Chapter XVIII

A Final Trial

Orion was panicking, I could feel his stress. I pushed myself even harder than before, powering through my physical struggle to reach him as soon as I could. "Orion, what is happening, are you alright!?" I asked as I leapt from tree to tree. "Six there is something here, something big. It's hunting us." Hearing his explanation did nothing to put me at ease.

"Orion, I am almost there. Just stay safe, stay hidden, I will be there soon." I felt Orion ease a little as he heard my message. The jungle foliage was thick and proved to be a struggle to get through, but now I was almost there. It would only be a matter of time before I can go and save my Caretaker. I won't let you fall again.

| -/\- -\_/- -/\- |

So far this planet has proven to be rather underwhelming than what I first expected. From the scarce amount of patrols I had run into, I have been able to dispose of them quickly. The Humans on this planet were well-equipped, yet they allowed their minds to trouble them too much, leading to paranoia making them easy prey.

By now I had collected a fair amount of trophies from the few Serpents I have actually encountered, but none of that was important now. I was getting closer and closer to the ruins, and I must stay focused on my goal. Deciding it best to check my progress, I took a moment to kneel down and look for any nearby readings.

Much to my surprise, I saw the trackers of two Youngbloods nearby. They were in a large section of the ruins, one that I was right next to. I quickly put away my holographic map and began to sprint to their destination. As I got closer and closer, cutting down vines and any other plants in my way, I heard the sound of a fierce firefight.

As I neared the clearing of the ruins, I paused and took a moment to activate my cloaking device. The light around me bent and soon my form was hidden from the naked eyes of the nearby prey. I slowly and cautiously made my way to the clearing and looked down into the combat arena below.

The great pit was in full play. The entrance was sealed and the walls of the pit were protected with great spikes to ensure the fight would continue to the very end. Down below I saw the two Youngbloods locked in fierce combat with the Human's robotic toys in the arena. The robots proved to be worthy adversaries as they managed to take serious blows and stay fighting.

Much to my surprise they even tracked the Youngbloods as they cloaked and moved from structure to structure. While the robots were tough, the Youngbloods worked together well. As one drew the fire, the other flanked and utilized their plasma cannon to take them out from afar. It is good to see they got their weapons already. The others must not have been as lucky.

I should go in and help the Youngbloods, however, as by the decree of honor I had no right to interrupt a trail in progress. It was in their hands to finish the job. The Youngbloods had managed to take out a majority of the enemy androids, and now only half a dozen remained. As one acted as bait once again, the other took aim. Before they could fire, a new blast suddenly sounded from below and I watched in surprise as a fierce metal slug sent the Youngblood flying off the roof of the building, blood flying all over where they once stood.

I quickly looked to the source and saw a group of Humans who stayed close together. They had three warriors with them, and two others in a mixture of clothes of both warriors and citizens. The one who had shot the Youngblood seemed to be their leader, and as such he gave orders swiftly and with confidence. Perhaps there is a worthy Human here after all…

"Everyone stick together! These damn things might be invisible, but just use your sensors and any strange reflections! Shoot on sight!" The leader called out. This group may prove to be more of a challenge for the Youngbloods. The one who had been shot climbed back up. Despite using their cloaking device, their bright blood seeped from the fierce wound they took, jeopardizing their attempts at stealth.

The healthy Youngblood had managed to slay two more robots, but as they ran to each other to regroup I began to see moving shadows in the Arena. "We got Xenomorphs!" I heard the humans yell. In a sudden rush, at least a dozen Serpents began to crawl into the arena through cracks and holes. The arena was now sectioned off into three factions. Humans stood near the entrance, staying close together and moving slowly. The Youngbloods conversed about a plan on the far side and began to move out together, and then the Serpents and Robots clashed anywhere else.

I can't just stand here and let them die. I shook my head and closely watched the fight as I contacted the Clan Leader. As the signal was sent, I witnessed as the Humans began to chop down multiple hordes of the Serpents, an impressive task I must admit. Before I could watch any more my call was answered and Spartan's voice came from my comm. "Elite Wolf, what is your status?" I responded quickly. "I have found two Youngbloods in the middle of an ancient combat trail. I understand that honor says we must let them fight to the end, but they will surely die if I don't intervene!"

