Chapter 31

Shaking Hands

(Larja/Damsel's POV)

Paya… I feel like I've truly walked into the middle of a story. There is so much I do not understand about what is going on.

One thing I do know. I will never again rush so heedlessly and gracelessly into a battle for a mate again. Kah'bj-te's mate could have easily killed me and for what?

All because I wanted a quick Pauk?

I hang my head in a furious shame I have not felt since I was a foolish, unblooded pup.

The Llonng Sain'ja… I have never seen anything like her.

She doesn't seem dangerous, but Paya, her claws nearly sent me to Cetanu's kingdom.

With a shake of my head, I silently tread down the hall of the ship. I had been heading to the trophy room, but it was preoccupied with the other Llonng Sain'ja and her Ooman. A sense of dread turns my stomach. If the females are in their breeding season, then perhaps I should not have come aboard this ship. If they perceive me as a threat, I may not live through another day…

But then again, the Ooman, and pauk me, the very smallest of the Oomans, saved me by merely speaking. The mere idea of the whole incident seems, to put it bluntly, crazy!

Shaking my head, I'm distracted by the smell of food. I cautiously follow it.

Ah, finally some REAL pauk-de food. I go through the contents of the cafeteria and sigh with relief upon finding some dried rations. My captors tried to starve me into submission. If it hadn't been for…

I stop midway, as an even bigger thought crosses my mind. I owe my life to the speckled Ooman and his mate, the smaller Llonng with the longer hair.

I owe them my life…

At this moment, the scent of one of the Oomans catches my attention, as well as the soft padding of feet. I turn to look.

It is the other ooman female. I do not yet know her name, but she has longer, thicker hair, and… and the Arbiter's clan mark on her cheek.

I nod to her, feeling awkward. After all, she just saw me defeated… horribly so, and-

She suddenly speaks. I cannot understand her words, so I stare at her as the easy-going words come from her fleshy mouth, her dark eyes laughing.

Cocking my head to the side, I study her as she turns and starts to get some food out. Behind her comes Set'gin. He nods curtly to me, as he rumbles, "Larja."

"Setg'in." I reply, "What is her name?"

"Her name is Lex. She is my mate." He adds, with a slight warning in his tone.

Lex looks up, her lips stretching upwards as she bares her teeth and speaks again.

Setg'in chuckles. I shake my head in confusion.

"I cannot understand her."

"She's not wearing her translator, so she can't understand you, either." Setg'in chuckles merrily.

I clatter softly. Setg'in is the only one here at this moment who understands the languages we are speaking. He could probably pull a joke and humiliate the both of us. This makes me nervous and I am suddenly impatient for a translator of my own.

Besides, I have many questions for them, and I especially am curious to find out more about the so-called trophies that Honored Arbitrator R'ka told me of.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(LEMON WARNING)

(Kanani POV)

Panting, and trying desperately to catch my breath, I murmur into the side of Psycho's head.

"My hand hurts… actually everything hurts. Could we stop so I can recover a bit more from the beating I took? And also… I think my plumbing needs a break from the pounding it took."

Psycho clatters and lovingly combs his fingers through my hair, pulling me flush against his chest as he holds me.

This… this is nice. I never pegged him for the cuddling type. He's so freakin' warm… and surprisingly comfortable to lie against. Once again, he's got me feeling… safe. As if nothing could ever hurt me again.

And more then anything in the world, I want to spend the rest of my life feeling like this. Feeling safe and secure… and dare I say loved?

How cheesy Kanani.

Well, cheesy but true.

Who knew that me getting shuffled off to buffalo in an underground lab would lead to me finding… this.

This romance.

It's… in a way, it's sorta retarded and cliché. I mean, seriously, is some nerdy female writing out my destiny for me?

Ya know… just maybe…

…

…

Nah!

I snuggle deeper into Psycho's warmth as he gently rubs my back. I purr happily as he scratches the base of my left wing.

"Gawd, you're really good at this…" I murmur as my wings begin to stretch out on their own, enjoying the pleasant, tingling sensations his claws are causing.

He sits up, cradling me in his arms.

Oh boy… here we go…

This long, sensuous lick along my jawline leaves me tingling from head to toe. All of a sudden, I don't care that I'm in pain. I'm dripping wet between my legs, and if something massive isn't shoved into my empty space, I'll go bananas!

Too late…

SHUT UP, little voice in my head!

Thankfully, Psycho doesn't leave me hanging. He half sits, bringing me with him, he gently places me on the ground. I smirk.

