Chapter 27: No Man Left Behind (Part 2)

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

We traced back the way we came, heading towards the lift that brought us here. But of course, our luck wasn't the best. With the alarm system off, the door was jammed shut, a defense mechanism designed to keep prisoners from escaping the ship. I mean . . . we're prisoners but who's counting. I tried to pry the door open but it wasn't budging.

"Move out of the way, Anya!"

I did as I was told, standing to the side as Royce placed a grenade strapped to a box of some sort. Probably more explosives. Once on, everyone takes a step back to a safe distance and he takes out a switch of some sort, flipping it open to press on a red tap. The grenade goes off and a ball of fire follows, shaking the ground. I covered my face to protect my eyes. When the smoke faded, the explosion did little effect. Only leaving a black smudge of residue, it was disappointing but also expecting.

"Shit! It didn't work!" Royce yelled.

"Of course it wouldn't work. This isn't exactly a military base we can just blast ourselves out of here."

Royce glared at Lex that could kill anyone in an instant. Not wanting a fight, I got in between and thought of an alternate pathway. "There has to be another way out of here. The Arbitrators who built this place would have an emergency plan in case this happened."

I turned to Yeyinde. "Can you see if there's another way?"

He nods and searches around. He was one of the two that had a mask with different visions. He can easily find something we can use. We waited until his head snapped to one side, staring into a wall. All of us looked to see a small hole covered in a thin metal shield that opens once in a while. "The ventilation system connects with the rest of the ship. We can use that to get down to the lower levels."

Brackett and I went over to check it out. It was big enough for oomans to fit through easily and I could see several junctions that went to the side, up and down. But there was a problem. What about you and Nei'hman-de? You're too big to fit inside, not to mention you carrying Daugo."

Yeyinde grunted. "If you can get to the lower level, you can access a panel that will override the lockdown for the lift. Then we can use it to join up with you."

I nodded. "Fine. But only two of us will go while the others stay to protect."

"We can go." Brackett and Lex asked simultaneously.

I shook my head. "I'll need to go regardless. I'm the only one able to fit through the ventilation and knows how to read the Yautja language. It's a guarantee that it will be that way."

"Then I'll go with you."

McKenna walks towards me, full of determination. He wasn't my first consideration to bring along. I expected Lex or Brackett to come along but we didn't have time to discuss the chaos ensuing everywhere. Eventually, I relented. "Fine. The rest of you stay on guard. We'll keep you posted."

With that, I went into the ventilation shaft, crawling on my belly to fit inside. It was tight but enough. McKenna followed suit but groaned when he couldn't get his hips to move. I held my breath so I wouldn't laugh at the irony. We were inside and began our trip through the unknown.

Although I've been on many ships and studied them, this one was a first and unusual. The pathways were all scrambled, going in different directions that I couldn't figure where they went to. Just go down, Anya. That's a start.

"Stay close, McKenna."

"Yes, ma'am."

I rolled my eyes at how sarcastic he sounded. Keep it up, McKenna.

I crawled forward, staying on the pathway until I found a shaft that went downward. It was too dark to see. I squinted my eyes and hoped they would adjust enough to get some sight but it wasn't enough. "McKenna . . . Do you have a flashlight?"

"Yeah." I heard shuffling until a cold object tapped on my thigh. I reached for the flashlight and turned it on. It was a long way down but it was our only chance. Placing the flashlight into the corner of my mouth to hold, I pressed my hands and feet to each side of the metal walls and began my descent down the shaft. It was slippery at the beginning but eventually, I got the hang of it, releasing pressure on the wall enough to slide down with ease.

"Are you sure you're alright?" McKenna asked.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine. Keep an eye out."

I slide a bit more. The darkness was never-ending until I saw the end of it a few more feet down. I could finally see the bottom of the shaft with a small light opening and closing. I could hear the sound of the ventilation shut and open again. We made it.

"McKenna! I'm almost at the bottom!"

