Chapter 37: Invasion (Part 3)

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

Everyone on the ship braced as the ship broke through the atmosphere of the planet. It was with good luck that the Mothership was equipped with special metal and shield, unlike the others. It served to not only shield the ship from the rising temperature entering the planet but also anyone outside. That we can hold on without turning into piles of shit and ashes. Still, we had to deal with the shaking that followed, almost knocking me and Lar'ja off. Not wanting another falling accident like before, I stuck my swords into the hull of the ship next to us. I jiggled it enough that it wasn't going to come out and then I held tightly to Lar'ja.

For a few painstaking moments, our mask vision became obscured from the clouds going in so we were blind to any attack, even the ones right on our tails as I could hear the Bad Blood's ships behind us.

"Hold on tight! We're almost there!"

Xen'ork's words were reassuring since the communications weren't off. A small solace in the darkness of battle but not doing well if we can't see anything! The red clouds seemed to not dissipate. It seemed like they were getting thicker as we fell into the planet. The sounds of winds deafened everything around us so I couldn't see or hear if anything was coming.

But of course, we would get it abruptly . . . and painfully.

In a second, a bright blue blast shot right at us in a split second but it was different to me. Like it was shot from another weapon. I didn't have time to think about it when it hit the side of the ship, shaking it violently. I gasped as another one hit the other side and again, we had to brace the aftershock of it all. I could hear McKenna and Za'hir struggling as well. Pauking Hell, Xen'ork! We better be close!

Sure enough, we broke through the clouds at last and found ourselves seeing the planet below us for the first time in so long. The image I saw seemed unreal . . . It pained me to the deepest core of my heart.

Yautja Prime looked nothing more than a wasteland of death. The once, great land full of life and technology, was now littered with dead, burned bodies of Yautja put into large piles. The ground itself had darkened in color, made it appear as if death had claimed it too. Metal debris and wires buried into the ground and I could tell that they had been there for a long while . . . about the time I escaped six months ago. The land split and cracked open, exposing the lava flow underneath. As if things couldn't get any worse, I looked further and saw the state of the beautiful city I once revered. Many of the buildings were destroyed with some barely standing with the top part in shambles. Wires and metal panels hung like bone ornaments and parts were sheared off by burns or a fire. The craters on the ground were old but familiar. I realized that they were remnants of the surprise attack on Yautja Prime. I tightened my fists as I recalled that terrible time.

The desecration of my brothers and sisters who fought to keep Yautja Prime at that time made my blood boil. The foul smell of death crept into my mask, almost making me want to barf. And I don't want that to happen.

"What have they done?"

Coming from Za'hir, it stuck hard in him, more so with Lar'ja and perhaps everyone else. He was the calm one out of all of us . . . and the most honorable. To see such treatment . . . I could feel his growl reverberate in my body and even into Lar'ja. His body tensed beside me, almost hurting me. Damn you, Hakr'ouh.

"Shit! Hold on!"

McKenna pointed at a blue blast that was coming straight for us. I bit my lip and quickly contacted Xen'ork. "Attack in front!"

"I see it!"

The ship dipped to one side, narrowly missing the blast by a few inches in my opinion. Another blast came again from the side and our ship weaved out of the way once more. But in doing so, one of our pod ships flying close to us got the hit, blowing up into a million pieces and leaving nothing behind but a ball of fire. My mask scanned for where the attacks were coming from. With the barrier out, our communications and technology could work now. Sure enough, my screen beeps and outlines something on the horizon. A high, metal wall stood strong around the city, reminding me a lot of a barricade used to put up defenses. From the construction, it appeared to be well made but some parts of it were exposed as if progress halted there. But my concern was for the Bad Blood lining the top and I noticed there were long guns, almost like cannons, each being controlled by a pair of Bad Bloods. Tanks of blue plasma sat connected behind.

