Chapter 17: Promise

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

Some time had passed during the short period but it felt longer to me. I had set up a time clock that helped to match our time with the oomans. Space can cause one to lose track of time but it was rather the opposite for me. I kept checking in on the device every few hours and it was agonizing every time. Although Mia gave me a month to figure things out, I wanted to get things done much sooner than that. It got to the point that Arkarb nagged me for checking on him like a pup who was in trouble. He didn't take it as an offense but for compensation, I helped him with the small details of the weapons he was making at my request. I made Xen'ork watch the ships in case something would attack us. He didn't mind at all since he got away in not participating with us. I hadn't seen Lar'ja in all that time and I suspected that he was still displeased by all of this. He remained in Arkarb's ship for the time being and Xen'ork kept tabs with me of his status.

After three weeks, according to ooman times, I got the call from Arkarb in the early morning that I had longed waited for. I didn't bother to clean myself up or even put on my armor. I grabbed a simple leather loincloth, clamped it around my waist and took off to Arkarb's workplace. It was far since I moved to a room closer to him . . . another annoyance to Arkarb but let it go since he saw how desperate I was getting.

Not even knocking on the door, I opened it with brute force, feeling very hopeful that inflated my chest like a balloon. My heart raced and with that, my breathing became harsh as if I went on a long hunt. But once I got in, I was greeted with a growl filled with annoyance from Arkarb.

"Can you take it easy? It's not going anywhere if that's what you're thinking."

"My apologies."

I stopped to lower my upper body a bit, placing my hands on my knees and letting my dreadlocks flow over my face like a curtain. The inflation in my chest slowly dissipated each time I took a breath but my heart remained beating strong. After a few minutes, I lifted back up and glanced at Arkarb standing over a table with something on it.

"So . . . you finished?"

He nods. "As much as I could to the best of my ability. As I said before, it's not much but it's the least I can do to help you and this 'Mia' you fancy."

The way he said that last part about Mia would have pissed me off to no end and a Yautja who felt disrespected would have fought and killed his opponent before they could retaliate. But this was Arkarb and I knew he didn't mean it. If he did, he would never say it to me out loud like that or risk being killed himself despite our long seasons together. Still, I growled a low warning.

"If you have something to say . . . then say it."

Arkarb raised his hands in defense. "I'm merely curious about this ooman female. She must be strong to gain your attention . . . with a strong heart on top of it."

Oh no . . . he's going into one of his lectures. I grunted to make him stop before he kept going. "Anyway . . . where is the stuff?"

"It's right here."

Arkarb's eyes wander down to the table where I saw a black box sitting on top that I barely noticed earlier on. It was of standard size that many warriors sometimes use to carry other things during hunts. Arkarb reaches down to push his claws into the slits that spread through the box. Once he lifts it enough, the box activates. Small lights emerged to show the unique Yautja language symbols all over it. Then, a voice calls.

DNA recognition. Admission of subject Arkarb recognized. Access granted.

The glow of the box stops and the lip slowly opens up into two panels that spread apart. The bottom component of the box lifts until it's on the same level as the outside of the box. The smoke covered everything inside but it was necessary to preserve the weapons and armor that laid inside. It keeps the metal from rusting or being contaminated but it was of little importance to the rare metal used. However, these storage boxes were meant for the standards so the smoke is kept in.

"What's with the added security?"

"It's to ensure no one else access this except for the intended users like yourself and Mia. Don't worry. I'll reset it for you so it recognizes whoever you choose."

I had expected Arkarb to be thorough but this? I didn't bother to think about it anymore. I wanted to see the final pieces of my request. I didn't wait for the smoke to clear that was still seeping out and reached into the box, feeling a large piece of cold metal on the tips of my fingers. I brought it out and saw the most exquisite piece that any warrior would be envious to have. A gauntlet with silver designs on the sides, making them appear as if a flying lizard that oomans called dragons was emerging from it. The details were flawless and much expected from Arkarb. I turned it up, down, and sideways for an inspection. I noticed that the size of the hole where an arm would go through was a little larger than an ooman's.

"Why is it large?"

