*Alright day two and onto chapter four already. Thank you soo much to everyone who has reviewed, I really appreciate all of your comments! Well here is the next bit, hope you like it.*
Chapter 4- Know me
I awoke the next day feeling refreshed. I assumed it was about midday but in my shrouded world all I could see were shadows. I raised myself off the pile of furs and walked to a resting chamber where many xenomorphs had gathered to eat.
Mates huddled closed together in pairs. As usual Tia was there serving portions of meat. I walked up to her and gave a hiss in greeting.
Good morning Maia, care for a bite? She asked.
"Good day Tia. Yes thank you." Tia handed me a chunk of flesh.
Maia, the Queen wants you to hunt for fresh nourishment to feed the newborns. She told me.
"Alright, I'll leave immediately." Within the first days of life xenomorphs grew exponentially and need large amounts of flesh to satisfy their ravaging hunger. I would have to move quickly to keep them fed.
I wolfed down my breakfast and hurried back to my nest to grab my weapons. Then I headed out into the open air.
The fresh breeze tickled my exposed skin and tiny goose-bumps covered my arms. I breathed in deeply taking in untainted air.
I descended from the hive entrance and jogged into the nearby forest. The sun was hot against my back as I crossed the open ground but the trees provided cooling shade once I reached them.
I sunk into the brush and waited, listening. There was movement to my right. I crawled in that direction ever staying in the cover of the thick ferns.
Poking my head above the leaves I saw a small group of deer grazing in a more open clearing. I raised my bow and looked for my target. Closest me was a mother and her faun. I would not kill them. The faun had a right to grow and live and reproduce. By leaving it I would help preserve the food supply for my family.
I looked for a better target. The largest buck was still young so I decided against him as well for he would sire many heirs himself. Then I saw a young buck just starting to reach maturity. He was thick with muscle but smaller than the main male. Him. He would be a hearty meal. However, he would not be enough. I chose two other females as well.
Silently I raised myself into a crouch and took aim. With a whir my first arrow flew fast through the air and stuck true in the buck's chest. He voiced his pain and alarm. The others began to scatter.
I quickly aimed again and compensating for their bounding leap shot first one female then the other quickly. They struggled but I had been precise. After a few minutes all three lay on the ground dead.
I then realized I wouldn't be able to carry all three back on my own. I threw my head back and cried into the day, a summoning screech for some help. My vocal cords rang with my call and even after I stopped my howl echoed through the forest.
I waited patiently.
Soon, Emil and another warrior named Burnaby emerged from the underbrush.
"I cannot carry all three" I stated as they approached. They nodded and walked past me to pick up the carcasses.
Let us help you dear Maia, said Emil. He rushed to the buck and heaved it into his grasp. He was obviously making a show of his xenomorph strength, showing off for me. In all honesty it just made me envious.
My weak human muscles were not even capable of bring home my kills. I hung my head ashamed of my weakness.
Emil had been smiling until he sensed my change in mood. The smile faded. He walked over to me and nudged his large cranium against me. He rubbed against me soothingly and against my better judgment I leaned into his gestures.
Here, please let me take away your burden, he said. He bent beside me and picked up one of the females as well as the buck he was already carrying. He gave no indication of struggling with the weight.
I smiled slightly but remained silent as we walked back home.
I followed the pair as they journeyed to mother's chamber.
My Queen looked up as we entered and my two brothers rushed forward to deliver the deer.
"To feed the new ones mother" I said as the meat was presented to the ever growing chestbusters. In the time I had slept they had grown greatly.
Thank you Maia she said. She stripped the meat from the bodies and offered it to her hungry children. They jumped and shoved trying to get at the pieces. I glanced at them. The warriors were already larger than their drone siblings. Their heads had begun to form separately from their worm like bodies. Their legs were more predominant although useless at this point.
I sat and waited for them to finish, which wasn't long. I'd have to go back out and hunt again soon.
With the meat gone I moved forward and removed the remaining bones. Then I returned again to the children covered in blood.
You may approach my daughter, said mother. I looked at her in surprise. Even I usually couldn't touch such newborns. I looked at her, monitoring her approval as I stepped forward gingerly. I crouched beneath her crowned head and toward the four children beneath her.
As I drew near one of the praetorian younglings turned from mother and wiggled closer to me. It was the same chestburster that broke free from Riley.
I scooped it up into my arms and held him close. I had just done it without thinking and quickly turned to mother to see if this was alright. She watched me intently but made no move to reprimand me.
