Chapter 28: Support

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 didn't go out much for the rest of the trip to the Udar system, only checking if everyone was alright while waiting for news on Daugo's health. He'd been put into a machine that generally heals the worst of the wounds he'd received but the rest would have to be taken care of the old fashioned way . . . time.

For now, I made sure that Xen'ork was going in the right direction. He tried to make jokes and grumble for my persistence and impatience. But when I didn't say many words or react the way I used to, he lowered his head and answered.

The mood of the ship was reflecting what I was feeling. There wasn't much conversation even if I wasn't there. Royce appeared to show it the most. Before he always looked grumpy or staring at me with daggers but instead, his eyes showed nothing but remorse. Everyone, including the oomans and Yautjas alike, was the same. It only made it worse for me, still getting over losing two of my Elites who were like family to me. I retreated to my room when I had enough.

Lar'ja wasn't far behind. He stayed on my heels the entire time. It was not lost on him that I wasn't myself. His presence was a comfort though. He purred each time I became agitated with myself or holding me in his arms. It was the only time that I felt safe.

One day, I got the news that Daugo had been released from the machine and placed in an adjacent room next to the small healer's room. Rory called to let us know and I was the first to arrive. It was hard to see him for the first few minutes. The injuries I didn't see before were revealed. The missing mandibles to which I thought were cut off were torn off. Evidence of someone twisting the bone and breaking it at the same time. His chest wounds were fully healed so that was a good thing. However, I shivered at the burn scars. Seeing them was reminding me of what I went through. For a moment, I felt myself being to burn.

I stayed in the room with Daugo, waiting for him to wake up. A few days had passed and I felt that he wasn't going to wake up. I sat on the chair across the room, watching him.

Lar'ja came in with a plate of food in his hands from the meat reserves we saved. "Anya. I brought some food. You need to eat."

I didn't answer. I heard him sigh and place the plate on the table nearby. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "He'll wake up soon. If I know anything, Daugo is too stubborn to die like this. He survived this long and he's safe now."

"Is anyone safe?"

Lar'ja's mandibles clattered softly. I sighed, looking down at my fingers. "I couldn't even protect Olgoth and T'uark. They had to sacrifice themselves so we could escape. I was their Leader and it was my duty to protect them."

I looked up to Lar'ja. The face of shame was all over him.

"I failed them."

Our eyes kept staring at each other for a minute before I glanced back to Daugo. He took shallow breaths one in a while . . . like his lungs were filled with ash. I closed my eyes and placed my head on my hands. My hair acted as a curtain to shield me from the rest of the world.

But then, I shuddered in shock when Lar'ja pulled me out of the chair. I was about to protest when he sat down in my place, putting me on his lap. His arms cradled me against him. The heat of his body warmed my back like an oven. He and my mixed emotions stunned me.

His inner mouth rubbed my chin. "You didn't fail them. They chose to follow you and give themselves to your services. I know I sound like a 'shithead' as oomans say but they wouldn't have done that if they didn't believe you."

My eyes widened. The words he said made logical sense . . . in ooman and Yautja ways. His arms gripped me tighter to me while my own softened. Eventually, I leaned back to mold into him, closing my eyes and smelling his scent as he continued.

"What matters now is regrouping with the others and hopefully get the other clans to help us?"

"Will they?"

He paused. "I'm not sure. I wish I could say yes but given the recent events . . . Yautja Prime taken by Bad Bloods . . . and the Successors held hostage . . . I don't know."

His voice was shaky. He's just as nervous as I am. I guess I'm not the only one. I turned my head and pressed against his chest. My hand reaches for a single dreadlock that flopped over his shoulders. I rubbed it between my fingers softly, eliciting a deepened purr from him.

"We can only hope that. I don't want Olgoth's and T'uark's deaths to be in vain. Or anyone else's."

"We won't. And I'll be at your side . . . Always."

He pressed his face into the crook of my neck and inhaled deeply. The tusks from his mandibles grazed over my skin when they opened. I tightened my lips together to keep myself from sighing. It wasn't the time or place to be thinking of things.

