The Ripple of a Stone

The Ripple of a Stone

C’jit

Authors Note: This story I have written may not be exact with the customs and culture founded by the Predator movies, comics or stories but I have tired to stay in the area of their beliefs and ways. I have brought in elements from each of the categories and have combined them into one. I do not own Predator. Updates will be regular and changes will be made if any suggestions are made for me. Pronunciations at bottom. Some of the mentioned items in the Yautja world are made up by me. Good Reading.

E.M.

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DID YOU READ ‘RIPPLE OF A STONE: STORIES’? It’s not in this story! It is its own little thing! It is the story of how Nalani got her scars! YOUR MISSING OUT IT YOU SKIPPED IT! Or if you missed it you should read it.

“” “” “” “”

While Nalani spared them of all the horrible details, the story was deep enough that all the hunters were silent when she was done. All she could do was wait for someone to say something as she was sitting in the middle of one of the pits, on top of the round circle thing. Sya didn’t really have an expression on his face. His eyes were just wide and staring at hers. The additional Yautja in the room were the opposite. Lord Khupiee had an odd smile with his mandibles, Nala guessing he liked that she had killed –most- of those who had done her wrong. It was only when Nala began to look at all those in the circle did she see Dhyot’te’ka. He seemed very angry but she was sure it was not at her. Nala gave him a small smile before looking around more. It was to quiet. And Nala was actually bored beyond anything when a very funny idea came to her.

“Well, uhh…” Nala began. “While you guys digest that I am going to go have something quick to eat but I will come right back.” She says as she gets up and out of the pit. To her delight no one followed her to the lift, or so she thought. As Nala gets in, she feels a presents behind her and she turns to see Inkle going in with her.

“I am also in need of something to calm my stomach. That was disturbing to say the least.” Inkle sighs once the door was closed. But after he called it to go he the galley, there was silence between them. When the door opens to let them out, only Inkle begins to move but as he sees her stay, he turns to her with question on his face.

“I did not leave to eat. I have a very devious idea.” Nala smiles funnily while running a hand through her red hair. “If you would like to help me you can, I can promise you it will be hilarious.” Taking a moment to clatter his mandibles in thought and then without another word, Inkle strolls back beside her and Nala calls for it to take them to her room.

Back in the society room, they were all very quiet for sometime. While some of the most gruesome and unsettling scar stories were told in society rooms that would make the stomach of even the most seasoned of hunter turn, the one they just heard was something so alien to their ears. Something like that would never be tolerated in Yautja society and those who committed the offense would have been killed without thought.

“She served the justice deserved.” Lord Khupiee finally says out loud.

“Now I understand her words.” Sya says solemnly. “She knows more evil, more death, more destruction, more devastation then us. But she had forgotten to note that she was one to cause such things.”

“The more we know of Nalani, the more I think she is too radical for even us.” Pakka hisses. Lord Khupiee just looks at his brother strangely, he has didn’t know he was even here.

“You cannot think of her as a Yautja.” Dhm'Ni advises. “We know what happens when we do so. But we must remember that she is an Ooman by species and so acts, thinks and works differently.”

“Revenge is one thing she will have to know is a useless thing here.” Sya sighs. Just then the lift doors open with Nala and Inkle strolling out. No one looked up for they knew it was them, but if they had they would have seen something very strange. But since they didn’t, Nala knew that it would be a greater debut for her. Nala quickly looks up to the Yautja walking beside her and he gives a funny smirk to her with a slight nod. With her in front, Inkle walks behind Nala so he could see the looks of the Yautja in the pit. Sya was the first to really look at her, while she had begun to wear the cloths Kaine had made her she still look rather odd to his eyes because he had only seen her in her other cloths for so long, but she looked even stranger now.

“What did you do?” Sya barks loudly. Only then did everyone turn to her and see that Nala had chopped off almost all of her hair, leaving a very short mane of red in its wake. But without answering Nala and Inkle sit back down into their past places with her going back onto the circle thing.

“I do not know what you could mean.” Nala says straight faced. “Inkle, do you see anything different?” She asks him. Inkle takes a deep breath and looks her over with a fake scrutinizing eye.

“Did you change your loincloth?” Inkle asks.

“No.” Nala shrugs her shoulders.

“Did you change your shirt?” He asks, but had to hold onto his laughter when Nala starts to poke and prod her shirt.

“No.” She says sounding frizzled. All of the sudden, before anyone could say another word, Nala feels a hand on the back of her head as it starts to comb through her hair. Quickly turning, she sees a stunned face of her chocolate friend staring at her short hair.

“Why did you cut your hair?” Dhyot’te’ka asks softly, exploring her very short hair with his hands and loving just how soft it is. Now either Nala or Inkle could hold in their laughter and let it burst from their chests. Sighing heavily, Dhyot’te’ka sits down next to Nala smiling down at her. “What did you do?”

“I get bored easily and it will grow back fast.” Nala answers his question and his smile with one of her own.

“I didn’t know what to do when she handed me a knife, telling me to cut it all off!” Inkle trills. “I had to tell her how our tresses grown to a certain length and then that’s it. They don’t grow any longer and only newly forming strands grown.”

“I didn’t know that about your hair and I didn’t know just how much Inkle likes to fool with others as I do.” Nala laughs.

“Fool with others?” Inkle thrills.

“Yes, you are a prankster! And so am I. Do you wish to play a game inkle?” Nala smiles slyly.

“What kind of game?” He asks, eyeing her with suspicion.

“Let’s see who can prank the other the most before the Elders get here. BUT, but lets not start until tomorrow.”

“I have to warn you Nala,” Sya starts. “Inkle is a smart one, he has gotten us on many of occasions.”

“Oh she can take it” Inkle sighs.

“That I can. However there are rules. One: You cannot use someone else who is knowingly being used. Only you can be the one to prank the other. Two: No bodily harm, I don’t think you would like telling a story of how you got a scar from a prank. Three: If one of us is having a bad day then there will be no pranks that day, we only have to inform the other of the predicament. Four: We must have someone that cannot be used in any prank to look and see whether or not a prank is legal in this game. Lord Khupiee would you mind?” Lord Khupiee just smiles and nods. “And he will determine if a prank has gone too far. When the Elders get here he will be the one to decide who the winner is.”

