Chapter 22: The Journey Back

The morning had come too early for me and despite my eyes being closed, the light crept in and I groaned in frustration. I wasn't fully aware where I was but my eyelids wouldn't respond to my commands. As a matter of fact, the rest of my body wasn't responding as well. That is until a slimy object raked across my exposed cheek. To me, it reminded me of a tongue. Whatever it was, it jolted my body to move and it was just enough to allow my eyes to open. When I did, the face of A'kib appeared right up close to my face. His dull, golden eyes stared at me with somewhat of a concern but I had no idea why. However, it was confirmed when he began to whine a bit, sniffing my face and deciding to lick it again.

"Urg. A'kib . . . stop." The saliva he left behind sent cold chills throughout my skin and it smelled bad. He needs a breath mint or something.

With little strength, I shoved his face away with my hand but he didn't back off entirely. He moved back a bit and sat down, whining again and I believed that he was worried for me.

I lifted myself from the ground and noticed that a blanket was pulled over me. It was soft and warm but I didn't recall having it on me, putting it together that someone did that. I looked around and see that I was back at camp, laying by the firepit that had burned out a while ago while the sun's rays pierced through the openings between the trees. But when I tried to understand why the memory of last night came back to me. It was fuzzy though. I knew that I drank some beer with the boys and made a bet with Coyle that I could drink better than him but it got out of hand. Then the flashes of me arguing with McKenna, walking off into the woods, and then . . . the time I spent with Lar'ja.

Oh shit!

Suddenly understanding what I had done last night, I raised my head too fast and my vision blurred. A headache that I thought was gone came back with a vengeance, only this time it decided to create sharp, needle-like pains everywhere. I dug my nails in my head for a bit before I heard A'kib barking and whining, followed by a familiar voice.

"Good morning. Looks like you're finally awake."

I blinked my eyes heavily and looked up, seeing McKenna with a shy smile on his face. I must have looked like a zombie to him because the way he smiled like that was very unusual. Plus, I kinda felt like one myself. I scratched my head before I answered him.

"McKenna . . . What the fuck?"

"Looks like you have one too many drinks. Not surprising giving when Lar'ja brought you back from the woods, passed out cold."

I groaned a bit but then when he mentioned Lar'ja, I stiffened a bit. The memory of him holding me tightly, caressing every part of me, and the stinging pain from the bite that gave me so much pleasure . . . my body started to heat up with embarrassment since I don't know if Lar'ja told them anything about that. Then, a creepy and nauseating feeling grew in my stomach and started to travel up my throat and I began to hurl a bit.

"I'm going to be sick!"

Without registering the ache all over my body, I threw the blanket off me and scrambled on my feet, leaving McKenna in disbelief. I didn't have time to waste and I kept my focus on my goal and ran towards the bushes nearby. I made it there just in time as my body let out all of my stomach contents, burning my throat as it passed through. Gunks of shit that probably once were food spilled all over the bushes. Just when I thought it was over, I heaved again and more of the same came out. It felt like hours had passed but in reality, it was only a couple of minutes. It was when the same feeling had subsided did I had the chance to breathe and get myself together.

I moved away and walked over to a rock that was a few feet away. I just wanted to get away from all the vomit I left behind, letting myself drop near it and laid my back against it. A'kib hops right over and whines again, nuzzling my hand that rested on my thigh. It was nice to have him around and I raised my hand up to pat his head gently.

"Good boy . . ." He barks cheerfully and proceeded to lay down on my side, pressing against my leg. McKenna comes to my other side and hands me a cup of water.

"Drink this."

I didn't argue and I chucked it down my throat, cherishing the cool sensation that dulled the burn inside. I handed it back when I was finished and closed my eyes a bit. McKenna kneels down so that we can see at the same level. He had a facial expression between seriousness and sympathy so I knew that I was up for a lecture from him.

"That wasn't smart of you to do that. I told you to have fun. Not to go and get drunk and now, you got a pretty bad hangover from it. What were you thinking?"