Is that—

I saw one activate and a blue plasma blast shot right at us. The ship dodged again but another one came swiftly as the first. When we got a bit of breath for a moment, I slammed my fist down. "Those bastards actually stole my plans!"

Lar'ja tilted his head. "What plans?"

"The ones I made to protect Yautja Prime from the Bad Bloods before all of this. I can't believe they would use them!"

"But isn't it a good thing? You know how they work."

McKenna does have a point.

I bit my lip. "Yeah, but it won't make things easier to get them. Those guns are heavy duty so we need to take them out."

"They barricaded the city." Lar'ja spoke through the chaos. "Why would they do that?"

"It could be that they're protecting the city from the invasion. Look at the building."

Za'hir pointed towards the middle of it and I followed, realizing that the only one that seemed to have the least damage was the former Council of Ancients. Some part of me expected this, considering that they wanted to start their reign of terror at the very place the Code of Honor was born.

But it might be where the Successors and Hakr'ouh are hiding out. Coward.

But then the communications started up again, much to my annoyance and frustration but it was valuable. Without losing my cool, I switched the volume higher to get a clear sound.

"My Lord Ta'kasa! We're losing too many of our forces! The gunfire is too intense!"

The concern in Nei'hman-de's voice was alarming and quite understanding. I knew full well that this was a possibility, considering that I'm very familiar with the new weaponry . . . of all things. My eyes scanned the battlefield and I made my decision.

"Command all pod ships to land a few meters away from the wall and head towards the wall. Any Motherships still able to fly will come with me. The rest will land as well."

"Understood!"

"Brackett! Dutch! Royce! Lord Ca'sea and A'ni-de! Flank the wall on each side and take out the guns! Aim for the plasma tanks on the back!"

"You got it!"

I glanced at McKenna, Za'hir, and Lar'ja before contacting our ship. "Xen'ork! I need you to head straight for the wall!"

"Are you pauking nuts!? Despite having a bigger ship, a few more shots and we'll—"

"I didn't ask for your opinion, asshole! Head for it at the same pace as the others or—"

The ship was shot once again but this time in the rear. All of us looked behind and realized that the Bad Bloods that attacked us in space before was on our tail. Great! Just what we need!

"Nevermind, Xen'ork! Let's take out these ships first!"

"You don't have to ask twice!"

In an instant, the ship makes a sharp turn around, heading straight for two Bad Blood ships that were firing at us. I was surprised that we didn't get shot at our vital points but that's what you get for putting amateur warriors on the guns.

"We need to split up and take them out as quickly as possible. Za'hir and McKenna . . . you take the one on the right. Lar'ja and I will deal with the other. Do you have your wormhole devices?"

We exchanged nods and I watched everyone check their gauntlets. Arkarb's last gift to us that could prove effective in battle and yet could be dangerous. Inside each one was a wormhole device, much like the ones on the ships but smaller to accommodate the difference. But it's still quite powerful and can be deadly since we didn't have the time to test it. But in war . . . we had no choice.

"Are we good to go?"

Everyone nodded. "Then let's go!"

We split into two as we ran to the edge of the ship, seeing the Bad Bloods that were shooting at us. I reached for my gauntlet and pressed on a button that opened the device out. It was a small ring that emitted light around the rim to show it was activated. Let's hope it works.

I closed my eyes and made a silent prayer. With one more click, the wormhole shot through a few feet in the open air. A circle opened up and I could see the other side, being on top of the Bad Blood's ship. I nodded to Lar'ja one more time as he smiled.

Here we go!

I ran as fast as I could, leaping through the wormhole. To my luck, surprise and relief, I made it on top of the Bad Blood's ship with ease. I can't believe it fucking worked! Lar'ja came through as well and I was genuinely happy. Seeing my face, I could see him smirking through the mask. Keep it up.

"They're on the ship! Kill them!"

I turned around and saw a few Bad Blood with their kainde amedha pets on leashes. They snapped, trying to reach for us. They would get their wish as their masters released the chains. The black creatures came at us, jumping towards us with hatred in their eyes.