“Lots of rules for a simple game.” Inkle laughs.

“We could say no rules, but I would hate to have our little game get to out of hand.”

“No would I.” At that Both Nala and Inkle bow their heads to make it official.

“So I apologies once more Dhm'Ni for cutting yours, but think of it this way, you’ll never forget me now.” Dhm'Ni was stunned for more then one reason. For one thing he didn’t care that his tress was cut at the shoulder, if anything it made him look more appealing, like he had gotten into a rough fight –which he did- but it just looked rather tough. But the one thing that made Dhm'Ni go silent, were her words saying that he wouldn’t forget her now. He would never forget her. How could he?

“So you and Inkle did not go have a fast meal?” Lord Khupiee asks. And when they say that they had not, it was then advised that they should all go to mid-day meal, when Nala had first said she was hungry, he to began to feel that same ache in his stomach. Before they left however, Nala asked if anyone else wanted to know of any other scar on her but Sya said that they should spread her story to another day. Mid-day meal went by to fast by Nalas account, she didn’t really speak to anyone as the whole conversation was about her judgment and from past experience she knew not to get involved when these Yautja were talking business. When the large group went to the training hall, Sya was unexpectedly challenged by a Blooded. But what Nala didn’t expect was that Sya was actually pleased with the challenge. What she didn’t know at the time was that the Blooded who Sya was now readying himself to fight was one of those in the group that was his last teaching division for their Kainde Amedha Chiva. The fight however didn’t last very long as Sya had used the moves Nala had taught him. The Blooded was on his ass faster then anything Nala had seen. She had to wonder just how Sya got as good as he was, her moves only added to what he had.

“Teach me.” A voice from behind her startles Nala for a moment, but then she recognized his scent. “Teach me, my vanilla friend.” Dhyot’te’ka laughs. He really did wish to know how to do what she had done, but he also wanted to be near her again.

“I will teach you if you allow me to teach you something first.” Nala laughs as she turns to him. He was wearing only a loincloth that day and it showed off every muscle in his body. His color still made Nala think of chocolate and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You will only teach me one thing if you teach me another?” Dhyot’te’ka asks confused.

“One thing is a fighting move, another is something else.” She smiles at him, he couldn’t say no to her smile. Grabbing his hand and pulling him to a small square, Nala tells him to take off his shoes and such and waits for him in the center.

“What will you teach me first?” Dhyot’te’ka asks as he stand in front of the little female.

“It is up to you. I can teach the fun moves, or the really fun moves.” She laughs. When Nala noticed Dhyot’te’ka was even more confused, she took the lead. “Alright, just watch my feet first then try.” For a few moves, Nala begins to move slowly, her feet doing something they haven’t done in years but her mind took over and she moved from her memory. It took a few turns but when Dhyot’te’ka finally got the many intricate moves, Nala though she had made a wonderful choice. “Now, what you are doing is called ‘the waltz’, it is something that cannot really be used in a fight.”

“Then why did you teach me?” He asks, almost angrily. But without answering, Nala quickly closes the distance between them and begins to move his body. She places his right hand at the small of her back and his left hand in her right. Nala then puts her left hand on his shoulder and smiles up at him.

“Go.” With that both of them begin to move as one, dancing around the sparring square. Dhyot’te’ka didn’t know what to make of what they were doing, but he was close to Nala, he was touching her and moving with her, he wouldn’t question why. “And that,” Nala breaths out just as they stop. “Was dancing.”

“That was an Ooman dance? It is very beautiful.” Sya suddenly breaks the two from their own world and the look to see more then a few watching them. Dhyot’te’ka was just about to release Nala for fear of Sya but when he say the look on Dhm’Nis face, he was tempted to tighten his grip. Dhm'Ni was visible angry that he was even touching her, but Dhyot’te’ka didn’t care.

“There are many beautiful things that have been made from the planet.” Nala smiles warmly.

“And I am holding one.” Dhyot’te’ka says very softly making Nala blush a little, something Dhm'Ni didn’t fail in noticing.

“” “” “” “”

By the time dinner had rolled around, Lord Khupiee had unexpectedly asked Sya and Nala to a private dinner in his residence. Nala was more the stunned at the invitation as she had never been there and didn’t think she ever would be but evidently she was. Dhm'Ni pretended to be insulted that he wasn’t invited but only wanted to mess with Nala as she kept asking him what she should wear. She was mixed between completely casual and formal. But before Nala started to argue to herself about what to wear, she had noticed that Dhm'Ni was agitated. When she asked what was bothering him, Dhm'Ni was did his little ‘I will tell you later’ look. It was something she had begun to recognize a while back now, when she would ask a question he would lift his left brow a little and squint his eyes, telling her that he would talk to her later. Nala could only sigh to him and leave when Sya came for her.

“You are looking rather put together.” Sya says as he escorts her to the lift.

“Is it to much? Cause if it’s to much I can go change I mean I’m going to eat with Lord Khupiee I shouldn’t show up in everyday clothing!” She says quite fast.

“Nalani…” Sya laughs, holding his stomach funnily. “I was only saying you look nice and yes you should wear something other then everyday clothing and you did a fine job in choosing.” Nala breathes out completely before smiling. All the way to Lord Khupiees residence Sya was poking fun at her hair, combing his hand through it and even pulling on it to see it if would just come out longer like string. He did stop however when Nala threatened to do to him what she did to Dhm'Ni and a few seconds later the door opened.

“Shall we eat first or do you want the news first?” Lord Khupiees voice bursts into their ears.

“Both.” Nala answers as she walks in. The first thing she really saw was a large sitting area with giant pillows the size of Lord Khupiee himself. She didn’t really know which way to go as there were three large door-less openings in the wall but she was quick to follow Sya into the one to the right. The largest table imaginable was set in the middle of a giant room but it was void of food so Nala knew this was not where they would be eating. As Sya went through to another room, he was met with the sweet smells of the most delectable food imaginable. Nala didn’t really know what to do, should she just sit down or perhaps say something to Lord Khupiee? He was sitting at the top end of a small round table and with it were two other chairs for them to sit. When Sya motioned for her to move, Nala voiced her concerns but got only laughs as a response. So to be bluntly vulgar Nala groaned and sat in a chair, not caring any longer of being correct.