I just chuffed at him. "Had a lot on my mind."

"I'm sure you did but it's no excuse."

I turned my head away from him and opened my eyes back up to look at the trees. I heard McKenna sigh heavily and coughed a bit.

"Well . . . at least you had it easier. The other fellas go so drunk that they threw up everywhere after they woke up. It was disgusting and they are still feeling the hangover."

I chuckled a bit. I was expecting something like that to happen with the other guys but having a hangover was the worst and I pitied the fool that would put himself in a situation like that.

"So what happened to me?" I shifted against the rock a little bit to find a more comfortable spot. McKenna answers my question and straight to the point.

"Well, you took off into the woods and you were gone for almost one hour until we saw Lar'ja carrying you in his arms. He said that you passed out and needed to get rest so we out you by the fire so that you can stay warm. But something was weird about him."

"Weird?" I looked at him with confusion.

"Yeah. He was restless and didn't want to leave your side but I told him that there's nothing he can do but let you sleep it off. He was being a pain in the ass about it. After some time, he just went back to fixing his gauntlet."

McKenna was clearly agitated by this. I saw his body tense a bit and his fists tightened at his sides. I guess that Lar'ja must of pissed McKenna off a lot with him worried about me but deep inside, the happiness grew at knowing he was watching over me. Speaking of Lar'ja, Where was he?

"Where is Lar'ja now?"

I turned my head back and forth, hoping that I would get at least a glimpse of him but there was nothing. McKenna placed a hand on my shoulder at seeing how scared I was becoming, smiling a little for reassurance.

"He's fine. He's over at his area still fixing the gauntlet. But you need to get up cause we got to move."

"Move?"

"Don't you remember? We can't stay here and we need to find the weapon before that big motherfucker and Stargazer does."

That's right. We need to find it. I nodded and tried to raise my body up on its feet but it was a struggle. I didn't quite have my strength back and I motioned McKenna to help me. He did so without hesitation and in no time at all, I was up and moving about but still wobbling a bit. McKenna gave me the blanket that I used earlier, saying that it's better with me. I thanked him for that. On my way to my sleeping area, I saw Nebraska, Coyle, Baxley, and Nettles all sitting together looking quite moppy. I thought that I should go to them but at the last minute, I decided not to. The last thing I needed was to hear how grumpy they are and how I was no different. I would get teased again so I moved on.

I didn't have much except for a few provisions of dried meat, some spare clothes, and my weapons that only included my knife. I was surprised when they were all fitted into a backpack and a note next to it. I grabbed it and it read that it was a present for me and that I should use it. When I saw it was written by Rory, I smiled big. I swear . . . that boy is too mature for his age.

Taking the blanket and rolling it tightly so that it could fit into the bag, I took out my handgun and inspecting it, checking the barrel, the muzzle, and making sure that a full magazine was in and the safety was on. I did the same with the knife, observing its sharp edge so that it was still ready to be used. Satisfied, I put everything back into the bag and threw it onto my back.

I was going to head towards the trucks where everyone else was and I could see Rory playing with A'kib in a game of fetch. But I haven't seen Lar'ja yet today and I got worried. Where is he?

Slowly, I made my way around the empty camp, keeping my eyes forward so I wouldn't miss him. Sure enough, I caught him kneeling down on the ground, still working on the gauntlet but as I was about to call for him, I stopped immediately.

The look on his face was one of frustration and confusion but I wasn't sure if it was from working on the gauntlet or last night's event. I became scared that he might have taken it badly. Everything went by so fast and I was drunk and we both were caught in our own feelings that we acted out instinctually. But then again, I secretly enjoyed being with him. I wanted him to know that I didn't regret it at all. It was something that I denied myself for a while now.

Come on Anya! If you really want to tell him how you feel, then do it! Stop being a coward for fuck's sake!