Still, it was nice of him to do that for me. A thought came to me out of the blue and I couldn't help but smile. "Shithead, huh?" I felt Lar'ja's arms loosen. "Where did you learn that from?"

"Hearing McKenna and Rory going at each other. I swear they're going to have at it sooner or later. Reminds me of—"

"You and Daugo?"

He didn't say anything for a moment. His arms tightened around me again. "Yeah."

I wasn't surprised. From the stories I've been told and seeing some of the animosity between them, it didn't take a genius to put the pieces together. Still, we were back to it with different players this time. I knew very little about what happened between McKenna and Rory. But the point is that they should be telling each other their stories and not bystanders. But with their constant fighting, mostly from Rory's side, in my opinion, they need to have supervisors.

But then, the door to the room opened suddenly. I pulled away from Lar'ja and looked to see Rory coming in. Speak of the devil.

He stopped when he saw us. His cheeks began to blush. "I'm sorry . . . I thought that it was only you and . . ."

"It's okay, Rory." I got off of Lar'ja lap. He stood up with me as I spoke. "We were just talking. What's on your mind?"

Rory's mouth quivers but goes straight. "We're almost to the Udar system. We'll be there within a day or two so I wanted to let you know. And I updated Sa'iye about Daugo so she'll be ready when we arrive."

I sighed. "Thanks, Rory. I appreciate it very much."

I turned around and went to sit next to Daugo, being as quiet as usual. I heard Lar'ja grumble something, like a whisper to Rory in some way or another. In the next minute, Rory comes to my side while Lar'ja walks around to the other side of Daugo.

"About what happened to Olgoth and T'uark . . . I want you to know you have my condolences. I know they meant a lot to you."

I looked down in shame but heard Lar'ja grunt. His golden eyes sought mine and nudged his head to me. I tightened my lips and let out a sigh. "Thank you for that."

I turned to Rory, seeing him play with his fingers as if he was a child that wanted to say more. "If there's anything I can do for you . . ."

"How about not fighting with McKenna so often? I can hear you from all the way here."

Rory stiffened. It shouldn't have been a surprise that I would ask that. Ever since we returned to the ship and gave the news we've lost two of our group, Rory kept yelling at McKenna for what happened. The argument would escalate so that I could hear it from my room and then continue into where Daugo rested. I was tempted to go in there and teach Rory a lesson, seemingly that he's the first to instigate. But it would only escalate the matter further. Luckily, Brackett, Lex, and even Royce managed to keep them apart, going as far as working with Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde. They made sure to patrol and keep order while I was absent.

I watched as Rory's expression showed a mix of anger and maybe . . . regret. He closed his eyes tightly and turned to the side. "It's complicated."

"I've seen worse. This is nothing compared to what I've been through."

That's when Rory snapped, much to my surprise. But thinking back, he knew I was right but didn't want to believe it to be true. He stomped a foot towards me. "What makes you think you had it bad?!"

He didn't get far before Lar'ja got in between me and Rory, growling with such animosity. I didn't react one bit but I feared for Rory's life. Being his mate, he will protect me no matter who stood in his way of accomplishing it. But Lar'ja restrained himself and the growl was enough warning to get Rory to back off.

But then, the door opened once more as Yeyinde of all people came. "That's enough."

Without hesitating, he grabs Rory's arms and almost throws him out of the room. I heard Rory try to push back into the room but Yeyinde growls at him. By then, I heard stomping leaving the room. The tension disappeared with Rory and Lar'ja calmed down. But this left a bitter resentment that I wanted to avoid. I didn't blame Rory but was disappointed he reacted like that.

"My apologies, Ta'kasa. I should have given you the news, knowing what the ooman would try to do. He was determined to see you."

I sighed. "I know. It's not your fault. It's a personal matter between father and son."

Lar'ja moved back to my side, sitting on the adjacent chair.

Yeyinde nodded. His eyes seemingly looked past me to where Daugo laid. "He still hasn't awoken yet."

I shook my head.

Lar'ja grunted. "But that doesn't mean we should give up. There's still a chance Sa'iye can help him."

