Chapter 19: Set in Motion

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

"I see."

I stood tall in front of my brother as he tapped his claws on the meeting table of our clan. Xen'ork and Arkarb stood behind, waiting for what will transpire here.

Neither of us spoke to each other since our return from the ooman planet back to Yautja Prime. Probably to give me space. The raw emotions were still running inside me but not as strong as before. Despite the want to be alone for a while, I knew I had to do what is needed when I got back. The first thing was to contact Datho and have a secret meeting with him. I didn't try to omit anything from what happened. I watched as his eyes showed his attempt of trying to understand.

"So it seems that these 'Stargazer' oomans are hiding from their kind. They are such complicated creatures."

I grunted silently. How true are those words. I thought I would never understand their ways but Mia proved them wrong. She showed that there's more to them than what we were told to believe. I stepped forward as Datho rubbed the bridge between his eyes in frustration.

"We know that the oomans are planning something big but they are only pawns for someone more powerful . . . a clan perhaps."

Datho stopped and slammed his hand on the table. "Are you still believing that the Killer Yautja . . . a clan that has been extinct for many seasons . . . is still alive?"

Frustration was clearly shown on his face but I remained steadfast. There was no doubt whatsoever that they exist or at least something similar. I puffed my chest out and raised my chin, keeping my eyes on him.

"Do you think I would tell you if I thought it was ridiculous?"

I leered into my brother's eyes and he sighed in defeat. "No . . . I suppose not."

Datho knew better. After growing up together as brothers, he is one of the very few who knew how I behaved. He's no exception to this. Our conversation was interrupted as Arkarb and Xen'ork stand by my side. Datho lowers his gaze for a minute before bringing it back up, facing towards Arkarb.

"Do you believe this, Arkarb?"

"I do."

He didn't even pause to think about it. Arkarb was blunt and quick to give judgment. After all, he has thirty seasons on both of us and has seen more than our share of hunts. Datho taps his claws once more and turns to Xen'ork. He didn't even need to ask the same question for Xen'ork to answer.

"Same here. I've seen what has transpired on the ooman planet and what the Bad Bloods are capable of. This isn't some clan that just came together out of personal revenge. We can't take them lightly."

Another vote on my side puts Datho in a corner where he can't deny it. But one thing's for sure is that we can't get the support of others without evidence. I knew all too well that Datho will use that excuse. Sure enough, his next sentences confirmed it.

"But without concrete evidence, the Council won't believe any of this . . . much less the entire Yautja society. They would laugh before taking this matter seriously."

I sighed. "I know . . ."

Despite my firm resolve, it won't be enough to stop the Bad Bloods from plotting against all of us . . . and even the oomans as well. Without the support of many Yautjas, it was an almost impossible task. But as soon as the doubt came, it disappears when Mia's image came inside my mind followed by Ba'kou's and Ni'geria's. All of them had smiles as if they had no care in the world.

Promise me, Daugo . . . You'll protect Anya.

I tightened my fists as determination seeped into my body like the heat from the twin suns. My eyes burned as I stared at my brother.

"But I will not stop until they're defeated. Until the day comes when this is all over."

With that said, Datho's eyes widened in surprise. It only lasted a minute but he calmed down. His lower mandibles slacked a little and his eyes dimmed to a softer color of gold. He leans back into the chair.

"If that's your decision, then at least put the effort of helping you. I'll try to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and report information on recent hunts that might be valuable."

It was one of the many perks of being a member of the Council to receive news of all hunts that are reported. It's a policy for every Yautja warrior to give details of hunts when they return to dock and rest. It's to ensure that no one breaks the Code of Honor or our technology is taken from us. Also, it makes sure that if a Yautja goes missing, the Arbitrators could use the information to track them down or kill if necessary. Such reports would be valuable is anyone saw the Bad Bloods we were looking for. It's slim . . . but it's worth trying.

I bowed my head. "Thank you, Brother."