I turned my attention back to the chestbuster in my arms. It was looking at me. Without eyes this little thing attempted to search deep into my soul. I gasped slightly as I felt its mind in mine. It was young and the presence was faint but it was there.
Hello, I spoke to him, my name is Maia.
Maia, it repeated with a sigh of contentment. I laughed lightly. Why do you laugh at me?
Because you are very cute, I told it.
I am not cute, it said sternly (well as stern as a one day old could be). I'm going to be a mighty warrior.
Oh I have no doubt of that. But for now you are very very cute. I said, smiling. It grumbled but curled into me. It was apparently pleased I thought so "highly" of it. I giggled again.
I like it when you do that, it said.
When I do what? I asked confused.
When you…, it struggled for a word, giggle? Laugh? I like your laugh. It said. Man, this one really is just too adorable, I thought.
Well I'm glad you like it, I said not able to repress yet another soft chuckle. It wiggled closer into my hold.
After eating so much and using it telepathy the chestburster was tired and I let it fall asleep in my arms. I rocked it gently. Rocking was a completely human thing but it worked on xenomorphs none the less.
After a while I replaced the still sleeping form back with its siblings. I turned and left the chamber.
…
I ran through the halls. I wasn't in the mood to go hunt again and have to ask for help so I was procrastinating. I turned sharply and raced down another dark tube. I was getting mad. Not really for a good reason but I was still getting mad. Why did I have to be born human, a weakling, an alien amongst my kin. I growled loudly. "UGGHHHH"
All of a sudden I ran smack hard into something stiff and black as the tunnel itself. I fell backwards at the force. I grunted upon impact. My anger flew out of me.
I shook my head and looked up to see what I'd hit. There stood one of our dark hunters.
"Alcander?" I asked.
Maia, he responded. Are you all right?
"Yes, yes I'm fine. Although you should really watch where you are going."
Maia, you are the one who ran into me. I looked down. He was right; I had let my temper blind me.
"I'm sorry Alcander" I stood but did not meet his gaze. I needed to go relax, come back to myself, especially if I was going to hunt later. I turned from Alcander and began to walk away.
A taloned hand gripped my shoulder before I could take two steps. Maia, Alcander whispered in my head. He turned me around so I had to face him. Maia, whatever is bothering you please don't let it get to you. I don't like to see you upset.
"Yeah, okay" I said and made to walk away again but his grip held.
How would you like it if I came with you on your next hunt later? I stared at him.
"Really?" He laughed at me.
Yes, really. Well?
"I'd like that thank you."
Alright then. I shall meet you at the main entrance. Until then Maia. He said and then he turned and stalked away from me. I let him go. Xenomorphs sometimes asked me to hunt with them but it was a rare event in which a warrior bestowed upon me such an honor.
I ran back to my nest to grab my bow and knifes.
…
I approached the entrance and noticed Alcander already there. He was lying down, spread on all fours, gazing out into the open.
What are you thinking? I asked him using my own telepathy. He turned his head towards me and purred slightly. Alcander rarely purred. I came close to him and sat down at his side.
I am thinking about our hive.
Oh? I edge him on.
Yes, we are hunted by the yautja and hated by the humans. Why are we so hated? Why do so many species try to kill us? Alcander was a warrior and a serious one at that. I had never known him to have such deep thoughts. It surprised me.
Because they see our hive and believe us to be like the other Xenomorphs roaming the galaxy.
They are not so different from us. He countered.
No, they are not. Xenomorphs are fierce creatures, Alcander, as you know. Strong and adaptable xenomorphs are very hard to kill. The yautja see that as good prey. The humans see it as a threat. You are scary Alcander. Every xenomorph is, your sharp teeth, claws, and bladed tails make you so. Not to mention your tempers. I said. I gave him a nudge at that last part.
Are you scared of us Maia?
I used to be, I answered honestly. But not anymore.
Why not?
Because when I was twelve and captured by Dev (who I later came to know after my capture. He felt sorry and apologized for taking me) I didn't know what was going to happen to me. And then I thought I was going to die. I couldn't understand xenomorph and didn't have a link so I was alone. That combination made me scared. But now I know, I love, I see. What lies beneath the hard exoskeleton is more precious than any gem and stronger than any metal. A xenomorphs mind and heart are powerful things. Many species do not understand their true value and so they are wasted. But you xenomorphs do understand. You have shown me this. Now Xenomorphs are my family. They are my idols. Hopefully, one day a xenomorph will be my lover.
Thank you Maia, he said softly.
