Chapter 22: Similar Pain

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

I wasted no time to call a meeting, bringing everyone I trusted. I didn't want to bring confusion, disbelief, and anger to the rest of our troops. The ooman soldiers from CHPS would have thought I was crazy and it would be close to the same with the unruly Unblooded. The hybrid's at it again . . . making a foolish attempt that'll end in unnecessary death. I played it in my head over and over again. It sounded foolish but it was a harsh reality.

The meeting took place in the largest unoccupied room, which was the meeting room that was stationed in the very back of the Mothership. As soon as I gave the message, everyone I knew a long time and the most recently joined. I expected it to be tense between the two sides but since it consisted of the major leaders, it was quiet . . . except for Rory and McKenna. They merely exchanged glares but it didn't help at all. I separated them to either side but only enough that they could still hear and join the conversation. Lar'ja, sensing my distress, stayed by my side as I gave a general layout of the recent news.

The news of Daugo being alive resounded more in my ooman friends than the Yautjas, excluding my Elites and Xen'ork. A'ni-de merely snorted silently while Yeyinde stood silent. His half brother was shifting in his place, unsure how to react. The Yautja society doesn't care much for a warrior that has fallen to the Bad Bloods, thinking they should have been better than to be captured. But my story of how he'd given himself up to let me escape spread uneasiness within them. They'd no idea what to do.

"So you want to get out a Yautja that's in some sort of fortress . . . with enemies even stronger than the ones back on Earth?" Of course, Brackett made a good point. Being a scientist meant she looked at both sides of the board.

"Yes. Daugo had done so much for me. And he is Lar'ja's father . . . the leader of my clan and a great warrior. It would be dishonorable for me to leave him behind."

"But even if we agree to this, what sort of plan do you have in mind?"

I took Lex's words carefully. "To be honest . . . nothing at the moment."

"Then it's best to leave instead of risking the rest of our party."

A'ni-de spoke like a leader with conviction. Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde stood silent but the look in their eyes told me they'd agreed. A leader of his caliber thought carefully of his options. If we did this, there's a risk that the Killer Yautja might find out of our location and destroy us before reaching the gathering. I expected as much but I wasn't about to give up. My conviction was as strong as a burning fire. "I'm not suggesting putting the whole party in danger." I heard some gasps and clicking of mandibles mixed. Even Lar'ja's arm tensed around me. Sorry about that.

"All of you don't have to be forced to do this. I'm only asking for support if possible. I will do this whether you like it or not."

There . . . I said it.

The room went silent, unsure of how to respond to my speech. I straightened my back and held my chin high, focusing more on A'ni-de and the other Yautjas in the room. They would be the hardest to convince. Deep down, I needed help or else it would be suicide as Za'hir explained. Lar'ja's loyalty to me would stay strong along with my Elites. But I didn't expect the response that I would be given from both sides . . . especially from the ooman side.

I saw A'ni-de's throat twitch for a second. "If that is your decision, you'll have my support."

"Are you serious?"

The one person I expected to hear that from was Royce. He moved out of his corner, even pushing Lex and Brackett out of the way. They tried to pull him back but I told them to leave him alone. It wasn't within my right or anyone else's to let him have this turn but everyone was on edge. Olgoth and T'uark involuntarily moved to block Royce's way when they realized he was coming in my direction. He made no immediate threat nor showed it but it was instinct that drove my two Elites into action. I didn't make them move like Lex and Brackett. I don't think they would anyway.

Rory stopped halfway, looking like someone shot him in the foot and he wanted payback. "You have no idea what they're capable of. The super-predators are not to be messed with."

"You think that?"

He stiffened back, holding the words he wanted to speak. There it is again. The anger in his eyes burned again like a heater on full. It spread towards everyone, creating a bad vibe that I didn't want. I was glad, in some way, that I left Izzy out of this. She needs a break from him. I could hear Lar'ja growl from my side, digging his claws into my wrist. It stung but I endured it for his sake. In my mind, I rolled my eyes. I was starting to have enough of him. I kept the meeting going, completely ignoring him.