No response came through as Spartan listened to my words. I took the moment of silence to look down below only to see the two Youngbloods split up and cleaved through whatever robots still stood. "Wolf, we lost contact with Scorch when he entered the Hive. We believe he has fallen." The news made me feel stunned at hearing such a fierce warrior has already fallen. "Dark is making progress, but he has confirmed the body of a dead Youngblood. I will contact Yautja Prime and consult the Great Council for their permission. Until then, you must stand by."

Spartan abruptly hung up and I stood there in enraged silence. I looked back down into the fight to see a Youngblood rip the head off of the final robot. I moved around the sides to keep an eye on as much as I could, but the structures proved to make this a difficult task. When I finally got eyes on the humans again I noticed them fighting their way through a narrow path. The humans made the strange decision to stay near the edges of the arena instead of heading deeper inside.

The battle raged on and the Youngbloods continued to prove themselves, however, the injured one began to slow down ever so little. They soon fought their way near the humans, no doubt seeking revenge for the wound one of them was dealt. As they stood at the edge of one of the roofs they looked down on the human party and both of them took aim. The Human leader caught a glimpse of the red beams from the Youngbloods and acted immediately.

"Look out!" he screamed as he tackled one of his own, but he was too late. The plasma flew through the air and annihilated the head of one of the warriors, turning their skull into a fantastic explosion of charred gore. The other plasma shot hit the arm of one of the civilians and ripped it off, as well as igniting their clothes. The creature began to release a high pitch wail of agony as they dropped in shock, unable to handle the pain.

The Humans were quick however and immediately retaliated. Their bullets hit the Youngbloods and forced them to take cover. Watching more of the bright green blood of a fellow Yautja spill down the walls churned my stomach, but I must wait before I can interfere. I will not have my clan's honor brake on this day. Now both of the Youngbloods had sustained injuries, and as they hid on the roof Serpents began to rush them.

The Humans used the opportunity to continue on, but I looked on in admiration and surprise when one of the warriors tried to carry the body of their fallen compatriot. Who knew such primitive creatures were so honorable to the fallen. The act was put to a stop rather quickly though as the leader soon yelled out. "Just drop him! None of us will make it out if we're too slow!" A wise decision, yet one that was carried out regretfully.

By now this group has gained my full attention, I haven't heard of such a skillful human since the tales of an Elder that hunted on Earth long ago. This Human Leader seemed to sound very similar to the mighty warrior of the concrete jungle I was told of, they even used a similar slug-throwing weapon. I looked back to the Youngbloods as they fought in hand-to-hand combat with the Serpents.

Each strike was well calculated and each block was near perfect. Within only a couple minutes they had managed to clear the roof from any more of the Serpent threats. Small splashes of the Serpent's acidic blood began to scar their armor and before my very eyes, they began to truly look like proper Blooded Yuatjas. The Youngbloods looked at each other and gave a firm nod. They marched to the side of the roof and activated their cloaks.

Together, both of them jumped down and blocked both ways the humans could go. More Serpents began to enter the arena, but they were still far from this new clash. As the Youngbloods trapped the humans, the last two Human Warriors immediately began to open fire. The bullets were mostly blocked by the armor the Youngbloods wore, and I watched in anticipation as one of the Youngbloods moved to strike down the leader of the humans.

Suddenly and without warning an unknown attacker appeared out of seemingly nowhere and leaped at the attacking Youngblood. The Serpent was fast, faster than any other I had ever seen. The attack sent the Youngblood into the wall and as they tried to struggle to their feet, the Serpent climbed on them and dug wicked claws deep into their chest, ripping their organs to shreds. The sight of such a brutal killing only fueled my rage and my patience for my Clan Leader began to dwindle.

"At least the Serpent will be killed." I thought as the Human Leader took aim at the foul beast. Much to my shock however, the last civilian jumped in the way. "Stop! Don't shoot her!" he yelled desperately. I wasn't the only one confused as the Leader gave them a strange look as they stood there. This moment didn't last though as they soon heard the struggle their other Warrior was putting up, fighting desperately to stay alive from the brutal attacks of the last Youngblood.

