Chapter 15: Bargain

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

The air felt stuffy in my nose, thickening as I watched Hakr'ouh walk towards us like he owned the place. That bastard . . . fucking bastard.

Xen'ork and Lar'ja answered with clear rage. Each growled, flailing their mandibles wide. The reaction made the ooman soldiers tremble but weren't sure if it was out of fear, concern, or even both. Either way, it wasn't good news. Who could blame them? Hakr'ouh is not exactly the nicest Yautjas in the race, let alone with oomans.

"It seems like a long time since we last met. Well . . . to your ooman standards that is." He glances at each of my sides. "I should have expected you would crawl back to these pathetic prey after you escaped . . . and survived."

Lar'ja growled deeply and lunged forward a bit. "Don't you dare speak to her like that."

Hakr'ouh didn't seem to take Lar'ja seriously, chuckling in amusement. This time, Rory takes control but in a calmer way. Still, the annoyance and anger are just as strong as Lar'ja's. He takes a few steps from the line and straightens. "You think you can just waltz on our planet and do what you will?"

Hakr'ouh's eyes sparked in curiosity. "Aww . . . So this is the famous ooman I've heard about. Rory, was it? And it looks like you know how to use the weapon that belongs to us. Smart . . . for prey."

I had enough of this.

"Cut the c'jit. I know you're not here to insult."

I hissed and Hakr'ouh stopped his charade but the smirk was still cemented on his inner mouth. He didn't have to say anything to let me know why he came. For me. Other than tying up loose ends, finding out that I was alive brought him here. But I fear that's not the only thing. Hakr'ouh takes another step forward and both sides suddenly jerked. The Bad Blood reached for their weapons and the chained kainde amedha in their control jerked forward but the chains kept them from taking a single step. As for our side, the soldiers cocked their guns. It took Dutch to shout out a command.

"Lower your fucking weapons. Now!"

Some of them did but others had their fingers ticking on the trigger. When I saw one about to pull on one, Lex quickly goes to him and pulls the gun away before smacking him lightly on the head to get him quiet.

"Even with Yautja technology, they still act like scared, little pigs when they grew out of the mud."

I tightened my lips and fists, keeping my anger inside as much as possible. After a long, agonizing minute, everyone calmed down. I waited a few more seconds until I was sure that it was safe enough to continue such a 'one-sided' conversation. At least, it felt like it to me. I looked straight between Hakr'ouh's eyes to avoid staring at him. I had to imagine myself stabbing my sword into his forehead to bring some gratification that kept me from doing something stupid. Lar'ja sensed I was trying to hide it, holding my hand but kept it between us so no one could see. I squeezed it lightly so he knew what he was trying to do.

I raised my chin. "What do you want?"

I watched Hakr'ouh shake his head as if he couldn't believe what he heard from me. Keep it up, asshole. You'll regret making such remarks.

"You know what I want. What is best for the Yautja species. To see our kind mix with them, it's almost laughable. But I should have expected as much."

Xen'ork growled, pointing his glaives towards him. I turned an eye to the side, glaring in his direction. He sees this and immediately backs off. Still, I could see his eye burning with rage and disgust. I understand Xen'ork but not now . . .

"But my offer to you to join us is still on the table."

I pulled back my head. Is he pauking serious right now? This is going into an obsession.

"What offer are you talking about?"

Of all people, it had to be Lar'ja asking me such a question. I didn't look at him, keeping my focus on Hakr'ouh but I knew his eyes were on me. I hadn't gotten the chance to explain that important bit. A lot has happened in the last few months since I came to Earth. It had buried itself in my mind and I didn't think Hakr'ouh would find me here. I'm not going to let him get to me. I pulled away from Lar'ja and let out what I really felt.

"And my answer hasn't changed since then. No."

I stomped my foot on the ground for confirmation. A small sign that Yautjas made when they had enough as I've seen before. Hakr'ouh raised his hands. "You don't have a choice in the matter. This place will be destroyed in a matter of seconds and everyone will be dead."

My eyes widened. What does he have planned? He's not the type to bluff despite being one that would try something. But he still had a bit of pride and honor, even in a twisted way that many would never think of it as such. Hakr'ouh grins and begins to pace back and forth. "I know many won't understand what I'm talking about so I'll make it simple."

To my surprise, he starts speaking in the ooman language and catching me by surprise. His mandibles opened, allowing his inner mouth to move. "If you don't surrender yourself, then your little base will be blown to bits along with the rest you'd hidden underground like rats in a hole."

