CHAPTER 16:
Epilogue
"Damn it, I can't find my belt!" Kahet cursed as he turned over the contents that spilled over his bed in a frenzy. "I'm such a klutz sometimes."
Kahet's Chiva was now approaching and the ship that took the students over to the trial planet would be leaving by the end of the day. He was excited about it but his nerves took hold when he was preparing his things and realized his moment had finally come. The moment he'd been waiting for as long as he could remember! The moment every male seeking Hunter status yearned for with anticipation to prove their worth to the clan! Kahet now reached a height of 6'5 at age twenty, his brown hair had been dreadlocked in the painful procedure every Unblooded went through and it now reached past his shoulders, his skin tone had gotten lighter while his stripes deepened in color, and had gained the confidence needed to succeed over the years. His parents were proud of his training outcome despite Iliana hated that she couldn't kiss her son on the forehead anymore and he had to lean down to get a hug.
"No you're not, that's Aru'Dre" Sau'Nak stated as he kneeled down to look underneath his cousin's bed. "There's nothing here."
Sau'Nak would complete a much easier trial next year since his path would not lead for a Hunter status, but rather an Arbitrary status. He'd toned his body to take down prey nonetheless, specializing in good camouflage tactics that would one day help him take down Bad Bloods. Despite being younger, his height surpassed everyone's by being 6'8 since his father was taller than most in Kahet's family. His blue skin held a deep sapphire toning while his chest melted into a creamy white and his hair was held in a tight ponytail high on his head. His twin had left for the homeworld years ago and despite he spoke to him weekly, he'd made a tighter bond with his cousins who'd all been inseparable through the years.
"I'm not doing nothing" Aru'Dre scoffed as he lay in Kahet's hammock and ate a plate of fatty looking food. Since he trained nonstop now, he didn't gain a pound and wasted all of the energy there.
Aru'Dre was. . .still Aru'Dre. He would complete his Chiva in two years and had gotten Nak-De as an instructor as well. Despite Kahet who was intent on succeeding, Aru'Dre was a showoff who tried to improvise in the class. Usually, the class ended with him on the floor after a beating from his uncle. Nonetheless, he was a hit with the young females with his witty humor and surprisingly good looks. His sepia toning was still developing while his dreadlocked black hair lay loose over his shoulders as his body took a 6'0 height. Like Kahet, Aru'Dre had been picked on over the years for his genetics and beat up people for it while using humor as a defense mechanism. Kahet, however, rather just beat them and took it out in the sparring rooms.
"You never do anything" Bakuub snorted and found the desired item near the window. Picking it up, he threw it onto Kahet's bed. "Do you throw your things everywhere? I hope there's no dirty loincloths lying around."
"Shut up!" Kahet growled, punching his friend's arm in return. He packed the next item into his bag and sat down on the bed. "I'll probably forget something once I'm onboard."
"As long as it's not your weapon" he stated and went to sit by the window. "That would be a fatal travesty. Make a checklist before you go."
Bakuub was now a Young Blood at 22 and was living in the Hunter's level below in his own private quarter. The two had become best friends over the years and always traded advice. Since Kahet would be doing his Chiva, Bakuub gave him tips to assure his safety over the months. As a newcomer into the ranks, he was expected to aspire to great ranks due to his lineage. Oddly enough, he hated the attention and would rather be with Kahet's group who rarely got any. The male reached a height of 6'7 with a mahogany coating that contained brown mottles here and there over his body while his short dreads trailed over his shoulders. He participated in a small hunting group but would eventually buy his own ship to take his own group one day. In two years, his father would leave to become Elder of a new clan ship but Bakuub and his older sister, Eshin'Ga, decided to stay onboard the Ade'k'ra. His older brother, Su'Resh, had disapproved of his choice because he'd make a faster rank on the new ship but Bakuub was adamant on his choice.
"I don't have time for that, I leave in a few hours!" Kahet shot back and stuffed whatever he could find into his bag without looking. "All I need is my armor, weapons, medicine, and. . ."
"Remember to capture footage for us in your mask" Aru'Dre reminded him as he talked with an open full mouth. The other males grimaced and gagged from the sight making him roll his eyes. "You're a bunch of Lou-dte Kalei! Anyway, we want to share in your splendor and laugh at your mistakes."
"And females like him why?" Bakuub questioned, more to himself. "If at all, they should run in the opposite direction!"
"You're jealous because none fancy you" Aru'Dre snickered in a taunt. He loved to irritate his friends every single day, it was his goal.
"I've mated much more than you have!" he shot back as Sau'Nak intervened as the peacemaker of the group. As much as his cousin annoyed, he kept the peace before everyone throttled him.
"This isn't helping Kahet, we're here to give him a proper sendoff" he reminded all of them while Kahet packed a few more belongings he found in his drawers, not giving them attention at all.
"You're right!" Aru'Dre declared and got up from the hammock. Giving Bakuub his plate, who looked at him with a glare in return, he said, "I'll find a bunch of females and we'll have some fun in Bakuub's quarters!"
"No!" Kahet objected instantly. "I'm not that kind of male, that's you! Besides, I want to spend time with my family and go to a meeting with my father. I want to relax before I go on that two week long trip."
I'm sure they're worried non-stop already, he thought warmly.
"You're lame" his cousin sighed and went back to his hammock. Kahet rolled his eyes as he asked, "So Bakuub, enlighten us with a tidbit from your Chiva."
"Watch out for the prey's spit, it's slippery and can be corrosive as well" he informed the younger males and hit Aru'Dre over the head with his plate. "So don't slip on it. And make sure no arrogant males steal your kill from you."
"They'll leave me alone as usual so that'll be no problem" Kahet said, shrugging his shoulders. Finding a holocube containing a picture of his family, he packed it into his pack to keep with him on the ship. Looking up, he smiled, "Who wants to go to the mess hall and order that favorite meal of ours since childhood?"
"I still would've gone with the females but I suppose" Aru'Dre sighed dramatically with fake disappointment as he got up and headed to the door. "Let's go, you slowpokes!"
"I'm still packing so you're waiting!" Kahet growled and pointed to the floor. Aru'Dre snorted and leaned against the wall instead.
