Disclaimer: I don't own Predator or Aliens or AVP of any type, but the plot of this story and any OC characters that show up I do own!
Ok, so no flames please but constructive criticism is welcome! If you want to help by giving a bit of advice on how something can work or flow better then by all means but if you're just going to be mean yeah please don't. If you don't like then just leave and write your own story m'kay?
Oh my gosh I'm so super sorry this took FOREVER to get out, life shows it's ugly had then this chapter was a whore to write! like nothing I did was good enough it all felt so inadequate! But anywhos I got it done ..finally...Enjoy!
Sins of the Stars
Light So Dim
"Am I just a lost soul blowing in the wind? Or a coward scared to look within? Or do I have a brave heart with a light so dim? Is that who I am?" ~Is That Who I Am, Chris Carmack
Ch. 10
"I can't get over how fast this is healing! If we had this back on earth…" Mercy stopped listening, she heard this countless of times since being in this damn infirmary. Doctors from all over the world were volunteering as side healers to help the Yautjas' on the female body.
Well to Mercy it was more like drooling over the advance medicine. They're an Alien race, advance anything is to be expected! So why all the hullabaloo?
Looking down at her calf she could understand a bit of the amazement, her wound was closed now just pinkish circle of fragile skin but still a bit painful. She was told to keep it clean and wrapped since it could still become infected and to stay off it. Which would be fine if it wasn't for the hulking muscles behind her.
Mother Bertha, or Big Mama
It was about two or three days after the whole Tag fiasco that Big Mama showed up in the common room of barracks 13, stating she was the one responsible of 'you pathetic oomans'. Apparently she was the one to make sure all of barracks 13 became full verse in all of the Yautja traditions and ways of life.
In short, she's a mean ass etiquette teacher, the do's and don'ts of the Yautja society! There was one thing Mercy learned in this short time.
Yautja Mothers are vicious and relentless teachers…. "We Yautja aren't big on theory, with us you learn by doing. I'll trained you as I would my own." Hence the name…
So far it's been nothing but lectures and information beat downs but really Mercy knew she was just waiting for the lots of them to heal up before the real beating begin; the reason for the checkup.
"Ooman the leg!" Big Mama's dread flared in agitation as the doctor gushed and rambled.
"Oh, yes right, right," The woman blushed clearing her throat as she taps at her collar, in what obviously was becoming a nervous tick. "The leg is doing great, in just a week or so the bandage could come off without fear of infection."
"Thank god, beca—ack! Wait...ow!" Mercy was cut off when she was yanked backward off the bed and pulled along. The pain was shooting up her leg to her hips and stomach as she was forced to put weight on both her legs in risk hopping about or being dragged.
"Wait, just because the bandage can come off, she still needs time to heal, the arrow with through bone—
"Nonsense, I never understand you Oomans, the more you treat a tender wound the tender it becomes! Her flesh is sealed, the infection will be less and the bone will strengthen with work." She yanked on Mercy harder before shoving her out the infirmary.
"Have I taught you nothing? Weakness in anything will get you nowhere in this life but servitude, then what of Andy? No matter the pain you push through!"
"I know, I know." Mercy grumbled as she was shoved into the arms of her 'sisters'. The other barracks ladies grabbed her, helping her stand as their 'mother' over looked them with tired disapproval.
"Repeat!" She demanded.
As one they all chorused. "Males conquer. Females rule."
"Normally we are the larger and stronger sex, males learned to fear us as well as respect us, but times are changing, we are dying now it up to you smaller and…weaker ones. By the end of my Path, it will matter not your size, the males will bow to you in the same respect."
Mercy made sure to keep the sigh in and not let Big Mama hear it, this was always the same lecture she gave when she was disappointed in someone. A female clan would be made of succeeding layers of generations; daughters, mothers, grandmothers etc. This was another thing that made them strong, they will always have the backing of their sisters, thus territory and a pups wellbeing were all depended on your strength.
No matter how advanced they were still ruled but basic instincts, making it truly a survival of the fittest.
Stepping up to each of them; Big Mama grabbed a lock of hair, rubbing them between her fingers before moving to the next woman, even doing the same to Andy when he came up behind Mercy. None of the women could figure out why she was doing this. Some guess it was a sign of affection or just interest since they had weird like dreads, either way when she was done she turned sharply.
"Keep up!" She barked before taking off in a jog, which in human terms was a damn sprint!
The woman all shouted in surprise before rushing off not wanting to be last in fear of extra work, Mercy cursed and hobbled along, with Andy was ahead of her.
The day continued with more severe workout, they were pushed pass their limits and then some. "Move well or die; this is the main lesson of the hunt. There is no room for error." Or at least that what Mama told them.
