Author Note: I don't own Predators. So sorry for the long wait, everyone. I was grounded for a while (for pretty much no reason), and I was busy with school, so I didn't have time to update. But now that summer vacation is here, I'll be able to update my stories again. However, I might be going to a Reserve basic training camp for six weeks, so I won't be able to update during that time if I do. Enjoy! Also, can't make promises, but I'm going to try and post pictures of my characters on my Tumblr (my name is d3l1ghtful1ns4n1ty).

Chapter 5

~Luar-lce~

Luar-lce was checking the supplies in the medical bay when Paya-sain'ja woke up. He started to ask her how she was feeling when she got up and stood on her own. He started over to help her, thinking she was still too groggy from the medication to think clearly when she smiled and held up a hand.

"It's okay, Luar-lce," she said. She walked toward him without limping.

"Paya-sain'ja, your hip!" exclaimed the medic in shock.

She laughed. "I know," she said happily. "Cetanu healed my hip, so I would be able to defend myself better. Isn't it great?"

"Yes, it certainly is," said Luar-lce, still numb with shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was so used to seeing Paya-sain'ja with her limp, and now after so long, she was good as new (even with her synthetic eye). The gods truly were on her side, it seemed.

"I'm going to go see Kwei," said Paya-sain'ja. "I should tell her what happened. I'll see you later."

Luar-lce nodded and watched her leave, thinking hard. She was the most interesting ooman he'd ever seen, and just when he thought nothing more about her could surprise him...he was, well, surprised. He was happy for her, though. She'd gotten her hip crippled in a hunt, which at least meant she wasn't dishonored by it, but it still pained him to see the energetic ooman a cripple. Perhaps now she could go on hunts sometimes...and, more importantly, protect herself against those traitorous priests. It made his blood boil with rage just thinking about them.

Luar-lce's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Shi-t'k, who started with surprise at seeing Paya-sain'ja gone.

"Where is Paya-sain'ja?" he exclaimed, clearly worried.

Luar-lce clapped him on the shoulder. "Do not worry about her, Shi-t'k. Her hip was healed by Cetanu. She is alright."

"Healed by Cetanu?" repeated the younger medic. "You mean, she is no longer crippled?"

"I know, it's strange," said Luar-lce. "But yes, she isn't crippled anymore."

Shi-t'k shook his head in confusion and wonder. "She really does have the gods on her side, doesn't she?" he said, bemused.

"That she does," agreed Luar-lce. He watched Shi-t'k get to work, then returned his attention to his own job. Still, his mind wandered to Paya-sain'ja and his amazement at her connection with the gods. He only hoped it would help her prove her worth and live to become High Priestess.

She will become High Priestess, Luar-lce assured himself. Paya-sain'ja is the strongest of all the oomans. She will make it.

With that, he shook off his worries and continued his work.

...

Please review! Yes, I know it's short, but I'm going to get into the plot really soon. :)