The next chapter is here! Enjoy :)
After they all had their fill of food and Yeyinde picked up more, they all returned to his dwellings.
He, Natalie, and Minikui sat in the living room and the pair took turns telling his sister everything from the beginning. How Yeyinde's hunt on Earth was botched after a week and he was captured.
How since she was perceived as a witness to his capture, they took her too. And the both of them were held imprisoned.
Minikui held onto every word they said. But the surprising part to her is when they told her how they threatened Natalie's life trying to get Yeyinde to talk. And it was during this situation, they injected her with his blood.
He then explained how he was able to break free and take them all out. But not before one of them shot Natalie and seriously injured her. Yeyinde told his sister of how he destroyed the lab and took out people in his way on the way out of that facility. All while he held onto an injured Natalie.
The young hunter then told her how he brought her aboard the ship in hopes that Guan would tend to her injuries.
That's when the healer first informed him that the blood was doing something to her. And further proof came when she punched the wall and left a dent in it. Which was followed by her kicking Larja-Thwei across the floor.
Minikui couldn't help but snicker at that.
'Serves that oaf right.' She thought.
Still, the large female was a bit surprised by her brother's actions. She figures though at first, it had to do with honor.
It sounded like during their time together tuck in a cell they had to somewhat rely on each other and look out for one another. All while he learned everything, he could about the ooman language from Natalie to better understand the other oomans.
She even was bold enough to grab his translator and Natalie mentioned she was tempted to try and steal one of his weapons back for him.
To his sister, it also sounded like this is when the bond between her brother and this ooman female may have started to take root.
Minikui did have enough respect for the species in viewing them as challenging prey and some of them brave warriors. But she still didn't quite know how to process the fact that after it was all said and done, Yeyinde took her for a mate. And not only that, but she was surprised when he informed her that he took Natalie for a life mate.
"I can't begin to imagine how this strange union will turn out. It still is very outlandish and taboo in many ways. Not saying taking ooman mates has never happened. I heard it has happened with other clans. Though it is extremely rare." Minikui explained.
"I'm well aware it's most uncommon. But I don't care what others think of my choice." Yeyinde replied.
"I'm not saying I don't approve, little brother. Your family and I support you and our other siblings no matter what. And while most of us most likely don't have an issue with it, I cannot speak for our brother Ci'tde.
Out of all of us, he was the only one who didn't really take mother's word to heart about oomans like we did. He still views them as weak and unworthy prey.
Don't be surprised if he mocks and taunts you for your choice in a mate. We both know either way, he'll most likely make a big stink about it.
And if he's dumb enough to rant and rave about it in front of our older sister, no doubt she may give him a good few whacks for it. Even more if he doesn't shut up." Minikui lightly joked.
Yeyinde smirked a little at that, because he knew it could happen if Ci'tde ran his mouth in front of Sakana. Unfortunately, his older brother never did know when to let things go or shut up.
It's something that always annoyed or irritated Sakana because she never had patience for complainers or whiners which Ci'tde had always tended to be.
In turn, the usually patient female would lose her patience with him and end up punching him or give him a good few hits to shut him up.
"Are you...disappointed with his choice though?" Natalie asked.
Minikui acknowledge her in silence for a good few seconds before responding.
"Maybe at first, I can't say I was onboard with it. But you certainly earned points with me when you tackled two people I really don't like. Inu is a spoiled bitch and had it coming. And while Larja-Thwei has always been a rival of Yeyinde's, he also a huge asshole at times. So, he deserved it too." She stated.
Natalie let out a small chuckle at her statements. Seemed like nobody really liked this, Inu. And it looked like Larja-Thwei didn't have a huge fan base with any of them either.
Before they could say anymore, there was this strange ringing sound.
"What's that?" Natalie asked.
"Someone's at the door. Two guesses who it is, Yeyinde." Minikui said.
Unfortunately, he had an idea of who it was too. He sighed and went to get up to let them in.