Hearing those words, the courage inside me grew and after taking a huge, calming breath, I pushed my body forward. I was slow but I didn't want to startle him so I took one step at a time until I could smell the sweet rain in my nose. It was exhilarating. But no sooner did that happen that Lar'ja turned his head around and our eyes made contact. I tried to let out the words but my voice refused to do so. It took me a minute or two until I spoke.

"Lar'ja . . . Good morning."

It was an awkward introduction. I sounded almost like a frog croaking and my mind was yelling inside at my stupidity. He just stared at me with a blank expression, showing no emotions. This isn't like him.

"Is everything—"

"Everything is fine, Anya."

His tone shocked me. It was like saying something nonchalant. Like it wasn't a big deal or something. Sure I figured that what I said was big but deep down, I was having a hard time with it. We were intimate with each other. We both felt something deep inside or at least I did. He turned his eyes back down to his work and I stood there like an idiot. Uncertain of what to do, I tried to speak with him again.

"So . . . how's the gauntlet business going on?"

"Fine."

Again, he wasn't saying much and I was really starting to get pissed off. But I had to keep it together so I gripped my fists together and hid them behind my back.

"Lar'ja . . . about last night . . . um . . ."

"It was an accident. Don't worry about something small like that."

I was taken aback. My mind jolted in shock and my body tensed in anger and my palms were beginning to sting from my nails digging into them. Accident? Small? That is what he thinks?! I couldn't hold it back any longer. I didn't know what his fucking problem was but I wasn't going to stand back and take this. No. Fucking. Way!

I stomped over to his side and he was about to fully look at me but I didn't give him a chance. With unbelievable strength or that he just let me do it, I grabbed the edge of his chest plate and lifted him up with ease. His shocked expression did little to ease my burning fury and without warning, I punched him hard with a right hook. His whole upper body twisted in the direction of my attack and I could hear tiny sounds of breaking bones. I figured that I must have done something to his left mandible when he came back up, rubbing along it with his hand. I didn't fucking care. I wanted him to hear me.

"What is your motherfucking problem!?"

He looked back at his with the same amount of fury in his eyes as mine. He didn't like it and that was the reaction I was hoping for. At least I had his attention now.

"My problem!? I told you that it was nothing to worry about!"

"Nothing!? It wasn't nothing! We shared an intimate moment together and you just throw it out like it was garbage!"

I was expecting him to say something back but he just stood still as if trying to concentrate on my words. That was good enough for me. I wanted to get this off my chest and let him know how I felt about all this. I screamed at him with all my might.

"And here I am, thinking that we would have an adult discussion about this but no! You had to say something like that when you don't know how I feel about it! To be honest . . . last night was the best thing that ever happened to me and I don't regret one bit of it!"

When those words came out, Lar'ja had finally shown some emotion other than anger in his face. He went from aggression to shock within a few milliseconds. His lower mandibles dropped low and almost hit his chest. His top ones slightly bent sideways and his bottom jaw dropped low as well. But I kept going. The anger wasn't stopping just yet.

"But it seems that my feelings don't mean shit! You've already made up your fucking mind! And you're just—"

All of a sudden, a sharp pain went through my head and I stopped everything to grip it as hard as I could. But it wasn't relenting like before. In fact, it was getting stronger than before and then, more pain shot across my back and each vertebra was beginning to crack, causing me to fall down on my hands and knees. To my horror, the skin on my other hand was beginning to form blotches of dark green color with the lighter green tone. Scales were appearing and my nails began to extend into sharp points like claws.

It was the same pain as before when I turned into a Yautja for the first time. Oh shit! Am I transforming again!? Without any adrenaline or anger from before, the pain grew worse and soon the rest of my back began extending again. I couldn't hold it in anymore and so I thrust my head to the sky and let out a blood-curdling scream into the air.

"Anya!"

Lar'ja went into action, running as fast as he can to me but I was too angry despite the enormous suffering I was going through.

"Don't come near me!"

He stopped dead in his track but his hand reached out as if it a way that he could help me. I slowly lowered my head to see him. The look of despair in his eyes was one that I would never forget and secretly, it pains me. But I turned my focus on stopping myself from transforming. Take a deep breath, Anya. Just calm down. Please . . .

