Chapter 44: Past and Future

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

Daugo led us down these creepy stairs that seemed unsettling. The water from the river flowed around us like a curtain pulled over. I know he wasn't going to put us in danger or trap us in some kind of dark abyss but it was my ooman nature to doubt. If it wasn't for Lar'ja holding my hand, I would have annoyed my father with several questions of what and why. No doubt about that.

"We're almost there."

At the bottom of the stairs, a stone door blocked our path but it was unusual . . . not natural. Each side was decorated with impressive murals of battles and glory. One had a bloody battle against some bug-like humanoid pointing handguns. Plasma casters? On the other, one Yautja stood out, raising a sickle weapon with a roar and honored by the surrounding Yautja. He seems . . . familiar.

Daugo pressed on a part of the door and the door opened with a grinding creak. Unexpected is when I noticed small beams of light coming through the cracks of the door. Daugo didn't bother to wait until it was done. He walks through without a second thought, leaving Lar'ja and I confused and wondering.

"Are you coming?"

I jumped a little. "We're coming!"

I went through first and then Lar'ja followed behind. What I saw took me as a shock, considering the dark pathway we took. Total opposite.

It was a huge cavern filled with life. Plants of various shapes, colors, and sizes occupied the ground with bugs peacefully flying around. It was like a small paradise in a dark world. It was hard to imagine that a war was fought above. The light I saw before came from the hole at the ceiling, shining down like a scene from Heaven in the movies. But what caught my eyes the most was the gigantic tree on an island, surrounded by a ring of water. Its white drapes of leaves swayed with the little wind that managed to get inside.

It was . . . peaceful. Beautiful . . . like paradise.

"What is this place?"

"You don't know?"

It was surprising to learn that even Lar'ja has no idea. I mean . . . I would think he would have some clue as to where we were going. But I should have taken my intuition when we were brought here. Daugo turned around and gazed at Lar'ja with a serious look. My lifemate grumbled and lowered his head, shaking. His dreadlocks bouncing on his shoulders.

I guess not.

"That is complicated. But that's not the point why we're here."

Daugo walked closer to the edge of the water and stepped on something I couldn't see. Like with the door, the ground shook and I thought an earthquake was coming. Instead, a small bridge made of rocks rose from the water, leading to the island. I could hear something else moving in front. By the time I tried to look around, Daugo walked over the bridge and onto the other side. He turns to give a look to follow and both of us complied.

As soon as we were by his side, Daugo pulls the curtain of the white leaves aside and disappeared. He clicks his mandibles and we follow once more. What I saw took me, and maybe Lar'ja, by surprise.

Right at the base of the tree trunk, an enormous stone chest laid. At first, I thought it was some kind of table that had some significance if it was kept in such a remote place. Also, it was decorated in so much detail that put everyone else into shame. But then I saw the cross mark in the center with Yautja symbols surrounding it like a ring. In this culture, it was rare since many warriors committed honorable death but the meaning was clear.

This is a tomb.

Daugo grazed his claws across the top. "Do you know what this is?"

I nodded warily. "Yes."

Daugo looked to Lar'ja and he simply nodded. "Do you know who's buried here?"

"No."

Daugo sighed. "I'm sure you heard of him by now. This belongs to Kaail . . . the First Hunter."

Kaail? That albino male? His image returned inside my mind.

"I have heard of him but no one ever knew where he was buried. Only of his accomplishments before he vanished."

"You're right, my son. But this is his final resting place where our great race began. Not many know of this except for a few."

"But I don't understand why you brought us here."

I watched as Daugo turned away from the tomb and moved to the side. His eyes never left mine as he stepped away. "Find out for yourself."

I tilted my head in confusion as well as Lar'ja until Daugo nudged his head towards the tomb. Again, I didn't understand until he motioned his hand as if he was lifting something. My eyes widened while Lar'ja growled. "You want us to open a secret tomb!? If this is the legendary hunter Kaail as you say, this is close to disrespecting as you can get!"

"Hold your tongue, Lar'ja."

Even so calm and low, Daugo displayed such authority that Lar'ja lowered his head instinctually. On the other hand, I barely was trying to understand his demand that I didn't react to. "If you don't want to do it, then you can stay out of it. But Anya must do this."

