Disclaimer: I still have no claims to the predator movies. No money gains just pure fun.
A/N: I will like to thank those who have review my story and due to them I am continuing it.
Chapter Eight
Za'Ruc and Poe leave Alpha to the cleaning of his trophies. They head toward Tish. They stop along the way to get some fruit and some water for them to eat. Once they get to Tish, Poe checks her levels to she how she is fairing.
So far so good. Poe must see how much damage has been done to her. In order to do that, he has to wake her up. Gently he shakes her shoulder as to not to startle her, "Tish you need to wake.. I question you."
"Please I am too tired. Let me sleep." Tish answers gritting her teeth for the pain in her side is so intense. Feels like a hot poker is stabbing her. All she wants to do is sleep for there is no pain, just oblivion.
"NO! Later..but now..answers." Poe says nudging her again.
"Alright. Alright. What do you need to know? You do realize that I would like to die in peace." Tish replies slowly as she sits up wrapping the blanket around her and favoring her side. She slowly draws a breath to work through the pain.
"I need to know if any damage to you.. Paining...weakness..die?" Poe asks keeping a close eye on her for any reactions.
Tish surprises Poe by standing up on her own. She lets her blanket fall to her feet and she slowly walks around the campsite moving all her extremities showing him that all is working as it should. She displays no signs of dizziness or any weakness to prevent her from continuing on her way. On the whole she is well, except for the beads of sweat on her brow and the set look of her jaw. If you did not know her, you would not know that she is hurting.
"I have a pain in my side, but that is to be expected since I have a wound there. I still have a chill that is why I want to sleep. I wish I could warm up some more. Maybe then my side would not hurt so much. The chill makes me shiver some. I just wish I was dead. Whoever said death comes on swift wings, lied. Happy now." Tish says groaning as she sits and wraps the blanket back around her.
"Levels good..no major damage..travel soon..why?" Poe says.
"Travel! As in all of us? Why must I? I am tire of suffering, thats why." Tish questions looking at all of them to judge their actions.
"Yes..protect you from enemy..can't for pain..must travel." Poe says hoping she understands.
"To die here or there makes no difference. I have no ties here." Tish answers with a shrug of her shoulders.
"We no kill you..take in." Poe remarks.
"Take in as a slave to whom..you?" Tish says knowing her fate rests on the answer.
"Aseigan..Za'Ruc." Poe says pointing to Za'Ruc as he answers.
"Aseigan?" Tish asks looking at Za'Ruc.
"A servant." Poe answers.
"So I am to do whatever HE tells me to do. What if I do not want that? Must I fight for my freedom?" Tish counters.
"He is not like that.. Very kind to you.. Gentle..Honest..Warrior..Respect." Poe states.
"He will be good to me. Then I do not see why I can not deal with it. As long as he does not beat me, I will serve him." Tish says starting to feel tired and defeated for there is no way to win. Too big and too many and boy does she hurt.
Za'Ruc has been quite watching them. He is please to see Tish is able to walk on her own and able to answer Poes questions with no major problems. When he hears his name being said he jerks his head toward Tish. What are they talking about that involves me.
"Poe what did you say to her? How is she? Is she hungry?" Za'Ruc asks as Poe approaches.
"I said that she is your aseigan. She will live. No major damage done. I do not know, did not ask. She is tired though. More sleep will help. She does not look too angry at being your aseigan." Poe answers.
Za'Ruc walks to Tish and sqauts down next to her. He offers her some fruit and a glass of water. He puts his hand under her chin so he can raise her head so she can see his face and says purringly, "M-di H'dlak ooman."
She turns to Poe to find the meaning. Za'Ruc leans back so that Poe is able to answer.
"No fear human...He offer friendship." Poe replies. Tish nods her head and takes the offered food.
"My name is Tish. What are yours?" Tish offers.
"Poe" pointing to himself.
"Za'Ruc" pointing to the one next to her.
"Alpha" pointing to the one by the springs.
Alpha watches the three of them. Poe doing his medical experiments on her. Za'Ruc treating her like a pet. So how could he possible be jealous of that! To be jealous means that I must care and that is ridiculous. Maybe she will die before we get to the ship. He is surprise that she is still alive. Any other ooman would be dead by now. The sooner we leave this planet, the sooner life will get back to normal.