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On the docking bay level, Kahet tapped his left foot in excitement as he held his pack over his shoulder. His ship wasn't far and the students were filing in to find a room to sleep in while the ship journeyed towards the planet. Nak-De was overseeing the plan schedule and checking the armor and weapons stock in case of any emergencies. Since Kahet would be on the ship for a bit, he wore casual clothes before he'd use his armor in his final test. Iliana looked at her son in worry but felt proud of his chance nonetheless as she tried not to cry.
How can I not? My baby's leaving for dangerous territories, she thought. Human mothers would be locking their son's in a room for this but not here. If at all, we make sure they're kicked in that direction.
Despite the passing years, Iliana's physical longevity stayed the same and she hadn't aged much or gained any wrinkles for the past twenty years. She still held the same stubborn, spit-fire personality but had learned to mature her way into picking her battles. . .after a few hundred nags from Kantra, that is. She was now able to take down males that were Kahet's stature and would try to tone it up year by year. Nak-De wasn't making it easier so she'd take it slower, especially since she had children to look after. That and Kantra didn't want her injured if she ever got pregnant again.
"Take care of yourself out there, okay?" she said as she cupped his face between her hands. Kissing his forehead, she whispered, "Don't let anyone get in your way. Do what you have to and return home with your uncle. Be careful because all of us expect you back alive."
"I can't guarantee that, mother" Kahet said regretfully and tried not to scare her. Her lips thinned as she nodded tensely at his response. He grabbed his mother's small form into his arms and said, "I'll do the best I can. Everyone's trained me as best they could and it's up to me now. I have to do this to prove myself in this world just like you've beat some heads along the way."
"I didn't do a Chiva, I just trained and beat up jerks!" she objected at the simple comparison. Furrowing her brows to block any upcoming tears, she asked, "Did you speak to your father already?"
"Yes, he gave me a father-son conversation" he nodded with a smile as she wringed her dress in her hands to stop them from trembling. "Mother, you're worrying more than me and I'm the one leaving!"
"You're my first baby, I never thought this day would come so soon" she said softly as she squeezed his firm cheek affectionately. "I still remember holding you as a suckling and as a pup running around with your toys and now. . .well, you're about to be a man. You've grown up so fast and I'm so proud of you. You've accomplished many things in your lifetime already and you still have much to do."
"Mother-" he intervened before becoming embarrassed.
She always does this, he thought. It must be an ooman thing.
"No, you listen" she said in a firmer tone and pointed at him with a shaky finger but kept a small smile on her face. Grabbing his hand into both of hers, she continued, "I know it's been hard for you here because of my background and I'll always be sorry for that. Sometimes people can be ignorant of the unknown and ostracize it entirely. Your father and I tried to protect you from them to make sure you grew up safely but they still managed to hurt your mentality, my little one. Yet, you're a strong person now and I know you can fend for yourself against them. You've proven you're better than they and will continue to be as you grow wiser. I'll always worry over you though, you're my son and it won't stop no matter how old you are. You've always been independent, trying to do things for yourself without any help. I still remember when you took your first walk, you didn't want anyone touching you until you did it."
"No, not memory lane" he groaned and pulled at his brown locks for emphasis. His mother laughed and slapped his arm softly. Chuckling, he said, "I've tried to be as best as a child could be, mother. Be proud that you and father did a thorough job, despite I hated it entirely at times, and believe I'll return."
"I'll always believe in you" she said and hugged him one last time as tightly as she could. Kahet was surprised at her strength and tried to keep his lungs filled with air as his face scrunched up slightly. Sniffling, she repeated, "Ill always believe in you, even if no one does, I'll always be here for you. I gave you life and you better come back here to die of old age centuries from now."
"I'll try to keep that promise" he chuckled and let her go. Sighing, he looked back at the ship in anticipation to say, "I have to go so I can get a good bed onboard. So. . ."
"Go and give them hell" she smiled and patted his cheek fondly one last time. "Your siblings are rooting for you. They wanted to come but they need to go to sleep no matter how old they are. Did you get the meals your Grandmother and I fixed for you?"
"Yes, so did uncle Nak-De" Kahet assured and laughed loudly. "I think his package is as big as him."
Iliana joined him and squeezed his hand in a last gesture. "Go before I start bawling my eyes and make people stare, I think they're creeped out by human tears." Kahet laughed at the joke as she kissed his cheek in farewell, "No matter how big you get, you'll always be my baby. But you're like your father and he doesn't let anything stop him so I expect the same. I love you, sweetie, so stay safe out there."
"I love you too, mother" he said in soft purr and let go of her hand. "I'll be back before you know it."
She nodded in return as he walked off to his ship eagerly to start the journey to his Chiva. Iliana watched him go into the medium-sized ship, no bigger than for thirty inhabitants, as it packed up and proceeded to make the last test checks before leaving in less than an hour. She wanted her son to revert to his child stage so badly so he didn't have to leave to face unknown danger and she could protect him in her arms but that would be an illusion. The hard truth was that she didn't know if he was coming back and if that would be her last conversation with her son. Leaving the docks quickly, she ran towards the lifts before she broke down emotionally in public.
He'll be fine, she assured herself. I must believe he'll return proudly with his first trophy. I have to.
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"When Kahet comes back, I'm giving him a bouquet of these pretty flowers" Aloun'Da told Leitjin as they sat together in the gardens.
Iliana had taken them the next day to play so her home wouldn't feel empty without Kahet's presence. She was used to hearing him bumble around in the early morning as they all awoke to eat. Now, she just had her two little ones who would rarely ever leave the Ade'k'ra in their lives. Her mind stayed on her son constantly despite Kantra's assurance that he'd be all right. After feeling the empty house without seeing her tall son picking at his siblings or joking with her, she'd taken the two children to entertain themselves so they could at least feel at peace for a while. The quietness had picked relentlessly at her mind towards her child and she needed to escape it before it made her depressed.
"It's forbidden to take them from the garden" Leitjin stated firmly and she stuck her tongue out in return. He flared his mandibles at her playfully and said, "I bet he'll take out the meanest prey there! He's taken on older students and has beaten them."