"Setting me up, huh? Well you can forget it!"

And with a snarl, I crash into him, straddling his lap, I run my claws non-too-gently through his dreads, smirking as he roars and- yowch!- bites into my shoulder. I roar, returning the favor, but not before he grabs my hips and slams them down to meet his.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Psycho POV)

By Cetanu and Paya…

I was going to take it easy on my mate, after all, she's been through a fight to the death. But it appears she had other ideas.

How does she do this to me?

At the moment, I'm buried deep within her, sitting on my haunches, as she bounces in my lap, her large breasts bouncing in my face. Purring deeply, I open my maw and caress those tempting mounds with my tongue.

With a moan, she wraps her arms around my neck as I force her down harder and faster. I can hardly believe how tight… how perfect…

Paya, who knew we'd fit so well…

With a roar, I bury myself deep into her, as her inner walls squeeze around me. Panting, she lessens her hold on me and begins to press her lips against my face in tender, slow movements.

I never knew that her soft, sweet mouth could feel so good on my skin.

"By Paya, Kanani…" I gasp.

She chuckles and speaks, but I only recognize her name for me, and a very few other words.

I think… a language lesson is in our future together.

The thought swells my chest. OUR future. Together. Kanani and I.

Pauk me… Kha-bj'te, don't you DARE cry…

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Kanani POV)

"Psycho? Are you… crying?"

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

LEMON WARNING!

(Spiky POV)

I tiredly rub my eye-ridge. After all that has transpired, all I want is some peace. But I know that this is just the beginning. And as such… I will handle it. As best I can.

With a growl, I finish creating the translator for Larja. Paya, she did not listen to a word I said to her, when we first stepped aboard… but perhaps that was my fault. After all, I'm the one that offered her a place here. I should have found her another ship. I should have expected that she would not listen.

"Spiky?"

I look up and purr softly. Rosy is there, standing in the doorway. Her scent has lessened somewhat, and this gives me both relief and disappointment.

"Come in, my mate." I call to her softly. She steps in, laughing quietly.

"Whatcha doing?" She murmurs.

"Making a translator for the newest pauk-head." I reply gruffly.

She chuckles, shaking her head.

"She really is, isn't she?" Rosy sighs and her fists clench. "I'm trying really hard not to think about what's going on with Kanani and Psycho. It's making me… um, wanna kill something."

For some reason, that declaration… makes me stiffen.

In more ways then one.

And she notices.

"Uh… Spiky?"

I purr as I advance towards her.

"Maybe I can help you with that energy." I suggest with a devious purr, wrapping a single hand around her waist.

"N-now wait a minute!" Rosy squeaks in a half-hearted protest.

This protest was overruled when I ran my hands down her small frame, pulling her closer as I lifted her in my arms to inhale the delicious scent coming from her core. She moans softly and I swiftly shut and lock the door to my workshop before undoing her top. With barely a murmur, she arches into my touch as I kiss her in the only way I know how. I run my tongue down her chest, sampling her delicate and truly lovely skin.

Goosebumps follow my touch. With a murmur, she yanks at my armor, trying to find the clasp to my codpiece. I grunt at her efforts and aid her in setting myself free from the now totally unwelcome confines.

She stares at me for a moment before grinning and-

…

…

"PAUK!" I roar; all rational thought obliterated as she once again surrounds my length with that incredible mouth of hers. It's so soft, warm and amazingly accommodating!

But why am I surprised by anything that she does anymore?

Self control sit at the edge of my mind, keeping my primal urges in check as I restrain my reactions, allowing my female full and complete control.

"Mmmm!" She moans, using her hands as she squeezes and strokes in all the right places.

I groan. This… this would be impossible for a female of our kind. Even with their tongue, it wouldn't have the same effect. Not that a Yautja female would lower herself to do such a thing…

Too much thinking, R'ka!

Before my release, I pull away from her and with as much humility as I can offer, place my hands around her waist questioningly.

Rosie gives me one of her smiles, as she undoes the cloth that stands in my way.

Sensually, it falls to the ground, leaving her fully exposed. With reverence, I bring her hips to my face and breath in the intoxicating aroma of her. I truly do not know if I will ever get enough!

Tingles run through my scalp as she starts to tug on my hair, signaling her impatience as she straddles my waist and begins the descent, impaling herself.

Paya, I… I almost forgot how… how tight she is… so small!

