As the hatch to the ship sealed shut, Nina breathed in the first breath of contentment she had had in a while, more than happy to leave the Yautja homeworld despite its majesty. The farther away she was from the ones that stared at her like she was a meal, the glares of frightful intrigue, and her own kind that had been enslaved, the better. The entire journey made her feel the need to be on constant guard or else wind up with a knife in the back or a plasma bolt to the head. It had been as if she was always being observed and examined, as if they were waiting for the right moment to claim her worthless and weak. Nina had only titled her chin a little higher and allowed her muscles to tense, proving that although she was smaller than them, she was not to be underestimated.

Come near me, her eyes had threatened, pick a fight with me and I'll make certain that you'll regret it. The only thing that had calmed her nerves was the assurance of her friends' support, and even then, had she been challenged, she would need to face the fight alone. It wasn't like she wouldn't have made the decision to handle her own battles; however, like most species prone to violence, the Yautja would invest themselves into a fight as much as they could. This would include sabotage of their least favorite opponents- being blinded by a ray of light bouncing off a well-placed blade, or being grabbed so you can't move as your foe comes in to strike. And Nina had a feeling none too many would rally on her side.

Some people liked underdogs; but apparently not there.

None had challenged her, but she believed this was more so because for one thing, there were four, well-built and tough Yautja she hung out with, and for another, what would be the point of fighting her if they couldn't kill her and take her skull without bringing dishonor to themselves? Human or not, she was still a member of a clan, and a renowned one at that, so even if an "accident" had been arranged, there could've been at least some retaliation or accusation toward the killer.

She shrugged off the idea of returning to the room with Sain'ja, wishing to see more of the ship and feeling much safer her than she did on Yautja Prime. Once the ship had started up and she could move freely without face-planting to the foggy floor, she gave herself a tour around in an effort to blow off some steam and to pacify her curiosity.

Symbols, carvings, hieroglyphs, monoliths, trophies, and more symbols. Oh yeah; there was also the occasional passing Yautja. She was surprised she hadn't gotten herself lost…then again, hadn't she passed that engraving of a Kiande Amedha already? She couldn't tell. Eventually though, she believed herself to have made it to the bridge.

There was a glass window on the door, but it was so high- by human standards- that Nina had to stand on her tip toes to see through it, glancing around to make sure no one was there to see her make a spectacle of herself. It was the bridge alright, but to her surprise, there was only one person manning the ship, which seemed hard to imagine considering the thing was so huge and must have several different systems that needed to be kept in check and controlled.

The Yautja piloting the ship felt the eyes of some being watching him and one hand moved to his shuriken in response. It was just habit. He felt certain if another Yautja wished to speak to him, they would've just opened the door and walked right in. And unless something important was going on, there was something failing with the ship that he didn't know about, or it was time to change shifts- which it shouldn't be for at least another two hours- they rarely did come in anyway, save curious children.

Still, nothing happened, and a few minutes later, it was the same thing; no reaction or move to attack, just the feeling of being watched. Risking a glance behind him, he indeed saw a pair of brown eyes looking through the window, along with the top of a mat of braided human hair. And there was only one human on the ship. He relaxed and trilled with laughter as he saw her quickly duck down and her attempt pretend she wasn't there.

Were humans, even fully-matured adults, always so curious of every little thing?

Busted.

As Nina got down, she felt her face heat up in a slight blush. She wasn't some kid, and hated the fact she was caught doing something that seemed so childish. The door swooshed open and the Yautja gestured her to come inside, trilling ever more upon seeing the look on her face. Giving a sign of respect and thanks, she followed him in.

For the next hour, the Yautja explained to her the ship's features and capabilities, where they were and the route they traveled through the vast expanse of stars that could be seen through the viewport, and even how to use some of the controls. It was enjoyable for both of them. For Nina, because she was able to learn something new, and for the Yautja, because he took pride in her interest and wonder in his task as a pilot.

When she returned to her walk around the ship, Sain'ja approached her. "There you are, I've been looking for you," he said, causing her to raise an eyebrow and smirk, "I've got something you might find interesting."

"What?" she asked in Yautja. Sain'ja insisted that she try and learn all of the language since she was capable of speaking it. She agreed for logic's sake, but still, she had hidden her ability for so long, mainly to hold onto one more thing from her past. Her own dialect wasn't something she was happy to forget.

"Come and see," he replied simply before turning around back to their quarters. This was odd; Nina didn't think Sain'ja was one for surprises unless it included someone being stuck on the opposite end of his wristblades. However, she followed anyway.

When they entered, the other two males were in the large bath and Ehawee was sitting on her bunk, polishing her weapons to perfection. Sain'ja led Nina into the armory and had her stand in the center of the room. He turned to the far left section of the circular wall and proceeded to get something from one of the weapon racks.