Leitjin was now sixteen and had begun his work in the medicinal field at the age of 12. Unlike members of their society who would train to be Hunters, healers did not need rigorous physical training and could start at a much younger age. After all, the younger the mind was, the more information one could absorb and Leitjin was more than happy to. First, he would work with the healers for basic and intermediate training for ten years or so. He had to learn everything first before ever handling anything medics or healers used. Eventually, he would begin working underneath a medic's supervision and reach their level much later in adulthood. Now at age sixteen, Bai'Kar aided him in the healer section and he was perfect as well as happy in the path he'd chosen. He'd never liked the hunt as a child and now he could help people all over the ship and incoming vessels as well.
"Whatever your brother brings, we'll be proud" their mother said pointedly and they nodded. Stroking the cool grass under her warm fingertips, she sighed, "He loves coming here, ever since Sali'ah brought him here the first time."
"You promised not to get sad" a firm voice said from behind as Kantra's body cast a shadow over hers on the grass. The children greeted him happily and he nodded to them in return. Sitting down at his mate's side, he wrapped an arm around her comfortingly, "He'll be fine. Stop worrying."
Kantra had finally reached an Arbitrator status and worked in a separate larger office on the Arbitrator level, across from Sau-Trul's office. The years hadn't seemed long to him, unlike Iliana, but he was happy they were over and he wouldn't have to leave as much. Sau-Trul was still the head Arbitrator but since many workers were more of assistant status on their level, Kantra would be second as soon as he gained more experience. He still remembered when he brought his teenage son into his office so he could see how their arbitrary system worked. Sure, Kahet had gotten bored within a minute but it brought them closer. Now, he was about to be the newest Young Blood in the entire family since Badru if he passed.
"I'm a mother, it's what we do" she said meekly and wrapped her arms around his waist to press her cheek against his chest. Holding him instantly calmed her nerves so she made sure to keep a firm grip on her mate. "You better not be leaving on a mission either, Kantra. It was hard enough to see Kahet go today."
"No, not until later in the year" Kantra said, shrugging as he stroked her hair. In a brighter tone, he informed, "Sali'ah invited us for a meal later if you're up to it?"
"She's trying to make me feel better" Iliana chuckled with a light smile as she tucked strands of loose hair behind her ears. "She's gotten tuned into my odd human emotions after all the years. I'll be happy to go. Besides, she knows how I feel."
"Sri'shan went to live on the homeworld, there's no danger there" Kantra said, blowing up his mate's happy mind bubble. She gave him a glare and he quickly thought of something. "Of course she does! Both children are off in different worlds without their mothers."
"Thanks for trying" she smiled and stroked his thigh gently. "The years go by fast, whether you admit it or not. Twenty years ago, I would've thought I'd only have Kahet and possibly piss off your entire clan. I accomplished the latter of the two and here we are in a beautiful garden with two of our three children years later."
"It's not bad if I say so myself" Kantra said, as he lay down to place his head on his mate's lap and used his navy Arbitrator cape as a blanket underneath to relax. She smiled and stroked his forehead in a soft circle motion. "I'd have imagined more pups running around but this works."
Still with the same idea, she chuckled mentally.
"I'm not having more. . .for now" she objected and pulled one of his dreads. "I like spending time with each of my children individually."
"Oh!" he groaned in playful frustration. "Most females here would be pregnant at least every two years. One day I'll give you twins and then I'll be the one laughing."
"And I'll deny you any chance of mating me for two years then" she chuckled and smiled as his mandibles curled in sourly.
"No! I'm supposed to win this argument" he groaned and turned his head to sulk into her clothed abdomen.
"My whiny Arbitrator" she laughed and leaned down to kiss his temple gently. "How I love you."
"So do I" he purred and looked up slyly, "Can I get a suckling now?"
She kissed his chin as he smiled but said, "Not a chance, my love."
He sighed loudly and shrugged, "Can't blame a male for trying."
"Daddy, I finished weaving a shirt for you" Aloun'Da said brightly as she went to sit by him. She gave her father a quick hug and grinned, "I completed it today and you can wear it to the Arbitrator level tomorrow!"
Now ten, Aloun'Da still stuck to her father and being the only daughter, Kantra forbid nothing to her. Especially the nickname for him that Kantra didn't like much but tolerated it for her, she was still the baby after all. She was energetic and happy to create all sorts of things for people. Sometimes he thought she resembled none of her parents stubborn traits and would probably be like her graceful grandmother. As many things as she'd created for people, she gave most of them to her beloved father. She'd begun experimenting with clothes making a while ago and showed promise for female clothing. For males, however, she needed help.
Please don't let it be a shirt with fluttery sleeves and ruffled ends, he thought in refuge.
"Thank you, Aloun'Da" he said, not wanting to upset her. She looked so much like her mother as she grew up so it'd be harder to refuse her things or ideas. "You have great skills in all this creativity."
She smiled wider and purred in content as she went back to working on her knickknacks on the grass. Kantra sighed and rumbled his chest as he relaxed with his family on the grass. Yet, while watching his two children talk, he couldn't help but wonder what his oldest son was doing at this minute. Was he getting some last minute training, was he sleeping, was he nervous, or was he scared?
Let the Gods watch over my son and protect him, he thought in a prayer. My son is strong and he's battled many fights over time. I don't want to lose him when he has much potential.
(Flashback)
"What is all this?" Kantra asked, picking up a bag with clothing inside. While on their visit to Earth, Iliana had decided to shop with all of her money, after quickly withdrawing it all, and spend it on stuff for her new family. She was never going to see the planet again so she was going to go crazy with her spending.
"The clothes I bought for the baby" Iliana smiled instantly as she opened one and showed him a white sleeper. She held it against her chest and giggled, "It'll look cute on them once it's here. Wait till you see the little outfits! Our baby will be so adorable!"
"What about the clothes I ordered for it?" he asked, feeling left out from the planning. Would his child even fit in them? It wouldn't be human sized. "It won't be ooman, Ana."
"I know, I want our baby to have human things too" she said softly and gave him the item so he could feel the soft fabric. "I want it to know about my heritage, even if they can only sport the clothes in our new home since people will look at us weird. Our baby will be different but I will not have he or she feel ashamed of who they are. They will grow up proud and safe by both of us."
