Nexus

by DarkOne09

(Prelude to Twisted Fate) A Yautja hunter is sent upon the oomans with a mission to prevent the progress of hybridization among them and vows to stop it at all costs. But upon arriving, he finds more than what he expects when he encounters someone who catches his interest. But is it just coincidence? Or is this the start of something bigger than themselves?

18. Chapter 18 (Searching for Despair)

Chapter 18: Searching for Despair

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

Rushing as fast as I could, I reached the meeting point where Xen'ork and Arkarb were waiting. I saw them hanging on in the trees, watching the direction of where the facility stood. It was far enough that the view was covered in thick branches while our masks allowed us sights on it. As soon as I reached the base of the tree where they sat, I took a mighty leap that was high enough to land on the branch with little difficulty.

"Finally . . . you came. What took you so long?"

Xen'ork dared to speak in such a tone despite being lined with humor but I wasn't in the mood. My emotions were too much in haywire to focus on him. I grunted in annoyance and scooted on the branch to get closer to Arkarb who sat on where the branch merged with the trunk.

"Everything alright, Daugo?"

I nodded. "Everything's fine. I wanted to make sure Mia got there safely."

"Or you just wanted to have another 'fling' with her?"

Again, Xen'ork spoke at the wrong time and in the wrong place. This time, I growled in warning. Xen'ork flinched a little but relaxes, laying flat on the edge of the branch. Still, his mouth wouldn't shut up.

"What's wrong with you?"

He sounded sincere this time. Although my face relaxes, my mandibles were tightened together with a little too hard of force but I barely noticed it. All I could think about was Mia's words before we separated.

Promise me you'll protect Anya . . .

No matter what . . .

I love you . . .

I shook my head. "Nothing. I'm merely want to get this over with and get out of here as soon as possible. So if I were you, I would keep your mouth shut and keep a lookout."

My voice narrows in volume mid-sentence, showing that I was having difficulty in controlling my rage and fear. I was glad when Xen'ork's facial expression changes into one being serious about the situation. He puts his mask back on and looks towards the trees, not saying another word. He must have gotten the message. Good . . .

I turned to Arkarb, working on cleaning his mask in preparation with a small cloth. "Any signs or movements?"

"No. So far, it's been quiet. Too quiet if you ask me, which only tells me that something big is going to happen."

I sighed. "I feel the same. But we need to stay strong and vigilant . . . whatever happens."

He closes his eyes, putting the dirty cloth back in his pocket and hooking his mask on once more. A vibrating sound echoes from his mask turning on. "As you wish, Daugo." He pauses but I knew he had more to say so I waited. "And to report that Lar'ja has taken off with the other ship, heading for home."

I took a deep breath. I figured as much. It's for the best . . . I guess. My heart dropped a little when I saw the anger in my son's face before I left. I feared that he might be able to recover from all that has happened in his youth and now. But I have to stay faithful that all will be well. My mind led me back to that strange dream that I had forgotten until now . . . with an ooman female wearing Yautja armor. Her blue eyes staring at me with a smile while Lar'ja holding her in his arms, purring with so much love.

Is it real? Or it is what I hope for?

I blinked my eyes a couple of times, turning back to Arkarb. "I understand. Thank you for the update."

He nods softly and looks past me, keeping a watch on the facility a few meters away. I turned back towards the trees and imagining the facility is right before me along with Mia's face. It was clear as day, seeing her smile with not a care in the world. But I had to shake it out when her lips contorted into a frown. No, Mia. It will all be okay. I promise. I unhooked my mask and placed it on my face. It activates and the visuals got a reading of the activity near the facility. So far, everything seemed normal with some oomans soldiers standing at the door.

I kept my eyes within that area, never pausing as we waited for the time to move.

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

A few hours had passed . . . and more came and went with no activity whatsoever. By the time I realized it, the sun was already setting. Still, I remained faithful that Mia was going to be okay and everything would go according to plan. It was becoming difficult though with Xen'ork's nagging.

"How much longer do we have to wait?"

"Until we see some unusual activity from the oomans. Have you no patience?"

