Chapter 40: Aerial Fight

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

The wind blew all around me as the dragon rode us into the sky. I was used to flying on ships but this was an entirely new experience and not in a good way. I could see the entire ground of Yautja Prime, even actually seeing the fighting still ensuing. I barely could see if my friends were doing okay but noticed many looking up to the action above. You worry about them right now? Talk about yourself!

I held on as tightly as I could, as much as Lar'ja. He grunted each time the wind picked up. But his concern was on me, using one of his hands to keep me close to our 'ride' as I would say. The dragon flew higher and higher until it became exhausted in my opinion. It came to a glide but I can see how far high it went, worrying me of what other things are capable of.

But the pause gave us a break. The wind calmed down and we were able to crawl close enough to it's back to crouch on our feet. Still, we were out of the woods yet. The xenodragon kept flying towards the aerial battle that was not too far where our allies and the remaining Bad Bloods were still fighting in ships. I didn't understand why it was going that way. Hakr'ouh could easily go the opposite way and away from danger. So why?

"Lar'ja. We have to stop him."

He nodded. That is all I need.

We started to crawl on the dragon's back and toward Hakr'ouh where he sat at the junction of its neck like he was the king or something. He straightened his back and smirked like he was proud of himself. It boiled the rage that was already brewing inside of me. Don't worry, Anya. He'll regret it soon.

Lar'ja and I were just a few feet away and I reached for my swords when Hakr'ouh suddenly turned his head around. The shock on his face upon the realization that we were still on his tail. I happily remember his eyes widened for the very first time I met him. Fear was inside him and I was keen on exploiting it.

But of course, Hakr'ouh already had a plan on his mind.

He turned around and pulled something on the side of the dragon's neck. I wasn't quite sure what it was since he blocked my view but as soon as he moved, the dragon hissed and began to turn on its side. We have to brace ourselves on the dragon once more. Its hide was so thick that I had to ram my swords as hard as I could. The dragon turned on its other side to see if it fair better to get us off. When it didn't work, the dragon shook its head with a hiss and went to a glide once more.

Lar'ja and I got to our feet with Hakr'ouh in our sights. This is our chance. As soon as our joyride calmed down, we charged at Hakr'ouh with blinding speed. Lar'ja was the first to strike, bringing down his wrist blades. Hakr'ouh dodged at the last minute and sparks flew on the dragon's scales. He swiped his blades but I blocked them with my sword and thrust the other right at his chest. It missed but I got a small scratch on his arm. He growls, not liking it much.

Good.

He tried to swipe back with his claws and nicked my mask when I reacted too soon to pull back. Lar'ja roared in response and tackled him on his back. The two males struggled against each other, clawing and clashing their blades together. I waited for a moment until I got my window of opportunity. It came when Hakr'ouh grabbed Lar'ja's neck and squeezed but Lar'ja pulled back, forcing him to move his upper body forward. I seized the moment and pinned his neck down. Hakr'ouh growled and tried to free his hands but Lar'ja grabs them. Now he was trapped and I had my sword pointed at his throat.

"It's over, Hakr'ouh. Ready to die?"

I smiled down before him but his reaction caught me off guard. Instead of shock or fear as I expected, he smirked. "It's not over yet, Hybrid."

What does he mean?

As soon as I open my mouth, he tilts his chin to his shoulder. I was a tad too late that I saw a small communicator hidden in the collar around his neck. I panicked and tried to reach it but he starts talking. "Shoot them down!"

My mask beeps in alarm and flashes on my right side. A Bad Blood ship comes to our side as I realized we were flying through the aerial fight between the sides. The ship suddenly aimed for us, revving its guns to the max and fired.

"Pauk!"

Lar'ja and I had to let go of Hakr'ouh as one shot almost hit us. The aftershock of the blast almost toppled us over the side of the xenodragon. Lar'ja managed to grab hold of a scale and grabbed my hand before I fell off. However, my body slams on the dragon's tough hide, and my hip got the worst of it. I hissed, bearing the pain as we kept flying. The dragon shrieked in pain. The blast left a small patch of itself seething in heat. It left a little mark but the beast trembled for a moment.

He's crazy! He's pauking crazy! He'd risk killing himself and his pet if it meant we die!?

Another blast hits too close for comfort, burning the side of the beast where I was hanging from. The heat alone was unbearable. But just as I thought that was over for a moment, a second blast, stronger than the first one, was enough for Lar'ja's grip to loosen. The next thing I knew, I was falling from the sky.

