Author's Note:
I know. I know. This is really, REALLY late. I apologize greatly. I have an explanation at the end of this story.
Before you continue, there is a lemon scene in this chapter. If you don't like it, then skip it. It doesn't have a huge impact on the story.
The next day consisted of Nal'ca dragging Max out of bed, before she gave him his first set of clothes from the workshop. Max was astonished to find that Ack'se had designed this set based off his human clothes. It was a red, sleeveless shirt, and sweatpants, with boxers for underwear. A note was inside that Nal'ca read to him since he couldn't read their language.
Based this set off the clothes you discarded at the medical Ward. I don't know why you humans have more than one part, but never-the-less I made them as close as possible to what you had. I'll also have some Yautja based clothes, you should get a couple sets of both tomorrow. You can tell me what you think when I give you your 'Awu'asa'.
Max smiled as he put on the clothes, surprised at how comfortable they were. They were not cotton, but not wool either, they were almost like nylon, synthetic. After breakfast, Max and Sya both sat down at a table in Sya's room. Sya was surprised at how quickly Max learned. He'd used a tool given to them by Ba'tin to temporarily turn off Max's language chip. He quickly picked up how to pronounce some of the syllables. Although he was limited due to his vocal chords, he was able to get close enough that she could understand him. He already could hold a conversation, only needing help here and there to remember the correct word.
And though it was hard for him to pronounce all the syllables now, it will be easier when he goes through the surgery. Ba'tin ensured that the surgery would not inhibit his ability to speak his native language. The surgery would be an addition, not a replacement. Sya decided that he would teach the language first, and then focus on culture. He continued the lesson, both intrigued in the conversation until dinnertime came. Max learned how each cycle, or day to the Yautja, were 60 hours in length. The Yautja sleep for 12 hours and are awake for 48 hours. This was perfect for Max as his enhancements caused his sleep cycle to fit perfectly into that.
By the time that evening meal came around, Max could speak rather well. The Xenomorph DNA allowing him to learn quickly. When it was time for Dinner, Max, Nal'ca, and Sya walked together down to the Cafeteria. They decided that they would keep the language chip off to see if Max would do well in conversation. Nal'ca would keep the remote to turn on the language chip if needed. Max walked in and grabbed what Nal'ca said would taste like chicken to him. Then the three sat down together at an empty table. The Cafeteria reminded him of how the Lunchrooms at school looked like. The tables were very similar in design to them. As the two began to eat, two more Yautja sat down across from them. Max looked up to see Da'ax with what Max assumed to be one of his friends.
"Hello Da'ax", Max said, "How was your day?"
"Fine", he said then took a bite of his meal. Swallowing he asked, "I didn't see you at the training hall today."
"Yea, sorry about that." Max replied, "I was a little busy. I need to learn how to speak to you guys without using the language chip. Who's your friend?"
"This is Gr'tyk. He's my brother."
"Nice to meet you Gr'tyk." Max said.
Gr'tyk grunted in reply, then asked, "Why did you help my brother last cycle?"
Max swallowed his bite before replying, "Because I can't stand jackasses like Kuita who don't pick on people their own size."
"What?" Gr'tyk asked.
Max didn't know why the Yautja was confused.
"We don't use phrases like that." Nal'ca explained through the link.
"Alright thanks for telling me." Max replied before returning to Gr'tyk, "When I say pick on someone your own size, I mean fighting someone that can adequately fight back." Da'ax and Gr'tyk nodded their heads in understanding. Once the group finished eating, Max spoke to Da'ax, "Hey, if you meet me at the training hall in a few minutes I can start to teach you. I have to grab a few things before I do so."
Da'ax bowed his head in thanks before standing up, "Thank you, I look forward to it." He then left with his brother. Max and Nal'ca returned to their quarters so Max could retrieve what he needed. As he was strapping his knifes to his waist he asked Nal'ca telepathically, "Hey, do you have anything heavy to wear? Like a weighted vest?"
"Why would you need something like that?" Nal'ca replied questioningly.
"If I am to teach Da'ax how to fight with speed, he needs to have the endurance to do so. Being able to evade does you no good if you are out of breath after the first few seconds."
"Hmmmm, I don't think I have anything of that nature, but I know there are bags of sand that can be clipped to the belt holding up his loincloth."
"Ha!" Max laughed as he stood up turning to Nal'ca, he then spoke out loud, "I wasn't going to have him wear them, I'm going to wear them!"
Max then walked past Nal'ca patting her shoulder before walking out. "I'll be back here before it's time to rest!" Max informed as he walked down to the training hall.
Max walked in to see Da'ax waiting on the floor, examining his weapons. Max started to think evil thoughts. Smiling wickedly, he stepped into the shadows covering the stands of the pit. His body unnoticeable in the darkness. He examined the wall, searching for a way up to the girders that lined the ceiling. Seeing a way up, he leaped to a bar, his enhancements allowing him to jump higher than a normal human, and he pulled himself up. He then was able to jump to the girders, grabbing on and pulling himself up so he was able to stand on them. Balancing himself on the girders, he silently ran until he was just above the young warrior. Max looked down upon his prey, waiting for the right moment to surprise him. Max slowly pulled out his daggers, not planning to hurt the Yautja, only make him jump out of his skin.
"Ugh", Da'ax complained, "I thought he said a few minutes. Where is he?"
That was the moment Max decided to strike. Without a sound, he leaped off the girder and landed right in front of Da'ax, blades out. Da'ax must have jumped a meter into the air from being startled. "I'm right here." Max said as he stood up, sheathing his knifes.
Da'ax took a second to breathe; Max smiled as he walked to his student, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"If you want to fight like me", Max started, "You must be completely aware of your surroundings all the time. I literally was able to walk in here, climb the wall up, and get into a position on the roof before I came down. If you're going to dance around your opponent, you must be able to know the environment in a flash, else you run into something as you move."
Da'ax nodded in understanding then asked, "What shall we do first teacher?"
Max smiled before he began the class, if you could call it that. It was more a brutal endurance training than a class. First, they did over 100 laps around the arena, before immediately going into 200 push-ups, 50 pull-ups, lunges, jumping jacks, planks, stretches, weights, squats, the whole nine yards. When Max finally allowed a break, he took a big sip of water from one of his 1 L water bottles as Da'ax collapsed on the floor. Max chuckled as he watched his student breathe heavily.