“I suppose I should get right to the point.” Lord Khupiee starts after Sya sits. “Ras‘Lech is on the DropShip the Elders are on.” Sya dropped the knife in his hand and snaps his head to Lord Khupiee.

“Who’s that?” Nala asks wearily.

“Ras’Lech in the Patriarch of the Yautja.” Lord Khupiee answers.

“I do not understand, I thought you said there was only a Matriarch.” She says a little afraid as Sya was still staring at Lord Khupiee.

“There is a Matriarch yes, but she governs the females and those who are not Blooded.” Lord Khupiee sighs. “Ras’Lech is the Patriarch of the males and of the Blooded. And you are Blooded. When the news of you came to his ears, he moved from the Homeworld and traveled to the DropShip that is on its way to us. He stopped it and demanded to accompany them as you are in his jurisdiction as a Blooded member. If you were simply a female then the Matriarch would govern you, but you were Blooded so you are under him. Just as I am. Just as Sya is. As every other male and Blooded hunter is, even Blooded females are his. But he is coming to your judgment.”

“How could this have happened?” Sya finally breaths out.

“I do not know. News of Nalani has spread fast amongst the Clans and Ras’Lech…” Lord Khupiee pauses to shake his head. “I am not sure if he is angry or intrigued with Nalani.” Nala didn’t mind that they were now speaking like she was not there, this was important and being a knit-pick did no good. “But not only that, Det is along with him.”

“Det? Det-Onda’Ni? Your other son?” Nala asks quickly.

“Yes. He went aboard with Ras’Lech and is now traveling with the other DropShip to the location where we will meet. When the Elders contacted us during your first hunt, it was that news they wished to tell me. I thought it odd that they would so adamantly call for me, but it was with good reason. You see Nala,” Lord Khupiee says finally addressing her. “Even if the Elders of the Ehre Clan welcome you, Ras’Lech has the power to simply say no. He can challenge myself, the Elders and you to prove that you are worthy of being Blooded. He will not challenge you for simply being an Ooman, he will not. His mind is only on keeping the Yautja strong and if thinking you are not fit then he will challenge you and if he does…”

“He will kill you.” Sya says in such a sad tone.

“This isn’t exactly polite dinner conversation now is it…” Nala nervously laughs. “What next? A sister of the Queen I killed will come to me asking why I am wearing her kin.” Not even Sya or Lord Khupiee could hold back a slight chuckle. “Just let him come. If he challenges any one it will be me who he fights. It is all because of me that this whole thing is tangled, so many oppose my heart beating on this ship it would be befitting that if he and I do fight that I would die on this ship. Just let him come.” After that, conversation went to more pleasant things.

“” “” “” “”

Dhm'Ni didn’t wish to spoil Nalas engagement with his concerns of Dhyot’te’ka. Even though they have known one another for many seasons, Dhm'Ni does not wish any to touch Nala until her judgment. If Dhyot’te’ka advances on her then more will come. One thing that amazed Dhm'Ni to no end was that Dyne had been quiet for some time now. Only on few occasions were Nala and he even on the same deck. But Dhm'Ni knew that he would try something, it was only a matter of time. And it was only a matter of time that he would go insane if he stayed in his room for any longer.

“The son has decided to show himself.” Khanna laughs evilly as Dhm'Ni enters the training deck, wishing to rid himself of aggression but now that Khanna was here, it would just get worse. Dhm'Ni simply walks by Khanna without a word, he really didn’t want to deal with him today. But for many hours, Khanna simply stared at Dhm'Ni as he worked with other Yautja to hone their skills until Dhm'Ni just couldn’t take it any longer. With the simple gesture of pushing his shoulder Dhm'Ni had challenged Khanna to yet another fight and the end result was the same as the others. Khanna had won once more, leaving Dhm'Ni more frustrated then when he came in. However, Dhm'Ni had gotten a few more shots in then other times, hitting Khanna with his fists over his body that would undoubtedly leave beautiful bruises by morning. He on the other hand was left rather pain free, that being one of Khannas tell-tale signs that he had fought him. Khanna enjoyed leaving more then just a physical mark and nothing was more detrimental to a hunter then losing without being marked. Before Khanna could start once more on his tirade of insults that Dhm'Ni had no way of stopping, he left the training deck to his room hoping that Nala would not be home yet so he would calm down a little, but he had no luck.

“Tell me what’s got you all growly?” Nala says instantly from the bed. She had been home for a little while and was reading a small digital panel that was the size of a piece of paper that held the laws of the Yautja, she wasn’t even one tenth the way through and she had been reading for days and days.

“Khanna.” Dhm'Ni says in a deep growl. He knew that before it was Dhyot’te’ka that was bothering him but now it was Khanna.

“What of him?” She asks as she pushes the covers of the bed to the bottom.

“I can never defeat him in a fight.” He growls back. Dhm'Ni walks into the bathroom to change into his sleep wear so that he could at least lay down to rest. “I just need to train harder, longer to be able to over power him.”

“Does he always make you so agitated?” Nala asks carefully when he came from the bathroom in his black leggings that she thought were rather flattering to him. But instead of an answer, Dhm'Ni just groans as he falls on the bed beside Nala. “Guessed so.” She laughs.

“Since I was a child he had always been a bother. He is however decent to my brother, which I will never understand.” Nala was just opening her mouth wide to tell him that his brother is coming here, but thought that she would also have to tell of Ras’Lech and that would just make him more troubled, so she would tell him in the morning.

“Do want me to calm you down?” She asks, smiling down at him.

“How?” He laughs. Placing the panel to her side, Nala only waves her hand up, motioning for him to sit up and when he did Nala moves behind him and tells him to lean back. At first however Dhm'Ni didn’t like her behind him, which was just his instinct. But at seeing his hesitation, Nala grabs his shoulders and pulls him down, his head ending up resting on her belly. Before Dhm'Ni could protest, she thrusts her hands deep into his tresses and starts to massage his head. Instantly his whole body relaxes into her as Nalas hands begin to do a miracle in relaxing him.

“How are you feeling?” Nala whispers into his ear.