Suddenly, he quickly turned and hurled it in her direction. Nina just had time for reflex to kick in, moving away to dodge the incoming weapon and swiftly grasp what she believed to be some sort of handle out of mid-air.

Maybe she should've been angry with Sain'ja. Maybe she should be concerned and worried about the sudden, aggressive action toward her. But Sain'ja had been the one to train her, meaning he had to prepare her and make sure she was ready for any outcome or change in battle. It was a lesson he had burned into her well. Besides, she was too busy focusing on the weapon that she now grasped in both hands.

It was a single, slightly darkened grey, bladed weapon, with a black, woven-looking hilt, made just the right size for someone like her. It wasn't as sheen and elegant as a sword. No, more like the denser and a little bit shorter machete that she and her father were known for wielding with ease. The kind of blade that was built to carry powerful strikes and made for the rough life of the wilderness. It was obviously of Yautja craftsmanship. Who could ignore the awe-inspiring handiwork that would make the greatest artists on Earth look down in shame? The blade was deadly sharp, curved on one side, and had small grooves along the last six to eight inches of it. Although the metal was practically feather-weight, it was strong and sturdy. Nina would easily bet that after many years of use, the weapon would still be in good condition.

"A gift," Sain'ja said, nodding to her, "A blade seemed to be your best weapon when you were once prey. I thought you might wish to have something similar in your trials to come. I had it crafted by the blacksmith back in the settlement, but wanted to wait until I felt you had earned it."

Upon hearing his voice, she snapped her admiring gaze away from it and to him. Smiling, she dipped her head down low and saluted in gratitude, "This weapon is perfection…Thank you. I owe you my deepest appreciation."

He walked over to where she was standing and rubbed one hand across her head, "I do not need you thanks. I just need you to use it well," his tusks clicked together in regard for a second before the top two lifted in a sort of grin, "And how that you have a weapon that you actually excel in using, you better come back in one piece. I don't need to be mocked at for teaching a failing student."

She smirked, "So no pressure or anything then, right?"

He picked up on her sarcasm and gave her a light punch on the shoulder before stepping aside, "Just begin practicing your stances and techniques."

Nodding, she did just that as he watched on approvingly. Eventually, he went to join the other males in the tub. Since the guy: girl ratio was equal, they had decided it wasn't really necessary to have all of them bathe at the same time. Nina was more than willing to agree with that concept.

As Nina climbed into bed to go to sleep, she felt much better than when they had first left Yautja Prime. To be among the Jungle Hunter Clan and not have to deal with whatever prejudice attitudes the rest of the species seemed to carry. Sure, it wasn't exactly a picnic trying to find her place in the Jungle Hunter Clan, and she was certain is she hadn't been under Sain'ja's and the Elder's protection things could've gone a whole lot worse, but at least she had been given the chance to prove that she belonged among them. The rest of their kind seemed to scoff at the very thought of perhaps a human being more than a weaker quarry, deserving nothing above tolerance.

The gift, exercise, and bath- which probably would be defined better yet as a dip in a hot tub in her case- had also done her good. She felt refreshed, relaxed, and had worked out her anger for the day's events. More training and work would be required of her tomorrow though. There was still much to perfect before her Chiva, and there would also be times where she might be needed to help hunt for food on their stops to a few other systems.

Her hand fell protectively to her father's dog tag as she allowed the ship to rock her into oblivion…

The next week or so went by well. Their destination had been a journey away from their homeworld, or even Yautja Prime. However, the ship moved much faster than anything NASA could even hope to create with their current technology, maybe even years from now.

The blooded hunters would go out to hunt for trophies when they had stopped on occasion, but it was clear that everyone was anxious for the Kiande Amedha Chiva to begin. If all went well, they would have Kiande Amedha trophies at the end of this exertion also. This was the kind of hunt they lived for and prized.

The ship stopped above the Chiva planet, sending out a much smaller vessel to scout around for anything that might have disturbed the grounds in their one-hundred year long absence and to place the bait that would draw in hosts so the parasitic offspring of the Hard Meats' could breed. In the meantime, Nina, Ehawee, and Liwanu would prepare themselves mentally for this and also finish the last rituals before the Chiva began. Their masks, gauntlets, armor, and weapons had been moved to another part of the ship to receive data on their hunting grounds and sit at the ready to quickly be donned on when it was time to go. They had also been covered with some type of chemical substance that made the items more resistant to their preys' acidic blood.

If only the same could be said for their skin.

