Chapter 8: Back Together

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

Rory, Brackett, and I hustled towards the elevator leading to the outside facility. Even though the fighting hadn't started, chaos was already on the rise. Soldiers and others ran back and forth like an ant colony on the attack, preparing for the worst. It could be . . . Who knows? Ignoring the chatter, we got into the elevator as it began its ascent. Rory was busy with other things, activating his gauntlet.

"What's the status?"

The communications were static for a minute before we heard a voice. "Nothing so far. Units two and three are positioned and ready when you arrive, Commander."

"Don't move until we're there. Keep me posted."

He turns off the gauntlet but pounds his fist into the wall. It was the first time I saw Rory that angry. It must be serious. Brackett flinched at the sudden motion but prepares herself nonetheless. She wore the same gauntlet as Rory but it wasn't as advanced or so it appeared. Looks pretty lethal anyway.

"How can someone find this base? I thought you said no one knew of CHPS' location."

Brackett sounded frustrated and I couldn't blame her. We were in a predicament, not knowing anything of the enemy except that they're coming to us. The unknown has a way of bringing people's fears to the surface. No matter how much training . . . no matter how much you keep your emotions deep . . . I'm always afraid of it. With the Yautja, you just get used to feeling it every day of your life.

Rory sighed. "We still don't know but we're preparing for anything. I've informed Royce and Isabella to look into the matter. Dutch has the east side covered while Mike has the west. Molly and Lex are securing non-combatants to the safehouses. All we have to do is get outside and destroy whatever it is."

I spoke. "He's right. We need to remain strong or else we've already lost. We don't know what we're up against."

Rory opened his mouth but stopped when his gauntlet went off to alert a message. He answers it right away. "Report."

"The ship is estimated to arrive on the east side. Captain Dutch is setting up the unit to prepare for an attack."

"Tell him to wait until we arrive. Over and out." Rory turns off communications. He glances to me and Brackett for a second. It alone was enough to convey what words could not. If a fight is coming, then we must prepare.

The elevator comes to a halt and we raced out of there before the doors could fully open. It wasn't long before we were outside. The cold air brushed against my skin and burned into my lungs as all of us ran, following Rory as he took the lead. He took us deep into the forest and through thick bushes that became a hassle. It got so bad that we had to use our weapons to cut into the bushes. Thankfully, it only took a bit portion of the trail and we made it to the main part of the forest, covered by trees as ancient as the Earth. Not as much as the Yautja.

"We're almost there!"

Rory yelled, growing my urge to go faster and I did . . . a little too much. I left Brackett behind and past Rory. I heard him calling me to slow down. "Slow down, Anya!"

"Sorry."

I barely registered and slowed down to his pace. Without the Protector, he was limited. It showed me how valued the Protector is to oomans and dangerous to Yautja enemies. Brackett was a little behind but kept on our tail. Her breathing was already harsh, contributed to her age no less. But got to give her props for keeping up.

It wasn't long before I could see several figures crouched on the ground near the edge of the clearing. Soldiers were lined up with their guns loaded and raised towards the opposite side. Some had Yautja weapons like wrist gauntlets and spears that looked like they were attempts to replicate but without the necessary material, they could do like half of the damage as a normal one. As we got closer, I saw Dutch pacing back and forth while barking commands. This man has solid experience in dealing with soldiers. It made me wonder what he'd done previously before all of this . . . and what happened when he occurred a Yautja. The burnt scar he had still bugged me to this moment.

"Dutch!"

Rory calls when we got near. Dutch turned around, stopping in his tracks. "Commander."

"What's the status?"

"According to my scouts, the ship will be coming in that direction." He points into the sky in front of us. "It hasn't changed its trajectory so I've set up here for a confrontation."

"We don't know if they are."

I stepped between Rory and Dutch, interrupting their little conversation. That feeling of doubt about the ship was still in my mind. I would have been eager to fight whoever was coming. That was my Yautja side speaking but the logical, ooman side says otherwise. But not everyone was eager to follow my advice for a moment. It was clear in their eyes.