Yeyinde nodded but I could tell he was uncertain of the outcome. The damage to Daugo's body was severe and there's no guarantee that they haven't been inflicted on him for so long, not to mention what else we couldn't see. Stil, Yeyinde bowed his head.

"Of course. If you have faith in him, Ta'kasa, then let it be so. I'm certain with time that—"

All of a sudden, we heard a grunt coming from behind, sounding like it came from a Yautja. I checked to make certain it wasn't Lar'ja or Yeyinde. They were as frozen in shock as I was.

"Did you say something?" I glanced at Lar'ja.

"Nope."

I checked Yeyinde and he didn't have to say anything to know that he didn't either. The grunt was heard again and all of us looked back. To my relief and surprise, I watched as Daugo's body began to twitch. His fingers flexing and relaxing. And then, his eyes began to open.

My heart raced. "Daugo . . ."

I rushed to his side with Lar'ja following behind. I sat on the chair beside him and placed a hand on his. He twitched for a moment, turning his head to where I was. His eyes opened a little more, enough that he could barely see me at least.

"Anya . . ?" He sounded confused as if he didn't expect to see me. I smiled anyway.

"You're finally awake."

He groans, looking next to me where Lar'ja was. "Lar'ja?"

He nods. "I'm here, Father. We're both here."

"How is it . . ?"

But then, he looked past us and saw Yeyinde standing next to us. All of a sudden, Daugo growled. It was weak but the intentions were clear. He tried to lift his body from the table but failed miserably. He yelped in pain and slammed back down on the table. I pressed my hands on his chest, trying to keep him still.

"It's alright, Daugo. Please take it easy."

"Who is he?"

I should have expected this. Being out of it for so long and waking up to someone he didn't know, he would react like that. But he wasn't at his full strength and I fear he might have pushed himself too hard. I waited until he settled down before bringing up Yeyinde.

"He's a friend from the Ma'tu Clan who came to help us. This is Yeyinde."

Yeyinde bowed his head. "It's an honor to meet the Leader of the Dark Blade Clan. You have a strong spirit."

As a Leader, it was required to show his appreciation. His arm trembled as he crossed it over his chest. "It's an honor."

Yeyinde purred softly. He steps back and heads for the door. "I'll give you some privacy. I will inform the others about the Clan Leader's awakening."

I smiled. "Thank you."

He nodded once more before he disappeared, closing the door behind him. It left me and Lar'ja alone with Daugo. I scooted the chair closer, checking visually for his injuries. "How are you feeling?"

He grunted. "Sores and aches but nothing new." He glanced down. "I can see that some of my injuries are healed."

"We hooked you to a machine that took care of the critical ones. The rest will have to be taken care of by Sa'iye when we arrive at the Udar system."

"Udar system?"

I rubbed the bridge between my eyes. It was going to be a headache to explain everything to him but he needed to know. I began when I crash-landed on Earth a few months ago, skipping a few details that we're relevant to tell for now. I talked about CHPS and the ooman soldiers, Rory, and everyone else. Then the attack on us by Hakr'ouh to which he growled for a second along with how my Elites came to help us. I ended it when we decided to gather all the clans still willing to fight and then to our plan to get Arkarb and Daugo out of the Xy'lophion. It still stung to let him know that I lost Olgoth and T'uark. After I was done, I waited as Daugo took in everything I said.

"A lot . . . has happened while I was gone."

"Yes . . . A lot."

"I'm sorry about Olgoth and T'uark . . . but they died as honorable warriors."

"I know . . ."

Daugo turned to Lar'ja. "How did you escape?"

Lar'ja sighed. "It wasn't easy. Xen'ork and I had to do some crazy things to get out of my imprisonment. What matters is that all of us are here and alive." He stopped, seeing my reaction for a moment. His mandibles clicked uncertainty as he continued. "Well . . . not all of us."

Daugo grunted. "I know . . ." His two mandibles moved together. It was weird to see him with only one side having them. I glanced at his other scars, especially the burned marks.

"What did they do to you?"