Datho nods and gets up from his chair. "Still . . . we need someone on the inside that no one would suspect in case. Not many Yautjas are eager to share everything and it would be a hassle if someone who doesn't know find out about all of this. Gossip would be flying everywhere like flies."

Datho did have a point. Stuff like this would cause an uproar among our kind, creating unnecessary chaos that we don't need. And if word gets out, it's at risk of spreading to any potential Bad Blood and maybe one we're looking for. But I already had it covered.

"I've got someone in mind." I turned my head around to the closed door. "Send her in."

The Arbitrators who are there to give protection to Datho opened the door, staying outside the meeting room to give up privacy. As it opens, a female Yautja emerges and walks towards us with the door closing behind. She was an impressive female, to say the least, and would put all others to shame if not for her family's prior history. The gold speckles covering her shoulders, neck, and even forehead would get any male's attention in a flash. However, she wasn't a warrior like the others but had a more . . . interesting job that is almost equal in value. It was obviously shown in her armor, which consisted of nothing more than a loincloth and leg braces. She stops right as she got to me but leaning towards Daugo. She turns to me and bows in acknowledgment. I blinked my eyes, turning to Datho.

"This is Sa'iye."

She bows very low to the ground. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my Lord Datho."

My brother tilts his head to the side as if not expecting my choice of an informant to be her. I'm not shocked he would react like that.

"You chose the head healer?"

I stepped forward. "Yes. As you know, she gets many Yautjas coming and going in the healer's building that ranges from various clans. And as you said yourself . . . gossip travels fast."

I put that fact to my advantage. No warrior would suspect the healer to know this sensitive information we're keeping in the dark. From what I heard, Yautjas like to talk inside the healer's building where there's privacy sometimes and no one would be tracking anyone inside . . . especially with Sa'iye in charge. She has a fierce reputation for putting males and females in line regardless of their reputation for being rash and even aggressive to all others. She would easily gather information as much as we can.

"Plus, she's working to become part of the Dark Blade clan so she would be the best chance."

"But she's also known to be associated with a Bad Blood who shares family ties with her."

Datho's words were lined with distaste and no unexpected at that. Sa'iye was one of the unfortunates of being associated with one that had committed a terrible deed. Her father went on a rampage and killed her mother who was one of the greatest female warriors of all time. Although he was executed for it and Sa'iye hadn't committed a crime to share the same fate, others didn't see it that way. Many bullied her and called her a Bad Blood for it. No one trusted her. Enough that her clan . . . the Val'keria clan . . . cast her out for it. She would have ended up a servant if she didn't show proficiency as a healer. It was the very thing that saved her from even more misery but it wasn't something to praise. She's still treated badly but I believed she deserved more. Eventually, I took her in to give basic training until she can do it on her own. However, I couldn't officially accept her into the Dark Blade Clan like I wanted to until she completes her Chiva and I become Clan Leader.

I turned my head slightly, seeing Sa'iye remaining silent but I saw the despair in her eyes. It reminded me so much of Mia when she was at her lowest point. A memory I would rather forget. I can't let her feel like this.

I swiftly turned to Datho. "Regardless, she's more valuable than anyone else. She's capable of completing this task and even more when she finishes her Chiva and truly becomes one of our own. I deem her worthy."

I lifted my head in pride, showing no deviation. Datho's eyes looked between me and Sa'iye before he closes them, sighing like he lost a fight.

"If that's your decision, make sure she knows what's going on."

I bowed my head and turned to Sa'iye. She smiles a little, grateful for what I've done. In a small gesture, I pressed a hand on her shoulder and shaking it gently. I let go and tilted my head to Xen'ork and Arkarb.

"Give her all the details. Make sure you don't miss anything and then let her report to me when it's done."

"Yes, my Lord."

Both of them bowed in unison. I turned my back on them. "Now leave us. I still have much to talk with Lord Datho alone."

They didn't say anything but the scuffling of feet told me their answer. The sound grew quieter and the door creaks open. After a few minutes, the door closes and silence between me and my brother grew. We were alone once more . . . so we could talk about things that I want to keep between us . . . at least for now.