Brackett was the first to make an argument. "What difference does it make? They're coming and we don't know their intentions."

"Exactly." I raised my hands and it scared her for a moment. "We have no idea so why are we assuming the worst? I suggest we hold off our weapons until we know their clear motive. If they're not Killer Yautja, then they won't attack unarmed people."

It was a hard fact I used in the conversation. Since we have no idea who was on their way, they could be survivors of the attack. Some part of me wished for it. If they were others, then they would abide by the Code of Honor regardless of species. An honorable way to allow weaker prey to grow stronger for another hunt. It's twisted in some ways.

Dutch glances at me in observation and I wondered what's going inside his head. He turns to lock eyes on Rory in a silent conversation until they nodded. "I agree with her. She knows more about those creatures than all of us combined."

"And I as well. Dutch, tell the unit to lower their weapons until I give the signal. Brackett, go help him."

"Understood."

Brackett went towards the soldiers at the farthest end of the area. Dutch walks to his men and barks another order to them. Some of the soldiers jumped in shock when he yelled, making me giggle. It's funny to see them cringe. One by one, they lowered their weapons but they showed nervousness. Some grounded their teeth while others played with their fingers, staying silent. They were silent twitches but were not lost by me. I shook my head in annoyance. A Yautja doing that would have been beaten.

"Are you sure about this?"

I looked into Rory's eyes, seeing concern and genuine worry. But not for himself . . . but for his men. I knew he was the type to take care of his men before himself, which was a trait rarely seen in any species. He's matured. I nodded and pressed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure."

He smiled and I did the same. There was a trust between us that was pure and I wouldn't have it any other way. I let go of him just as we heard the call. "Here it comes!"

Everyone's attention turns to the sky and sure enough, I could see a speck of light moving in the distance. Many would have mistaken it for a shooting star until it got bigger. I focused on it closer to spot any noticeable features that would be distinguishable, enough that I could tell who it belonged to. Once it got close enough, the form of a ship appeared and it was massive, about twice the size of the ship I came in. Right away I knew it was a Mother Ship used to house an entire clan if needed, lined with black lines over the grey color of its hull. But overall, I didn't see any red X symbol that was a clear indication of a Killer Yautja. Good news so far . . . The speed of the ship worried me. It was coming in hot, way out of my comfort zone. Are they trying to crash into us? I feared the worst until it began to slow down to my small relief.

It landed closer than any of us liked, settling on the other side of the clearing. The soldiers tensed and I can see some reaching for their guns. It made me nervous and I growled low enough that they pulled away. They didn't turn to look who made the sound, already well aware it was me. I turned back to the ship, hearing the engine hissed until it became quiet with puffs of smoke seeped out of the cracks. Everyone was on edge and I did my best to stay calm.

The ramp of the Mother Ship opened and began to lower. This was the most unusual approach for Bad Bloods. It could be that they're overconfident of taking us on directly. They could have easily used the weapons on the ship to attack. Or maybe they think to approach harmless to get us off guard? All of these options didn't make any sense. I've hunted Killer Yautja for six months and I'd never seen such tactics. It's as if they're —

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard heavy footsteps coming down the ramp. From the sound, there was more than one. Instinctually, my hand hovers over the knife on my hip. It was small comfort to ease my mind that I had something to fight with. The soldiers did the same and hovered over their guns along. Rory slowly reached for his gauntlet and Brackett with her handgun in its holster. The tension was so thick that you could cut it with a knife as the two Yautjas finally appeared.

I counted two males with one having dark, almost black, skin while the other is a little lighter. They were both about the same height at seven feet as a guess but I noticed they were thinner than an average Yautja. Their armor is what caught my attention the most or rather how little they wore. It was made of a low-quality metal that would have been worn by Unblooded for training or might have looked like it with all the damage it had. Edges of their shoulder armor were cracked as if someone smashed them in. Deep scratches covered their that belonged to an animal. Did they go through a meat grinder?