I was glad Arkarb took over the lectures about the practice of the hunt. I tried a couple of hours ago but with little success. Plus, from the look in Arkarb's eyes, he knew I was on the edge so he took it upon himself to keep Xen'ork in line. At least I can focus on the important matter at hand.

I scanned my mask once more on the facility. My heat vision didn't give me much, staring at the soldiers still standing on each post of the main door. Mia . . . What's going on? I changed to night vision, hoping to see something that my heat vision couldn't. It was getting hard to focus on Xen'ork's complaints flowing into my hearing. I grabbed a small part of the branch, twiddling it between my fingers and contemplating knocking him out with it.

Just when I couldn't handle it anymore, my vision picked up something. My mandibles twitched and I straightened my neck high like a snake. I threw the small stick behind me without turning to see where it would land. I was glad when I heard Xen'ork grunt in annoying pain and snapped at me.

"What was that for?!"

"Be quiet!"

I roared as softly as I could, letting him know that I was being serious. He shuts up rather quickly and I figured he must have noticed it too. Arkarb swiftly jumps to kneel by my side.

"Did you notice?"

I nodded. "Something's changed."

My focus directs towards the facility and I involuntarily switched to heat vision. Sure enough, I saw a group of ooman soldiers walking towards the facility . . . rather in a hurry. But unlike the guards, they were in some sort of military formation and wore very heavy gear. These oomans are different. But what caught my attention was a single ooman walking in front of the group. From his walking posture, I easily saw that it must be their leader. I kept my eyes on him as they come to a stop near the door of the facility. The guards did some sort of greeting, stiffening into statues. Their heat increased dramatically so I could assume that this ooman have some sort of authority over them, talking about something to them. I wanted to get a closer look or at least get close enough to hear what they were saying. But I couldn't move yet. Mia said to wait for her here . . . and I promised. I remained on the branch with one knee down but the frustration was killing me. I had to dig my nails so hard into the wood that I managed to get one claw stuck, yanking a little to break free.

"They're talking about something . . . but they're too far away."

Arkarb merely grunts, thinking about the same dilemma of not getting any closer without a signal. Xen'ork, however, had to blunt it out.

"Why don't we get closer?"

I turned my head for a second and growled. "You know we can't do that."

I turned back to the facility before Xen'ork could answer. The oomans kept talking and talking until finally, one guard walked towards his post and did something I couldn't see. The next thing I knew, the door to the facility slowly opened. So they are part of their group. It took them a few seconds before that group we saw earlier went through and the door closes behind time. I cursed when I couldn't see them anymore. Heat vision can't see through walls.

"They went in."

I nodded to Xen'ork. "They are connected somehow. But I have a strange feeling about them."

"What about?"

"Them. I'm not sure but we need to keep watching."

I heard an annoyed grunt from Xen'ork behind but both Arkarb and I ignored it, watching very vigilantly for more of 'out of the ordinary'. I thought that we had to wait for another few hours but it wasn't the case this time. Out of nowhere, a loud bang erupted and the dead silence from before vanishes. My heart jumped in my chest and pounded harder than anything before.

"What the pauk (fuck) was that!?"

Xen'ork jumps to a higher branch, hoping to get a better view. I tried to switch my heat vision to night vision but my fingers were shaking as a dreaded feeling rushed inside me. What's happening?

Arkarb gets onto his feet. "Xen'ork! What do you see!?"

"I don't know! But the oomans seem to be in a panic!"

Xen'ork wasn't wrong about that. Still, in heat vision, my mask picked up scrambles of heat that were zipping from one side to another at such a rapid pace. I faintly heard shouts of anger and panic all over so it was difficult which ones were doing it. But when I turned my head a little to the left, a massive red cloud filled my vision. It blinded me to everything else that was going on. But from the shape and curvature, it looked close to being a huge smoke . . . if not a massive fire.

So that blast . . . and the cloud . . . then . . . My heart sunk to the bottom of my chest cavity. Mia!

I knew right away. As soon as I put the puzzle together, I leaped off the branch to land on another a few meters away and kept going.