Datho sighs. "I'm sorry about Mia."

It took everything in me not to fall in despair. The fresh memories brought upon the emotions that followed behind. My heart aches just from hearing her name. But I have to be strong . . . for her. I swallowed hard.

"It's alright. What's done is done . . . but we need to think about the future now."

"I agree. Which is why I have to ask you this question once more. For everyone's sake."

I knew it was coming. Datho would never stop until I have answered it firmly. His eyes darted to mine, filled with determination.

"Are you going to take your place as Clan Leader?"

Those are the words I dreaded for a long time. And during that time, I tried to avoid it at all costs, making excuses every time . . . no matter how ridiculous it was. My younger self would have long been gone from this room. But everything's changed now. I was no longer the warrior I once was. I had changed and I knew that I couldn't run away anymore.

But I still had one last thing to request.

I took a deep breath, letting my chest rise and let it slowly come back down. I never took my eyes off of Datho.

"I will . . . but only on one condition."

Datho's attention comes fully around, stopping on me.

"You know as much that if I take this role, I won't have a lot of free time to travel. Although I'll have more authority to get things done, I still have business back on the ooman planet. So I request that any Yautjas going there or traveling near will search for someone of great importance to me."

I heard a hum from my brother. "And is that 'someone of great importance' the hybrid you mentioned?"

I softly growled. "Her name is Anya."

As soon as I finished, Datho walks over to me until our faces were only inches away. I could feel his breath on mine and his mandibles reached out, almost touching my own. I was tempted to growl out of intimidation but I kept my ground. He's testing me. Datho's eyes swirled around, trying to see any break in my resolve . . . and he did it for a reason. A request like this would surely not end well for either of us if someone found out, especially Yi'stbah. He was a Yautja that had a deep grudge towards oomans and is part of the Council. To hear that a hybrid exists would send him over the edge. Datho's making sure that I wasn't kidding about this sort of thing. After a few moments of not finding anything, the tension between us dissolves as he backs off a bit.

"You care for this 'Anya' . . . don't you?"

I nod. "I made a promise to Mia that I would protect her. And you know by the Code of Honor that any promise a Yautja makes must be seen through . . . no matter what species are involved."

Datho couldn't argue with that. Above everything else, the Code of Honor was to be respected at all times. I made a promise to Mia and I will do so without distraction or regret. After a minute or so, Datho pulls back.

"I understand. I will make sure to inform anyone flying near but I can't guarantee they will find her. If you couldn't . . ."

"I know."

I didn't need him to finish the sentence. My brother sighs, walking closer until he moves to my side. I kept my sights straight in front of me and felt his warm hand grasp on my shoulder.

"In some ways, I wished that I met her. She has a strong heart so I hope one day to meet this Anya you speak of . . . We will see."

He lets go, walking out of the room to leave me alone once more. All I could think about was Mia . . . and wonder what would have been. I imagine Mia and me together, looking up towards the sky filled with stars and hope. I blinked my eyes once and the image was gone. I couldn't think of such things. I knew it was never to come and Mia wouldn't want me to look back. The promise repeated in my head over and over again. It firmed my resolve even more.

I have to find Anya . . . no matter what.

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

After that, I made my way back to the Dark Blade Clan building to finish another task but the one I have to meet might not want to discuss now. Still, I have to talk to him. It wasn't long before I reached the room in the higher levels but still a few floors below where the Clan Leader's room resides . . . where I will live when everything blows over. The lift was the most tedious and stressful part. It meant waiting inside a metal box and you would have no choice but to think of things you don't want to. Thank goodness that I made it before I thought more.

A few more steps and I was in front of a door where someone resides. My hand hovers over the metal frame, hesitant to knock. Get it over with. I took a breath and knocked a few times. I expected no answer at first but surprised when I heard a voice.

"Come in."

I stepped forward and the door slides open. I moved inside the room and saw him sitting on a metal chair, finishing his meal.

"Hakr'ouh? What are you doing here?"

