Busy- "not at leisure; otherwise engaged; full of or characterized by activity" as defined by

My life-"not at leisure; otherwise engaged; full of or characterized by activity"

So now you know why it's been a while!

Also, I have a goal I am hoping each of you will help me reach. Goal= to reach 111 reviews! You got that? 111! I am optimistic that in giving you this chapter I can rely on my readers to make this a reality. So….REVIEW!

Chapter 11-Prince

Garran and I were inseparable from then on.

Whenever we walked into a crowded hall or chamber many xenos still looked on at Garran with a storm of expressions. Most were curios, while others were scared and some even angry. I did not understand how they could feel such things. They knew Garran, were even connected to him through the hive and still they showed such diverse reactions to his change.

This did not escape Garran's attention. His tail would often twitch due to his nerves. I would pet his side or grasp his hand to reassure him. I could feel through our link the slightest wish to frighten them all away and put an end to their interest. But he never sunk to that level and for that I was proud of him.

Sometimes, I would see Alcander in the halls. He had actually come to check on me after our initial return while Garran had been off running an errand for mother.

Flashback

Are you well Maia? Alcander said poking his head out of a tunnel next to my nest.

"Yes, I am thank you". I said softly. Alcander fully emerged from the tunnel but came to a halt at edge of the furs. He sank down on his haunches to sit and be more level with myself as I was kneeling on the beds center.

I am so very glad to hear it. When those beasts took you… I was ready to follow you myself but by the time I convinced mother to let me follow after Garran the ship had left and I was left powerless. Days you were gone. Those days were the bleakest of my existence. The hive was so empty, everyone could feel it.

"I am touched by your kind words Alcander and I appreciate that you attempted to help me in my time of need". I said hesitantly.

Of course Maia. I could not just stand back while you were in danger. He said forcefully.

"Please, Alcander do not push this further".

I cannot change my feelings for you Maia!

"But you can move on!" I interrupted. "If your feelings are as you claim then you understand that my feelings for Garran also will never change. I have made my choice Alcander and I beg you to respect that. Indeed it was you I had considered above all others but it is Garran who is my other half, my soul mate. Even if I wanted to I could not change that." I countered.

If only that mongrel had never been birthed. Perhaps you and I could have bonded and lived happily. Perhaps things could have been different.

"Perhaps, but we will never know what could have been, only what is. Also remember that he is my mate and I'll not tolerate such insults in my presence do you understand?"

Yes, I understand. I beg your pardon. Just know that where he fails you I will not. With that he turned from me and left.

Garran soon returned to find me in the same position in a very puzzled state.

End Flashback

I have often wondered if Alcander showed Garran that conversation through their own brotherly connection because whenever Garran sensed his presence he would hold me tighter or move closer in possessive stances.

In the couple of months since we had returned mother and I had found a distance. When I was with her things just didn't feel quite right, not the way they used to be. In my heart I wished to reconnect with her and find out what was wrong so we could fix it but I didn't know how to approach her.

So, we existed in this silent truce regardless of the reason. But this had me worried for Garran. As mother's son he needed her direction and approval. Without it he had no purpose and could slowly go rouge. I was terrified of losing him.

One day I gathered my courage and asked him. We had stopped at a food chamber and picked up a quick bite. Garran walked through the halls while carrying me in his inner arms so I could eat and not worry about hanging on. He held his own meal in his larger set of arms. Because of the way he carried me I rocked slightly as if sitting on a swing. Smiling, I nibbled at the meat in my hands. Then, still gnawing at my meal, I voiced my question.

Garran how are you faring?

That is a random question Maia although to answer it I am fine. What makes you ask?

I know that the separation from mother is hard.

Surprisingly not as hard as you would think. He trailed off thoughtfully.

What is that supposed to mean?

Nothing darling. Don't worry yourself.

Don't you just hate it when you ask a question and instead of answers you just get more questions?

We finished the rest of our meal and the trip in silence.

It was hard to ignore the tension in the air but Garran made every attempt to distract me. Often it worked but not always.

Late at night I found myself consumed by my own sorrow. I closed off my mind to hide it from Garran. I wanted to see mother. I missed her. I didn't feel the crippling loneliness and separation of a xeno but I truly did miss her.

Evidently I didn't have to wait long to be reunited with my alien parent.