Yeyinde got up and pressed a button to unlock the door. And just like he and his sister thought, as the door slid open, it revealed their father. The older male appeared to be a bit frazzled and worn out.
"Father." Yeyinde said, with a nod of his head.
Then the young hunter stepped aside and allowed him entrance into his home. Setg-in's gaze slid over to the other occupants in the living room area. He was a little surprised to see his second born daughter here.
"Daughter, I see you paid your brother a visit. And have met the ooman female." He inquired.
Minikui nodded, "Yes, father. And I found her company to be most pleasant."
The translator of course was still going. So, Natalie heard every word passed between them. She couldn't help but smile a little at Minikui's compliment.
Setg-in's eyes shifted to the young woman. He gave her a slight nod.
"Naat'alie." He said, in greeting her.
Then his eyes went back and forth for a moment between his daughter and the ooman.
"Pplleeeaasssee, excuusse usss. Buut I muust ssspeeak wiiithh Yeyinde aalone fffor a minuute." The older yautja told the two females in the room.
Then Setg-in turned back to his son and gestured to the back door down the hall that led out to the backyard. Before he started walking towards it.
Yeyinde gave Natalie one last glance, before following his father.
Natalie turned back to Minikui, sitting across from her.
"I don't know if I like this. It looks like I may have gotten him into trouble when I attacked Inu." She said, with some worry in her voice.
Minikui just shrugged, "I wouldn't say trouble. Father probably just wants to know what happened from Yeyinde. I don't know if my brother told you this, but our father is one of the Elders in this clan. And Inu is the daughter of one of the other Elders.
It's either her or someone else informed the Elders of what happened. And now, they probably want answers. So, father came here to get answers from Yeyinde."
Natalie felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. This didn't sound good at all. Yeyinde and his friends did explain some of the hierarchy in their culture. They told her about Elders and their position among the clans.
To her, they didn't seem any different than a mayor that looks after his town.
Only difference was, the mayor didn't partake in trying criminals and passing judgement. The Elders did though. Whenever there was a crime, especially a serious one, they were the ones who judged the yautja in question and passed the final judgement to their fate.
'Oh god! Am I going to be arrested for attacking Inu!? Are they going to put me in prison or kill me for what I did!? And what of Yeyinde? Will they do the same to him because he's, her mate!?' Her mind screamed.
Minikui observed the ooman, she noted that the small female seemed to have gone ridged and tense.
"You alright? You seem kind of tense." She inquired.
"It's just, Yeyinde and his friends told me about the Elders and what their positions are here among the clan. They also told me they're the ones to pass judgement on a yautja that did something wrong.
Will...they do that to me and Yeyinde because I attacked an Elder's daughter?" Natalie asked.
The female yautja was silent for a moment, before she shook her head.
"No, you didn't break any laws and neither did Yeyinde. Inu provoked the two of you. If anything, she came close to breaking one of our laws.
She intentionally tried to goad you into a fight despite knowing you are pregnant. From what we all seen; it looked like she was also about to attack you before you attacked her.
If anyone were to be in hot water right now, it's her." Minikui said.
This is true, Kaail and Luar-ke did just inform her not that long ago that it was illegal to challenge a pregnant female to a fight. And technically, Inu did do just that.
Yeyinde stepped outside his home with his father. The older male then walked over to the treeline near the back of the property and stood there looking out into the lush rainforest with his hands clasped behind his back.
The younger hunter joined him, standing next to his father and looking out into the distance.
"I know why you came father. I'm sure Inu must've informed her father of what happened." Yeyinde inquired.
Setg-in huffed, "Yes, she went off on some rant saying that the ooman attacked her unprovoked and is looking for Natalie to seek consequences for it."
Yeyinde growled in anger, "That's a straight up lie! She came and provoked us! Then had the nerve to challenge Natalie, despite knowing she was pregnant. If anyone should be facing consequences, it's her! She knows as well as anyone else that it is illegal to challenge a female with pup!"
Yes, Setg-in was surprised when he came into the house and caught the ooman female's scent. He too had noticed she was carrying his son's pup. And he can't help but agree with what Yeyinde was telling him.