Tish tries to eat, but it does not sit well. The more she eats, the more nauseous she gets. She goes for her pack to get some pain killers for the pain. She takes two of them. All she wants to do now is sleep. Rolling onto her left side, Tish covers herself with the blanket to sleep it off. She be damn if she will slow them down later when it is time to leave.
Za'Ruc is not totally convince that she is recover. So he decides to stay close by to her as to watch for any changes. While she is sleeping, he takes the time to clean his weapons and sharpen his blades.
Alpha takes post in a tree for the night. One reason is to avoid any humans who might enter by chance and two watch the surrounding area for any unexpected occurances. Morning can not come fast enough for him.
Poe goes to the outcroping to rest. He too is strategicly situated for any possible attack.
As darkness falls Za'Ruc takes up post next to Tish. In case she needs anything during the night he will be able to help somewhat. He starts off laying next to her on his back, but as the night wears on he ends up snuggling up against her wrapping his arm protectively around her. Also to give her more heat to warm her up.
Tish's guard is let down due to the fact that she took the pain killers. Because of it, her nightmares return. While tossing and turning, she manages to hit her side. Causing her to bolt straight up clutching her side and ends up colliding into Za'Ruc's chest. Startled by the impact, Tish looks up to see who she hit as if she did not already know.
Za'Ruc hears the noise Tish is making and looks around her to investigate why she is making those noises, but sees nothing out of the ordinary. Just as he rises to get a better look at her that is when she bumps into him. He holds her to stop her from causing any more damage to her side. Before she can scream or bolts, Za'Ruc puts his claw-finger to her mouth in a silent manner.
He lays her down in order to check out her wound. Seeing that she reopen the wound, he opens his medikit to get out a sealer. He shows her what he has in his hand to let her know what he has to do to her again. Fearing the worst, Tish braces herself for the burning sensation, only to have a warm feeling flow through her as the sealent is put over her wound. Either she is getting use to it or he put something numbing on first.
"Why?" Tish asks giving him a confuse look.
Za'Ruc cocks his head to one side and clicks his mandibles together. Damn language barrier.
"Aseigan" Za'Ruc says hoping it will help not knowing what else to say that will calm her.
Tish nods and lays back down and tries to go back to sleep. Za'Ruc also lays back down and pulls her back against him. At first Tish stiffen up then she realizes that he is only holding her to keep her warm.
Za'Ruc is uncertain how she will take this move, but he is relieve that she relaxes enough to go back to sleep.
Alpha is confuse watching the interaction between Za'Ruc and this Tish.
Poe is enjoying this hunt. More is happening than he hope for. He truly expect to have the normal boring hunt for oomans. Instead he is having a blast watching Za'Ruc go crazy about a ooman female. And Alpha having a challenge with her. Mind you she is not normal for a ooman because her levels are higher than they should be for one.
Before daybreak, Tish is up packing her gear and breaking camp so that whoever or whatever comes here will never know anyone was here before. Tish manages to get rid of all evidence of anyone being here.
The guys get their things together and is ready to leave just as the sun starts to rise in the valley. They are amaze at how fast Tish can break camp and is ready to leave. They leave the glen with Tish taking the rear. She takes one final look around before leaving making sure that she leaves no sign of inhabitance. It looks just like it was when she first seen it.
The four of them travel through the valley, swinging from tree to tree. Avoiding the ground as much as possible just in case of any trip wires or mines. The humans will not expect them to travel in the trees for before they travel on the ground.
The first rule of combat is never let the enemy to anticipate your moves. Always keep them guessing.
As the day wears on Tish taps Za'Ruc's shoulder to get his attention. She points down to the clearing showing them a group of military soldiers waiting in ambush for them. The traps are to noticable and too predictable. Common sense will tell you that if you have only one trail to travel that it is be easy to guess that there will be obstacles in the way sooner or later. So the guys sneak up on them and attack swiftly.
On the ground level the group of military soldiers are laying in wait for the enemy to arrive.
"When do you think they will come? Are they even coming?" asks Private Sadler.
"Oh they will come. It is just a matter of time." answers Major Lee.
"How can you be so sure? It has been three days since the compound has been destroyed. They should have been here a long time ago." says Sadler.
"For I have it on good authority that Monty is leading them out. She is probably taking her time so that we will have our guards down." answers Lee.