"Daugo! Wait!"

By the time Arkarb and Xen'ork roared for me, I was too far gone. I already leaped on several trees, putting a fair distance between me and them. I didn't relent . . . I didn't stop . . . I pushed my legs as far as they could and it still wasn't enough. Push! Pauking (fucking) push! I put all my energy into them, using the strength of my arms for extra thrust. A few more meters closer to the facility when I began to smell burnt ash, even with my mask on. It only strengthens my fears. My heat vision confirmed it when it became too bright. I switched to night vision, giving a clearer view of the facility as I stopped on the edge of the clearing surrounding it. I turned my cloaking device on so no one would spot me.

As soon as I saw it, it was utter chaos.

The far end of the facility was up in flames, being engulfed like a Vitskah . . . a three-headed serpent that roamed the deserts of various planets . . . slowly eating its prey. It was so strong that a small breeze upset it and the flames would rise higher than the trees. The ooman soldiers were confused and in disarray but that made them all the more dangerous. Many had started to grab their weapons while others got them set up to fire. It was like they were preparing for war. My eyes wandered anxiously, trying to see if Mia was hiding among them. My heart began to tremble in fear as the time went and no Mia insight.

I can't wait, Mia . . . I'm coming in.

I kneeled on the branch, turned on my cloaking device and was ready to leap into the chaos. But as I was placing my hands on either side, I froze when something was happening. The door to the facility slowly opened, revealing the large group that I saw earlier. Their leader from before walked further in the front. Now that I was close, I unhooked my mask and placed it on my belt. I got a good look and saw that it was an ooman male but completely different from the rest. This one has such dark skin that I could barely see him through the darkness. His posture reminded me of an Ancient walking through a crowd of Yautjas, making sure he knew that he was in charge. It showed well when the other soldiers that were in a panic a minute ago stopped in their tracks. He's definitely in charge. Wonder what he's doing.

The leader stops in the middle and waits for one ooman soldier that was running up to him. Their conversation could be easily heard now.

"Director Traeger! What is going on!? We heard an explosion from the far end of the facility and—"

The leader, known as Traeger, punched him hard in the face but not enough to knock him down. The ooman soldier whipped his head down, rubbing his bruised cheek before lowering his gaze. From Yautja standards, it's considered submission to a higher ranking Yautjas and this was no different.

"Calm yourself, soldier. There's nothing to be concerned about. We had some loose ends that tried to bring chaos but they've been dealt with. But it means the liquidation will be conducted tonight."

My interest perked up. Liquidation?

The soldier stuttered in surprise. "Tonight?"

Traeger nodded. "Yes. The loose ends were our staff . . . three of our best scientists decided to make their calls. Unfortunately, the subject has escaped."

"The hybrid?"

When I heard that, my back straightens in surprise and my face inches closer to them. So Mia was able to get Anya out . . . but where are they? It didn't take long for me to find out when Traeger decided to spill it. But that moment would change everything . . . forever.

"Her caretaker . . . Dr. Mia Jones and her accomplices managed to get her out somehow. We tried to get them to talk but they were having none of it. So we . . . dealt with them."

I didn't like the sound of those last words he spoke, not to mention he slowly began to smirk as if he accomplished a great achievement. I leered at this ooman Traeger closer, listening to more of their conversation. The soldier trembled a bit but straightened in relief.

"You mean they're . . .?"

Traeger smirked even bigger. "They're dead. We killed them all."

My whole world spiraled out of control and everything around me froze in stillness. Mia . . . is dead? I couldn't believe what I heard. I closed my eyes tightly in pain, digging my claws in between my dreadlocks as I lowered my head down. It can't be! He must be lying! The hybrid escaped but she didn't!? It's not true! Not true!

A strange noise broke me from my thoughts and my head and eyes snapped open. I could see a few ooman soldiers spewing some flames fueled by weird weapons. They started on the edge of the building while others had small, round objects in their hands. From what I could tell, they reminded me of bombs. Are they . . .?

Traeger gave his orders. "Make sure to leave no traces of the facility. I want it destroyed and all the data that you can reach deleted. Everyone else . . . find the hybrid! She can't have gone far."