I smirked. Time for you to die.

I killed the first one with a jab of my wrist blades and then got the other one with my swords just in time to unsheathe it. Their bodies fall to the ground and their acidic blood burns anything it touches. A Bad Blood comes roaring at me with his spear swiping across. With a swift kick, I managed to push it out of the way but the Bad Blood tried to do it again . . . and more clumsy this time. From my experience, he was a Young Blood that was still learning how to fight. Sad . . .

My swords cut deep across his belly, spilling his intestines like hanging drapes. There was no choice I had. He'd fallen to the ways of the Bad Blood and the Code of Honor dictates to slaughter any who disobeyed them . . . regardless of their rank or deed. Lar'ja dispatches the other, grabbing him in a chokehold and stabbing him in the chest with wrist blades before snapping his neck. I could help but feel pride in my mate, watching him fight like an honorable warrior.

More kainde amedha and Bad Bloods came charging at us, this time shooting their plasma cannons. We didn't have time to meddle with them. I activated my drones and they flew around like pesky bugs to my enemies. The kainde amedha were distracted while the Bad Bloods, realizing what was going on, tried to get them as well. They took out a few but they weren't prepared for my attack as the small plasma shots fired, obliterating them into nothing but ash and piles of bones.

"Come on! We need to take the heat vents out!"

Lar'ja and I ran towards the back of the ship where the heat vents were located but met with kainde amedha this time. Like beasts, they charged but coordinated their attacks to hit us from our flanks. Lar'ja weaved through and cut several of them with one slash of his blades. I took out a few of my own, cutting a head off while gutting the other. Their bodies littered the ship while some fell to the ground far below us. Hope the Bad Bloods are down there. A bit of surprise awaits them.

Speaking of the ground, I could see many of our ships have landed and are making their way across to the wall. They were met with several groups of Bad Bloods and their pets. I could hear gunfire and screams of oomans mixed with the roars of Yautja. I couldn't see my friends but I prayed they were safe. I barely saw the other Bad Blood ship with McKenna and Za'hir but I was more comfortable with them being alright. Especially with Za'hir.

Finally, we reached the heat vents. I reached for my pouch and scrambled for what I needed. "Cover me, Lar'ja!"

He grunted, turning around to watch for Bad Bloods while I did my work. I finally pulled out what I needed, which was a bomb made with several grenades by Rory to give up the firepower we needed in case things get rough. You don't say . . .? I managed what I could and stuck it on the side of the vents with adhesive glue of some sort. I didn't ask questions and used them anyway. When I was sure they were on, I pressed the code to activate the countdown but left the last one alone.

"It's ready to go."

"Good." Lar'ja grunted. "Let's get the pauk out of here."

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

With the approval, I pressed the button and the ooman numbers began the countdown. With only a few minutes to get off, we had to get off now, or else we'll end up becoming a scrap of meat. I got to my feet and brushed off the dust before running with Lar'ja towards the edge of the ship. We activated our wormholes once more and waited as it warmed up.

"We need to join the others on the ground. I'll inform Xen'ork to land and—"

Out of nowhere, a Bad Blood slammed into my side, sending both of us off the ship. I heard Lar'ja roar for me but I caught a glimpse of him grappling with another Bad Blood. I didn't have time to worry as the Bad Blood grabbed my neck and squeezed, cutting off my oxygen. Through the pain of my lungs fighting for air, I clawed at his face and managed to get my wrist blades out and knock his mask off. He didn't like it at all and roared with his mandibles reaching for me.

Ugly motherfucker!