Ehawee and Nina were meditating together in their quarter's armory as they had been told. A warrior must have a clear mind even more than any weapon. If they couldn't fight their inner struggles, how would they win their physical ones? Perhaps they would've chosen someplace else, however everyone seemed to be running about the ship and the kehrites were crowded. Nina hadn't seen Liwanu since Yautja Prime, so he could be anywhere within the ship's bowels.

Nina limited her breathing so she appeared in a state of hibernation. However, her mind was busily active. Despite how much she tried to calm it, questions always appeared in her head. There were some she could put to rest, but many only stunned her into long periods of thought. Relax, she ordered herself, don't you dare panic! If you panic, you'll surely get yourself killed.

She took a breath in through her nose and slowly let it out through her mouth, focusing on something, anything, from some calming memory that might soothe her worries. Her first thought was of the stream in the woods by her old home on Earth, but it only reminded her of the times she spent with her father there. And anytime he entered her thoughts- which was often enough- her mind refused to settle. There was just too much she had longed him to be a part of- her first day of 1st grade, when she began to learn to drive, maybe even lead her down the aisle in the off chance she ever decided to wed. All those things he would never teach her or be there for, all those moments they could've had had been lost in an instant.

That and all the questions she had been dying to ask that would never be answered.

During her meditation, it felt like she was reliving her pain all over again. She was being forced to look deep within herself and take out all that might have been holding her back. She felt as if she was still six, sitting in Dutch's truck where the change of course in her future had all began. Her pride and stubbornness refused her to sob and scream in anguish. And besides, most of her tears ad already dried up from past experiences.

Still, once she had finally calmed herself again, it was like someone had been gripping her hand, ordering her to move on and live the life she was given. To no longer allow her pain consume her days. And she could swear…it was as if her father was whispering in her ear.

"It's alright, baby girl, it's alright…" she heard him say.

Where are you? her mind demanded.

"Listen to me. Now, this doesn't mean to forget, but you have to let go. I might not have had the chance to be with you when you grew up, but I've been watching you grow up. And I've seen the beautiful, brave woman you've turned into. You cannot, and you will not, throw away everything you have to offer life just because you're hanging onto the past. It's your turn to have your own adventures…" she could almost feel his touch, caressing her hair and his strong arms wrapping around her, but she heard his voice fading and it sent her into a sense of alarm.

Don't go!

"Nina…Baby girl…Live, ok? Live your life and stop looking back. I understand you're scared, but do you want to know something? Before I had to go, I was scared too, of leaving you alone. But now what I'm most scared of is of you wasting everything you were born with because of me. You're a Sole, you're a fighter, and most importantly you're my daughter. And nothing is going to change that…"

Please…don't… She could hear her mind trembling, begging in that six year-old voice.

"I won't," she felt a sense of warmth move over her heart, and then to the dog tag strapped around her neck, "I promise. And I mean it this time." The feeling of hot breath moved to her forehead. And then three words were spoken that she had needed to hear from him since the day she returned with Sain'ja. Three words that assured her that her decision to join the Predators had not been a wrong one, "I love you, baby girl…" There was the feeling of a soft kiss, and Nina knew it had to be him and she wasn't going crazy, "And I'm still watching…"

And then, like that, she knew he was gone.

There was a sense of being trapped in a never ending void as she reached peace, then a cry; her Yautja given name.

"Dto-Raija!"

Her eyes flung open and she looked up to see Sain'ja staring down at her. She looked at him, as if returning from a dream. After a moment, she realized that Ehawee had left, probably with her tutor.

"Is…it time?" she asked slowly, her mind still returning to reality.

Sain'ja nodded and helped her up. "You were just sitting there when we came to collect you and Ehawee. We tried to grab your attention, but it was as if you had gone into a coma. I was tempted to getting the healer if you did not snap out of it soon. What happened? What did you find?"

In response, Nina touched her dog tog, not knowing what to say. Sain'ja understood the gesture and gave a single nod. Thinking at last maybe her so called nightmares were over. This was a good sign. The gods had bestowed upon her peace, so perhaps they saw her worthy to complete the Chiva. Perhaps Cetanu would not claim her this day.

They moved with quick strides, not wishing to delay the rituals as much as they might have already had. Nina was the last of the three taking the trial to arrive, but thankfully not the last person to come to the ritual.

Once everyone was present, making room in the center of a large antechamber- the same one challenges are commenced in- and the Elder stepped forward on top of a dais, releasing an ear-piercing roar that silenced all within a second. All attention was on him.

"Yautja of the Jungle Hunter Clan, we come here this day to see three young warriors face the Rite of Passage; the Kiande Amedha Chiva. They are to face the ultimate prey, which our kind has battled for many generations, and many more to come. They are to brave against beings which show no fear, remorse, or mercy, before they are able to return to us once more as Blooded warriors," he looked around the crowd surrounding him. "Youngblood Ehawee, Youngblood Liwanu, Ooman Warrior Dto-Raija, step forward."