I purr loudly, for her pleasure, grinning inwardly as she gasps and moans, her fingers tightening in my hair, making me shudder with want.

Please, Rosie… please cry louder for me.

"Oh FUCK!" she moans as she pulls up and then pushed back down. I groan. The last time we did this, it was frenzied and hurried, although thorough.

As she bites at her lip, I comb her hair with my fingers, purring to her as her pulse quickens along with her pace. She's slow this time, going easy on us both, allowing the sensations to be savored, as she rides me.

"Sp-Spiky!" She yelps, as I give a small, gentle thrust into her. I tilt my head. I heard no pain in her tone, only surprise. I'm even gentler this time and she bobs her head, breathless as she puts her hands over mine, trying to make me tighten my grip on her hips, which I do.

"Fuck me!" She moans.

With pleasure, my mate.

I thrust into her, helping her as I lift her back up and pull her back down. Paya, she is so… so tight…

Her cries are incoherent now, as she sobs into my shoulder. Her muscles pauk-de clench-

"ROSIE!" My cry is half roar, half moan, as my release hits me. I hold her shaking, trembling form, as my seed sprays into her lushness.

"Oh…oh…." She pants, still shaking. I observe her face, blood rushing beneath her skin, flushed with exertion.

"I…I take it that it was good for you?" She inquires between breaths.

I only chuckle, leaning forward to clean her face and neck with my tongue, sweeping away her sweat, which has a pleasant tang.

"Se-ii. Yes." I growl into her skin.

"My God… You are cocaine. On crack." She whispers, almost to herself.

I pull back and stare at her, once again puzzled.

What the pauk is cocaine? And what does it have to do with cracks?

(END LEMON)

8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Lex POV)

Well then. This has certainly escalated quickly.

Since you obvious have no idea at this point what I'm referring to- well, maybe a few of you do. I'll recap it for you just in case. And I want to go on record saying that NONE of this was my fault.

Scar and I were playing footsie under the table, when Larja inquired something, which I believe caused Scar some anger. He snapped something back at her and she appeared to take offense and well… look, she made this expression which I suppose was meant to be scary and intimidating… but it just looked comical. And then, Sabra and Kemp walked in, Kemp walking slightly… off.

So, naturally, I exploded, trying to hold back laughter. Larja snarled at me and Scar snarled at her, defending me, I guess, although you'd think that by now, he'd know that I can handle myself.

I mean, I don't even know what she said… Maybe it was a death threat, I don't know, but anyways, Larja threw him a ear-shattering roar, upon which he stood up… and knocked the table over. It was an accident, but the food spilled onto Larja.

Yeah.

So Larja leaps clear OVER the table, and Scar sidesteps her, leaving her to tumble right into- can you guess?-

Kemp.

Yeah.

Kemp shrieks like a small girl as he's practically crushed by this giant alien huntress and Sabra… well, let me just say that I NEVER want to get on her bad side. Currently, Scar and I and Kemp are trying to tear the two apart but it's not going very well.

"SABRA! LET GO OF DAMSEL'S NIPPLES RIGHT NOW!"

Gawd this is weird.

A huge, ear-shattering roar breaks loose. It makes EVERYONE stop.

We all turn down the hall to look. It's Kanani. And she doesn't look pleased.

"Alright children. I don't CARE who started the fight, I will fucking FINISH it! ALL of you just ruined a very tender moment between me and my mate, so if there isn't some goddamn peace in about 5 seconds, I am going to END you all."

I have NEVER seen order restored so quickly before. I'm sure Spiky would be very proud. The table was set right, the mess cleaned and everyone friends again in about half the specified time Kanani gave.

She nodded with some satisfaction.

"Good. Now where's the rest of the food? I am starving."

"Where's your mate?" I asked, with a raised brow.

"Oh, he's cleaning up." Kanani grinned diabolically.

Oh my gosh… she's getting me back for all the times mental pictures I gave to her of me and Scar…

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Kanani POV)

"Sorry I asked." Aunt Lex groans in response to my reply. I howl with laughter, enjoying the upper hand.

For fucking once.

The din from this group interrupted me trying to help Psycho with his rather unexpected emotions. Who knew that my Pervert had a heart? Well, I guess technically, I did, as I couldn't love someone who didn't have emotions. Although the fact that he's got such a delicious body helps…

Focus Kanani.

Anywho, so, we had to wrap it up cause the noise wasn't getting quieter, it was actually getting LOUDER, and I didn't really want Spiky to deal with it, cause then we'd ALL be in trouble.