The Leader of the humans quickly took aim and sent multiple blasts into the Youngblood, sending him flying off of their comrade. With both Youngbloods down, one dead, and the other likely in their final moments, the Humans began to run off deeper into the arena. The Serpent from before had disappeared and no matter where I looked I couldn't find them. I looked around and eventually I saw the last Youngblood struggling to their feet.

They were slowly being surrounded by the Serpents. If I didn't do anything soon they would surely die. Suddenly I heard a sound ring in my helmet and I quickly answered the call. "Elite Wolf, I have consulted the Great Council, and they say our traditions must be held, even in these dire times." Spartan's voice carried with it the heavy sound of suppressed anger, it seems I wasn't the only one upset at this outcome.

"However, I feel it important to remind you that our traditions also state that once the contenders fall, a new challenger may take their place. If they die, Wolf, it is your duty to avenge them and recover their remains if possible." Spartan's voice sounded hesitant to give me this final command, he knew the risks were high. I didn't even need to think about the command before I answered. "I swear to you Spartan, I will bring our enemies a vicious death this day."

I looked down to see as the last Youngblood stood firm against the swarm, using every tool in their arsenal to stay in the fight. They sent nets flying which maimed Serpants. Their plasma cannon gunned down enemies from afar as they clashed with the ones closest to them. Every instinct I had told me to interfere, but by doing so I could jeopardize the entire Clans' standing in our society.

I painfully watched on as the inevitable happened and blood sprayed on the lone Youngblood. They quickly moved to take off what they could, but in doing so they gave the Serpents an opening. A sudden tail tore into their chest and sent the Youngblood into their final moments. As the great warrior I had watched fell to the ground, Serpents surrounded it and tore them to pieces, covering the ruins of our ancestors in their blood and ensuring their death.

The Youngbloods had fallen. Their deaths were now absolute and the whole time tradition forced me to just sit there and watch. But now… Now it was my time to strike these foul creatures. I checked my gauntlets to ensure they were tightened and checked my gear. I took a final look around the arena and saw the Humans now near the other side fighting off a few remaining Serpents. I took a few steps back from the ledge, and finally, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

In a single moment, I let my rage flow and stopped holding it back. I unleashed a vicious roar that shook my very core. Birds flew from the canopy and the Serpents down below stopped in surprise. I began my sprint and pushed myself as hard as I could. Just before I reached the ledge I knelt down and pushed myself off the ground, sending myself soaring through the air. The Serpents looked up in confusion at my sudden appearance in the arena. Finally, I fell with a loud thud onto the largest building in the heart of the ruins, and as I stood up I saw as countless Serpents began to rush my position.

Watching the foolish beasts rush me did nothing but excite my bloodlust. Quickly I reached down to my waist and pulled out multiple mines. With a flick of my arm, I sent them flying around me as I activated my plasma cannon's auto-fire mode. I let out another beastly roar as I waited for the horde to near. It was just after I finished my war cry did the first wave appear and at least a dozen climb up.

My cannon immediately tore through their ranks and butchered a majority of them before they could even get close. Any that got past I quickly cut down with my claws. While they may have put up a good fight for a Youngblood, centuries of dueling the Serpents has taught me how to dispatch of them like none other. My blades shattered each block they attempted and a quick jab of my spear dropped their lifeless bodies onto the floor around me.

Within only minutes I had killed the first wave, their corpses melting into the stone all around me. I went to move on but before I could another wave rose to attack. This one held more Warriors than Drones, as well as a Spitter who sent the first attack. I stepped to the side to avoid the Spitter's first barrage, and then quickly I launched multiple plasma shots and annihilated the beast with ease.

With their Spitter gone, I focused on the Warriors as they rushed to my position. I waited patiently as their rush neared, simply standing still and waiting for them to fall into my trap. As they crossed the threshold I let out a clicking chuckle and pressed a button on my gauntlet. With a synchronized beep, all the mines I had planted activated at once. The Serpents, caught completely off guard attempted to escape in any direction they could find. Instead of escape, they soon found themselves entrapped in a glorious blue light. With an earthshattering quake the mines went off and liquified all caught inside the blast.

I looked on in satisfaction as the smoke rose from around me. Just as I moved to leave, a final survivor jumped from the smoldering ground and attempted to kill me. As they flew at me I grabbed my spear and brought it up to block the blow. As the Serpent fell at my feet, it screeched at me in anger. I simply looked down at the pathetic monster and grabbed it by the neck. I lifted the creature off the ground and moved my spear just under its mouth.

