The Predators Hunt

Cave Pt.3

   Don't think. Just move. Just leave. Just....shut up.
   I turn my brain off (the best I can) and continue bounding from tree to tree. Before long, I'm back with the others on the top of a hill.
   As always, Ya'ste stews at me in the background. Ha'theh sits on the ground, fiddling with one of his gadgets. Zadea looks up at the sky, silent and stoic as ever.
   "Zadea? The ship?"
   "They said they're running late."
   Confused, I look at Ha'theh who slowly nods to confirm it.
   Running late? So I do have time?
   I stand, frozen in silence.
   "Speaking of running late, what took you so long?" Ya'ste approached slowly like he's hunting prey. "Oh, let me guess, scouting your surroundings?"
   "Ya'ste, drop it." Zadea growls.
   I'm too stunned to pay attention as Ya'ste walks right up to me.
   "What? We're all wondering it! Tell us A'se - teh, what made you stay behind?"
   Zadea turns around slightly, ready to step in if needed. Ha'theh sits, tensed up. I say nothing.
   I can see Ya'ste thinking to himself, before getting a wicked glint in his eye.
   "It was that ooman wasn't it?"
   I try to say something. My mouth closes.
   That ooman.
   "I was right wasn't I? You do have feelings for it!"
   I hear Zadea say something. My mind tunes out the rest.
   That ooman. She's out there, alone. Most likely scared. I have time to go see her, give her a proper goodbye. Or just look at her again. Or speak to her. Or, or...
   I hear a harsh smack against my helmet, then a shrill voice shouting, "Go ahead and tell him A'se - teh! Tell him about your little ooman mate!"
   I look up and see Zadea staring at me. He looks like he had just been told some stupid lie.
   "Is it true? Do you...like an ooman?" I can tell in his voice that he doesn't want to believe it. I can't blame him.
   But...it is true, isn't it? After everything I've done for her. Save her life, get her somewhere safe, heal her, actually care for her well being. Plus, all the weird feelings and thoughts i get when I'm around her, or just thinking about her! That has to be love!
   Oh my Paya.
   "I...I..."
   Both me and him are silent.
   "See?! Ya see?! I told you! A'se - teh isn't just an embarrassment, he's also a dirty omman fu-"
   Zadea's fist smashes against Ya'ste's face. Teeth crush together and he crashes to the ground. I look to see he's knocked out cold.
   I look to Zadea in shocked astonishment.
   Zadea sighs, shakes his head, "Go. Just...go."
   "B - but -"
   "You have plenty of time, just...do what you have to do, then report back. Understood?"
   I nod. He nods back.
   I turn to leave, then whisper, "Why are you doing this? Why for me?"
   Zadea clasps my shoulder, "Cuz you're good. Despite what happened, I've always thought you're good. And, well, let's just say," he eyes Ha'theh, "I know what it's like to hide your feelings. To feel ashamed of them."
   I knew it.
   I touch his hand, "thank you for this. I promise to be back in time. Also...I'm pretty sure you don't have to hide anything. Just saying."
   I jump, soaring back in the direction I came.
   Don't worry, I'm coming. And this time, I won't leave you.