“Better.” Dhm'Ni purrs. Before she knew it Dhm'Ni was asleep on her. He was way too heavy to move and her body was trapped behind him. With a happy sigh, Nala lays down herself, pulls up the covers, wraps her legs around Dhm’Nis chest and places her hands behind her head.

“” “” “” “”

Cingding

“I am not waking up.” Nala groans to that dammed sound. She could still feel the weight of Dhm'Ni on her and it actually felt good. His head, granted was gigantic compared to hers, was lightly placed on her stomach and his hands were funnily holding onto her legs.

Cingding

“Pauk.” She hisses, opening her eyes to see someone was at the door to get in. Dhm'Ni was still snoozing away so she had no chance of getting up to get it. Out of the corner of her eye, Nala sees the panel she was reading and with a quick grab and toss to the button to open the door a very painful ray of light trespasses into their room with a shadowy figure standing at the door. Before she could ask who it was, the person walks into the room and the door closes behind them.

“Djh’fah.” A fast bark sounds and the lights turn on suddenly. Covering her eyes from the sting, Nala groans at the sudden pain of the lights. “I knew it!” He roars. Now Nala forced herself to open her eyes and she see the one person she really didn’t think it was, Nder.

“You knew what?” Dhm'Ni yawns as he wakes. “What are you doing in our room, Nder?”

“I know that there was a reason Nala did not wish to room with me, you and her are mating!” Nder hisses.

“WHAT?” Both of the bodies sit up with Nala having to lean a little to the side to see Nder as Dhm'Ni was so bloody tall.

“YOU TWO ARE MATING!” He growls once more.

“We are not!” Dhm'Ni hisses back.

“We are only sharing a bed because no one should sleep in a hammock for a long time.” Nala offers.

“Then why are you asleep on her?” Nder asks smugly. He had Dhm'Ni there, but not Nala.

“I was massaging his head as I do to anyone who asks it and the giant thing on me fell asleep on me.” Nala laughs. Nder scoffs at the idea as no Yautja would allow any to touch the back of their head if it was not to do with mating, it was an erogenous zone. “If you do not believe me I can show you. Come here.” Nala says as she slips out from behind Dhm'Ni and sits on the end of the bed. But Nder didn’t move. “I’ll go train with you if you sit down with your back to me?” Nala gives him a very alluring smile and Nder gives in to sit in front of her. But Nala didn’t go right into the thick of his head where the tresses meet his skin, but she softly moves each tress this way and that giving each one their own attention. Gliding off the bed, Dhm'Ni just smiles at Nala as he goes into the bathroom to bathe. If he knew Nala, she would have Nder purring so loudly people in the other rooms wouldn’t know what was going on.

“” “” “” “”

Over the next cycle many things were discovered. There was the good, the bad and the ugly. The good was that Nala had finished her day to day studies with Sya, only having to meet him when he thought it necessary or when Nala had a question. She still had to read up on the many laws concerning the Yautja because at any time the Elders can question her on her knowledge. With her extra time, Nala had become much more acquainted with the other passengers of the DropShip. There was a clear line of those who liked her, those who didn’t know if they liked her or not and those who wouldn’t even look at her. But at any time if one of them would push her too far, Nala would simply fight them but since her first challenge with Lidch and her more effective ‘spar’ with Nder, they mostly left her alone. It wouldn’t take a lot for Nala to not even see Sya or Lord Khupiee in a day. She would even steer clear of Dhm'Ni, unintentionally of course, and not see one another for the whole day. But every night they would always sleep together with Nala saying her good-night and Dhm'Ni grunting. Her hair had grown considerably during the time and she had her fun with it being short. The day she left their room with a mohawk will never be forgotten. But after a long day and a soothing bath, Nala was unexpectedly told by Dhm'Ni not to cut her hair again, noting that he liked it longer. How could she say no? Her and Inkles little prank war had become more and more hilarious to those on the ship. The first thing Nala had done was to reprogram the lift so that it would shuffle the deck that Inkle would call for. He was a little late for mid-day meal but thought she was ingenious in the first strike of their war. However with that very same meal, Inkle had somehow placed a rather large goop of the purple paste she had originally shown her distaste for, into her drink. She did spit it all back out, the taste however stayed with her for many days. With all the Yautja thinking it positively funny that her tongue would keep the taste with her for so long. After that their war got even worse. Nala had even gone as far as pretending to die during on of her and Inkles sparring sessions. The look in his face was one she would never forget.

The bad-which is to tell the truth both the bad and the ugly- was that Nalas ‘scent’ was found. During a rather playful arguing session between Thr’ik and Nala in the bathing room, Nala had accidentally tripped on her way out of the bath and fell prone for all those to see and-to her shock- smell her completely. The sound that came from them scared Nala like nothing else because it made her feel vulnerable to what they might do. She had read about how rough and violent some matting sessions go, that further confirming her stance on no mating. Dhm'Ni, who was thankfully there, was affected as well but kept what he felt to himself whereas the others couldn’t hold back a groan from that strange yet breathtaking aroma. He had Nala out of there before she even knew she had moved. For days after that Sya and Dhm'Ni kept her in their room because of all the ruckus. She had demanded to go out so that she could tell them or beat them so they know not to even think it. But Sya simply refused her. Nala had made many escape attempts with all of them only getting her a strict talking to by Sya. By the end of it however Dhm'Ni was pleading to Sya to let her out as she wouldn’t let him sleep during the nights. While it had become ship wide knowledge of their sleeping arrangements, they thought that fact that she would repeatedly and purposely kick him during the night to wake him funnier then them actually sleeping in the same bed. She was finally let out of the room and the first thing she did was prank Inkle by programming the COM in his room to wake him at ungodly hours. By the time he had had enough and went down to eat the morning meal, Inkle found Nala already there with most of the others and to make a point, he sat by himself at an empty table. Nala didn’t fail to notice though and had even gingerly sat beside him. But for a while the two didn’t say anything.

“The ship is to quiet.” Nala whispers.

“What do you mean by that?” He asks sounding a little irritated as he got little sleep.

“I know we have our thing, but I think the ship with all its inhabitants have gotten of light in our war.” She smiles up at him.

“Do you wish to prank the ship?” Inkle says lowly, only getting a light nod in affirmation. “You cannot even think it!” He says strongly. Inkle shakes his head rashly for a moment before looking back at Nala who was gingerly sipping from a flask of flavored water that reminded her of peaches. “What were you thinking?” He smiles.