He swallows. "I didn't have the exact measurements of your ooman's arms so I had to eye what her size would be. In case, I made it a little larger but it shouldn't be a problem. The metal can contract and expand if it must."

I inspected the gauntlet once more before placing it back down beside the other one, clearly seen since the smoke dissipated by the time I returned. I saw a small knife next to them and took it out as well. It was a much smaller knife than any Yautja would have but perfect for Mia. The blade shined in the light, making it deadlier in appearance. Overall, the armor Arkarb made was excellent. Nothing less from him.

I placed the knife back down. "It's perfect. I will make sure it goes to good use."

Arkarb nods, pleased by my comment. "Of course."

"And the 'other' thing I requested?"

His eyes lit up in surprise. Probably forgotten, the old man.

"I have it here."

He reaches back into the box but instead, his claws grab onto the bottom of the box to which I couldn't see or understand what he was doing. But then he lifts a small piece of it and I realized it was some sort of lid. As soon as he pulled it up, he reaches even deeper and that's when I heard clinging of metal. I watched as Arkarb pulled out a small necklace. The string was made of special fur that came from a Karin'gar I hunted before but my eyes laid on the metal piece that dangled in the middle. Arkarb moves it closer to me and I grabbed it without hesitation. The metal lies in the middle of my palm and I look down to see the engraving I requested. Shining brightly, the name Ta'kasa in the Yautja language was engraved in the metal. I couldn't help but stare at this word, feeling that this small thing gave me hope for the better . . . for Mia.

Balance . . . I hope you like this, Mia.

I was thinking about placing it back into the box but I thought it better to hold on to it. I pressed it close to my chest, closing my eyes before placing it around my neck. Arkarb gave me a curious look but didn't say anything. I pulled my dreadlocks out from underneath the necklace, shaking them a little to straighten them out. I took a deep breath and let the silence ring in my ears for a few moments.

"Thank you, Arkarb. For everything."

I bowed my head in appreciation and Arkarb's eyes lit up like he was proud of this moment.

"With that done, I'm sure you need to return to Yautja Prime . . . before anyone becomes suspicious."

As I said, I got an unusual reaction from Arkarb. He leers into my eyes and crosses his arms over his chest. From his posture, it looked like he was about to scold me for something I did . . . like I was a pup all over again. It's only been a few times when I was young that he did it. But why is he doing this now?

"What?"

He grunts. "As much as I know you'll protest, I'm determined to help you with this."

My eyes widened in shock and surprise. Why would he do this? I held my hands in the air as if to stop him, which I was intending to do anyway.

"I don't think it's a good idea. I don't want anyone to get suspicious. I'm not supposed to be here in the first place, interacting with oomans . . . and I'm already dealing with Xen'ork who's anxious to meet Mia."

"Another reason to help you. The more, the better and Xen'ork is not the brightest one to bring along."

I opened my inner mouth and mandibles to say something but it pops like a bubble in my mind before I could. He does have a point . . . And the look in Arkarb's eyes told me that he wasn't going to let up anytime soon. It's one of his 'qualities' that he still retained when he was an active warrior. There was no point in fighting him and I admitted defeat, slumping my shoulders low.

"I understand."

Arkarb relaxes and his eyes lit up like he was smiling at me but vanishes in a few seconds. "I'm sure Lar'ja will need some time alone before he returns home."

The muscles between my eyes tightened together. "Lar'ja?"

He nods. "He was adamant to head home."

I lowered my gaze to the floor. I figured as much . . .

"Yeah. He made it very clear the last time we talked."

I sighed, reaching down to the lid of the box and closed it. My hands glide over the soft, smooth surface. Mia's face came to my mind and I couldn't help but worry for her. That dreaded feeling from a while ago was still nagging at the back of my mind. My skin would become sensitive to the touch, almost painful. But in a good way, it encouraged me to go with my plan regardless of what the consequences would be. I looked back up to Arkarb with determination.

"Then let him have your ship to take back. I'm not going to force him into coming. For now, let's go back."

He bows his head. "As you wish, my Lord."