The males stopped on the edge of the clearing, catching sight of us but unmoving. They didn't cloak themselves or raise their weapons, standing as still as statues. Rory called out an order. "Don't shoot. Not until we know who they are."

I swallowed and it hurt my throat. It was so dry that I felt my pipe being scraped. Who are they? I tried for a closer look but they were too far away without my mask. There were times I wished I kept more of my stuff with me. I saw the two males whispering something to each other. It made me more nervous. Nobody moved until the leading male with black skin took a step into the clearing. Almost in unison, the soldiers reached for their guns. Dutch intervenes. "Don't fucking do it." His assertiveness calmed them down a little and I was impressed. But I had no time to admire. The male Yautja comes closer at such a slow pace that it made the tension worse until he raised his hands in the air for everyone to see . . . a defenseless position for a Yautja warrior.

I felt confused along with everyone else. What is he . . ? This wasn't normal behavior even for a Bad Blood. What is he playing at? I tightened my eyelids to look at him. When he got close enough, my eyes widened in horror when I saw the red X symbol on his abdomen. Oh no!

"Rory."

I whispered and he leans his head close enough to my face. "He's Killer Yautja."

I heard him gasp. "Are you sure?"

"There's a red X on him . . . symbol of their clan. But I don't know why he's doing this. Better to be safe than sorry."

"You got it."

Rory pulls away and calls out to the men. "Weapons armed."

The soldiers wasted little time, eager to get their guns loaded and ready to shoot. They pointed to the Bad Blood as I watch him flinch enough that he almost lost his stride. He pauses for a moment but keeps continuing to get closer. This isn't good. I pulled out my knife and held it close to me. If he's ready for a fight, fine.

The soldiers pace in their spot, waiting for Rory's command. He turns on the Protector, covering him in silver armor and mask. His wrist blades come out, sharpened for battle. "Hold for my signal."

I heard labored breathing and small gasps coming from them, clear that the tension was taking a toll on them. It was starting to get to me. The Bad Blood walked closer and closer, taking his time while keeping his hands in the air. He got a few feet closer with a lot more to reach us but he won't get the chance. Everyone would attack before he could make a move for his blades.

But out of nowhere, a breeze flies past the Bad Blood and towards us. It carried a scent that flooded into my nostrils. When I inhale to smell it, my heart skipped a beat. Vast memories back on Yautja Prime overwhelmed my mind. This is . . .

"Wait."

I spoke suddenly, making some jump in fright. Rory turned to me in a split second. "What is it?"

I couldn't answer him. It felt like my throat became clogged. My body went numb, only able to feel my heart pounding like a mouse.

"Anya?" Brackett called for me this time, shaking my shoulder to snap me out of it. "Who is it?"

"I know him."

Without hesitation, I started walking through the unit, passing Rory and the rest of the soldiers. I didn't see their reactions but heard them gasp. I was locked on the male, hook line and sinker and nobody could pull me out of it. By the time Rory yelled to me, I was already a few feet inside the clearing.

"Come back here! Anya!"

I didn't listen but the male reacted, freezing in his spot while his hands dropped to the sides. I kept walking towards him at the same pace as he did before. I stopped, leaving a good distance between ourselves. I was still wary of him but my heart kept beating wildly. I could finally see him now, noticing the same color patches on his skin and the deep scar across his chest. Is he . . ? I decided to go for it, swallowing a gulp of saliva that coated my throat enough to speak.

"Lar'ja?"

It was a huge bet but my heart told me it was him. The smell from before was indeed spring rain and it was all over him. I watched as he took off his mask, showing his face to me. My breath hitched as I saw the familiar V-shaped marking on his forehead. I gasped when I saw those golden-amber eyes. It's him . . . He's here . . . alive. I didn't notice I still had the knife in my hand until I dropped it but I refused to look away. His eyes widened as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

His sweet voice that I missed so much echoes in the air. "Anya?"

As soon as he called for me, all the tension before broke loose in that instant.