"Thank you, A'ni-de. Before we can discuss the plan, we need as much knowledge of the ship and its occupants." I stopped and turned to Royce, still glaring at me. "And that is why I need you."

"Me?"

I nodded. "I've heard you are one of the few that have fought them. Your input and skill would be of great use in this matter."

He glared even more. Trust me . . . I'm not so keen on this either. However, from what I've been told, Royce had much experience with these 'super predators' from his wife and others over our trip and on Earth. But also, there were . . . other things that I'd rather keep out of this.

But again . . . Royce had to make a big deal out of it.

"I'm not going to give you anything! I refuse to help you!"

His tone of voice was enough to break the tension almost in two. Lar'ja took a step forward and roared at him. Za'hir and Sa'iye unsheathed their weapons as was the same with Olgoth and T'uark. Brackett tries to pull him away but earns a swing from Royce, hitting her jaw. The faint crackling of bones reverberated in my ears. Oh boy . . . Before I could stop it, Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de charged at Royce with mandibles flailing out. The reason behind their sudden action was understandable from mine and a Yautja's point of view. Regardless, Brackett was a female and unarmed no less. Striking her was crossing a boundary in the Code of Honor. But a blood bath was sure to follow and I had to stop it.

Pulling out of Lar'ja's hold, I rushed in between and used my body as a shield. The two males stopped in their tracks, confused. They wouldn't dare attack me or else they would be severely punished. But they were Unblooded no less so they might not be well trained enough to know that so I kept my guard up.

I didn't see what was going on behind me but I could hear Royce's protest for a minute with Lex trying her best to keep him at bay. It stopped suddenly when I heard heavy boots walking, stopped, and then a huge bang. I turned around and saw that Dutch had intervened. Royce was on the ground, cuffing his chin that was beginning to redden. It seemed that Dutch decided he needed a whack to the face. Embarrassing for him.

"What was that for, you asshole!?"

Dutch didn't reply right away. He stared down at Royce. I couldn't see what he looked like but apparently, it was enough to lower his gaze in fear. There were times I was glad Dutch was on my side while others I worried about if I was going to get the same treatment. Does it matter? I shook my head. No. I guess not.

"You are in no position to speak out against her. Stop acting like a spoiled child who throws a temper tantrum anytime you have to be told what to do. I would have expected leniency from someone who murdered children and women to complete his mission."

I could see a vein popping from the corner of Royce's forehead. Dutch had hit a very sensitive spot. Recollecting what Izzy told me, I didn't think it was right for Dutch to speak about it in front of others that were already on their wit's end. But it was too late now. He opened a can of worms that can't be closed up and the only thing left to do is ease it. A challenge made more difficult with Royce's behavior. The anger he had was boiling into blinding rage. He stood on his feet and got into Dutch's face.

"It was never my intent! I did what I had to do to survive. But it's nothing compared to those monsters that killed for trophies!" He pointed to A'ni-de and the brothers . . . a clear threat in their eyes. Again, they growled and even Yeyinde made his frustration clear. The bright glee of their weapons shined under the light, stretching across their wrist blades. The warning was clear . . . not to Royce though.

"And she's an abomination that shouldn't have been created in the first place! She's brought nothing but pain and death with her! Now, she wants us to risk our necks to save another monster!"

He's gone too far.

Lar'ja acted first, running across to pass Dutch and then to Royce. Without warning, he grabs him by the throat and raises him in the air. He lets a roar out from deep inside, enough that it blinded Royce for a second from all the air coming out at once. "You'll regret talking to her like that. I'll make sure of it."

The chaos ensured in front of me but the sounds were muffled and time began to move slowly around me. I heard roars and shouts to stop the fight. I could see Brackett and Rory trying to pull Lar'ja away but it was no use. Za'hir comes in and does his best to pry his fingers off of Royce's neck but he couldn't without injury to one party or another. Everyone else stood back and watched. I lowered my head to the floor.