I bowed to him and turned around, heading towards the front of the ship to give Xen'ork the signal to return to the ooman planet. All I could think about was Mia and yearning to be with her once more.

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

Xen'ork was more than pleased when I gave him the signal. I wasn't sure if he wanted something exciting to happen or the desire to see Mia. He kept bickering on and on about the latter and it got to the point that I slapped him as hard as I could on the back of his head. He didn't retaliate but would have were not for Arkarb's presence. He could try to take me down but two experienced fighters. . . He's going to feel pain for weeks.

We had to bring the two ships together since the one Arkarb came in was still fueling to get enough for the trip back to Yautja Prime. Still no word from Lar'ja or any appearances but it was expected. I thought it best to leave him alone for now. It didn't take long to reach the ooman planet and we docked in a different area of the forest in case someone may have become curious that something was coming in the same spot. Once landed and all of us got our armor and weapons, Arkarb and I retrieved the black box but Arkarb decided to carry it. It wasn't heavy but rather bulky so it took a bit of maneuvering to get it out of the ship and down the ramp. Xen'ork was not far behind and followed us down the ramp.

"Xen'ork. Make sure the ships are covered well."

"Already taken care of."

As soon as he said that, I watched the ships cloak into almost invisibility. I looked to Xen'ork and regretted it the moment I did. He gave me a small smirk and tilted his hips to the side, placing a hand on it. I rolled my eyes in embarrassment. Really, Xen'ork? I get it.

"Alright. Stick very close to me and remember . . . follow my directions carefully. I don't want either of you to do something stupid. You in particular."

I pointed to Xen'ork and he puffed at me in annoyance. It ticked me off a bit but I ignored it for the time being. I had to give him the warning because Mia has never seen another Yautja other than myself. It might spook her and I didn't want that to happen. I glanced at Arkarb at my side and he acknowledged me, nodding slightly. I reached for my mask and placed it on, followed by Arkarb and Xen'ork who did the same. The lights in my mask turn on and the indicator that connects to Mia's translator comes on. Before I left, I connected my mask to her translator so that I could find her if need be. Plus, it lets her know when I would return by giving a beeping sound to her. Normally, it would give a message but since Mia still learning our language, it was best to do a sound rather than words.

Once the indicator locks on Mia's location, it was time to go.

"Follow me."

I darted forward into the forest with Xen'ork and Arkarb in tow. Although I kept the indicator on, the location was right near the lake . . . the same place Mia and I came in secret. It would make sense since it was already a secret place that both of us knew. The memories of that night came back but I had to suppress them for now.

It wasn't long before we reached the hill that led to the lake below. But as I took several steps forward and almost reached the treeline, my mask alerted me of a presence. I expected it to be Mia but when I switched to my heat vision, there were three bodies instead. I stopped dead in my tracks and held my hand out to stop Arkarb and Xen'ork from advancing.

"What's wrong?"

Xen'ork was the first to respond. Arkarb knew better and growled low at him. "Are you blind? Turn your heat vision and you can see."

In another moment, Xen'ork followed Arkarb's order and inhaled sharply at the discover. "Why are there three oomans? I thought you said there was only one, Daugo,"

"There was. Mia is definitely among them but not sure about the others."

I switched my vision to the night one, pinning Mia facing the other two. From the looks of it, she was conversing with them in a friendly manner. I observed a little closer and saw that two males were slightly taller than her. I scanned them once more and detected no live weapons on them. But why would she bring them? No bodyguards. These males didn't seem like the fighting type that I saw in the soldiers from long ago. No armor . . . no weapons . . . no huge bodybuilt . . . just regular oomans to me. They must not pose a threat if Mia brought them. She must have a reason . . . I need to find out.

Slowly, I took a step forward and almost broke through the tree line until I felt an arm yanked me back. In reaction, I twisted back and growled at whoever pulled me away. To my surprise, it was Arkarb who did despite holding the black box in one hand. He looked pretty surprised by my reaction but the worry was seen in his eyes.

"What are you doing?"

I pulled my arm away. "What does it look like? I'm going to talk to Mia."