With the push of a single button, the spear extended and shot through the skull of the Serpent, killing it instantly. I quickly closed the spear to make sure not too much blood would damage my weapon and I gave the lifeless body a good stare. After taking a short moment to appreciate this new kill, I threw the body aside and it tumbled off the roof. I beat my chest in victory and let out yet another war cry.

When I took another look around the arena I saw as not a single Serpent came my way. Serpents were smart, but I've never seen them run from a fight, just what is happening? The deafening sound of Human gunfire drew my attention now and my new targets were chosen. While the Serpents have felt only the beginning of my wrath, the Humans still lack a proper reckoning for what they did.

I looked down and activated my cloak before jumping from roof to roof, dedicated to wiping out their small party as soon as possible. When I got to them though I looked down and saw the most unexplainable sight I have ever witnessed. The Humans were in yet another fierce clash with the Serpent Hive, yet now one of the Serpents fought against their own. I recognized this one immediately. It was the one with a marking on its forehead, it was the same one that killed the first Youngblood. How is this possible? Have the Humans tamed these beasts?"

The sight made me feel something I thought I never would feel since I was young. Fear. I shook my head at the sight of this abominable partnership, something must be done about this. While the humans struggled before the help of a Serpent let them tear through their attackers in moments. If they are allowed to leave, a true threat could begin to grow.

If all else fails, this must get out to the Clan. I opened my gauntlets and activated the recording systems. Now even if I do die, they will at least see what happened here today. I took a deep breath and held firmly onto my spear. There is no better time to strike than right now. I stepped to the edge and chose my target. With a single step, I walked off the roof and came plummeting down onto the fight below.

As I came crashing down, I landed right on top of a Serpent and crippled the beast. I shot a quick metal claw into its head from my gauntlet and killed the thing instantly. "Shit! There's another one of those things!" One of the human warriors called out. Just as they spoke they began to pepper me with gunfire, but unlike the Youngbloods my armor was built for such attacks. My pieces covered a majority of my body and the bullets helplessly flew off of me, not a single one getting through and causing any harm.

The attacks did no damage to me, however, they did disrupt my cloak. As my true form appeared in front of them, the warrior stopped and terror formed on his face. "Holy shit." he mumbled. I charged the warrior and grabbed him by the throat with a fierce grip. He struggled and pulled at my hands as I lifted him off the ground. Hearing the commotion, the leader turned around and sent a slug straight into me.

While my armor absorbed the damage, it didn't stop the kinetic energy. I lost my hold of the warrior and I slide back a couple feet as the force shook me to my core. My chest stung but it wouldn't be enough to stop me, not yet. I stood tall again but before I could reengage the Humans two more Serpents rushed me. I turned around swiftly and extended the blades of my gauntlets.

"Run while the things distracted! We're almost out of here!" the leader called out as I blocked the coming attacks. As one Serpent sent its tail flying, I took a quick step back and let it fly past me. Before it could pull its tail back I grabbed the end just below the blade and held on tight. In a blast of fury, I began to spin the beast around and sent its body flailing through the air.

They collided with the other Serpent and sent it flying, and as they screamed I held my grip firm before finally releasing my hold, sending them flying into the stone wall nearby. As they collided with the wall the impact had a sicking crunch as their shell shattered. My cannon took aim and shot them while they were down right before it quickly swiveled behind me to kill the other that had only just recovered.

With the threat dealt with I began my chase after the group of Humans. I was right on them when I saw what they must have been searching for. An exit was carved in the side of the ruin and led out of the arena, even while the trail was still going. Realizing that they were trying to get out only made my rage heighten and I charged them with this newfound fury in my heart.

As I approached their leader took notice and ran to the back, straight towards me. "Get out of here! I'll hold it off!" he screamed. When he reached the back of the group he began to send metal slugs my way, but as he did I put up my armored gauntlet to protect my face. The shots slowed me, but they didn't stop my advance.

When I reached this mighty Human he went to send another shot only to be stopped as I threw the gun aside. He quickly pulled out a knife and sent it into my leg, finding a gap just large enough for the blade between my armor. I let out a roar of pain as the blade plunged deep inside of me before I quickly looked down and swatted his arm away.

