Well guys, thanks to your support you made the decision to continue for me and seeing Predators last night helped too! With that said, enjoy...
Chapter 9: Rebirth
Ke'varde was waiting outside the Elder's private chambers. He was curious as to what they were talking about, but he would never question the Elders decisions; he was recognized for being fair and just, no one ever doubted him. A few un-bloods walked past him for the third time while he was waiting. Growling at them, he knew what they were doing and why. They were curious of the ooman aboard since they haven't seen one before. They have yet to take their Chiva and begin hunting as blooded warriors. Hearing a muffled thud behind him he turned swiftly wondering "What the pauk?" moving closer to the door he listened for any sound of a struggle or fight. Hearing nothing but slight laughter he was even more confused than before. Moving away he shrugged his shoulders "It was probably nothing of importance" This time the waiting was a bit more strained and impatient.
Waiting for the ooman to give her answer he took the time to really look at her. What caught his attention the most were her green eyes, they were the color of the jungle he once hunted in on his home world. Looking the rest of her over he concluded that her body was in good shape and she seemed healthy considering her injuries. Going back to her eyes he felt a twinge of familiarity. When she cleared her throat to speak, she also stood up and paced the room.
"Before I give you my decision I would like to thank you for your help and your offer. I realize now that it was not an easy thing to do." Walking to the panes of glass, she stared out into space for another moment "what to do…" turning back to him she steadied her nervous hands by clenching them together tightly "I would like it if you would call me Cat..." smiling she continued more strongly and with more confidence "Since I'm going to be a permanent addition to your clan"
Nodding the Elder stood as well, going to a wall on the side of the room he took out something that looked almost like a large pen to Cat but not quite. Motioning for her to step forward he spoke clearly and seriously "Since you have accepted, it is now time for you to receive the mark" Taking her chin in his hand, he held her steady while with the other he drew the mark on the right side of her face just above her eyebrow. Trying to hold still and not wince from the pain Cat focused on his words "With this mark you are one of us now. You will learn and live with honor, our rules and our traditions. It will ensure your recognition among others of our species and give you some safety in our clan. You must always wear and show it with pride" Finishing he took a step back and raised his right fist to his chest thumping it once and bowing his head "Welcome ooman Cat"
Mimicking this gesture Cat thanked him. Following him to the door she saw Ke'varde waiting for her. Smiling at the Elder she nodded to him and stepped out, the door closing behind her. The hunter started walking down a hallway, following closely behind Cat noticed she was tired and the pain was starting to worsen. "Ke'varde? Amm…do you think I could get something to eat?"
Stopping at the entrance to her quarters he opened the door motioning for her to enter first, closing it behind them. "There is food waiting for you" pointing to a small table by the wall.
Looking around the room Cat noticed it was quite minimalistic, there was just a table sticking out of a wall with a seat on each side and a huge bed that took up most of the space. Moving to the table she sat down and inspected the food. There was a lot of it and nothing she could recognize. When Ke'vrde didn't budge she waved him over, pointing to the other seat "Come, join me. There's enough food for both of us." Grunting he did just that, watching as she picked up a piece of meat and sniffed it before taking a cautious bite. Tasting the food she smiled at him "mmm…tastes like chicken" not knowing what a chicken was, he stayed quiet taking a piece of fruit. Cat was fascinated when she saw him eat. His mandibles opened and held the food while he took a bite and gulped it down. Not wanting to make him uncomfortable she focused on her own meal and chatted "I have to say it's delicious, but unfamiliar. I've never tasted anything like it, I don't even know how to describe it."
Only getting another grunt she changed the topic to the lightning bolt mark in the center of his forehead "Your mark, is it the same as mine?" turning her head and swiping her hair back showing hers. Ke'varde thrilled "No it is not the same. Mine is the mark of a warrior, it is pure hard meat acid. Yours is different because the acid was tinted black with ink." Dropping her hair she pouted "Why didn't I get the same, I helped bring that monster down too" leaning back in his seat he explained "With the warrior mark others would be able to challenge you to spar or fight. This way they cannot, as you are not marked as a warrior but as a blooded clan member. You have completed the blood trial, but you will not be hunting as I do in the future" nodding in understanding Cat was fine with that. She knew enough to take care of herself if there was a problem that required her to fight, but she would be almost useless if one of them challenged her. She wasn't a fool and she knew her limits. She saw firsthand the strength they possessed, not to mention their superior height and weight against her smaller frame, if one of them did attack her she'd have to use her brains.
Stifling a yawn she tried getting up, but failed miserably wincing in pain again. Glancing at her companion she extended her hand "Could you help me up please?" grunting he moved to stand in front of her. Crouching he put a hand behind her back and the other under her knees. Too tired to protest as he lifted her up, she just pointed to the bed. "Thanks"
Putting her down on the furs he was just about to move away when she grabbed his hand saying "Stay with me, just for a little while? I don't want to be alone right now." Pausing he gave a slight nod after a moment. Pushing her body gently to the other side of the bed to make room, he stretched out next to her relaxing. He watched her as she tried settling herself comfortably. After a minute she took his hand in hers moved it up and under her head. He was surprised, tensing slightly as she wiggled closer to him on her side, throwing a leg over his and her arm over his chest.