Xen'ork carefully pushes through behind Arkarb until he stopped in front of me. "Are you nuts? We don't know these males and whether they are dangerous. It might be a—"

In an instant, I wrapped my fingers around his neck, slightly contracting to only stop him from speaking. He could still breathe but not enough to sound a word. I leered into his eyes, no doubting that Xen'ork was applying something sinister about Mia.

"A trap? Really? Mia is not the type to pull a stunt like this."

Arkarb comes between us and gently grabs on my wrist holding Xen'ork's throat. One look of seriousness from him was enough for me to let go. It took a hesitant few seconds but I freed Xen'ork from my grip. He rubs the skin within the area and grunts.

"Forgive me. I'm only want to make sure since this is risky."

His voice was sincere and full of worry. I had to give credit sometimes to Xen'ork for being through like this. My emotions got the better of me but I didn't want them to think Mia would betray us in any way. After seeing her emotionally distraught, it was difficult to think it could all be a fabricate. I shook my head and sighed deeply.

"I understand. But Mia wouldn't do that. All I'm doing is approach and see what's going on. If it makes you feel better, stay sharp and watch in case of anything. When I find it's safe, I'll call both of you."

None of them said anything but the looks were enough to show that they reluctantly agree. I turned around, took a deep breath, and walked forward. The instant I broke from the treeline, all three of them, including Mia turned around and saw me walking towards them. I could see a major difference between Mia and the two oomans she'd brought along. Mia's eyes lit up as if she hadn't seen me in such a long time. Somehow, a light glowed around her and made her shine throughout the darkness of light. She's beautiful. But on the other hand, her two companions showed the opposite. They took quick steps backward and their bodies tensed together in small balls of steel. For a minute, I thought they were shaking. The fear in their eyes confirmed that they'd never seen a Yautja before.

"Daugo."

She called me and I answered her with a purr. "Mia."

She started walking over to me but as I was about a few feet away from her, the two ooman males behind her cried out to her. "Mia!"

My eyes looked behind her and towards the males, scaring them even more than before. They jumped back in fear, taking a step back and clinging on to one another as if it would protect them from me. Mia turned her head around and held her hand out.

"It's alright guys. He won't hurt us."

The effect she had was astonishing. The males slowly let go of themselves and straightened out but their shaking barely relented. I sighed as Mia turned back with a small smile.

"I'm glad you came."

I purred again and decided to remove my mask. I unhooked it from my face and let the cool air breeze onto my skin. My eyes never left Mia's as I put my mask on my belt to hang. Her blue eyes shined a color that radiates like the pure blue oceans of the planet Gu'auti that I hunted on before. Who knew?

I smiled. "As am I."

We stared at each other for some time . . . a bit too long for some. Mia broke off first and looked back towards the males that had moved further away. She calls softly to them.

"You can come, guys."

She waves her hand for them to come closer and they do but at a slow pace. Their eyes never left me, cautious of my every move. Not wanting to cause any problems, I stayed as still as possible to which was an easy trick for me. Yautjas were excellent in staying as still to watch prey very closely. After a few minutes, the males were only a few inches from Mia and me. She nods to them before she turns back to me.

"I'm sorry about the surprise. This is Ted and Harry. They know everything about the plan and want to help."

I checked and saw that Mia wasn't lying. I glanced at the men and one of them, known as 'Ted', shakingly waved his hand in a 'hello' gesture that Mia once told me. The other, Harry, kept looking behind him and then to me. No doubt he wanted to run away at the sight of me. Cowards . . . but if Mia believes in them, then I have to go along with it.

I stepped to face both of them and bowed my head, crossing one arm over my chest. "It's an honor to meet friends of Mia."

The look on their faces was priceless like they were shocked by an electric pole and didn't even realize it.

"Mia . . . He does speak English."

She giggles. "I didn't lie."

The males tilted their heads to the sides and went back to staring at me. It got a little weird when they did that for too long and I had to focus on Mia to not think about it.

"So they know everything?"

She nodded her head. "Yes. I needed some help from the inside of the escape plan was to work. But things have changed so we met her, knowing you would come."