I heard the soldiers hold their breaths. My head stays still but my eyes wander around. Lex and Dallas showed some surprise but remained steadfast like Dutch, who of course doesn't make a move. It doesn't shock me. I'm sure this is not the first time he's been at death's door. I couldn't see Brackett or Mike so I had no idea what they would make of the situation but I'm sure they're not too happy. I saw Rory grip his fists and arms slightly tremble but I was pretty sure it was more anger than terror and Xen'ork twitching his fingers on the mauls, gladly ready to tear down Hakr'ouh or any Bad Blood for that matter.

But when it came to Lar'ja, he wasn't so concerned with Hakr'ouh or maybe just a little bit. He kept checking back and forth between him and myself, leaning more towards the latter. I wasn't sure what he knew about me and Hakr'ouh since I didn't tell him the more 'personal' details. I was somewhat hiding the fact of my deep connection with Hakr'ouh, fearing that it will bring something worse.

But is it right?

I sighed. "How do I know you're serious? As far as I'm concerned, Bad Bloods never honor their own words."

Hakr'ouh snickers, stopping in the middle and faces us. "Then why would I go for all this trouble just to tell a lie? Then I'll show you."

With a snap of his fingers, the wind suddenly picked up from the sky. Everyone had to brace themselves, including the Bad Bloods and the kainde amedha. Lar'ja wrapped himself around me, shielding me from whatever was coming. A minute had passed before the winds calmed down but I could hear engines rumbling above us. There was no mistake. Slowly, I looked up to the sky and my heart sank while my mind wished it was something else. Maybe a dream . . . or a nightmare at least.

It was the biggest ship I'd ever seen. The body itself covered the entire, bloody battlefield and its wingspan made it seem like the world was nothing more than a speck. The smaller ships the Bad Bloods brought were like ants compared to its queen. It was black as the night, reminding me of a bat. On the sides, four heavy-duty guns connected with two in the front and the rest in the back. As I studied them, I couldn't help but think that they reminded me of something.

What the pauk . . ?

"Impressive. Isn't it?"

Hakr'ouh sounded as if he prided himself on the ship. Like a big boy with a large gun. Must be compensating for something else . . .

"This is the latest weapon we've created since you disappeared, upgraded with the most advanced technology we could build in a short time. Not the only one but it will do. I'm glad that you left your blueprints on Yautja Prime for us. Proved useful to our cause with the help of Arkarb."

My body jerked at the mention of Arkarb. He's still alive? How can he?

Some part of me was relieved that my mentor was alive but worry took over like an infection. If they kept him alive, then he's being forced to help them. That . . . and the mention of my blueprints was a bad combination.

Before I'd left, I worked on several projects to ensure greater security in case the Bad Bloods came to attack to which I was hoping for more of an invasion from outside . . . not within. If I had known better, I would have destroyed them or taken them with me. Looking closer at the guns on the ship, I realized they were the exact ones I was making for the cannons on Yautja Prime. Now they were portable and if they followed my plans, these bad boys will pack quite the punch. My breath shook when I exhaled.

"With this, one blast will destroy you and the entire base with it . . . unless you come with me."

So this is his bargain . . . All comes down to me.

I didn't want to believe him. My pride as a warrior refused to see the truth but I knew better. Despite being a monster, he was intelligent and calculated with his moves. He wouldn't do something just for entertainment unless it provided something beneficial to his cause. The reason why he's so obsessed with me is still unknown but he's hell-bent to capture me. His eyes said it all. The silence grew between the parties and it seemed Hakr'ouh wasn't patient this time, letting out an annoyed grunt.

"Fine. I'll make it for you then."

He raised his arm high, pressing two of his fingers together like a snap. In an instant, the ship above up revved up its engine and the guns cranked slowly into formation. The ones in the back aimed behind us where the base resided while the front ones to us. I watched as a blue light began to grow inside, sending my heart pounding in fear.

Oh, c'jit!

The soldiers began to panic and began to back up, clinging on to their guns and aiming for the Bad Bloods and the kainde amedha. Our enemies began to snap their jaws and click their mandibles in earnest, eager for the madness to begin. In my years of training, the most dangerous prey are the ones that are cornered. When their survival is at stake, they will do whatever it takes to live, following their instincts. But in this case, it can prove fatal. The oomans have no idea what they were up against and one flick of a finger on a trigger could set a whole massacre off.

I turned around quickly and shouted with all my might. "Enough! Settle down! Right now!"