I wasn't expecting him to be here so soon . . . in Lar'ja's room. He gave a smile whilst he stood up. "My apologies. I came early so Lar'ja let me in since he's still washing up. How did the meeting go with Lord Datho?"

I shook my head, feeling exhausted for some reason. "Everything's fine. Finished one loose end and tying another."

"Hmmm . . . I see. And I also heard that you're becoming Clan Leader?"

I sighed in frustration. Despite being a secret meeting, word somehow gets around. Really . . . is that all Yautjas so around here now? But then again, it would eventually become public and Hakr'ouh would be among the first to know. And he's expected to become second-in-command to which I would be glad to have. He's a very reliable warrior and I had trusted him since the day we met. So I thought it would be best to tell him the situation with the Bad Bloods. For now, I had to wait until Lar'ja was out of the bathroom.

"Yes, it's true. I've decided to take the position and I couldn't let everyone wait much longer."

As soon as I said that, I saw a sudden change in Hakr'ouh but it was for a split second. His eyes squinted almost shut, leaving a thin line for his golden eyes to see. It took me a bit by surprise but I couldn't read what he was conveying. However, it was gone and before I could ask, he smiles once more.

"Really? I mean . . . I was expecting that you wouldn't want it, considering you been avoiding to respond for so long . . . unless you change your mind."

He stands, walking slowly to me until we're facing each other. His actions were starting to confuse me but Hakr'ouh is a strange Yautja. He's not one to socialize a lot so I thought he was being awkward. But this is going a little too far . . .

"I mean . . . the Council was moving to place me as Clan Leader if you didn't. Not that I want to but if you refuse then—"

"I said I would take it."

Hakr'ouh shuts his mouth up as fast as a snapping Karin'gar. His eyes did it again but more obvious this time, slitting almost shut until there was a visible thin black line. But again, it was gone once more and Hakr'ouh bowed his head low.

"Forgive me, my Lord. I only want what's best for Yautja society. Especially that our clan is one of the strongest amongst ourselves."

I waved my hand. "It's alright. I figured that the Council will try something like that but I'm keeping my word to become Clan Leader. So let's leave it at that."

He raised his head slowly, nodding in agreement before staring back into my eyes. "As you wish."

I huffed, relaxing a little. Hakr'ouh was only doing what is best and it's my fault for putting such pressure on him for a long while. I smiled and rested my hand on his shoulder.

"But that means I need a second-in-command I can trust."

I didn't need to say more. Hakr'ouh already knew what I was going to ask and answered immediately. "I will do my best to repay you."

The sound of a door opening caught both of our attention, turning to see Lar'ja had emerged. Still wet from the bath, his dreadlocks dripped of water but also made a glistening effect on his skin from the light. With his chest exposed and barely wearing a loincloth, Lar'ja wiped himself with a clean cloth as he made our way towards us. He turns to Hakr'ouh and bows in acknowledgment.

"Hakr'ouh."

Lar'ja never really like him, considering that he gets picked on sometimes. But when he turns to me, it's a much worse treatment. His eyes narrowed and his mandibles threatened to open wide in a growl, twitching with uncertainty as to comply. I figured he's still angry about what I've done back on the ooman planet but there's nothing I can do to change it. What's done is done. I had bigger things to take care of, starting with him.

"Lar'ja . . . now that we're all here, can you explain to me what you were trying to say to me before?"

I haven't forgotten what he said when he and Arkarb arrived at the ooman planet to greet me, saying something about taking a certain thing from the Bad Bloods. Of course, he would use Mia as an excuse for my behavior but I didn't care. Right now, Lar'ja might have important information that might help us. He groans in annoyance but follows with a sigh of defeat. No matter what, he knows he can't go against me. No surprise he would know of me becoming the Clan Leader . . . he can oppose someone of higher rank, regardless of what he feels.

He walks over towards Hakr'ouh's side, leaning on the nearby wall but staying as far away as possible.

"As I said, I grabbed something belonging to the Bad Bloods you've been tracking. To be honest, I'm not sure what it even is."

