Chapter 42: Sorrow and Joy

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

For that split second I raised the sickle, I blinked my eyes for a second, and everything vanished. The next thing I knew, everything around me was white. I stood up with the sickle weapon still in my hand. It feels real . . . so where is this place? Where's Hakr'ouh?

My eyes widened and my heart pounded. Rory! I turned around and just decided to run anywhere in the hopes of getting out of here. The panic inside me grew with such intensity.

"Anya . . ."

I stopped in my tracks. I turned around to see how it was but there was nothing. I could have sworn . . . that voice . . . Is that?

"It's good to see you again, Anya."

Finally, as I turned to my side, I caught sight of someone standing there. My first thought was that it was a Yautja but a closer inspection revealed that the person was smaller in size. An ooman? The figure came closer and I remained wary. My hand instinctively went for a weapon on my belt or wrist blades but they were nowhere to be found. I was on my own with only my hands as weapons.

"Who is it? Show yourself!"

I demanded, raising my voice. The person didn't even flinch or retaliate. Instead, they raised their hands as if to welcome me. "I missed you, sweetheart."

I froze as soon as I finally got a full look at the person. I remembered the same brown hair with grey strands. The blue eyes, similar to mine, staring back with such love in them. My body froze for a few seconds. "Mother . . ."

She was standing there as if she hadn't been dead in so long. She smiled with a brilliance that it embarrassed the stars in the night. I couldn't believe she was right in front of me but my emotions got the best of me. Regardless if she was real or not, I raced to her and hugged her without hesitation.

I held my tears as I felt her warmth surround me. "Mother!"

"There, there. I'm here, Anya."

She patted my head and I enjoyed the moment we had. I fought away the tears as she petted my head. Her fingers splitting into my dreadlocks. I pulled away after a few moments, trying to catch my breath.

"How . . . are you here? I was fighting and then . . . I popped out hereafter—"

I paused. "Rory! I have to go and help him!"

"Easy, Anya."

My mother grabbed my arm, surprisingly pulling me back with a strength I didn't know she had. Although I tugged away, I didn't want to hurt her. But her soft voice stunned me for a moment. "I have to get to Rory! He's hurt!"

"Shhh." She pressed her fingers on my lips. "We have time. Calm yourself, my sweetheart. You don't want to hurt the pup you're carrying."

My eyes widened. How did she know?

I watched my mother as she cupped my belly in her hands. She looks down with such joy that it flowed into my body. The worry I felt earlier was dulled a little. I still feared for Rory but my mother wouldn't act so calm if she didn't know such things.

She smiled. "I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother. And you've grown so strong and beautiful."

I couldn't help but smile in embarrassment. "Thank you for that. But . . . how are you here now? I don't understand."

"We've waited for the right moment to come. We didn't want to miss seeing you again."

"We?"

She made it sound like she wasn't the only one. And I was right. I heard several footsteps coming from behind and off to the side. Confirmed by my mother's gaze looking past me, I followed them and my breath was caught in my throat. Much to my surprise, more people came forth. Although it had been a very long time since I last saw them, it felt as if it was yesterday I last saw them. Leading the charge was the irritating black man who always flirted with me. I'll never forget that.

"What's up, beautiful?"

Nebraska comes striding with confidence, looking up and down my body. As much as I was happy and shocked to see him again, I huffed in annoyance when he smooched in my direction. I swear he never gives up. But that washes over when I saw Lynch, Coyle, Nettles, and Baxley following close behind. They made their weird welcomes as usual. Is this a dream?

"Hi . . . again . . . Anya," Nettles spoke with his hesitant voice. "It's . . . good to see you . . . again."

"Look like you've been through a lot." Coyle leaned on Baxley's shoulder to which he shook it off. "Better than all of us combined."

Seeing them together was unbelievable but also I was full of joy. I haven't seen them in such a long time, especially together. I tightened my lips together, keeping the emotions I had kept in for so long from exploding. "How . . . are you all here?"

"Well, not all of us. Still waiting a few more to come."

