Predator - The Banished

Chapter 23

Flashback

"I see you have acquired the new variant of the plasma pistol." 

Kyrum watched T'Nira curiously as she examined the weapon in her hands. It glowed with red lights, and glinted silver when the light touched it. 

"Yes, I have. Version 491842.63," she said with no emotion. "Let's hope that this one is not like that last...a dud."  

He nodded in agreement. "Certainly. It nearly blew my arm off, when I tried to use it. Whoever the bastard is that made it, I'm going to have a word with him." 

T'Nira stood up. "Well, it is time for the ceremony. We should move before your mother becomes impatient," she said. Kyrum arose with her, and took her hand in his. She squeezed it gently. 

"You know that no matter what, I love you?" she said sweetly. 

"Yes. I do," he replied. 

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The huntress walked over to Kyrum slowly. Her armor was gold, streaked with gemstones recovered from earth. In her hand she held the severed finger of a serpent. 

"My son." 

Kyrum stood taller, not moving a muscle. He had waited for this his whole life. 

"I cannot express how proud of you that I am." 

He remained still, and replied, "Thank you, ma'am." 

"Remove your helm." 

He did so, the hiss of tubes and air magnified through the silence as the other Yautja held their breath. 

"Give it to me." 

Kyrum handed over his mask, and the huntress slowly drew a mark upon it's forehead area with the finger. Then she held the finger up to his head, her visor shining. 

He did not wince as the acid branded his skin with the mark of a warrior, as he fully entered adulthood. T'Nira stood adjacent to him, in the position of attention. He could sense her anxiety. 

Kyrum felt his hand brought up in front of him as the huntress slipped his mask back into it. He put it back on, feeling stronger yet.

"Turn around, my son."

His right foot went backwards, and he spun 180 degrees around to face the gathering of hunters in front of him. 

The huntress lifted his fist into the air, and the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Next to him, T'Nira, was clapping harder than anyone.

Kyrum pounded his chest, and let out a roar of triumph.

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T'Nira hugged him as they entered her quarters. 

"We did it. We have gained the honor that we so rightly deserve," she said while removing her mask. He did the same. 

Kyrum did not reply. He was trying to save the memory of his mother's pride in his head until the end of time. 

His thoughts were yanked out of the sky as he felt her draw up close to him, clicking rapidly. She ran her fingers down his muscular chest, and he felt a shiver of pleasure go down his spine. 

Nothing was impossible. Not anymore. 

Kyrum's mind was blissfully wiped clean, and he felt his armored loincloth fall to the ground at his feet.

As though from lightyears away, he heard T'Nira whisper. 

"I think it calls for a little...celebration..." she said, purring seductively.