(Ashley)

I felt relaxed and completely at ease with my surroundings. The warm waters soothed my body of all the aches and pains. I could hear Ra near the water's edge, lounging in the shallow end. It felt nice to have the ship to myself for a bit. Two years had gone by since I'd been accepted to be Jaran's student. In that space of time I've gone through a tremendous change. At 14, I was now standing at 5'8. My hair, now in thick dreadlocks, was to my shoulders. Going through that was hard and took three times before it was finished.

My training was something that not just any human could go through. I was doing at least 30 laps in the pool and on the track with at least 100 lbs. on the days I did that kind of training. Most days now included weapons training, stealth, tracking, etiquette, skinning, and studying. I could now read and write the Yautja language. Jaran said that when I passed my Chiva I would be able to get a special translator. Most of the studying I did now was of the planets that held all of our prey. I was tested on where certain species where located on the planet and when was the best time to hunt them.

A special training session we had 6 months ago was when Dai'reckzt came to our ship. His son, Bakuub, wasn't with him since he was training for his own Chiva which would happen with a year. I was praying that he would do well. Dai had a special fighting style that he hoped to teach to me. Dai spent years studying his own race and looking for ways to bring his fellow Hunters down without doing too much damage to the body. When he taught it to me, I was completely surprised. This was something I had done myself when still on Earth and something I had tried using against Jaran in my tests.

This style was basically hitting certain points in the body that either caused that part of the body to shut down or cause loss in control of the limb altogether. When Dai realized that I had a pretty good idea of what this was he had me go through all his notes on the Yautja body. I realized that even though humans and Yautja bodies may look similar we are very different. Yautja have very few pressure points compared to humans so I would have to rely on my speed to get a hit in and then get away before they could grab me. I also had to compensate for the fact that their skin is 4 times thicker than a human. I would need to put a lot of power into my hits to accomplish anything.

The next bit of training I had to go through would be learning to use their weapons. Once Jaran got a specialized helmet I breezed through the shoulder cannon training. It took me several weeks for me to get the hang of the spear, whip, and the wrist knives. Daggers and hand-knives were very simple and quick for me to master since I had a lot of practice with these. The one weapon I struggled with the most would be the shuriken. Jaran had asked the Hunter who made my helmet also make me a pair of gloves that the shuriken couldn't cut through. Jaran had a large amount of weapons on his ship but I wasn't allowed to use them until after my Chiva.

The one weapon I wished I would be allowed to use would be my bow and arrows. But seeing as how they aren't durable enough for most of the prey we hunt all they were doing was collecting dust in my room. Even though Jaran was interested in them he couldn't use my set as they were too small for him. I came out of my thoughts when I heard Ra growl as he got out and shook himself. Realizing I had spent enough time soaking I got out too. Knowing I had the ship to myself I walked out with only a towel which I used to dry my hair with. Jaran had left two hours ago with Drak. It came as a surprise when he showed up four weeks ago. We just woke one day and walked to the kitchen area to get breakfast and there he was eating a strip of jerky while fiddling with his wrist computer.

Jaran saw this as a good opportunity to have a little bit of time to himself and just leave me with Drak. At first I thought it would be fun to spend some time off but I was dead wrong. As soon as Jaran left it was one-on-one with Drak. I was told that I would receive no break until I successfully landed at least five hits on Drak. It was harder than I thought. By the time Jaran came back, which was ten hours later, I was only able to get three hits in. I was covered in bruises, cuts and my left shoulder was dislocated. Jaran took one look at me and just started tearing into Drak. Jaran told me to go to the Medbay but I refused. I wouldn't leave until I got two more hits on Drak.

I spent another five hours trying to land my last hit on him. He tried to make it easier by slowing down but I pretty much pushed him into doing his best so as to not insult my skills. After I finally got my last hit I just relaxed my body and let it finally shut down. I didn't wake up for three days and when I did I saw that I wasn't alone in the Medbay. Drak was on a bed next to me covered in bandages. Jaran, obviously, didn't hold back once I passed out. But even Jaran couldn't deny that this was good training. Yautja were physically two times as fast as an ooman but a Kainde amedha is four times as fast as a human. I may not have liked how it started out but I will admit it was good training.

Shim'kara was another who came by every once in a while. Her excuse was I needed a female figure in my life. Being raised by just males was just wrong in her book. It took quite a few weeks before I grew used to her. Ever since my mom died I'd never had another female in my life. Orion never dated when I was living with him. Kara didn't teach me about weapons or fighting. She taught me about seduction. She said females needed to know from a young age on how to get males to do our bidding. She taught on to get males attention, how to flirt, how to talk, how to flaunt my body, and how to dress. Jaran thought I was too young to start this just yet and I personally agreed with him. I didn't have the need to find a male or even think of them. I didn't find males on my planet appealing so I doubted these males would be any different but Kara was a female you didn't cross. Jaran didn't say anything and neither did I. We were quiet and waited until she left once she felt I had taken her lessons to heart.

The other two Ancients never made an appearance though. Not that I wanted that jackass Yukrex here anyway. Merdrej though was always out either on hunts or in his little hiding place. He would disappear for months at a time and nobody ever knew where he went and nobody was stupid enough to follow him either. Even the other Ancients didn't know where he went. Jaran said that these two wouldn't be much use to me until I at least proved myself in a Chiva.

I was brought out of thoughts when I heard whining. I turned to see Ra standing next to the kitchen door. I smiled when my own stomach began to rumble. As the two of us went in to get lunch I wondered once more on where Jaran and Drak were at.

(Jaran)

Walking through the market place I admired the gift for Daz. It was something I had been planning for a while now and I knew she would enjoy it. With a lot of help from Drak, in other words threats and blackmail, the gift was made by a very well-known blacksmith Hunter. He still hunted every now and then but his passion lay in his weapon making skills and it showed. Drak was looking at her gift enviously.