When I looked back to him he had his teeth bared as he grunted in pain from my attack. I grabbed him by the throat and lifted him high off the ground. He struggled just like the last and I took a moment to appreciate my soon-to-be trophy. As I did I heard a voice yell out, "Vasquez! Drop him you bastard!" I looked over the shoulder of the Human leader and to my surprise I saw the last civilian pull out a small gun and send multiple shots my way.

Their firearm did nothing against me, and I scoffed at their brave, yet useless attempts to stop me. I looked back to my prey a final time as I extended my blades, but when I saw him he had a wicked smile on his face. I tilted my head in confusion and it was then he spoke with a struggle. "So long you Xeno piece of shit." As his last words were spoken I heard a metallic ting on the ground.

Realization instantly filled my mind and quickly I looked down. In his hand, he held a grenade, the pin and fuse both gone. I looked up in panic and as fast as I could I moved to throw him away. Right before I went to throw him, however, a sudden blast erupted from his hand. The fire consumed me and this wicked force erupted out directly into my chest.

| -/\- -\_/- -/\- |

As I pulled my claws away from the corpse of my dead sister I looked up only to be shaken from the force of a violent explosion near. I immediately looked to Orion to see if he was alright, and while he appeared unharmed, he simply stood still staring at the smoke ahead of him. I ran to his side and grabbed him, forcing him to look at me.

"Orion! Look at me! You must run! This Demon will kill you all! I will keep it back!" As I yelled at Orion his eyes showed just how much of a trance he was in at seeing his friend's sacrifice. His only response was a feeble mumble. "Vasquez…" I shook my head in frustration and dragged him away to the last human alive.

They gave me an odd look as I shoved Orion towards them, obviously still wary about my allegiance even after everything I have done to keep them alive. I pointed towards the exit and he gave me a quick nod. "C'mon Mr. Orion, let's get the hell out of here." Orion simply stayed quiet and continued staring off into space. The other shook his head and squatted down before grabbing Orion and throwing him over his shoulders before running off.

With Orion on the way to safety, I turned around and faced this Demonic threat. The smoke still lingered where the Demon stood and I stayed still as it slowly cleared. As the smoke dissipated, the Demon slowly stumbled forward. Its armor was heavily dented and scarred, and a mixture of red and green blood covered its body.

In its hand, it still held the now mangled and charred corpse of 'Vasquez'. It extended the claws from its own wrists and with a final action it chopped the head off from the body and raised its trophy in the air. It gave out a vicious roar that shook me to my core. This Demon was unlike anything I could have imagined. The others were deadly enough as is, but this one, this one was something else entirely.

It lowered the head and used a small hook to attach it to its waist. When the Demon looked back up, it immoderately locked eyes with me and stared. It reached by its sides and pulled on hidden latches. One by one, pieces of armor fell around it until only its helmet, gauntlets, and shoulder pad remained.

Its skin was covered in a mesh-like material and was covered in dark scars and bruises. The mask of the monster was large and ornate, having multiple scriptures carved onto the large forehead of the helmet. With the Demon now ready, it extended its spear and slowly began to march toward me. As I saw it approach I let out as fierce of a hiss as I could, but it didn't phase the Demon's titanium focus.

I can't fight something like this in single combat, it would be suicide. I looked around my surroundings and quickly I thought of a plan. As I did so a red beam appeared and I jumped out of the way as fast as I could. A beam of plasma flew by me and before I let him aim again I sprinted deeper into the ruins.

I watched in delight as he quickly followed. I kept to the shadows and frequently turned until eventually, I lost him. While he couldn't see me yet, I could still sense his presence. I stalked him from the shadows and slowly but surely I moved between any cover I could find. Finally, he neared and I watched in silent satisfaction as he walked right by my hidden alcove in the walls.

Just as he walked by I suddenly launched myself and sent my attack. While I most definitely surprised the Demon, I only managed to cut a small incision in his legs before it got out of the way. It turned around in a flash and before I could make another escape it threw its spear in front of me. When I turned I hissed in anger and it stared me down before grabbing its shoulder-mounted cannon and took it off.