"Yes, I agree. Inu had conveniently left out the fact that Natalie's pregnant. And to be honest, I did not believe her when she claimed the ooman attacked her unprovoked.
Natalie doesn't seem the type to do something like that. And I know that Inu has a propensity to lying. But still, I needed to come here and hear what happened from you. Since you were the one that was there and witnessed what had happened." His father said.
Yeyinde took a deep breath and began to share his side of the story.
"Natalie and I were on our way to the food stands in town. I needed to replenish my stock back here at the house and Natalie was also hungry. We were walking along minding our own business when Natalie informed me there was someone headed our way through the crowds.
I looked over and noticed it was Inu. She pushed her way through the crowds and when she came within feet of us, she started yelling at me. She made implications that I betrayed her, that I was hers and hers alone. And then started spouting off insults towards Natalie.
Then she had the nerve to bellow a challenge at her and got down into a stance right there in the middle of the path and surrounding crowds with the intent to attack her.
But before she could, I...almost don't know how to explain it. But it seems Natalie just...snapped and shot off towards Inu at an impressive speed and tackled her to the ground. Then from there, she pinned Inu's arms to the ground with her knees and started raining in some vicious haymakers to her face.
It was quite shocking to see. And apparently, I wasn't the only one. The yautja that were there seeing it for themselves must've also been shocked. Because no one made a move as this was going on.
It only came to a stop when Minikui came through the crowd and carefully pulled Natalie off of Inu. That's when I finally snapped out of my stupor and approached them to help calm her down." Yeyinde explained.
Setg-in turned his gaze from the forest to his son.
"Minikui was there too and saw?" He inquired.
Yeyinde nodded, "Yes, though I didn't know at the time she happened to be walking by and saw the confrontation unfolding. Good thing she did come in and pull Natalie away. Who knows what would've happened if Natalie kept going without someone intervening."
The young hunter paused and hesitated with what he was about to ask next.
"Natalie...is not in any trouble for this. If it were any other yautja, it probably wouldn't have been a big deal. But it was Inu, and she is the daughter of one of the Elders of this clan. Will she...still have to face consequences for these actions?" He asked, with hesitation and worry in his voice.
Setg-in sighs, "No, I don't believe so. Inu was the instigator in all this. And again, she should know better than to challenge or try and attack a pregnant female. But the Elders do wish to meet Natalie.
Even before this incident occurred the Elders wanted to mee the ooman female that walks among their clan. They request an audience with her and wish for you to produce her to them tomorrow."
Yeyinde froze, he didn't like this. But he also kept telling himself that they wouldn't harm her. But he did worry they may suggest something like exiling her because she wasn't a yautja.
Even so, if they were to recommend exile, he would go with her.
"What I like to know is, what possessed you to take this female for a mate? All these available females here, and you decided to settle with her and breed her. Even after I mentioned to you from the start that it wasn't a good idea and could have bad repercussions." Setg-in said to his young son.
Yeyinde turned to face his father and looked him in the eye.
"I did it because I love her, father. I don't care what her race is. Inside of her, is the heart of a strong fighter. She is special and none could come close to comparing to her." He stated with determination.
Normally, the young hunter would know better than to stand up to an older experienced warrior like this. Especially, when said older warrior was their sire and an Elder.
But Yeyinde was getting tired of people questioning his choice. And in this case, his father was no exception. So, he may as well tell it to him straight.
Setg-in turned to his son, he still had a good three inches on the younger yautja. He also knew he could still overpower him in a fight. But even then, he knew that wouldn't stop Yeyinde.
His son, despite his age was a tenacious and vicious fighter. One who would never back down from a fight, even if the odds were stacked against him. He would still push himself one-hundred and ten percent into any fight that came his way.
It was this determination and viciousness that made him come out on top during many fights. And Setg-in was proud when he heard that Yeyinde took down some older more seasoned hunters in Jehdin Jehdin during his training.
