bright golden eyes. "Yes. This is for Mia."

I braced myself when Lar'ja roared right into my face, standing strong during my son's bombardment to vent his rage.

"How far will you go for that pathetic excuse for prey like her?!"

That comment . . . It was like an insult to Mia and I was close to losing my self-control. But I knew there was no point in fighting my son. He wouldn't listen to anything I said and didn't understand what Mia was going through. I stepped back away from Lar'ja and straightened myself, taking calm breaths to keep myself together.

"First off . . . her name is Mia. And she needs my help."

Lar'ja puffs. "Of course she would want your help. She's too weak to do anything without someone stronger for her use."

I didn't buy that statement at all. The last time I met Mia, she seemed broken at first but I could see the undeterred will in her being. She's not weak at all. Mia would put herself first before anyone else. I decided to 'correct' Lar'ja about that last comment.

"She's not weak. I decided to do this for her . . . of my own free will."

Lar'ja's eyes widened in shock. I showed no emotion on my face, watching my son shaking with uncontrollable rage. He tones down his voice the next time he spoke but I sensed he was far from calming down.

"You're . . . really doing this?"

I nodded. "She's trying to free someone that needs her help. She refuses to let me be directly involved but I'm determined to give her any support I can."

The silence grew between us until Lar'ja suddenly started laughing . . . almost hysterically. It caught me somewhat off guard but I didn't move a muscle. Lar'ja covers his eyes with one hand while the other pressed on the wall to keep him standing. What is he thinking? He slowly stops laughing when he needed to catch his breath.

"I should have known better. The great warrior Daugo who had let his oldest son die, letting his younger son take the blame. I shouldn't have been surprised that you would go so low as to help an ooman with saving another."

"Well . . . not exactly another ooman."

That caught Lar'ja's interest and his eyes perked up in a bit of curiosity mixed with anger. "What do you mean?"

I sighed. "It's a hybrid that is directly part of the plan you told me the last time we talked."

His inner mouth and mandibles opened in absolute shock. "What!?"

I nodded. "It's true. Mia raised the hybrid with the oomans I've been tracking but they aren't exactly treating their project well. Mia wants to free the hybrid from the torture and is planning to do so within a month."

I stopped, only to firmly step forward until I was only inches in front of Lar'ja. He looked surprised at what I was doing but that made me feel stronger. This is what I want, Lar'ja.

"I'm going through with this . . . with or without your help."

Neither of us said anything for a while. Lar'ja stayed frozen like he was trying to understand this whole situation. I waited for him until he blinked his eyes and leers back to me.

"Fine. Do as you like. You never listen to anyone and do as you pleased. As far as I'm concerned, this has nothing to do with me. I'm not going to take any part in this."

Lar'ja turns around to head back to Arkarb's ship. I shook my head in defeat, lowering my gaze to the floor. Oh . . . my son. He still has a long way to heal from the deep wounds. I looked back and watched Lar'ja keep on walking.

"I'm sorry."

He stops in his tracks and turns his head out the side so I could see the side of his face and his eye that glared. "And what does that mean?"

I shook my head. "I know you're still angry but that will only serve to hurt you and everyone else around. I've been through that for so long . . . but I have something worth protecting now. What happened in the past . . . is long gone and there's nothing we can do. It's time you find something worth protecting."

Lar'ja's eyes relax a little but he turns his head away from me, showing only his back to my view. He didn't say anything but I was curious about something.

"Why did you come anyway? I know it's more than your concern with what I'm doing."

I could only hear Lar'ja's breathing calming down a bit. I noticed him flexing his fingers, probably aching from tightening them into fists so hard. A minute passed until he spoke but refused to look back to me.

"I had found more information about the Bad Bloods. Tracked them down actually but only managed to grab something of theirs."

I tightened my eyes to narrow slits. "Grabbed something?"

It didn't sound good, especially when Lar'ja emphasized the 'grab' part. What did you do? I wanted to ask more but Lar'ja shut down on me, growling in warning that I would never tolerate . . . and he knew it. So for him to act like that was very unusual.

"I'll tell you later. You're obviously too busy with your ooman female."

He paused for a bit. "I'm heading back."

With that, Lar'ja took off fast until I couldn't see him anymore. I didn't bother to chase after him. My son would shut down on me like he did just now and he's already in a stressful way. My mind was too occupied with what he said. Grabbed something? Doesn't sound good . . .

For now, all I could do was get myself ready and help Arkarb transfer his equipment so he could get started right away. Regardless of what Lar'ja or anyone else said, I will see this through to the very end.

Undeterred, I walked into the connector to set things in motion.

Hi Readers!

Daugo's plans are taking shape and the connections from this story to Twisted Fate are starting to come together. I'm sure you all know what Arkarb is making with the rare metal, which was a close call for both Xen'ork and Daugo. I had to find it hilarious that Xen'ork was panicking like a young pup. I can't imagine a Yautja acting like that but hey . . . I can dream, right?

But it shows how dedicated Daugo is to help Mia. Plus, Daugo is showing some maturity from the first chapter of Nexus. He knows that there are more important things to do than sit in the past. He's moving forward . . . But what did Lar'ja meant that he 'grabbed' something from the Bad Bloods? Could it be what we're all thinking for those who have read Twisted Fate? The pieces are assembling but will be a good thing? Or something worse will come to all?

Find out when Chapter 17 comes next Sunday. :)

P.S. Thank you Anonymous-E, Mariah, and Guest for the wonderful reviews on Metamorphosis. I can't wait to read more from all of you.

Anonymous-E: I loved your review of Metamorphosis. It made me laugh so hard and I treasure it. I love your notes about what might happen between Lar'ja and Anya. And yes . . . there will be lots of drama and maybe some . . . I don't know . . . jealousy to which is giving a bit of spoiler alert for the next chapter :P As for the bonus song on the sequel, I still like the Michael Jackson song called Smooth criminal. I'm sorry for the repeat but it's one of my favorites so don't hold it against me. :)

Mariah: Sorry about the early post. I thought it was a Wednesday and got my dates mixed up. But I hope it was a good surprise ;) From Lar'ja's reaction, it looks more like Yi'stbah went behind everyone's back to get Lar'ja to fight Anya without knowing. He wants to make Anya's life miserable. But it won't be the end for Yi'stbah's plans . . . not by a long shot.

Guest: Thank you for the review. I hope you can be patient enough to read more. :)

Thank you and enjoy! And Happy Halloween! MWAHAHAHAHA! :)))

Reading notes:

Normal = Human speaking English (ooman language)

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language