Sighing contentedly she muttered with a smile "Don't worry Stripes, I'm just cuddling." Relaxing he didn't understand the word she used but he decided he liked this… cuddling. Giving a slight purr of contentment he felt her react to it by pressing closer to his side. "She seems to like this…interesting." hearing her breathing and heart rate even out he knew she was asleep. Closing his own eyes he knew he wouldn't be needed for a while so he could stay with her if it made her feel better and help her adjust. "It is my duty after all to see to her wellbeing"
In another part of the ship the Elder was sitting on his bed, a crystal box opened by his side. Taking out the object he was looking for, he clenched it tightly in his hand, lost in a time centuries past when he was young, strong and full of ideals.
Hearing the swoosh of the door in his gathering chamber he returned something into the box, closing its lid. Getting up he returned it back into its hiding place behind a panel in the wall. The door behind him opened admitting his trusted friend and advisor. "What is it Mir'en?"
Hesitating a second the healer clicked "You know I would never question your decisions my friend…but you are sure of this?" turning to him the Elder knew what he was asking "Yes. I asked the High Matriarch and High Elder for permission before I gave the mark. She as much as I believes it is time for change again, though the High Elder was reluctant at first, he agreed as well. The ooman will help us understand her kind better and give freshness to our gene pool if she decides to breed with one of the warriors"
Nodding Mir'en clicked "Then I am glad she decided to stay. Her knowledge with anatomy, history and advancement of her kind will be helpful to us" turning to go, he was stopped at the door by the Elder "Did you notice her eyes?"
Sighing he answered "I wondered if you would notice it yourself, but then again nothing escapes you…It has been so long… 300 years?... I thought I would forget by now…"
Turning to the window the Elder said quietly "314 to be exact. I remember her every day my leg gives me trouble Mir'en. I cannot forget." Placing the object next to himself on the table he left adding as he passed the healer "You know what I'm asking my friend."
Not even noticing when the door closed he stood staring at object on the table. Blinking out of his daze he walked over to it. Picking up the lock of brown hair, he held it gently with his fingers remembering a small part of his long past. Taking a few strands he left the rest where it was.
Ek'tan pushed the button to Ke'vardes quarters for the third time. Still not getting an answer he shrugged "Maybe he is resting" Walking to the medical chambers he wondered how the ooman was doing. Standing in the doorway he saw it was empty, except for the healers assistants, clicking "Where is the ooman?" one of the assistants glanced at his direction "She left a few hours ago with the other hunter to see the Elder. She is now probably in her quarters" Grunting he turned in the direction he knew her quarters were located in. Reaching his destination he pushed the button next to the door and waited for her to answer. When it opened he was surprised to see Ke'varde standing in the doorway! Taking a look over the hunters shoulder he could see the ooman sleeping in the bed the spot next to her disheveled as well. Thrilling with laughter he said "Don't let me bother you. I was just checking up on the ooman, but I see you have everything under control"
Growling menacingly Ke'varde stepped out "What are you insinuating pup" making the young warrior step back a few paces. Putting his hands up Ek'tan clicked "Nothing." Seeing the hunter nod he shook his head chuckling. "I just think you found your lifemate my friend"
Giving Ek'tan a glare he clicked "Don't be ridicules, she's an ooman not a Yautja. I will not have an ooman as my lifemate." Pressing his luck the young one continued "And why not? Yautja have mated oomans before, or so the rumor says and she does seem to like you" Ducking a swipe from Ke'varde the hunter decided it would be safer to pick another topic, since they were both recovering from their injuries "We are nearing the clan ship. The estimated arrival time is in 20hours"
Turning back to close the door to Cats quarters Ke'varde started walking down the hallway. "Good. But since we have the ooman to look after we will both have to be on guard." Following him they both walked to the bridge in silence.
Stretching and yawing Cat woke up slowly. Opening her eyes she didn't recognize the room she was in at first, but then reality came flooding back. Laying there she thought about home for a second. Even though she didn't have any significant family members left, she would miss it terribly in moments like this. Shaking those thoughts from her head she got up on her hands and knees crawling to the edge of the huge bed. "I see Stripes is already up and about" Jumping out she forgot how tall it was, almost losing her balance she saved herself from falling backwards by grabbing the edge of the bed. The thing was almost to her waist. "That was close. I don't think my body can take more damage right now" Looking around, she saw a panel in the wall opposite the bed that looked like it could be a door. Running her hands at the edges she located an almost invisible button; pressing it the door swished open revealing what she thought was a bathroom.
Dropping her blanket she walked in sighing wistfully "A shower would feel so good right now" Searching for anything that would resemble a shower she instead found what seemed to be a toilet sticking out of the wall. Inspecting the contraption she walked over to it grumbling "Why does everything have to be so damn high and big in this place. I could probably fall in and drown using it." Turning away from it she slowly walked around touching the wall with one hand. Reaching a corner opposite the door she got the drenching of a lifetime when suddenly water started spraying from the ceiling and walls, screaming in surprise "What the hell!" and scrambling away from the downpour. Eying the walls as the water stopped she chuckled "I guess I got what I was looking for" Moving back into the corner she decided to enjoy it. Washing her hair and humming the tune from the Adams family she didn't hear the door behind her open.