"Well . . . not alone. I may have brought others too."

"Others?"

I swallowed deeply, nervous about what she and the males would think about Xen'ork and Arkarb that were still hiding in the shadows. I thought about what might be their reaction but when I didn't have anything coming up, I closed my eyes for a few seconds before I turned my head back into the treeline.

"Both of you can come out. Slowly."

I had to emphasize the slow part in case. It was very unusual and against character for Yautjas to reveal themselves towards oomans that were considered prey to hunt. It defeated the purpose of why many warriors came here. But I should have known better for Xen'ork. The moment I gave him to signal, he comes out with his chest high in the air like he was showing off to a female he wanted to mate. I rolled my eyes into the back of my head. Urg. Arkarb followed suit but he started off taking tentative steps, taking my word for granted. Xen'ork, however, came right up to Mia and me, lowering his head that was uncovered before he even made it out of the treeline.

"So this is the famous Mia I've been hearing about. I'm finally able to put a face to the name."

Xen'ork didn't lower his voice as I suggested to him before we left. The loud grunt caused Mia to back up a little, afraid of what he might do. I reached to grab her hand gently into mine and she looks up, seeing the small smile on my face. It's alright, Mia. It's only the idiot of a Yautja. It did the charm and Mia relaxed by my side. She took a step forward and replicated the formal greeting of a Yautja.

"It's nice to meet you. And you are . . .?"

"The name's Xen'ork. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He purrs gently . . . a little too much for my comfort since it was close to a sound that male Yautjas would make to a female they are very interested in mating. I growled in warning.

"Back off, Xen'ork."

Good thing he got the message clearly and backed off with his hands in the air. "My apologies. I forgot you two are a thing."

As soon as he said that, Mia's cheeks heated up and it only took me a glance to her to see they were becoming red. I leered at Xen'ork one more time before I decided to change the subject to another person.

"And this is Arkarb. My teacher and friend."

I was glad that Arkarb took a much different and more appropriate approach. Still holding the black box in his hands, he bows his head and inhales deeply when he looks directly into her eyes.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mia."

Mia took his greeting in stride, smiling and bowing back to him. "Pleasure is all mine."

Arkarb smiled and moved a bit closer to us, holding the black box so that everyone can see it. Mia's eyes caught sight of it. Her curiosity got the better of her and she asked without hesitation.

"What is that?"

I glanced at her and then the box, placing a palm on the top of the box. "It's something I wanted to give to you. If I can't directly help you, then at least I can give you this."

Letting go of Mia's hand, I walked towards Arkarb's side and unlocked the box. It opens slowly like before, finally revealing the gauntlets and knife that sat brightly inside. Her blue eyes shone even brighter and she reached one hand slowly to lightly trace the patterns on the gauntlets.

"There's a security on the box as well just in case. I made sure to reset it so all you have to do is add something with your DNA and voice recognition."

I didn't stop her, watching her trace the knife next until she pulls away after and looks up to me.

"You didn't have to do it."

I shook my head. "I promised I would do anything to help you. I would have done more but I wanted to come early before the plan commences."

When I said that, the aura around her suddenly dropped to a low. Her blue eyes drooped in sadness and her arms started to tremble. It stung my heart unexpectedly. Something's wrong. Without words, I closed the box up and gently grabbed her shoulders.

"What's wrong?"

Still, she didn't answer and I started to worry. I shook her a bit, purring to grab her attention. After a minute, Mia looks up with such worry in her eyes and it sent shivers down my spine. Everyone else must have sensed the tension since Xen'ork and Arkarb backed up sway to give us space.

"Things . . . changed."

"What changed?"

She swallows. "Stargazer is . . . planning to kill Anya tomorrow."

My mind snapped into a million pieces. What? Now? My hands trembled against her shoulders but I kept strong, calming myself down when I saw Mia on the brink of crying. I thought that the oomans didn't know anything about the plan. I knew Mia wouldn't have let it out so something else had happened to change everything.

"How?"

She shook her head in disbelief, struggling to keep her tears from erupting out of her eyes. "Somehow . . . the government found out and are looking into Stargazer's operations. The project all of us are involved in violates the laws so Stargazer is attempting to cover their tracks . . . including Anya. So the plan is going to happen tonight."