"Yes, sir!"

The group scatters into different directions, leaving Traeger all alone. My mind was in utter chaos and all I could do was stare at him. At first, he stood there frozen as he watched the soldiers follow his orders. I was still frozen in shock by all of what I've heard. But all of a sudden, he slowly turns his head and looks in the direction of where I was.

My eyes widened in shock. Can he see me? It felt that way . . . like he knew I was there. His cold, dark eyes stared as if looking into my soul. But what he did next sent me over the edge. An evil smirk slowly formed on his lips and then he chuckles. That sent a nerve in my spine to go off, sparking a strong emotion of anger in me. I gripped my fists together, digging my claws into the branch. Right then and there, all of my memories of Mia flooded into me.

Just let them go . . . They have done nothing wrong to you. Please . . .

You must have a name right . . . It's customary to introduce each other when two people first meet.

I don't know what to do anymore. Everything is falling apart and I feel all alone . . .

I wish that everyone would feel the same way as I do when I'm with you. If only Yautjas and humans could coexist, then all of the bloodsheds wouldn't happen. If only we say ourselves as equals . . . find the balance between us . . . Ta'kasa . . .

You know if I could, I would go with you anywhere . . .

I have something important that I need to do . . .

I love you, Daugo . . .

Her face appears inside my mind and it only broke me all the more. She gives a shy smile that was lined with sadness hidden inside.

Goodbye . . . Daugo . . .

In that instant, all of the barriers crumbled and all the anger spilled out of me. The next thing I knew, I roared with all of the might I had inside.

Without thinking of the danger, I leaped out of the tree and aimed for Traeger. I pulled out my wrist blades, pointing the sharp tips right at his heart . . . at the center of his dark universe. You bastard! However, my roar alerted all the soldiers surrounding him and they turned their weapons on me.

"Shoot!"

Traeger yelled, pointing his finger at me. Bullets flew everywhere whilst in the air, hitting my armor and created sparks right on my body. I ignored it and kept my eyes on Traeger who still haven't moved but some of the ooman soldiers surrounded him, creating a shield. Fine! I'll kill you if you get in my way!

But when I was about a mere inches away from hitting my target, a massive force explodes right beside me. The light . . . and the power behind it sent me flying to the side and missing Traeger. It must be one of those bombs they have. But I was able to twist my body so I could still land firmly on my feet. Some of the oomans were near the area I was landing and I decided to take my anger out on them. I slashed my wrist blades down, cutting one in half by the waist and his intestines spilled out on the ground. Several more got their heads cut off. Red crimson blood splashed all over me, even going as far as painting my face. The oomans' screams were joyous but it wasn't enough. The anger was still strong inside me. Those that barely escaped my initial attack tried to aim their guns at me. I silenced them, cutting into their throats and they gagged blood until they dropped dead.

My heart raced and I barely managed to get enough breath into my lungs. I turned my head towards the small group surrounding Traeger, spreading my mandibles and baring my fangs in my inner mouth. I let out a low growl that stunned his little 'followers', shaking violently when I took a step forward. But it did not affect Traeger. He chuckles in amusement and that made me growl again.

"So it's true. Mia was being fucked by a Predator . . . by you."

My eyes widened for a few seconds. How did he know? I spread my mandibles wide in anger. "Pauking (fucking) ooman."

"And you speak our language. I'm impressed, to say the least. So Robert wasn't lying to us after all."

"What are you trying to say, puny ooman? You make no sense."

He chuckles once more. My nails dug into my palms hard. You're this close to getting your head cut off.

"I suspected as much that you don't know. Since this will be all over, I suppose I could tell you."

He raises his hands and the soldiers around him lowered their guns slightly but their fears prevented them from dropping them down. Traeger cuts through the ooman wall until he was front and center. His cockiness to expose himself to me was ridiculous . . . almost hilarious that he would have such confidence.

"Robert was one of our spies when we got word of a plot to free the hybrid awhile back. I was surprised that it would be him, considering he was Mia's husband after all. But I guess the pressure of losing his child and hearing of the hybrid being made from that child's DNA must have given him a mental breakdown. He even went as far as telling the government about us."

