》Y/N pov + minor time skip《
By the time we made it back to the ship, the suns began to set, and the air was getting cold. The many pools glowed with strange colors, some blue, a few purple, and even one or two pink ones. Ayull made a point to avoid those - for unmentioned reasons - even though Bahtoh joked about hanging out in one.
Speaking of, after our little therapy session, Ayull has been… different. He seems more relaxed and calm around me. Like how he is around Veta and Bahtoh. Relaxed.
“Y/N, you remember the way to the bathroom, yes?” Veta called out as he shook some of the sand from his dreads.
“I'm sure I'll figure it out. It's not like the room's going to move.” At least I don't think it will. Because they can't do that, I think.
“Well, if you get lost, I could always escort you.” Bahtoh raised a brow as he purred suggestively at me.
“Pervert!” Veta exclaimed with a smack to the side of Bahtoh's head.
Ayull chuckled as he walked past and opened the docking door. It whooshed open almost silently. Alien tech sure worked like a well greased machine. Even the interior doors hardly made any noise.
“Oh go easy on him, Veta, he's just -”
“Silent.” Ayull interrupted me before I could join in the teasing. His posture was stiff as he stared into the docking area filled with boxes and equipment.
He seemed tense - well, more tense than usual - like he sensed something I couldn't. His tusks clacked together as he flexed his wrist to draw out his gauntlet blade.
》Ayull pov《
I've smelt this scent before, but I can't quite place it. It smells powerful, dangerous, and almost playful. If I had to compare it ; it's like the smell of gasoline mixed with those salty taffies.
“We're not alone.” I hear Veta and Bahtoh draw their blades as they move in front of Y/N.
Veta pressed a button on his gauntlet to bring up the video feeds inside the ship. He clicked through the cameras rapidly, scanning for what could've possibly infiltrated out sanctum.
“I'm not seeing anything…” Veta muttered as he glanced at Bahtoh - who had brought up his gauntlet as well to instead scan the local area.
“No, but there's a heat trail. Dim and a few hours old, at least.” Bahtoh nodded. “Whoever is on the ship is not from this planet.
》Y/N pov《
“Who could it be? Humans?” I tapped Bahtoh on the elbow while glancing between him and the bay door.
“No, the silhouette is too large to be a human's profile.” Bahtoh assured me as he placed a hand over mine.
The temperature dropped as the sun was finally tucked under the horizon, and a pale purple moon rose into the sky. Ayull made a few motions with his hand that I couldn't understand, but the memo was clear as Veta and Bahtoh moved into action.
Veta and Ayull began to enter the ship through the docking bay while Bahtoh grabbed my hand firmly to lead me away. He stalked low, and I did my best to copy him while we walked around the outside of the ship.
“What are we doing?” I do my best to be as quiet as possible and hold tightly to his big leathery hand.
“Me and you are on standby, Veta and Ayull are confronting our intruder.” Bahtoh whispered back as he tugged me to crouch in front of him.
So much for a peaceful beach day.
》Veta pov《
My whiskers shiver as me and Ayull slowly creep through our own ship. I've smelt this scent before, I know Ayull has too. But it feels like such an old memory.
Ayull pointed me down the left corridor as he began to take the right. I stepped silently whilst clicking through our many camera channels. Nothing was showing up. But then again, the possibility of our feed being altered isn't impossible.
This was supposed to be a relaxing break. One to help us all clear our minds and bond with our Y/N. Now we have to deal with this c'jit. If Ayull doesn't get to our intruder, I'll kill them myself. Maybe make a lock out of their vertebrae for our door.
》Ayull pov《
This smell… I know I've smelt it before. It feels so familiar, and it's driving me mad as I try to remember. That's what thousands of years gives you : a wavering memory.
I walk my way past the sleeping quarters and showers until I catch wind of the smell again, only stronger this time. I swear it's taunting me as I send a quiet signal to Veta through my gauntlet.
It was coming from the command deck, and surprisingly, the door was closed. No doubt there was a trap laid, but this was the only entrance and exit. The sooner I get this over with, the better.
With a steeling breath, I command the door to open. Darkness faces me. Even with my heightened vision, I can hardly make out any figures in the room.
“If you wish to live, “ my growl echoes throughout the room as I step further and further in. “You will reveal yourself and surrender.”
Nothing answers me. At least a voice doesn't. I hear a quiet growl from above me, and before I could even register it as not my own, a heavy force tackles me to the ground.
