YES! I did it I did it I did it I did it!
Sorry about that. Just got a little excited…
Well, I've managed to get all the way up to 50 reviews! So, in celebration (and to help get to the Xenomorphs) here's another chapter. Just this one chapter to go, and then…the trial can begin!
So enjoy the chapter- the moment you've awaited since this story started is almost here…
PREPARATIONS
The fast, sleek Yautja spacecraft descended smoothly toward the atmosphere of the small planet down below. The atmosphere on this planet was a beautiful mixture of red and orange.
"A beautiful planet," Scarface commented as the craft slowly descended, "Well, Drake, this is it."
Drake nodded nervously behind his mask, as the ship began its rapid descent toward the planet's surface. Another Yautja craft was descending next to them.
Drake had taken the opportunity to explore the ship on the way here. As the craft descended, he looked round at two other student Yautja who occupied the craft.
Finally, the ship came to a slow stop. Drake looked out to see a bizarre, alien jungle; full or orange-red plants and towering trees as bizarre creatures roamed through the undergrowth.
The ramp descended from the side of the ship, and Drake stepped out into the warm air.
"Hey," a Yautja's voice came from behind him, "I was hoping I'd meet you."
Drake turned round to see a young Yautja standing behind him. The Yautja continued: "The first human ever trained by a Yautja, is that right?"
Drake nodded tensely as the Yautja suddenly threw a Combistick toward him. It was just slightly shorter than the ones Drake was used to fighting with.
"You up for a sparring match?" The Yautja answered.
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Drake and his opponent stood in the middle of a small clearing, each one holding their Combistick in a battle stance. Three other young Yautja stood watching.
Drake leapt toward him opponent, bringing the Combistick down in a quick strike. His opponent suddenly jumped back, though, ducking and bringing up his weapon. Drake rolled in mid-air, dodging the Combistick and grabbing it with one hand, while bringing up his Combistick with the other as his opponent struggled.
Drake rolled behind his opponent, bringing up his Combistick and stopping it less than an inch from the back of his opponent's head.
"Not bad," the Yautja smiled, "Looks like you win. Not bad for a human…" He put away his weapon, as Drake returned his. "…In fact, not bad for anyone!"
The Yautja extended his hand. "Dachande."
Drake smiled and shook his hand. "Drake."
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Drake and the other students were soon at a small Yautja camp, not far from a large cave.
"Welcome to the Kiande Amedha trial," a Yautja elder began, "You all know of the difficulties you will be facing tomorrow. To pass, you must have all the qualities of a Yautja warrior: Strength, Skill, Determination, and Honour. Only by working together will you be able to survive and pass this trial. You will report here tomorrow morning to begin to the trial. You have until then to prepare."
The young Yautja turned away to leave, but Drake was stopped in his tracks by a thin-but-muscular Yautja student.
"So you're Drake," He grunted, "Not very impressive."
"Who asked you?" Drake answered, clenching his fist. "And who are you?"
"They call me Deadstreak. And I call you 'human.'"
"Am I supposed to be offended by that?"
"No. I just can't believe they actually allowed anyone to train a human…even that moron, Scarface."
"If you've got a problem," Drake said angrily, "Come straight out with it so I can kick your ass."
"You think you could beat me?" Deadstreak half-laughed. "From what I hear, a week ago, you got your ass handed to you by two humans."
"I can still take on you with one hand, asshole."
"Think so? Let me tell you something: This is a place for a Yautja. Not some moderately evolved monkey. The second you get out there, facing a real enemy, you are going to get ripped to pieces."
Deadstreak turned away and walked off.
"Hey," Drake asked as Dachande walked past, "Who's that guy?"
"You mean Deadstreak?" Dachande asked, "Yeah, he's a total jackass. I trained in the same Kehrite as him. He just thinks he's the best."
"We'll see," Drake sighed. "Well, I'm going to get ready for the trial."
Drake didn't get far before another voice stopped him.
"Drake, wait a minute."
Drake turned round to see Scarface standing there.
"I need to talk to you," he said, "This way."
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Scarface led Drake to a small tent. The tent seemed to be made of thin sheets of highly flexible metal…almost like titanium silk, if that was possible.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Drake asked as Scarface opened the wall and took something out of its holder. It was a large, long metal cannon, looking just large enough to fit on Drake's shoulder.
"This," Scarface answered, "Each of the students taking the trail is to be given one."
Drake's jaw dropped. "That…that's a…"
"A Plasmacaster. Correct."
"Whoa…you've never let me use these before except…"
"I know. Except when I told you how to use it. So be careful with this thing, Drake."
As Scarface left, he turned round to face Drake.
"Be careful out there, Drake," He instructed, "This is what all of your training has led up to. You can do this, Drake. I know you can."
Drake stayed behind to think for a moment after Scarface left.
He was right…tomorrow was, indeed, the big day. The day he'd been preparing for since he was 5 years old.
To add to that, he'd never hunted alongside other Yautja before. In fact, this was the first time he could even remember being among Yautja.
And he'd already made an enemy…
Next Chapter: The Trial Begins!
Hope you liked the introduction of Drake's rival; there's going to be a lot of friction between those two in the next chapter, and you'll see why.
But then, of course, there's the part you've all been waiting for…Drake is taking on the Xenomorphs!