I felt anger rising in my chest but his words had merit. I did bring disaster to many who didn't deserve it. My existence alone was enough to make probable cause and Royce had no benefits he could gain from helping me. My thoughts brought up the memory of my mother's death. Her saddened expression still haunts me to this day but not as much as before. Why though?

I love you so much . . .

I heard my mother once more and it calmed my racing heart. My eyes opened as far as they could. My mother knew the consequences when she freed me and yet . . . she had no regrets. I felt it when I was on the brink of death that one time. Then I thought about Daugo and how he gave himself so I could also escape. He knew just as well but he did everything I could to survive. My memory goes further back to when Nebraska and the Loonies were alive. I mean they weren't exactly sane enough but they stayed with me when I felt lost . . . Brackett, Rory, and McKenna as well.

There's more to it.

I closed my eyes softly and reopened them. Time picked up to normal speed once more and the sounds were no longer muffled. Well . . . I shouldn't have thought that. The noise is too much. Still, a strong feeling overwhelmed me. My conviction grew in resolve.

"Stop this! Royce!"

"To fucking Hell with you!"

"I'll be glad to bring it to you."

The argument escalated and close to exploding like a supernova. I had enough!

"STOP!"

I yelled as hard as I could to the point that my throat began to burn. Like a switch of a light turning off, the sounds deceased and everyone froze. I kept my eyes on Lar'ja and Royce. He still gripped his throat and Royce was gasping for air. Those who tried to pull them apart let go, sensing that it was best to do so. Good . . . I walked slowly towards both of them, remaining as still as possible. The shocked expression on Lar'ja was a rarity and he knew that I wasn't going to be persuaded or messed with.

"Let him go."

My voice rang quiet, yet strong. A few nervous twitches of his mandibles before he loosened his grip and lowered Royce to the ground, releasing him. He steps away whilst Royce drops to his knees, coughing and rubbing his neck. Bruise marks were already forming in different shades of purple and red. Lar'ja moved even further and stood next to Za'hir who was holding the rest of my Elites back. A'ni-de, Yeyinde, and Nei'hman-de didn't move a muscle. Sa'iye hummed in worry but I kept my gaze to Royce. I can't lose my focus now.

My eyes wandered from one familiar face to another. Brackett and Lex had similar expressions of fear. Probably for what I was going to do. I can't blame them. Rory was still in his spot in the far corner, moved a little though with his eyes widened. McKenna was somewhat calm and collected but deep down, he was hiding his uncertainty. The last person was Dutch who was the only one that didn't move. He wasn't afraid or nervous like the others as expected. Our eyes met briefly but enough for an understanding between us to be made.

Be a Leader among beasts.

He nods softly, closing his eyes deliberately slow. The signs of struggle were clear in his blue eyes. I nodded back and turned to my target on the ground.

While Royce started to regain his strength, I began my walk towards him. He heard me coming and got quickly to his feet. He still glared at me with such hatred but as I stared into them more, I could see there was more to it. Despite his groans, I kept approaching. I could see he was reaching for something in his side pocket. A weapon? I worried for a second but even if I knew that it was, he wouldn't draw it. He may be angry with me but he's not stupid. My feet almost dragged, closing the gap until I was at shoulder length to him.

Royce swallowed hard. His lips were drawn into a tight line. "What are you going to do? Punish me?" He starts to chuckle. "You're just the same."

I sighed deeply. "I guess we both are."

I made my move. Without hesitation, I bent my legs until I was kneeling on the ground in front of him. A vulnerable position in a Yautja's eyes, which is no surprise when I hear clicks and groans of frustration with one belonging to Lar'ja no doubt. But I wasn't done yet. I looked up to Royce and opened my arms.

"Then have at it. Let your anger out."