No sooner did I say that I heard a hissing sound. My heart clamped down and my muscles turned to stone. Don't tell me . . . Sure enough, the head of a kainde amedha pops out from the opening of the ventilation. I tightened my lips, hoping that if I didn't make any sound, it would go away.

"Anya—"

My heart dropped.

McKenna said my name loud enough for anyone to hear. I was angry at first but I figured he must have not seen it, given I was blocking his view. The kainde amedha whipped his head up to me. Its mouth opening to let out another hiss. This is not good! The tightness of the shaft prevented me from moving to fight and if I let go of one hand to draw my wrist blades, I would fall down and onto the kainde amedha.

Of course, it obliged me and began climbing up the shaft, digging its claws into the metal and leaving scratch marks. I was completely defenseless. My heart races, forcing my blood to pump into my brain. I thought it would burst from all the pressure my body was giving .C'jit!

"Anya! Turn your head to the side!"

Without thinking, I did what McKenna said. Turning my head as far as it could go to one side, I felt air swoosh past me and towards the kainde amedha. Bullets hit the creature in the head three times and let out its acidic blood to drop to the bottom. The kainde amedha shrieked and thrashed as if somehow it could push the bullets away from it. It didn't last long when the last bullet dug into the area between where its eyes would be. If it had any . . . It froze like a statue until its body fell hard to the bottom of the shaft. I didn't move until I figured the creature was dead. It didn't move. It didn't twitch anymore.

I took a deep sigh, turning my head enough that I got a glimpse of McKenna pointing a large handgun that was puffing with smoke. "Thanks for that."

He smirked. "My pleasure."

Really?

I rolled my eyes and continued my way down. When I got closer to the bottom, I picked up the foul smell of the kainde amedha's blood burning everything it touched. It filled the entire ventilation and I had to get out. It was starting to burn my nostrils now.

When I was only a few feet from the bottom, I had to be careful where I stepped with the dead creature below. Remembering what I had learned, I stepped on the kainde amedha that wasn't covered in acidic blood. Their skin was made so that they would kill themselves if they got injured. A feature that some Yautjas used now to make their weapons and ensure a successful Hunt . . . if you were lucky.

As soon as I was in the clear, I stepped out of the ventilation shaft. I checked the outside and saw we were right on the side of the lift at the bottom level. Lucky, I guess . . . The floor, though, was a mess. Destruction was everywhere. Debris covered most of the laboratory room and the rest were concealed by the light of many fires around. The cages that once were filled with kainde amedha were empty except for the dead ones. So that's what happened. But at least, I didn't hear any Bad Blood of kainde amedha around so it was safe . . . for now.

"Okay, McKenna. You can come down now but be careful at the bottom."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

McKenna emerged soon afterward but the disgusted look on his face said it all. His nose cringed from the burning smell and I couldn't blame him. Even after being exposed to hunting kainde amedha for so long, I never got used to it. It would hit you where you least expected it.

"How the fuck did those things get out?"

"I don't know. It might be from the explosion. You can see the damage for yourself. Right now, we need to get this working. Watch my back."

I rushed to the panel next to the lift and began working on it with McKenna standing guard. The normal commands were all locked as expected. Each time I pressed on a code, it would beep and get mad. I grunted in frustration but kept going, trying to find the right code to get it unlocked.

But again and again, the panel wouldn't work. I tried not to show my frustration to McKenna but it was becoming difficult with time . . . and I had very little to work with. Damn . . . I wished Rory was here now.

As if answering my prayers, the panel lights up green and turns on. The normal controls were back online and I couldn't be happier. McKenna, hearing the uplifting beeping sound, he comes next to me. "You did it."

"It wasn't me."

He looked confused until my gauntlet began to beep, signaling a message was coming through. Confused, I answered it, and up came Rory's voice.

"Did it work?"

"Rory!?"

I was shocked to hear him, much less asking if it 'worked or not'. "How did you . . ?"

"Sorry for the late response. The connection got lost and it took longer to get it back on. Are all of you alright?"

"Yes. We are."

McKenna smiles toward my gauntlet. "How are you, Rory?"