Call it stepping up to the plate. I figured now was as good a time as any, seeing how I crossed a lot of lines today. Not criminal lines, just, you know, taking steps in growing up. Winning a fight against another female, finally losing my virginity, that sort of stuff.

Trying to get dressed was a bit problematic, but I managed, and I took my helmet with me so that I could understand whatever was thrown at me.

So, as I sit down, I look at Larja in concern. She's got more bruises, cuts, and now, her nipples look a bit… well, elongated.

Owchie.

"You alright?" I ask in concern.

She jerks her head up in surprise, cocking her head to the side.

Scar translates for me.

"I, yes, I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you're part of our group now, whether you like it or not. I mean, we got off on a rocky start, but so long as you keep your hands to yourself, we're friends, yeah?" I chuckle.

Scar again translates.

Larja shrugs, looking confused.

"That doesn't make much sense to me."

"Let's call it burying the hatchet and starting fresh. I made enough enemies on earth and it's not gonna be great if I can't make friends where we're going. I mean, my family and I are gonna be out here for a while. A long while." I add under my breath.

Mental note: Scar is a great translator. I'll have to give him a thank-you gift.

Larja now seems to understand. She nods, giving me her version of a smile.

Sabra sighs.

"Hey, I'm sorry I twisted your tits so hard. I um, I have possessive issues with my honey. Sorry."

"No, I should apologize. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't disrespected Setg'in." Larja concedes meekly. This time, I translate for Larja. Sabra smiles toothily.

"Eh, I guess it just means that we're becoming a family. I mean, family try to kill each other all the time, right?"

I facepalm.

"Not literally, no…"

Lex laughs.

"I like your thinking Sabra. And I think you're right."

8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Damsel POV)

Again, I find myself amazed. This… is the weirdest unit I have ever seen. Who knew that such different species could be so… cohesive?

The oomans, the Llonng Sain'ja and the Yautja that have befriended them? They are so different, and yet…

I pause as Kanani turns to me and speaks. By Paya, I wish the arbitrator would hurry with a translator, I'm tired of being unable to understand what the others are saying!

Setg'in speaks.

"She asked if all Yautja females are as big as you are."

I snort as I turn to her.

"Bigger." I retort.

I hear her gasp. Her tail twitches and I hear her mutter under her breath.

Scar chuckles.

"She said-"

Kanani spits something at him and he grins and clatters with laughter.

She huffs and I shift in curiosity.

"What?"

Kanani shakes her head.

This time, Setg'in finishes what he was saying.

"She said she hopes no one else challenges her for Kha'bj-te."

I trill in amusement as Kanani glares at Setg'in.

"I'm sure you'll do just fine should the occasion arise. You are a natural fighter. Forgive me, but I can tell you are not formally trained. You are still quite strong and fierce. Besides that, you are in good hands here with the honored Arbitrator."

Kanani says something in surprise.

"She says thank you." Setg'in says shortly. He looks like he mirrors my desire to have a translator.

At this moment, Kha'bj-te appears. He stops short at the sight of me, looking in a nervous manner between Kanani and I. Kanani waves at him and voices what sounds like an invitation. I keep my eyes to myself as he walks over to her and sits beside her.

Setg'in chuffs.

"How are things on our homeworld?"

I shrug.

"No worse, no better. Another ship has gone missing in the Lost sector."

"What do you mean 'Another' ?"

I forgot that Setg'in has been gone a long time. I explain myself.

"These past few years, ships have gone missing. Two arbitrators have also gone missing, looking for the lost hunters. They sent out distress signals that were cut off and ceased altogether."

Setg'in grinds his tusks irritably.

"Which means that our brother may be summoned to search for the source of these disappearances in a short amount of time."

I nod slowly. That particular concern had not been in my mind, but Setg'in is right. R'ka is one of the best, despite the fact that most of his brothers are notoriously dishonorable and sly.

"Se'ii." I agree reluctantly.

Shortly, R'ka himself appears with my helmet and mask.

He hands it over, warning with a growl, "Be careful. These translators are not easy to make."

He smells… I believe the length of time he spent in his workshop wasn't just focused on my translator. I chuff merrily.

"Thank you, Honored Arbitrator. I am most grateful."

"I should hope so." He growls under his breath.

Placing my mask on, I suddenly understand what Lex, Kanani, Kemp, and Sabra are saying. It's most… refreshing and rather confusing as well.

"…'So I was like, "Dude, no way am I going out looking like a nun!"