It shocked everyone enough to lower their weapons but I never thought that Dutch, of all people, would react. It was only for a moment but I swear I could have seen his mouth twitch into a frown. Lar'ja and Xen'ork lowered their heads in submission but out of instinct when being addressed to a higher ranking warrior. This time, I could see that Brackett patch up the rest of Mike's wounds but he was unconscious. In some way, he's lucky that he will be out if all of this goes to c'jit.

As soon as everyone was calm enough once more, I heard Hakr'ouh chuckling as I turned around. "You act like a true Yautja." He stops and offers his hand to me. "Well?"

I stared at it for who knows how long but it felt like an eternity. My mind began to process my options. If I don't go with him, he'll blow everyone I love to bits. But if I do, there's no guarantee that he'll honor his promise. Regardless, this was a no-win situation for us.

My eyes scanned over his army once more, see if there's anything I can use or a weakness of some sort. But there was none I could see. Nothing but hungry kainde amedha like dogs, drooling from their mouths to get the first meal that was standing a few feet away. The Bad Bloods itched at their weapons, acting no more than their pets in chains. Qut'suak gave a flick of his mandible at me before I turned away. My chest grew heavy with worry though I never dare to show it now.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

All of a sudden, I felt the need to look up into the sky. I didn't know what but it was like an urge that I needed to fulfill. It was then that I caught sight of something past Hakr'ouh, the Bad Bloods and their ships hovering above. I could see a flicker of a star shining above for a second. It disappeared quickly so I didn't think anything of it until it flickered again.

What is that?

As it flickered again, I noticed it was growing in size. I thought it was my imagination at first but I shook that thought out of my mind. Soon, a few others began to appear. It wasn't any meteorite shower or anything normal. It was . . . something else. But in the back of my mind, I was sure that it had to be . . .

Could it?

I looked back at Hakr'ouh, still offering his hand. A plan was brewing inside my mind. This might be my only chance. If it all goes as it should and I hope whatever's in the sky is what I think it is. I held a deep breath and let it slowly out with some of the anxiety building in my chest. Now or never.

"Alright. I'll do it."

I expected that there would be a protest from Rory, Lar'ja and anyone else who thought I was insane. Lex and Dallas widened their eyes as if they'd seen a horror movie while Dutch and Izzy seemed confused. I didn't count Royce's reaction. It looked angrier than before as I figure he would come up with an excuse that I was no different than the Bad Bloods. It didn't matter. I had to do this.

I felt Lar'ja's hand grip my shoulder and pull me around so I could face him. His mandibles flared in anger but his eyes said otherwise. "Are you out of your pauking mind?"

"I could ask the same thing."

Rory spoke, sounding like he was talking to a mental patient about going to the bathroom or some ridiculous task that others would question. "You know that this is a trap."

"As much as I hate the options, I agree with the ooman," Xen'ork spoke, keeping his mauls pointed at the enemy. "He's not to be trusted."

"And do you have any other options? And if so, please say it."

I made my voice serious and angry. The look of uneasiness and confusion was written all over their faces except for Rory and Lar'ja. The first had his mask on but his body posture said it all. He had nothing. Lar'ja would be the hardest to convince. No matter what, he would choose my safety over everything else. As much as I admired it, it wasn't the best time. And of course, he would try to make an argument. He pulled me closer so our faces were inches away so we could whisper and Hakr'ouh couldn't see.

"If you go with him, he'll kill everyone else no matter what you do. And he's tried to kill you once before."

His eyes pleaded to me but I stood strong. "He could have killed everyone else by now. The fact that he stopped his initial attack and came here just for me, he wants something. I'm not sure yet but it's far too important for him to blow up to bits right now."

Lar'ja wasn't having any of it but I could tell he understood some merits in his voice filled with a small hesitation. "I won't let him have you. I can't lose you again."

When I heard his voice begin to crack in despair, it almost broke me too. The harsh memories of being all alone . . . not knowing if anyone was alive . . . the thought that I would never see Lar'ja again . . . it was like a ball and chain had wrapped around my heart. I tightened my eyes close, fighting back the emotions. No, Anya. This is the only way. You must do this.

I opened my eyes to him, tightening my lips into a line. "It will be fine. Trust me."

That is all I could say to convince him. Surprisingly, it worked. Lar'ja's eyes widened for a split second before they lowered to the ground. I reached to hold his cheek, rubbing my thumb over his heated skin. In reaction, he brings his own hand and rests it on my own, pressing his forehead on mine. My heart yearns for him, feeling my body burn like an oven.

I smiled faintly. I'm sorry, Lar'ja. I let him go, turning around to face Hakr'ouh once more. He looked amused but I wasn't buying it. Enjoy it while it lasts.