My vision began to fade and I knew it was bad. I have to end this! I used my last resort and reached for my belt, pulling out a little friend that I borrowed from Rory. It was a small revolver that he told me to keep in case I needed it. I never imagined that he would be right. With a click of the trigger, the bullet entered the Bad Blood's abdomen. I didn't stop there and shot several more. The anger in me wanted him dead, By the time it was empty, the Bad Blood was coughing up its blood. I was about to kick him off when the ship above exploded in a ball of fire, sending me flying across the sky and away from the dead Bad Blood. I felt my skin burn from the air alone but I came out unscathed.

But now I had a bigger problem. I was falling as well and it was a long way down by the looks of it . . . and I was going down fast. It was certain I was going to get killed. I can't let that happen. For me or my unborn pup.

Although one of our ships could pick me up, I couldn't completely depend on them. Not that I didn't trust them but trying to save me right now would be a death sentence with Bad Bloods and kainde amedha flying around. My only hope was the wormhole device that was still active. Using it would save me but then again, with no prior testing, things might be different since I was in the air. What choice do I have?

Without hesitation, I pressed it on and a wormhole shot through towards the ground a few feet above. It opened just in time and I went through it, sending me a few feet higher than where I was. The good thing about this is that I felt my body slow down as I went through the wormhole. I didn't understand the logic of time and space but it worked in my favor. Still, I landed hard on my stomach. I grunted in pain but I ignored it as I turned myself on my back, feeling my stomach with my hand.

My pup . . . My heart ached with concern. Are you alright? It seemed silly but that's all I could think of. An unknown instinct told me that my unborn pup was safe and well. I smiled, almost letting out tears in the heart of war.

Wait . . . Where's Lar'ja?

I scrambled to my feet and searched around the open field of corpses and debris. I changed the mask's visuals as fast as I could, hoping to catch anything. But when I didn't, I went for my communications.

"Lar'ja! Lar'ja! Answer me!"

His connection was static, barely able to hear anything. Pauk!

But the moment was cut short when I felt blasts around me, followed by roars. "There she is! Kill her!"

I saw a dozen Bad Blood heading my way. There wasn't much to shield me in the open field of battle except for large metal debris half-buried into the ground. I rolled behind it, avoiding more shots with one nicking my shoulder. My armor saved me from most of it but the shoulder piece was bent and half of it was gone. More blast shot at my shield, surprising me that it hasn't blown to smithereens yet.

During breaks, I looked out to see the Bad Bloods coming closer. A dozen or so . . . maybe? This isn't good.

"Come on out, Hybrid! You got nowhere to run or hide! Come out and die like the scum you are!"

I bit my lip in rage. I'll say the same thing when I'm through with you.

I pulled my swords out and looked at my reflection through the blades. I can see the fire and determination in my blue eyes. Somehow, I could see my friends, Yautja and ooman like, behind me in the reflection. They were smiling so I felt that they believed in me.

I believe in myself. I will survive.

With renewed strength and taking a big breath, I came out from behind my makeshift with my swords in each hand. The Bad Bloods pointed their shoulder cannons and spears right at me, eager to make a move if I did. The leading Yautja chuckled underneath his mask. "So you came out of your rathole? Where are your allies?"

"I don't need them to finish all of you off." I hissed under my mask. I decided to transform, feeling my body grow, extend, and contract. I wished that I didn't have my mask on. My mandibles pushed against it so it hurt when they scraped against it. My unfound strength returned and now I was looking down on them.

Despite their words, many of the Bad Bloods cowered in my presence. It's natural when facing a female Yautja that was loaded and armed. I chuckled at them. "Sorry. What did you say?"

If it wasn't for the leading Bad Blood growling at them to stop, their party would have disintegrated and I would have the advantage. The Leader swiped his hand and growled. "It doesn't matter what form you take. You will fall and we will win this war once and for all."

"So kill me then."

I watched the Bad Blood shake his head. "As much as I want to, our orders are to bring you to Lord Hakr'ouh at the Council's building so he can deal with you himself."

The Council's building? Then he and the Successors must be there.

"Either you come quietly or we break all your limbs so we can drag you there."