“I was thinking of stealing all of the pillows from the purple society room and placing them in a storage room. I would come in at night and steal them all.” She says very lightly like she wasn’t planning a massive undertaking.

“That is not wise. For one thing the amount alone would force you to make many, many trips with the time it would take. There would always be the fear of being caught. And once it was done the servants would be ordered to clean your mess and even I have noticed how you are more then civil towards them. While I agree with your actions with the servants, they would still be in changer of cleaning.” Inkle advises.

“True.” She sighs. Inkle began to eat once more as one stupid idea came to her one after the other, until one perfect idea came to her. “Do you have access to the COM system? They kind of won’t let me near that station on the Bridge any longer.” She giggles at the deep growl coming from the clearly angry Yautja beside her.

“Why?” He growls.

“Well, I was thinking…” Nala pauses to take a deep breath and a look around to see if anyone could hear them but since it was rather early no one was really there. “The sound of a Hard Meat Queen makes any Yautja Ch'hkt-a, hyperactive and wide awake. And Dhm'Ni did have a recording from the Queen I took. I was thinking that you could program the sound of her screaming to come on everyone’s COM at say…the seventh. With the exception of Lord Khupiees, yours and mine and Dhm'Ni quarters.” Inkle couldn’t think of what to say. It was a brilliant idea. But to make sure Nala knew it, he looks down to her, gives her a slight smile and a nod. “Cheers.” Nala says, holding up her flask for Inkle to bang his against. At fist he didn’t know what it meant but when Nala told him, he went right a head and did it.

“Cheers.” Inkle laughs, banging his flask to hers. With no more words, Nala leaves inkle to his food to return to hers.

“” “” “” “”

While Nala had originally asked Inkle not to include hers and Dhm'Nis room, he decided against it and their room was also invaded at the early morning hour with a very loud screech from the Queen. Every hunter had run from their rooms asking what was going on and some even accused Nala, but she contradicted them saying she was right there and that her room was as well hit from the sound. But as the day wore on both Inkle and Nala went into hiding. Both of them spending time together in an observation room to hide. They did get to know more of one another in that room. They didn’t leave until that night. Once they did however, Lord Khupiee informed them that they would be going on yet another hunt. Also saying that it was clear both Inkle and Nala were in need of outside recreation. The next couple of days were rather hectic as the news of Ras’Lech had gone around the ship and to Nalas shock all the hunters were actually over training, if you can really say that. But as she was readying herself for her second hunt, almost every hunter came along to gain more trophies. The hunters had to be released in groups because the hunters bay could in no way service all of those on board. In the end Nala, Dhm'Ni and Thr'ik went off together to hunt on a topical planet that they could all seemingly breath fine without their masks on.

“How can you find this planet beautiful?” Thr'ik asks as he watches Nala take the skull of a beast that looked almost like the same lion that bit her butt.

“Because the sky is a wonderful shade of green, the sand warm and solid, the air is pleasant and the breeze is wonderful. That strange orange water is also a beautiful thing to look at, even if you are in its way.” She laughs at the growl that was Thr’iks response.

“Stop playing and take the skull already, I wish to eat.” Dhm'Ni growls from the waters edge. If there was anything that made him angry it was Nala and Thr'ik fighting as they usually did. They would have been brothers by the banter exchanged between them.

“Isn’t she a beauty?” Nala laughs holding up the skull that was the same size of hers but had many more sharp teeth.

“I have more!” Thr'ik sticks out his tongue as none of them had their masks on, Nala was fast in returning the gesture.

“But mine was more of a challenge then yours combined. It holds more honor than the many teeth of all your skulls.” She jests as she makes her way next to Dhm'Ni. He had taken more skulls then all of them and they were more difficult in hunting so the winner of their little game was no question. “So now what?” Nala looks out onto the water.

“Now we eat.” Dhm'Ni answers as he extends him combat staff to its full length and then with a smooth motion stabs it into the water. When he took it back out, two very large fish like animals were pierced on the end. But what made Nala kind of not want to eat them was that they were see through. You could see every organ in their bodies if you looked hard enough and she could even see their last meal. Ewe. She didn’t really have any other options however and Dhm'Ni forced her to eat it as they would be there for the night and make their way back to the drop point when their group was scheduled to be picked up by Ojhm and the smaller pickup ship.

“Will you show me some of the things you have shown Sya?” Dhm'Ni asks lightly after gulping down a large strip of the fish thing. “Show me how to move my feet like you?” He says without looking at her. Nala saw that it was hard just for him to ask her of anything and this was pushing it. So she silently takes his hand and they begin to train. Every now and then they would laugh if one would mess up their footing and fall to their behind because if you miss one foot it is like dominoes, one foot falls wrong then the other and then you fall. Thr'ik was content with just watching and laughing, not willing to learn her complicated things just yet. He will get her to teach him but on a full stomach nothing could make him get up. By the time the green radiant sun set, cascading the tropical lands with a calming glow, Nala had curled up asleep next to Thr'ik on the make-shift bed of large leaves and sticks. Wrapping one of his large arms around her back, Thr’ik couldn’t help but laugh at Dhm'Ni as he looked at him with a warning glare.

“Do you remember the first time we took her the galley, and she fell on me?” Thr'ik whispers to his best friend beside him so not to wake the sleeping female in his grasp.

“How could I forget?” Dhm'Ni barks back. It did feel a little odd that he was not holding Nala or she was not holding him. But he wouldn’t say anything.

“I realized that day before anything why you felt the need to protect Nalani.” Dhm'Ni turns his head to the left to gaze at the sleeping form in Thr'ik arm. “She seems so strong sometimes, indestructible and unbreakable. And then when she fell on me and she screamed in pain, I knew that you wished to protect her as you do because she is as all creatures are. Sometimes she is vulnerable, sometimes she is fragile and sometimes she needs our help to stand.” Thr'ik sighs with a slight smile.

“Even though. She is strong.” Dhm'Ni whispers and looks down to Nala. “The more admirable of her being over shadows her faults, her skill crumbles any question, her honor destroys any doubts. Her humor makes the most stone of hunters split his sides in laughter.” Now both Yautja couldn’t hold their chuckles and their thrills fill the almost soundless night.