The look in his son's eyes right now, showed the older warrior that this fight was no different. That Yeyinde was willing to fight tooth and nail for Natalie.
"I see now, you're willing to go to great lengths for this ooman female, who now carries your pup. But all I'm saying is it will never be easy for you two. I hope you know this. And that is why I don't think it's a good idea." Setg-in said.
"As I recall, father. People said the same thing about your union to mother. There was a lot of objections among family and friends over it. Due to the fact that mother's sire turned into a bad blood and had to be hunted down.
Everyone kept telling you it was bad because her blood was tainted due to his dishonorable actions. And that her tainted bloodline would be passed down to any pups you two had.
But you did to them what I have done to you now. You stood up to them for mother, and you didn't back down. Because like I love Natalie, you loved mother with all your heart.
You didn't care about her tainted roots. You ignored and defied their objections and took her for your life mate anyway. And as I also recall, you never had any regrets in doing so." Yeyinde pointed out.
He knew by bringing this up, it was like stabbing his father in the back. Because the older yautja didn't like to be reminded of his own challenges due to his choice of a mate.
It angered his father that they thought that about his beloved. And it took quite some time for his mate to show them that she was just as honorable as the rest of them. She hunted and followed the code of honor all the way up to her death.
And this is when she finally gained the respect that she deserved from the rest of the clan.
"Very bold of you to bring this story up, Yeyinde. Even more so because you know it unwise to anger me in doing so." Setg-in warned.
And while the look his father was giving him right now, would've made anyone else cower before him, it didn't scare Yeyinde, not this time. He will still not back down.
The older yautja let out a sigh, "But you make a good point. My story and yours really aren't all that different in that aspect. Both our unions are frowned upon.
It was something I was hoping none of my pups would have to experience when they came of age to mate and have their own offspring. Because it is a challenge that could last a lifetime."
"And I'm willing to face that challenge head on. Both Natalie and I are prepared to do so." Yeyinde said, with determination.
There was a moment of silence, before the older yautja chuckled.
"I don't know why, but out of all my children, I always knew for some reason that it be you to eventually take a life mate. You always were very independent and followed your own path from the start. Defying some odds as you went.
You always were filled with compassion and dedication, Yeyinde. And was unique from other Unblooded and Youngbloods due to your higher level of maturity and lack of impulsivity that usually came natural with being a young inexperienced hunter.
It's what made you successful and full of promise as a potentially gifted warrior as you age and gain more experience.
How you decide to live your life is not up for me or anyone else to decide. Nor is it anyone else's decision to tell you who you can or cannot mate.
I've only ever had this conversation with you in regard to the ooman female, because it was out of a father's fear and worry for what could come out of it for you.
But I see your love and dedication to her, appears to rival what I had with your mother. And if you are like me in that sense, then I know you will never change your mind or back down from this decision.
And while I still believe it will be rough for you both, I'm not disappointed in you. I still am and always will be proud of you." The older yautja admitted.
Then Setg-in lifted his hand and clasped his son's shoulder, shaking it, and giving him a brief bow of his head.
A smile started to slowly form on Yeyinde's face, as he returned the gesture.
"Thank you, father. And believe me when I say, I know things will be different for Natalie and me as a mated couple. But it still won't stop us from being happy and living our lives to the fullest. A life we are eagerly awaiting to take the next step in with the birth of our pup in the coming months." He replied.
The older yautja could see happiness and pride emanating from his son at the mentions of their unborn pup. But then it was a natural reaction for a male yautja.
They were always proud and prideful of their accomplishment in having a successful mating with their female. And that she now carried on his future bloodline.
Even more so seeing this was his youngest son's first child.
Setg-in had the same look about him when his mate Hashori became pregnant the first time and had their daughter, Sakana. He was all smiles when he walked about town with his mate and newborn pup at that time.
The two silently nodded in understanding. Before they finally headed back to the house.
When they arrived back in the living room, Natalie and Minikui were still chatting away. And judging by their smiles, it was a good chat. But they did pause when both the males entered the room.