My brain had trouble absorbing the information that Mia provided. I didn't know a lot about how the oomans create their laws and how they executed them. But it seems that the oomans weren't so fond of creating hybrids . . . much too similar to Yautjas but probably less extreme. Still, it wasn't the news I wanted to hear or Mia for that matter.

"Then I want to help. If it's gotten this serious, then I and my friends can—"

"I said no!"

I stopped immediately as her strong voice yelled into the open air. It was enough that I heard Xen'rok grunt behind me in surprise. Didn't expect that, did you? I didn't hear anything from Arkarb but I knew he was just as surprised. Even the ooman males behind her widened her eyes in astonishment. No doubt because she was talking to a Yautja that could kill her without much effort. She would be killed off before she could say another word if it was another Yautja in my place. I figured she would stay to her word but a small part of me hoped she would change her mind. I didn't want to fight her decision and I sighed deeply.

"I understand . . . but please . . . Please let me do something. Anything . . . even if it's small."

It sounded like I was begging and I would have been considered a laughing stock back on Yautja Prime if anyone witnessed it but I didn't care. Mia is everything . . . I can't watch and not help. I grabbed her hands and put them together with my own covering them. Our eyes locked together and we stayed like for what seemed like forever, even when we knew everyone else was watching. It didn't matter. Eventually, Mia lowers her gaze for a few seconds, as if contemplating what answer she would give. Her blue eyes locked on my golden ones once more.

"Okay. Can you wait for us near the facility?"

I tilted my head to the side, curious as to what she's implying. "Sure but why?"

She takes a deep breath. "When we set off the distraction, it will provide cover to get Anya out of there. But since our plan is being pushed early, our original escape route can't be used. So we need you to—"

"We'll do it."

I cut her off, knowing what she was going to ask. Logically, even if Mia gets Anya out of there, there's still the danger of getting out of the area safely. Although it wasn't a direct involvement, it was something Mia was going to allow me to do. It was more than enough to provide her the means to escape. Perhaps . . . she might come with me. It might be better to get off this cursed planet. Mia's reaction to my sudden answer shocked her a bit but she softened, smiling but with a hint of worry.

"Thank you."

I smiled as well, gently rubbing my chin over her forehead. My heart leaped in joy, even if it was for a moment. But then, I heard Xen'ork grumbling from behind and Arkarb slapping him hard on the head no less. It was the only spot that seemed to stop him but it was our cue to stop. I pulled away, clearing my throat in embarrassment whilst looking at Mia.

"But take the box with you. It will protect you."

She nods. "Of course." Then she turns around towards the male oomans. "Can you guys get it inside the facility?"

They nodded nervously. "Sure . . ."

Soon, they approached cautiously and wary of our every movement. I turned back to Arkarb and nodded. He nods back and walks forward toward the males, stretching out the box long enough to create a comfortable distance between him and the oomans. One of them was brave enough to grab the edge of it, pulling slowly until he had a firm grip on it. Arkarb lets go and the ooman almost drops it to the ground if not for his companion that got the other side. I had forgotten that oomans were weaker than us so what seemed like weightless to us was too much for them. We watched as the oomans carried off into the distance, disappearing into the treelines behind.

When that was done, I turned my head to the side to convey a message to Xen'ork and Arkarb. "Go ahead and set up a place a few meters from the facility. You know the way, Xen'ork. I'll catch up and detail you on the rest."

In a surprise, mostly to Xen'ork, both bowed their heads in unison. They didn't hesitate to take off into the forest, leaving me and Mia alone. It was an unbearable silence but something wasn't right. I couldn't pin it no matter how much I tried so all I could do was stare at her.

"I . . . also have something to give you."

She hums. "What is it?"

I reached my arms over my head, grabbing the necklace and pulling it over me until it was off. I held it between us as the metal piece dangled in front of her. She glanced at it with curiosity and for a split second, the light from the moon above shined on the engraving and bounced into her eyes, illuminating them.