"Then show it to us."

Lar'ja hesitated for a moment. I wasn't sure if he wants to show it out of concern or doesn't want me to find out. It didn't matter what he believed was right . . . I was going to find out. Even if I have to pry it out of my own son's hand. Out of instinct, I growled in warning. Lar'ja may be naive sometimes but he's quick to pick up things and know what's the best course of action to take.

Sighing, he walks away from us and into the direction of his bedroom. At first, I thought he was leaving for good. But after a few moments, he returns with something in his hands. At close range, it appeared to be a wrist gauntlet in shape but very different at the same time. It was all covered in black, almost showing no details on its hide. However, it wasn't as strange as the two protruding shafts that extended outward, connected in the middle at the farthest end from the wrist and had open rings at the ends.

What the pauk (fuck) is this?

"Is that what you took from them?"

Hakr'ouh sounded surprised as well. His eyes were widened a little but for some reason, it felt strange for him to react like that . . . terrified. Lar'ja turned it around for him to observe and looked back in confusion.

"Yes. But it's strange what it turns into."

"Turns into?"

He made it sound like it could change shape so that question popped out of my mouth before I could correct what I meant. Lar'ja nods.

"When I gather data, it was created to envelop the user in armor that surpasses anything we ever made. Enough that a fully armored and skilled Yautja couldn't defeat. From what I found, the Bad Bloods were manufacturing it an industrial scale . . . enough for an army."

I shook my head in disbelief. "But what for?"

Lar'ja's eyes suddenly show animosity towards me like I did something to offend him. I squinted my eyes together but waited for him to say.

"An invasion . . . of the ooman planet."

My breath and heart stopped altogether. Hearing that the Bad Bloods . . . the Killer Yautja . . . are moving to destroy that planet . . . Mia's home. It's too ambitious for any Yautja to execute such a plan but I've seen what these Bad Bloods are capable of. They weren't the normal ones that only hunted for sport or fought alone. No . . . these are far too organized.

"But why would they attack that planet of weaklings? They're mere prey in the eyes of the Yautja."

Hakr'ouh steps forward, raising his hands as if to prove a point. He wasn't wrong on that . . . as much as I hate to admit. Lar'ja shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe they're becoming too powerful? After all, they managed to produce a hybrid with our blood and contain some of our technology. Also, they were known to kill many of our fellow hunters in single combat."

"Who would waste time on prey like them?"

I snapped as soon as Hakr'ouh spat those words. I whipped my head around and snapped at him with a roar. Immediately, he backs off, taking a few steps backward to avoid me trying to take a swipe at him. The way he said that brought the anger but also the painful memories of Mia ten-fold. The hurt in her blue eyes caused a stinging sensation in my heart, pulling on my muscles over my ribs to spasm. I closed my eyes, clutched my chest with a fist and took a few moments to calm down. It only lasted for a few seconds but it felt like an eternity. Mia was stronger than anyone I've ever seen before and not weak prey that they were taught to believe. I opened my eyes and leered at Hakr'ouh.

"They are not weak. Never underestimate someone weaker than you are and never say that again. Do you understand?"

Hakr'ouh hesitated but admitted defeat, lowering his head until I couldn't even see his lower mandibles anymore since they were obscured by his forehead.

"I understand."

I took a deep breath, calming my emotions enough that they were easier to handle. I couldn't handle Hakr'ouh's remarks anymore so I decided to send him away.

"Leave us."

He didn't say another word nor protested against my command. It would be a death sentence for him if he tried a stunt like that. I kept my eyes on Lar'ja as I heard his footsteps getting quieter until I could no longer hear them. The closing of the door behind confirmed he was gone. The tension slacked but remained in the room, not completely gone since I had my son to deal with. He is just as pissed off as I was a moment ago but for different reasons.

I kept my wits together but it became harder when Lar'ja spoke.

"Still infatuated with that planet?"

He said it with a hiss but I ignored it. Handling Lar'ja was nothing new and much easier than dealing with Hakr'ouh. Lar'ja growled.