I snarl and roar as I push the shadowed figure off. I'm met with a similar roar as a single pink eye stares at me. Wait… I know that eye.
“Kree..?” I grunt out as the figure makes another lunge at me.
I land on my back as the figure stands atop me. Their feet on my wrists as one of their knees presses onto my shoulder. I grimace as they roar directly in my face until that growl slowly dissolves into laughter. The weight is lifted off me, and eventually, I'm helped up by a cold hand.
“You are slower than I remember. And your security could use an upgrade.” An all too familiar voice chuckles out as the lights slowly come back to life. “It is good to see you, Ayull.”
》Y/N pov《
It felt like hours of us just crouching and waiting. I stared at my holographic map diligently. Watching as Ayull and Veta's dots move around slowly. Even with my protests, Bahtoh refused to go in after them.
“Bahtoh, what if -”
“No.” Bahtoh growled firmly as he held my hand gently. “You are not trained well enough for combat, and Ayull gave us orders.”
“But - “ he didn't even interrupt me with words this time. Instead, he just held his other hand over my mouth. His palm felt warm and oddly soft against my face. Bahtoh's claws didn't even touch me.
I shot him a glare, that he returned rightfully, when my bracelet and his gauntlet beeped at the same time. My map changed to a message file from Veta.
- “It is safe to board. The intruder is not, in fact, hostile.” -
Me and Bahtoh didn't waste any time running back into the ship. Bahtoh sniffed the air and almost dragged me towards the main deck.
Veta stood in the doorway, gazing in as Ayull talked to someone inside. It was a voice I didn't recognize. It sounded rough and oddly feminine. Veta perked up when he saw us and nodded for us to come in.
“So, what happened?” Bahtoh grunted as he released my hand to gently pat Veta on the shoulder.
“One of Ayull’s old friends came by for a visit. She saw our call to arms.” Veta sighed as he gave Bahtoh a gentle pat in return. “She decided to play a joke on Ayull. I only wish I got to see it.”
“An old friend?” I repeated as I slowly peeked my head through the door. Only to be faced with one of the prettiest aliens I've ever seen.
She was definitely the same species as Veta and the others, but she was equally as different. Roughly a full head taller than Ayull and with a presence just as intimidating. Her skin was a deep tan, mottled with maroon and lighter tones. Scars ran around her body, but they did little to cover the pure muscle of her form.
Veta mentioned she was female and that paired with very slightly wider hips was the only indicator of that. Her chest was mostly flat and muscled, although it did seem softer to lay on. Her clothes were much simpler than the armor I've seen the other wear. She had on a simple loincloth and beautiful jewelry and… not much else. A shin guard and one arm of armor.
Despite all that, the most striking features had to be her prosthetics. One full arm and one full leg were made of this shining pale metal. It flowed and moved to her every whim as she spoke with Ayull.
“She's gorgeous…” I couldn't help but mutter.
“Glad you think so, ‘ooman.” I'm startled out of my ogling as she turns to fully face me - revealing a blinded eye covered with a massive scar.
Ayull chuckled as he stepped towards me and motioned me into the room. I feel the other Yautjas's eye on me as I walk to Ayull's side. Great, I've offended the pretty alien, and now she hates me.
“Relax, Kree, this is Y/N. The one I was just telling you about.” Ayull grunted, snapping Kree's intense gaze from me.
“Ayull…” Kree muttered almost gently. Her one pink eye softened as she gazed at his face, like she was concerned about something.
“I know. I believed the same in the beginning. But they are not like Artemis. I swear.” Ayull purred and gave my shoulder a soft squeeze. “Y/N, this is Kree. One of my oldest friends, and one I mentioned in my… story.”
“It's nice to meet you,” I glance at Bahtoh briefly as he makes a small bowing motion. I do my best to give her a small bow of my head. It still felt awkward doing that motion.
Kree just stared at me for a moment before sighing. Her posture relaxed as she gave me a small nod. Well, at least it's a start.
BOO! Guess im still considered alive. Yes, yes, it's been a long time. And yes, I missed you guys. As always, I appreciate my many readers, and I appreciate your patience. Pls don't forget to interact with me in the comments!! They really bring me a lot of joy and motivate me to work on this story. Especially with how busy my life is right now.
- with love, author
(Ps, here's Kree's full picture)