My Ming snapped back to reality and I turned to him. "Is this right though? Lar'ja isn't wrong about being disrespectful."

Daugo lowered his head. "I know but you need to see the reason why I brought you both here. It's very important."

Silence filled the room for a few seconds. I know Daugo wasn't the person to lead someone towards disrespect like but he was being pushy. Is it very important? After a minute, I accepted it and reached for Lar'ja's hand to encourage him. He was a bit hesitant and it was clear in his golden eyes.

It's alright. I'm here.

He softened and held my hand tighter. With that, we walked slowly to the tomb until we stood over it. Upon closer look, I could tell that it was much older than I thought. The edges were already crumbling from age but still kept their structure. I placed my hands on the lid of the tomb and began to push. "Help me."

Lar'ja went to the other side and at the same time, we pushed. The lid was heavier than I thought, even with Lar'ja's help. The stone creaked and dust flew until at long last . . . it was opened. I paused, waiting for the dust to clear until I saw something that was beyond what I expected.

The first thing I noticed was a skeleton, massive for its size. I leaned my head to get a closer look and confirmed that it was a Yautja, based on the skull. It was an easy giveaway with the elongated forehead and empty holes in the underside, much more with the mandibles. This is Kaail? He's . . . massive.

But what's strange is that the body was laid on its side, unusual to have it in such a position. It wasn't until I looked to where it was facing that I got my answer. Another body laid facing the body and I could see that their arms were wrapped together . . . as if in an embrace. I thought it would be another Yautja but the dull, round head and petite body in comparison were recognizable. No matter how I tried to put it off, there was no doubt.

An ooman body. What the pauk? Why is there one in here? With the First Hunter no less?

"Is this a joke?" Lar'ja didn't sound angry but I knew he was surprised. He jerked his head around towards Daugo. His mandibles clicked in tremors.

"This is no joke. I wouldn't bring you here and show this tomb if I was pulling your finger."

"Then why are there ooman bones with the so-called First Hunter?"

I didn't move or say anything. My mind was putting a few of the pieces that were missing. The flashback during the final battle got to me first. The image of the ooman female with hazel eyes appeared and the way she was referring to Kaail was as if she was a long friend. Or maybe more . . . I could only listen as Saufo finally explained.

"Thousands of seasons ago . . . Our ancestors were known as the Hish, put into slavery by the masters known as the Amengi. Kaail was the Leaser who brought the rebellion and freed our people from the chains of slavery. That is what began our race of warriors and hunters."

"We all know that." Lar'ja growled. "Everyone knows that story."

"But that's the whole truth."

Everything went silent and I pulled up to turn around from the tomb. "Not the truth?"

Daugo nodded. "Far from it. The truth is that he wasn't the only one."

He stalked over to the other side of the tomb, slowly walking around until he was face-to-face with us. "The first ooman existed during that time. A female that was the strongest out of all the Hish, even more so than Kaail. But it has been more than that."

An ooman stronger than a Yautja?

He stroked the side of the tomb and looked down at the bodies. "She is the one that started the rebellion and brought Kaail into it. She fought alongside him and helped to free our people. She was the true Leader of us all."

I hummed. An ooman? Leader of the Yautja? If I hadn't gone through everything in the war, I would have laughed. But then those hazel eyes returned and I started to second guess my instincts. A'stea, was it?

I watched as Daugo lowered his head. "She was killed in the process, which set everything in motion for Kaail to finish her work. In the end, she was buried here where no one can find her . . . until he joined her in eternal peace. They have been here ever since . . . undisturbed until now."

"If she was this great leader, then why haven't we heard of her at all?"

It was a fact. Out of all the time that I've been here, I haven't heard a mention of her and only a little bit of Kaail's tale. It was as if she has wiped from the face of history. Little did I know that the small thought was the actual answer.

"They were lovers."

Lar'ja and I froze in our spots. Lovers? I didn't know what to make of a sudden declaration. But at the same time, I had a small indication already. When I saw both of them together in that flashback with the Loonies and the Council, A'stea and Kaail seemed to be . . . connected in some way or another. At the time, I only got a sense. But now . . . this changes everything.