And like some kind of miracle, the pain just stopped completely like someone turned the light switch off. The headache disappeared along with the back pain. I checked my hand and was relieved that it back to its human skin but it began to tremble badly and my heart was beating too fast. I took several more breaths until they subsided. When I began to lift my body from the ground, all the energy was drained out of me like I went to a gym and worked out for hours nonstop. I ignored it as I managed to get back on my feet. Lar'ja was just watching me closely but I glared at him so he knew that I wasn't done being angry with him.

But soon, I heard several footsteps coming from behind and I turned around, only for Rory to wrap his little arms around my waist and A'kib was by my side, whimpering at me. McKenna and Brackett soon followed with worry on their faces.

"Anya! Are you okay?"

Rory's quivering voice broke my anger into pieces. Hearing him speak like that stung my chest very deeply. I knew he was worried and I didn't want him to. To reassure him, I wrapped one of my arms around his shoulders while my other stroked his head gently.

"I'm alright, Rory. I just got hurt a little. That's all."

"We heard you scream. Did he hurt you?"

When McKenna emphasized the word 'he' with a distasteful tone, I turned to him and saw that he was glaring at Lar'ja, probably thinking that he has something to do with him. McKenna took a few steps before I raised my hand from Rory's head to stop him.

"He didn't do anything. I hurt myself and I screamed. There's nothing to it."

He looked at me, unsure of what to do now. I figured that he might believe everything that I said but it was enough for him to back off. He was still pretty angry from what I could see but he turned around and walked to Brackett, motioning her to go back. She did but before McKenna did the same, he looked to his side and at me.

"We're going to be taking off. Hurry up."

And he was gone before I knew it. I rubbed my head in frustration. Good job, Anya. You handled this situation pretty well. It wasn't supposed to be like this but there was no going back now.

Rory was still clinging on to me so I took his hands and removed them from my waist, looking down into his brown eyes. He still seemed worried but I gave him a small smile as best as I could.

"You heard your father. Let's get going and hurry. You'll lose your spot on the shotgun."

He definitely perked up when his innocent, child-like smile came on. He jumped out of my hands and was saying some gibberish while taking off to go where the trucks are that was a little way off from here. I noticed A'kib was staring at me. I smiled back at him and pat the crown of his head, touching his small dreadlocks at the same time. He barked a bit and his small nub of a tail wagged in joy. I motioned him with my hand to follow Rory and he did so without much trouble.

But then, I remembered that Lar'ja was still near and his sweet rain scent made sure that I was aware of it. I turned at his direction but refused to meet his eyes. I just stood there in silence but Lar'ja had something else in mind.

"I'm so sorry."

He purred as to ease my mind but it did very little. I wasn't much angry anymore but sadness replaced that. I was disappointed at him and wanted to get away from him for a while. I had no desire to start another fight so I jumped straight to the point.

"How far are you in fixing your gauntlet?"

He hesitated to answer me. "I'm almost done but we won't get an exact location until we get on the road."

"Fine. Let's go then."

I gave him no chance to say another word. I was out of there like a cheetah, power walking across the empty camp and seeing the trucks after some time going through the annoying bushes that pricked all over my arms. Coyle and Baxley were already in the back of one, loading some remaining stuff with A'kib in the truck barking at them. Nettles was in the driver's seat and waiting for them to finish. McKenna and Nebraska were already in the front seats with Rory in the middle and Brackett were in the back waiting for me. I just wanted to get into the truck and be done with this but Nebraska just had to say something.

"What's up with you, sweetheart?"

He grinned at me but I just turned away without saying anything. He must have sensed something was up because I could see him lose his grin immediately as I passed by. Before I hopped into the back with Brackett, I peeked to see Lar'ja going towards the back of the other truck. He was fiddling with his SMG, slinging it over his shoulder and then works on his mask a bit until he glanced towards me. Our eyes met for only a split second before I looked away. After a few seconds, my eyes went back to see him put on his mask and jumped in the back. I did the same and sat across from Brackett in our tiny area that was mostly packed with bags and boxes that made things cramped. I could sense that Brackett wanted to say something but I gave her a look that I didn't want to talk about that and she respected it. The truck's engine began to rumble and we took off without any other delay.