Without warning, I rushed towards him with full force, jumping to wrap my arms over his shoulders. He had to drop his mask to catch me and we go falling onto the ground. Relentlessly, I pressed my mouth onto his and giving all my passion to him. He didn't move at first but in a split second, he pushed his inner mouth on me hard. His fingers wedge into my hair, clawing into my scalp. The pain was welcomed. It's really him. I gasped when Lar'ja flipped us until he was above me without breaking the kiss. I wrapped my legs around his waist as high as I could, pressing my hands on his chest as we continued. His smell overwhelmed my senses like a drug I didn't want to let go. It was only when we needed to take a breather that we broke off the kiss. Our labored breaths mingled together as we stared into each other's eyes.

"You're alive . . ."

From what he was saying, rumors of my fake death must have spread and got to him. It broke my heart to think of what he felt like hearing such news. His actions said it all. I didn't get the chance to speak when he pressed his inner mouth on me again. His tongue deep into my throat, almost making me gag as I fought the urge. He tastes so good. My tongue begins to battle his own. His mandibles caressed my cheeks. He begins to grind his hips into me, wrapping an arm around my waist to keep me close to him. I pulled away and moaned as my core began to soak upon contact with his erection through his loincloth but he doesn't stop. Lar'ja moves his mouth to my shoulder and nibbles any skin exposed, making my body shudder in pleasure.

"You're alive . . ." He nibbles between sentences. "You're alive . . . You're alive . . ."

It like he couldn't believe his own words and had to repeat them over and over again. I let him do as he pleased, gliding my hands over his skin. He stops his ministrations to look deep into my eyes. His pupils were dilated, showing joy and concern mixed. "How?"

He pleaded and my heart yearned to greet him. I could feel his longing for me in his skin, eyes, and smell. I placed my hands on his cheeks, letting my thumbs caress his upper mandibles. I smiled softly. "I'm here, Lar'ja . . . I'm here."

That's all I needed to say. Lar'ja leans his head down until our foreheads were pressed against each other. He closes his eyes and emits a loud purr. I chuckled, closing my own to enjoy this moment.

"Well . . . That's a welcoming we weren't expecting."

My eyes shot open when I heard an all too familiar voice. Don't tell me . . . I pulled my head over so I could see who was behind us. Sure enough, the one-eyed Yautja stood over us, twisting his head so he could get a good look at us with a smirk. "Having a good time?"

Lar'ja growls a warning but Xen'ork chuckles, taking a step back to avoid potentially getting swung at. "I hate to interrupt this 'moment' but it appears you have an audience . . . and they appear to not be pleased."

His eyes glance forward and I followed, turning my head to the side to look past Lar'ja. My heart skipped a beat in embarrassment when I saw the soldiers looking towards us in shock and disbelief. My mind finally caught up with what Lar'ja and I did . . . right in front of everyone.

"Oh shit . . ."

Quickly, I got out of Lar'ja's grip and scrambled to my feet. My cheeks were burning so I tried to look anywhere else. Everyone must be thinking I'm crazy. Of course, they would! One minute you have a potential enemy coming to your doorstep and the next thing you know, one of your own is pressing herself on an alien. I must have scarred the majority of them with such a memory. Lar'ja gets up as well, glaring at Xen'ork.

"Do you have to ruin this?"

He shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know." Xen'ork turns to me. "Do I get a welcoming too?"

If he didn't smirk as he did, I might have given him a proper one. Instead, I decided to vent my frustration on him. With a swift kick, I got him between his legs."Pauk!" He roars, almost doubling over while holding his balls. The tusks of his mandibles burrowed into his inner mouth as he slowly recovered. He grunts, fighting through the pain. "What was that for?!"

I huffed. "There's the welcoming you deserve, asshole."

Lar'ja chuckled beside me until he stops, looking behind me. I tightened my eyebrows in confusion and turned around to see Rory and Brackett slowly approaching. In a flash, Lar'ja pulled me behind him, acting like a shield when they came closer. I could sense the distress in him, seeing him focus solely on Rory I wasn't surprised that Lar'ja would act like that with Rory having his armor and mask still on. He didn't have his wrist blades out so at least Rory didn't look so . . . threatening. Even so, Lar'ja wouldn't know who he is. I mean . . . it took me a fight to realize it was him. Lar'ja growled, causing Rory and Brackett to back off a little. I stopped it before a fight could break out.