"All right, my mate" he nodded and cupped her cheek with his hand. "Bring whatever you want for our little one. It deserves everything we can provide."
"Doesn't it?" she smiled back and opened a new bag containing red pajamas. With an evil grin, she went on, "I got you a new set of pajamas, the same red kind with the yellow smiley faces that you left back in my apartment. You looked so cute in them back then. Obviously I couldn't tell you that since we were friends and you'd have chased me like a maniac again but I can say it now."
"Ana, no!" he complained and stomped his foot. He didn't want to wear anything embarrassing, especially in front of his mate. Growling, he spotted another bag next to it and saw a thin silky blue fabric with lace inside. Curiously, he picked it up gently with his fingers and he saw it was a small female nightgown, "What's this?"
"For me, to privately show you later" she giggled slyly and put the Victoria's Secret bag away before he could see it better. He brightened up as she said, "My mate deserves something nice from Earth. But don't tear it with your claws this time, I like it."
"I already have you and our child, I need nothing better" he purred and grabbed her into his arms. Nipping at her neck gently, he asked, "Are you sure you can't show me now?"
"No, our baby's things need to be fixed" she objected and got away from his grip to grab all of her bags. He groaned and watched her head to an area on the ship where she had suitcases of baby stuff stored. "Whether girl or boy, it's going to be the best stylish baby on the Ade'k'ra."
(Flashback)
"Kantra, feel!" Iliana squealed happily as she scurried over to him in the main room of their new home. He looked up from where he sat reading a tablet and placed his hand over her six month pregnant belly.
He felt their child kick for the first time and trilled proudly. The child had kicked while he'd been at the office so she'd been waiting for its next session so Kantra could feel it too. Their little one kept hitting the left side of her stomach as he grabbed her into his lap.
"They give pretty good kicks" she chuckled and placed her hand over his. Smiling curiously, she asked, "What do you think it'll be? I finally caved in and Ani-De's telling me tomorrow."
"A boy" he purred softly and felt his child's kicks lessen. His father had told him sucklings liked hearing their father's purrs while in the womb and it actually worked! He kept doing it and continued, "My family is notorious for males and twins."
"Twins? You better hope I never have that!" she gasped and he whined pleadingly as she glared, "Your little soldiers better give me one child each only in the future."
He gave her a pout and felt his child's kicks stop. Iliana looked at him and asked, "Did you do that? He doesn't stop kicking instantly. . .Kantra, is something wrong? Is-"
"No, Iliana" he assured her and she sighed. He stroked her stomach to ease her and continued, "Sucklings like hearing purrs while in the womb, it eases the mother's pressure too. Our little one is perfectly fine and strong in there."
"Oh, that's good" she sighed with closed eyes, then opened them to smack him with her hand. "Don't scare me like that. Just for that, I hope it's a girl."
"Boy" Kantra teased again and she glared but kissed him on the cheek anyway. He continued purring to his little one as he rubbed his mate's stomach.
(Flashback)
"And as I turned to the right, I see this ugly skeletal creature jumping at me so I quickly grabbed my spear and threw it" Kantra said in a suspenseful voice to his mate as the two laid in their bed together in the dim light. "I nailed the pauk-de through the chest and got my first trophy for the Chiva."
"That's. . .heart-pounding and no cursing" Iliana said, stroking her nine-month stomach with one hand and slapping his chest softly with the other. She kissed his cheek softly and asked, "And since our baby's a boy, he'll do that too? That test?"
"Yes, most males in our society are hunters" he nodded and bit her earlobe gently. "I was a hunter just like my father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and-"
"I get it, love" she laughed and wrapped the covers over her body to get warmer. Stroking his muscled chest with her fingers, she ordered, "You better protect our baby over the years then. I don't want anything to happen to him."
"He'll get the most training possible" he assured but she didn't look convinced. "I'll make sure nothing happens."
"You just said it's dangerous and only students take it" she pointed out and he hung his head. She was right but he didn't know what would make it better.
"We will see when the time comes" Kantra sighed and held her closer to him. Her face cuddled up to his warm neck as he said, "Worry over bringing our little one to the world for now."
"You're right" she agreed and kissed his neck once. "I love you."
"Me too, dearest" he purred and stroked her soft cheek with his palm. She leaned into his touch as he nuzzled her face. "I will never let anything take you or my son away from me."
"I know, Kantra" she smiled and kissed him. Trailing her fingers over his mandibles, she whispered, "You'll fight for us like I'll fight for you both. Nothing will-"
She felt something watery fall between her legs and go downwards. Moving the covers off instantly, she saw a liquid puddle soaking their mattress. Her thin gown was soaked over her back and legs making her sigh.
"I think our son's ready to come out and meet us" she told Kantra nervously. Then gave him a playful glare, "All that Hunt talk must've riled him up. Thanks a bunch, Kantra."
"He'll be a true hunter" he trilled happily and got up from the bed. "I will contact Ani-De while you get ready."
(Flashback)
"Iliana, why doesn't he stop crying?!" Kantra questioned from their bedroom while holding his three week old infant over his shoulder. He tried holding him closer to his chest but he bawled his eyes out with an accompanied wail. "Is there something wrong?! Everything I do makes him worse."
Iliana rushed in and took the crying suckling from him. She cradled him over her shoulder and soothed his back while he sobbed. Kantra massaged his temples and tried to stop the awful ringing in his sensitive ears.
"He's got a good set of lungs on him" he smiled at his mate who chuckled in return. Kahet lowered his cries into whimpers in a short while and eventually relaxed. Kantra then stroked his soft back gently. "He'll be strong."
"He's crying, not lifting a bottle" Iliana said with a smile as their son sniffled. Cuddling his soft body closer, she told Kantra happily, "He's so cute, I love him so much. I don't know what I ever did without him, Kantra."
"True but I wish I could get the ringing out of my ears" Kantra trilled and shook his head again. His son watched him with sleepy green eyes and his father stroked his brown hair gently, "He's beautiful, Iliana."
