Disclaimer: I don't own Aliens or Predator. Okay, so let's begin. . .

CHAPTER 9:

Kiara's Nightmare

It was the middle of the night and so far everyone slept in the kingdom. Kaen'Dre hadn't been able to sleep much and had now woken for the third time. The moonlight struck through the wooden cracks of the closed window onto his face. He sat up and opened it halfway to be able to see through it and not to let much of a draft in. His hair was still wet from the bath he took a couple of hours ago. Kiara had kept watch outside the bathing chambers while he bathed joyfully. He had been so happy to be clean after so many hours when the water had touched his skin.

Sitting back down, he threw off all his covers to feel cooler even though all he had on was his loincloth. Tracing his eyes to the sky from outside the window, he sighed wanting to be back in his own bed. He yawned softly while wishing he could fall asleep. Thinking of how long and exhausting the day had been, he thought he would've collapsed into sleep easily. It had been an interesting day with Kiara though, especially with the knowledge he started acquiring. He shifted his weight on his poorly crafted bed and sighed.

"I hate this stupid bed!" Kaen'Dre hissed in a whisper. "But I don't want to go to hers since that creature could attack me. Sure, I could kill it but then she'd be upset. I also don't want to get those uneasy feelings again next to her."

He sighed and rested back on his bed again. Hearing a sudden noise, he turned his head to Kiara's bed. She was groaning in her sleep while moving slightly, was she having a dream or in pain? After not seeing her in pain, he discarded the thought and tried to sleep. She kept doing that a bit which made him glance at her again. He saw her throw her covers around a bit which caused him to raise his brows.

"What is she doing? Odd ooman" Kaen'Dre said, simply.

He turned his attention away from her but he could still hear the crumpling of blankets. He heard a small whimper, and at first he thought it was his own from being so tired but he looked over to her pet, Asim. The creature had woken up and was shaking its head to clear out its slumber.

Oh, look what you did you foolish girl! You awoke that furry beast, Kaen'Dre groaned in his mind. If it attacks, I will defend myself.

But it didn't take notice of him and went to nudge Kiara on the face. Kaen'Dre watched the being while it tried to wake her from her slumber. He watched as she kept shifting on her sides while groaning which made him do it slightly but in annoyance. How long was she going to keep doing this?

He was about to growl slightly towards them in irritation from his lack of sleep. But before he even got to, Kiara finally woke up. He started to relax until he heard her gasp for air quickly. Turning around, he saw her sitting up while her thermal levels had risen more than normal. Asim was caressing his head against her side which seemed to help slightly.

Something's wrong with her, he thought immediately.

He got up immediately and ran towards her bed. He practically jumped onto her bed and grabbed her by the shoulders to see her better, even risking getting bit by her pet. Her breathing had calmed while looking around despite her hair was all over her face. He brushed her hair back quickly with his hand and traced it down her cheek which felt hot. She traced her hands through the air trying to grab a hold of whoever held her.

"What is wrong, Kiara?" he asked, worriedly. "Kiara? Answer me."

She glanced at him while trying to focus her eyes on him. He wrapped his arms around her like a protector while she rested her face against his neck. Stroking a hand down her back soothingly, she calmed down. She whimpered softly in his arms which made him trace his cheek against the top of her head. It felt a little sweaty so he ran a hand over it to clean it off her forehead and wiped it onto the covers.

"Kaen'Dre?" she whispered. "Is it you?"

"Yes, I'm here, little one" Kaen'Dre whispered, while holding her close. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine now" Kiara said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry if I woke you."

"Do not worry about it, what happened?" Kaen'Dre asked, gently.

"I had a nightmare" she answered quietly. "I saw those serpents attacking my people, killing them, and my kingdom lay in fire throughout the land. I . . .I felt one of those things attack me so badly it felt real, I guess I couldn't handle it."

"You're safe now, calm down" he said, and ran a hand through her hair. "I will be here for you, I won't let anything harm you."

He closed his mouth quickly after saying those words. He'd never spoken any words like that to any female or anyone for that matter yet here he was saying it easily. Shrugging it off, he returned his attention to the small female.

"I know, it just felt so real" Kiara said, sighing. "I felt that creature slash me with its claws, its tail, and I even felt it impale me on it. How lifelike is that?"

"It was just a nightmare, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, quietly.

He knew the hard meats needed to be used to being their hunt. But he didn't want any of them to hurt her, she was his friend, not prey. He didn't want to see the look on her face if she found out what he was and what those hard meats would do to her people and her kingdom. He just sighed and held her closer to himself.

"Do you think it'll come true?" she whispered.

"I will make sure it doesn't" he said, tracing his fingers over her hair.

"Thank you for comforting me despite it's the middle of the night" she said, and traced her hands up his back gently. "I really appreciate it."

"As long as you feel better" he said, while trying to not shudder from her gentle touch. "Are you better?"

"Much better" Kiara said, holding him in her arms fully. "You always seem to make everything better, don't you?"