"So . . . we should get rid of this then." He holds the gauntlet in the air between us. "That way the Bad Bloods can't use it. Better to be rid of now before it causes more problems."

He begins to walk past me, most likely heading towards the dumping area where we discard torn up carcasses or metal that can no longer be used. That moment went into slow motion for me. I could only think of that planet, especially the like where Mia and I met for the first time. The light from the stars shining on the waters with Mia watching over them. It was such a beautiful sight and I imagined she felt the same.

What would she do?

In an instant, an idea came to my mind. Without thinking, I stopped Lar'ja with my arm, using it as a bar to keep him from advancing.

"No."

Lar'ja was stunned to hear such an answer. "What?"

I slowly turned my head to the side to get a view of my son's face. "We will use it."

He pushes back from me, filled with surprise but a hint of anger. He knows what I'm going to say.

"What are you implying?"

I sighed. "You said that it could defeat an experienced warrior with ease. If they are planning to use it for an invasion of the ooman planet, why don't we use it to our advantage?"

"And what would that be?"

The anger in Lar'ja's eyes started to burn through but I continued.

"Make it so that humans can use it to protect themselves."

The sudden sound of the weapon slamming onto the floor jolted me and my body goes into a defensive pose. My knees bent and my hands opened to prepare my claws for battle. I relaxed as soon as I noticed it was Lar'ja dropping the weapon. But as I relaxed, he suddenly charges at me. His claws dug into my biceps as he pushed me back, causing them to bleed. Even though he was younger and stronger, I had more experience. Plus, he was full of blind rage that he wasn't thinking straight. I spun my left foot, breaking his form and almost causing him to trip. I grabbed his forearm and twisted it. Lar'ja howls in pain from the muscles being pulled to the extreme as I felt popping underneath his skin. It won't cause too much damage and he would heal quickly. The motion and the agony forced Lar'ja to fall to his side and I threw him down. His body slams to the ground with a loud thud but I didn't stop. I pulled a knife from my belt and pressed it on his neck, enough that the blade began to form a cut but didn't bleed. Lar'ja thrashes as hard as he could against me but I bent my knee into his chest, immobilizing him. He got desperate that he tried to extend his mandibles to reach my face but it was useless. I knew he was venting his rage so I kept him pinned, deciding to wait until he calmed down. I fought the urge to growl or roar in his face, hoping that it would calm him down faster.

It didn't take long before the pressure from him pushing up towards me started to recede. However, I waited until the anger in his eyes was almost gone. It wouldn't disappear completely but at least Lar'ja was coming to his senses. Finally, he relaxes and I pulled away. I got back on my feet and placed my knife back on my belt. My heart slowly returned to a normal pace as I watched Lar'ja get back on his feet. He twists his neck and flexes the arm that I twisted in our skirmish. Once he finished, he glares into my eyes but doesn't say anything, knowing that he wouldn't win.

"That is my decision. We will make this weapon for the oomans so they will be protected until this is settled. You got that?"

I put my foot down hard. I wanted to make sure Lar'ja knew I was serious. He keeps his glare on me for a few minutes but it felt like an eternity. Eventually, he gave in and lowered his head, ashamed to answer such a request.

"Understood . . . my Lord."

His dreadlocks covered his face but it couldn't hide the anger still burning inside him. I took his response anyway, grunting in satisfaction.

"Then go. Take the weapon to Arkarb and instruct him to build it to ooman size. I'm sure it won't be too difficult for him. And keep up in finding more information on the Bad Bloods. We need as much as we can."

Lar'ja doesn't respond but merely grunts. He bows his head with his arm crossed over his chest. With nothing further to say, Lar'ja walks out of his room with the weapon and leaves me alone once more.

It took me almost a minute to realize that my lungs were hurting from not getting any air. I had no idea I was holding my breath for so long. I gasped softly and my lungs expanded to take it in. It burned my throat but the need for air was greater. I leaned on the wall to keep myself from falling over, waiting until I got my strength back.