On cue the three approached and climbed on the dais, kneeling before the Elder, keeping their eyes to the ground, "This will be no simple task. Your hunt will be gruesome, but the honor following it if the gods allow you to live will be well worth it. The pride of your clan and of yourselves rests on the line. Do you three solemnly swear that you submit your loyalty and skills to the clan leaders and unto your people should you make it through the Chiva?"

"Yes, my Elder," the three responded in unison, loud enough for the rest of the clan to hear.

"Are you three prepared to fight against our deadliest of foes and join the war of our ancestors against the most worthy of prey, or else enter the Final rest should you not be worthy?"

"Yes, my Elder."

"And will you heed the commands of those above you in humbleness, whilst remaining strong and virtuous in the eyes of those from lower rank, who look to you with either threat or awe upon your return?"

"Yes, my Elder."

"Then we grant you this privilege to pursue this righteous test of will and might. We salute your courage and your skill. Prepare for battle, young ones; your decision is made and there is no option of turning back. Only the cowardly and weak seek to turn away after coming so far. Rise, and let the Chiva begun! May the gods lead you to glory, and bring you safely back to us!"

The crowd roared in anticipation and pride as the three stood and faced the Elder, knowing this ceremony wasn't entirely finished. The Elder reached his belt, pulling out three elegantly crafted daggers and handing them to Ehawee, Liwanu, and Nina one by one. It began as one blade near the shaft, and then separated into two one built close together, with deep curved grooves on the outer sides. The silver colored hilt had blue markings designed all around it, with what appeared to be a golden tooth attached to it on the end.

"These Ceremonial daggers," continued the Elder, "are made of a rare metal that is non-corrosive when in contact with the Black Serpent blood. They are to be your most cherished and most sacred of weapons. You must only use them in battle as a last resort, and to claim your trophy. Am I understood?"

"Yes, my Elder."

"Then go! You waste time the more you linger on this ship. Get to your pods, work together, and claim victory young ones!"

After giving a nod of respect, they eagerly turned and raced off the dais and through the crowd, which granted them an easy way through to their weapons and supplies. Nina couldn't believe she found herself looking forward to this as well, even though it would be borderline horror for perhaps any other human. Maybe she was going a bit mad.

When she reached her items, she quickly put on her armor and fastened her gauntlets and wristblades tightly to her forearms, clipping her other weapons to her belt. Among her usual weapons and tools was a medicomp, a roll of near-invisible wire that would allow her to string up any kills to later claim, and a few vials of a blue dissolving liquid that would literally melt away any evidence of their being on the planet. A small amount of the chemical could vaporize all of what material it came into contact with. It was to be used for getting rid of the corpses of their prey.

When she headed to her pod, she wasn't at all surprised to see her four friends standing there beside it. Others were saying last words of encouragement and goodbyes to the other one taking the Chiva as well. Although, in their case, there didn't seem to be much to say at all. They went through it all almost robotically, saying goodbyes, thumping their chests in pride, and wishing her the best of luck. Makya, Fox, and Adahy quickly left so it was just her and Sain'ja there. He apparently had one last thing to say to her.

Time was short before their departure, so she went ahead and stepped into the pod. It was meant for one, full-sized Yautja to be able to stand in comfortably, so she had enough room. It was also padded down on all sides.

Sain'ja nodded to her, "Are you ready?"

She gave him a charming smirk and snorted, "Do I have much choice but to be anyway?"

Reaching in to shake her shoulder, he trilled, "Farewell, Dto-Raija. Good hunting. Payas Leitjin-de Hma'mi'de." Remember the god's practice.

As he stepped away from the pod, it sealed shut. Nina quickly strapped herself in and put on her mask, preparing for what was to come next. Within moments, she could feel the pod activate, picking up speed as it moved through some sort of tunnel, launching itself out of the ship and down to the planet's surface. The velocity of it sent her pressed flat against the wall with her back to it, making her incapable of movement. She felt the nose of the pod heat up as it quickly streaked through the space and then into the planet's atmosphere.

The pod slowed, but only a little as the top of it split off into three wing-like pieces that would assist in gliding the pod to the right coordinates. The landing came so suddenly as the pod smashed into the ground, spurring dirt around it and singeing the grass. Nina was surprised she was killed from the impact, and still she was jarred around inside the pod. If she hadn't been digging her nails into the straps, holding on for dear life, she could've very wall have slammed herself into the hatch with enough force to break something if it didn't kill her.

She waited a few minutes for the pod to stabilize, catching her breath, before the hatch opened and she took her first step on this strange new world.