"Is this…" Da'ax panted, "What you… do for… training?"
Max laughed before replying, "No, I usually do twice as much, and in a shorter amount of time. But I had to go slow for you." Max could only laugh harder at the bewildered face of Da'ax when he heard those words.
Max and Da'ax both turned their heads to see Nal'ca and her father both walk in.
"I think that's more than enough for today Maximus." Lord Kulem'te said.
Max wiped the sweat of his forehead. "As you wish Lord Kulem'te." Max turned to Da'ax, "I know you'll feel sore tomorrow, but workouts like this are necessary part of learning to fight. You'll find you will get amazing results. You should also consider you're not even Human! Your physical peaks are most likely greatly beyond even the toughest Human, probably even myself." Nal'ca nodded in agreement.
"Come now Ooman", Nal'ca joked, "it's past your bathtime, and you stink." Max looked at himself to see his cloths covered in his sweat.
"Shut up." Max replied before walking with Nal'ca to her room.
The next Cycle…
Max walked down to the craftsmen with Nal'ca behind him. On the outside, he was calm and composed, but on the inside, he was jumping with anticipation. They were walking down to get his new gear, his 'Awu'asa', and afterwards he would be going through the surgery to allow him to speak correctly. Max had given Da'ax a workout routine for him to follow today since he would be too busy to teach him.
When the lift stopped, Max and Nal'ca disembarked to see a young Yautja waiting for them.
"Greeting Nal'ca and Maximus", he said bowing. Max bowed back in acknowledgment, "I have been sent here by Master Ack'se to lead you to him. Follow me." The little Yautja then turned and began walking down the hall, Max and Nal'ca following. When they reached the door to Ack'se's personal workshop, Max was taken by surprise when Nal'ca suddenly blindfolded him. Max struggled, attempting to get out of her grip as his reflexes took over, but he simply could not overpower the female Yautja.
"Calm Max", she ordered, "I'm doing this so you can't see it until it's ready."
Max instantly calmed at her order, then heard the door open and could smell the metalwork, polish and hard work.
"Ah Max", Ack'se said, "Bring him in Nal'ca." Max felt Nal'ca gently move him into the room before stopping him in front of what Max assumed was a stand holding his 'Awu'asa'. "Remove the blindfold, he's ready."
Max felt Nal'ca untie the knot holding the blindfold, as it fell Max's eyes widened. The armor looked even better in reality. The Mask looked like the masks he saw the other Yautja with. Max began to put on the armor. A deep black under suit was worn underneath the armor. This was to compensate for his soft skin when compared to a Yautja's hide. The under suit was built to maintain a comfortable temperature wherever Max went, and it was made from a special material to allow it to knit itself back together if cut or damaged. A plate covered each breast, leaving his abdominals uncovered to allow full movement. The bracers were equipped with a standard set of wrist blades, and a control pad on the left bracer. The boots and shin guards were very lightweight, but definitely sturdy enough to defend a blow. There was a hidden sheathe in his right boot for a boot knife which made Max very happy. A black loincloth covered his privates underneath his codpiece. His chest piece was comfortably secure on his chest. A set of metal plates went down his back. A set of magnetic holsters were integrated into the set of armor on his back. It had sheaths for his swords on his left, just as Max preferred, a Magnetic clip for his plasma pistol and another weapon on his right hip. Holds were on both of his sides for throwing knifes, shurikens and smart discs.
Ack'se gave Max a plasma caster that was in the form of a pistol instead of mounting it on his shoulder. It was decided that it would be better to use since using one of the larger plasma casters would most likely dislocate his shoulder every time he used it. Max placed his swords in their respective sheaths, then placed his pistol and combi-stix on his right. He then placed four of his throwing knifes into place on his sides. He put on the bracers. Pressing the release in his palm, the wrist blades shot out. The serrated blades sharp as ever and gleaming in the light. Max looked over his armor, colored black, then looked at the control pad, seeing a button that said cloak. Pressing it, his body instantly vanished, although it looked no different to him. The only notice he had that he was Invisible was the fact his HUD stated that he was. Turning off the cloak he turned to Ack'se.
"I like it", Max said, "I like it a lot, and I can't wait to test it."
Nal'ca smiled before replying, "Well, I have already gathered an opponent for you. Come to the training hall, and we'll see how good this armor really is."
Max and Nal'ca exited the lift and walked to the entrance to the kehrite. "You ready to test that thing out?" Nal'ca asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Max replied.
"You'll find out." Nal'ca said as she opened the door. Two things immediately caught Max's eye. Number one was the fact that several Yautja were crowded into the kehrite; number two was the fact that Sya was the one inside the ring.
"What?" Nal'ca said, breaking Max from his temporary trance, "I thought you wanted to try out your armor?" Nal'ca sneered before pushing Max into the ring. Max landed with the grace of a cat, quickly finding his bearings and preparing for battle. He quickly attached the mask to his face and pulled his katana from its sheath, holding it in front of him in ready position.
Max knew full well that he had to be cautious. Sya was far more experienced than Max might ever be in combat, charging in head first would only get him killed.
The air was about to snap from the tension, the rope already fraying leading up to the break. Silence was upon every audience member, watching the two mute forces; one they knew and respected, and another in which they had little information about his fighting skills. Max held his defensive position firm, he needed an opening to strike, not strike out of foolish fury. Max could see Sya's muscle tightening, preparing for a bound leap as the cold, dark mask bore its macabre stare upon him. Max's mask was already feeding him information as well, the condition of his body, his heart rate, among other information.
Suddenly the rope snapped, Sya bound forward like a lion on its prey. Moving almost too fast for Max to comprehend, Max just managed to bring his blade up to block the downward strike of Sya's wrist-blades. Sya landed from the strike with a silent thud, and continuing his assault of blinding speed.
Middle, low, high, middle, middle, shift, retreat, high, middle. The shear speed of Sya was already overwhelming the human's defenses. It was all Max could do to keep from being shredded apart from Sya's blades. He needed to disengage, Max HAD to get away from the fury of Sya's offensive. Quickly falling to one knee, Max threw all his force into pushing away from a strike coming in at his head. At the clang of the metals striking each other, Max threw his body to the side rolling to his feet only to see Sya bearing down on him. Max brought his blade up, only for Sya to knock the blade out of Max's hands. Running on instincts with a dash of fear, Max flipped backward twice before cartwheeling to the side to avoid another charge. At landing, Max grabbed a small, gray marble and threw it to the ground. Suddenly, smoke filled the pit, masking Max in the temporary fog.