Of course, no response, and instead, Rory diverts the conversation back to me. "I was able to hack some parts of the ship and I happen to get you working on the lift. Where's everyone else?"

I went back to working on the panel, activating the lift. The motors inside began to move so I was glad that it was working, hoping that the others would get it. "They're still on the upper floors when the lift was locked. Thanks to you, they can—"

I heard gunshots firing from the other side of the room, alerting me and McKenna. It was like a war was going on from above. My heart dropped when I heard Yautjas roars, screaming, and hisses of the kainde amedha. It was too close for comfort.

"Shit. They're coming."

McKenna pulled out a rifle from his back, loading and cocking it. The light on the top of the lift blinked, signaling that it reached the upper level and is now loading up. Thank goodness it got to them. Now . . . we have to wait.

But then, the wall on the other side blasts open. Puff of smoke covered anything that might have broken through. I got to McKenna's side with wrist blades out, ready for whoever was coming.

But I wasn't expecting this . . .

A bunch of kainde amedha and even Bad Bloodsflew through the hole as if someone launched them. A few had burning holes in their chests while others with deep scratches on their hides. The Bad Bloods groaned, making weak attempts to get back up. What is going on?

The next thing I knew, three Yautjas came barreling through, roaring with all of their might. They didn't waste time and killed off the remaining kainde amedha Bad Bloods that were still alive, slitting their throats or crushing their skulls with a kick. It was a brutal method but I've seen what they have done . . . and they deserved it.

It was hard to see who they were until the last bits of smoke faded into the air. There was no guessing who they were, especially when that scent of spring rain enveloped me. It was Lar'ja, Olgoth, and T'uark that had come. I called out to them, running towards them despite McKenna's protest to stay back.

"Lar'ja!"

His masked face turned. His scent peaked as I got closer. With no reason, Lar'ja races towards me. We met in the middle with our arms embraced, holding each other tightly so that neither of us could leave.

"Anya."

His sweet voice called to me. I smiled, pressing my nose into his chest to enjoy more of his scent. He pulls away from me but keeps his hands around me. "Are you alright?"

I smiled, nodding. "I'm fine."

"And we're fine too although no one seems to care."

I growled as Olgoth and T'uark came closer. Olgoth smirked as if he enjoyed my reaction, earning a smack to the head by T'uark. He growled. "I swear. I'm going to lose a few brain cells if you keep it up."

"Funny. I thought you didn't have any at all."

Olgoth tried to swing at T'uark but instead got whipped around in a maneuver. I giggled in Lar'ja's arms, happy to see the twin brothers still had their humor even in this godforsaken place. McKenna looked amused, smirking at such a scene.

"Where is Arkarb?" I asked.

"I'm here, Little one."

The old Yautja I missed so much walks through the crumbled wall. I suspected he was somewhere around but I was shocked when he came to us with the head of a Bad Blood in one hand with a knife in the other. My eyes widened at the sight.

Arkarb noticed my reaction and followed my sight, huffing. "He had it coming. This Bad Blood kept mocking me during my imprisonment. I may not fight as well anymore but I still have some tricks up my sleeves." He tosses the head on the ground as if displaying it to everyone.

I smiled, walking away from Lar'ja to hug Arkarb. He's grown used to such a weird custom to Yautjas and hugged back, purring to soothe me. "You look a little ruffled up but otherwise healthy."

"I am."

I pulled back and smiled. But then, Arkarb noticed my chest and the happy feeling melted. "What happened to your chest?"

I raised my eyebrows in confusion and looked down to see the wounds on my chest reopened again. Not much this time but drops of my blood smeared over Arkarb's chest. Of course, Lar'ja came immediately and noticed them too. His face and mandibles contorted to anger and almost seemed like he was about to roar.

"I thought you said you were fine!"

I grunted. "Of course I am! It's just a scratch."

"Then why hasn't it healed completely?!"

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "I don't know. It doesn't matter now. We need to get out of here right now."

T'uark's head looks around. "Where are the others?"