"He's ours, our first child" she smiled proudly and stroked her son's back. He whimpered and pressed closer to her for comfort as she held him. "I'll never let him out of my sight for as long as I live. We'll love our little one till the day we die. Our little Kahet."
(Flashback)
"Who's my cute little baby?" Iliana giggled to her eight-month old as she placed his towel-wrapped nude body on her bed to clothe him after his bath. "Who loves his little baths?"
Kahet purred to his mother as she smothered his soft body against her chest playfully and to keep him warm. His hands gripped her shirt as he held on making her chuckle. Squeezing his damp body, she placed him back on the bed as he took a fascination to the beadwork on her dress and tried to grab one.
"Curious, aren't you?" she cooed and kissed his cheek as she dried his little pudgy arms. "I love you, my handsome son."
"And not me?" her mate's voice interrupted teasingly as he entered their bedroom. He sat on the bed to tickle his son's bare foot as his mother dried him. He whined and kicked out his leg towards his father. Kantra chuckled as he continued to whine while Iliana dressed him in his nightly snuggly.
"Of course I love you, but I have another male who loves me too now" she joked and kissed Kantra once she zipped up her child's pajamas. Letting go, she tickled her son's feet in her hands making him giggle.
"Doesn't he?" Iliana laughed as his hands waved in protest. His emerald eyes glanced over his parents as he cooed loudly. "My little Kahet."
Kantra leaned down to pick up his son and held him close as he purred to him, "It's all right, I'll save you from her ticklish torture. Obviously you're ticklish from her since yautjas are not."
"Hey, you're the torturer" she complained but smiled at Kahet returning his father's purr. "Oh, he's so cute when he does that. He really looks and sounds like a mini you."
"My genetics are good" he trilled proudly and she rolled her eyes at his remark. Pressing his cheek against Kahet's, he purred, "And you'll be better than me one day as well."
"Ooo" Kahet cooed to his father as he babbled nonsensical sounds after. "Ah. .ah ba. . .ooh a. ."
"He's trying to get there" Iliana chuckled as Kantra rocked their son in his arms. Kahet tried a few sounds with a curious face as his parents watched fondly. Squeezing his small hand in hers, she smiled encouragingly, "Aren't you, Kahet?"
"Aaa. .ma. . ." he cooed and wiggled happily at his mother. "Ma. .am. .mmm. .ama. . .Mama."
Both parents looked stunned and Kantra asked, "Did he just say 'mama'?"
"He did! He said it!" Iliana cried happily and kissed her son on the cheek, then her mate. "Our baby's first word! Oh, I wish I had a tape recorder. I should've grabbed your mask to record his voice."
"No fair, I wanted to be his first word" Kantra said grumpily, feeling rejected. Iliana gave him a sympathetic look and kissed him on the mouth. "That doesn't make it all better."
"I know but he'll say yours soon" she assured and stroked his cheek as he purred to her. "He loves his daddy just like I do."
Kahet waved his arms for attention and Iliana hugged him. He purred and repeated, "Mama."
"Always, my baby" she smiled fondly and kissed his forehead. "Always."
"What about Father?" Kantra spoke to Kahet, hoping he'd get another word out. Kahet stared blankly as his father quickly rambled on, "Dad? Daddy? Dada? Sire? Arbitrator? Man who looks after you? Come on, son, give me something!"
"Mama" he trilled happily and giggled while his father sulked and collapsed onto the bed in a heap. Kahet glanced at his father curiously and then his mother.
"Daddy's upset today" she pouted humorously and hugged her son. "Why don't you give Dada lots of hugs?"
Kahet nodded and crawled over to his father to hug his face. Kantra was easily amused and felt lighter at the situation. Maybe Iliana was right and he'd say it soon. He tickled his son's stomach as he giggled and fell onto the bed, in a similar fashion to his father.
"Mama" Kahet purred and pointed to Kantra. He groaned loudly but patted his son's head encouragingly as his mate laughed.
(Flashback)
A two year old Kahet scampered over to his father and pulled himself up onto his bed. Kantra stared at his son who only wore a loincloth diaper and grinned cheerfully at him. He purred for attention and his father scooped him up onto his lap, happy to oblige.
"What is it, Kahet?" Kantra asked his son, who began to play with the blankets. He looked up with a curious glance and smiled.
"Tell me a story" he said to his father, who looked back confused. Kahet mimicked the expression and giggled. "Mother tells me lots of stories."
"Well, so will I" Kantra said, not wanting to be left out from the parent-child bonding. "What do you want to hear?"
"Who's Eliok?" he asked, curiously. Kantra's face drooped and he hung his head low, not expecting that question. "Mama says he's a big alien assassin. What's an assassin?"
"He's not that interesting!" Kantra said, waving the topic away quickly. Then tried to think of something, "How about an old clan legend?"
"No" he pouted and kept his eyes on his father. Kantra tapped his mandibles thoughtfully as he stroked his chin and Kahet mimicked the action.
He's adorable at this mimicking stage, his father thought as he watched him.
"How about an old ooman tale?" he asked, hoping Iliana's gigantic book was around somewhere. She'd written it herself to not forget her human folklore so maybe he could sneak it in.
"No, mama does that" his son giggled and shook his head. Kantra sighed and wondered what else could interest his pup.
"How about my first trip to your mama's planet?" he suggested and patted his head.
"No, you told it already" Kahet pouted again and pointed to himself with a toothy grin, "I remembers."
"It's 'remember', little one" his father chuckled amusingly and tickled his son's chin. Kahet giggled and fell on his back over his father's lap playfully. Kantra trilled and tickled his son's bare stomach making him laugh uncontrollably.
"Dad!" he laughed and his father ceased the tickling.
"How about. . .seeing my first scary prey?" Kantra suggested again and his son smiled.
"Oh! I like scary stories!" Kahet said eagerly as he nodded in anticipation.
(Flashback)
Kantra placed his three-year old on the table near the main entrance as he pulled out a medical kit. His son wiped his eyes and tried to not look at his bruised knee.
"How did it happen?" his father asked softly as he pulled out the contents of the box.
"I was playing with the twins and fell on a rocky path" he sniffled and looked to the side in self-pity. "I slipped while playing hunters. Does that mean I'll be bad at it?"