Sya sat just outside the smoke, only just being able to make out Max in the fog, straining to see the human's heat in the smokescreen. Max purposely had his smokescreens made to be warm enough to mask his heat signature, since the Yautja see in infrared and therefore temperature. Max mind raced, quickly attempting to create a plan before his cover dissipates. A feeling of dread began to take hold as each idea was quickly removed after examination.
Sya was an Elite Arbitrator, his experience and knowledge outshined Max's twenty-fold. Worse, Sya's fighting style was completely foreign to Max. In most situations, when he resorted to melee and his opponent was foreign, Max's own skill allowed him to contend with an opponent until he found a weakness or opening to exploit. However, Max knew he could not contend with Sya in this situation. He could not win this fight.
The smoke cleared, and the warriors once again faced each other in a standoff, and this was when Max realized the point of this sparring match. The goal of this fight was not for him to beat Sya, it never was, it was to see how long he could hold out against him. A test of his skills and knowledge of combat, a true test of skill. But for who to see?
In the corner of his vision, Max saw his Katana on the ground, too far for him to attempt to bolt for it. Instead, Max took his combi-stix in hand, extending it as Sya did the same. Max gave a nod of acknowledgement to the Arbitrator. Sya grinned under his mask, impressed by the human's quick revelation of the point of this matchup. Though he knew victory is his, he knew that it was not a victory Max would give easily. Max would bring his full, elemental, animalistic might to bare, even if he knew he would lose. Sya was eager for a hard-earned victory.
In the stands, Nal'ca sat next to her sire, everyone watching the two warriors' standoff, the silence born from tension cast an eerie shadow over every being watching. "He understands why he is fighting Sya." Kulem'te quietly remarked.
Realizing his opponent was not going to move first, Max opened with a quick throw of a knife. Sya easily avoided the object, sliding right, only to have a smart-disc coming straight for him. Sya ducked under the disk before he brought his combi-stix up to block Max's strike at him. Sya shunted the blow aside, pushing Max back before turning to knock the returning smart-disc aside. He quickly spun back to block Max's returning lunge, pushing it to the side. One wielded the combi-stix like a quarterstaff, using the wrists coupled with body movements—and the occasional two-handed grip for power blows—to quickly move the double-ended spear to defend and strike. However, instead of meeting the hard-defensive block of a warrior, which Sya expected, he instead met the gentle flow of elegant parries and deflections as Max weaved around him with the grace of a dancer, and the lethality of a snake.
Max ramped up his speed to full power, harassing Sya instead of assaulting him. Sya found himself reeling from the sudden speed of his opponent; Max's speed was beyond anything Sya had dealt with before. Yet in the blur of movement he could make out the footwork and form worthy of an elder. However, although Max was irrefutably his fastest foe yet, he was not fast enough to overwhelm Sya with pure speed. Max knew this, however. It was evident in his assault. Max never took a dedicated stance, he was always moving shifting stances as needed while he danced circles around Sya, making precise strikes and jabs at opening while deflecting and redirecting Sya's own attempts to strike back. By doing this, Max was also making it impossible for Sya to bulldoze through him, always moving around and never in a straight line.
Max knew that it would only be a matter of time before Sya would shut him down. Which meant he would have to get creative, very creative. In his mind's eye, Max could see where his Katana laid, having kept tabs on everything in the environment. Brainstorming a plan, Max enacted it without a second thought.
Praying that Yautja physiology was similar enough to Humanity's own, Max shunted aside a jab by Sya that would had taken his side had Max not made a subtle twist of his hips to dodge. Pushing Sya's Combi-stix to the side, Max quickly spun his own combi-stix around to slam the shaft against the top of Sya's hand, right below his knuckles. Fingers sprang open, and Max found his prayers answered as combi-stix fell free! Taking the chance, Max did a quick spin, pulling the other end of the combi-stix to sink it into flesh. Experience called Sya to shift or risk an injury that would end this match. He didn't move fast enough.
Sya roared as the end on Max's combi-stix dug into Sya's shoulder, cutting through his tough hide before Max pulled the combi-stix back. Sya extended his Ki'cti-pa, swinging his right around and smashing the blades against Max's Combi-stix. The serrated blade caught into Max's Combi-stix with enough force that it was knocked out of his hands. Max quickly extended his own wrist blades to defend himself against Sya's rally. Max continued his attempts to other outmaneuvered Sya. Sparks flew as blades crashed against one another.
A shift of the hips and Max avoided a jab. A quick duck to avoid a slash. A slide left to avoid the follow up as Max took a quick swipe at Sya's side. Sya moved back slightly to avoid Max's blades, but it was what Max wanted. Max did a quick spin and slammed his booted heel into Sya's knee. Not wasting a second, Max continued his attack with a round-house, slamming his leg into Sya's unarmored stomach with enough force to cause the arbitrator to grunt and bend over slightly.
However, as Max attempted to move past him, he was instead hit with Sya's own retaliation. As Max moved he saw Sya's shoulders shift, he quickly braced himself, staying light on his feet and exhaling when the kick landed. Sya foot slammed into Max's stomach, and the human was sent hurling back. Landing hard on his back with a sudden hailstorm of pain in his chest. His armor had absorbed some of the force. However, Max knew had he not braced himself this match would have been over after that hit. He looked at his opponent, to see the arbitrator bearing down on him. Soon, adrenaline masked the pain in his chest and Max rolled back to avoid the assault. Coming up on his feet, Max's vision was immediately filled with the arbitrator's continued assault. Max quickly moved back, but not fast enough to completely avoid Sya's maul. The blades grazed Max's stomach. Ignoring the shearing pain, Max dived right, grabbing his Katana and throwing a back kick to keep Sya off him for the moment. Spinning around with a slash, to force Sya to back up before Max hopped farther back himself.