My mind stumbled on one piece of Traeger's statement. Robert? Mia's husband and mate? He did this? Some of my rages converted to him. Even though I have never seen him, I wanted to rip him apart when I had the chance. Still, Traeger wasn't off my anger meter . . . not by a long shot.

"But he proved useful. He gave us the information on Mia's plan and we took care of her. Or specifically, 'he' took care of her."

My inner mouth twitched and my mandibles bent back a bit. "What nonsense are you saying, ooman?"

His smile grew bigger on his lips. "He tied up the loose end for us . . . shooting his wife and then himself. I must say . . . I've never seen a perfect scenario. That bitch got whacked by her partner." He starts to laugh. "And it's the most satisfying thing I've ever seen! Leaving her body to rot in the facility! It's hilarious!"

He laughs harder, mocking Mia right in front of me as if her death was nothing more than prey. My breath hitched and my heartbeat paced faster, almost to the point of breaking. How dare he say that about Mia!? How. Dare. He!

I roared a battle cry. "You're pauking (fucking) dead!"

All of my self-control was gone as I raced towards him like an angry rhino. My mandibles and inner mouth were open to their fullest extent. I was ready to strike him down despite our Honor Code stating that we can't kill prey that is unharmed. Traeger had nothing on him as he stood there, still smirking at me. I opened my arms to the sides, preparing my blades to sink into his flesh . . . to tear him limb from limb . . . to disembowel him to my liking. I was going to get him . . . no matter what.

In my right mind, I would have seen it as a trap but it wasn't the case and I regretted it. Out of nowhere, two soldiers with the unique guns got between Traeger and me. Spews of fire erupted from them and managed to create a wall of fire, blocking me from him. I stopped at the edge and roared.

"Coward! I'll kill you!"

I watched between the flames and he chuckled all the more. I was already past boiling point and my body burned as if I was on fire myself. He nods his head to me before turning around.

"See you later, beast."

He looks over to one side. "Finish him off."

He kept walking off with some of the ooman soldiers following behind. He's leaving!? I roared into the air, letting him hear my fury but he didn't stop. In the next second, he was gone from my sight.

That dreaded feeling washed over me, mixed with the rage. He did this! I can't let him get away! I can't! Making up my mind, I decided to walk across the flames regardless of the damage that would be inflicted on my body. I wasn't going to let him win. But as I took a step closer, I heard a gunshot followed by a searing pain going through my thigh. I roared in agony, falling to one knee. It wasn't long before I leaned down and saw the bullet hole going through me. My green neon blood seeping out of me. The pain became dulled by my anger as I turned around, seeing some of the ooman soldiers had stayed behind to finish me off. How naive they are. Fine. I'll kill you too!

I didn't hesitate to get on my feet and charge once more. Panicked, the oomans recklessly shot more bullets at me. Most missed but a couple managed to hit me on my thighs, arms, and anything else not covered by armor. Still, it didn't stop me. When they realized I wasn't going to relent, some began to run for their lives. They were the first to die by my hands. I grabbed the head of one nearest and pressed my hands on his temples. He screamed and thrashed but stops when I crushed his skull as bits of his brain splattered beneath me. I threw his body to the side and went for another. The next I skewered with my spear into his mouth and through the back of his head, hanging him in the air like a piece of meat. My relentless killing went on again . . . and again . . . and again. More oomans died by my hand. I was nothing more than a beast trying to quench its thirst for revenge. But it was never enough.

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

By the time I was finished, litters of bodies covered the battlefield. Nothing was left unmarked by the massacre. I was exhausted almost to the point that my legs trembled. I had to take a moment to catch my breath but my anger was still there. Traeger is out there . . . I need to find him.

I took a deep breath before I started to walk in the direction where he took. The flames that blocked me before were close to being snuffed out so there was no stopping me from getting what I want. But then, a huge form jumped in front of me. Another obstacle was in my way and I was in no mood for it until I realized who it was. Arkarb slowly raised himself from the ground, staring at me with an emotionless face.