"They were together during such dark times. No matter what faced them, they came together through love. It was for that small thing that Kaail continued his work in freeing our people. That is how the Code of Honor came to be . . . because of her."

I looked down at the remains. Really?

Lar'ja grunted. "Then why all of this secrecy? The Code of Honor is our most sacred law that rules all of our actions, regardless of rank or age. Why is this hidden from everyone?"

I could hear the strain in my mate's voice at the last words. I knew he was holding his emotions inside, struggling to keep them at bay. It was a lot to take in and I couldn't blame him. I grabbed his hand and squeezed. Lar'ja tensed for a second but turned to me in surprise. All I did was give a reassuring look and he calmed down. I let go and took a deep breath.

"I want to know the same thing as well."

Daugo nodded softly, blinking his eyes to acknowledge me. "The reason why not many know of this story is that Kaail only wanted to protect her. Even in the end, all he desired was to leave her to be at peace. He made those swore to keep it that way. Eventually, the truth became a legend . . . and then to myth. Now, only a few selected know of it."

"And who that might be?"

I saw Daugo's chest rise and then fall slowly as if he was anticipating this one. He seemed nervous and it made me wonder.

"Only the Dark Blade Clan."

I crossed my arms. So why haven't we known of this? Does anyone else know of this? I was kind of getting angry that more secrets were kept from. But there was no point in letting out a temper tantrum. Not expected of a Leader, Anya.

Daugo clocked his mandibles and stood up, straightening his back. "It's our most sacred duty that our ancestors promised to Kaail. Do you ever wonder why our clan is the most advanced in technology?"

I shook my head. I didn't think about that.

"When the rebellion ended, our ancestors took their enemies' technology and made it their own. But with power comes the desire to dominate. Our enemies craved it. Kaail recognized that threat and knew that we needed to keep it safe . . . no matter the cost. So he entrusted it to his greatest ally."

Daugo paused. His eyes fixated on us. "His friend Bu'at . . . Our ancestor and founder of our clan. Ever since we have been bound to protect our species and the technology that became ours . . . until now."

I paused, listening to our breaths mingle in the silence of the cavern. I stayed stoic and unfazed. Now the honorable suicides that warriors commit when they are defeated made sense. The pieces were all together. My eyes stayed on the two bodies in the tomb, imagining them as if they were still alive and merely sleeping. Even in death, he wanted to be with her. I can compare my struggles with theirs but I can understand the will to stay together. I sighed and glided my hand on the edge of the tomb.

"Was her name A'stea?"

I heard a grunt. "Yes . . . How do you know?"

I opened my mouth but then clamped it shut. It doesn't matter now. It's better to keep it to myself.

"I just found out." I turned around and went to stand next to Lar'ja. "But we still don't know why you brought us here. I can tell there's more to this."

I knew it right as Daugo's eyes lit up and a smile formed on his mouth. "When I think about this story for so long, I thought of what would have been if A'stea did survive. Would they live together? Would our world be any different? Would they have a family of their own?"

He glanced at us. I squinted my eyes and Lar'ja grunted, rubbing his lower mandibles while the top ones clattered their tusks.

"They remind me of both of you . . . and what might become of our world. You're lucky to have a chance of a better one than before. Especially given that it won't be the two of you for much longer."

I froze in surprise when Daugo nodded his head down towards my stomach. Instinctually, I pressed my hand with a soft chuckle. "How did you know?"

"I lived too long to not pick up the small details. I suspected that you were pregnant but only got confirmation when Lar'ja kept staying close and whispering." His eyebrow raised.

I tightened my lips. "I'm sorry we kept this a secret from you. I . . ."

"It's not her fault."

Both of us turned to Lar'ja, surprised to hear him speak in the middle of the conversation. My mate stood forward, raising his chest. "We knew the risk of not telling anyone of her pregnancy. It was her decision and I supported her. Don't blame her."

I could see the surprise in Daugo's eyes for a few seconds. It must be the first time he saw his son stand up with so much maturity. It's a little hilarious.

Daugo sighed. "I can't be angry with you now. I understand . . . but it would be nice to find out I'm going to be a grandfather in a better way." He purred after that statement.