In the early morning sunlight Garran chased me through the small bushes around the hive. I laughed as I jumped ahead of him. He quickly caught up and lifted me off the ground as he continued across the ground at a steady pace.

I heard his chuckle as he pulled me close. Gotcha, he said.

I bent back my head and nibbled at his chin. He gave a deep rumble and I smiled. I took the opportunity of his diverted state to wiggle free of his grasp and jump back down to the earth below and break into a run away from him. He was stunned for a moment but soon gave chase once again.

I hid behind a tall plant and tried to calm my breathing. Surprisingly I heard a command from Mother. Her voice echoed through my head in the tone she used when she expected immediate obedience. Maia, you will come to me in my normal chamber this instant. It is urgent we speak of important matters which have been presented us. Bring Garran with you. And with that she was gone. I was stunned. That had been the first time she had sought me out since our return.

Slowly I emerged from my hiding spot and stood plainly in the open. Garran's head swiveled around to focus on my location.

There you are, amusement was laced in his voice. I did not smile. Mother's order had me nervous and my posture no doubt portrayed that. Maia? Is everything alright?

Mother request our presence this instance. Her tone makes me feel ill at ease.

I knew this moment would most likely come but I admit I was dreading it. He said. I tilted my head to the side in confusion.

Whatever are you talking about? I asked.

Garran sighed. I guess you will find out soon enough, was all the answer he gave me. He approached me and helped me onto his back where he then carried me into the chamber where we came to face the waiting presence of our Alien Queen.

Queen Boadicea stood at her full height in the high ceiling chamber. Her crown arched above her in a regal display of power and status. Her attention was focused on a praetorian to her left but she quickly dismissed him when Garran and I exited the tunnel.

Her chest puffed out and her arms spread out making her look larger and even more formidable. She was in every way perfect elegance while at the same time managing to be completely lethal. Power radiated off of her.

Garran was tense under me as we came to a stop. I jumped to the floor.

A low growl rumbled from mothers chest and it shook the floor. Garran took a step forward and openly snarled back. Mothered roared.

You would yell at your Queen!

We both know why you have called us here! Get it over with! I await your decision.

But would you abide by it?

It depends on the answer. That puzzled me. I stepped forward and placed a hand on Garran's rib cage.

"Garran what does she mean "would you abide by it?" Of course you would listen to her. You must. She is mother!"

It does not matter anymore. Mother said. I turned to focus on her and stepped past Garran although his tail wrapped around my wrist gently so I could not go too far.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

Mother bared her teeth in a snarl as she spoke. Garran has under gone transformation. It is obvious to see he is no longer a faithful Praetorian. We have a name for his present form. It is called a Xenomorph Prince. My eyebrows drew together in confusion. It is the middle stage in transformation from Praetorian to Queen in times where a previous Queen may have fallen. It is life's security system for our species. He is changing Maia, becoming a Queen. When the change is complete he will breed and become a genetic competition I cannot allow!

My train of thought halted immediately. Garran? Breeding? My heart lurched. I pictured the innocent chestburster he had been. So cute and so small. I could not fathom Garran becoming a Queen. Then I turned my head to look at him and his immense size. A few months ago I never would have thought this possible. If he could change into this then… my love a full grown Queen? He would have all the males he desired. I would not fit into the equation. A successful birthing… the event would rip me apart! I would not survive it.

Garran's grip on my wrist tightened when I froze. He pulled me back against him, sheltered me under his strong arms.

My growth has ceased! I no longer continue to change. My body did so to accommodate the situation in order to help my mate not to start a new colony! I refuse to become a Queen. I do not challenge you!

But you no longer head my commands. Admit it! The tie that once bound us from mother to Praetorian have been broken! In all the days I left you alone did you ever mourn my touch? Crave my company? She accused.

No, Garran answered truthfully.

Then you admit you are no longer a part of my hive! You cannot be trusted. You are a threat to our entire family! Her anger perforated the air and shook the ground.

I no longer grow! He shouted back. That was the first time I had ever heard one of mothers children come even remotely close to disrespecting her in such a way, yelling at her as Garran did.

You cannot promise me that! How can you be sure that you will not continue to undergo change? This form is not meant to be permanent. It is a sub-form. You cannot sustain it for the rest of your existence!