The trip was too long for me. It was like hours had passed when only a few had come and gone. Brackett had taken a nap even though it was only the afternoon so she wasn't much fun and I didn't want to bother her. I was bored out of my mind so I just stared out the back, seeing the glorious world of nature around up. It wasn't much though since the truck was going fast so I only got to see blurs whizzing through. When that didn't entertain me, I laid my head back and closed them, thinking about my fight with Lar'ja.

You could have done better. You acted like a selfish bitch. How would you like it if someone just slapped you without giving a reason first? Think before you act!

I groaned in frustration and closed my eyes more tightly. The anger from before was slowly coming back and my heart began to pump faster and harder. But then, I glanced at my hand, much to my horror. It started to change again into the dark green hue color of a Yautja. I started taking deep breaths again and was glad when my hand returned to normal but it didn't ease my anxiety.

I inspected it, looking for any abnormal signs but I knew. I was losing control. It's getting more worse than I thought. What will become of me if this keeps going?

The memory of the deal with the Bad Blood came to me like an annoying tick but it was there nonetheless. Join me and I can help you find the answers you seek and even destroy those who deemed you filth.

I put my head down between my legs and let out a little whine. Fuck . . .

Abruptly, a voice calls out and I clearly heard it even though it was a little faint due to distance and the sound of the engine muffling it a bit. But I knew that it belonged to Lar'ja.

"We're very close! Turn on this road and we should be there!"

Out of curiosity, I got on my feet and scurried around the 'luggage' and poked my head from the side of the truck. I liked the cold wind blowing through my hair. We were on some dirt road that looked like it was abandoned for some time. It was almost completely covered by plants and rock but it was still visible. But then, the trucks started to slow down.

"We're here."

When I heard Lar'ja's voice again, I inched my head farther out and saw a huge clearing where the road stops. I just wanted to see where we were so I pounced out of the truck as soon as it came to a halt. When Lar'ja said that we were here, I was expecting something else than just an open area surrounded by more trees, making it look less different than our previous campsite. I was disappointed.

The other guys came out of the trucks, carrying backpacks on their back while loading their guns. I did the same and grabbed my knife and strapped in on my thigh while I did the same with my handgun on the other one. I tightened my backpack's straps and nodded in approval. I went towards the center of the clearing as did the others. Rory and A'kib come bouncing towards me with smiles and I did the same, happy that they were.

But then my smile went away when I caught Lar'ja in my sights. He did come close to me but then stopped, only taking a few steps forward before turning away to the other side of the clearing. With his mask on, I couldn't clearly see his emotions but I guessed that he knew I wasn't in the mood to talk to him.

Soon, everyone came close to each other with the exception of Lar'ja who was looking out in the distance. McKenna breathes deeply before addressing everyone.

"Alright. Lar'ja says that the weapon is close by in the south but not sure exactly where. He's almost done with his repairs but we keep going. Make sure you have your weapons ready."

We all answered in unison. "You got it!"

And then, we were off.

McKenna took the lead through the surrounding trees while Nebraska follows behind and then Coyle and Baxley. Rory, Brackett, A'kib and I were the last ones behind the guys. Brackett and I kept our guns up and ready since it was our jobs to make sure our rear was covered. It was a pretty forest except for the smell. It was horrendous. It was like stepping into a butcher's shop with all the fresh meat except this smelled like something was rotten for weeks. However, we stayed vigilant but it was hard when Lar'ja was following behind. I convinced myself to ignore him and concentrate on what was happening now. But every once in a while, I would peek behind me to see Lar'ja still working on his gauntlet but I turned whenever he looked back up.

This is going to be a long trip . . .

Luckily, it wasn't the case when Lar'ja yells out, startling me a bit.