"As I said, I will go with you under one condition."

He grumbled. "And what would that be?"

"That you will leave the ooman planet and never return."

He contemplated for a moment, pulling his arm back to scratch a lower mandible before dropping it. "I guess I can leave these 'things' alone. After seeing their reactions, they're not worth the effort."

For a split second, I caught sight of Qut'suak twitching his eyes. He hated the oomans with a passion so to hear his Leader promising that they would leave alone the very creatures he despised . . . I could only imagine the fury he was feeling. Serves him right.

"But . . ."

I paused when I heard Hakr'ouh continue. I stopped, only taking a step forward. What did I do now?

"Leave your weapons behind."

When I heard him mention it, I glanced down and noticed I still had my swords in each hand. I rolled my eyes. Of course, he would ask. He knew how dangerous I could be with my swords and he wasn't about to have me come with them. Reluctantly, I gave my swords to Lar'ja, glancing at his golden eyes for a split second. My willpower was tested again, seeing the plea in him once more. I had to turn away in shame, looking at everyone's shocked expression before I faced my enemy once more.

It was eerily silent as I took each step into the no-man zone. I timed myself so I wouldn't look like I was rushing or hesitating. I heard the snapping of kainde amedha jaws as I approached. One, in particular, was drooling a lot when it looked at me, no more than a dog that's eager to rip me into shreds. I kept my composure, raising my chin in dignity for one of my ranking. I stopped when I was a few feet in front of Hakr'ouh. I wished that my nose was clogged or I lacked the sense to smell. He reminded me of something that has been rotting for weeks if not more. Urg . . . He needs more than fresh mint.

Hakr'ouh walks closer to me. "That's a good girl."

I had to bite my lip to control the sudden impulses to slam his head on a brick wall and crack it like an egg. Easy does it, Anya. Don't pauk this up. But it was the next thing Hakr'ouh said that almost made me dive off the deep end.

He leans his face closer until the teeth of his inner mouth grazed on the flap of my ear. "This is a wise move, my daughter. You should have done it the first time or else Daugo would still be alive along with your mother."

My breath hitched in reaction. Hearing Daugo's name was like someone slowly digging the sharp point of the knife into my chest. This was Hakr'ouh's way of torturing me. He knew what buttons to press and strings to pull. It was unnerving but he wanted me to remember. I closed my eyes and replayed the event of the last time I saw Daugo. I tried not to think about the massive amounts of blood and the pillars on top of him. His words and the weakened look in his eyes were the only things I could see and hear.

There's . . . nothing . . . you can . . . do to . . . help me.

My hands tightened into fists that felt like iron balls.

I promised . . . your mother . . . I would protect you . . .

Please . . . Anya . . . go . . .

But then, I heard Hakr'ouh hitting me with yet another hit, digging the knife even deeper. "And that ooman you're so fond of. What was her name again? Molly?"

My eyelids twitch. Does he know of Molly?

I could feel him chuckle under his breath. His mandibles stretched and tickled my cheeks as a tease. "Despite your power, you couldn't save anyone. Without it, you are nothing."

Hakr'ouh nodded his head to Qut'suak and he came, holding a pair of metal handcuffs that I've seen Arbitrators use for prisoners. Unlike oomans ones, these can expand to any size and when they lock, there's no way anyone can get out without the keycode from the specific wrist gauntlet. It's to ensure that a Bad Blood can't try to pull a nasty trick on their captors. As he slowly approached me with a grin, I kept my eyes on Hakr'ouh. His words cut deep into me on the inside.

What if he was right? Have I ever protected anyone myself?

Was it all my fault?

My eyes looked up once more and the lights got even bigger, starting to shape into something but my ooman sights still couldn't see. Without my mask, all I could do is hope that it is what I believe it is. I glanced back to Hakr'ouh, only to notice that he saw my eyes move. His eyebrows squinted and began to turn his head around. He was distracted.

Now's my chance!

With quick reflexes, I reached for my knife that I secretly kept with me at all times. I have to admit that it's somewhat out of paranoia due to CHPS members not taking my welcoming well. But I felt it was very necessary. I pulled it out and aimed it at Hakr'ouh, zoning on his neck where a major vein resided. I learned anatomy between the ooman and Yautja is not so different as I thought. One precise slice and he would be dead in minutes, even with his healing abilities.

But I should have known better than they would have seen this coming.

Before I could reach him, something wrapped around my wrist. Shock and confusion ran through my body when I saw it was a tentacle that had grabbed me or something closely resembling it. I followed it upward until I realized it came from Qut'suak. The dreadlocks on his head had grown to an incredible length, swirling around in the air like an octopus. This is unnatural. He must have genetically hybridized himself like Hakr'ouh. Who knows what they have done while I was gone?