What if I can! You have never gone through such a change. You were born queen. Just because there is not an existing case of sustained form does not mean it is impossible. If anything it should make perfect sense to you! You know my feelings for Maia. Imagine what a complete transformation would do to her. My body permanently recognizes her as my mate, my single mate. It knows not to betray her in such a way. It is impossible for me to hurt her like that! If my change were completed then we could not thrive in a pair as we do now and I will not let her go, not ever! My mind, my soul, and my body all recognize Maia as my true love and as such it is not even a struggle to keep this form. This is who I am now Mother! Maia accepts me. The question is can you?

You ask to remain here as part of us. She said it as a statement. She was not surprised. In fact his confirming nod only increased her fury. As a Xenomorph Queen mother could not tolerate another Queen so close to her hive. Queens are incredibly possessive of their children. She would not allow genetic variation to interfere with her pure bloodline. She roared and hissed again.

Think also of Maia. She cannot live without me and it would bring her great sorrow to be separated from you and our family. Garran added.

I must think of the hive before the individual no matter her position in my heart! And her pairing does not help your situation. Before, she was free of a normal xenomorph dependence on me but my trust in her and your own connection but my worries to ease. Now you both are independent of me. I cannot be certain of your ultimate loyalties! Tell me Garran. If our home was attacked would you first protect me or Maia?

Maia. Garran answered with utter conviction. He had known the answer immediately and did not regret it but he was wary of its consequences.

You see? I am unable to trust him Maia. And it is also unacceptable to allow the two of you to start your own hive close by. Anywhere on this planet would be too close for my liking. When I birthed his face hugger I never dreamed he would be such a problem. I was not even sure he would be compatible with you Maia. I did not plan this, could not have envisioned it possible. I will not repeat my mistakes. I growled when she address Garran as a mistake despite my better judgment. Garran must leave alone or be ended.

"No!" I screamed.

I wrapped my arms strongly around his large head. No! No! She couldn't have him! I wouldn't let him go!

Garran heard this in my mind and purred in my head. I can't lose you. I told him on our private link.

Nor I you, Maia. I will not let her harm you are take you away from what you love.

You have a plan then? I asked hopefully.

Not a clue. I'm improvising as I go along but I can assure you I will not fail you my mate. I chuckled inwardly. Even in desperate times such as this he could make me laugh.

I love you. I whispered in his mind. I felt a mental nudge and was surrounded with immense love, his love for me.

There is no alternative. Mother said. There was the slightest hint of remorse in her voice.

"There must be another way. Please! I can see it in his mind! He won't turn. I will take responsibility for him! Please no mother!" She had already stepped forward teeth blazing. Only she would be able to eradicate Garran. I stepped in front of him and spread my arms in a last attempt to protect him. I felt Garran's adoration as I risked my life for his own. However, his thick tail wrapped around my middle and lifted me into the air. He placed me back onto the ground far behind him.

The immense crowd that had gathered, and indeed I do believe everyone was there, took speedy steps backwards as to not be caught in the action. I heard Garran's voice over the common link.

Alcander, this is the one and only time I will allow you to touch my Maia. Pull her into the crowd and do not let her intervene and risk herself. I went to protest but before I could I felt black arms encircle my waist and pull me backwards into the front line of bystanders so I would be out of the way but could see. I felt Alcander's pleasure at my touch but was too focused on Garran to care. I'll not fail you. Garran whispered to me in reassurance at my rapidly growing concern.

Mother's tail swiveled behind her in predatory anticipation. It had been years since she had truly hunted. We all felt our gentle Queen slip away to be replaced by a cold hard killer. Likewise, I felt my romantic and caring Garran be replaced by tactical hunter.

The very fact that Garran was doing this was madness. Never, never could a xenomorph child disrespect, challenge, or even argue with their Queen yet here was Garran ready to inflict mortal damage. The shocking and unfeasible situation left me frozen in place, too stunned to move. This was not possible! I kept repeating in my head.

They stalked one another in the confined space, circling around each other but not yet attacking. Mother curved to circle in the opposite direction and Garran followed her movement. As he focused on her body she whipped her tail at him from behind. With a loud clash Garran threw up his own tail and blocked the attack. He pulled away sharply and used the blades on the tip to slice through mother's tail. She screeched to distract him and also because of the pain and leapt at him. Garran rolled under her attack and once again threw up his tail and clipped her. She immediately spun and leapt at Garran before he had a chance to regain his footing. She landed on him and held him down with her weight. Her inner mouth thrust out and punctured where his shoulder met neck. His life force spilled onto the cavern floor. I struggled and reached out to him but Alcander wouldn't let me go. Trust him. He whispered in my mind. He was right. I had to trust that somehow Garran would pull through.