I lowered my gaze to hide my blush and Lar'ja chuckled. Geez . . . This is embarrassing.

All of a sudden, my gauntlet starts beeping and I groan in annoyance. Time's up. I rolled my eyes and entered a few codes so I didn't have to talk. The beeping stopped and I sighed, growling in frustration.

"It's alright, Anya. I kept you and Lar'ja here too long. We'll need to head back then."

"I agree. First, let's close this tomb and be done with it." Lar'ja starts to push the lid of the tomb back in place.

"Wait."

Lar'ja stops, clicking his mandibles. I reached to my belt and unlatched the sickle weapon from me. I held in my hands and observed it. This weapon . . . must be important. I could feel something around it that I couldn't quite pin. Regardless, this was not mine to take or use. I walked toward the tomb and stopped at the edge.

"I think it's time to return this to its rightful place."

With that, I lowered the sickle and placed it between the bodies with careful precision. I made sure their skeletal hands were together on it. Some say it's creepy to touch them but I felt a connection. A glimpse of them came into my sight as I stood up, standing by the tree. They smiled, turning around with their hands entwined before fading into nothing. Rest in peace.

I nodded to Lar'ja and both of us pushed the lid until it closed. The darkness taking them back into the peace they dream in. Their time has come and gone. Now it was our turn . . . to make a better future.

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

After a few more days, things began to run smoothly. A new system of organization had started and the recovery of Yautja Prime was going well. But it would take many seasons before we go back to some 'normal' times. But at least everyone was working together. The ooman soldiers did everything they could to help but their time here was limited. It wasn't long before we had to say our goodbyes.

"I thank you very much for offering a ride back to the ooman planet to take my friends back. I know it's a lot to ask for in the first place."

As the ship behind us was being loaded by ooman soldiers, I spoke with Yeyinde, Nei'hman-de, Lord Raith, and Ya'stih. Rory was strong enough to attend but leaned on me a few times, which I didn't mind but only if Brackett and McKenna stayed with him. They were the ones who had to leave earlier to attend to their matters for now and I understood. But it was nice of them to go out of their way to help.

"I'm sorry about your tusk. We can cap it and—"

Yeyinde shook his head. "Don't bother, my Lord. I will wear this as a badge of honor against the kainde amedha.

"And it's no trouble to help the friends of our Lord as much as possible." Nei'hman-de chuckled. "Given that you were nominated to be—"

"As I said, I have no intent to take a place in the Council."

Ever since the war ended and great progress was made under my supervision, many Yautjas have voiced that I should take my place as a member of the New Council. An'tar and the other Successors were automatically put into place once they recovered but they needed another. Nope. Not me.

"As much as I'm grateful, it's not my place to be there. I have so much to do before I'm even considered. Besides, I already got a candidate that would be perfect for the job."

"Are you sure? I mean . . . he had some difficulties ever since—"

"I'm perfectly well enough to do my duties."

All of us turned around to see it was Za'hir. Sa'iye walked right next to him, guiding him across the ground so that he wouldn't bump into anything . . . and for good reason. I saw bandages wrapped around his eyes for now. But nothing else will help him since his wounds are permanent.

His eyes were gone . . . and now, he was blind.

I scolded him. "Za'hir. You should rest. Sa'iye, I thought you were supposed to watch him."

"My apologies but he refused to stay still. Lar'ja was going to help but he had to take care of a few things along the way. I tried but—"

"You should be more strong-headed with your mate."

Lar'ja comes behind, moving around to stand by my side. "Sometimes you need to put your foot down."

"Like you? To be honest, you were the total opposite."

Lar'ja growled but I patted his chest and scooted him away to block him from them. Za'hir turned his head in the direction of the sound but didn't say anything. I felt bad inside that he can't return to being an Elite but his wisdom will not go to waste. He'll do just fine as an Ancient.

"Anyway, thank you for that. Please take care of everyone."

The two brothers bowed their heads and walked up the ramp. It left only Lord Raith and Ya'stih to deal with. They had their priorities and I understood. Much of their clan stayed out of the war. I didn't know what reason would keep a bunch of would-be warriors from fighting against Bad Bloods. Must be a lot.

"Do both of you have to leave now?"