For what?
For making me feel like I am not a complete monster. I can't believe I just heard that. And from Alcander. I am stunned. My mouth hung open but I brought my hand to his ridges praetorian head and stroked it. He leaned into my touch and purred again.
We stayed like for a few minutes until Alcander shifted and stood.
Looking down at me he said, Are you ready?
Yes, I said and we sprinted off into the forest.
…
A couple of hours later Alcander and I entered mothers chamber and laid before her two deer, a turkey, some fish, and a large mountain cat.
She looked down at the meat and then back at us. She was clearly pleased.
"For you and for the children mother." I said. She nodded her agreement and thanks.
I looked at the young ones still in her rasp. By this time their limbs had grown more proportional to their bodies. The drones were teetering on four legs with the praetorians were completely bipedal already. The two warriors were already locked in a fight but neither did much as they had not the strength or skill.
One of them broke it off and came forward hurriedly to the barrier that was the queens curving tail.
You brought us food Maia? It asked. As I suspected it was Riley's chestburster.
Yes little one. Alcander and I hunted and he carried it back for you. At this the child turned its now formed head at Alcander and let out a growl.
Alcander stepped forward a roared loudly right in the younglings face. To its credit it did not flinch or back away. Chills ran down my spine at the force of Alcanders roar. Mother let Alcander threaten and test the praetorian.
Why do you do this? I asked. I still used our link to speak with it.
Why did he hunt with you?
You haven't answered my question. But if you must know he hunted with me because he offered and I was honored to be asked to hunt with a warrior. I also needed his help in carrying the weight. I added the last part very softly, hoping it wouldn't actually be heard but knowing it would.
Why? You are strong. You do not need help. It said.
She needed help because she is human, Alcander said. Again the praetorian growled at him for interrupting. It then turned back to me.
Human?
You will learn of these things in due time young one, Mother said. But for now let us focus on happier things. After hours of getting to know each of you I am ready to name you. The younglings squealed in excitement including the praetorian.
I sat down before mother and Alcander settled down beside me. Mother unleashed a howl and other drone including Fatima entered the chamber. This was an important passage for the children. I would have to remember to learn the names of the older children later.
Mother picked up a drone first. My child, you shall be called Onfre. This first drone was male then.
She placed him back down with the others and picked up the other drone. You will here by be named Nalani. This drone was a female. I smiled wider.
Mother then picked up a praetorian. You shall be Garroway. Another male, as was common for warriors.
Finally, mother lifted up Riley's praetorian. I eagerly awaited her decision. Now my darling, what to call you? What do you think of the name Riley? I balked. What? Was she doing this on purpose?
Riley? He, as apparently I could now at least know it was another male, asked. No mother, please. I don't like that name.
No? She asked. It was the name of your host.
But my host and I are not the same. I am me and only me and I don't like the name Riley.
What if I were to tell you your name would in fact be Riley? She asked. I knew where this was going.
Then of course I would respect your wishes and cherish the name you have chosen for me mother. With that answer he definitely passed the test. Mother grinned. He, like all the others, would always obey her commands.
Well if you are set against being called Riley then I tell you your name shall be Garran. Garran, I repeated in my head. The name was unusual and a bit old fashioned and yet it was perfect. Garran. Short and sweet. To the point. It could be savored or called quickly.
Does it please you? Mother asked.
Oh yes, Garran said.
Garran, I said smiling. Yes, I liked that name very much. Garran's head swiveled from mother to find me. He looked at me without eyes and yet his mouth hung open so I knew he was surprised I had said anything.
You…you like it? He asked. He almost sounded nervous.
Very much. I answered. Garran squealed and wiggled in mothers grasp. She put him down and he ran in excited circles before jumping over mother's tail and running around my feet. Then, he stopped and rubbed against my leg affectionately. I laughed and picked him up.
Yes, as cute as he was Garran definitely had a male imprint in his mental voice and personality.
I cradled him to my chest. He was now the size of a human toddler.
You are growing fast Garran. He purred at the use of his new name.
I shall be a warrior in no time. Then I can go on hunts with you instead of Alcander. I stared at him wide eyed. Where did that come from? However, he seemed unphased by my surprise.
Before I could say anything Mother stepped in. Come Garran, eat the meal Maia was nice enough to bring you.
With that I let him go and he rejoined his siblings around the carcasses.
I turned and walked away from Garran more confused than ever.
*okay, chapter four finally done. Wow, this turned out to be a long one…well? What did you think of this one? REVIEW!"