In a logical sense, many would have thought I was out of my mind, allowing someone who wanted to hurt me. Again, everyone tried to rush over with Lar'ja leading the charge. But as soon as he was about to grab my shoulder, I raised a fist in front of him without breaking eye contact with Royce. Lar'ja stops on a dime, unsure of what to make of it. Everyone else simply took one step forward and never moved. He purrs in some sort of attempt to knock some sense into me but I was having none of it. I turned and changed my voice box to allow a Yautja growl out. I had some practice to change parts of myself if I had to. It feels weird but it works. The sound reverberated throughout Lar'ja and to the other Yautjas in the room. They knew all too well that it was a warning and from a female no less. Many young males never learned a valuable lesson of not messing with an angry female and some were killed for their insolence and disrespect. Those that were fortunate enough to stay alive have etched it into their memory until it was instinctual. Although the oomans didn't quite get the true meaning, they knew it was a bad sign, especially Brackett. It was clear out of the corner of my eye when she raised her hands in submission.

When it was quiet enough and I knew no one was going to try anything, I returned my focus on Royce. He wasn't completely immune to my show of aggression. His arms and legs trembled slightly and I could hear his breathing change in pace. Still, it didn't deter the rage that was still brightly showing in his eyes. Both grew in pace and strength as he contemplated what he should do. He made his decision eventually.

He reaches down and takes a hold of my neck. It was tight enough that I couldn't yell but I could breathe normally. I had to drive away from the instinct of retaliating that I've learned in my training on Yautja Prime. Never let your enemy have the advantage on you. Daugo's words echoed in my mind, sending a sharp pain through my heart.

I heard growls and grunts from around but refused to relent. The hand that I saw Royce used to reach from his pocket emerges to reveal a combat knife. So he did have a weapon. Royce points the tip directly between my eyes. I could feel the cold metal gliding against my skin. At first, he appeared convinced of carrying whatever he was planning. His teeth ground against each other, making each breath like a hiss from a snake. His chest rising and falling at a rapid pace. I remained calm, hoping for the conclusion that I believed he would take.

His body tensed as he pulled the knife back, ready to strike but then . . . something changed. I saw the light that was burning in his eyes waver. His teeth chattered and his lips quivered. The next thing I knew, the hand holding the knife began to tremble. It stunned me in shock for a second but one look at his face generally showed me something else. It's as if he's . . . in pain. It was like looking into a mirror of myself when I was younger. It brought me back to the time when I was back in the forest . . . before all of this began. I saw only horror and pain in my reflection from the river.

After an agonizing minute, Royce lowered the knife. His hand lets go of my throat and I was relieved of the tension it brought. I blinked and rubbed my neck from the soreness before looking up to Royce. He took a few steps away from me but began to quiver much more. Royce may have anger for me but it was fueled by blame on himself and regret. So it was true what Izzy said . . . whatever happened to him must have done something to him.

I stood up and waited to see if his demeanor changed. When it didn't, I felt safe that he wasn't going to try anything else. There was too much pain in him. I walked up cautiously and he tensed but dropped the knife at the same time. He tried to say something but his mouth refused. I don't need you to say anything.

I stopped when we were once again at shoulder length, staring into each other's eyes. "I understand your pain. You may not know it but I was angry like you. I hated those who punished me for nothing I've done. But since they were out of reach, I blamed humanity for my sins."

I glanced over Royce's shoulder and towards Brackett. She lowered her gaze, knowing what I meant. "But all that did was hurt me more. Like poison, it almost consumed me."

I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. He shuddered but didn't try to push me away. "But now . . . I changed. I have far more important for people to protect and two homes that are precious to me. What I feel doesn't matter anymore." I gripped his shoulder. "You need to let this go . . . and I need your help."

The room fell silent with only the mingled breaths as the only sound to be heard. The anticipation was overwhelming. Finally, Royce lowered his head and nodded.

"Fine."

It was a small response but good enough for me. It wasn't going to be that simple to change his mind but at least I got him going in the right direction. I sighed and released his shoulder, taking a step back. "Alright." I looked around and saw that everyone was still tense. "You can all relax now."