Lord Raith nodded. "Yes. As much as we would want to restore our Homeworld, I made a promise to my brother Za'taan to bring his son back home. His parents would kill me if I didn't."

"I'm sure. He must be a great warrior if even the Clan Leader is scared." I turned to Ya'stih, expecting to hear the answer come out of his mouth.

"They are scary. But I can't blame them . . . given my upbringing and indirect involvement with other enemies."

My mind drifted to a thought that had been bugging me. I guess it was the time to ask . . . or never.

"I have to ask. I have never seen a Yautja quite like yourself. And quite frankly, you know that already."

Lar'ja's eyes perked along with Xen'ork and everyone else. I guess I'm not the only one. All of a sudden, Ya'stih chuckles. Why is he amused?

"I knew you would ask eventually. And I was going to say the same thing about you."

I lifted an eyebrow. "Really?"

He nodded. "I am funny looking but I guess due to my 'unique' nature of a hybrid."

My eyes widened. "Hybrid?"

Brackett interrupted. "You're a hybrid too?"

His mandibles twitched but he softened. "Yes. My father is a Yautja but my mother is an ooman. I guess that's why you seem comfortable with me."

I opened my mouth and closed it tightly, looking down at the floor while we walked. "I never knew there was another hybrid like myself. I thought I was the only one."

"I can't blame you. It had been difficult since my birth. As much as my father wanted to come and help, he felt it best to get my mother and my clan to safety. One of the reasons why he couldn't come other than my Uncle here."

I turned to Lord Raith and he nodded in return. So that's what's going on.

"We need to get going, Ya'stih."

He bowed. "Yes, my Lord." He stopped to smile at me. "We should meet again so I can introduce you to my mother and father. You'll like them."

"I'm sure I will."

Without a moment to waste, I watched as they walked across to another ship being prepared to leave. It was silly but I waved my hand towards the two when they turned their heads to look back for a split second. "Stay safe and live well."

They nodded with smiles and disappeared. I never thought I would meet another like myself. Small world we live in. Scratch that. A small universe.

"Idiots."

I jabbed an elbow into Lar'ja's ribs. "Be nice."

He grunted. "I did. At least until they were out of sight and hearing."

I rolled my eyes. Great.

"That . . . was interesting." Rory had to add that with a tone of shock and humor mixed. I chuckled and turned to greet him.

"You're right about that. How are your wounds? Are you sure you're up to leaving like this?"

I saw Rory was savoring his right side. It would be hard to detect from the naked eye but I've fought long enough to know that someone isn't feeling right. Align with that, his chest was full of bandages and his skin was thick with ointments. But right as I said that Rory shook his head and raised his hand. "Don't worry about it. Sa'iye did a great job and I'm grateful. But everyone is eager to get home and deal with damage control back on Earth."

"Speaking of which, how's Izzy?"

It was a sour subject to ponder on but I was too curious not to ask. Ever since she lost her husband, she had been silent and keen on staying away from everyone. Her bloodlust, after killing so many Bad Bloods, must have ended but left a bad impression that worried me so.

Rory sighed. "As best as anyone could ask. Lex is staying with her to keep the company. But I don't know. It's not easy to recover from that.

McKenna grumbled. "He's right. We lost many people in the process."

I lowered my head. "I understand."

"But you can come with us. Surely you can take time away from all of this and see Earth once more. Everyone would be happy to see you again back at base."

I hummed. "Thank you, Brackett. But as much as I would like that, my priorities are here. It will take a long while before things return to normal."

I swallowed. "Plus, I don't want to risk endangering myself when I have someone to look after."

Rory titled his head, confused. "Who? Lar'ja?"

Lar'ja didn't like that one but. Being a male, it should be the opposite. He grumbled silently and crossed his arms. I, on the other hand, chuckled. "No. Not him. I was hiding a secret that I should have told you sooner. But I didn't want you all to worry."

"Worry about what?"

Unlike the first time, I wasn't nervous or hesitant to show them. I looked down and wrapped my arms around my belly, in a way that was clear to them. It didn't take long before Rory spoke with such quickness that I nearly jumped. "You're pregnant!? How!?"