"Then we will all die. I have heard that she can sneak on someone without them knowing and slit their throat without making a sound. Should I tell the rest of the men about this?" ask Sadler.
"No. She may be able to sneak up on us, but I am told that the guys she is with are huge so they will make enough noise to hear. Just let them know to expect them soon." orders Lee.
"Say goodnight, Lee." Tish says as she slits Lee's throat in front of Sadler.
"You forgot the rule. Never underestimate your enemy." Then she proceeds to kill Sadler before he is able to alert the others. As if they could help for the guys are stringing them up just as they speak.
"This is too easy." Tish mutters as she looks around for more trouble.
"What..do..you..mean?" Poe asks after hearing her mumble.
"Ten soldiers just sitting around waiting. This smells of a trap. We will have company real soon. We need to leave now!...Cloak and run!" Tish says as she shoves Poe into the brush. And not too long after the shove, she hears someone stepping on a twigs alerting her of company. She turns to see who has arrive.
"What took you so long in getting here? I have been waiting forever for you to show. I was about to give up on you, Taylor." Tish calmly says looking at her watch. She hopes the guys are heading for their ship.
"Tish Monty, well,well, well. You are looking good for a dead person." says Taylor.
"Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. You know the rule no body, no death. So now what? You and your friends have your fun with me. What will it be this time? Rape, torture, or the Maze again. Oh thats right, I blew up the Maze. Why do not we have a simple game of chase. I run and you follow." Tish states coolly.
"Now you come with us. Why don't we do it all. A group things. Six of us and one of you. I think the odds are good that we will win this time. Where are your friends?" Taylor says as he drags her along to the ruins. On the way he and his men are looking around nervously waiting for an attack.
"Taylor I do declare that you look like the boogieman is about to prounce upon you. You are not afraid of the shadows now are you? So we are going to the RUINS to play the games. Do you think I would kiss and tell? If I have friends here, why would I tell you anything?" Tish says hoping Poe hears her for she does not want them attack here.
"NO! Why should I. You are alone and from what I am told, your friends hate humans. So no one will save you this time. And I will personally see that you do not escape. You are mine now." Taylor answers by brushing his hand up against her face.
"As if I need someone to help me. I manage fine by myself last time, if memory serves me correct. Lets get it straight for the record, I will never be yours." Tish counters.
Za'Ruc sees red as the ooman male touches Tish. Poe holds him back and tries to listen to what is being said. The ruins is where they are heading.
"We need to go to the ruins by the ship. That is where they are going. Tish knows what she is doing. We must trust her and set a trap for these oomans." Poe says dragging Za'Ruc behind him picking up Tish's bag as they leave.
"She wants us to leave or why else would she conceal us. Lets get out of here and let her deals with them alone. She is telling us where she is going so that we can go in the opposite direction and she has made her choice. Them over us." Alpha says knowing he is not being heard.
"NO! We are not leaving without her and that is final. Lets get to the ruins before them and find a place to set an ambush for them." Za'Ruc orders hating the idea of leaving her with the oomans.
During the hike to the ruins, Tish intentually aggravites the men. She does such a good job that she manages to piss off a couple and they end up hitting her. Only to have her hit them back. That is when they decide to tie her up. Tish hopes the guys will leave and save themselves, but she knows they will not do it. It will be too simple just to have them go. She only hopes that they are careful for it is easy to get lost in the ruins.
Arriving at the ruins, Taylor goes to the base of the smaller temple and opens a passage to the inner chamber. Going through several passageways, they enter into a large chamber that has the look of where sacrifices are done.
"Chain her up to the post." Taylor orders as he pulls out his trusty whip. He ficks it a few times to see if Tish sweats.
"I see/hear you never leave home without your little friend. Not man enough to hit a female, you have to do it with a whip. Coward." Tish says knowing it will make him mad, but then he does not do well angry. She knows it will go bad, but at least she will get a few punches before the pain kicks in.
And so does the whipping starts. At first it is just mild hits, but when she does not cry out Taylor starts to take flesh off. But not once does, Tish cry out even as her back start to burn and she feels her blood run down her legs. She refuse to give him the satisfaction. When he get nowhere with the whip, he puts it down and starts to beat her mainly hitting the ribs and kidneys. The only thing Tish does is laugh at them, if not she will crack.