This was the most stressful and exhausting thing I ever did. . . talking to my son about my plans for the oomans. Any Yautja would have thought me as crazy but it's what I wanted. After failing to save Mia, at least I could do was protect the home she once loved.

It's what she would have wanted . . .

I closed my eyes and listened to her soft voice. It sounded far off but I felt she was right next to me.

I believe in you, Daugo. You'll do the right thing.

I opened my eyes and looked up towards the ceiling. I hope so, Mia . . . I hope so . . .

Also, I still had to find Anya and I prayed that she was still alive on that planet somewhere. All I can do now is try to use my new position as CLan Leader to keep up my efforts in tracking the Bad Bloods that have caused all of this misery. My resolve grew and an unbelievable strength grew inside me. I knew what I have to do . . .

I walked out of the room, determined to protect all those I love and to prevent any more from falling into the same fate as Mia. I growled quietly as I walked down the hallway, knowing that this was the start of something bigger.

I'll never let that happen again . . . and I will protect all those who are precious to me.

No matter what!

Hi Readers!

So things are being set in motion. Daugo may be feeling sad about Mia but the fires of determination are lit inside him. And now we know he's using the Predator Killer that Lar'ja stole to create it for the oomans. He's willing to sacrifice everything to protect the world that Mia loved so much. And he's making sure that he uses any opportunity to find Anya. But many of us know who does . . . hmmm :)

On the bright side, Datho is a great supporter of Daugo and is making sure he helps as well. What a great brother to have on his side. I wished I had one as well in real life. But Lar'ja is still against everything his father is trying to do. Even going so far as to attack Daugo but we all know that he's still hurt inside but Yautjas are not good as showing raw emotions well . . . always fighting and such.

Now, we have one more chapter left until Nexus is completed but will go on hiatus until Metamorphosis is completed and how the progression of Balance goes.

Speaking of which, I've decided to post small previews of Balance in each chapter of Metamorphosis and Nexus until the first is complete. It's raw material so it might be edited when I dive into the third but will give a taste of what's to come. Here's a preview of Balance

I walked out of the cave with determination in my chest, slowly taking my time to exit the dark cave. All of the kainde amedha have been killed along with the Queen but I needed to make sure nothing survives. One less thing to deal with.

I had placed the small bomb into the very center of the hive, making sure that the radius covers only the hive and nothing more. I looked down to see the countdown on my gauntlet shrinking in numbers, closing in on the final detonation . . . but I still had one last thing to take care of.

A few feet outside the cave, I saw the long streak of green neon blood covering the ground before me. I followed it until I saw a Yautja desperately crawling away, grunting in agony. He was covered in his blood that seeped out of the cut I made, spreading across his abdomen as I remembered. I noticed small pieces of his intestines were lined in the same path as the blood, looking like piles of c'jit (shit) that a dog would crap up. As I looked closer to where the Yautja was, I saw that his stomach fell out as well. The heap of rotting flesh rested on the side as the Yautja kept clawing towards freedom.

He's done for . . .

I pulled out my twin swords slowly and I saw his body flinch when he heard the sound of metal being unsheathed. He knew I was right behind him. That got him on overdrive and he began using his claws as hooks on the ground to pick up speed. But he was only as fast as a turtle and that only made him bleed all the more. Another organ spills out of him and I saw it might have been his liver.

Time to end this.

I started walking at a faster pace but I took my time. I wanted him to suffer as those victims that suffered being a host for the kainde amedha before I end his life. His head turns to the side to look at me, hissing in a warning for me to stay back.

Even on the brink of death, he still fighting me.

I couldn't wait any longer and quickened my pace. Panic settled in the Yautja and he tried once more to crawl faster. Before he could get another inch or so, I stomped on his hand. I felt and heard bone shattering beneath me and the Yautja roars in anguish. It screeches in my ears but it was such a pleasure to hear it as well. I lifted my foot off and saw that the skin covering his knuckles had exploded and several pieces of bone stuck out like shrapnel. I huffed, kicking his chest until he was on his back.