Distance once again separated them, blood leaked from the cuts on Max's body. Luckily, all of them except the slash on his stomach were superficial. Max grabbed a device from his medicomp, a syringe appeared on one end, and Max plunged it into his leg before throwing the device away. The medicine quickly moved through his body, mending what it could and increasing Max's already rushing adrenaline to mask the pain of his fractured ribs.
Taking a deep breath, Max suddenly felt a subtle presence in the room. Focusing on the presence, Max was suddenly flooded with the presence of a being of immense age and wisdom. A mind that watched him with interest and thought, but when Max attempted to look any farther into his mind, he found an impenetrable wall. Suddenly this presence spoke to him.
"Ah, you have found me young one. Your mind is very powerful indeed." An old, yet strong voice filled Max's head.
"Who are you?" Max replied, keeping his gaze on Sya, taking a defensive stance. "I sense you in this room, where are you?"
"I will reveal myself after this sparring match." The voice replied, "For now I will tell you I am a friend."
"That is to be seen." Max kept his gaze on Sya, who only gave his own stare. Why has Sya not moved yet?
"When your fight continues, I would suggest using your mind to peer on your opponent's mind and see what he'll do before he does it."
"What?" Max asked, a sudden moment of confusion took his mind, before a scrambling panicked as Sya was suddenly barreling toward him with Ki'cti-pa extended.
With the desperation of a drowning man, Max brought his Katana up, barely defending himself from the sudden blitzkrieg offense. Max rallied quickly from his stupor, but his attempts to redirect Sya's attacks were in vain as suddenly a hand grabbed his wrists. Sya pushed his hands down, Max's strength unable to overcome the much larger Yautja. Another hand suddenly wrapped around Max's throat. Out of reflex, Max dropped his Katana and struggled to breathe as he was lifted off the ground.
"Use your powers sain'ja!"
Suddenly Max stopped his struggling and focused his mind. Piercing the surprised arbitrator's mental barriers with ease, and pressuring Sya's mind and causing pain. Sya dropped Max, who quickly fell and grabbed his Katana as he hacked and spat, desperate for air. Sya quickly reestablished his mental barriers before kicking Max away from him.
Max managed to keep his grip on the blade as he was sent off. A sickening Crack! could be heard as Max slammed into the wall of the arena. Max's head ringed as he fell, but he forced himself back to his feet. He took the pain he felt and plunged it into his furnace of his instincts. Pain is weakness leaving the body, it only served to fuel the fire of his spirit. Fear, small sheets were present in Max's mind as he felt the beginnings of fatigue start to crawl their way into his bones. Max kept his control on his fear however, also using it to fuel his resolve. Fear was natural, when correctly controlled it can be a powerful force. Fear led to panic only when control was lost, and Max would not lose control. Max refused to lose control. As Max pushed himself back to his feet Sya finally spoke.
"You finally bring your powers to bear." the Arbitrator said.
"Well, it was either that, or losing this match." Max replied, "I can't make it that easy for you."
"You realize this is a fight you can't win?"
"Of course, I do." Max answered, "If I was in a different situation, I would have fled some time ago."
"Why would you flee from a fight?" Sya asked.
"I'm not stupid." Max replied, "Dying in a simple fight is not worth the honor. I would sacrifice myself if I had to, but fighting a losing battle is pointless."
"Then why do you continue to fight me if this is a losing battle for you?" Sya asked as he gripped the razor-whip on his side and prepared to re-engage Max. Max's stood tall against Sya, he controlled his breathing and allowed his body time to regain what energy it could. His right hand held his Katana at the side, his left an inch away from the grip of one of his pistols. Max extended his mind once again, subtly probing Sya defenses for a point of weakness.
Peer on your opponent's mind and see what he'll do, Max recalled the voice telling him. The mysterious presence had never left his thoughts. Max had kept tabs on it since their brief conversation. Since then, his mental barriers were put up to full power instead of the passive barrier that, although strong, was obviously not powerful enough to block that presence.
Max found Sya's barriers to be strong, the arbitrator had obviously fought telepaths before. Probably the only reason Max had managed to penetrate Sya's barriers in the first place was because Sya had lowered his guard. This meant he would not be able to simply attack Sya's psyche to disable him. However, it was the same reason Max was hesitant to simply just 'listen in' on the arbitrator's mind to determine how to act. If Sya had faced opponents like him before, then Sya probably has created countermeasures against listening in on his mind. Sya was too experienced to not create countermeasures. Voices argued in Max's head before being silenced with a decision by Max.
"I still fight because I know why you are my opponent." Max answered Sya. "This is a test, a trial. There is an Elder in this room, another telepath. I can sense him."
Finishing his words, Max quickly slid right to avoid Sya's whip. Quickly grabbing his pistol with his left and firing rounds into Sya's chest before firing the last shot in the clip at Sya's kneecap. Sya nearly stumbled, Max's shot had landed exactly where he wanted it to. A quick holster of his pistol as Max took out his second blade as well before leaping at Sya.
The audience, in contrast to the clashing blades below, were half looking for the Elder the Ooman spoke of, and watching the fight itself. Bar one, the Ancient Elder Hawik'ke, who was doing the Yautja's equivalent of a smile, watched the Ooman sain'ja fearlessly do battle against an enemy he knew he could not beat.
When his pup had told him about this Ooman, Hawik'ke was greatly intrigued. He had never heard of an Ooman with the gift. For centuries, Hawik'ke had taught the Yautja who were lucky enough to have the gift, but this Ooman was obviously nearing his own mastery of his telepathic powers. Hawik'ke smiled as he watched his youngest son do battle with the Ooman. Proud of the level that Sya had attained, even if he didn't have the gift.
Not only that, he was impressed with the skill of the Ooman. Clearly worthly of the Yautja, and truly worth the time to train him.
Across the stands sat Nal'ca, who could also feel the presence that Max felt. She searched the crowd for the Elder, instead she saw an Ancient Elder. Sya's sire nonetheless.
"Sire", Nal'ca whispered, "is that...?"
"Yes, he is daughter." Kulem'te replied, "Now focus on your mate."
"What?" Nal'ca asked bewildered, "We haven't mated yet. I don't think he is ready."
Her sire only chuckled, "You can't deny your or his feelings. You should try soon, but be careful. Even with his Kainde Ameada DNA, he still more fragile than a male of our kind."