"Taylor, Taylor, you are loosing your touch. Is this all you can do to show a girl a good time? You have been hanging around the guys to long, no imagination." Tish teases him hitting all the right buttons.
"Release her and put her on the slab. We will see how she like it when real men mount her. Are you guys game for a lucky seven?" Taylor says as he starts to perparing himself.
The impact of her back hitting the slab drew a breath out of her. Watching them chain her to the slab, Tish notices that she will be able to work her hands free in time. However before she can work her hands free, she will have to endure them. It is only six of them. How much damage could they possible do?
As Taylor mounts her he forces her to look into his eyes saying, "How does it feel to have a real man in you?"
"I will let you know as soon as one does." Tish says and manages to get a punch to her jaw for that remark.
As each guy takes his turn, Tish slowly works her hands free. Once she is free she reaches above her hoping to find something she can hit them with. Taylor made the mistake of putting his whip on the slab. When she has her hands on it, she yields it hitting anyone and anything in her way. She manages to do some damage and grabs a shirt as she runs out of the chamber. Running through the passageways trying to get out, Tish puts the shirt on. The guys following shortly behind her.
Thinking she has made it to the exit, she turns the corner staggering, running into something hard and solid. Looking up she sees it is Za'Ruc and he is supporting her making sure she does not fall down. He takes one look at her and his grip tightens. That is when we hear the noise of running feet.
Za'Ruc pushes Tish into Poe arms and lets out such a fierce roar with he back arched and his mandibles flared that Tish thought the walls would crumble. She turns around in time to see both Za'Ruc and Alpha run down the passageway towards the men. The only thought she has is that the men will never know what hit them.
The only thing Za'Ruc could think of is how he is going to tear these oomans apart. The condition of Tish made his blood boil. The first group of men did not know what hit them for all they felt was a cool breeze of air as his blades rip them apart and a deafening roar of some creature. Alpha was able to take out the last two for Za'Ruc was busy tearing apart the oomans limb by limb. And for some strange reason he could understand why Za'Ruc got angry. Seeing the female staggering around the corner covered in blood and bruises he had a sudden urge to do some damage.
Alpha turns around to see Za'Ruc still slicing up the oomans. He goes to him and calls out his name for he knows better than to touch him. He will like to keep all his body parts, "Za'Ruc. Za'Ruc. Ease up. There is nothing left of them. It is time to go. Your female needs you more than these guys do. No trophies this round."
Za'Ruc looks at Alpha like it is the first time he sees him today. He looks down at what is left of the oomans and agree that Alpha is right. He did not leave anything behind to take. But then this is a revenge slaying not a hunt. Za'Ruc nods his head and heads back down the passage to Poe and Tish.
Alpha is glad he is able to get Za'Ruc attention so easy for he was not in the mood to fight him. He knew that Za'Ruc is a fierce warrior and heard rumors that he can kill with his bare hands if he needed to, but he never seen it done before. He only thought the Bad Bloods could fight like that. He is glad that he is on the same team or else he to would be dead. Alpha will never doubt or question Za'Ruc actions again.
"How..bad?" Poe asks Tish as she sinks to the ground.
"Bad..Give me a minute before I need to stand. How far to the ship? I can not fight anymore today." Tish says weakly.
"Not...far...Za'Ruc...mad..He..see..injury...with..visor.." Poe answers.
"Great. I am in trouble then. Why did you not look, but ask." Tish asks.
"Respect..They..come.." Poe says.
Tish stands up and hides behind Poe so that he will not be able to see clearly. Za'Ruc and Alpha approach them and one look at them, Tish starts to shake. They both look mad. And that is hard to tell with their masks on. Poe stands in a defensive pose waiting to see what they are going to do.
Za'Ruc sees Tish standing behind Poe and notices that Poe is in a defensive position. He stops and Alpha is taking in the situation and wonders what will happen next.
"Poe explain." Za'Ruc asks.
"Are you mad at the female or concern?" Poe states offensively.
"Concern... That bad." Za'Ruc says.
"Yes. The extent I am not sure, but she is unable to walk far." Poe says.
"Tell her that I will carry her to the ship and wait until you check her out to find out what happen." Za'Ruc says.