"Of course not, accidents happen" Kantra chuckled and consoled his son gently. Squeezing his small hand in his larger one, he said, "You'll have all the time in the universe to prepare to be a great Hunter one day."
Kahet nodded and watched his father begin to apply the light blue salve on his cut knee. Older warriors got the more concentrated and richer colored portion but he hated this one that stung less either way. He squirmed away from his father but he got pinned in his arm and felt the medicine begin to work. He began crying from the stinging sensation but his father purred to get his attention.
"It'll pass, ignore the pain and concentrate on something else" he said as his toddler cried in his arms. Kahet nodded but it still didn't feel better. "Injuries happen all of the time, your body will grow used to it."
"You're not mad because I'm weak?" he sniffled and wiped his eyes.
"I could never be mad at you" Kantra said softly and hugged his son. "And you're not weak, little one. In time, you'll be strong."
"Like you?" he asked hopeful as his green eyes brightened up.
"Even better" his father chuckled and lifted Kahet into his arms to carry him. "You'll be better than all of your ancestors one day. Every generation get better than the one before so you'll do fine."
"I'd like that" he purred softly and cuddled up to his father. "Thanks, daddy."
"Always, my little one" Kantra purred back and walked towards their kitchen area as his toddler cuddled up to him. "Let's get you something to eat."
(Flashback)
An eight year old Kahet threw stuff all around his room in anger. He kicked his toys and threw his tablets in an uncontrolled frenzy. Throwing blankets and clothes around, he ran out of stuff to break and kneeled on the floor instead. He wiped his burning eyes and tried to stop the usual stream of tears from falling. Slapping himself to stop it, he tried to stop his raggedy breathing but his chest felt more congested. Hearing his door open from behind, he quickly wiped his eyes and tried to cover his face with his long hair.
"Kahet, what happened here?" his father demanded from behind.
"Go away! I don't want to talk to anyone!" he yelled angrily and hoped they'd leave him be.
"Your room is a disaster" Kantra stated as he tried to look at his son's face but he'd curled up so no one could see him. He walked up to him and sat down in front of him. "What is wrong?"
"I'm fine!" he said tersely and covered his face with his hands. Kantra grabbed them and pulled them down despite his son fought against him. Seeing his bitter face, his father pushed back his hair to clear his face. "Stop it."
"Talk to me, little one" his father said gently. Kahet looked at him slowly but looked away in a second.
"Kids picked on me again" he said in a wavering tone as he hugged himself. "They. . .called me names and threw me in the dirt inside the gardens. I'm so tired of their name calling! No matter what I do. .I'm. .I'm still a freak to them!"
"I try to fit in but they don't care" he confessed and wiped his crying eyes again. He hated his tears but he couldn't stop them as his throat tightened, "They think they're so much better but they're not! It's not just the boys but the girls too! They hate me. . .they don't know anything about me, all they care about is that I'm a hybrid. I hate them! I hate them!"
"Kahet, hate is a strong word-" his father began.
"I don't care! If they hate me, I'll hate them!" he declared furiously as he hit the floor with his fist to vent his emotions. "One day. .one day they'll regret it! I'll be a great hunter and they'll beg! Beg for my forgiveness! And I'll rub it in their ugly faces!"
Kantra stared at his stricken son and did the only thing he could think of. He hugged him tightly and let him rant out his emotions about their prejudiced society. Kahet cried and yelled until his throat was sore and was left whimpering in his father's arms.
I knew it would be hard but I didn't think things would get harder over the years, Kantra thought angrily. He's done nothing to anyone and he's already treated disgracefully! How can I help him? He's a child, not a Bad Blood!
"I'm sorry that I can't protect you from those children" Kantra said softly and stroked his hair. "Don't let their hatred turn you into something worse. I'm sorry that it's hard for you here and your mother and I try to keep you safe but it's our fault."
"No! You and mother love each other, it doesn't matter what they think about it" his son objected and cleared his raw throat. "They'll never understand us. I'm tired of it, I don't want to be near them anymore."
"We can't leave here, son" Kantra said while his son shook his head in protest. Regretfully, he said, "This is the only home we have."
"What about Earth? Mother lived there!" he suggested desperately as his eyes widened. "I can't stand it here! I'm sick of looking over my shoulder all the time!"
"That planet would kill all of us in an instant" his father informed and watched his son cry out again in fury. "We must stay here."
"I hate it, I'll move to the homeworld if I have to" Kahet cried into his father's chest. "I'm tired of getting picked on."
"I'll make sure you're protected more if I have to set up guards" his father stated and held his son closer. "Don't cry anymore or else those bullies will win with their slanders."
"It hurts, I wish they could disappear" he whispered but nodded nimbly. "I'll listen only because they don't deserve anything from me. They're worthless."
Nothing but trash, Kahet thought bitterly. Trash that will crumble at my feet one day.
Kantra held his son until he fell asleep from exhaustion. Getting up gently, he placed him on his bed and covered him with his blankets. After making sure he was warm and snug, he stayed seated next to his child. He hated seeing his oldest get treated the way he did over the years and all he could do was watch it. No matter how many times he'd stated he'd kill or had actually killed anyone who threatened his family, pups were out of his jurisdiction and Kahet couldn't handle it. He could only hope his son would learn to block them out until he'd be able to protect himself against them physically.
(Flashback)
"Kahet, what'd you do this time?" Kantra asked in a firm tone as he entered the kitchen. His sixteen year old son relaxed in his chair while eating a fruit and sported a few bruises.
"Beat someone up" he said simply. His father glared in a fatherly 'no nonsense' look and Kahet sighed, "It was fair before you complain."
"What happened?" he questioned as he grabbed a chair to sit in. Looking at him, he said, "Leitjin told me you punched out a patient."
"Yes, because the scum wouldn't let Leitjin heal his wound because he was a hybrid" Kahet snorted as his green eyes darkened and narrowed in disgust. "Apparently, we now carry magical powers that will infect anyone we touch with hybrid cooties."
Kantra tried to glare but his son was in the right. Also, he wanted to laugh at the dark humor he used but cleared his throat to say, "Be that as it may, you can't punch out patients. You're not even supposed to be on that level."