I placed my hands on his chest. "Lar'ja, it's okay. They're friends."

He doesn't move his gaze so I grabbed one of his dreadlocks and yanked enough to get his attention. He looks at me in confusion and I explained as simple as possible. "It's Rory."

When I said his name, Lar'ja swiftly looked back to Rory. More confusion was written on his facial expression. I turned and looked for him to take his armor off. He got the message clear. "Right. My apologies."

Rory presses on the gauntlet and the Protector deactivates, returning him to his usual form. Even so, I thought Lar'ja would have a harder time believing this is the same kid that was with us last time on Earth. But I was wrong. "It is you, Rory. You've changed."

Rory chuckles, opening his arms to go in a circle. "I can't stay a child forever. I'm surprised that you realize it was me. Took Anya a fight to understand."

"What?"

I turned away in embarrassment. "I'll tell you later."

All of a sudden, we heard a small giggle coming from Brackett standing behind Rory. I looked at her with my arms crossed. "What's so funny, Brackett?"

It took her a minute to gather herself. "This feels like old times. The arguing I mean. The gang's back together isn't it?"

"Except for McKenna. Where is he by the—"

I stopped him before he could say anymore, yanking on his arm. Lar'ja had no idea what everyone else already knew and it was a sore subject to bring up now. He grunted in frustration but I gave him a look. I'll let you know later. He got the message and turned back to Brackett. "It's good to see you too."

She smiled. "And the same to you, Lar'ja."

It was a perfect moment. The whole gang's back together after so long. Well . . . at least for Brackett and Rory. It felt like only a year or two. But seeing everyone's faces made it seem like a long time. The comfort and warmth from our time together slowly returned. I pressed against Lar'ja, happy that he was alright except for several new scars and his thin body. I was hoping to ask him but sometime later when it's private.

"Hey. Have you all forgotten about me?"

I rolled my eyes. Really, Xen'ork? Always have to ruin everything. Everyone turned around, seeing Xen'ork tapping his foot on the ground like a child. "What do you want?"

He sighs, approaching us. "Is that any way to talk to an old friend?"

"Yes, when they're annoying."

"But you still let me hang around."

I shook my head. "Was he like this with you?" I watched Lar'ja raise his eyes, rolling them as I did. "When wasn't he?"

"You're right."

Xen'ork puffed. "Really?" He turns his attention to Brackett and Rory. "And who are these two oomans who knows you so well?"

I was about to answer his question and make introductions but Rory beat me to it. He steps forward in front of Xen'ork and bows his head with his arm across his chest. "My name is Rory and this is Brackett. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The surprised look in Xen'ork's and Lar'ja's faces was priceless. It's the first time they heard Rory speak Yautja fluently. Both turned to me for an explanation but I shrugged my shoulders. Don't look at me. Lar'ja turns back to Rory before Xen'ork could. "You learned to speak our language?"

Rory nods. "Of course. I have my ways and knew it would come in handy someday. Looks like I was right." He turns back to Brackett. "See their reactions?"

Brackett smiles. "Priceless . . . although I don't know what they're saying yet."

"You'll get the hang of it. I'm the best."

I grunted in annoyance when Rory spoke like a showoff. Xen'ork comes up to him, swaying his hips that male Yautjas would do to intimidate other rivals for mating. My eyes widened at what he was going to do next but I remained still. Lar'ja's body tenses next to me. His eyes locked on Xen'ork's every move. Rory, on the other hand, wasn't fazed much. He flinched back a little when Xen'ork stopped only a foot away from him. But then, Rory places his hands over his hips and raises his chest. His demeanor had changed from being cautious to confident.

Rory lets a smirk form on his lips. "Are you trying to make a fool of yourself?"