McKenna answers, "We had to separate to get the lift working. Rory's got some access to the ship but not sure if—" He stops. His face grows pale, staring at something from behind.

What is he—

I regretted turning to look in some ways. I was met with a giant, dark form that somehow got in here. Seeing the black hide, there was no doubt it was a kainde amedha but unlike any that I've seen on the ship. It was a Queen but much worse than that. Some of her skin was melted off, exposing bone and muscle that laid underneath. Half of her face was completely obliterated, mutated to the point beyond being recognizable. Half twisted limbs were growing where her spikes would be and her tail was almost split into two as if it halted in the middle of forming. When her mouth opened, her inner jaws weren't there, replaced with a long appendage that looked like a snake was growing.

It was an abomination.

"Shit. What is that?"

McKenna asked as all of us took a few steps back as she approached, stalking us.

Arkarb growled. "It's one of their failed products. She must have gotten out. I shouldn't be surprised, given that the Bad Bloods have lost all control of the kainde amedha."

"C'jit . . . Does it have a weakness?"

When Arkarb shook his head, I knew we were pauked.

"It doesn't matter. We can fight it off until the others arrive." If we weren't in such a situation, I would have praised T'uark for his bravery as a Yautja warrior. But my ooman side thought he was crazy. I had to think fast until the others came.

The Queen wasn't a patient one though. She let out a screech that hurt my ears. I plugged them as Lar'ja wraps one arm around my waist. Olgoth, T'uark, and McKenna formed a defensive line while Arkarb stuck close to me and Lar'ja. The Queen slowly lowered her head, hissing until she took another step.

But then, several blue blasts fly above up, hitting the Queen with such force that it throws her across the room. She came to an abrupt halt when she crashed into a steel cabinet that was connected to another wall. It rips off, causing it to collapse onto the Queen.

While most of us were stunned, I turned around and saw that the lift had finally arrived with Bracket and Lex first. Their shoulder cannons were smoking from the blasts they sent from the Protector. Royce shot as many bullets as he could, depleting his stock as the others ran towards us with Nei'hman-de carrying Daugo.

"Looks like we made it in time," Brackett commented. She nods to Lar'ja, smiling, "Finally back together."

He clicks his mandibles together. "I guess we are."

I was glad everyone was back together but I went to check on Nei'hman-de who had Daugo around his shoulders. He was gasping weakly for air, still passed out and it worried me. Lar'ja had come up as well. He didn't say much as he looked to his father. The lack of words said it all.

"Don't worry, Ta'kasa. He'll be fine once we get him back on the ship."

Nei'hman-de did his best to reassure me and I smiled weakly at the attempt.

"I know." I glanced at everyone before looking at the rest of the laboratory, seeing the ruins of what transpired here. My eyes set on the gauntlet Arkarb was wearing. "But I have one last thing to do."

I walked over to him. "Arkarb. Does that wrist gauntlet have a self-destruct device?"

He squinted his eyes, looking down at his gauntlet. "Yes?"

"I need to use that."

Although he looked confused, he didn't hesitate to give it to me, detaching it from the gauntlet to pass to me. I took it over to the center of the room, kneeling to work on it.

"What are you doing with that?" Lar'ja looks over my shoulder. A few others did the same but at a further distance.

"I'm not going to leave this ship in the Killer Yautja's hands. I'm making sure nothing escapes from here." I pulled off the backing of the device, exposing the wires and checking out which belonged to what.

Yeyinde kneels next to me, more curious than the others. "And you're going to detonate that with us still inside? Not exactly a smart move."

"I have an idea."

I turned on the communications on my gauntlet. "Rory. Are you still there?"

"I am. What's up?"

"Do you know a way to connect with a device remotely?"

He hesitated. "Sure but what for?"

I grabbed a blue wire inside, disconnecting it from the device. "I'm going to blow up the ship but gives us enough time that you can start the detonation sequence when we're almost out of here. That way, it will give enough time that the Bad Bloods can't deactivate it."

"Yeah, but it'll need to have a communication hub to hack and connect."

"Already got one."