As mother retracted her jaw to aim for another blow Garran took his chance and slammed his large cranium against her own. She staggered backwards at his force. He quickly followed her and raked at her body with his talons. He roared a battle cry. She faced him and hissed her own. Garran backed away and caught his breath. I saw his plan in his mind and approved full heartedly.

Without warning he sprung forward with lightening speed. He slashed with his tail and when she went to counter those attacks he clawed at her. As she moved to avoid the blades and claws he bit her relentlessly. Her black body was quickly becoming covered in green.

Finally, Garran kicked her in the side which sent her flying to the ground on the opposite side of the cavern. He jumped the entire length. He immediately positioned his tail blade at the entrance to her mouth as he landed. Neck came a threatening claw at her jugular and his own mouth stationed above her frontal cranium. If he shoved his tail through her mouth she would be unable to eat and would choke on her own blood. If he slashed her throat she would bleed out. If he shoved is jaws into her brain she would not be able to function. He had used speed and endurance to immobilize our Queen. Immediately drones and praetorians began to run to mother's aid but as Garran saw this he pressed each threat closer and every child stopped.

If you stop this madness I pledge allegiance to our hive. I pledge my protection to my family, to you, and to Maia. You know I will be a defensive asset and you know I will be valuable to you. Accept my offer and life or deny my diplomacy and face the consequences. He said menacingly.

Never able to lose her authority she spoke with utter conviction. You will continue to serve me and you along with your mate may remain a part of this hive. If your allegiance is questioned know that I will set the entire hive against the both of you.

I would expect nothing less. He answered her and removed himself. As he walked away mother was swarmed with concerned children you salivated over her wounds and purred to her.

Garran looked above the crowd rushing past him. I threw up my human hand so he could spot me and began to force my way through the mass of bodies. "Garran!" I called. He reached for me and I pushed my wave to him and clasped his hand. "Garran let me help you." I tore apart the skins and furs that were covering my body. Nobody was looking and besides he needed them more than me. He was still losing major amount of blood from the neck wound. I balled a bunch of the material in my hands and pressed it against the injury. He hissed. "Merge with me, let me take away some of you pain." I felt his mind press into mine and I absorbed some of the intense pain he was suffering. I took the remaining strips and wrapped it all the way around his neck to fasten the improvised gauze. I then pressed my hand gently over the mound and focused. Heal. Heal for me. I want you to feel pain no longer. I want you to suffer no longer. Instantly I felt the intensity dim down and Garran sighed a breath of deep relief.

Thank you. He said. I rubbed my cheek against his face in response and he purred openly.

"Come" I said. "We do not need to see this. Come back to our nest with me and I will continue to heal you." His purring increased and he let me lead him through the halls back to our bed of furs so that we were alone. I continued to tend to the cuts and scrapes he had endured.

Eventually he used his smaller inner hand to cup my cheek. I leaned into his touch. I had hoped to avoid this all together Maia, I am sorry. I never knew it would come to this believe me.

I smiled up at him. "I know. And I do not blame you, not in the least. No one died today! We are still here! In my eyes you have preformed a miracle."

And we are together. He added, nudging me with his snout.

"Well of course we are together. That one's obvious. I would have followed you to the afterlife if things had gone that badly."

I do not like that train of thought. He said sternly.

"I've told you before I could not live without you and I mean it!" I pressed a kiss to his slick lips. He opened his mouth and extended his inner jaws. I licked and kissed the inner mouth and in his way he kissed me back.

I felt his exhaustion after battle and gently pushed against him until he lay on the furs. I remained on my knees and sent healing instructions once more. I was a tad nervous to snuggle into him with so much blood so I grabbed a small pelt and wiped away as much as I could. I went to go lay down put Garran's inner arms stopped me.

"What?" I asked. He grabbed a bigger pelt and wrapped it around me. I never take chances with you. He said. "How can you be so sweet even when you're injured so badly?" I asked. Only because it's you. He answered. I blushed and lay against him and enjoyed the feel of him. If this was going to become our daily life then I was going to become heavily dependent on sleep.

*Done! Finished! Finally! WAHOO!...now tell me what you think!*