"More?"

Nebraska pointed his finger past my mother and towards the side. I heard clicking long before I saw who was coming. To my surprise, it was Elder Datho along with the former Council of Ancients. I was a bit wary of Elder Yi'stbah but I was stunned that he was smiling at me. Am I dreaming? I rubbed my eyes to make sure. Everyone was still around me. My mother smiled, even giggled at my reaction. I can't blame her.

"Elder Datho . . ."

I bowed in respect almost immediately. It was instinct for me after seasons of learning the Yautja culture. And knowing they were murdered due to my carelessness, I felt ashamed.

"My Lords. Forgive me." I didn't know why else to say that would ease the tension in my chest. I kept my head low, waiting for their response.

"Arise, Ta'kasa. There's no need for you to apologize now."

I stood to my feet, keeping my attention on Lord Datho. Like the others, he appeared as if he wasn't killed by Hakr'ouh. They smiled . . . even Lord Yi'stbah. I raised an eyebrow at him. The last time we saw each other, he hated my guts and I framed him for being a Bad Blood. What is he scheming?

"There's nothing to fear, Ta'kasa. I have no hatred for you anymore."

"How do I know it's true?"

"Trust him, My Lord."

Passing by Yi'stbah, I could see Olgoth and T'uark strolling around and I froze in surprise. Everyone is here . . . How is this possible?

"My Lord." Both bowed their heads in respect for their Leader. "I'm glad you're still alive."

"Am I?" I raised my hands. "Everyone that has died is here. Am I dead as well? What the pauk is going on?"

I started to panic like a deer staring at headlights. A minute ago, I was fighting Hakr'ouh. Now . . . I'm surrounded by the dead. I should be happy but I'm freaking out.

"Calm down, Anya."

My mother pressed her hand on my shoulder and I froze immediately. Everyone else did the same and before I knew it, my friends and loved ones were surrounding me. The immediate warmth and calmness it provided had the panic flicker away like candlelight. Everyone smiled and I would think this is weird. But instinct allowed me to welcome it with open arms.

"I know this is scary, Anya. But this is the only time we could talk with you. And upon the request for someone to finally meet you officially."

A clicking of mandibles was heard but it was neither my Yautja friends. It was deeper and more . . . menacing but not as a threat. I followed where the sound was and noticed a tall Yautja was coming. But he was different. His skin was completely white like an albino with dreadlocks that stopped in the middle of his back. His armor was completely different than what I expected. It was like he was encased in some rib cage with more covering his limbs. I thought it could be kainde amedha but it was too light to be that. A Ki'var? Something like that?

"So this is the ooman I've been hearing about?"

The male Yautja's demeanor reminded me of a Leader, even close to what an Elder would be. His chest was popping forward and his shoulders were stretched to the side as if standing taller than he was. Wary of him, despite my friends surrounding me, I tensed. I was ready to pick a fight if he instigated . . . or yield to him. I bet on the first.

"Easy, my love."

It was a different voice, softer and . . . ooman-like. I saw a hand come behind and land on the male's shoulder. It was long before a female ooman walked around him. The tension dissipated, replaced with curiosity. She had long brown hair that drapes her shoulders. Her hazel eyes were beautiful, making me think they were brighter than my blue ones. "Who are you?"

I think I might have said it more harshly than the male tolerated. He growled with his back hunched as a pair of red eyes glared in my direction. I don't know what happened but something inside told me to lower in submission. When I saw even the Elders lower their heads followed by everyone else, I followed without hesitation.

"Don't scare her, Kaail. We don't want to freak her out."

Kaail?

The albino male softened under her touch on his chest. I could have sworn that I could hear a faint purr. His mandibles folded on themselves and everyone relaxed immediately. The female ooman dropped her hand and smiled almost in embarrassment. "Forgive him, Anya. He's a little protective of me."

"Did you just say Kaail?"

I had to do a double-take on what I heard. This is Kaail? The first Hunter that I've been hearing about from practically everyone? I didn't know what to think about this male. He did have a dominating demeanor to him but my mind was missing a piece of the puzzle. He died centuries ago . . . I must be dreaming.