Nal'ca looked at her father, thoughts swirling in her head. Thoughts of fear, pride, strength, and one most unfamiliar to her and probably most of her species. Love. Perhaps not tonight, but I will ask him soon.
Max could feel Nal'ca's thoughts, but he was too busy trying to keep Sya on his backfoot who did a quick hop back. With a flick of his wrist, his razor-whip curled around Max's Katana. However, before Sya could pull the blade out of Max's grip, Max took his wakizashi and pushed against the whip, using the tension generated to slip his Katana free. Max quickly followed with wrapping the cord around his wakizashi and pulling hard. Instead of Sya disarming Max, Max disarmed Sya. Max flicked his wakizashi back, throwing the dangerous whip behind him as Sya took the chance to grab his combi-stix. Max quickly leaped at Sya, smashing against his guard as Max turned into a bladed dervish of precision and lethality.
Max headed the words that was given by the Elder, and focused his mind as he fought. Max managed to subtly infiltrate the fortress of Sya's mind. He listened, instead of attacking Sya's mind itself. Attacking Sya's mind again would only stagger Sya's mind for a time before the Arbitrator would kick him out again. Instead, he listened to the silent voice of Sya's mind. He heard his next move before the Arbitrator preformed it. But Max did not put all his trust in this.
Max felt Sya next attempt to counter him. His Katana was headed to Sya's chest. Sya quickly pushed the blade forward in an attempt to lock Max up. However, when Sya attempted a punch with his offhand at Max's face, he was met with the flat-edge of Max's wakizashi pushing his punch off course as Max made a subtle shift to completely avoid the attack. An attack he would have never seen coming was he not listening on Sya's thoughts.
Nal'ca watched in awe as Max avoided a counter that he shouldn't have been able to avoid, before continuing his dance. Whispers began to run amok as warriors watched in disbelief as this Ooman—a race they often considered inferior to their own—managed to contend with an Elite Arbitrator.
Max's speed was almost incomprehendable as he danced around Sya like he danced around the Xenomorphs. As the younger Yautja gapped at Max's swiftness, more experienced Yautja took note of excellent footwork that Max retained at such a speed. Even more experienced Yautja noticed Max's attacks as probing Sya's defenses, and noting that fact that Max's shot at Sya's knee has weakened the arbitrators leg. The younger worshipped Max's speed. The experienced lauded Max's perfection of form. The more experienced praised Max's tactics.
Sya kept up his defense, keeping his combi-stix close and using his wrists to block the flurry of strikes. Sya growled when a quick kick landed on his injured knee, right on where Max had shot him. When he brought the foot back and leaned a little more on it, the Arbitrator was rewarded with a jolt of pain up his leg. Max took the opportunity.
Dropping low, Max turned his entire body into a reverse leg-sweep. He caught Sya's bad leg, and Sya feel onto his back. However, Max's attempt to catch the Arbitrator was soiled as a foot met his chest. Max twisted in the air to land on his feet only to fall to one knee as Sya beared his weight against him in a hammer blow.
Max strained from the pressure, barely able to hold up the arbitrator's combi-stix pushing down on top of him. Sya roared in victory, both fighters knew at this point that the fight was over and Max would not win. But Max would go down kicking and screaming. Max slammed his full telepathic might into Sya's mind in a desperate attempt to get the Arbitrator away from him. It worked.
Sya roared as he felt his mind assaulted, feeling as if his mind was being crushed as Max attempted to role away. However, Sya pushed through the pain and landed a kick into Max's chest full force. Even though Max had sensed and prepared himself for the hit, he was sent flying and hit the wall. This time with enough force to cause him to fall to the ground hard. Max tried to push himself up, coughing blood from his now surely broken ribcage. He failed. He threw everything he had at Sya, but it just wasn't enough. Deprived of energy, his arms crumpled beneath him and his broken body fell again.
All Max could see before he blacked out was Sya hit the floor as well, and Nal'ca rushing to help him as Kulem'te tended to Sya.
Hours later...
Nal'ca sat next to a sleeping Max in the medical bay. She kept watch over him as he healed. Max didn't suffer anything permanent, only a broken bones and fractures; his injuries were still severe enough to take him out of the fight. He had pushed his body hard in his sparring match against Sya—Nal'ca couldn't help her emotions. A strong warrior who refused to stop fighting until his body itself could take no more. Yet, a warrior with the wisdom to know when a fight is worth fighting.
Nal'ca's couldn't help but chuckle at the irony.
The entire Yautja culture was based on honor and the hunt, yet this human has already shown more honor than many Yautja several times older than himself. However, this is not what she found to be the most attractive trait he bared, nor were his skills in combat his most attractive trait. His caring nature was.
Over the past several cycles, he has shown to be the most caring, yet strong being she has ever met. She couldn't deny what she felt for him. It was love. It warmed her insides and drove her mind into a frenzy. He was hers. She would have him.
"You're in love with him."
Nal'ca's gaze moved as she saw Sya sit up from his medical pod. She was about to respond, but Sya spoke instead.
"I can see it in your eyes." He explained, "I have seen such things before. He is definitely more wise and honorable than many other sain'ja."
"Yes, he is", said a third voice.
Nal'ca and Sya turned to see Ancient Elder Hawik'ke enter the room. Both Yautja immediately bowed their head in respect.
"Greetings my Sire." Sya said.
"Greetings arbitrator", Hawik'ke replied as he walked up to the other side of Max's medical-pod. Hawik'ke gently placed his hand on Max's forehead. Nal'ca felt what seemed like a gentle presence on the forefront of her mind.
"Even in his sleep his mental barriers are stronger than many others I've seen." The Ancient Elder said, "but I can feel the bond between your minds."
Nal'ca said nothing, only returned her gaze to the human before her.
"You must understand the trust he has in you to create that bond." The elder continued. "He literally laid his mind open to you. Left it open for you." Nal'ca nodded in understanding.
"I can feel your attraction to him." Hawik'ke said, "You should ask him soon."
"Should ask me what?" Max said as he tried to sit up, as he winced from the pain of his injuries. Then he noticed the Ancient Elder standing on his left. Max quickly attempted to bow his head only to yelp from the pain of trying. The Yautjas in the room couldn't help but chuckle.
"There is no need for such attempts Max." Hawik'ke dismissed. "I'm here as a friend."