With that, I turned to Yeyinde and gave a look that spoke more than words could. He knew what I was asking for and didn't hesitate to take apart his wrist gauntlet. For communications to function, each Yautja gauntlet has a small hub that allows one to talk even from far distances. If it could do that, I imagine that it works the same as Bluetooth or Wifi. It's a makeshift plan but with Rory's hacking skills and my knack for building things, it could work.

Yeyinde hands the hub to me. I place the blue wire inside the hole where the cables are, securing it in place. The light from the hub ensured that there was a strong signal.

Rory speaks. "I see it. I'll get to work on it."

I nodded. "We'll meet you back on the ship."

I placed the device underneath a piece of rubble, turning it on. The Yautja symbols light up and change, starting up. Secured, I stood up and bowed my head to Yeyinde. I'll need to get him a new wrist gauntlet when we're safe.

Royce sighs. "Let's get going before the Queen gets out."

Sure enough, the Queen begins to thrash inside the rubble, screeching and hissing. It was our cue to get out of there.

You don't have to tell us twice." Olgoth spoke.

Lex huffed."No kidding."

Our group took off out of the room and through the hallways, tracing our steps back to the connector that went to our ship. We kept our guards up in case we had any more surprises but I didn't think we were heading out without seeing a Bad Blood or anyone else. Royce and McKenna kept watch of the rear end, keeping their senses sharp as we ran through the ship.

But of course, turning on the last corner, there were several Bad Bloods seemingly trying to pry the door open to the connector. I didn't know if they were trying to escape or getting to the ship to kill anyone on board. They turned their heads as soon as they heard us coming around the corner. Jinxed it. Nice . . .

They reacted quickly and charged at us. I didn't slow down and ran towards them with wrist blades at them. I cut down two at the same time with the third roaring with such ferocity. Lar'ja gets to the Bad Blood before he could strike me down. Olgoth and T'uark got two others while Lex and Brackett fired more, blowing up their heads like watermelons. Royce and McKenna shot a few as well that tried to get back up. All the Bad Bloods were dead before a minute passed.

As soon as I got to the connector, I thought it would open so I intended to slam into it. But I grunted when it didn't budge. It was locked. I slammed into it again and Lar'ja joined me this time. Both of us were trying to open it.

"Rory!" I screamed. "Why isn't the door opening!?"

I didn't hear his voice from my communications but rather from behind the door."I'm sorry. I had to lock it down when some of the Killer Yautja got into the connector. Give me a moment."

Lar'ja and I backed off as soon as we heard the door creak and groan from the other side. My heart was pounding, making my body restless, and unable to stand still. The others were no less different but probably much better at hiding it than I.

Rory's voice calls out again. "I'm almost there."

"Hurry up."

I heard more creaking and sounds like something was unlocking. But then, I heard a thud that didn't sound right by me. Rory growls and slams his fist into the door, making me jump a little. "Shit! The Bad Bloods jammed the lock!"

Panic was starting to set in. "What do you mean?!"

"It's stuck!"

"Try and pry it open!" My voice cracked a little, hurting from the strain.

"Umm . . . guys. We have a big problem."

When I heard Brackett's voice, all of us looked behind. The blood drained from my face as I saw it was the Queen again. What's worse is that she wasn't alone. Many kainde amedha crawled over her and stood in front, hissing with rage. There had to be a dozen of them if not more hiding behind the Queen. The odds were against us and going downhill each moment.

T'uark growled. "He better get that door open soon or else we'll be someone's dinner."

All of us looked at each other, not sure of what else to do. We were backed into the corner with kainde amedha on our tails along with a disfigured Queen. For a split second, I thought I could hear my heartbeat inside my ears. That's how serious it was. Despite everything, the Yautjas pride themselves on fighting no matter what and it was no different now when Olgoth, T'uark, Lar'ja, Arkarb, and Yeyinde stood in a line with weapons drawn. Brackett and Lex stayed by me and Nei'hman-de's side while Royce and McKenna stood by each wall. My Yautjas allies growled in unison and the Queen reciprocated back with a hiss that shook the hall.