Poe tells Tish what Za'Ruc says and nods. Za'Ruc gently picks her up and carries her out toward the ship. Tish is craddle up against his chest that there is no way she can not hear his heartbeat and smell his scent. It is not a bad smell considering he just got done killing men. She tries real hard to relax so that she does not hurt as much as he walks. Za'Ruc holds in his anger so not to scare her for he can smell those men on her. So he now knows that they have violated her and he is glad he sliced them up. He only wishes that he made them suffer more. Another reason to hate oomans.
"So how much damage did he do to them? Did he even leave any for you?" Poe ask Alpha.
"He manage to rip apart four of them. The inital hits was with the blades, but he did the rest with his bare hands. Lets just stay that there was nothing let to claim for trophies. Not enough left to skin or identify as being oomans. I had two of them and I do have trophies. However I might let Za'Ruc have them if he wishes to have a keepsake for her. Did you know what he is able to do?" Alpha asks.
"That he is able to kill with his bare hands. Yes, a few years ago I saw him kill a Ghequo(a visious animal about four meters long). And he was not angry at the time, so I can imagine what he did today. This is one reason why he is a good teacher. He is not afraid of anything and is able to handle anything that comes his way. We can learn from him. Never a boring hunt when he is around. Afraid he will challenge you for her?" Poe asks.
"YOU knew this and YOU still let me challenge him. I never had a snowball chance in hell against him. Why did you let me do something so stupid?" Alpha claims.
"Easy for the fact that I knew that he would not kill you. Mame maybe, but not kill. How are you going to learn without trying. Za'Ruc is a fair and just. Nothing like his sire. That is why he is with us and not with his clan." Poe says laughing.
"Who is his sire and must we be concern?" Alpha asks.
"Xuenjti. Only if Za'Ruc wants trouble. His father does not bother us for he fears his own pup." Poe replies as he points to Za'Ruc.
"Wait a minute. He is an assassin. The Arbitrators fear him more than they do the Bad Bloods. We are dead." Alpha groans.
"Alpha you have nothing to fear from Xuenjti. He knows better than to come looking for trouble." Za'Ruc says.
"How can you be so sure?" Alpha questions.
"Easy. I killed his brother, my uncle, in a fair fight when I was only twelve. That is why I left the clan and came to yours. I made it very clear to my sire that I will kill anyone who comes across my path who intends to hurt anyone who is close to me. I now stand above him and have a better physique than him. He knows I will challenge him to the death in a heartbeat and not break a sweat killing him." Za'Ruc answers.
"Would you have killed me in the challenge?" Alpha asks.
"No. But I would have taught you a lesson on manners. You are my student and how do you learn but by trying. Learn your enemy and find their weakness and use it against them. Before you think you can use Tish against me, let me tell you that I will not let her be a pawn in any ploy. She may be mine, but I will channel her out until I manage to kill my opponent first. Only after that will I think of her. Heaven only hopes that she is not hurt during that time for whomever did it will suffer greatly in return. Do I make myself clear." Za'Ruc states.
"Yes. Will you teach me everything you know? I would like to be like you." Alpha answers.
"I will teach you what you need to know in order to survive in our world. You will be a great warrior if you learn your studies. Now scout ahead for any more oomans." Za'Ruc says.
Alpha goes ahead and scouts the area. Za'Ruc looks at Poe and shakes his head.
"I know. I know. I have cause you to have a fan of your skills. He ask so I answer. You know eventually it will come out who your sire is. He is a good kid honest just impatient to get the glory and the females. How is Tish doing? She is too still for my liking." Poe says.
"He thinks I am worse than the Bad Bloods for my assassin skills. She pass out awhile ago, I fear her injuries are worst than she lead you to believe. I have not scan her. I have my theories on her injuries and I hate to find out how accurate I am." Za'Ruc says.
The rest of the way toward the ship was uneventful. Upon entering the ship, Za'Ruc puts Tish in his quarters. He leaves Poe to take care of Tish and heads to the cockpit to plot the journey back home into the navigation computer. His thoughts are on Tish, but he still manages to hear Alpha approach.
"What do you want to know? Ask your questions for we have plenty of time to talk. The ship is on the way home and I am not allow to know what Poe is doing to Tish until he finishes. " Za'Ruc asks Alpha as he sits down in the co-pilot seat.
"How do you know I have questions to ask? I might just want to wait with you." Alpha says back nervously.
"Simple. If I was told that my instructor is a possible assassin, I know I would have dozens of questions." Za'Ruc states calmly.
PS: Thanks Chancelor22