"I mean I just don't see the reason for all of this..."
The other women all gave a soundless sigh, as they hid behind trees or bushes, spying on Mama. Her back was turned sitting on the ground with Andy in her lap sipping some weird alien tea. It was their evening trial, every day Mother gives them a task to complete if failed another task was assigned that task depended if you ate dinner or not, this one they needed the whole Barracks to work together.
"Shut it Sara!" Noelle hissed in a low whisper as she waved a signal to two other women.
Both women shot from the bushes in a low crouch, running quickly and quietly before pulling up short and holding up a twirling finger, queuing the rest to circle about the target.
"All I'm saying is what the point of these things?"
Rolling her eyes Mercy crouched on a branch, from this position she could see the whole group, Mother had been teaching them a Yautja form of sign language and hand gestures to communicate with each other; it's very simple and only capable of relating simple messages or ideas.
The plan was for Mercy to direct their position for the best line of attack, an ambush from all sides, but with Sara constant whining it was proving difficult. Yautja's had good ass hearing and top-notch sense of smell, so directing the women downwind helped if only Sara would shut up!
Biting the inside of her cheek, this plan will bust on Sara's account, she and the other haven't eaten in two days, each task had ended in failure. Mother wasn't happy so in turn, she doubles her efforts and took away meals, in all that Sara somehow became Mercy's responsibility, maybe because she had Andy and Mother taken a liking to the kid and by default Mercy, thus she became a meditator.
Meaning if Sara didn't shut up and they lost another night of meals, the complaints and glares will be on Mercy. The women will shun Sara and Mother will be extra pissed that as the 'Next females' of her race couldn't work together. Which will also bring on a lecture of how females work in packs of sisters, mothers, and blah, blah.
Ok time for another plan then, biting the pad of her thumb, she waved below her to another woman, Jade was her name? Signing 'stop' Jade passed the sign along the chain and Mercy watched as all the women that were scattered about in a rough circle came to a slow halt.
She could see the questioning in their stance as they looked to each other in confusion, but she didn't focus too long on them, her sights were on Sara. If the woman wouldn't shut up, then she would be part of the plan.
Maybe that was too obvious but hell Mercy was running on fumes, if she didn't eat tonight she was going to pummel Sara herself. Sending quick signs to the others, she watched as they all rearranged themselves, the rear brings up the front while the groups on the west and east shifted.
Raising two fingers high over her head she held the position before slicing it down, the group with Sara moved forward, the south, west and north groups slowly gathering on the sides and back.
Just as she plans Mother, placed Andy down and rushed toward Sara's direction, quickly sending the west and north teams to trail after her, only to have Mother bank right and charge to the south team.
Armed with what Mercy thought was similar to a paintball gun, Mother shot the south team down and with a twirl shot the north team in the back, before pointing her gun straight a Mercy who was hidden in her tree, shooting her right in the neck sending her flying out of said tree and hitting the forest floor with a thud of her feet.
"Failed."
"Argh fuckin hell Ma!" Mercy gagged as she raised from her crouch, rubbing her neck staining her skin purple.
"Sloppy." Big Mama huffed as she crossed her arms as the rest gathered around. "You used your sister as distraction." Her mandibles ticked, a bad sign. "If she wasn't loud maybe the odds would be different, but using her as bate would cause hunt to fail! You made plan to use her to your advantage and while your sisters listen without hesitation, you all still went down rather easily. You're only as strong as your weakest link…Sloppy but better. Go climb the cliff in the North, if you make it to the top by night fall dinner is yours."
Looking to the sky with a yelp of alarm, the sun was halfway set! Without another word, everyone dashed off.
"Mercy take Andy the rules apply to him as well."
"This is Bullshit!"
"Stop complaining Sara and just keep moving."
"This is too high!" Sara shook her head as she looked down behind her and squeals.
Eight stories up a rocky cliff with nothing but your hands, granted this was a thing called free solo climbing but back on earth they didn't have Alien Mothers threatening that she would take away meal time for any slackers. Falling and hurting yourself wasn't an option either she would just dust you off and tell you to start again even if one of your bones has clearly pierced the skin.
Poor Debbie.
"And I would like to eat dinner!" Jessica snapped as she grabbed Sara by the arm trying to push her up more. "Just stop looking down."
"And if I fall and die!"
"Tsh, as if Mother would let you dishonor her like that." Libby snorts.
"More like she shrugs off saying 'only the weak die.'" Josie laughs only to yelp when she slips on a rock before catches herself.
"At least you don't have a six-year-old on your back with the combined thought of failing would cost him food." Mercy hissed to Sara, Andy was clinging to her, his head pushed against her neck. "If Debbie can still try to climb with a broken bone, then you can climb up too, I mean I could always hand Andy over to you, so you can have extra weight." Not that she would.