I clicked my mandibles and thrashed my head to let out a deep growl. My dreadlocks flowed around my face. "Over my dead body."

"Then we'll take pleasure in doing so."

With that, the Bad Bloods began to move towards me, still wary of what I was going to do. My mind raced to come up with options of how to fight. Surrender was not an option. I've spent seasons learning to fight until the bitter end and I plan on doing so. When they were only a few feet away, I gripped my swords tighter and itched to slay the first one that dared to come close. I smelled the fear on them. Good.

But the next thing I knew, a plasma blast shot right in the middle of the party. I jumped back in shock. What the pauk?

Those who were in the dead center disintegrated into nothing. In my opinion, I'd rather be that than the Bad Blood who didn't get the direct hit but still got hurt. One Bad Blood was unfortunate to get half of his body burned badly, missing chunks of his flesh that revealed his abdomen cavity. Another had the skin of its back looked like it was peeled off. They would have suffered longer if it weren't for more blasts hitting them again and again.

I was baffled. Where did that come from?

"Saved your ass once again."

I groaned at the sound of Xen'ork's voice. You finally showed up. The wind picked up from above me and I looked up to see the Mothership coming down. To my surprise and astonishment, Lar'ja, McKenna, and Za'hir stood on the top as the ship lowered to the ground. Lar'ja was the first to jump off and rush towards me. He hugged me as I changed back to ooman form, careful of where my swords were here.

"Anya. Are you alright? Are you both okay?"

I giggled, knowing he was referring to our pup inside me. "We're fine."

He purred into my hair but pulled away as Za'hir and McKenna came towards me. I was grateful that they made it out in one piece. "Damn, Anya. You almost gave us a heart attack."

"Sorry." I bowed my head. "My apologies for that."

McKenna seemed puzzled, pulling back his head as if I slapped him without my provocation. The others were nonchalant about it, used to my change in behavior. I smiled and turned to Za'hir. "Did you take out the other ship?"

He nodded. "We did but we lost Lord Ku'roda in the process of doing so. He got too close to the ship, trying to defend his clan. Jin'sakai has taken over command and is heading towards the wall."

I tightened my lips to show my frustration but silently, I was somewhat relieved that he was gone and that Jin'sakai had taken his place. He's more honorable than himself in my personal opinion.

"At least you're here and well. Any news from Sa'iye or Rory?"

I expected Za'hir to keep tabs on them, even during the brutal fight. Even though he doesn't show it, he worries deeply for Sa'iye and his unborn pup as well. He seemed relaxed so I assumed it was good news, expecting he would tell me bluntly. Instead, he nodded towards my back. "You should ask them yourself."

I tilted my head in confusion but turned around and saw nothing but smoke and dust. But then, I could see shadows coming and then finally saw Sa'iye emerging from it with a dead Bad Blood over her shoulders with his head hanging by the spine. Rory and Arkarb soon joined and my heart leaped in joy that they made it to us.

"Rory. Sa'iye. Arkarb." I spoke silently with a smile. I saw that their armor was covered in blood and a few scratches. They got banged up too but I should have expected it.

But then, more shadows emerged as I saw more of our allies coming through. Behind us, the ramp to the Mothership was lowered, and out came Xen'ork, Daugo, and many of our Yautja and ooman allies. Before I knew it, our army came together and formed a massive line facing the wall. Only at this time did I finally realize that everyone was here. Dutch, Nei'hman-de, Yeyinde, Royce, Izzy, Lex, and many others had come. Even in the darkest of war, I felt so strong at this moment, knowing my friends were with me.

"You all came . . ."

"Of course." Rory crossed his arms. "Why wouldn't we be?"

I chuckled. "True. I'm glad you all made it."

Everyone gave out a cheer and it lifted my spirits but I couldn't waste another moment and got into gear of finding out what's going on. "Who's in charge of the ships still in the sky?"

