Survival

Chapter 14

As she observed the red hazed planet from the observation window, she strapped her gear and armor on as Wahkan had instructed. Her heart was pounding, this was it, her new home, her genesis. This was a new beginning, reborn as a hunter, a predator; at least she hoped so. Adrenaline and fear filled her. Wahkan had explained his culture as best as he could to her teaching her their hunters sign language due to she will understand them from her translator but some will not completely understand her. This would not be an easy life trying to keep up with the Yautja. As she strapped her wrist gauntlet on she walked to the control room watching him fidgeting here and there on his control panel preparing to land.
He turned to look at her. "Ah yes, that mask compliments you well." He teased. Standing He towered over her, looking more bulky in his armor. He shook her shoulder. "Are you ready?" He asked as the ship landed.
Taking a deep breath she nodded. He applied his mask and lead her to where their door would open. She stood next to him as she listened to the ship coming to a rest, hearing a commotion outside.

The hatch lowered slowly, she could see the crowd of Yautja crowding around, as was expected. Wahkan had explained he'd be promoted to a clan leader status after achieving his clearing of three serpent hives. Many clans had arrived some hunters would join his clan. There would be ceremonies, meetings and more, it was very nerve racking for her; where would she fit in during the process?
Wahkan signaled Nina to follow him, side by side down the ramp, the sound of the crowd and their boots meeting metal; clank clank clank made the moment feel all the more theatrical. The cheers of approval rang out as the elders were standing in front ready to great them. Some of the warriors boarded the ship past Wahkan and his companion, ready to bring their trophies down for the viewing. Three queens and the larger queen skulls were slowly brought down behind them. Setting up on display for all to see, Wahkan was greeted by Deshaunda one of the oldest elders, as others inspected the trophies. Nina could feel their eyes on her often.

"Welcome home." Deshaunda placed his hand on Wahkan's shoulder as did Wahkan in a formal greeting. He was clearly old, his dread like appendages were gray and much longer than Wahkan's, he was also a foot taller at least.
"You have been gone for many cycles, I see your brothers of combat did not return, pity. May they fight alongside Paya now." His gaze fell onto Nina, his intense amber gold eyes looked her over from head to toe. She had never felt so small as she did now surrounded by this large race. "You, ooman, you wear the mark of a blooded warrior as I have been informed. Take off your mask and show us." She could hear the crowd grow quiet.
She slowly unmasked herself, the more dense air hit her lungs hard but she hid the fact well. She looked around her at the hushed crowd as they took the moment in. She cast her eyes down upon training that it was rude to stare. She felt the elders hand tilt her chin up to take a good look at her blood marking. "Tell me girl, what have you accomplished to deserve such a mark?"
She used the very primitive sign language Wahkan had taught her to try and tell her tale. Finally she walked to her trophy, the large spiny skull that dwarfed Wahkan's three. She proudly stood by it patting the skull.
"An empress?" He nodded, but said nothing more for several moments. He looked over her trophy once more before finally speaking. "Come now let us begin the ceremonial meetings, we will discuss this matter among the council. First take your companion home and prepare for night." He rejoined the group of elders.

Wahkan had led Nina home. She took in her surroundings in with wondrous eyes. Buildings as large as skyscrapers yet everything had a metal rustic look. Market places, Yautja in their element it was a sight to see. Wahkan's home was a thick building, and tall like most. Walking into his home was exciting for Nina, this was his home, his world.
Crossing the threshold she was surprised to see it decorated so beautifully. Artwork graced his walls, both Yautja and foreign. Artifacts, weapons, and tapestries. Once the door closed behind them she felt the familiar intense body heat behind her. "Do you like?" The words tickled her ear.
Turning around she placed her arms around him. "It's very beautiful, I didn't realize you have an eye for art." She chuckled up at him.
"Hmmm, I've been around along time. Just things that were intriguing." Pulling away from her he lead her to the bath hall. "Come clean yourself up, I will return shortly. Find your finest and wear them for tonight." He gave her bottom a light tap before he left.
The room was large and very muggy, in the center was a large pool with a green tinted water. Undressing she climbed into the hot water, her skin instantly tingled. Interesting, she thought, the water must have some sort of cleansing properties. Leaning back she relaxed in the pool. When finished she found her possessions already delivered to the home. Digging through she found the crimson red outfit she had worked on for months.
The beaded area hugged her hips seductively, gold and pearl was her choice giving her the appearance of wearing nothing with the red sash like skirt flowing to her ankles, her red bra top was laced with the golden beads over the tops of the cups, with a single red tassel that hung to her ribs in the center. She added her decretive black and red feathers to her loose braid and heavily painted her eyes black to make her green eyes stand out like a cat, adding her red paint around her upper face.

Wahkan retuned and found Nina looking at his collections. Her body on display decorated in crimson red. He growled at the sight of the color on her, beautiful as spilled blood. "Paya, you look good enough to eat." He startled her.
"Do I look appropriate my clan leader?" She smiled teasingly.
"Yes, that color has always been becoming of you. I have also brought you a breather." He handed her a small mask for her mouth and nose. "It will do for now instead of wearing your biomask all the time."
Nina smiled at him. He assisted her with the small breather and took her arm in his. "Come, it is time to join the ceremonies."