Kaail sighed. "You're right. My apologies." To my surprise, he bows his head.

Who is this guy? Really?

The female shook her head. "Sorry. We only have this one time to meet you. We've been watching you for a long time."

"Did you say his name is Kaail?"

The male grumbled. "You heard right."

"So that means you're . . ."

Both nodded their heads. "Correct."

I blinked my eyes. I couldn't believe the first Hunter . . . the Alpha Predator . . . was here and speaking to me as if this was normal. But I turned to his companion next to him. I don't have any idea why she was here. "Then who are you?"

The ooman female chuckled. "My bad manners. My name is A'stea. It's nice to meet you, Anya."

"How do you know my name?"

"We've been watching you . . . a very long time. We waited for this moment to finally talk with you."

The male named Kaail moved to stand by the female named A'stea. In a shocking moment, Kaail leaned his head on hers and began to purr. Almost reminds me of . . . Knowing that I was watching, Kaail pulled away but gave a small caress to her hand. Who is she to him?

I grumbled. "So what did you want to talk about with me?"

Everyone looked around at each other and then back to Kaail. He clicks his mandibles and straightens. "I know you are angry with Hakr'ouh and I understand the pain you're going through. But we all came here to tell you something."

I had enough of the dodging. If they have something to say, then say it.

"What?"

Kaail lowered his gaze and I backed down. Easy there, Anya.

"Spare Hakr'ouh's life."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. To think that I would hear those words out of the First Hunter's mouth. Again, the anger took control of my actions. I pulled away from my friend's hold and took a stomp forward. Everything went eerily silent, more so that even before.

"How can I!? He killed all of you for his selfish ideals for the Yautja world! I had suffered under his wrath and my allies are dying because of him! My mother . . ."

I couldn't bear to see her. I knew what she would show in her expression. I kept my eyes on Kaail and A'stea. I had to tell them everything that I felt. The right choice is to kill him before he could do unto others. "That is the proper way of ending things. The way of the Yautja! Why would you ask me to—"

"I don't want you to make the same mistakes as us."

I stopped, frozen. I barely took a step when I saw the despair in his eyes. Even A'stea had lowered her gaze and it wasn't long before everyone else did. What did they know that I don't?

"What do you mean by that?" I turned to the side. "Mother?"

She swallowed. Her smile was gone. "It's exactly as he said."

"I . . . don't understand."

Kaail grumbled. "I was like you when I fought for the same reasons. I wanted to free our people from those who tried to bind us in chains. But it came at a great cost that I still regret to this day."

I watched as he reached for A'stea's hand, entwining his. "I don't want you to follow the same path . . . You still have a choice to change the repeated cycle. If not for yourself, then at least for your loved ones . . . and your unborn pup."

I pressed a hand instinctively to my stomach. "But how?" My heart strained for a moment.

"How can you expect that of me? After everything . . ." I tried my best to keep my dark emotions under control. In all honesty, I wanted to rip Hakr'ouh to shreds. But also, there is some wisdom in Kaail's words so I had no choice but to listen. But that was proving difficult than expected.

I tensed when he placed a hand on my shoulder. It was firm but not crushing. He shook it gently back and forth, a casual greeting that Yautjas use sometimes. A'stea pressed her hand on my other shoulder in the same way. The next thing I knew, my friends surrounded me in a circle. The Loonies . . . my mother . . . the Council . . . my Elites . . . They placed their hands on me and each other, branching until we were one. Everyone smiled and the warmth they brought cleared my mind. My mother nodded to me and I could hear her voice. Listen . . .

I looked back at Kaail as he smiled. It wasn't long before the light from our surroundings suddenly brightened, swallowing my friends as it crept closer. For some reason, I knew my time was running out. The last time I'll see them . . . until the end.

One by one, they disappeared from my view with smiles on their faces. Nebraska smirking . . . Olgoth and T'uark . . . Lord Datho and the Council nodding their heads in approval. They have their goodbyes differently. You guys . . .