"It's a gift . . . that I made for you. I thought it was . . . appropriate and reminds me of you. I hope you like it."

Without hesitation, I placed it over her head and let the necklace rest on her. I let go and watched as she grabbed it with two of her fingers, checking out the engraving in the middle.

"What does it mean?"

She looks back to me and I spoke softly and slowly so she would understand.

"Ta'kasa . . . It also means balance."

After I spoke, Mia looked back to the necklace and a smile that I've never seen before formed on her lips. But the next thing I knew, she drops her head and I started hearing soft cries from her. I got worried and grabbed her arms, rubbing my thumbs across them.

"Mia. Did I do something wrong?"

She shook her head and lifted her head. I noticed the small drops of tears hanging from her cheeks but the smile on her face confused me. Is she happy? Sad? Worried? What is it?

"You did nothing wrong. I'm only glad that you did this for me. I'm sure that Anya will treasure this.

I let out a thrill and Mia picked up what it meant. "I know you made these for me but . . ." She glances at the necklace one more time. "I want to give these to her as a gift. After not doing anything for her in the last ten years, this is the least I can do."

I never could understand the ooman mind. Yautjas give gifts as an honorable gesture when they won a fight or treasure the other as an equal. I never have seen who this Anya was but Mia puts her in high regard. If that is her wish, then so be it.

I nodded. "I understand."

She smiled. "Thank you. I'm glad that I met you and how much you care for me. I don't deserve such treatment."

My heart started to thud wildly and that tingling sensation flowed through every part of my being. I gripped her shoulders a little bit worried that I might hurt her. Instead, Mia reached for my cheek and rubbed it so softly that it felt like a cloud across my skin. I purred and closed my eyes, pushing my cheek harder against her for a minute. I opened my eyes and held her hand in my own, looking deeply into her eyes.

"You deserve more than this. I only wish I could do more."

All of a sudden, her eyes wandered towards the ground in deep thought. What is she thinking? I was ready to move my hand so I could see her face. But instead, I stopped when she looks back up, much with determination in her eyes. A resolve of some sort . . .

"There is one more thing."

"Yes?"

She swallows. "If anything were to happen, promise you'll protect Anya."

My mind stuttered at the meaning of what she said. Anything were to happen . . . I looked deeper into her eyes and felt something that I didn't like at all. I shook my head slightly as if I couldn't believe her.

"Why do I get the feeling that this will be the last time I'll see you?"

Her lips tightened into a straight line, trying hard to keep her emotions in check. A pain struck inside my heart and it was so strong that I thought it would burst. No, Mia . . . Don't say something like that. I pulled my face closer to hers, enough that my mandibles stretched to stroke her cheeks.

"Don't say that. Everything will go smoothly and both of us can—"

"Please, Daugo!"

My voice cracked to a stop, hearing Mia shout with all of her might. I felt her hands tremble when they moved to press on my chest but her facial expression said the opposite. I saw how hard she was trying to keep herself together while suppressing her feelings inside. Her blue eyes glowed stronger than ever before and I was locked in them.

She calms herself before speaking once more. "Promise me. No matter what . . . you'll protect her. Please . . ."

She digs her nails into my chest but it was barely a prick on my tough skin. Still, it sent an agonizing sensation through me. Despite my protest, I knew that once Mia sets her mind on something, she will go through it until she's in the grave. I closed my eyes slowly.

"I promise."

I stayed still, listening to the sounds around us. It wasn't until I felt Mia's hand glide across my lower mandible that I opened my eyes again. She smiled once more but a small tear escaped from the corner of her eye. I caught it with my finger and let my tongue lick the salty drop. Our eyes locked once more, drawing each other closer until our mouths connected. It was a sweet kiss, feeling every bit of her soft skin. I closed my eyes and relished in her warmth and my tongue slips into her mouth. Our tongues fought one another and my hand reaches behind to press on the back of her head. She moans in response followed by me. We broke off to catch our breaths but I wished it was the only reason.

Mia takes a deep breath before looking back at me. "I have to go."