Sara pursed her lips with narrowed eyes before climbing upward.
The others snorted knowing this was Sara's thing, after some poking and prodding Barracks 13 found out she was some super-rich heiress or something.
She whined and complained about everything, most of the women were already placing bets that she wouldn't make it too far in this world must less the 'games', it's also probably why Mother picks on her.
Either way Mercy just wanted it to stop, it was already bad enough that she was the middle man.
As each one made it to the stop, with the cheering of their barracks mates as encouragement; there was a slight pause of rest before everyone started running to the lunch hall, with last light of day seeping down!
...
"Mmmhmm this is so fuckin good!" Jessica moans her eyes rolling up, with cheeks stuffed full like a chipmunk. "better than I thought!" She groans before stuffing another mouth full.
"It could be the fact we haven't eaten in two days." Noelle takes a vicious bite of what everyone was calling chicken. "because we still haven't figured out what half this shit is." She made a pointed look at a bowl of green jelly-like balls.
Linda grabbed one and popped it in her mouth with a sigh. "I don't know either but it good, its taste weird but I like the way it splatters in my mouth."
"I bet you do." Debbie wiggles her brows suggestive.
"What eww no!" Linda chokes before tossing a jelly ball at her.
"Ahh don't hit the cripple!" Debbie waves her casted arm as a defense.
"Oh, so you can use the cripple card!" Mercy shouts placing something that looked like peas Andy's plate. "But you totally kicked my ass down in yesterday spar!"
"Duh, 'cause mother was watching."
The girls laughed and joked much like teenagers, it was in the mess hall that many of the females got to relax, while the food was questionable and the situation unimaginable, they could take small comfort that they were surrounded by many. The sounds of laughter and talking one could close their eyes and imagine they were back on earth…
It was clear as well that each Barrack was assign a 'Mother', it was also evident that each Mother taught and raised each barrack differently. You could tell which Mothers were raised by the same clan just by how they taught. It was times like that, that Mercy was hit all over again that this was a whole other society, that this was actually happening, that earth was invaded.
Resting her cheeks on her fist she smooths Andy's hair back as he ate quickly, seeming to favor something that looked like a dragon fruit but had the odd taste of roast beef?
It's funny how loud the absence of sound can be, it's almost deafening to the ears and unsettling, a natural warning among nature. So when the mess hall became so silent that it made Mercy's ears ring, she immediately thought of Ke'Nai!
As if hearing her thoughts, a shadow fell over her form, the women at her table looking above her, some gripping their forks with white knuckles, others looking ready to flee.
It was like an unspoken rule that males weren't allowed in the mess hall, they created too much tension. After being in the infirmary for so long, she knew the goal of the Yautja was to keep the 'oomans' calm enough to start back their cycles, with the change of diet and actual atmosphere it tossed their bodies out of whack. So personal lodging and a mess hall free of males were given.
Males being here wasn't against any rules per say but it definitely wasn't welcomed. Slowly Mercy turned and met a wall of tan abs, following the contours of the body past a nice set of pecks to...a face that wasn't Ke'Nai's.
She was surprised that she was able to recognize that this wasn't the S'yuit-de, but more so annoyed that she was yet again singled out. She didn't dare to look away but she could tell from the corner of her eyes that everyone was looking, she even spotted Big Mama not too far off.
Mercy didn't like how close he was or how he came up behind her, the male was invading her space, towering over her. She rose to her feet squaring her shoulders, while she wasn't Yautja she was by no means short, even if she can't gain the height or space like a Female she can earn it.
Normally, all a Female had to do was huff and puff out her chest in warning to give space, but she could tell this dude wasn't going to back down that easily.
She didn't have the strength or backing to take him on in a challenge like she probably would have done if it was Ke'Nai, for reasons she didn't want to get into. In short, this Male was unknown, the best course of action would, was to come off as curious rather than defensive.
So huffing from her nose and mouth as she puffed her chest squaring her shoulders and straighten her back, then adding the head tilt. The puffing and huff showed she didn't like him being close but the head tilt gave the actions a "what the hell do you want?"
His mandibles clicked rapidly, he was obviously amused by her display, he puffed himself up in response, an act to cause her to look him over. He was tall like most Males, ugly was to be expected, his eyes golden but it was his pattern that she took an interest in. He wasn't brightly colored like Butt snack or S'yuit-de, even the Queen was a bright color; yet he had the dark colors and pattern of a rattlesnake, the more she looked, the vibrant they became almost shimmering in delight.