“Okay, sleeping female here!” Nala whines, grinding her face into the crook of Thr'ik arm. “Go to sleep now!” She almost orders, inciting a new round of laughter. But they soon fell silent as sleep came to claim them as well. “Dhm'Ni.” Nala calls out, getting only a grunt. “Good night.” She gets only a grunt again and both Nala and Dhm'Ni smile.

“” “” “” “”

When the three made it to the small ship, only Ojhm was there. He had expressed his amusement with the fact that Nala was always the first back and yet had prized trophies. Thr'ik was the first to plop into a large chair to rest as he and Nala had begin their normal teasing as usual and it had already tired him out trying to think of funny insults with out making her mad so he could keep his ass attached to his skin. The day had begun with the air rather hot and the sun out with a vengeance, one that Nala planned to use to her advantage. While Dhm'Ni had rested next to his friend, she grabs a large cloth from the back that is intended for bathing and strips down to only her loincloth and a metal bra before heading outside. The small ship had landed on a sandy patch of land next to the lake that they had also spent the night next to. The shore line was only a few meters away as Nala was slow in picking a flat piece of sand to lay the towel and then herself to tan. Her skin had become whiter then she had ever seen it so her back was the first to get what ever the green sun could offer. After an uncountable amount of time Nala had switched onto her back to give her front some attention when the sun was suddenly enveloped by a large figure. Nala had to blink her eyes a few times before she could see anything and even then she could really. So to finally see who it was, Nala uses her hand to really look but she wished she hadn’t. She remembered Dyne from the beginning and from when Dhm'Ni warned about him. And now there he was standing over her with a sick look in his eyes. Nala was up and on her feet in a second only to see his little horde behind him, making a line between her and the ship where Dhm'Ni, Thr'ik and her Awu’asa were.

“Getting ready for me I see.” Dyne hisses with delight. Nala begins to look at he ground franticly, searching for something she could use as a weapon against him but nothing was in her reach. “Those scars tempt me so, I wish nothing more then to trace them. Especially this one here…” He reaches out and touches the scar on her belly that disappeared down below her loincloth.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” Nala yells as she back away from him, only for Dyne and his little group to advance on her.

“And what are you going to do to stop me, I know you wish for my touch or you would not have been here waiting for me.” Dyne purrs to her, only making Nala was to puke.

“GET AWAY FROM ME DYNE!” Nala yells louder, hoping beyond hope that someone would hear, that someone could help her. She knew she could hold her own against Dyne. He just seemed the type to look tough but once he was hit he would scurry away to whine. But with the four other Yautja behind him who were his band of followers, she wouldn’t stand a chance. The next thing Nala saw was a flash of dark and light green and metal in front of her as Dhm'Ni jumped up and over the group and in between Nala and Dyne. Growling at a very low and threatening tenor, Dhm'Ni stands at his tallest with his head well over Dyne. From past experience Nala knew not to back away from him, last time she did that she almost died. So this time she was swift in getting behind Dhm'Ni, so close that her hands were on his back. Not even knowing it, Nala entwines her fingers in the net that surrounded his body to really make sure that he was there and to make sure he didn’t go anywhere. Dyne on the other hand wished to leave, but to no use as both Ojhm and Thr'ik were standing behind the group. Even with the odds at five to three Dyne knew that they would lose as all three of the hunters there were the best. Ojhm may be only a pilot but he is skilled in many ways.

“Leave now.” Dhm'Ni roars into Dynes’ face. Lacking any other thought, Dyne scurries away with his followers in toe. It was only once Dhm'Ni knew they were inside the ship did he realize where Nala was. He was highly aware of her body next to his as he could feel her hands on his back, her fingers next to his skin and her head as it was rested against him. He missed her touch last night…

“I really don’t like him.” Nala whispers. She was genuinely afraid at that moment. Raising an arm funnily to look at Nala behind him, Dhm'Ni couldn’t help but worry as he could smell that she was frightened.

“It is safe now Nala.” He says in a very calm voice, making her head slowly look up to him.

“I think I will have a permanent set of armor attached to me so that I will never be bare of my weapons ever again.” Nala untangles her hands from Dhm'Ni and walks from behind him. “I really don’t like him.” She says again. “I don’t care if he is the son of Elder Ukinda, if he does anything like that again he will not live to see his father again.” While there were a few light laughs from her statement, they knew that her threats were to be taken seriously.

“” “” “” “”

It had taken a lot of pleading but Sya had promised not to kill Dyne when she told him and Lord Khupiee of what happened. While Nala didn’t like going to them when it happened, her feeling like tattle tail when she could defend herself, she knew it was worse to keep it from them. She made sure to sit next to Dhm'Ni on the ride back, she just wanted to have him close. Through the whole trip she could feel Dynes eyes on her, even though she could not see him she, knew. Nala couldn’t understand just how safe Dhm'Ni made her feel. Even though he was a few feet away and chatting away with Thr'ik and some others, she couldn’t help but curl up in the chair, with room to spare, and look at him. His skin was so mesmerizing. There was something about the way the greens all melded together and the black spots that always made her happy when ever she saw him. And when he touches her, when she touches him, she just feels so safe, so protected. Nala smirks deeply when Dhm'Ni smacks Thr'ik over the head for some unknown reason, but you didn’t really need a reason to smack Thr’ik. Dhm’Nis laugh suddenly hits her like a punch and she felt so calm at that moment. All she could do was sigh heavily, but in that breath she could smell Dhm'Ni from even that distance. That sweet vanilla and fresh rain. Nothing in the universe would be able to calm her like that scent. Without her consent her eyes begin to grow heavy but instead of fighting the sleep, Nala just lets her body fall into a light sleep. She was gently rocked awake when the ship docked and to her comical discontent she was greeted with Thr’iks ugly mug.

“Seriously sweetie, your face really isn’t something I want to wake up to. And this morning proved that!” Nala bites her tongue to try and not laugh at his face at the memory of Nala pushing him into he cool morning water.