Nei'hman-de answered. "Lord Ca'sea and her sister clans are distracting the Bad Bloods for the moment. But the cannons are proving too powerful to get a clean shot."

I bit my lip, hummed as I faced towards the large wall that stood higher than anything I've seen before. Many of the Bad Bloods on the wall were trying to shoot down our ships while hundreds or more, along with a dozen kainde amedha were assembling in a line, ready to attack us when they prepared. We're not going to give them that chance.

"Alright. Here's our new plan then. The main priority is to get through that wall. I've discovered that Hakr'ouh and the Successors are being held in the Council's building."

"So that's why they built the wall?" Royce asked.

"That's right. It's formidable but it has cracks in its defenses. We need a massive bomb to take it out. I'll need Dutch and you to make one."

"We'll do what we can." Dutch grumbles, cocking his M18 gun and grenade launcher in response. Okay, Big Guy. We get it.

I turned around to face my army, seeing the scared look in the ooman soldiers while the Yautja warriors from various clans were eager to fight. I couldn't blame them. Some were wounded badly with missing limbs or eyes, blood flowing out of them. They were scared . . . but won't be after. I'll give them the strength they need.

I glanced at Lar'ja on my right and Daugo on my left with Rory standing by. They nodded with approval and I smiled, knowing what needs to be done. I stepped out to face them, plunging my sword into the ground.

"My fellow warriors!" I had to yell for me to be heard. "You had made this far in the battle. And for that, I'm eternally grateful!" The dim looks of the ooman soldiers wavered, almost seeing a spark back into them, which to me was good news.

"On the other side of the battlefield, our enemy waits for us. They seek to destroy us once and for all, eager to finish every last one of them. But we will not give them the satisfaction."

I raised my chest. "We will show them our fury and rage as they have stained our home with their filth, using our greatest prey as their toys to be used. Their eagerness to destroy us will be their downfall."

With the cheers of the ooman soldiers and the roars of the Yautja warriors, while they raised their weapons, I turned around and pulled my sword out, facing the Bad Blood awaiting us on the other side. The silence between us felt like it was about to break. And it will.

I looked on each side of me and far down the line of my army. Everyone was standing with me, prepared to fight until death comes for us. Seeing their faces and knowing they were by my side filled me with renewed strength that I needed so much.

Everyone is here . . . everyone is with me. I glanced at Lar'ja as he nudged my head softly on my head. Daugo patted my shoulders while Rory nodded with a smile. I closed my eyes for a moment, moving a hand on my lower stomach and thinking of my past when I thought of a different future . . . that I would have no one.

Not anymore . . . I'm not alone . . .

I opened my eyes and felt them burn with rage and determination. Not anymore.

With that, I raised my swords and pointed them straight at the Bad Bloods. Our enemies were on the other side and I hoped that they were ready . . . because this is our time.

I screamed as loud as I could, giving everything I had in this final moment. "For honor!"

They scream and roars mixed and resounded throughout the planet itself as we charged towards our destiny and into the jaws of death itself. I was ready and everyone else as well.

The end was finally beginning.

Hello Everyone!

My apologies for the delay in this chapter but I had debated on how to structure this chapter and eventually became the third part of the invasion. Lots of blood and gore and yet the battle is far from over.

But it had finally come! Anya and her allies have all assembled after the long and hard invasion and now are charging in like true warriors of honor! I could see this image so well in my mind but I had to crunch down the details to make the chapter flow. I hope you still like it.

But now . . . it's time to give the Bad Bloods another lesson in war and slaughter. Will they make it past the wall and get to Hakr'ouh in time?

One thing's for sure . . . the Killer Yautja still has a lot of hidden cards to play. Mwahahaha!

Find out what happens when Chapter 38 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

STILL MORE BLOOD AND GORE TO COME!

Thank you to Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Mariah, Nightroad816, Turniptree, Leopup6ta, Guest, and IanAlphaAxel for the reviews on Chapter 36. 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