"Daugo . . . that's enough."

I growled in warning. "Let me pass. I'm going to finish this."

I took another step but Arkarb didn't take the hint. I spread my mandibles open in a threatening posture that usually works to warn others that I was being serious. But Arkarb doesn't budge. He spreads his legs to shoulder length and pushes his chest out.

"You had your way with the oomans. It's time to stop."

"I said get out of my way!"

I rammed into him hard, skidding both of us across the ground. Arkarb, despite being much older than I, kept strong and dug his heels to stop the momentum. I growled once more and was ready to hit him in the face. I raised my fist and was about to plunge it into his face when another hand from behind grabs it. I turned to see Xen'ork was right behind.

"Please, my Lord. This has gone far enough."

I snapped back. "Let go!"

With my remaining strength, I shoved both of them off of me. Arkabr nearly trips on his feet from the sudden push along with Xen'ork. My breathing became harsh once more but I didn't care. I hissed, trying to keep the rage under control.

"I won't let them get away with this. I will hunt them down like the prey they are. I'm going to kill every last one of them until they disappear from this pathetic planet. They deserve death."

"But what about Mia?"

My body froze upon hearing her name. I tilted my head in a bit of curiosity as Arkarb kept going.

"Do you think she wants this? Does she want to see you like this?"

Without hesitation, my mind dwells back to her and the final words she spoke to me. I closed my eyes and thought of her.

Daugo . . . Please . . . I need you to stop. This isn't right . . . and you know it.

Stop . . .

Her voice, still clear in my mind, was lined with such sorrow. Soon, her face appeared but showed despair as if I did something horrendous. In a way . . . I did. All the anger I had vanished in an instant, replaced by dread. Mia . . .

My eyes widened and I snapped my sights towards the facility that was still standing. My breath hitched as my body raced over to the door. I didn't hesitate to slam my fists on it, trying to open it wide. Although I heard the words, I had hope that maybe she was still alive if barely. The only place I assumed she was in. I slammed my fist again and again but the door refused to budge. I became desperate and used my claws to pry it open. Every time I failed, my heart sunk with heaviness.

"Daugo! Please stop!"

Arkarb comes to one side, grabbing my arms to restrain. I kept going, getting even more desperate as Arkarb kept yelling for me to stop.

"My Lord!"

Xen'ork grabs me from behind, wrapping his arms under and then over my shoulders. He pulled me back and I roared in protest.

"No! She might still be in there! Mia!"

I tugged forward, pulling Xen'ork with me and I would have won if Arkarb placed himself in front of me. He pushes hard on my chest to back me up and roars.

"She's dead, Daugo! I already checked!"

Immediately, I froze. My muscles slightly relaxed against Xen'ork's but he refuses to let go. "Are you sure?"

Arkarb nods. "While you were fighting, I caught one that was trying to destroy security footage. They are telling the truth. I'm sorry."

Deep down, I knew Arkarb wasn't lying. It isn't like him to pull a stunt like that. It's not in his nature and he wouldn't try to dissuade me with lies. I slumped against Xen'ork, enough that he felt he could let go of me. He steps back to give me some space, letting me calm down.

She's gone. She's . . . gone. Mia . . .

Slowly, I walked away from both of them and headed towards the forest. My steps were slow and awkward but I didn't care. I hear footsteps coming from behind but stop suddenly. I imagined that Arkarb wanted to give me some space . . . and I needed it.

I don't remember walking so far until I heard the sound of water flowing. I looked back and saw I was meters away from the facility. I didn't notice . . . But hearing the water reminded me too much of the shining lake Mia and I secretly met. I stopped dead in my tracks, slowly dropping to my knees. I slumped back like a zombie, looking up to the starry sky that doesn't seem to be affected by anything happening below. The same stars . . . the same universe . . .

Mia was gone . . . and I felt it was all my fault. I should have gone to help her but instead . . . I honored her wish. I could have prevented all of this . . . but I stood and watched. Just like before . . .