He smiled and held her closer. No one had ever called him safe or regarded him in such a caring manner like her. He trailed his hand down her face which made her sigh onto his shoulder. He purred from feeling her breath against his skin. She dug her face into his neck and felt her soft skin against his. He could feel her entire body on his, especially since he wasn't wearing much. If she hadn't been wearing her sleeping garment, they'd both be almost nude against each other. Their body heat was so close, Kaen'Dre had started feeling aroused towards her.

Oh no, she's ooman!, he thought instantly. I could never be with a ooman and I wouldn't think it either! I am not about to be attracted to a ooman as my first female!

"That is one of my duties" Kaen'Dre said, clearing his throat.

"I want you as a friend, not a guard" Kiara said, looking up at him. "I don't need a protector."

"So, you would not want me protecting you?" Kaen'Dre asked, tilting his head. She blushed.

"I want you to protect me" Kiara said, tracing her hands down his chest. He purred at her gentle touch. "But in situations I can take care of, I can do them on my own."

"Independent, aren't you?" Kaen'Dre asked, smiling.

"That, bravery, and compassion all rolled into one" Kiara said, chuckling.

"So I can still look over you?" Kaen'Dre asked, brushing her hair back.

Kiara felt nervous in her stomach area by the way he was touching her. He'd never held her for such a long while but he was there when she needed him. She would love to have him at her side to take care of her when she needed him.

"Of course you can" Kiara said, leaning into his arms. "You can always look after me."

"I will do my best until I leave" Kaen'Dre said, nodding.

She nodded in return and traced a hand up his chest. She felt him shudder slightly under her touch. Was something wrong with him? She traced her hand onto his cheek which made him back up slightly.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, quickly.

"No, my kind is never touched this way so easily so I am new to this" Kaen'Dre said, simply. "I have to say for you to not touch my face yet, until we are better acquainted."

She glanced at him in slight embarrassment. Here she was, holding and caressing him as if he were a long life friend, but he wasn't. Her feelings had shifted so quickly in his arms that she had wanted him to keep caressing her in any way, but it couldn't happen.

"Oh, all right" Kiara said, backing away. "I'm sorry to cause you uncomfort, I will be more careful."

"Don't feel timid, I haven't said it's forbidden" Kaen'Dre said, holding her shoulders. He felt her body go timid.

"You are an immortal, a splendor of a remarkable being untouched by any mortal" Kiara said, softly. "I will not trespass your privacy or my principles to my superiors."

I'm not immortal, Kaen'Dre thought glumly. I'm no god, I'm just an alien hunter who is your friend.

"Don't say that, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, grabbing a hold of her hands. "I did not mean to make you feel upset."

"I'll be fine, Kaen'Dre" Kiara said, looking away. "You are here to explore with me, not to stay at my side all the time."

"Kiara" Kaen'Dre whispered.

He brought her into her arms and held her tightly. He didn't want her feeling upset since her emotions easily showed, especially if he was the cause of it. Why was he getting so many emotions? He purred in his chest to comfort her while she sighed a whimper in return. He held her closely for a while quietly enough that only Asim's breathing could be heard. After a bit, he let her go.

"I will only accept the caresses you give me from now on" Kiara said, looking at him. "I am sorry."

"I am not forbidding anything from you, I enjoy your small gestures" Kaen'Dre said, quickly. "It is just that I am not accustomed to this, do not be sorry."

He soothed her back with one hand in the way that soothed her. She crossed her arms and held herself. She looked like a child to him in the position she was in.

"I did not mean to worsen your situation" Kaen'Dre said, softly.

"You didn't, I'm not afraid anymore" Kiara said, smiling softly. He nodded.

"Do not resent me, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said, softly.

"I won't" she said, nodding.

She wouldn't. She understood this was new to him, especially the touching. But she couldn't help to not enjoy his touches. She didn't want him to feel upset either, especially because of something he was not accustomed to. She patted his hand quickly and looked at him.

"You don't feel cold?" Kiara asked him. "You're not wearing much."

She tried to look at his face mostly but he was tall in body. His body was all muscle and what female wouldn't enjoy that? But he was not mortal so that's what kept any attraction towards him at bay.

Did he have to wear such little clothing to sleep?, she thought. I've never seen a male with so little clothes on. I suppose immortals do dress differently than mortals.

"No, just restless" Kaen'Dre mumbled. She smiled in the dark. "Asim adds part to it."

"He's harmless" Kiara said, chuckling. "He only harms intruders or dangerous folk."

He glanced at the creature who laid down and had been asleep. But he had woken up when Kaen'Dre had said his name. The leopard growled at him now that he had calmed Kiara down. He felt like leaving the bed immediately before it pounced him. She reached over to touch the leopard which made it purr happily. It nudged her hand with its head softly. Kaen'Dre knew that thing was waiting for the right moment to maul him.

What did I ever do to it?, Kaen'Dre thought. I've never hurt Kiara and I don't plan to.