“Alright. That’s it!” Thr'ik growls loudly and stands tall. “I can’t deal with this female any longer!” He starts to stomp away but just as he was about to disappear through the door he turn back around. “I do not see what it is you find so unappealing about me Nalani.” He said suddenly, Nalas breathe catching in her throat. “I look at you and see everything I want in a mate.” By now those who were left in the room had stopped to listen, Nala however had her mouth agape as she tried to process this. “You fool with me as you do and not expect me to wish to mate with you! You crazy female!” He says as he was slowly making his way back to her. “And I cannot believe,” He pauses to lean down to her. “How hilarious your face is! THAT IS WHAT YOU GET FOR PUSHING ME IN THE WATER!”

“Oh you little c’jit!” Nala growls as lunges at him, forcing both their bodies to the ground in one giant heap. Just as Nala raises a fist into the air, her whole body is lifted by Sya, taking her from the ground by one hand. “Let me go! Aw come on, let me go!” She whines.

“You can punish Thr'ik later. You must clean your trophies and calm down before you skin him!” Sya laughs, dragging Nala out with her kicking to be let go.

“She is going to get you.” Dhm'Ni laughs as he helps his friend up. “And get you good.”

And she did. That morning Thr'ik woke up with Nala in his bed with no clue as to what was going on. It took some begging but Rik’et had let her into their ship during the night, explaining that her revenge would be sweet and that he would like it. She snuck into Thr'ik room, which was smaller then hers and Dhm'Nis, and slipped into his bed just before it was time for him to wake. When he did however, the look on his face…she wished she had a camera. She spoke first in asking what they would think. When Thr'ik asked what she was talking about, Nala then explained that she wondered what everyone would think now that they are mates. In an instant Thr'ik was out of the bed and demanded to know what was going on. He was frantic which was very out of character for a Yautja and so bloody hilarious. It took about an hour to calm him down, trying to tell him that she just wanted to get him back. The rest of the day however was much less eventful. Well, for her anyways. It had become routine for Dhm'Ni and Nala to go to deck 10 and look at what ever was by the window, with Nala always cuddled into him and his black coat. But as Nala waited there this night, she got a rather pleasant surprise.

“Twenty-five seasons.” Dhm’Ni voice suddenly appears, startling her a bit as she stood alone in the large room. “Six cycles. Forty-two days. Thirty-nine hours. That is the length of time it has taken me to defeat Khanna.”

“So…” Nala was a little confused.

“With what you showed me, with what you have taught me, I beat Khanna. Literally and figuratively.” He laughs. Nala simply smiles and nods at him, she would never force the fact that she had helped him so. By the nights end she was actually able to walk home from deck 10 even though previous nights either had Dhm'Ni carry her or get kicked for waking her to walk herself, that only happening on days she pissed him off. Once both were in bed and sleeping soundly, Nala had one of the best dreams in her life…

(In Nalas dream…)

“I’m home.” Nala says softly as she unlocks the door with one hand while carrying a big bag of food in the other. While it was a feat to do, she had thought that Allen would have seen her come home and would have already come out to help bring in the other bags. But as the door to their house opened, Nala was met with no Allen and instead with a front hall filled with lit candles and flower petals from the sunflower, something Nala claimed he smelt like. As her eyes follow that now apparent trail of petals, Nala knew that this was his plan all along. It had been exactly one year since they moved into this house and he was celebrating. Thankful that she had announced her presents lowly, she places the bag down on the ground and starts to follow the trail for a bit. But as it rounded the corner to the stairs, Nala does an about face and goes into the dining room and then to the kitchen to use the old maids stairs to get to the top floor that was their room. With careful steps not to make the stairs creek, Nala slowly makes her way up and then through the small door to their room.

“How did I know you wouldn’t do as you were told?” Allen’s deep voice makes her freeze in mid step. Their room, as large as it was, seemed small as only the bed was lit from the surrounding candles. “Close your eyes.” He whispers with a horse voice, the same one that made Nala ache for him, the same one that made her body tense and her sexual core to heat up. Even though she didn’t want to, she closes her eyes and was rewarded when she feels a soft but firm hand trace the back of her arm. When that same hand travels down to the bottom of her shirt, Nala knew instantly what to do and the article was up and over her head in one movement. Nala couldn’t stifle a tender gasp when he starts to kiss her shoulder ever so lightly that she wasn’t even sure he was kissing her with his lips. But as Allen travels closer and closer to the base of her neck, his intensifies his kiss with everyone until he was right on her neck. Then without warning Allen bites down on her exposed skin, making her not only yelp in pain but moan in pleasure. He couldn’t help a laugh at her sounds, he always loved making her straddle the line between pleasure and pain. Before Nala could react, Allen grabs her by her arms almost painfully and tosses her onto the bed on her back, only to clamber onto of her. When her eyes adjusted to the low lighting, Nala bites her lips in arousal as the only thing Allen had on were his scars. “Now you will listen to me…” He growls and he grasps her wrists, only to pull her hands up and over her head. “If you take your hands from here, I will leave you in this room. Alone.” He laughs when she whines under him, writhing her body against his. But just to make sure, Nala grabs the head board with both hands so not to make the mistake of not listening. Slowly moving upwards on her body, Allen grasps the base of his stiff manhood in front of Nala, giving it a small but effective pump before telling her to use her mouth to her best ability. But even he was not ready when Nala encases the head of his penis into her warm and went mouth, her tongue expertly tracing every line of his member. When he tells her to stop, she actually listens for once.

With her sufficiently cornered and actually listening, Allen slowly takes off her army issue pants as she was never one for any other fashion. Cautious not to toss the pants into any flames, Allen stopped to stare at his fiancé for a moment, taking in her beauty. He didn’t see her scars, he didn’t see her pain but he looked to see her. And that is what made Nala shiver. No one but Allen could make her feel more desired, no one but Allen made her feel so beautiful. Bending low, Allen kisses her belly softly then begin to move upwards to in between her breasts and then higher until his mouth was encasing hers, their tongues battling for dominance. When he pushes his pelvis into her lower stomach, his extremely aroused member pushing into her supple skin, Allen’s mouth covers and breathes in the moan that escapes from her lips, muffled by his own. Breaking the kiss suddenly, Allen moves his head and strangely bites down gently on her right shoulder. It was the oddest sensation. It was not only that, but Nala didn’t know what to think when she hears an abnormal sound of a purr coming from him. However, before she could wonder any longer, Allen unlatches his mouth from her skin and with expert hands coaxes her bra off, revealing her already hardened nipples to him. With an evil chuckle, he maneuvers his head over the bountiful mounds only to gently rake his lips over her nipples, enticing a whimper from her before grabbing one between his lips. With a wonderful pressure, Allen sucks on her reddened nipple while pinching and rolling the other with his free hand. Arching her back at the feelings, he lets go off her breasts, to her anger, but soon Allen starts to move and as fast as he could, Allen goes down her body and soon disposed of the nuisance of her panties to give him access to her already moistened womanhood. He never knew until Nala and he came together how much he loved a woman’s core to be naked of pubic hair. The moisture coating it deliciously causing it to glisten in the candle light. But before Allen could even begin to taste her, he hears the sweetest sound.