I turned to the last of our bunch. Kaail and A'stea smiled in unison. As they faded into the light, I heard him speak one last time.

"There are more important things to protect than revenge. Follow your heart . . ."

He paused.

"You'll do the right thing . . ."

In a second, they were gone . . . and so was I.

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

You'll do the right thing . . .

I let time pass me by for a few seconds as I brought the sickle down on Hakr'ouh. But in that split moment, I opened my eyes and everything changed.

The sound of a blade smacking on stone snapped in my ears. Hakr'ouh had his eyes closed in relaxation as if he was prepared for the inevitable. But his wish won't be granted. The sickle hits the ground right beside his face, scarfing the ground underneath. Hakr'ouh opened his eyes, looking up to me in confusion. He turned his head just enough to see that I missed.

"You missed." He smirked. He knew that I did it deliberately. "Why would you spare me? Kill me like the warrior you are."

The temptation was great, even for myself as a Yautja warrior. But I had made my decision about what was best for everyone. I gripped his throat and Hakr'ouh could do nothing but growl weakly. His body is unable to resist or fight back. I lowered my face and let his labored breath blow in my face.

"I have bigger plans for you. A better punishment fitting for your crimes."

I rammed the back of his head hard and he goes unconscious. I stood over him before I left, heading towards Rory lying a few feet away.

"Rory!"

I picked up his upper torso and laid it across my lap, deactivating the Protector to see his face and wound. He hissed in utter agony and his coughing sounded hoarse, filled with liquid . . . and for good reason. His chest was pooling blood at an alarming rate, so much that I barely saw the deep gash across his heart. This isn't good!

"Stay with me, Rory! I'll save you!"

Remembering a lesson from long ago, I pressed my hands on top of his chest, ignoring his cries. I put as much pressure as I can without breaking anything. His warm blood covering my hands in deep crimson. He coughed again and a spray of blood hits my face. I have to stop the bleeding. Somehow . . . I have to! Until help arrives!

"You . . . think you've won?"

I was so distraught and focused on saving Rory that I didn't realize Hakr'ouh was on his feet, staggering towards me. By the time I sensed his presence, he was above me with a knife in his hand. "You bitch! Either kill me or I'll kill you!"

I stood there as the knife came plunging on us. It would be too easy for me to dodge but I was stuck with a difficult choice. If I did, there's a huge chance that Rory will be stabbed. Plus, I couldn't leave his side with my hands on his chest. If I don't, it was sure that I could be killed. But I already made my decision before it even began. I curled myself over Rory, making sure to shield him from Hakr'ouh. Once he finishes his attack, I was going to make sure I stay alive to finish him off. But things took a different turn.

I couldn't see with my back turned but I heard Hakr'ouh grunt and then I saw him from my side view being knocked to the ground. The knife spirals out of his hand and Hakr'ouh didn't have a chance before I saw who attacked him.

Lar'ja.

"Stay down or you're dead."

My mate hissed in warning. Hakr'ouh raised his hands to attack but paused when red dots marked his body. By the time he realized it, my comrades had surrounded him. Brackett, Daugo, and Xen'ork had followed us here. With their weapons on him and his body weakened, Hakr'ouh had no choice but to surrender. Still, he couldn't help but his anger.

"Stay down if you know what's good for you," Daugo growled in a warning and Hakr'ouh went silent. Knowing that he was being taken care of, Lar'ja runs to my side.

"Anya! Are you alright?"

I smelled the spring rain and his arms wrapping over my shoulder, touching my wounds. As much as I wanted to spring in his arms, I grunted. "I'm fine but Rory isn't."

It didn't take long for Lar'ja to see what I was talking about. Rory was growing silent by the minute. Despite my attempts, his blood kept running through my fingers. Lar'ja acts quickly and presses on top of my hands to stop it. But like a sinking boat, we could only delay the inevitable.

"Brackett!" I called for the one person who could help. "Brackett! Come quickly!"

