The Predators Hunt

The Predators

   It's her.

   I had just lost her, and now she's already back.

  She's in a fighting stance and is about to make her first strike for Zadea. As much as I'd adore to see her first battle, I can't let her die that quickly. And foolishly.

   "WAIT! NO!"

   I grapple with flesh and armor to get to the front of the quickly forming crowd. Everyone is bearing their claws and fangs, ready to rip her apart.

   I shove past more and more fellow Yautja, practically fighting my way through. Before I had to resort to throwing someone over my shoulder, I made it. There she was. She was holding up the glaive I'd given her, brandishing it at Zadea and Ya'ste.

   I call out, "OOMAN!"

   Her, Zadea, and Ya'ste all whip around to face me. They all bear their own look of bewilderment, except for her.
There's a shimmer of something in her eyes, like the meteors from that night in the cave. Her mouth opens in a gasp.

   "BEAR!" Her voice cracks, letting out either a laugh or a sob. Either one, I've been dying to hear.

   "A'SE-TE! YOUR DAMN PET NEARLY KILLED ME!" Ya'ste screeched, pointing a claw at her.
  
   "She's not my pet!" I take a stomp toward him.
  
   He cowered behind Zadea.

   "Y-you saw how it knocked me out of that tree. Didn't you?!" He seethed.
   "I say we kill it!"

   "No! I-I mean -" I stretch my arm out in front of her. "She...she's valuable to us."

   Zadea cocked his head, glaring at the ooman. "Explain."
  
   I gently guide her to step up in front of me. This way, everyone can get a good look. Tens of eyes lay upon her, scanning over her muscular frame and rugged state.

   "She's skilled at survival. I've seen her face a serpent and survive with only a scratch." I hold up the arm I had healed, revealing the long, pale scar that adorned it.

   Many eyes look upon her in awe, laced with some appreciative comments. Good, they're already impressed.

   "She's strong, knows how to fight, and is more cunning than any of us." A gaze across the crowd, seeing a few nods and agreements being exchanged.

   "An Ooman? Survived a serpent?" Zadea studied at her scar, surely recognizing my handiwork.

   "He's lying!" Ya'ste hissed. "Oomans are too weak! Too frail! Too -"

   "Say one more thing, and I'll break your -"

   "Enough! Enough!" Zadea stepped between I and Ya'ste.

   He once again eyed me and her. His eyes squint in her direction before sliding toward me. I know that look. It's his own way of saying, "Whatever you're planning, don't pauk it all up."

   I nod.

   "She may be an ooman, but she's not just any other ooman." I look down, noticing my hand is squeezing her shoulder. She's leaning against me, "If you let me show you, you'll see that she's more than capable at fighting with us!"

   Everyone's silent. Except Ya'ste, of course.

   "You can't be serious! Zadea, tell him he's -"

   "IF -" Zadea holds out his hand, clamping Ya'ste's mouth shut, " - A'se-te can prove the ooman competent, then she's allowed to hunt with us."

   "WHAT?! But it'll slow us down! Why are we wasting time with this, we should be - !!"

   "I've made my decision!" He strides toward her, eyes her up and down, then meets my eyes.

   He demands firmly, "Stay alongside the ooman at all times. From now on, she's your responsibility."

   "I understand." I don't really, but whatever will keep her close.

   Zadea nods once then turns around, eyeing the group (mainly Ya'ste), "Anyone who hurts the ooman will face the serpents alone! Is that clear?"

   Everyone affirmed in unison.

   After settling things, we all continue in the direction of the Queen. Everyone is either marching, or leaping, through the forest after Zadea who leads from the front. I'm beside her, refusing to let go of her side.

   I glance down, seeing she's clutching the glaive tightly to her chest. She looks up at me, meeting my gaze, her eyes shine the color of honey. Suddenly she whispers, "We're gonna make it, right? Together?"

   She may be ooman, but she's a predator in my eyes. We both are.

   "Together."

  

  

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Author's note: Two more chapters left!