"You shouldn't have done that."

With a swift twist, he snapped my wrist like a twig and I screamed in pain. It radiated all the way to my shoulder until it stopped to my neck. I was forced to let go of the knife and it dropped to the ground. The tentacle frees itself from me, only for Hakr'ouh to grab my neck and slam me onto the ground. My back got the brunt force and it felt like my toes went numb.

Everything snapped in an instant.

"Anya!"

I heard Lar'ja roaring for me followed by fast and heavy footsteps. There was no doubt that Lar'ja was charging to attack and get to me. I bent my neck so I could see him doing exactly what I feared. I opened my mouth to tell him to stop but Hakr'ouh tightens his hold on my neck. I could only gasp for breath, watching Lar'ja extend his wrist blades for an attack. There was nothing but pure rage in his golden eyes.

But he got only a few feet towards us before Qut'suak blocked his path. Lar'ja roars with all of his might and swings his blades on him. But with me, his dreadlocks wrapped all over Lar'ja like a trap, raising him into the air. Lar'ja thrashed around to try and break free but it was no use. My heart wished to reach for him. I didn't want anything to happen to him but I was trapped, unable to free myself, let alone my lifemate.

"You idiot. Blinded by your love for this hybrid. It's disgusting."

"Shut up! Let her go!"

Again, he thrashed and roared in defiance but it was the same results. I could hear the soldiers begin to panic from far away along with Dutch and Rory trying to keep everyone calm. Hakr'ouh forcibly pulls my face back to him. I wished he didn't put his face close to mine. The smell he brought only made me want to puke on him.

I gasped. "Don't . . . hurt . . . him. Or . . . you're . . . dead."

"Poor, naive Ta'kasa. Now you brought this upon yourself and everyone with you. I will enjoy every bit of pain I bring to your followers." He pulls away and gives the command. "Kill them."

The massive ship hovering above readied its guns, hearing them grow in power until there was a constant humming noise. They were loaded and I watched as the guns pointed at Rory and the others. Dutch yelled out. "Find cover!"

Everyone scrambled to safety but Rory and Xen'ork didn't move. They were ready to fight, even if it meant death.

"Anya! Lar'ja!"

"Ta'kasa!"

Rory called to us, running towards us with Xen'ork right behind. Some would think they were fools but they have more courage than any of the Bad Bloods combined. Not that Hakr'ouh would even think like that. He would say they want a death wish.

I glared at Hakr'ouh and he chuckled with a smirk on his face. "What were you thinking? I may never understand your ooman mind."

When he said that, I couldn't help but chuckle. Clearly, it wasn't the reaction he was expecting me to show. For once, I saw the frustration on his face but he loosened his grip, allowing me to speak clearly.

"You're the fool."

"Excuse me?"

I didn't answer him right away but rather looked into the sky one last time. Finally, I could see what the stars were and they were coming right at us. But I had to pull away when Hakr'ouh forced my head to look back at him. He wasn't pleased. "What are you plotting?"

I chuckled again. "You think I was going to surrender myself just like that? I only wanted to keep you from looking into the sky."

"What?"

In an instant, the sky lit up in blue light when something exploded from above. This is what I hoped would happen. Now the plan is coming into action as the area became a battlefield once more.

But this time . . . the tables have turned.

Hello Everyone!

First off, I wanted to reach out to everyone and make sure you're all okay. Things have become hectic since two weeks ago with the coronavirus and everything. Now, I have to remain quarantined in my house for a few weeks and can't even go to work. It's stressful but at least I got more time to write stories and do homework (secretly . . . I wanted classes to be canceled so I don't have to lol). But I wanted to make sure every one of you is okay and doing their best to stay healthy and safe.

I hope, at least, that my stories provide some distraction or comfort from this whole disaster. I thank everyone for supporting me and hope that I can do more for you.

Thank you . . . :)

Back to the chapter, Anya was being a clever fox all along. I wished I could see that in a movie. It would have made my day. But now we got someone new entering the fight and the tables have turned. But is it good for her? Or bad?

Are they allies? Anya's friends? Or much more than that? Who has come to save the day? Either way, Anya has something up her sleeve. Go, girl!

Find out when Chapter 16 is posted next week (Friday the latest).

Thank you for Mariah and Anonymous-E for the reviews on Chapter 14. I really appreciate any feedback from you.

Thank you and Good Hunting! And stay safe! :)))

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