Any moment, one wrong move would spell a fight. But then, I heard clicking from the door behind and a whoosh of cold air flowing over my back. As soon as I turned, Rory was standing there with the Protector on but mask off.

"I got the door open! Get inside now!"

There it was. The spark that ignited everything.

The Queen and the kainde amedha charged like a black wave of death. We didn't waste any time, getting Nei'hman-de and Arkarb through first with Daugo. Brackett, Lex, and Rory shot multiple blasts at the creatures, killing a bunch at a time. It slowed the horde down a bit but it wasn't enough. They kept coming with the Queen barreling through like an angry rhino. This isn't' good! This isn't good! This isn't good!

Sensing the danger, Lar'ja grabs me by the waist and takes me to the door as quickly as possible. I didn't fight him as he got us through the door with Royce and McKenna following behind. Lar'ja and I stood by the opening, getting Lex and Brackett inside the connector. They had to deactivate the Protectors to get through, leaving us vulnerable. I screamed for everyone to get on the ship and they ran through the connector to the other side.

"Is that everyone!?"

I looked into the hall and realized that Olgoth and T'uark were still standing there. What the pauk are they doing?!

"Olgoth! T'uark! Hurry now before it's too late!"

Again, they didn't budge or make any attempts to move. Confusion ran through my brain, unable to understand their intentions. The next thing I knew, the door to the connector was starting to shut slowly.

Lar'ja roared. "What's going on!?"

I heard Rory's voice from my gauntlet. "I have to shut the door or else the creatures will get in! I have no choice or else they'll break the connector and you'll die!"

I was completely enraged but I understood what he meant. If the kainde amedha breached the connector, the space air would suffocate us in an instant to those with no masks. If that doesn't happen, the creatures could get to the ship and kill us all. We couldn't allow the latter to happen. The situation became urgent and I screamed again as the door was closing bit by bit.

"Come on! I order you to come!"

The horde was coming closer, too quickly. The door wouldn't shut in time. I still tried anyway out of desperation. I screamed again for them. Instead, both took their masks off. I couldn't read their expressions, whether they were happy or regretful. My mouth gaped open, wondering what they were trying to tell me.

Words from T'uark's mouth took care of that.

"I'm sorry, my Leader. But we cannot obey your orders this time."

I heard Lar'ja clicked furiously as if he shocked himself. I didn't pay much attention. I was too stunned to look or speak. I watched as each of them smiled.

"We'll keep them at bay for you to escape."

I shook my head in disbelief. The Yautja side of me thought they were brave in doing this but my ooman side was the opposite. I had already lost many that I cared about and there was no doubt they would die if they stayed behind. I tried opening my mouth but no words would come out.

Olgoth spoke, purring. "I'm sorry we weren't able to do much for you . . . or protect you when you needed us the most. But let us do this, my Leader. After everything you did for us . . ."

I knew what they were talking about. Our time together when we were barely achieving trophies to gain the status of Elite . . . I never forgot about them. My lips tightened as the memories flooded through me. The door was half closed and the kainde amedha was only a few feet away when T'uark sighed.

"You know we won't leave each other's side. And this is no different. Please honor our decision."

I swallowed hard, feeling a dry lump going down my throat. I wanted them to come with us but the looks on their faces told me they made up their minds. That is what makes them so unique. They would take up any challenge, regardless of everything else. They were honorable warriors and I would treat them as such. If they want to stay and fight, then let it be so.

I smiled as hard as I could before bowing my head with my arm crossed. To have one's Leader give such recognition was the greatest honor any follower would want. Olgoth and T'uark's eyes widened in surprise but then relaxed, bowing their heads back. Lar'ja joined in when they looked at him.

"Protect her."

Lar'ja smiled. "I will."

The twin brothers looked at me one last time before turning to the horde. They pulled their weapons out and roared no other . . . a true Yautja roar full of pride and strength. The door was inches from closing as the last thing I saw was Olgoth and T'uark charging to their fates.

And then . . . they were gone from sight.