I had to fight the desire to keep her close to me as she slipped out of my grasp. The words she spoke earlier didn't help to ease my anxiety, only amplify it. Still, I had to trust in her that everything will be alright. Our hands were the last things to let go as she started taking steps towards the treeline. I purred, letting her know of my feelings for her.

"See you on the other side."

She smiles. "Same here." She stops for a second. "I love you."

Hearing those words . . . it made my heart flutter. "I love you too."

And with that, Mia gives one more smile before she turns around. I watched as she kept going until she disappears into the forest. My fists tightened on my sides, still feeling the anxiety as strong as before.

Promise me . . . you'll protect Anya.

I shook my head. Why does it hurt so much? Despite that, it's of Yautja honor to keep such a promise regardless of the situation and the persons involved. I stretched my fingers, feeling them ache from the tightness. I need to get going.

I turned back around to join Arkarb and Xen'ork. Probably wondering why I'm taking so long. But as I took a few steps forward, a figure behind a tree caught my attention. At first, I couldn't see who it was but rather an outline that was the size of a Yautja. Without my mask, I had to concentrate my eyes until the figure moved a bit out and that's when I noticed it was my son. Lar'ja was watching the entire time and no doubt saw Mia and me together. He must have followed us here. I refused to say anything and all we did was stare at each other. It lasted longer than he liked it to be. He lets out a snort of disappointment before turning around, vanishing from my sight and into the direction of the ships.

I sighed, wondering about my son's opinion on all of this. I hope you can understand someday, my son. Someday . . . Without letting another moment pass, I rushed forward to meet with the others . . . and wait for the plan to begin.

Or at least . . . I thought.

Hi Readers!

This chapter was hard to write . . . especially since many of us know what will happen next. And there's only about three chapters left until it is completed but might be left open when the other stories progress. More updates to come. :(((

But Daugo's dedication to Mia and helping her is genuine and strong. But Xen'ork had to butt in and make such a scene. It would have been hard for Daugo to control him if not for Arkarb. He's such an old soul and very wise. I am thankful for the support they are giving to Daugo and Mia.

But Lar'ja . . . he saw Mia so I'm wondering if he knew about that in Twisted Fate . . . perhaps when they return to the facility a season (ten years) later. That might be a potential story of writing Lar'ja's perspective. It might show us more than what we had read in the original stories. Although Lar'ja hates the idea of love between a Yautja and ooman, the old saying goes: the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. ;)

But will the plan succeed? Or will everything be destroyed and Daugo will have to cope with the aftermath? Will they free Anya once and for all?

Find out when Chapter 18 comes next Sunday (11/17). :)

(NOTE: After next week, I'll be taking it off from writing since I'll be traveling to Washington D.C. to see all the wonderful monuments. I'll be sure to post some pictures on my Instagram for all of you to see. And if you have any recommendations for what I should visit, let me know.)

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

Anonymous-E: Of course . . . Anya does have doubts but not because she doesn't want to be with Lar'ja. She's been through a lot of discrimination and doesn't want anyone to get hurt because of her. But Lar'ja is stubborn yet dedicated to her. It's a love that's evolved since Twisted Fate and even beyond (if you know what I mean ;)). The 3rd book will have lots of action and more but don't want to spoil too much lol. And thank you for the new update on Respect. Adding that to my notes.

Mariah: Very good questions you brought up on your review. Daugo, from his nature and history, might be okay with it. After all, he's making sure she's happy. And it's about time for Anya to talk about Yi'stbah but will it reveal more? Hmmmmm . . . . And for Anya able to bear children . . . can't say more about it or else I might spoil even more things lol. I hope you can wait for it. Still have 3rd book to write.

NeverNeverLady: You're so right about that. Yautjas don't know what the purpose of doors is anyway . . . even though they built it lol

Mamabot: You're right. This reminded me of the Avatar movie with Pandora and such. It's a bond that they respect each other and much more. That's a love story I would love to see someday :)

Guest: Thank you for the review. I hope you can be patient enough to find out about Anya and Lar'ja. I love the support. :)

Thank you and enjoy! :))))

Reading notes:

Normal = Human speaking English (ooman language)

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language