"Well, he must think I'm one or he wouldn't be growling at me every time he sees me" Kaen'Dre said, quickly.

"He's just not used to strangers, it'll take time" Kiara said, brushing Asim's fur.

"I think he'll mangle me before he befriends me" Kaen'Dre said, glumly. She laughed softly.

"By the time you leave, the two of you will be best friends, you'll see" Kiara said, smiling.

"I still don't trust it" Kaen'Dre said and looked at him. Asim hissed. "See?"

"Go back to sleep, Asim, I'll be fine" she said, patting its head. It licked her hand and went to sleep. "See, not dangerous?"

"Maybe to you" Kaen'Dre muttered. She chuckled. "Does your laughing mean you're better now?"

"Yes, it does" Kiara said, nodding. "I will return my gratitude for your kindness fully somehow."

"There is no need for that" Kaen'Dre said, patting her head. "Go to sleep."

"I will, but I want you to join me" Kiara said, yawning.

His eyes widened slightly at her comment. She wanted him in her bed, in what manner? He quickly shoved out any sexual thoughts from his mind. Why was she causing him to feel that way? It's an alien! He could never be with one in that manner. Snapping his mind from his panicky thoughts, he looked back at her.

"What for?" he asked, casually.

"I think the reason you're not sleeping well is because of your bed" Kiara pointed out. "I told you it'd be better here, so come. You will feel better and I'll feel safer."

"I make you feel safe?" Kaen'Dre asked amusingly. She nodded. "I will take that as a compliment."

"So, you will stay?" Kiara asked, patting his shoulder. He nodded. "All right then."

She parted her covers so he could climb inside. He did timidly and noticed the warmth in it compared to his, hopefully it wouldn't make him too warm. Looking at her form, he noticed she wore a long nightdress made of a similar cloth like the sheets. He got on his back to sleep and got comfortable easily on the soft bed. He clicked his throat soothingly which made her chuckle quietly.

"See, I knew you'd like it" Kiara said, gently.

She rested on her side next to him and placed her forehead against his arm. His skin was much warmer than hers especially now that he didn't have most of his clothes on, which easily made her cozy against him. The matter of him wearing little clothing made her blush at the thought again. She'd never been with any male in that way but he wasn't a mortal, so it didn't bother her. Another part of her enjoyed being around him regardless of anything. She placed one hand on his lower arm to be comfortable. Hopefully, he wouldn't mind those touches from her.

Kaen'Dre felt uneasy again but not because of her touches, but the new feelings that rose from it. He didn't want to shove her away, especially after having a nightmare that frightened her. But he didn't want to push her away at all, part of him wanted her closer so he could hold her in his arms fully. He hated the new mixed feelings in him. He saw her cautiousness about how touching him so he wouldn't touch her in a way to put her on edge. He glanced down at her form that seemed satisfied with her position.

"Do you feel better?" Kaen'Dre asked, softly.

"Now that you're here with me" she whispered back. "I am glad you are here to protect me somehow, just so you know."

"You are my friend and a female I have to protect" Kaen'Dre said, easily. "Will you be able to sleep well from now on?"

"Yes, especially with how warm you are, you'll easily put me to sleep" she laughed quietly. "So, what were you doing when you couldn't sleep?"

"I was looking over the sky at the stars" Kaen'Dre said, yawning. He thought she'd recoil back when he opened his mandibles and mouth, but she didn't. "It seemed to pass the time."

"Do you know what is beyond them?" she asked, quietly.

He hesitated but said, "What you have been told."

"Oh, all right" she said, simply. "How is the afterlife like, my lord?"

The what?, Kaen'Dre wondered confused.

"Um. . .just like you have been taught about the . . .underworld" he said, hesitantly.

"Why are you hesitant? May I not know?" she asked, softly.

"I cannot discuss such things yet" he said, simply.

"What can you tell me?" she asked, curiously.

"That you need to sleep, young one" he said, tracing a hand down her cheek. "So do I, we may speak of anything else tomorrow."

"Of course" she said, leaning onto his arm. "I will wake you tomorrow when it's time to visit the waterfall. Good night, Kaen'Dre."

That was a close one, Kaen'Dre sighed mentally. I definitely need to know more of this culture if I intend to blend in.

"Good night, Kiara" he said, wrapping his arm around her instead to bring her closer. "Do you mind if I hold you this way?"

"No, as long as you do not decide to push me away during the night" she said, uneasy.

"You will not leave my side" Kaen'Dre said, softly. She nodded. "Sleep well."

"I will knowing you're here" she said, placing her arm on his chest. "Good night."

He hadn't expected her to easily welcome the arm he had draped over her, but she did. But what he didn't expect was for her to cuddle herself on his side so close, he could feel her entire body again. He liked having the female next to him, despite she wasn't a yautja. Shaking out his thoughts once again, he closed his eyes and fell asleep next to the sleeping girl.

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End of Chapter 9. Thanks to everyone who reads it. Please review if you have time. Thank you, come again!