She runs without hesitation, sliding to her knees on the other side. Deactivating her Protector, her instinct as a scientist and doctor kicks in. She assesses Rory's injury, not minding getting blood in her hands. I prayed that she could do something to save him or at least get him out of danger. I could feel his life slipping through my fingers. With a growl of frustration from Lar'ja, it fueled my fears.

After a tense moment, I saw her begin to lower her head. "His injury is far too great. I can't fix this with what I have."

"What about Sa'iye? She'll know what to do and—"

"She's too far away to reach us in time. And everyone else is fighting as we speak."

My chest became heavy. Rory coughs and crimson blood covers us. I tried to keep myself together but my fear consumed me. I became desperate.

"Don't you have a healing gel?" I asked Brackett. I remembered she had carried a few before we left for Yautja Prime. "It might give us time to—"

"It won't fix this. His heart is shredded into pieces. I'll need to do surgery to fix it and he doesn't have much time. I'm sorry, Anya."

I shook my head. This can't be happening. I can't lose another person I love. I can't let him die. Rory coughed once more and he began to gasp for breath. His eyes rolled into the back of his head. No, no, no!

My gaze wandered to a small wound on my arm, dripping with green neon blood. My blood. I didn't think but reacted, holding out my arm. I barely got my blades out to cut when Lar'ja grabbed my wrist. "What the pauk are you doing!?"

I ripped my arm away. "It's the only chance to save him! I'm not going to let him die!"

"Yeah, Lar'ja. Her blood can heal anything. It might save him. So why are you stopping her?"

Lar'ja opened his mouth to answer Brackett but I dug my nails into his forearm, not enough to break the skin but leave a sharp pain. A warning, if you will. His golden eyes squinted. I knew he was going to say something about my unborn pup and the effect it had on my blood but I wasn't ready to tell them. If he did, it would mean a death sentence. But I couldn't blame him for being worried. I placed my hand gently on his, staring into him and seeing his soul.

It's alright, Lar'ja. I have to do this.

He paused and then nodded his head. A purr rang that only I could hear. With approval, I placed the blades on my wrist, moving my gauntlet inches forward to expose skin. "Be ready, Brackett."

"Of course."

Without hesitation, I brought the blades quickly across my skin. The sting of the cold metal dug into me, followed by the warmth of my blood. I moved as fast as I could and let the blood drip onto Rory's chest. When there was enough in there, I covered my wound and the pressure of waiting began.

A minute passed . . . and then another minute came and went. But nothing happened. I started to get sorry as with the rest surrounding Rory. I could feel his heart slowing down, almost inaudible. Brackett checked it over and saw no progress. "What's going on? Anya . . . I thought you said your blood can heal."

"Give it a minute."

I snapped quickly at Brackett and she learned quickly not to antagonize me any further. If her time on Earth serves her well, then she knows to stay out of my way. I kept my eyes on Rory. He was unconscious and he only has minutes to live. I didn't want to see my friends' faces. I know what they will show. There's no use. He's gone.

I wasn't much for praying but I clamped my hands together and started. Please don't let him die. I beg whoever is watching us. My mother . . . Council . . . Loonies . . . My Elites . . .

My hand reached to rub my lower stomach and I closed my eyes.

My precious pup . . . Please let me have this choice . . . Just once.

Please . . .

I heard a soft voice calling. We hear you.

"Look! It's working!"

My eyes shot open and to my amazement and great relief, the wound began to close. His heart slowly regenerated itself. After a few minutes, his chest was almost closed when the effects stopped. It would leave a bad scar and he still needed treatment but he was alive. I held myself back from screaming my joy. Lar'ja wrapped his arm around my shoulders and smiled softly. You did it.

"Urg . . ."

Rory slowly opened his eyes with a groan. He searched in a weak attempt until he saw me. He grunted softly with a smirk on his lips. "You saved me again. How much debt do I owe you?"

I shook my head. Tears threatened to form at the corner of my eyes. "Shut up. At least you're still alive."