The memories of Ba'kou and Ni'geria came back ten-fold. I watched as they died and I did it again. I had watched Mia die and history repeated itself all over again. I couldn't bear it anymore.

I slammed my fists into the ground, feeling my bones crack from the force. It ached but it was nothing compared to the despair inside me. I lowered my head until my forehead pressed against the dirt.

I failed again . . . I let it happen again . . . I could have done something . . . Oh, Mia . . .

I looked up at the sky once more. I purred with such sorrow and let my mandibles reach towards the stars. "Mia . . . I'm so sorry."

I lowered my head again and felt like I wanted to disappear from this plane. I wanted to join her . . . and be with her once more. I wanted something to take me away . . . far away from all the pain. I wanted to end it all.

Daugo . . .

I heard Mia's voice out of nowhere but it was like she's right beside me. I lifted my head but when I looked, I was surrounded by white. There was nothing in sight as I turned fully around in a circle. What is this place?

Daugo . . .

I heard her voice again and I turned in the direction. There, I saw her standing in front of me. Her brownish-white hair flowing with the invisible breeze and her blue eyes shining like precious stones. It's as if she'd never left. My heart fluttered in surprise and joy but the recent events came back. I frowned at her but she kept a smile on her face.

"Mia . . . how are you here? I thought you were . . . dead."

She didn't react as I thought. Instead, she slowly walked over until she stopped inches in front of me. I stood still as she reached up to cup my cheek, still able to feel her soft skin. How is this possible? I pressed my cheek into her, purring in delight but restrained myself. This has to be a dream.

I pulled away from her. "You can't be here."

She chuckled softly. "But I am. And it's true . . . I'm no longer of this plane."

My eyes dropped to the group supposedly since it was all white. But she grabs my chin softly, pulling me back up. She still smiled and it started to get me worried. She shakes her head.

"But I would never leave you. You know me better than that."

I let out a hoarse breath. As fast as I could, I wrapped my arms around her. I made sure to touch every single part of her, never wanting to let go. I nuzzled her neck, purring so she could feel me as I closed my eyes. Her arms wrapped around me and we stayed like that for some time.

"Mia . . ."

I held her tighter and it didn't seem to bother her. Instead, she moved her head until her lips were right at my chin. I could feel her breath and it sent shivers down my spine.

"Remember your promise. No matter what . . . I'll be with you. Always."

Her voice seemed to fade, almost floating away. The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes and I was back on the ooman planet . . . in the same spot under the night sky.

What was that? Was Mia there?

I stood and looked all around me but there was no sign of her. Not even any footprints or sounds left behind. What that . . . real? I shook my head in frustration, pinching the bridge between my eyes when a headache came on. But I paused, recalling what she said earlier.

Remember you promise . . .

Right as I thought about it, a smell like nothing I ever smelt before came. It was so enticing that I inhaled deeply. It smells like . . . jasmine. In some way or another, I jumped to one conclusion of where the smell was coming from. Mia's voice echoes once more about the promise and I knew what it meant. I turned towards the direction of the smell.

"Anya."

Without a moment to lose, I darted off deeper into the jungle with the smell of jasmine the only thing to follow. Although I must have run for a while, the intensity of the smell remained the same but I kept going. However, the sound of running water was getting stronger so I figured I must be heading towards a river.

Sure enough, I reached the edge of one that flowed right in the middle of the forest. I looked upstream and realized that it was coming from the direction of the facility. They did say she escaped. She must have used the river to get out. The smell of jasmine was getting stronger, coming from the other side of the river so I knew I was heading in the right direction. I leaped high into the air, easily getting across with little difficulty. I inhaled once more, following the scent until it stopped at the river bank.

There were signs that someone was here. Footprints could easily be seen walking out of the river and towards the dense bushes. These were made recently . . . I looked towards the bushes. She must be there. I followed the path and the trail, making sure to keep an eye on them.

At first, the scent and footprints were as clear as day. But after a few feet more, the trail becomes cold. The footprints faded until I couldn't see them anymore but they looked like they were wiped clean deliberately. She's trying to hide her path. Why? I inhaled once more but the scent of jasmine also faded and stopped at the same spot as the footprints. It only concludes that she didn't want to be found or someone got to her. Panic began to settle in and it caused my heart to pound once more.