"Anya!"

He reached for me but it was futile. I was already a few feet closer to the ground and going fast. I have to think of something fast or I'm as good as roadkill!

I scanned for anything I could use. The only thing that might help is the underside of the xenodragon. Unlike its strong hide, it appeared soft and fair. But I would have second-guessed normally if my swords were able to embed into it without much effort. But in my current situation, I reacted instinctively. I threw my sword at the center of its belly and it cuts through like butter to my surprise. The dragon threw its head in a shriek that it screeched my ears and everyone else's. My chain snaps tightly and now I was hanging on for dear life as we flew right in the middle of the fight.

The wind blew from every direction, from blasts of the ship and the dragon moving around to avoid a collision. I had the ride of my life as I held on the chain. Lar'ja watched from above, helpless to do anything. I wasn't sure what Hakr'ouh was doing but he must be laughing at my predicament.

I need to get up there.

My brain got into focus and an idea came to me. It was risky but I had to give faith that I could get out of this. I glanced at Lar'ja and screamed as loud as I could. "Lar'ja! Catch!"

In an instant, I threw my other sword towards his side and held on the chain as it shortened. Lar'ja, by some miracle or talent, grabs the hilt of the sword with one hand. "Now!"

With one thrust up, Lar'ja jerks the chain upward. I pulled out the sword in the dragon's belly right as I was yanked high into the air and over the dragon. I caught sight of Hakr'ouh controlling the beast with little worry. Your mistake. I threw my sword at him and got him on the shoulder. He roared as I used all of the force I had and pushed my body right at him, sword ready to deliver the fatal blow.

But the Bad Blood ship was still around and shot a blast that exploded prematurely in the sky. I was sent flying to the side and missed Hakr'ouh by inches but got a roundhouse kick to his temple. He grabs my ankle though and swings me around until I smashed into the neck of the beast. The xenodragon was too happy about that and tried to swing its head around to bite. Its jaws almost nicked my head off.

"Having fun, Ta'kasa? You haven't seen anything yet!"

Hakr'ouh forces the dragon to dip to the ground. The force of the wind almost made me lose my grip but not as bad as seeing we were about to hit the ground. It gave the Bad Blood ship a good angle to get an aim on me. I widened my eyes, seeing the guns point at me and warming up. There was no doubt that Hakr'ouh was crazy and he would do anything to kill me. With Lar'ja having difficulty climbing to the back, I was on my own. Fuck this . . .

All of a sudden, another blast comes shooting at the ship and one of its engines blows up into a fireball. I avoiding shards of metal and Hakr'ouh was forced to pull the dragon back up.

What was that!?

"My Lord!" I heard the communications turn on and Lord Ca'sea's voice could be heard. "What's going on!?"

She sounds very surprised. I wonder why . . .

"Lord Ca'sea! I need you to take care of the ship! We can't take any more hits from it!"

"We'll take care of it but what about the flying abomination!?"

"It doesn't matter! We'll get Hakr'ouh and you take care of the ship! That's an order!"

There was a second pause. "Yes, my Lord! Lord Raith! Take the right side!"

"You got it!"

Out of nowhere, two Motherships rose from the bottom, surrounding the damaged Bad Blood ship. I could see Hakr'ouh's expression turn from happy to shock. It was a sign that he was being put into a corner. I relished those moments with glee.

"You think you have the upper hand?" He growled. "Think again."

The Bad Blood ship suddenly dipped below the xenodragon, which was a strange maneuver to make. But then, the xenodragon let out a hiss and I turned my head around to see it opening its mouth towards one of the ships. A weird thought ran into my head. It's a dragon . . . but it can't breathe fire, could it? I mean . . . that would be ridi—

I stopped as the dragon released a stream of green fire from its mouth. The flames were so powerful that it managed to stretch right towards one of our ships.

"Pauk!"

Lord Ca'sea managed to tilt the ship and miss the flames but now, the fight has gone to a whole new level. So it can breathe fire? I should have known.

The Bad Blood ship continued to hit us from anywhere it could, probably by Hakr'ouh's insane order but our ships kept most of the attacks at bay, forcing them to move into another place. But the xenodragon kept breathing fire on them. It was a standstill.

I needed to get out of this predicament of being stuck on the neck for the dragon and get Hakr'ouh before many more lives are lost. Despite the dangerous situation, I stood up and slashed my swords to each side. "Any more surprises do you have? I'm just getting warmed up!"