"Right, because you'd rather look like a prostitute then a nun." Kanani replies dryly to what Sabra is saying.

"Well duh! Whoever heard of a hot nun?!"

"Oh hell, can we please talk about something decent? Like guns, or star trek?" Kemp groans.

"Star trek is NOT decent!" Lex retorts.

Kemp chuckles.

"Just making sure that you're paying attention."

"So you're a trekkie?" Kanani asks in some minor interest.

"Not really. I watched it when I was a kid." Kemp shrugs.

"Well that explains a lot." Sabra murmurs teasingly.

Kemp turns bright red.

"Sabra." He warns.

I am struggling to understand what they are referring to.

"What is "Star Trekk?" I ask in curiosity.

"It's a tv show." Kemp replies. I return his answer with a blank stare.

"Er, it's a fictional reenactment that has been recorded for the enjoyment of nerds and geeks alike." Kemp rephrases.

"Which makes YOU what? A geek or a nerd?" Kanani snorts and begins laughing.

Sabra snaps, "Don't be ridiculous! He's a NERD of course! Only nerds have the capacity to be hot!" and she possessively wraps her arms around Kemp and presses her open mouth to his.

I can't help but be fascinated with this interaction. Yautja would NEVER be able to commit such an act. In fact, it is not an act of affection, but domination and submission for a female to lock tusks with a male.

My staring does not go unnoticed and Kanani chuckles.

"Trust me, kissing isn't all THAT causal with humans. Sabra's just special."

Sabra ignores this- I take it back, she hears it and takes it as a challenge, straddling Kemp right then and there… and knocking them both off the bench they are sitting on. Er, were sitting on.

Kanani slaps a palm to where her forehead would be under her mask.

"Get a room!"

"Mmmf!" Kemp yelps. I turn to Kanani.

"Are they always like that?"

"I wouldn't know. I haven't actually known them that long!" Kanani responds. Kha'bj-te adds, "If you've not been told the tale, I think Kanani is the right one to tell it."

I nod, looking straight at Kanani the whole time Kha'bj-te speaks to me.

I do not wish to renew any sort of hard feelings between her and I.

Kanani seems to notices and nods in what appears to be approval.

"Thank you for that. Alright, this is what happened. About…" she pauses.

"How long ago was it, Psycho?"

He responds quietly, "About three weeks ago."

"Oh my gawd. It's been three weeks already? Oh my gawd. HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN?!"

I wait patiently for her to finish her raving. Kanani finally calms down and shakes her head.

"Ok, so, me and Psycho here met under unusual circumstances…"

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Sabra POV)

This is the first time I'm getting such a detailed account of how exactly I wound up where I am now. Kanani's taking her time with the story, trying to make it easier for Damsel to understand, I guess, as she explains the various circumstances we had found ourselves in.

It's so weird, how easily she's telling the story to her arch nemesis. I guess she really wasn't kidding. She doesn't want another enemy. Well, I suppose I can understand that. After all, it would help to have a female Yautja as a friend, to kinda show us the ropes so to speak. Frankly, this young-looking Yautja, giant though she is, doesn't intimidate me NEARLY as much as Spiky does. Besides, I've marked Kemp as my own, so I'm not really worried about her trying anything with him. Besides, it doesn't really seem like he's her type anyway.

Rambling much, Sabra?

Heh, yeah, yeah, so I'm insecure.

Sue me.

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Kanani POV)

I'm just getting to the part where I'm in the New York monster factory, split apart from my group and being fucking hunted by that yautja-xeno-thingie, when it occurs to me… that thing is still alive. And it's still here on this ship. Do I need to… feed it?

So, I finish up that part of the story as quickly as I can, ending with us back in the ship, and then I turn to Psycho, ignoring Larja's gaping mouth and super wide disbelieving eyes.

"Ey Psycho, what do abominations eat?"

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~

(Larja/Damsel POV)

HOLY PAYA!

She… I… HOLY PAYA.

…

HOLY PAUK-DE PAYA

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Psycho/Kha'bj-te POV)

I had not thought of that. Perhaps this is worth looking into. Getting up from the table and grabbing a small chunk of meat, I shrug at Kanani.

"One way to find out."

"May I come with you?" Larja questions Kanani, as Kanani stands up.

"Sure, why the hell not?" Kanani chuckles.

The two females follow me, as I start walking down to the trophy room. As my Pauk-de luck would have it, I tripped, on what, I do not know, but Kanani and Larja both stumbled over my prone body and ended up in a tangle of limbs.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Kanani squeaks.