She frowned up at him, his coloring was flicking and he was puffing in pride, hesitantly she looked over to Big Mama. The Female had her head bow and her fist to her mandibles, with shoulders shaking. Was she laughing!?
A huff brought her attention back to the Male, who she was now duding as Snape, cause why not, he was holding out to her an animal skull. At least that what it looked like, it had long fangs and three large eye sockets, but it also had beautiful designs etched into the surface. Upon closer inspection she saw that the grooves weren't etched but a part of the skull itself.
"Eh yes it's nice." She rocked on her heels, this was getting weird, he hasn't said anything and she wasn't sure where he pulled that skull from.
He held out the skull, when she didn't take it he urges it to her again. "Oh um no thanks really, it won't go with my decor." He pushed it gently into her belly. "You're giving it to me anyways. Okay."
She took hold of the skull her hands on the top and bottom as not to touch him but Snape shifted his hands over hers tugging her closer. Oh dear god no!
Debbie made a raspberry sound to keep in her laughter, while Noelle snorts in amusement.
Snape stared in her eyes, his tall form leaning down his hands on hers, before he straightens and so slowly drags his hands away, then laying the tips of his fingers to his forehead then a fist over his heart before turning with a deep head bow to Big Mama then walking out the Mess Hall.
Once he fully left the hall, her whole table burst into laughter. "Shut up you bitches!" Mercy blushed.
"He totally gave you bedroom eyes!" Debbie wheezed her face going red.
"Did you see the way he dragged his hand away? Gosh I hate when guys do that!" Jessica groans.
Linda kept trying to talk but was laughing too hard to make a sound.
Big Mama came over finally and grabbed the skull harshly and looked it over then shoved it back. "Well, that happened sooner than expected and from Mar'cte no less...his gift could have been better though." She grumbled.
"Please tell me that not what it was Big Mama?"
"There's no sense in denying it, it happened." She flicked Mercy's head at her whining "It's a start of a courtship, you must see it through the end, be happy that only one showed up. It's not uncommon to have multiply Males court a Female, usually, a fight breaks out, be on your toes, Mercedes."
"So should we expect wedding bells?" Noelle bats her lashes.
"Oh I call Dibbs on being Maid of honor!" Debbie raised her hand high.
"You all can chock on jelly balls!"
"Mercy, what does courting mean?" Andy was sitting cross leg on their bed looking over the courtship skull. He was fresh from the bath his hair still damped and his curls becoming tight ringlets of knots if she didn't tame them now.
Sitting behind him trying to brush his hair into a nice small bun, but without a brush and a band made from vine; it was harder then she imagined but it gave her time to think of what to tell him. He had a rough understanding of what was going on but he was still young the full impact of the situation wouldn't hit him until he was much older.
"Eh, hmm It's like a form of dating, before becoming boyfriend, girlfriend." She winced at her explanation.
"Like you and Ethan?" He asked looking up over his head at her. Mercy paused before going back and running her fingers though his locks, swiping them up into a bun.
"Yeah…Just like that." She swallowed back a lump, he had forced herself not to think about him, focusing on the tasks at hand but now she felt so hallow on the inside.
Clearing her throat, she blinked back the tears and quickly wrapped the vine around his hair, he wild mane seemed thicker and heavier while it was still silky smooth it had an odd coarseness. She couldn't put her finger on it but his hair felt different, now that she thought of it hers did too. It was like she could feel her hair, like how you could your toes or fingers…
She was brought out of her thought when Andy flipped around and hugged her tight pushing his face into her breasts curling up to her. "I don't like Snape."
Chuckling she wrapped her arms around him laying her cheek on his head rubbing his back. "Don't worry bud I don't either." Kissing his head, she stared at the small desk that sat on the across the room, knowing that a shimmering purple scale laid there.
...
"He's standing there isn't he?"
"Ee'Yup." Jade nodded as she watched Snape stand just a bit ways off. "He hasn't even twitched."
"I kinda feel bad for the guy…He's just waiting for your attention." Libby crossed her arms tilting her head as she too watched him.
Big Mama had woken everyone up earlier than normal pushed them all outside before disappearing off. No one could figure the reason why but it wasn't long after that Snape showed up like clockwork, thankfully he didn't give her another gift sadly he was still following her, it was only after she tossed a rocks at him yelling that he finally stopped towering over her every move, but if she got too close he would purr like a damn engine!
"Of course you would feel bad for him!" Debbie rolled her eyes.
"If he was a hot human guy we all would be pressuring her to go talk to him." Libby shrugs. "I mean all he done is give her gifts-
"And stalk her."
"Cornered her."
"Tried kidnapping her."
Each woman for the barrack listed off a crime in a bored tired tone making Mercy chuckle.