Hakr'ouh hissed. "I see that I have to take care of you myself!"

I didn't bother to wait for him to pull a weapon. I ran across the dragon's neck and slammed my swords on his wrist blades as he pulled them out. Sparks flew between as we exchanged blows after blows, managing to keep our stance while everything around us moved and fought. I was too focused on my current situation.

Finally, my sword stabbed into his abdomen and a gush of green blood splattered on my hands. Hakr'ouh roared in pain as I kicked him forward. He fell on his back and I pinned him down once more. The anger in his face was so pure joy to me. I smirked as I trailed the top of my blade up to his throat. "Give up now. Stop these childish games."

Hakr'ouh didn't say or show anything. Assuming that he had nothing up his sleeve, I raised my sword and aimed between his eyes. Once I make this cut, everything will be over. All this pain and suffering . . . it'll all be over.

But in a flash of a moment, things can turn into unexpected outcomes.

It was too fast for me to see but I saw a flash of light and then felt pain in my upper abdomen. My eyes widened as I looked down and saw a bullet wound oozing green neon blood. I felt my whole world crumble and touched the blood to make sure it was real.

What . . ?

It was then that I saw Hakr'ouh holding an ooman pistol that he'd hidden. I barely register the smile on his face, the look of glee in his eyes.

"You think I didn't use ooman weapons? You underestimate me."

He kicked me off before I could come out of my shock. I fell hard and cried out when my wound became agitated. But my concern jumped not to my well-being but the life that was carrying inside me. My pup!

I hear the click of the gun, looking up to see Hakr'ouh pointing it right at me, standing over in triumph as he won. I gritted my teeth. You bastard.

"I can see your wounds aren't healing. Too bad that you're pregnant. But it won't spare you."

Time slowed down as his finger pulled the trigger slowly. He was going to end my life and make sure of that. I was prepared to face death but I wasn't ready to do so. I was going to fight for myself and my pup. And many others who put their faith in me. I closed my eyes for a split second.

"Anya!"

I heard Lar'ja's voice and I opened my eyes to see him jump on Hakr'ouh, plunging his wrist blades into his shoulder. The two males growled and roared as each other, being pulled back further away from me. I struggled to get up, holding my stomach as I watched Lar'ja fight with such rage. I could understand it well. His lifemate was hurt and he was one that no male should ever mess with his mate. And Hakr'ouh was no exception.

But we were still in danger, the xenodragon began to fly towards the sky and the Bad Blood ship was still eyeing to fire with our forces keeping up. But I worried that we were heading into space at a rapid pace. If the beast manages to get there, we'll be far out of reach for help. I couldn't let that happen.

With as much strength I could muster, I got to my feet while ignoring the pain and walked towards the neck of the dragon. I saw metal bars like handles embedded into the dragon, reminding of steering wheels. Is that how Hakr'ouh was able to drive this thing? I didn't bother to confirm and could only hope that my makeshift plan would work.

With Lar'ja and Hakr'ouh fighting, I made it to the metal bars and grabbed them. The dragon made a screeching sound and stopped its ascent. I pulled on the right one and the beast began to turn to the right until I relaxed. I did the same for the other side. I was right.

I turned on my communications once more. "Lord Ca'sea. Are you there?"

It was static at first. "Still shooting the Bad Blood ship. Is something wrong?"

"Forget the ship. I need you to shoot the xenodragon."

"Are you insane, my Lord?!" I could hear her mandibles clicking furiously. "With you still on it!?"

"I don't have much time!" I made my voice angrier than it was. "We need to stop this beast before it escapes into space. Listen. Its underside is vulnerable and a blast will kill it for sure. I'll maneuver it so we'll be protected. Just follow my command!"

I wanted as Lord Ca'sea contemplated but I wasn't going to wait for her to answer. "Do as I say!"

"Yes, my Lord!"

I turned off my communications and held on the metal bars as hard as I could. I planned to bring the dragon up so that it would fly straight up in front of Lord Ca'sea's ship and she would be able to take the shot. True that I wasn't sure if we would be okay but I wasn't going to let Hakr'ouh escape. When I saw Lar'ja struggling to keep up with Hakr'ouh's attacks, I made my decision.

With that, I pulled the metal bars up and the dragon began to turn towards the sky, heading straight up. Hakr'ouh sensed right away what I was doing and I could see the panic in his eyes . . . as well as Lar'ja's. I watched as he kicked Lar'ja away from him, enough that he fell off the dragon.

