Shadow said he would take them to the hive, but not how long it would it would take. Since Shadow was carrying Lorna they're speed had slowed to a walk. Lorna was fast asleep in his arms. She didn't care at the moment what he was. All she cared about is that he was there, protecting her. Looking down at the human in his arms, Shadow couldn't help but wish another look into her eyes. They were amazing! He new it was odd but embraced the new feeling. He peered into her face closer, wanting just a glimpse. He quickly turned and faced his path when she stirred. But she did not wake.
What am I doing? She's a human. So why am I acting like that? He thought for a second if he should pay attention in front of him, but he could probably make the trip back to the hive with just instinct alone. So he abandoned the thought. He caught himself thinking about her eyes. The gleam in them was just so...innocent. Shadow didn't suppress a low hiss but quick hiss. This human messed with them in more than just emotional ways. He enjoyed her body's feeling. Originally he thought of it only as weakness, but the soft paleness and warm temperature almost made him happy.
He quickly looked forward to see a human device that moved them up and down. Remembering it in his past travels, he knew know that he had to move down. Wrapping Lorna up in his tail, he observed the odd human structure. They had legs. Why didn't they use them? He slowly moved into the empty steel shaft, But careful not to drop his precious cargo. Lorna began to stir and wake. Great. Was all he could think of.
"Shadow, are we there yet?" The human yawned and opened her eyes, only to see a long abyss. She screamed and panicked. Shadow hissed and tried to calm her down. Lorna stop! Shadow? Where are we? Is this an elevator shaft? Why am I upside down? Shadow released a noise only describable as a groan.
I'm taking us to the hive. Now stop struggling! Lorna ceased all movement, but squeezed his tail like a doll. Why here? The hive is closer to the bottom of the structure, so we have to go down. It made sense to Lorna, but a huge question popped in her head. Shadow? Yes? How come we can understand each other so easily? Shadow almost stopped moving. He had never thought about it. It was a good question. He answered it as casually as possible. Well, it is rare. But sometimes two individuals in the hive have this happen. They get each other so easily it requires no concentration at all. But I've never even thought it possible with a human. So...we're like. ...our minds are in sync? Yes, but odd. How is it odd? This only ever happens with life mates, ones who will be together to the end. Lorna couldn't help but gasp. There is no chance in hell this...alien was going to become her mate. Even if he had been nice to her since e spared her. She gave out a small chuckle at the thought of her and Shadow being together. You know, I know what your thinking about right? Hey thats personal! Since we're in sync now, we can basically see or hear each others every thought. Great, now I won't have any privacy. I can disregard somethings if you would like. No. Just keep going.
Shadow looked forward and noticed he was at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Moving into the exit, Lorna saw this was the beginning of the hive. An odd substance covered the walls.. It was black and had curves in it like Shadow. Amazing was all she thought about. She felt a a small but warm emotion coming from Shadow. Whats got you so happy? I just can't believe that a human could actually be amazed by this. Why? Isn't it stunning how this could be achieved by your kind? Yes but I never thought a human could appreciate it. Hey! I can like other things to. Wait, was she actually sympathizing for these killers? How? They attacked her colony!
Lorna disbanded the thought, hoping she hadn't upset her companion. If he was angered, he didn't show it. They kept moving. As they delved further into the hive, it seemed like a maze. How do you know where we're going? Its my home. I know it like the instinct that drives me. Lorna just glanced around. How could someone memorize all this? Looking even more, she noticed a few xenos in its black halls. They hissed at Lorna but let Shadow continue without question.
But she couldn't help but shiver. Being in an alien environment surrounded by things that could all kill her with the flick of its tail disturbed her almost past a line. Shadow sensed this and tried to comfort her. Relax. I won't let them hurt you. Lorna strangely did fell comforted. She didn't know how this creature could make her feel this way, but it did. Thanks. How much further? Just past this chamber. You should walk by me from here. I don't want the Queen to think your helpless. Lorna snorted. She really didn't care too much about what the Queen thought. Just that she didn't harm her.
Shadow set her down, and stared at her. He grasped the sides of her arms with his skeletal hands. She was a bit surprised but looked into his face nonetheless. Show respect. Making the Queen angry could very well get us both killed. Only speak when spoken to. Got it.
They both strolled into the Queens chamber, Lorna's face turning into that of awe. The Queen was enormous! At least three times the size of Shadow. But she tried not to act intimidated. She looked around. The chamber was large, it needed to be. She noticed a few stray Xenomorphs moving eggs. They looked their way but continued moving the eggs. She could only wonder why they were doing this. She looked back at the the Queen, who gazed back. She shuddered. The Queen was on a big sac that helped her lay eggs. The Queen stopped this process as her huge head followed her every step closer.