It was like a light switch went off and everyone relaxed. Sighs and groans of exhaustion were heard throughout the room. Still, Brackett, Lex, and even Rory got to Royce for extra security. I saw Dutch for a second and for once in the time I met him, he smirked. I could almost hear his voice.

Good job, kid.

That put a smile on my face and I gladly accepted it. It took me a minute to register that Lar'ja had returned to my side, holding me in his arms. "You stupid idiot. You could have gotten killed."

He was shaking enough that I noticed it. His muscles trembled. I had forgotten how he must have felt with his mate was putting her life on the line to make a point. It saddened me a bit but I did what I thought was right. I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my chin on his chest, humming.

"I'm sorry."

He purred . . . a sign of forgiveness. I smiled into his chest, relishing his warmth and that sweet scent of spring rain that was always with him.

"She would have been fine, Lar'ja. Give her more credit."

He growls towards Xen'ork who was quiet this whole time that I've forgotten he was here. He backed off quickly though. At least he's learning not to be an asshole.

"Ahem." I pulled away from Lar'ja and turned to A'ni-de who remarked. "As much as I was entertained by this 'ooman' encounter, we need to come up with a plan if we are to rescue my Lord Daugo and Arkarb. We're running out of time."

"Yes. Of course."

He was right and it felt wrong for me to bother his time with this drama. The Yautjas are not exactly emotional creatures like the oomans are so this must have annoyed them. But neither Nei'hman-de nor Yeyinde said anything during the confrontation so I guess they tolerated it. I brushed off the dust collected on my armor and stood in a leadership position with my head held high.

"As I was saying, we'll need to gather information on these 'super predators' that guard the Xy'lophion. But we'll also need a layout of the place, how the prisons are arranged, the air ventilations, anything that could be used to our advantage."

"That will be hard to do," T'uark spoke. "We can't exactly go in and ask them. Plus, their cybersecurity is almost immaculate. There's no way we can crack into it."

"Unless we have one of the best hackers there is."

As soon as I said that, I turned my sights onto Rory. Everyone followed so the focus on the whole room was on him. "Me?"

I nodded. His face showed shock and confusion. "Why me?"

"You were able to hack into Stargazer's system back on Earth as a child with ease. I'm sure you can do the same."

He waved his hand. "Yeah . . . but we're talking about a technology I've never even seen before." He stopped when I gave him a look with my eye staring right at him. His own widened and his resolve soon crumbled. "But I can try."

"Good. Because I need you to be our eyes when we go in."

His demeanor changed again. "Go in?"

"Yes. The general plan is to enter the ship, find Daugo, and get out. But we'll be blind without eyes and ears from the outside. Either way, we'll need someone to stay behind and protect us."

Rory opened his mouth and I knew it was only to protest. I cut him off before he could get in one word. "We'll talk more about this later." I made my voice deep and reinforced. He had no choice but to relent.

I turned back to A'ni-de. "And as you said about the risk of exposing our forces, we only need a handful of people I trust that will accompany me. The rest will proceed towards the Udar system as planned."

"Who will you be taking?"

"My Elites, Lar'ja, Xen'ork, and a few others from CHPS. Some will stay behind to keep the peace between the species."

A'ni-de huffed. "I don't feel comfortable with you taking all of your Elites."

I tightened my eyebrows. "Why, if I may ask?"

"All of us know that there's a high risk of death. You're already putting yourself in this and if something were to happen to you, then at least one of the Elites might take over leadership."

Lar'ja answered with a threatening growl. "Nothing will happen to her. Have you no faith in her that you suggest finding a replacement?"

Feeling disrespected most likely, A'ni-de growled back. "I have no such inclination. I'm only protecting our future and Ta'kasa knows it. I understand you're upset, given that she's your mate."

"That's no excuse."