"Lar'ja!"

I could only watch as my love and lifemate fell through the sky. I didn't want to see him die upon impact but I couldn't look away. My heart pounded as I could hear his roar calling for me. Was this all worth it? For me? And my unborn pup?

But at that second, I believed that the gods or whoever was up there was watching over me. Lord Raith's ship flew underneath and helped Lar'ja land as softly as possible. He did hit the haul of the ship hard but he was alright as I watched him get on his feet. The ship flew away from us and he was nothing more than a dot far away.

"Anya!" He called from the communications. "Are you alright!? Say something?"

"I'm doing fine. I have to stop this thing."

"How?"

I paused. I knew that if I told him, he would argue back with everything he got. But it was the only thing I could do. This war won't end unless one of us is dead. If he escaped, Hakr'ouh would return with a greater army. I have to do this.

"Lar'ja?" I spoke softly. My breath quivered. "Trust me. As your lifemate, trust what I'm about to do. I will survive this."

He didn't answer but I knew what he wanted to say or what he was feeling. I smiled, looking up to the sky and gazing at the stars that seemed peaceful. A place that was unfazed by the chaos below. Mother . . . guys . . . everyone.

I spoke one last time. "I love you."

"An—"

I shut the communications and pulled harder on the metal bars. The dragon screeches and goes higher. I held on tightly as we flew towards the heavens.

"Don't you dare touch that!"

He starts climbing up the dragon's back towards me. I had only one shot to do this and I wasn't going to back down. This is my only chance!

I watched as Lord Ca'sea's ship turned and came directly towards us. Her guns aimed and began to reload. The blue light emitting from the barrels. Hakr'ouh quickened his pace and pulled the ooman gun right at me when he realized he wasn't going to make it. He roared and shot once more but missed.

"Do it now!"

With that, it triggered a chain of events that brought destruction and chaos.

The blue blasts flew across space and hit the dragon's belly. Hakr'ouh and I were almost thrown off for the force of the impact. The xenodragon let out a screech of unimaginable pain and suffering. It was close to a death rattle than anything else. Its belly was completely exposed and massive amounts of guts and blood rained down below. I should have known that it had acidic blood like its original design so I heard the roars and cries of those who are unfortunate enough to be on the way. I prayed that my friends were safe.

The xenodragon thrashed its head and started to plummet towards the ground at an angle, going far away from the city and the battlefield. Everything was going so fast that I couldn't register my surroundings except for Hakr'ouh who kept coming after me. He grabbed my shoulder armor and tripped them off when he attempted to cut his claws into me. I retaliated with a swing of my sword but he knocked them out of my hands and they were gone from my sight. The dragon kept plummeting towards the planet as we struggled against each other, torching the ground one last time. But it wasn't long before I felt the crushing impact as we finally hit the ground. Soon, my vision went black.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I groaned as I felt control returning to my body. Everything felt hot around me. I blinked my eyes as my vision returned, obscured for a second by a blinding light.

I work up to realize that I was lying on the ground. My mask broke by my side . . . parts of my armor were cracked . . . and I was surrounded by large flames but oddly with rubble around. Did we hit a cliff or something? I groaned again as I lifted my upper half until I twisted to sit. The stinging pain in my abdomen alerted me. I scrambled to see that the bullet wound had stopped bleeding, much to my relief that I didn't get further damage. I rubbed my lower stomach gently.

My pup is okay. But where am I?

With the obstruction in the way, I couldn't see exactly where I was so I slowly got to my feet and walked toward a small opening. My muscles ached as I stepped out into the open.

I was confused at first. There was a round open area in front of me, surrounded by a circle of rock that was strangely crafted that way purposely. I walked to the center and when I got a clearer picture of my surroundings, I realized that it reminded me of something.

A stadium?

It looked very old and rotted away in some parts. This seems old . . . centuries if not more. I took a look around and saw part of it was recently shattered where I was. Dried acidic blood decorated the outside and my eyes followed it until I finally noticed the xenodragon lying nearby. Its abdominal cavity was completely open so it was certain that it was dead.

So we did crash here. But where is here? We were still on Yautja Prime but this is a part that I never recognized before.

"So you're still alive?"

Ignoring the pain, I turned to see Hakr'ouh limping on one leg towards me. His body was littered with bleeding cuts and bruises. Parts of his dreadlocks were missing. He looked worse than me but he was smirking. The pain was dulled by the renewed anger in my chest.