"The insect insulted Leitjin and he deserved it!" Kahet insisted and bit into his fruit. "He's lucky I didn't relocate his stomach. Leitjin's the calmest person I know and I'm not letting anyone walk over him! He wants to help people and I'm not going to let them mess with him."
"Leitjin must learn to protect himself too if he wants to succeed" his father stated firmly but nodded to his son, "But I'll look the other way on this one. I don't want anyone offending any of my children or they risk death."
"Then we're on the same page" Kahet said and stood up to stretch. "I'm tired of any slander from them. I've taken it over the years and now that I can fend for myself, I will instill fear into them and make sure they don't get a foot near me without risking a lost limb."
"Good, I'm proud of you" Kantra grinned and his son tilted his head in puzzlement. "There's some things I disagree in and I don't mind voicing it. Don't let anyone walk over you."
"If they do, they'll lose the foot" his son trilled and walked out in a happy mood. Kantra watched him leave and chuckled softly.
"He's growing up" he said quietly and smiled.
(Flashback)
Kahet poked his head into his father's office and entered. Kantra looked up, spotting his son, and put the report he was reading back on the desk. Standing up, he walked over to his son and shook his shoulder.
"Ready?" he asked, looking over his son.
"Yes, mother's meeting me at the docking bay in a few minutes" Kahet said with a nod and smiled at his father, "I knew you couldn't come so I decided to drop by unless there's something more important you're doing. I know your position asks a lot of you."
"Nothing's more important than my family" Kantra said firmly and patted his son's back. "Don't think I was going to let you leave without saying farewell. You're my first son going off to his Chiva, this is a memorable day."
"I'm sure I'll have more brothers over the years do the same" Kahet chuckled but felt pleased at the same time. "I'll be fine, father. You've trained me well over the years so I won't disappoint you."
"You've never disappointed me, Kahet" his father stated and looked him in the eyes. "I've been proud of you since the day you were born and it hasn't stopped. You'll complete your Chiva and you'll make me even prouder again. I don't care how many trophies you bring, as long as you're back here alive, that's what counts."
"And here I was, thinking of how many trophies to bring back and show off" he joked, faking a somber sigh.
"You're becoming too much like me, your mother won't like that" Kantra laughed and calmed down from the idea. "It's bad enough you resemble me already."
"I'll try to be as honorable as you have" his son admitted and tipped his head in respect. "I've tried to follow in your footsteps as well as all of my elder male kin before me and I hope to succeed when I return."
"You will" Kantra said proudly and thumped his chest with his fist softly. "I've tried to raise you as well as I could with your mother. It was scary at first since you had both of our genetics and no one knew about hybrids but we did the best we could. I know there's been times you didn't like my parenting but it was for what I believed was best. And here you are, twenty years after I held you as a suckling, off to begin your own life as a man."
"You're the best father I could've asked for" Kahet said and hugged his father. "I'm proud to be your son, I always will."
Letting go of him, Kahet continued, "Look after mother, she gets emotional at times like this. If anyone bothers Leitjin, tell me so I can punch them when I return. And tell Aloun'Da to put as many bouquets as she wants in my room despite my angry remarks."
"I will" his father nodded and patted his son's back. "Look after yourself, we'll be fine here."
"Goodbye, father" Kahet said and left his father's office with one last glance.
"Goodbye, Kahet" his father said softly, watching his door close and his son leave for his final test.
My son will be a grown male when he returns, Kantra thought as he looked away from his door. I'm so proud of him. He's my greatest accomplishment so far.
(End flashbacks)
"Father! Aloun'Da put a flower crown on my head!" Leitjin complained into his thoughts and Kantra sighed.
Well, it was good while it lasted, he thought and opened his eyes lazily.
"Aloun'Da, stop that and give it to your mother" Kantra ordered, parenting his remaining children. "Leitjin, sit somewhere else where she can't bother you."
"Yes, Father" they obeyed quickly. Fortunately, his children weren't rebellious and listened easily to him. Unlike Iliana, his parenting never wavered to their innocent put-on faces when they tried to escape punishment.
Maybe that's why they always run to her for forgiveness, he thought.
"You trailed off a bit, didn't you?" Iliana chuckled and kissed his forehead. Tilting her head to the side, she smiled gently, "Something wrong?"
"No, just assuring myself that we did all right as parents" Kantra admitted and trailed his fingers down her cheek. Looking at her, he said, "Kahet's suffered much throughout his youth, I hope he gets a better chance as an adult. He's been a marvelous child since the day he was born."
"All our children are" she said, smiling softly. Looking to the side where the clear glass wall showed the vastness of space, she said firmly, "He's tough, he'll return to us. We've done as best we could as parents, it's up to our little one out there now."
"Except he's not so little anymore" Kantra sighed forlornly and stroked her cheek softly. "He's our greatest accomplishment as parents and the best of us."
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(In the depths of space)
Three days had passed since I'd left the Ade'k'ra to head to my Chiva. I was excited to finally take part in my rite of passage into manhood and I would make my lineage proud. The ship would land soon onto the chosen planet but I'd already changed into the armor I had ordered for myself and made sure nothing was either too loose or tight on me. I had trained a while before entering the planet's orbit so my muscles were warmed up a bit already. I also didn't want them stiff before entering the pods that would scatter each student in a different sector to cause no direct head-on competition. The sectors would be monitored by the warriors piloting the ship and my uncle so no accidents would happen. I really hope no unexpected accidents happen. The last thing I need is to get lost within the perimeter with my trophy in check and become a target myself.
I sat on my hard and muscle-cramping bed, if you could even call it a bed, and made sure my ki'cti'pa gauntlets were secure and in working status. My weapons had already been secured in my pod, which would be the seventh one, so all I had to do was wait until all of us were ordered to go below and prepare for the sendoff. I stayed in the small room by myself for now, since the other two residing students decided to go outside and grab a bite before the Chiva came. I rarely ate in the presence of others throughout my life and if I did, it was with my friends or family. I spoke to no one here and it didn't bother me a bit, I'd grown used to it over the years. Surprisingly, the other two students hadn't shunned me out of the bed I chose but it was probably because I had gotten here first. First come, first served, was the rule after all. Despite training with most of these students for years, I wasn't on a friendly basis with anyone nor did I seek to. I was tired of phonies seeking to be friendly, only to insult me behind my back for what I was. I was here for one thing only and I would get it or die trying.