The Queen screeched a warning to the rest of her children, who all left within quick succession. Lorna and Shadow both stopped a few feet in front of the Queen. They both looked up into the Queens face. She only sat there, staring at them both.
*So, my child. Could you please tell me why this human is not a host yet?* Lorna could hear the Queen. Her voice demanded respect and was bold; without fear. She lives because she is unique. Unique? The Queen looked to Lorna, then back to Shadow. The Queen seemed to almost snicker. *Explain how she is unique* Shadow thought for a second then answered. She can speak to us. I have never seen any human ever capable of doing so. The Queen seemed unimpressed as she glanced back at Lorna. *Well, show us human.* Lorna cleared her throat, even though her mind was going to do the talking. She looked toward the Queen, unblinking. Yes, it is true. I can hear and speak to you both clearly. The Queen tilted her head. *Interesting. Do you know why human?* Lorna was taken aback by the question. She didn't know the answer. I..I don't know. I still haven't figured that out myself.
The Queen seemed to sigh. *Please my child, tell me there is more reason to spare this human.* Shadow looked to the floor. Yes mother. But I don't know exactly what it is yet. Perhaps with more time we will see. When I found her I had a feeling. I can't describe it. Please, just have more patience. Originally the Queen was going to cocoon the female anyways, but her curiosity was eating at her. She wanted to find out about this feeling, and maybe why her warrior had it. The Queen weighed the outcomes. Her mind was made up. *Your lucky my curiosity has gotten the better of me human. She can stay, but only for a short while longer. If she doesn't present anything within interest by then, she will become a host.*
Shadow lowered his head in respect. Thank you Queen. I promise to not disappoint you. But, where shall she stay? *She can stay with you in a private quarter for now, but if she does anything that poses a threat to any of my children or me she will become prey. Understand?* Clearly mother. She didn't even say more. The Queen continued laying eggs, dismissing Lorna and Shadow. Shadow waved his hand to Lorna signaling for her to follow. She did.
Shadow showed her through some more dark corridors, but she had something to ask him. Shadow? Yes? Why do you call her mother? Shadow stopped and looked at Lorna. Is it not noticeable? She gives birth to the eggs that spawn us. Oh.
Shadow led Lona into what seemed like a living room. Although most of it had been covered with the substance, some parts remained the same. The bed and refrigerator were both intact. Realizing her hunger, Lorna speed walked over to the fridge. She opened it to find what she wanted. Two bottles of water and left over spaghetti. She then tried to look for silverware, but to no avail. Shuddering she opened a bottle of water and almost drank it all at once. She then used her hand to eat handfuls of the leftovers. Shadow was eying her as she ate. Shadow himself felt hunger, and decided he needed food.
Looking over to Lorna, he relayed his need. Lorna, I need to eat. I'll leave but will be back soon. Please rest while I'm gone. Ok. And Shadow. Thanks, for everything. I'd probably be dead with a hole in my chest if it weren't for you. Lorna could feel his surprise and her own. She had felt the need to thank this creature, no matter who or what he was. Well, uh... your welcome. Be back soon. Stay safe. No sooner had those words hit Lorna's mind, she wrapped her arms around Shadow in a warm embrace. He almost freaked and with a hiss lifted his arms up to see her true intentions. She was hugging him, and as he listened closer, he also noticed her lowly sobbing. He slowly wrapped his arms around hers, putting his head over her shoulder. Shadow felt the wetness of her tears hit his cool body. What's wrong Lorna? I...I don't know. Everything is happening so fast and...and your the only one who's stayed with me the entire way. Please don't leave me. Not now. He pulled his head from her shoulder and gazed into her eyes. He slowly caressed her cheek with his ever so soft touch. Her body was warm and soft. His was hard and cool, but it somehow made her feel safe. I will not leave you, for I must go for just a moment. I will return as soon as possible. She explored his body for a second and felt him caress her cheek again, gently with one of his thumbs. He left the room.
Lorna was left to herself, feeling confused and alone. What the hell? What was that? She was confused as to why she had hugged Shadow. She replayed the image. An odd wave of warmth went through her as she felt his black but gentle arms. The realization hit her like a brick. She was starting to fall for him. No! That cannot be! He's not..he's not human. I can't fall for him. I just can't... Lorena sat on the bed, unable to rest. She curled up into a ball not knowing what to do. I can't be falling in love with him...
But she was.
Note: *s at the beginning and end of a sentence means thats the Queens thought.