"Clever plan to kill my possession but stupid as well. But it worked out I guess since you brought us to this place I wanted you to see."

I tightened my eyebrows. "Wanted me to see?"

He nodded. "You may not know this but this is a sacred place, hidden by those who swore to protect its secrets."

What is he jabbering about?

"This . . ." He raises his arms and does a circle. "This is the place where our kind was free from our enslavers . . . where the great first Hunter slaughtered his master and delivered us to become the greatest hunters in the entire universe!"

I thought he went off the edge, talking about legends and stuff in the middle of a war. But some sort of me seemed like he was telling the truth. I stayed silent as he kept continuing.

"It must have been glorious . . . to kill your enemies before you like gods. He was a god. All he wanted was to make us strong and be feared by the rest of the species in the universe. And he did so well." He sighed deeply and raised his head to look up into the sky.

"That still doesn't explain why you wanted to bring me here?" I asked.

Hakr'ouh went silent and lowered his arms. I only saw his back so I couldn't see his expression at the time.

"It's simple, my dear." Slowly, he turned around and smiled evilly. It sent chills down my spine. "This is where I'll end everything. The way it should have been done thousands of years ago."

He started to growl. "Kaail should have ended it here. He shouldn't have created that Code of Honor. He shouldn't have fallen in love with an ooman!"

My eyes widened. Fell in love? With an ooman?

"We should have been completely freed . . . but it was that bitch's fault. If they have never met, then we would have been . . !"

He stopped his ranting. I was getting a bit worried that he was losing his mind and the worst enemy is one that is unhinged from reality. I heard nothing from him for a few seconds until he began to laugh historically. Now he's lost his mind.

After a minute, he went quiet and slowly turns around. His evil smile has turned into a smirk . . . a twisted in that send goosebumps on my arms. I held a deep breath, slowly exhaling as Hakr'ouh spoke.

"It's only appropriate that we end everything here . . . where it all began. Our ancestors . . . our troubled past will be erased here once and for all. Kaail will be no more as I wipe the slate clean from our species. I will make up great again as we should have been!"

In an instant, Hakr'ouh transformed into his monstrous form with the red stripes and red eyes, turning into a giant of a Yautja. I stepped back, moving into a fighting stance in case he would attack. He twisted his neck and I could hear his bones cracking. His smirk never leaves him as he raises his wrist blades, extending them from their shell.

"I will destroy the past and wipe the oomans, the traitorous Yautja . . . And I'll let you watch them die until it is your turn. I will destroy you and that abomination growing inside you."

I flinched at the last remark but kept my glare on him, reaching towards my belly and rubbing it. We will see . . . My hand moves towards my belt, touching the handle of the sickle weapon I brought with me, feeling it was appropriate. Kaail's weapon . . . I pulled my hand towards my neck and reached to see my necklace. My Yautja name was written boldly in the center.

Ta'kasa . . . Balance . . .

My strength was renewed and I stood proudly, making eye contact with Hakr'ouh. I let my body fuse and reform, feeling my spine extend and my muscle grows in thickness. My mandibles protruded and extended to their fullest length and I let out a small roar. Hakr'ouh smirks as I raise my hands out. My wrist blades emerged from their prison, waiting to cut through flesh and blood. The urge to do so grew immensely.

I spoke calmly and strongly. "Yes, Hakr'ouh. Let us end this. Once and for all."

End the suffering . . . End the senseless death . . . We must end it here.

We stood tall, facing each other. Our fingers and bodies itching to begin the final battle . . . One that will decide our futures.

The end of everything . . .

Hello Everyone!

Sorry if this chapter seems a little jumpy but there was so much I wanted to add, including the last part where they land in a very special place that ties with Rise of the Yautja. I thought it would be appropriate to tie the ending of this story to the beginning like Hakr'ouh suggested. Speaking of which, I think he's losing his mind, realizing that he's being forced into a corner so we are seeing his true nature behind his calm demeanor we have seen before. The truth comes out with its ugly head.

But now, it is time for the final battle of all those who came before! It is time to decide the future of everyone! The oomans! The Yautja! Herself and her family!

Who will triumph?!

Find out what happens when Chapter 41 is posted next week (Friday or Saturday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.

THE FINAL BATTLE IS UPON US! LET'S DO THIS SHIT!

Thank you to Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Mariah, Guest, and IanAlphaAxel for the reviews on Chapter 39. 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