"It's done. My gauntlet is repaired and I just got a reading on the weapon. It's only a few feet away."

McKenna looks back and nods, raising his gun up higher and cocking it to make sure it was loaded. Instinctually, we all did the same with our guns. Everyone was on high alert since we had no idea what we were going to find. We walked a little more ways, ignoring the smell until all of us reached another clearing or so it looked like to me with an exception that it was near a cliff.

I walked a little bit until everyone stopped completely, including Lar'ja when I peeked behind me again. But that almost caused me to bump into Brackett's back.

"Hey! What's the deal?"

"I wasn't expecting this."

I moved to her side and saw that she looked like one that was in disbelief. I wanted to say something but I decided to look at where she was staring. When I did, I had the same reaction as her and in fact, everyone else did too.

In front of us was some tall building that was covered with vines and bushes. It looked old since I could tell that the color of it was faded and the walls were cracking but it was definitely white. I inspected it a bit more and I came to the conclusion that it resembled somewhat like the labs at the Stargazer base. To be honest, I was certain it was. The designs almost match the labs from before but strangely, it was familiar to me.

"It looks like some sort of lab building but . . . why is it in the middle of a forest?"

Brackett was in her 'study' mode, inspecting every bit of it as she ran closer to it until she touched its side. Everyone else followed behind her except for Lar'ja and I but my body wasn't responding to me and I didn't know why. It was like something was keeping me here. Lar'ja came close behind me until he was only inches away but I didn't care right then and there. I was too focused on the building in front of me.

Why is this familiar? It's just a building. But why am I freaking out like this?

I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts and I started to walk towards where everyone is until something caught my eye. To my side, I saw a river flowing nearby and I made my way to the edge of the cliff to get a closer look at it. At first, it just looked like any other river but as I trailed it upstream, I saw that there was some kind of pipe poking out high up the cliff. It was obvious that it belonged to the building most likely since it didn't really belong in nature.

Then . . . without warning, the headache from before came back and I gripped it again and much harder than before. But this time, my memories flashed again in my mind but they were when I escaped from the labs. Being pushed down by my mother, falling down the vent, and then . . . and then . . .

This is . . . this is . . . oh no . . .

Panic began to set inside my chest, causing my heart to beat out of control and the pain from my headache was gone in a flash. My eyes widened in horror at the sudden realization. I looked back at the building and saw that it was very similar to Stargazer's own. The same as the labs I grew up in. The same one . . .

Lar'ja must have known something was wrong and cautiously placed my hands on my shoulders.

"Anya . . . What's wrong? You're shaking badly."

Only when he mentions it that I noticed my hands and body were trembling badly. I couldn't stop it no matter what I did and I could only speak out what I wanted to say.

"This place . . . I know this place . . . I remember!"

I must have been loud since everyone turned around to face me with confusion and concern in their eyes. Lar'ja was the only one who could ask.

"What do you mean?"

I began to stutter and then, I finally said it.

"This place is where everything happened. This is where . . . I escaped."

After all this time, I was back to where all my nightmares began as I thought I would never return to this place. The place that has haunted me for all my life and where I escaped from.

The labs that I called Hell and where I escaped.

Ten years ago . . .

Hi Readers!

Sorry if this chapter seems rushed. I only had tonight to finish it since I won't have power for a whole day due to maintenance and that means no Wifi. So my other stories are put on hold for a bit until it is done but I'll be working double time to get it done. I love you guys so I don't want to torture you with the wait. :(

Now we have come full circle and Anya is back at the place of her past where everything horribly unimaginable happened. With her arrival to this place she calls Hell, will she be brave enough to go inside and relive her past? Can she bear to go through with it? Also, will she find more answers about what she is? Or will she find secrets that were meant to stay buried?

So much is going to happen in the next chapter and it will get very emotional. That is for sure! Hope everyone is enjoying this story and I greatly appreciate all the support from you guys. You are the best!

Stay tuned when Chapter 23 comes along!