Max nodded his head in acknowledgement before lying back down with a sigh. "You're the presence I could feel."
"Yes, I am." The Ancient replied. "I here to say you passed the test."
"Passed?"
"With flying colors, as your kind says." Hawik'ke stated.
"Then what's next? What's the point in this?". Max asked.
"My Sire wished to see the strength of your mind, and your fighting skill." Sya answered as he stood up from his pod.
"Well, I hope he got the information he wanted because I don't wish to do that again." Max stated.
"Oh, you'll be doing something similar again." Hawik'ke responded, to which Maximus groaned.
"My sire wishes for me to train with you regularly." Sya explained.
A moment of silence passed as Max contemplated his next statement. However, Nal'ca's mind was elsewhere. For some reason, she found anger in the Ancient Elder's request. Did this Ancient think Max not strong enough? Is this male questioning her male's ability? A gentle nudge from Max, however, quieted her response.
"I mean no disrespect to anyone, but why? Am I not already able to defend myself?"
"You are perfectly capable Max." Hawik'ke answered. "I want this because many other Elders are not so accepting as your friends have been. My son will help you improve your already extensive telepathic abilities. He may not be a telepath, but he knows more than enough to be able to help you. Sya will also help improve your combat skills even more."
"There is also many more Yautja who aren't willing to have you walking around among us." Nal'ca added, understanding.
Another moment passed as Max allowed this information to soak into his mind. "So basically, I'm going to start training with Sya to ensure I can deal with the fallout of my presence among the Yautja. As well as improve my telepathic abilities?"
"Yes." Hawik'ke replied.
"Sya, I would be honored to learn under you." Max replied, "But I must ask, what's your place in all of this Ancient Hawik'ke? Sya isn't a telepath, and what's the limit of achievement possible for me in the Yautja? And honored Hawik'ke, why are you willing to help me?"
"I will return to Yaut, but I will remain a supporter for you. As well as open to help you where I can Maximus." Hawik'ke answered. "And I'm helping you because you are very interesting to me. I have lived for centuries, but never have I seen a being quite like yourself. I guess I'm hoping you will bring a good impact to the Yautja. I have seen and fought many foes with your skill, perhaps you will show the Yautja that we are not the only honorable and strong beings in the universe."
"As for the highest you can get in our society", Sya started, taking a moment to think before finishing his answer, "I believe the highest you could get is maybe Arbitrator, but even that would be wrought with resistance. However, you would have to make a very worthy kill to achieve such a rank."
"I can accept that." Max replied. Sya and Hawik'ke nodded before turning to leave Max and Nal'ca alone, but Max said one last thing before the Ancient Elder left.
"Ancient Hawik'ke, thank you." To which the Ancient nodded with a smile before leaving with his son. Silence filled the air as the two warriors simply enjoyed each other's company.
"I don't know about you Nal'ca", Max said, breaking the silence, "but I wonder if I will ever be truly accepted here."
"I certainly accept you here, as does my father and many more of the clan."
"I know you do. However, what will happen if I'm outed by those who don't accept me?"
"I will stand by your side, and I'm sure many more will as well." Nal'ca said confidently. "Now sleep little one, you still need to heal. I'll watch over you while you rest.
Several cycles later…
(Lemon Scene Approaching)
Max gently lowered himself into the hot-tub. Well… it was actually the bathtub, but it might as well be a Jacuzzi because it could fit two or three Yautja at the same time. Since Nal'ca was a female, and the clan leader's daughter, she could order what she wanted in her room, and a large bath was exactly what she wanted. Max laid down in the tub, letting his head rest of the side, the hot water coming up to his neck. Max closed his eyes and relaxed in the hot water; training with Sya is exhausting, but Max had continued to learn more than he would have. He heard the door to the bathroom open and could hear a familiar voice behind him.
"Mind if I jump in with you?" Nal'ca asked. Even before she walked in, much less get into the bath, she could feel her lust begin to boil. This is it, this is the day she would ask. She could wait no longer.
"No, go ahead", Max replied, "there is more than enough room."
"Really?" Nal'ca said in disbelief, "You Oomans seem to despise nudity with another."
"I grew up around it, and I'm not exactly Ooman either."
Nal'ca then walked past Max and gave Max a good view of her feminine body. Her entire body was toned, slim, curved. Her hide had scars here and there, but was otherwise smooth. She looked beautiful, then Max realized that Nal'ca was looking at him, and showing off. Max quickly turned away blushing, and sat up straight in the water, the water line coming to his chest. He didn't even hear her enter the water and take a seat next to him until she laid her head on his chest, her arms wrapping around his waist. He felt her hands move down his side, feeling his skin as Nal'ca purred, she rubbed her head into Max's chest.
"Nal'ca what are yo-" but Max never finished his question when he took a breath through his nose and he could smell something. It was a sweet musky scent, with vanilla in the mix. Max looked at Nal'ca, who's hands were exploring Max's chest. He had smelled musks before, he could always smell it off Hera when the two were 'having fun'. But Nal'ca was releasing it now as if… as if she was in heat. Max suddenly wanted to stop what Nal'ca was doing, but at the same time, the smell was so intoxicating, and he didn't want her to stop. In fact, he kinda of wanted it, as the two have been friends for a while now, and were beginning to fall for the other.
"Nal'ca…" Max telepathically called.
"Mmmmm… yes?" she replied as she laid her head on Max's shoulder. Max could feel his member involuntarily growing as Nal'ca dangerously lowered her hand lower and lower.
"Are you, um…. Are you, in heat?
Nal'ca raised her head, looking at Max, before reaching for the soap-like oil. Max tensed as she began to lather it upon him, but calmed as she went to work. Massaging and undoing the knots of stress on his body. Max closed his eyes and moaned softly.
I'm getting to him. Nal'ca thought joyfully. She had to be careful not to let Max feel what she was planning through their link. She wanted it to be a surprise. She continued to send feelings of calm and serenity to Max as she brought water to his chest and began to wash away the oil. She brought her maw to Max's neck as her hand continued to rub his abs. Nal'ca began to playfully nibble at Max's neck, to be rewarded by him leaning his head back, exposing more of his neck to her. She wanted him, wanted him forever. She wanted him to become her life-mate, to give themselves wholly to each other.