"Be grateful for that. If you didn't, she would kill all of us."

Rory chuckled at Lar'ja's remark but grunted sharply when he tried to get up. "Take it slowly, Rory. You're still not fully healed."

Brackett raises him so that he was laying on her lap. She got to work on cleaning him up with cloths and stuff. My job was done and I stood up, watching intently as she helped him. His Protector was damaged greatly and it would take a lot of work to fix it.

"Are you alright?" Lar'ja reached for my wrist and checked the cut. "Let me take care of that."

He pulled a leather cloth and wrapped it around. He leaned his head close to me as he worked. "You did well."

I sighed and rubbed my cheek against him. His right mandibles scratched my cheek and I welcomed the feeling behind it. It was warm and gentle.

"Ta'kasa!" I heard Xen'ork calling. "We need you."

Brackett nodded for me to go and I went to take care of my other issue. Lar'ja followed as we came up with Daugo growling at Hakr'ouh. I could see that to err was extra marks on him and a few blood drops on the tips of Daugo's claws. He got a good beating while I was gone. To be honest, I wished I could have done that first. But Xen'ork was worried as he pointed his glaives at our prisoner.

"What's going on, Daugo?"

He stiffened for a second before turning to me. "Why is he still alive? I thought you killed him."

"I have my reasons."

Hakr'ouh chuckled. His voice was hoarse. "Probably too much of a coward to do it herself. Maybe she likes to send her dogs to finish me off."

"Shut up!"

Daugo raised his wrist blades and rushed after him.

"Enough!"

He stopped, looking at me with confusion. Xen'ork was the same, and Hakr'ouh to my surprise. "I want him alive."

"Why?"

I growled at Xen'ork and he instinctively lowered his head in submission. "Don't question my orders. What is the report of the others?"

I turned to Daugo, seeing that he would know. Plus, the distraction would keep him from killing Hakr'ouh right then and there. I can see the anger in him but when I showed my disappointment, he calmed down. He must feel like c'jit right now.

"The remaining forces of Bad Bloods are still fighting. Although we killed more of them, their weapons are keeping us at a standstill. The Successors are safe but who knows if they will try to stop us."

"They won't. There's a reason why I want to keep him alive."

I stepped closer to Hakr'ouh. He didn't like what I said and hissed like a rattlesnake. I'm not falling for that again. He tried to crawl away from me but I stomped on his knee. It broke under the pressure and he roared, growling afterward.

"You pauking cunt. You should kill me."

I stomped my foot on the other knee and it breaks like a toothpick. Now, he could no longer run or flee. He became unhinged and roared, spitting in my direction. "Pauk you! Kill me! You'll regret it!"

I stayed stoic. "I won't."

He pulled his head back in surprise but it was a facade. He knew where I was going but I wanted everyone to hear it.

"I won't give you the death you desire."

I went on one knee and leaned towards his face. I want worried if he was going to attack. It would be the last thing he would do . . . and he knew it.

"I have great plans for you . . . Great plans."

I grabbed his leg and began to drag him across the ground. As much as he thrashed to break free, he wasn't going anywhere. I was going to take him to our destination.

The war was going to end . . . one way or another.

Hello Everyone!

A great chapter and as I promised, I posted this on Friday and I feel great.

I like the part with Anya met with all those who died, knowing that they are alright. And finally got to meet Kaail and A'stea. Little does she know to e connection but she might get to know it sooner than we think.

I'm so happy that Rory is alive but she spared Hakr'ouh for some reason or another. I wonder what it is she plans to use him for? But I understand why she didn't kill him in some way. Death is what any Yautja would want to avoid dishonor but Hakr'ouh won't be granted that. Gold for that too.

Find out what happens when Chapter 43 is posted next week (Friday or Saturday at the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram. We have two or three chapters left before the end is near for this amazing trilogy. I hope you are prepared.

THE END IS COMING! :DDDD

Thank you to Anonymous-E, Mariah, Guest, and IanAlphaAxel for the reviews on Chapter 41. 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