"Well, you got to admit he nicer than that scary purple one." Libs rebuttable making the other pause, it was true that purple one had stopped by a few times after the Tag game. They all had front row seats to their name calling and fighting soon after Big Mama showed up tossing the purple male on his ass, since then he hasn't shown up.
In which Mercy was thankful, she didn't want to know what would happen if S'yuit-de showed up with Snape here, not that anything should happen Ke'Nai hated her just as much she hated him…
"Girls!" Big Mama's voice was sharp and clipped making them all snap to attention as she walked up and passed them waving her hand. "Follow me, it's time."
Looking at each other, the women all nudge Mercy with an appointed look. Glaring she asked. "Time for what?"
"It's time to start began your Path, from this day forward you will be working towards the Chiva, the final test. The challenges will change and the 'Game' as you 'oomans' are calling it will change. You'll become an UnBlooded."
"But I thought UnBloods were just Yautja who hasn't completed training."
"Yes they are young Predators who haven't completed basic training. Which is all of you and to even become an Unblooded one must complete this first task. As easy it may sound it will take all your worth to complete."
Mercy looked back to the others, each one had a face of worry and fear. What test could be that bad? They have honestly been through hell or what felt like it and now it was about to get harder, starting now?
"What's the test?" It was Sara who asked her voice soft and unsure.
Big Mama reached out a hand lightly tugged at a long lock of brown hair, with a nod she turned pushing open the doors to the Mess Hall.
What the saw shocked the women, they couldn't believe what they were seeing, was this actually their test! The Mess Hall was filled with rows of other women, some screaming, others in tears, some with faces so red with strain they looked to ready to pop! It had to be a joke right?
"That's the challenge?" Sara snort. "We're getting our hair braided?"
Big Mama she stared down at Sara her face voided of emotion, "If you think it's so simple why don't you go first?"
"I…I just meant that you made it sound like this was something horrible." Sara tried to back pedal but Big Mama had her mindset.
She grabbed Sara by the shoulder and shoved her down in front of a Female. "Plaiting of the tress is the first time of becoming a Yautja, it shows strength and determination. Have you all taken noticed of your hair?"
Everyone began touching their hair trying to take notice of the difference, it was Andy that spoke up about it. "It's becoming like skin! Me and Mercy noticed it when she was trying to tied up my hair, and then it began to hurted and then it started to bleed!"
Big Mama's mandibles clicked in approval. "Yautja dreadlocks are not in fact hair, but rather tendrils; a fleshy growth you can say; longer tresses are desired in attracting the opposite sex, particularly Males. One can then add ornament to the tresses to show status."
"Wait, wait," Debbie waved her now healed around in front of her, as she held her head, trying to process what was being said. "If our hair is turning into flesh, then you're said we have to get our flesh fuckin braided!"
Sara grew a pale-ish green as she swallowed thickly.
"Yes, that's what is being said. While this is getting done one mustn't show any signs of pain. A tear, a wince or a yelp will have the process undone and you'll have to start again."
"What do you mean start over? What if you're nearly done?" Noelle asked in panic.
"You start over." Big Mama repeated before grabbing ahold of Sara and shoving the girl down in front of the Female. "This is like any other challenge; failure isn't an option." Big Mama aimed her eyes at Mercy before appointing each woman to a Female.
"You have until Sundown." Bowing before her girls Big Mama left with a swish of her dreads, pulling Andy along behind her.
Mercy looked to the Female before who sat crossed leg in front of a pillow her hands on her knees her back straight, simply waiting. This challenge had nothing to do with her strength or endurance but pain tolerance, could she not show pain even while she was hurting? She never did anything like that and to be truthful she didn't really do pain well! She fainted when Ke'Nai yanked the arrow from her leg but if she failed this…
With a deep breath Mercy took a step forward and sat down on the plush pillow, shoulder tenses her back straight but her stomach felt sour and her mouth dry. Just breath, inhale then exhale she felt the sharp claws part her hair pulling the strains out then together, clear your mind focus on the goa—
"Holy fuckin hell ow!" Mercy jerked her head to the left grabbing at her head as she rubbed at the sore spot. The Female behind her placed her hands back to her knees and waited, she barely twisted the strains, Mercy was expecting pain but it felt like someone was pinching your skin pulling it up and twisting it together while you have a paper cut!
"Fuck, fuck ok damn let's go again." Shaking out her shoulders Mercy prepared herself for the same feeling, prepared or not the pain shot down her spine as she tensed grabbing her knees so tight her knuckles turned white and she let out a slow harsh breath.
"Sweet Jesus take the wheel!" Debbie squeals as she slouched into the pillow pulling her head away from the claws in her hair. "Shitty shit, shit!" She rubbed her head vigorously.