"And I will be the first hybrid on the Ade'k'ra to pass this Chiva" I said in determination as I glanced at the metal wall in front of me. "All my sweat, blood, and tears have been for this moment and I will not fail."
Moving towards the wall where my bed pressed against it, I tucked my finger underneath a small square object stuck in between the tight space. Prying the object out of its cozy hiding spot, I grabbed it into my palm and pressed the end of one claw into a tiny hole on it. The blue holocube lit up in a white glow and produced an image almost as big as my hand. Within the produced image, I saw a moving hologram of my family from five years ago. My parents smiled to the watcher while I grabbed Leitjin into a headlock playfully. My mother then began to separate us while Aloun'Da squeezed our father from behind his shoulder and sucked the air from his throat from her hold. Father then pried her off and she began to cry while Leitjin laughed at her, in which she gave him a hard kick to the head as our mother grabbed her up. The image then stopped moving and reverted to its old 'happy family' position, not the dysfunctional one that occurred seconds later.
Good times, I thought in amusement. Longing thoughts then crept into my mind. I can't wait to see them. I've become so used spending my days with them and now. . .
No! I can't focus on that!, the strategic portion of his mind ordered. I must eliminate all hindrances to my success today or else I'll fail. I will not let any emotion rise up, not even fear. Yautjas fear nothing. I will be a lethal killing machine and those hard meats won't know what hit them!
"Students, you now have ten minutes to reach the sublevel and begin preparations for your Chiva" my uncle's voice went over the ship's main public communicator. It was time. The mere thought sent chills down my spine as I smiled. "After those ten minutes, you have five to settle into your pod before we send it down below. If you are not there, you will be disqualified from the Hunt. It's time to become men or live and die with dishonor."
The communication shut off as I looked outside the window inside the cramped room. Below, I could see a yellowish brown planet surrounded with white clouds which would become larger in the upcoming minutes. Getting up, I made sure I had everything on and that my hair was tightly knotted so it wouldn't get in the way. Nodding to myself, I began to leave and realized I still held the small holocube. My first thought was to throw it onto the bed but then wondered, what if this would be my last day alive?
Not that it won't. . .but it's still a possibility, I thought darkly. If for some reason it is, I want to be sure I hold something dear with me so I don't forget what I've lived for so far.
Giving the object a small squeeze in affection, I tucked it into one of the empty pockets on my belt. Taking a deep breath to relax and seem intact outside, I left my room in a quick pace. Just because I wanted to give everyone an aloof outlook, it didn't mean I was about to miss out on the greatest moment of my life! They could kiss a hard meat for all I care but I was getting down there as quickly as possible.
Within a few minutes, I reached the smaller sublevel which was filled with upright silver pods with closed openings at the bottom of each one, attached to the ship's floor. The level was filled with all of the participating students but I went to my pod directly without looking for idle chitchat. I had been trained for years and given advice to by my respected kin and friends, I didn't need anything else.
"Settle down, pups" Uncle Nak-De's voice boomed into the room and everyone quieted instantly. "Get into your pods and make yourselves comfortable. Once inside, we will secure the pods from the outside so don't think of getting out again. If so, you'll either be disqualified or burn in the atmosphere for opening it without permission! The landing won't be soft so watch your heads. Once you land, you have full authorization to begin but I want no fights between any of you for kills. You're not children anymore, you're about to become men so act like it! We will be monitoring the area with visuals so we'll know. When you've finished catching your prey, you may return to the coordinates imprinted into your on-hand computer."
"Any questions?" he grunted and they shook their heads. "Good, now get in there!"
All of the students listened in respect and eagerness while I simply opened the large hatch door. Checking the inside to see everything in perfect place, I stepped into the small space that barely contained much room. I had to stay on my feet throughout the whole ride but I had to buckle the belts over my chest and waist to make sure I wouldn't smack myself all over the place. I looked over my weapons assortment in front of me where they were held in a safe compartment, I didn't want them flying out at me during the landing. That would be painful and embarrassing to myself and my family. I relaxed in my tiny space as I waited for the instructors to close my door personally. Once again, I couldn't contain the excitement of finally killing my first prey.
"Ready to go?" my uncle's voice asked and I quickly looked at him in surprise. He gave me a firm look and said, "Don't think too long when you're down there. I'm not about to go pick up your dead body down there from your mistake and bring it to your family. Stay sharp and always watch your back."
I nodded silently, feeling chastised since he was right. I couldn't think like this down there without it costing me my life. Fumbling with my words, I managed to say, "If anything happens-"
"You better make sure it doesn't" my uncle barked and I quieted. He looked to the side before glancing back at me, "Listen to your instincts. I've taught you as much as I could, this is up to you now. If you don't feel like you can finish, I will get you and you can try the next cycle-"
"No, I can do it" I stated firmly. I was not about to give up because of my negative thinking. "I've been ready since the day I could hold a weapon. I can do this."
"Keep saying it and do it" he said in a nod and patted my shoulder. The space was so tight that he couldn't even grasp it, just barely pat it. "We all believe in you so get down there and bag yourself a nice Kainde Amedha. I expect you back here with the other surviving students."
"I plan on it" I said with a grin as my uncle secured the hatch tightly from the outside. The small area I was in made me feel a little claustrophobic and I really felt like moving my arms at least a little. I could barely even turn my head to the side. Grumbling, I growled, "This landing better be quick. I feel like one of Aloun'Da's dolls in her toy box."
Over the passing minutes, I went over quick strategies but decided to keep calm until I was on the planet. Once there, my adrenaline would surge so I kept my excitement to a minimum and decided to count numbers in my head instead. When I heard my pod move slightly, I heard a small mechanical voice within the pod somewhere tell me it would detach in a minute.
"Here I go" I told myself in self-encouragement and relaxed while I waited for the short trip to begin.
The End