"Nal'ca are you sure in what you are doing?" Max telepathically asked, feeling what she wanted. His mind felt fogged, fuzzy. He knew exactly what was happening, and why, and how, and he wanted it. But the fear of consequences gripped him. Could she bear children for him?
"Do you really want to do this?" Max asked.
"Max…" Nal'ca started, she let her hand trail farther down, till she felt the coarse hairs that laid above his… personal tool. She stifled a laugh when Max jumped as he felt Nal'ca's hand dangerously close. "I can control my arousal. I have not met any male worthy enough for me. My seasons of watching your kindness has shown me what it truly means to love, and Max… I love you…. I love you, and I want you forever, as a life-mate, and no one else will ever be able to replace you."
"Nal'ca, I-" but before Max could continue he was silenced by Nal'ca engulfing his mouth with her mandibles, and the lips hiding underneath pressing against his. Suddenly all feeling of doubt, worry, trouble, vanished like frost in the morning. Nal'ca pushed her face into Max, her tongue swiping at Max's lips, begging for entrance. Max opened his lips allow their tongues to explore each other's mouths. The kiss soon turned primal as Nal'ca pushed herself into Max, movng herself to straddle him, continuing the kiss. She felt warm against him, warmer than the water, as her claws gently raked down Max's sides and pulled him closer.
Then, to Max's disappointment, she broke the kiss, but before he could ask why she whispered, "I want to do this on the bed, don't keep me waiting." She then took a towel and whisked herself to the bedroom, leaving Max to groan as he dragged himself up. Quickly drying himself, he moved into the bedroom. He knew better than to argue with Nal'ca. He had agreed, and Yautja women were always more than a force to be reckoned with. But he would show her that so was he.
He was going to blow her away.
Setting the towel down, Max opened the door to see Nal'ca laying seductively on the bed. She was looking at Max, soaking up his form, and Max was doing the same. Max's eyes were trapped observing her curves, her light-green hide beautiful in his eyes. Her breasts were in perfect proportion to her body. Then Max's eyes went lower to see her slit, already wet and dripping in anticipation. The smell of musk completely filled the room, alerting Max that she was ready and waiting.
"Come here my mate…." Nal'ca cooed, patting the bed in front of her. Max strolled over and laid down in front of her, taking a hand and massaging Nal'ca's mandibles, causing her to purr.
"Nal'ca, are you sure you want to do this?"
"Max… of course I do…." The two looked at each other, Max falling into her green eyes. "I wouldn't have done this if I didn't truly want you."
Max smiled, happy with her response, "Then I accept, but I must ask… are you able to bear my children?"
Nal'ca chuckled, "Let's worry about that later my mate." She said as she rubbed Max's cheek.
Max smiled, the idea of having a child with Nal'ca was a wonderful thought. "Then let us get started." Max spoke, with a hint of threating voice in the words. Before Nal'ca could respond or react, she felt Max's right hand gently massaging her vent, causing her to moan. Max leaned forward toward her chest. He flicked one of her nipples with his tongue, then drew circles around the nipple while his hand was busy rubbing and gently squeezing her mound. Nal'ca smiled and closed her eyes, allowing Max to pleasure her. She would let him pleasure her, before she took control and show him what mating a Yautja is really like.
Max placed kisses up Nal'ca's neck, before he reached her maw and took her into a kiss. Their tongues wrestled as Max slipped two fingers into Nal'ca, causing her to grunt as the fingers pushing in and out, rubbing her sides. Her insides massaged his fingers and covered them in her fluids as he pushed them into her then pulled them out. Max continued to massage her insides until he found 'the spot'. As soon as his fingers passed it, Nal'ca yelped in pleasure and rolled onto her back, forcing Max to move toward the end of the bed between her legs so he could continue. Nal'ca's body arched as she breathed hard.
Max then lowered his head toward her slit and, using his fingers to pull her lips apart, pushed his tongue into her folds. She tasted surprisingly bittersweet, a wonderful taste. Max wormed his tongue through her, causing Nal'ca to arch her back even more, grinding her sex onto Max's face and moaning in ecstacy. Max's tongue went to her G-spot, rubbing against it.
"M-m-m-m… Max…. I'm sssssso c-c-close!" Nal'ca managed to say before she shuddered as her climax hit. She threw her head back in a silent scream of pleasure as Max's face was flooded with her juices. Quickly lapping up as much as he can as Nal'ca attempted to regain some composure. Once her juices had stopped flowing, Max stood up from the bed and smiled down on Nal'ca as she regained control of her body. She sat up and smiled as well before she swiftly made her move.
Max only had a chance to see her muscles tense before he found himself in his love's arms.
Nal'ca pulled Max into a tight embrace before, with a snarl, she engulfed his mouth with her mandibles. Her tongue assaulted his lips before plunging into his mouth. Max could feel the unbridled, primal passion in her as her tongue wrestled with his. He knew what she wanted, and she would get it no matter what Max said. Though it's not like Max wasn't going to enjoy this. Her hands explored his back, her claws lightly dragging across his skin to leave temporary marks.
Nal'ca felt Max's hands feel over her body: his left hand felt her thigh and side, his right caressed her stomach before moving up her body. Max stood on his tip-toes as his naughty hand reached Nal'ca's wonderful bosom and began to knead her teats. His left hand moved to cup her rear and massage it as well. Max's tongue managed to fight its way into Nal'ca's mouth as she continued to caress the human in her embrace. The two slowly turned so Max was between Nal'ca and the bed, but Max failed to notice this.
Both warriors could smell the swirling mixture of each other's musk that filled the room. Nal'ca's vanilla scent caused Max's tool to grow diamond hard as Max's earthly musk caused Nal'ca to grow even more wet with arousal. Nal'ca felt Max's manhood rub against her as her mind became clouded with primal lust. As she reached down and gripped it, Max gave a muffle moan as his member jumped in her grip. Nal'ca could feel the need her mate felt. Max could see the desire burning in her sapphire eyes. She wanted him. She needed him, right now!