“Please…” Nala gasps. “Please Allen.” She says, raising her hips up a little at the thought of being his. While he had planned to extend this night until the wee hours of the morning, no man could resist the woman he loved as she begged for his attention. Spreading her to her max, Allen opens her legs wide as moves up and positions his stiff shaft at her opening, only letting it rest there to reveal it the feel for only a moment before sliding himself in. Seething from the sudden entry, not sure whether it was pain or pleasure, Nala arches her back against his strong and steady thrusts, matching his rhythm perfectly. With one hand on her hip, Allen uses to other to balance as he leans his body down to hers so their eyes were at the same level. But just far apart that her softly bouncing breasts wouldn’t hit his chest, not giving her that added friction. Unable to take the stare any longer, Nala closes her eyes and turns her head to the side, concentration on the movement of the man she loved above her. When all of the sudden the hand that was keeping him stead moves from its spot and onto her right breasts, gently squeezing her nipple between his fingers, Nala moans uncontrollably. Her breathing becomes more labored as the thrusts and her own were beginning to make there mark on her, slowly forcing her over edge of bliss. She was just ready to look back into her loves eyes when she feels the strangest sensation. The hands that were on her hip and breast began to grow long nails that painfully dig into her skin, but oh it was a good pain.

“Nala…” A growl comes from the being above her that did not sound like her Allen. But that first growl of her name did not stop and soon it turned into a loud and long purr, the same one she had heard before. Now a little worried, Nala snaps open her eyes and twists her head back to not see Allen, to not see a human at all. Still thrusting at the same blissful pace, pushing himself into her as deep as he could go was a green skinned, black haired Yautja with blue ringed eyes.

“Dh…Dhm'Ni?” Nala stutters. Growling deeply in his belly Dhm'Ni bends at his waist, never stopping his deep and forceful pushing of his member into her, he leans so his eyes were right in front of hers.

“Nala…” He growls again.

(End Nalas dream…)

Panting greatly all of the sudden, Nala jerks awake from the startling dream, not understanding what just happened. But what else didn’t register as normal to her was that the feeling of a hand on her left breast was still there and her right shoulder still pained from the bite from her dream. But not only that, there was a subtle and soft purr coming form the Yautja beside her. Looking down almost petrified at what she might find, Nala couldn’t help as her eyes widen in shock to see the hand of a green Yautja placed under her sleeping bra and cupping her breast, even pinching her nipple between his fingers. The one thing that scared her more then the fact that Dhm'Ni was touching her, was that somewhere deep in her…Nala liked it. She couldn’t understand how his strong hands were affecting her so, making her already aroused body go into overdrive. Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, Nala slowly turns her head and find Dhm'Ni extremely close to her, his sharp mandibles and mouth full of razor teeth resting just at her shoulder, clear and present marks there from when he had bitten her.

“Dhm'Ni.” Nala whispers, but nothing. Not wanting to waste any time, she raises her left hand, the only free one as he was so close to her right, and smacks him rather hard on his face.

“What?” This being Dhm’Nis natural question now that he was rooming with Nala.

“Dhm'Ni, open your eyes and look up.” She says calmly and as to her instructions he opens his eyes and looks up to see her hand pointing down. So to follow her finger, Dhm'Ni looks down but the sight before him was something he never though would happen. His hand had somehow crept under her sleeping top and was now gently holding her breast and to his shock, he could feel a hard nub between his middle and index finger. When Dhm'Ni takes in a deep breath to say something, anything as to why he was doing this, a smell so sweet and alluring hits him like a Hard Meat defending the hive.

“You’re in heat.” Dhm'Ni groans, not taking his hand from her chest.

“I am aroused.” Nala offers.

“I am sorry.” He says and finally takes his hand from her body. It was only then that something very apparent came to Dhm’Nis attention. There was a very strange yet pleasurable pressure between his legs where his own male appendage was at full attention. But to be sure Nala did not feel it, Dhm'Ni inches away from her to be sure not to poke her with fully aroused shaft. “I don’t know why but I am sorry. You smell as though you are in heat.” He couldn’t open his eyes to her, he just couldn’t.

“As an Ooman I am always in heat but I am aroused right now. I had a sexual dream. I am sorry.” Nala offers, feeling a stab of guilt for this as she had no intention or thought that this would happen.

“It is an accident.” Dhm'Ni reassures her. “But before you leave in the morning take a thorough bath as that scent will surly be caught by any male near you, and they will be affected as I am.” Without another word, Dhm'Ni bends his knee upwards and he turns over onto his other side so she would not see his burning erection. Nala however was already on her side as well, making it so their backs were to each other. But even as the two were trying to understand what just happened, there was a unanimous thought of ‘c’jit’ going through their minds.

Authors Note: Hmm…Was that enough for all those who wanted ‘something’ to happen? Yes? No? He he he. Me so evil!

A speacail thanks to:

On ff .net: ben revell, Oak Tree Woman, Alix, aquamum, and Hattu.

On aff .net: Death God Dist, chancelor22, angelpred (Syas’ secret will come soon, don’t worry), and missy.

Now onto a strange request. I was just wondering to all my wonderful readers if they would be so kind on telling what their favorite part of the story so far is. I have a couple but I can’t really pick as I am the writer, but I was just wondering about you guys. I was also hoping that if there was a quote or two you liked, you could also tell me too. I love to hear how one person likes this passage while another like this line. I always find it fun.

Thank you!

E.M.