It was a question I didn't want to ask but my curiosity would go away. I saw the hesitation in Daugo's eyes. I glared for a second but faded into worry. Please tell me, Daugo. Please . . .

After a few seconds, he relented. "Hakr'ouh had me a prisoner for a while. Torture . . . starvation . . . among other things. He wanted me alive . . . for his enjoyment of inflicting pain. And to make me feel . . . what you felt before."

He hesitated at the last part. My eyes wandered to the burn marks all over his body. "So he did that to you . . . the same way it was done to me?"

He didn't answer . . . or rather he didn't need to. The look of despair in his eyes was enough to confirm. For an instant, I felt my own began to burn as if they were still fresh. I always thought that no one would have to go through the things I've been. But even the Yautja aren't safe . . . that I should have known better. I felt my heart weigh heavily in my chest.

I bit my lip and it wasn't lost on Daugo. I knew he was watching me. "If I had known you were alive before . . . " I closed my eyes tightly. "I should have gotten to you sooner."

I lowered my head in shame. The more things were happening, the harder it was becoming. Many have died who had faith in me . . . who believed I would protect them. There were so many times that I felt I could do it. But it was starting to collapse like an old building that has rotted away for so long. I'm useless. My word doesn't mean a thing.

But then, a hand softly placed itself on my own that I had in my lap. I looked to see it was Daugo reaching for me. He purred gently and I never thought I missed it so much. His golden eyes looked into me, reaching into my soul.

"You did everything you could for all of us. I know you're trying to hold everyone's burden by yourself. But you're not alone now."

As he said that, Lar'ja had come over and stood behind me. He pressed a hand on my shoulder and purred as well. He didn't say anything throughout that time but I knew he was trying to give us a moment, not wanting to disturb. His presence along with Daugo's was enough for me. I sighed softly and it helped to relax my tightened chest. I could feel a buildup of tears coming from the corner of my eyes.

Daugo lets go, much to my protest, but then he opens his arms as if inviting me in.

"Come here."

I didn't hesitate. I moved carefully on the table he was lying on, not bothered by how cold and hard it was. I laid my body next to his, nudging close until I was laying on his side. I lowered my head softly and avoided the deep scars on his chest. The memory of how he got them still hurt me. His arm went underneath and wrapped around my waist. He grunted but when I tried to move away, he tightened his grip. I relented and laid down with him. Lar'ja sighed before walking to the chair on the other side. He sat down, watching us. He probably was uneasy, given that a male was right next to me. It didn't matter if it was his father. I could see his muscles tense but he laid back. I smiled a little, reassuring him. He nodded softly.

I closed my eyes and took a whiff of Daugo. The smell of spring rain was still there but mixed with a bit of dirt, not sure where it came from.

Daugo leans his chin on my head. "You're strong. Regardless of the decision, the other clans make when we get there, you have our support."

I sighed. Daugo meant well and I appreciated the words but they were insignificant. No matter what is said, I need support from the other clans. I have lost too much and too many people that are important to me to stop now. It didn't matter what had to be done . . . I will fight to retake my home from Hakr'ouh and the Killer Yautja that follow him.

As I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, an energy started to grow inside me. I didn't know what it was exactly but there was no doubt it's what I need to keep going.

The next challenge was coming. And I needed to prepare . . . for anything. And I will prevail . . . no matter what.

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for how short this chapter is. I've been getting a writing style that is working for me so these next chapters might be short but I never know since I lose myself in word counts, putting more than I planned lol. I hope that is alright with everyone. Let me know if you have any issues.

The good news is that Daugo is alive and safe but Anya is still feeling the effects of losing people she cared about, not to mention he's getting more stress from Rory being an asshole. I swear he's going to get a serious talk with his father. And I think Anya will have to put her foot down on this. For now, at least her friends are controlling the situation.

But the next challenge is yet to come. When they arrive in the Udar system, will she be able to get all the clans to join her?

One thing's for sure . . . it won't be easy.

Find out when Chapter 29 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, HuntressQueen22, and Guest for the reviews on Chapter 27. Your opinions matter to me. And I hope I hear from more readers.

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