Natalie looked up at Yeyinde and smiled. A smile he returned.
Her smile faltered a little when his father approached her.
Setg-in tilted his head and sat down next to her. He then gave her a soft smile and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Wwelcoomee to ourrr familyy, Naat'alie." He told her.
She couldn't help but smile back.
"Thank you." she said, barely above a whisper.
And of course, due to her hormones, she was now trying to hold back tears at the kind gesture. It showed her that she had officially become a part of this family.
And the incident today, didn't change that one bit.
"Ttthe otther Elldersss sstill wiiissshh too meeet wwithhh you. Yeyinde wiilll taake youu tooo meeet tthem tomorrow." He told her.
Natalie bit her lip, "Do they know what happened? Are they angry?"
"Ttheyy know. Buut wiiissshh tooo hearr yourr ssside of ssstoory. Buut dooubt ttherrre wiill be conseequuencesss. Doon't worry Yeyinde wiill bee tthere wittthh youu. And I'll bee tthere tooo." He assured her.
"Are you going to tell them of her condition?" Minikui inquired.
"They will know for themselves when they catch her scent. And sadly, it won't look good for Inu, once they know." Setg-in said, his words coming through Minikui's translator as he spoke in their native tongue.
"There are also the chance witnesses may come forward and report her actions. She did initiate a challenge and hinted at attacking Natalie in front of a large crowd of yautja." The tall female reminded them.
This is true, it was encouraged that if a bystander witnesses potential illegal activity of sorts, to report it to the Elders.
Setg-in nodded in agreement. But still wonders if witnesses will be willing to do so, since the incident involved and Elder's offspring. No one really wants to be labeled if they were wrong. Considering it was a strong accusation on their part.
But who knows. If multiple different witnesses came and informed the Elders, than it be harder to discredit all their stories.
"Either way, I wouldn't worry. They can't impose anything on Natalie that could jeopardize her life and the life of her unborn pup. If anything, they just wish to meet the ooman that has been taking up residence among their clan. That and they wish to hear her side of the story about the confrontation that happened earlier." The older yautja stated.
This came a relief to Natalie. She really was worried that the Elders may decide to kill her for her actions. And they could impose the same fate on Yeyinde too.
"Will they impose any consequences on Yeyinde? It was him after all that made the decision to bring me here." Natalie said.
Setg-in could see Natalie was worried about something happening to Yeyinde during the process of this meet.
"They may question why he made what is considered a foolish and reckless decision. But I doubt they would impose serious consequences for his actions. After all, it's not like one small ooman female is a threat to them or this clan.
Though I can tell you they may not like the fact one of their own took someone of another race as a mate and is currently gestating his young.
But they cannot forbid Yeyinde from doing so. Because it's no one's place to tell another yautja what they can or cannot do. Unless they did something that broke any of our laws. And taking an alien mate is not against the law on this world." He stated.
To Natalie, it was a bit surprising her and Yeyinde's union wasn't forbidden or against the law. You would think it would be, because technically, she was the alien here. Someone not of their race in any way.
It was merely just frowned upon. At least that is something she can live with.
The four of them conversed for a few more minutes before their father decided to take his leave. Minikui left about ten minutes after that. Leaving the couple alone in their home.
"You think tomorrow's meeting will be difficult for us?" Natalie asked Yeyinde.
He sat beside her and placed his arm around her shoulders with a small purr.
"Even if it is, no matter the outcome, we will still be together. Father is right, you didn't really do anything wrong. You were threatened and you reacted out of protective instinct in regard to you and our unborn child.
Something that is completely natural among the females here. Yautja females are especially protective of their young. This most definitely includes the ones growing inside of them.
They will all come to agree that you reacted appropriately." Yeyinde assured her.
Natalie leaned into his side, resting her head against the side of his right peck. She hopes he's right and that the Elders won't be biased to the fact that this may not extend to her because she is a human and not a yautja.
But Yeyinde was right, in the end, he will still be there for her and their unborn baby.
Until Next Time ;)