"How can anyone not show pain during this!" Linda squeals ducking her head away. "It just reinforces that they are inhuman because fuck all this!"
Mercy clenched her teeth sucking in her lips as she tapped at her knees, trying to relax her body but the more she tried the worst the pain felt. She couldn't afford to lose to something like this, after all she went through this would be the worst and most embarrassing way to lose.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowing, wiggling her tongue on her mouth anything to get her mind off the pain without visibly showing it.
"Debbie, what color nails are you getting." Noelle gave a strained chuckle as she stiffly turned her eyes to the left.
Frowning, Debbie tossed the others a confused look. "Eh, I think she might be twisting your hair too tight."
"Well I am getting my hair done, might as well my nails." She laughed before it was cut off by a choke to cover up her squeal.
"What's… the eh,... occasion?" Jessica hopped in, her head tilted up her hands gripping her knees with knuckles white.
"Snape and Mercy's wedding of course." She snorts rubbing her at her nose, giving her the chanced to squeeze her eyes tight.
"Yes!" Debbie clapped her hands repeatedly in covert pain. "Of course the wedding!"
"So, this is preparation for the bachelorette party?" Linda chimes in.
"I hope there are strippers!" Jade called out.
"Strippers are a must!"
"Can you imagine the Males here being strippers…" Noelle mutters pushing her fingers tips into her temple, as she 'thought' about it.
"Don't ruin my idea, Noelle!"
"You got to admit, Jade, they do have a great ass." Debbie snorts.
"Yes, that's exactly what I want, Alien balls in my face."
"Isn't that the reason we're here?" Jessica added, which made everyone laugh.
This laughed was needed, the women laughed hard enough that their faces bloomed red, tears rolled down their cheeks, to the point the Females all had to pause their braiding.
"No….No these are tears of Joy." Mercy reassured wiping her own eyes, hoping they took the lie considering most were still giggling softly.
The joke may not have been that funny but it was enough to let them release the pint up pain; plus the laughing helps them focus.
"Jeez guys' thanks for taking joy in my situation. I will return the favor when a hulking Male comes to court your asses!"
"Don't you put that bad juju on me!" Jade crossed herself dramatically doing her hail Mary's making the other laugh.
"Kelly Clarkson!" The shout filled the air, silencing the room, as Jessica slapped her knees with a small curse.
"Oh, yeah I love her songs!" it was Linda who caught on to the blunder. "But I don't think that would be, eh…a good song for the wedding..." She looked to Debbie for help when the Female behind Jess placed her hands on her knees.
"Eh…yeah, Oh yeah but I do know the prefect song Mercy can dance to!" Debbie tagged along, taking a visible breath when Jessica's Female went back to braiding. "Mercedes can give a sexy dance to Snape as she sings "I'm a slave for ya."
This brought another round of laughter, this cover up when on for a while; changing each time before a Female could catch on to what they were doing and undo their hair. This wasn't the prefect plan and many had their hair taken down and redone again including Mercy.
It was when she felt a set of claws on her shoulders that panic set it, it was nearly Sun set she couldn't afford to start again. She felt her stomach when drop the claws pulled from her shoulders, only to hand her a mirror.
She was finished. The woman that looked back at her looked so different than she remembered. The barrack didn't have mirrors or many things that could cast a reflection so this was her first time in a very long time at seeing herself and she had to say.
The hair style wasn't for her, while they looked like tubular dreads on the Yautja, to Mercy it didn't fit her face. They were thick and long and gave a slight wave and curl to them, making her wild mane like larger, the head ornament was added back, the marron jewel laying just about her eyebrows once more.
Touching at the locks lightly, she felt a shiver go down her spine, it like someone just trailed a finger along her arm. Tugging on the lock felt like someone tugging at an arm, which made her suddenly respect the Males that put up with her when she tugged and snatched the hell out of their dreads. Though she didn't feel sorry for Ke'Nai he deserved every yank and pull she gave him.
In the midst of her stewing Big Mama came up to her, pulling the mirror from her hands and pulling her up to her feet. Taking a hold of her chin in a light grip, turning her head left then right.
"You did well and just before sun set as well." Big Mama gave her locks a tug. "This starts the true beginning, from here on out you will be considered an Unblooded Yautja on The Path, and soon a viable Female. Mar'cte or as you call him Snape has already set his eyes on you and many more will. You'll need to be prepare for that, to be able to protect Andy. Not all Males will want him even if they wanted you."