That is when I got to see the full extent of his injuries. His skin was covered with burnt holes from the attack of my plasma drones. The cut on his abdomen had ripped open from him moving. Nothing was remaining inside . . . only a dark abyss that showed the bottom portion of his ribcage and lungs. I saw both of his wrist gauntlets had been destroyed successfully so he couldn't send a signal or call for help. I stomped my foot on his chest and saw some ribs popping like balloons. He howls in the air but I didn't relent this time. I leaned my head closer to his face, glaring into his eyes as if seeing his soul. His voice was weak and harsh, gasping small pools of green neon blood that dripped from his mandibles. Despite his injuries, I could still hear his words.

"You . . . will never win. We'll keep coming . . . and coming . . . until you and this disgusting planet . . . perish . . . once and for all."

I growled, leaning my face even closer to his until we were inches away. I made sure that he could hear me.

"Then I'll make sure that every time you come, their suffering will be far worse than the one before. I won't let you and your kind have their way."

My eyes wandered lower to his chest armor, seeing the red X symbol dominating the entire thing. I glared back at the male below me.

"The Killer Yautja . . . will get what's coming. I'll make sure of it."

I saw the fury rage inside his dull amber eyes and in a last-ditch effort, he spits into my face.

"Die, you filthy hybrid!"

I had enough. Without hesitation, I brought one of my twin swords into the air and brought it down swiftly. The blade cuts through his mandible like butter and pierces into his mouth, digging into the Earth beneath him. The Yautja gagged in vain as more blood collected in his mouth. I waited until the light in his eyes fades completely and his body slacks beneath me.

Another Bad Blood . . . gone.

I pulled my sword out and stepped away from the body, relishing my small victory over the Killer Yautja. However, he was right. He was one of many that have come to grow their little 'pets' for more senseless killing . . . and another to fall by my hands.

But how long can I keep this going? I have no idea . . .

I sighed and looked up into the sky, feeling the smallest bit of despair seep into my chest and creating a stinging pain that radiates across my arms and legs. I shut my eyes fast, squinting them as much as I could.

No! I can't give up now! I can't!

I pushed away the despair and opened my eyes back to the sky, looking at the stars that decorated the sky. I have hope that my Elites and everyone else was still out there . . . fighting with the same strength as I had. And Lar'ja . . . I still had faith he was out there looking for me.

He wouldn't give up on me either. So I'll do the same.

I sheathed my swords and walked away from the body, hearing the countdown stop beeping. The explosion from behind engulfed everything, including the dead Bad Blood. I kept walking as I smelt the ground burning, seeing the color red glowing into the quiet night sky.

So that's it! I had such a good time writing this that I lost track for a moment. But this gives a glimpse that a lot of blood and gore is on the way. I hope all of you can wait for Balance to finally post.

Chapter 19 of Nexus will come next Sunday (12/8). :)

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

Anonymous-E: Thank you for admiring the DC pictures. I apologize for not getting the Lincoln Memorial but at least I got his head for a trophy lol. And it has given me some inspiration for a new story but it will have to wait until I do the others already listed. And I will not disappoint you on the blood and gore for Balance. There's a war and we all know that many will die gruesome deaths (particularly the Killer Yautja of course ;))

And thanks for the new info for Respect. I'll keep updating my notes.

Mariah: Thank you for posting the error of Za'hir. My computer likes to do auto-corrections and it sucks. As for Anya informing Daugo of her movements, they have a rocky communication. Plus, Anya is still very young and naive so she'll think that she can do this on her own. Typical . . . And I hope you like the small preview. More will come as well ;)

Guest: Thank you for the review and I hope you can be patient for more. No spoilers! :)

NeverNeverLady: You may be right and that will be proven in Balance. She'll have more support than she thought. And Prime is vulnerable and that will set things in motion. But Anya will have more things to worry about. Will be shown in the last chapters of Metamorphosis. Thank you for your support!

Save The Date: I'm glad you like it. I hope to hear more reviews from you. :)

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