My heart skipped a beat. Is he insane? Despite Xen'ork being the least threatened Yautja I know, he still had the pride of one and an insult like that was going to get Rory killed. When I was about to step forward and stop it before a mess would erupt, Xen'ork laughs. "I like this ooman! He's got some spirit in him!"

Rory followed suit, chuckling in response. "Vise versa."

Oh no. I slapped the palm of my hand on my forehead. Look what happened. You have double trouble now. In some way, I should have expected this but not to this extent. Rory's an ooman version of Xen'ork now.

"Okay. That's enough chit chat. Rory, I think we need to get back to base. We're getting a call from the US Command about our 'supposed' Yautja ship. And our men are confused as to what's going on."

Brackett nudged on Rory's shoulder and turns to see the rest of the unit. The soldiers were looking worried about what's going on. Some were inquisitive but didn't speak out. I sighed. "She's right. We need to get back before we start another commotion. But we can't leave the ship unattended."

"Xen'ork can take care of it."

Lar'ja made the sudden suggestion but no one objected to it . . . except for Xen'ork.

"Why am I doing it?"

Lar'ja growls. "Because you're the pilot and I'm staying with Anya."

Lar'ja wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. I was alright with it but I didn't want to be used as an excuse to get him out of it. But deep down, I didn't want to let him go either. The fear that he would disappear again was unbearable. But Xen'ork moans in annoyance. I reprimanded him quickly. "You should, Xen'ork. I'm still at a higher rank than you so I'm giving an order."

He admits defeat. "Fine."

I smiled. "Good. Rory, can you go with him?"

Rory smiles, bowing to me this time. "Of course, my Leader."

I growled. "Don't get used to it."

He just smiled at me. With that, Rory went with Xen'ork to show him the place to set the ship down. They looked like they were hitting it off well as they left, conversing in Yautja language about random stuff. Don't influence him, Xen'ork. But at least they're getting along. I heard Brackett clear her throat.

"I'll escort you back and let everyone at the base know of your arrival. Come on."

Brackett turns around and heads for the rest of the unit with Lar'ja and I right behind. As soon as we approached, the men flinched and almost raised their weapons when they saw Lar'ja. In reaction, Lar'ja tenses and tightens his hold on me. I had to soothe him down while Brackett ordered the men to stand their ground. They complied but kept their eyes on us as we walked through. I wasn't bothered by their expression until I got to Dutch. He stood still like before, only there were signs of change in his expression. His eyebrows tightened a little together along with his lips. To the untrained eye, he would look indifferent. In a short time, I picked up a few things about him. He's not happy that's for sure.

Nobody really way. I got a warm welcoming but there's still a few who were tensed about me being here. I could only imagine what they'll say about Lar'ja and Xen'ork. The comfort of Lar'ja at my side was enough to push it aside for now. He nuzzled the top of my head with his chin and I pushed back with affection.

But the worry was still, crawling from the darkest part of my mind. All I could do is take a deep breath as we made our way back.

Hello Everyone!

Another perfect reunion of the two love birds . . . and Xen'ork, the baggage that came along. At least he's got a partner in crime like Rory to back him up. It will be funny to see a double team of jerks that Anya has to keep under control. But that's going to be the least of her worries.

Now that Lar'ja and Xen'ork are here, what will the rest of CHPS think of their new 'guests' from outer space? Will they have the same welcoming as Anya had? Only to be followed by the disdain for her and the Yautja species?

Will she be able to handle it?

Find out when Chapter 9 (Dissension) is posted by this Friday. School is here and will do my best to keep posting for all of you. ;)

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, Nightroad, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 7.

There will be more to be revealed. And I like all the questions I read in the reviews. I hope that you keep continuing so that I can improve my story as it goes along. Your opinion matters. Also, I got the notes from you, Anonymous-E for the Respect sequel. Hope to hear more from you. :)

Thank you and Good Hunting! :)))

Reading notes:

Normal = Anya (human form) or any human speaking English (ooman language)

Italic = Anya (human form) or any human speaking Yautja

Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)

Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language