He got too excited that he jumped a little too hard. His right side gave in. Brackett and McKenna had to grab his sides to keep him standing. "Easy, son. You're going to hurt yourself."

"But how?" Rory looked down at my stomach once more. His reaction was like that of a child who opened their Christmas presents and got what they always wanted. "I'm going to be an uncle?"

I chuckled, hearing Lar'ja and my Elites chuckle as well. "In a sense . . . yes."

"Congratulations, Anya." Brackett smiled. "And to you, Lar'ja."

"Of course."

McKenna didn't say much but his smile was enough. I closed my eyes and softly hummed. "Which is why I have to stay here. At least until everything is settled."

The conversation took a slight dark and sad turn, thanks to Rory. "Will we ever see you again?"

My heart sank a little. "I . . . don't know. Who knows how long things will recover?"

I raised my head, giving the best smile I could to ease their consciousness. It wasn't easy with the worried look in their eyes. "But I'll be sure to return to see you again. That is my promise to you."

The sound of the ship's engines started up and the rush of ooman soldiers began to rise. Many were getting the remainder of their supplies into the ship. It's time.

"Well . . . I think you need to get going."

Brackett and McKenna looked at each other for a moment. McKenna nodded. "Of course."

I sighed once more. My heart became heavy and the beating made things worse. Will I be able to keep my promise? I shook that thought out of my head and stepped up to face Rory . . . the own person I knew who would be most affected by my decision.

"Are you leaving me again?" He spoke in ooman this time. I figured he would want to keep the conversation to ourselves. But his eyes . . . His eyes were full of sorrow like that the first time I left him as a child. It hurts a lot.

I pressed my hands on his shoulders. "I have to. I'm sorry but there's stuff I need to do. But you know that I'll always be with you. You know that, right?"

Rory nodded shakily. "Yes. I know."

His shoulders were shaking. I knew he was trying his best to stay strong. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a tight embrace. "It's okay, Rory. No matter how far apart we are, we are together. That will never change."

I waited until Rory wrapped his arms around me. I let him have this moment as he pressed his head on mine . . . like a Yautja would with a loved one. I closed my eyes and purred.

"You will be fine."

Rory sniffed. "I know . . ."

I heard someone call for Rory that the ship was departing. We pulled away in a second. I waited to let go until I made sure Rory was alright. When he nodded, I let my hands drop to my sides. "Take care of yourself."

Rory nods. "You too."

With that, I watched as the last of my friends walked up the ramp as it began to rise from the ground. Lar'ja comes to my side, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. Sa'iye and Za'hir followed suit as the ramp finally closed. The engines came to life and the ship began to rise from the ground. It seemed like forever before it was high enough that I couldn't see it anymore. One last push and the ship takes off into the stars. I felt a piece of myself had gone with him.

"Anya."

I looked up to Lar'ja and took a deep breath. His golden eyes were soft. He knew that this was hard for me. He lowered his head with a smile, saying nothing but only purring.

It'll be alright.

I smiled and pressed against him. He's right. This was our time to make a new future for ourselves. For our friends . . . my mate . . . and for our family. I looked up to the sky once more and saw the stars shine brightly.

This is a new beginning.

Hello Everyone!

Sorry for the last minute update and errors in this chapter. I had too much fun with Halloween and the compliments I got for my Predator pumpkin that I lost track of posting this chapter. But here it is.

I'm happy that Anya got to see Kaail had reunited with A'stea in the end. Giving the sickle weapon back was like putting them to rest. Lots of secrets of the Dark Blade Clan were revealed and Daugo cannot be fooled. He knew of the pregnancy all this time lol. And Ya'stih telling him of his origins was cool too. Maybe they might meet again?

But now, she and her friends have to go their separate ways. It was especially hard for Rory since he had to be separated once more from Anya but it had to be done.

Will they see each other again? One last time?

Find out what happens when Chapter 45 and our final chapter is posted next week (Friday or Saturday at the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram. I'll also try to get the last chapter for Nexus by that week as well.

The last chapter is coming for a beautiful story. I'm crying out of happiness.

Thank you to Anonymous-E, Mariah, Guest, NeverNeverLady, and IanAlphaAxel for the reviews on Chapter 43. 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