Lar'ja steps towards him but I pull him back by his arm. "Enough, Lar'ja." He turns to me with a stunned expression. "He's right. We need to make sure the future is secure and I understand the risks. Please."

I almost begged Lar'ja in front of everyone. As much as he wanted to protect my honor, there was a hard fact that someone had to take over my position should anything happen to me. There was no guarantee of my safety. I patted his hand as reassurance and he calmed down. "Then I'll take only two with me and leave the others to keep the peace among the Unblooded."

"Take us then, my Lord."

I looked around to see Olgoth and T'uark emerge from behind the small group, bowing their heads to me. I squinted my eyes together into small slits. What are they planning?

"May I ask why?"

T'uark lifted his head to me. "We have done little to help you. We ask that we do our part as much as everyone else has."

"Yes. Please let us help you."

Olgoth's response was one I didn't expect. As much as he formed his loyalty to me, he'd rather wait for orders than ask to do such a thing. That is what made him different from his twin brother. And he's not exactly the serious type. But the looks on their faces proved otherwise. Strong and undeterred.

I smiled. "You have done more than enough for me." I glanced at Sa'iye and Za'hir. "Are you alright with this?"

"Of course."

"Of course."

I bowed my head slightly. "Then I'm honored to have you with me."

T'uark and Olgoth smiled in unison, almost proud of themselves. These boys are sometimes hard to work with but they are worthy enough and would do their best to protect me. I turned to A'ni-de. "Is that enough for you?"

He clicks his mandibles. "Fair enough. I also want to suggest something else at a later time . . . if you permit it."

"Of course."

"Hold on a second. How are you going to get in? It's not like you can stroll in there unannounced and let you do as they please." Brackett commented.

I thought for a second. "I'm not sure yet but we'll find a way."

"How? You have a price on your head and they'll kill anyone that doesn't belong to them. And as you said, their security is tight and who knows how long Rory can hack into their system. It may be too late."

I didn't want to admit but Brackett was right. I never thought that through in how long hacking the system would take, even for Rory. Now, what are you going to do? I closed my eyes, rubbing my chin. I scrambled throughout my mind in the hopes of an idea but couldn't think of any. It was becoming frustrating and a little embarrassing but I pressed forward. Think, Anya! Think!

You have a price on your head . . .

In that instant, an idea clicked into my mind. It was risky but it could be our only way inside without alarming our enemies. I had to make sure we had what we needed so I turned to the one person that could answer that.

"Hey, Xen'ork."

"Yes?"

"Do you still have the ship that you and Lar'ja used to escape the Bad Bloods before? And the armor you stole?"

Xen'ork clicked in uncertainty and hesitation. "Yes. It's stored underneath the Mothership. Why?"

"I think I have an idea."

The room went silent in anticipation, eager to listen to the plan. But I knew that once they heard it, protests would surely follow. But unless they had other suggestions that were safer, this was one I believed would work. I glanced around at the familiar faces, full of curiosity. I took a deep breath and spoke my mind.

"I'll give the Bad Bloods exactly what they want."

I paused for a second until I looked at everyone with determination.

"Me."

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the delay. Filler chapters are the worst but necessary to keep consistency within the story and I hope all of you understand.

So a plan is in motion but a dangerous one no less. Of course, you're facing off against super predators that will brutally kill you without a second thought. Even so, I can't blame the others if she tried it. A lot of protests and arguments but Anya manages to keep it together. At least she's got support from A'ni-de and a little bit from Royce. His anger is misplaced and I know how it feels to be in that kind of pain and it's not easy. But for now, he's going along with her.

But will they succeed in getting Daugo and Arkarb out of there? Or will there be a price to pay for executing such a dangerous plan?

Find out when Chapter 23 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, IanAlphaAxel, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Nightroad816, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 21. Lots of things are to come so thank you for being patient.

Oh . . . and a thanks for Save the Date for the many reviews on Twisted Fate. I greatly appreciate it.

Thank you and Good Hunting! Stay safe and healthy! :)))

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