Big Mama left after that, leaving Mercy to think on her words. The thought of a male not wanting Andy hadn't crossed her mind before, what if a Male did try to court her and refused to accept Andy? Not that she was accepting any offers but it was something she needed to think and plan for. After saying bye to the girls, dismissing their complement on her hair and looks she headed towards Big Mama and Andy who was waving excitedly at the doors.
The closer she got to Andy she saw what got him so excited that he was bouncing in place. "Look, Looks my hair just like yours." He ran to her wrapping his arms around her hips, pushing his face into her belly, tugging at her clothes. "We're the same!"
"Wow look at you!" She looked to Big Mama as she felt along Andy's hair. They were just like hers the way it curled and waved. She figures it was because of their natural hair was just a mane of curls, now it cloud be consider a true mane if she could make the dreads rise and fall.
"Yeah, yeah I got them dones when I was with Granny. It hurted but not too much I was tough!" He bounced in her making her laugh at his excitement.
"Well, I'm super proud of you! I knew you can do anything you put your mind too." She pecked his nose.
"Some Pup get their tresses braided at his age, the nerve endings aren't as strong. It worsens with age, though the sooner a Pup tresses are braided the more that is required of them. For you Oomans you call it a coming of age." Big Mama explained as she gave a playful tug at Andy's locks. "To some Males seeing that he's on his way to becoming a Youngling to an Unblooded, will be more willing to include him with you." She turned looking over her shoulder seeing Mar'cte standing not too far behind.
Mercy followed her stare and flushed red, seeing him still standing there, tall and menacing his hands behind his back that scary looking face; Mother taught them to read body language and his stance wasn't anything but relaxed and open. Turning back to look at her with smug eyes Big Mama walked off back into the Mess hall but not before roughly bumping into Mercy's back forcing her to take a step towards Mar'cte.
This caused the Male to stand straighter, sighing she took another step to him, Andy right along beside her, might as well get this over with. Another two steps Mar'cte finally took that as enough invitation to move forward, closing the gap between them, looking down at her with a small greeting purr.
"Yeah, yeah hi to you to Snape." She crossed her arms smirking when his eyes and mandibles twitched. It was clear he didn't like being called Snape but he also never corrected her.
"Mer-ce-des." He always broke her name up in syllables in which she assumed was because he couldn't fully say her name. Reaching forward to her hair slightly pause before taking one thick lock into his hand in a simple caress, that sent a quiver of pleasure down her spine.
Purring deeply at her response, which freaked her out, Mar'cte took a closer step bring the lock up to his mandibles, pressing it against them in a form of a kiss? His purr was deeper almost satisfied, she could her dreads rising on her head, in response she knocked his hand away taking to step back but that didn't remove the look in his eyes.
Thankfully, he didn't bother with closing the space, the damage so to speak, has already been done rather he reached for the side of his belt plucking off a sliver rectangular box. Flipping open the top he tilted the box showing her the contents.
Ruby red crystal formed into rings laid in the black valeted inside, glinting and shining against the sunset. Mercy had to say they were beyond beautiful, she couldn't help but look up at him then back to the box. She was certainly glad the other women weren't here they would all be squealing and laughing about a 'proposal' even if there were many rings.
"My theses are beautiful but I can't say these are my size." She shook her head trying to once again reject the gift but Mar'cte like always ignored her and placed the box in her hands. Plucking up a ring, he slid it onto one of her dreadlocks, before doing another setting two rings per lock. Kneeling down he did the same to Andy, setting one ring per lock.
Of course, this threw Andy over the moon and back making him bounce with renewed vigor, obviously no longer afraid of the Male, not like Snape was allowing that with giving gifts and always coming round. Over time Andy didn't seem to mind the Male, even now he was leaning against Snape's knees, kicking out his legs as he talked about his new hair style letting the Male ring his dreads. It was clear that Mar'cte didn't mind the tugs and pulls as small curious hands, even tugging at Andy's dreads in return, making the boy laugh.
Mercy wasn't sure how she felt about this scene in front of her, it was like now that Andy was making nice she wasn't allowed to be stand offish anymore without well seeming bitchy. He was, as much as she hated to say, nice and kind.
"Beating me with kindness eh?" She grumbled as he looked up at her with a smug look as Andy grabbed at his face trying to gain his attention again. As he stood up she caught his eyes shifting over her shoulder, fearing it was the other ladies she tried to turn around but Mar'cte grabbed a lock of hair forcing her to turn back to him as he dipped down placing his Cress against her forehead.
He stayed against her his golden eyes burning into hers, Yautja didn't have lips but this certainly felt close to one, even the soft swipe of his top left mandible over her cheek, was so intimate! It was Snape that pulled back bring the dread up to his mouth, his eyes still refusing to leave hers. When he finally released her gaze she sighed in relief when he looked to Andy, holding out his hand letting the boy give a low five, with a last nod of his head he turned abruptly and walked away.