Anya . . . where are you?

I twisted and turned everywhere but I didn't see any more signs of a trail. I frantically went to every bush, thinking that she might be hiding . . . but nothing. I was about to head off deeper to look more but then the communications on my gauntlet went off like an alarm. I growled in frustration, knowing it was either Xen'ork and Arkarb calling for me. I couldn't exactly ignore it so I had no choice but to answer. I brought my wrist gauntlet and opened the communications.

"What?"

It was Arkarb's voice. "My apologies. I know that you're distraught but we have to go. The oomans are sending more soldiers."

Judging by the distress I heard from his voice, I knew it was serious. The oomans may be inferior but they weren't always stupid. Of course, they would send more of themselves to deal with the mess. No doubt they will be on high alert when they find the destruction left behind.

"How many?"

"Several dozen . . . maybe more. Despite our strength, we can't risk fighting a whole army and the oomans can't know of our existence. We have to go. Now."

That wasn't good. Hearing that more are coming that is too much is not good news but I didn't want to leave. I have to find Anya. But then again, as I looked to the end of the trail, there was no guarantee that I will find her in a small amount of time. Who knows how far she's gone? My heart sank as I looked up to the sky.

Promise me you'll protect her . . .

Once again, Mia's voice rings in my mind and it had such an effect on me. My strength returned, fueled by determination. I tightened my mandibles together, looking at every star in the night.

I promise, Mia. I won't let it happen again. And Anya . . . I swallowed. I'll come to you. Stay strong and wait for me.

I sighed deeply and lowered my gaze back to my wrist gauntlet. "I'll meet you on the ship. Get it ready."

"Yes, my Lord."

With that, the communications went dead and the silence of the night took over. I lifted my hand, staring at the empty palm until I squeezed it. I won't give up. I won't let you down, Mia.

Without letting another moment pass by, I took off back towards the ship, determined to set things right . . .

I promise.

Hi Readers!

This . . . was hard to write. I couldn't help but feel sad about reading this.

Daugo has lost Mia (expected if you read Twisted Fate so my apologies for spoils if you haven't already). He was so angry that he killed many oomans and it still wasn't enough. He's like a wrecking ball that won't stop swinging. At least Arkarb and Xen'ork helped him at the end to come to his senses.

But true to character, fucking Traeger has to be a dick as always. He must have some guts to mock and angry Yautja that recently lost his mate. But what goes around comes around and Anya will make sure of that. Even though he felt lost, Mia is still with him . . . helping as much as she could. So the story is almost coming to full swing and we have about two more chapters until the end but I will leave it incomplete since I want to add more but can't spoil until the third book is in full swing.

Don't worry . . . I'll make sure it's worth it ;)

Find out when Chapter 19 comes next Sunday (12/1). :)

(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. Repeated message in case.)

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

Anonymous-E: Good question about the scents. The reason why there's no smell with Maria is that she's ooman. With Anya, she's a hybrid so she's got some scent that Yautjas have. But if I were to categorize what her smell is . . . I'm thinking ginger at the top of my head. I don't know why but it mixes well with cinnamon lol. Yes . . . it is big that Thant'oug is the Bad Blood Anya fights and is causing havoc in Nexus. He's such an asshole in my opinion. But he's got much more involvement on a particular question that has been asked for a while now . . . ever since The Predator (2018) released. I wonder what it could be? Hmm . . .

But more secrets will be revealed as we got about five more chapters left until the end of Metamorphosis and much more after that. I hope you can wait ;) And thank you for the update info on Respect. I like the plot of it already :)

Mariah: True that the other Yautjas and especially might not like the union but they have no choice. Following Yautja laws, they are bound together and have no choice but to follow. Won't stop a certain someone from interfering. And a great idea for Anya adopting a pup but there's more to the story since we have the third book to start and complete. But I might do something with that . . . don't want to spoil too much. Lol.

NeverNeverLady: You're so right! It's not over by a long shot! ;)

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