I hate to say it, but the sight leaves me chuffing with laughter. They both turn murderous eyes on me. I gulp and freeze mid chuff… resulting in me actually choking and then coughing uncontrollably.

"Unebelievable." Kanani growls as she finally stands, giving Larja a hand up. They keep walking, leaving me to catch up. I have to admit, I like this view much better.

Paya, such a long tail… and round, jiggly hips…

8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Kanani POV)

My GOD. Psycho is… *unable to articulate*

Whatever. So we finally get to the trophy room without another incident, Psycho's eyes on my ass the whole way up. I swear, I feel his eyes burning a hole through the cloth covering my southern cheeks.

Anyways, my living statue is there, sure enough. Larja sucks in a breath, and dare I say she looks envious?

Cool, I'm actually impressing her.

"So, what do you think?" I turn to Psycho. He shrugs.

"How on earth did you manage this?!" Larja rasps, getting closer, almost reverently.

"I honestly don't know. Survival instincts?" I shrug. Psycho chuckles. I just swat him on the arm. "Stop laughing at me! You're the one that trips over nothing!"

Larja then notices the Queen's Skull. Her whole posture goes rigid as she stares.

"Is this yours?" She asks.

"Naw, that belongs to my mom." I reply with a grin.

I think Larja might swoon. Heh…

8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8

(Larja/Damsel POV)

UNBELIEVABLE! These trophies are of the highest rank among hunters! And they have been taken by non-Yautja no less!

Kanani, I can fairly understand her formidability, but her mother! Her OOMAN mother took on a Hard Meat Queen and prevailed, let alone survived! Suddenly, all my respect has doubled. I want to be friends with these strangers. They are worthy of respect and I will stand by them, as they enter into my culture and encounter adversity.

Kanani is now attempting to feed the deadly creature that is encased by metal. Amazing. It's actually taking the meat, somehow. Kanani chuckles.

"I think I'll name him Splinter."

"What the Pauk?" Kha'bj-te deadpans.

I can't help but laugh. I too, give names to my trophies.

"What does this 'jorj' mean?" I inquire.

Kanani shrugs. "I dunno. He just looks like a Splinter."

I shake my head, daring to step closer. As I examine the huge, intimidating abomination, I can hardly believe that it's tough enough to have actually survived being encased by metal.

Absolutely amazing.

"So, Larja, how many trophies do you have exactly? Cause, I really don't have that many, considering that I just got started on this… whole thing." Kanani inquires.

I shrug.

"I own a decent amount of trophies. Most of them are back at my home, with my clan."

"Clan?"

"Yes." I nod. I look sideways at her. "If you'll give me the privilege of training with you, I shall, as much as I can, teach you about your role in the Yautja community as a female, and a high ranking female at that."

"But, but I'm not a high ranking female! I mean… I'm not, right?" Kanani gives off a strong scent of uncertainty, and I bristle, suddenly realizing that despite her mature appearance, she is actually… quite young. Very young.

With a growl, I straighten up and reply to her.

"You have no idea of how much you have conquered, Llonng's daughter. You are the stuff of legends. That alone, entitles you to honor. Further more, you have proved your mettle, by these trophies. There will be those, of course, that will try to put you down. There are always Badbloods, no matter where you go. But you need not heed anyone's derisive and unhonorable words."

There's a sniffle from behind Kanani's mask and she suddenly flings her arms around me in a crushing grip. I tense, before I realize she is not actually hurting me. Is this some strange ooman custom?

"Thank you, Larja! That… that really means a lot, coming from a freakin' behemoth like you!" She lets me go. I shrug, feeling uncomfortable now.

"No need to thank me for speaking the truth… what was that that you just did to me?"

"It was a hug. A FREE hug. So consider yourself blessed." Kanani replies with a short bark of laughter.

Kha'bj-te has remained silent, but I can tell that he is relieved that there is no longer any animosity between his mate and I.

So am I, by Paya. So am I.

*peers from around the corner* Um, hello... Yes, yes it has been just about forever since I posted my last chapter. Oh goodness, I'M SO SORRY!

PLEASE PLEASE accept my apology! I've just been... trying to keep my head above water. My muse went and took a vacation WITHOUT INVITING ME, so, yeah, what i say? For anyone still out there reading this, forgive me! I hope this transitioning chapter satisfies.

I'm working on the next chapter, I'll have it up hopefully by next week!