Mercy covered her mouth as she groans, feeling the heat on her face simmer even if the sun was low in the sky and the evening was cool. "I taught him that!" Andy puffed out his chest in pride. "Now he one smooth criminal."
"Excuse me who taught you that." Mercy snorts knowing exactly who did.
"Debbie!"
"I knew it!" Mercy sneered before turning around. "I'm surprised you girls are being…so…"
Ke'Nai stood just a few feet from them, his stance wide, his dreads raised, he was tense wound tighter than a spring. I made her mouth dry, he was the total opposite of Snape, his gaze made her shift and she was filled with guilt! Why was she the guilty one? She owned this Male nothing, they weren't a thing, he wasn't even courting her and yet she was the one feeling guilty!
"S'yuit-de" She greeted casually crossing her arms with a glare, she wouldn't feel bad over something that wasn't her fault! He was in her space in three strides his eyes roam over her, nearly hissing at the rings in her hair.
Reaching up he yanked at three of her locks, pain shot down her spine hitting every joint and nerve ending. Her eyes water as she cried out grabbing a fist full of his locks yanking them just as hard.
"The fuck is your problem!" She yelled gabbing at his dreads with both hands now. "I haven't seen hide nor hair of you and you just show up pissed off!"
He roared at her grabbing at the back of her head yanking the dreads forcing her to look up at him. "Stay away from him!" His scales were glowing a dull dirty purple, his other hand gripping her shoulder his claws scraping her skin.
"You can't just show up and make demands!" She yelled only for him to rattle her in frustrations.
"He's playing you for a fool!" He shook her harder, terrifying Andy as the boy screamed hitting the Male in his legs reaching for his sister. Annoyed Ke'Nai shoved the boy back making him trip into the dirt, that was enough for Mercy to snap her fist against his right two mandible making him stumble back.
"Get away Ke'Nai!" She screamed widening her stance her dreads raised high as she blocked Andy from his view. "Go away!"
"Mercedes!" He roared at her reaching out his hands but she shoved them away, pushing at his chest.
"Go, now I don't want to see you!" She screeched shoving harder but he wasn't moving.
"Mercy!"
"No, go away, Now!"
"FINE!" He bellowed taking up a challenging stance only to drop it, huffing he turned sharply and stalked away.
Panting Mercy looked to Andy, going over to help him up looking him over. He was fine only a scratch to his elbow, yet Mercy felt like she was the one bleeding. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding, her body felt ready to spring yet so weak, why did her heart hurt? All they did was fight but seeing him today she felt guilty for being around Mar'cte and now when he obviously started it she was the one wanting to cry as if they were together of all things.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she swallowed back the knot and smiled at Andy dusting him off. "Come on, let's go get that clean yeah?" Picking him up, he curled into her.
"I don't like him." He mutters into her neck.
"Yeah bud, I know…"
…
Twirling a set of knuckle knives, J'tor hummed to himself, feeling rather pride of himself. He just knew his Female would love these, they looked like brass knuckles but with a blade lining the actual knuckles, just the thought of the excited look on her face had him purring in delight.
Catching the scent of his brother on the wind J'tor jumped off the wall in his eagerness, curious to know how did things went. He was tired of his brother stalking about the halls or demanding every bit of information about His ooman even if he didn't want to admit that what she was.
So after much convincing, J'tor finally got his brother to cave and see her. "So how'd it go? Was she happy to see you? I bet she totally was like "what you doin here?" He mocked the female ooman's voice. "but on the inside she was happy! You gotta—oomph!" The was knocked out of his lung for a second as the sounds of small items hitting the ground.
J'tor coughed frowning over his shoulder as Ke'Nai stormed off down the alleyway without saying much of anything. Shifting his eyes to the weight in his hands J'tor sighed, there in his hands was a split velvet bag, upon the ground were Vikings hair beads, the designs etched and lined with amethyst.
Ok, Well that happen and I wasn't meaning to lol this chapter took me to hell and back and then decided to just write itself and add in people for the hell of it! Dont ask who Mar'Cet(snape) is cause the hell if I know. Ok I have an inkling but he changed so much so well both see.
I hope you all like it and the next one hopeful will be out much sooner, things have kinda slowed down so I want to go back to updating often again.
Once again thanks to all the New Alert and Follows and Follower I have gotten so MANY and they really honestly make my day! like for real now if you can just leave a review I would be overjoyed!
All right, so Thanks to everyone who reviewed you all made me go over the moon and back, you all have no idea how much I love them and how much faster it does make me write^^. I love each one of you! Please remember to keep REVIEWING!
Until Next Chapter!