The door clicks shut, securing in place. I stood there like a statue as I heard muffles, roars, and hisses from the other side. Lar'ja turned to me. "Anya . . . I . . ."

"It doesn't matter . . ." I didn't want to hear what he had to say. At least, not now. "Let's join up with the others."

I took off before Lar'ja could say anything else, following closely behind. We made it to the ship and shut the other end of the connector. I pressed on the panel to detach the ship from the Xy'lophion. We heard to the front deck of the ship where everyone else was waiting.

"Where's Olgoth and T'uark?" Rory asked, looking mighty guilty.

It was silent in the room with only the sound of our ship taking off and away from that horrible place. All I could do was sigh. "They're making sure the kainde amedha don't leave the ship."

I didn't have the heart to say anymore. I wasn't ready to discuss what I had heard and seen. I walked over to Xen'ork who was working on getting the ship out of there. "How much further before we are out of range from the blast?"

He turned to me but I stared off into space, getting a view of the Xy'lophion that was tearing itself apart from the damage. "We'll be out of range in a few seconds."

"Then set off the device." I looked at Rory, showing no expression.

His head dips to look down at the floor, nodding. He goes over to a small panel of the ship and enters a few codes. It emits a green light and Rory's hand hesitates to press it. I could feel his eyes on me but I refused to look back. It was hard enough to keep my emotions in check. I had to remain strong. My lips quivered as I nodded.

With that, Rory presses the panel and the lights turn off. We waited for a minute before a blue light wraps around the ship, enveloping it to the center. A second later . . . it was gone, sucked into the abyss, and leaving no trace behind.

It's done . . .

The ship . . . the Bad Bloods . . . the kainde amedha . . . Olgoth and T'uark . . . all gone. They disappeared like dust in the wind and footprints in the sand with no way to recover the remains. When it was all done, I sighed deeply. My emotion slowly emptying from my chest but leaving a scar behind, one that can't be healed so easily.

After a minute, I turned around. Everyone's eyes were on me, filled with worry and regret. It wasn't their fault that this happened. They and I knew the risks of this mission and we succeeded regardless, even though we lost two Elites in the process. I guess A'ni-de knew this would happen.

"Anya. I'm so sorry." Rory stepped up. "If I had known—"

"It's fine." I raised my hand to stop him. "What's done is done."

Rory opened his mouth but I glared at him. In an instant, he closes his mouth and lowers his gaze to the floor. I let out a deep breath, barely brushing Lar'ja's hand.

"Did you take care of Daugo?"

Yeyinde nodded. "My brother and Arkarb took him to the small healer's room to treat him. They'll give up frequent updates on him."

"Good. Then I'm going to head to my room. Let me know when we're close to arriving at the Udar system."

I took off before anyone else could ask questions. My steps were shaking but I kept up my normal pace. I needed to go somewhere where it was just me and nothing else existed. Lar'ja followed closely as we went through the hall, softly wrapping his arm over my shoulders.

"Let's get your wounds cleaned up at least."

He purred and it was welcomed. I leaned my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. His smell blocked off everything else. I only hope I'll be able to sleep tonight or the days afterward.

The heartaches were just beginning. I could feel it . . .

Hello Everyone!

Phew . . .

So much to explain but one that might be more than the others. Anya managed to get Daugo and Arkarb safely out of the ship but at the cost of Olgoth and T'uark's lives. They are true warriors and will never go down without a fight. It was a touching moment between them and Anya . . . but also bitter.

But more is to come and all of them have a long way before everything is done. The battle is won but the war has just leveled up.

What will happen when they reach the Udar system? Will Anya be prepared for more of the heartaches she believes will come? Who else will she lose in the name of defeating Hakr'ouh and the Killer Yautja?

Much more to come . . .

Find out when Chapter 28 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram. The Ripple of a Stone (Part 2) will be delayed for this week so I can figure things out. But I hope you enjoy the new chapters for Rise of the Yautja (new story) :)))

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Nightroad816, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 26. As Anya said, this is just the beginning.

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