Max felt himself being roughly pushed onto the bed before Nal'ca climbed onto him. Nal'ca tried to pin him under her only for Max to deftly flip them so he was on top. The graceful execution caught Nal'ca off guard and she found herself being pinned under Max. He straddled Nal'ca, holding her arms over her head as he leaned down and gave the growling Yautja a gently love-bite on her neck. Nal'ca shivered as she felt her mate's teeth gently but passionately bite the right side of her neck. Her male's passion and spirit only serving as fuel to burning desire in Nal'ca. She used her overwhelming strength to free her arms and roll them over once more. However, Max's agility surprised her as he used her weight to continue the roll and he ended up on top once more, only this time the bite was on her left teat. After a lick and suck Nal'ca roared and tried again. This time she succeeded, giving a victorious roar as she straddled her mate with her hands keeping his shoulders down with her strength.
She leaned down to Max and whispered, "Now I will claim my prize." passionately into his ear. She then kissed Max once more as Max gave in to his female's need. He relaxed as her tongue overwhelmed his and he shifted his thighs to accommodate her weight. Nal'ca felt Max shift under her before feeling his member rub against the inside of her thigh. She felt her male submit underneath her, his resistance got her blood roaring with passion and desire. Max was going to submit to her either way, but forcing her to claim him proved to give Nal'ca a much more passionate experience.
Nal'ca broke the kiss and raised her hips so that Max's member stood tall, before she gripped it with one hand. Max could feel Nal'ca's gentleness even with the desire burning in her. She took careful aim before slowly bringing his member into her. Max could feel the head of his exposed member being engulfed in what could only be described as hot liquid silk. She slid only his head in before her hand returned to his shoulder. She lowered herself slowly, savoring every moment as she took him until he hit hey virginal barrier. Max glanced at Nal'ca before she pushed forward.
Max could only grunt and groan from the feeling, since he was under the larger female. Her insides were like silk. Soft and pleasurable, while also strong and tough. Max—even though he was relatively larger than most human males—was afraid he would be too small to pleasure her with the act exclusively, he was no way the size of a Yautja's male. However, he found himself in only about an inch before he hit her hymen. Not only that, but he could feel her walls already pushing and rubbing against him. Thus, she felt tighter around him, and just as pleasurable.
Max looked into Nal'ca's eyes as she prepared to finally end her virginity. She took in her mate's form. Even though she only had him in about an inch, and she was nice larger than him, she was already feeling blissful pleasure.
"Are you ready love?" Max asked
"Of course, I am." Nal'ca replied. "I've been waiting for this moment."
Nal'ca leaned forward and gave Max a peck on the cheek before she pushed Max's member through the barrier. Growling, from the pain of the initial shock, turned into moans of pleasure as she slowly continued. She took in every centimeter slowly to relish in the pleasure she felt as he filled her. Soon, she hilted him inside her, staying like that for a moment. Both were already begining to breathe hard as their bodies prepared for the passionate act. Max felt Nal'ca's insides rubbing against him, as if trying to pull him in deeper. If they really wanted to, Max theorized that they could stay like this and she could probably get him off just with her internal muscles.
"Ugh..." Max groaned, "You feel amazing Nal'ca!"
Deciding to start off slow to allow herself to adjust, Nal'ca rose again till only his tip remained. She felt empty, bereaved of the feeling of her mate's love. She greedily brought herself back down, as Max sighed from the pleasure. Nal'ca repeated the motion, reveling each time she hilted him within herself and slowly speeding up.
She leaned forward and took his lips into her maw. He felt so good inside her, he made her moan each time she took his member. He was her mate, submissive to her desires in this moment of love.
"Nal'ca, I have a way to increase our pleasure even more." Max said not breaking the kiss for a moment.
"And what would that be?" Nal'ca asked as she continued to move up and down his length, increasing her speed with each stroke, grinding against him when she hilted him before coming back up. Her hands begun to roam how body, feeling every battle scar and lightly dragging her claws to elicit those wonderful moans from the male beneath her as she continued to fuck him.
"I'll show you." Max replied before he intensified the link they shared. Suddenly, pleasure from Nal'ca flowed into him as his pleasure rolled into her. Pleasure that ripped her tongue filled get body as she increased her tempo. Breaking the kiss and starting to bounce atop her mate.
Soon, the female was moving with the desire of a Yautja. She's moved hard atop him as her hands returned to their place holding Max down at the shoulders. Nal'ca delighted in the squirming make underneath her, completely exposed to her wants and needs. Each successive motion filled her with pleasure and love as she hilted him again and again, growling as she continued.
Primal instincts began to take over as both began to let loose. Max began to thrust into her as well, the thought of the fact he would be bruised as hell in the morning destroyed by lust. Leaning forward and not missing a beat with her movements, Nal'ca claimed his lips again. In response, Max managed to bring his arms up to tend to her breasts. Caressing and groping get bosom as she pushes her chest forward in response.
Nal'ca began to dig her claws into his shoulders as she felt the pleasure continued to mount in both, synced by their connection. Max continued to moan underneath her before she broke the kiss and bit down on Max's collarbone right below the neck. Max exposed more to her as he they got closer and closer to that final moment. He felt her claws dig into him, her tusks bury into his flesh. He felt her loving domineering of him and he reveled in the sensation as she reveled in him.
Finally, they reached the peak as Nal'ca slammed herself one final time on top of him. Max groaned as her insides clamped onto his member and demanded his seed as ransom, which he gave in a cry of pleasure as Nal'ca roared. She felt his cool seed extinguish the flame in her loins and she reached her peak as well.
As they came down from their highs, Max felt Nal'ca's insides release him as he began to grow soft. They simply embraced. No words were spoken; they didn't need to be. Both simply held each other in the glorious afterglow. They were mates, and both were happy together.
Author's note:
Well, there we go guys. Once again, I apologize greatly for the delay. I have been busy as hell and trying to adjust and prepare for the transition from High School into College that I will experience next Summer. Just to give you guys an idea of my life: I'm a senior this school year, I am in Martial arts, just earned my Eagle Scout, was working 38 hours as a lifeguard and Swim Instructor over the summer, and trying to complete a few AP Classes online over the summer to lower to cost and time I will have to spend in college.
However, I will not abandon this story, although uploads are going to be spastic and won't have a set schedule for a while. Luckily my school schedule this year is not too overbearing so I should have more time to work on this story. I absolutely refuse to upload a chapter I am not satisfied with, so I won't rush these chapters either.
Thank you guys so much for your patience.