It let out a low and angry-sounding clicking sound before it brought its hands up to its face and a strange gas escaped from its mask. Ever so slowly it discounted multiple tubes that connected to the mask, and finally, it took off the covering. The Demon had large mandibles and its bright green blood dribbled down from its mouth. It glared at me with bright yellow eyes and finally, it brought its claws up and readied itself.

There was no more running anymore, this fight would end here, and now. We began to circle each other as we both waited for one to make the first move. We eyed each other carefully, looking for any weakness we could expose. After what felt like ages the Demon charged, and as quick as I could I brought up my arms to block the attack.

As I stopped the first strike, another one came from another direction which I quickly blocked. However then another blow came, and another. I stood there holding off the flurry of attacks, not letting a single one land. As the beast tried to break my guard I secretly moved my tail into position and took my opportunity.

Before I could land my hit however the Demon saw my attempt and swatted my tail away. While it did stop the attack, so too did it make one of its arms occupied, giving me an opening. I used the opening to retaliate and sent a slash of my claws into its chest. The Demon let out a grunt of pain before grabbing my wrist with lightning speed. The move caught me off guard and I looked into the eyes of the Demon in confusion.

It closed its eyes and brought down its head in a fierce attack. The blow caused my senses to blur and I instinctively grabbed my head in an attempt to clear myself. The Demon used the opportunity to kick me to the ground and sent me flying. Now dazed and on the ground, I struggled as I tried to get up. I watched as the Demon moved in front of me before finally kneeling and readying its wrist claws for the final blow.

Just as it gave out a chuckle-like clicking sound my senses suddenly rushed back to me. The Demon brought back their arm as they got ready to plunge their blades into me, but just as they moved I sent my tail straight into their chest. The Demon let out a vicious roar of agony as they stumbled back from me and brought their arms up in an attempt to stop the fountain of bright glowing green blood that poured from the wound.

They fell to the ground, unable to keep control of their wounded body, and as they lay there I climbed on top of the Demon. Its eyes were wide with shock and horror, and I looked to my side as a Facehugger made its way to the fallen beast. The Demon could only watch as the Facehugger wrapped its tail around the neck of the Demon and finally took hold of what is sure to be the greatest host our Hive has ever seen.

I stood tall over my kill and with a unique feeling of Pride, I let out as loud of a hiss as I could muster over my greatest victory yet. I looked down at the new host and my eyes locked onto the Facehugger. Seeing the infant brought only one thought to my mind. Mother. She had let me go to Orion, so why would she send my kin to attack him? None of this made sense.

Orion! In the fight, I forgot all about Orion! He should be well on his way back, but with only one person by his side who knows what could happen to him. The spikes that kept the ruins contained slowly retreated and as they did I quickly climbed up the side and searched for Orion's presence.

He had gotten a significant distance away, but I am sure that I can catch up to him quickly. I began yet another sprint into the Jungle, and as I ran my mind began to race. Why would Mother have sent so many to kill Orion? She said she understood! I was forced to kill my own sisters just to protect him, all of them refusing to listen to me! Mother must answer. She must explain everything

- Authors note -

And here it is, Chapter Eighteen of The Sixth Specimen! This chapter easily holds the most action of any other, and I had a blast writing it. While I know not everyone may enjoy the fact the Predators stole a lot of Six's spotlight, I feel this battle was best told through the eyes of Wolf, and I hope you all enjoyed it. The time spent rewatching AvP One and Two for research really paid off as I got to use a lot of the tricks and weapons utilized in the films.

In this chapter, not a single group got away without blood spilled. The Xenomorphs lost countless of their own. The Yuatja lost two Youngbloods and Wolf, their mightiest Elite. And of course, Orion lost his first friend and savior, Vasquez. Orion is now once again alone with only a single other human to keep him safe, but Six is fast on her way to rescue him. This begs the question, will she reach him in time as the Matriarch plots against her Caretaker?

I hope you all have enjoyed this bloodbath of a chapter, and as always thank you guys for your constant support through this series! We're in the endgame now, and I look forward to telling you all more about Orion and Six's struggle. Until next time, this is your narrator, signing off.

Server join link - discord. gg /AzTnKZGZ (sorry if you can't copy and paste, you may have to just write it manually in the search bar).