"What is this gift for again?" I could feel my annoyance rising once again. I must've told him this at least thirty times now.

"It has been two years since she became my student and since she'll be going to her Chiva within six more months I thought I would spoil her a little bit."

"You just wanted an excuse just so you could have a new weapon in your collection didn't you?"

"…..Maybe….."

(Ashley)

Ra and I ran to the loading area once the ship told us they were back. Ra had grown more in the years we had been here. Jaran had done some tests on him with some help from Drak and they realized that Ra was a Gkinmara Wolf. Only really experienced Hunters were able to train and use them in specialized hunts. Jaran said that they could grow to the size of a Clydesdale horse. Their bodies are packed with muscles and like their name implies, they are capable of sensing any living creature within fifty miles of them. They use the horns they grow on their heads like special radar sensors. Ra's are barely touching his neck. Jaran said once he turns fifteen they'll reach his back. Some of these wolves have been seen with their horns the same length as their bodies. These horns grow continually and if they break or snap off they'll just grow back. I'm still puzzled though on how an alien wolf got to my planet but I'm not complaining.

We walked through the doors just as Jaran and Drak came walking off the small transport. Jaran was holding a very large bundle in his arms and Drak was still staring at it but he also had a large grin on his face. It took me a while before I was able to learn how to read their faces. It's not as easy as you think. Those mandibles make things very tricky. I bowed to both of them as they walked past.

"What did you get Sensei? Can I see? Is it for me?"

I was trying to poke the bundle but Jaran was making it difficult. He kept moving it away from my nimble fingers. Drak just stood off to the side and watched with that smirk still on his face. I could tell Jaran was enjoying this as well considering the big smile on his face.

"Oh stop tormenting the girl and give it to her. You want her to open it just as much she does."

Jaran just rolled his eyes before offering the bundle to me. I took it from him and set it down on the floor. The two Hunters stood behind me once I finally got it opened. I gasped. Inside were two sets of bows and two quivers of arrows but these sets were so much more different then my own. The bows looked to be made from a very strong metal and they were polished to shine beautifully. The ends of the bows were curved and both of them were flared. The wire for each bow was the exact same wire that Hunters use to string their kills in trees. I can guarantee that they wouldn't break anytime soon. The two quivers were filled with very thin arrows. I pulled one out to examine it. Their weight was perfectly balanced, even the fletching didn't over-balance it and the feathers themselves were from a bird I didn't know existed. They were a multitude of blues and purples. It was easy to see though that one set was for me while the larger set was for Jaran. I looked to him while holding my gift.

"I'm hoping that you could teach me how to use them now. We'll be going on a little hunting trip. Nothing too big for you just yet."

"YES!"

I took off to my room without another seconds delay. I was halfway there when I remembered something and heading back to the docking bay. Both were still there in the same positions though it looked like they were holding in their laughter. I gently put my bow and arrows down before leaping at Jaran. I wasn't able to knock him down but he stumbled around a bit before returning my hug.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Okay, okay, you're welcome. Now go get ready. But first say goodbye to Drak. He's leaving and chances are we won't see him until right before your Chiva."

I let go of Jaran before walking to Drak. I bowed to him but then he started growling. I rolled my eyes but still stood up with a smile. The one thing Drak hated more than anything was his best friends constantly bowing to him. He told me if we were alone that he wanted a hug instead. I'm beginning to wonder how many other Hunters have a softer side they keep hidden. Once he got his hug he shook Jaran's shoulder and with a smile he was gone. I watched his ship leave when a flick to the back of my head reminded me of our own plans.

"Better hurry if you want to go."

"Yes Sensei."

As I ran out of the room with the bundle and Ra running beside me Jaran shouted out that we would take Ra too, just in case. After getting Ra into his armor and putting my own on, we raced back to the bridge. I looked out the window to see a small planet covered in a lot land. There wasn't a lot of water sources on the planet so I had the feeling this place might have a muggy atmosphere. I was getting the setting on my helmet ready when the ship stated it was in stationary mode. Jaran turned to me once he was done with the controls.

"You all ready?"

He had his own bow and arrows already slung over his shoulders. I gave a big grin and a nod. Ra was prancing around the room, barking often. He knew something was happening and since we've barely left the ship since my training began it wasn't a surprise that the both of us had cabin fever.

I strapped Ra and myself in as Jaran started up the small ship. Jaran only used this ship to gather supplies from any major clan ships. I have yet to see what they looked like. Jaran refuses to let me go to one until I've had several more years of hunting under my belt. As we broke through the atmosphere I could feel my nerves rising. Going hunting was something I hadn't done in a while and I was ready to finally get back in the game.

"Prepare for landing Daz. This could get a little rough."

I nodded even though I had already put my hands on my shoulders and grabbed hold of the straps so I wouldn't jostle around too much. I barely noticed it as we landed. I was too excited to finally go on a hunt with Jaran. I was so excited that by the time Jaran had shut the ship down and unbuckled himself I was already at the door with Ra, who was just as excited.

(Jaran)

Watching her act like this was kinda cute but now it was time to get serious. It doesn't matter what kind of hunt you're on. Even little outings such as this needed to be handled like a professional Hunter. I grabbed my own gear and slung it over my shoulder and walked to the door where my student was at. I rapped my knuckles over the back of her head.

"Is this how a Hunter acts? Stand straight and tall, don't fidget. Arms at your side facing forward."

She immediately went into her stance and locked up all her muscles before I even finished talking. The only sound was her breathing. Her reaction time has always been one of the best I've ever seen. Once I was sure she was ready I opened the door. A blast of heat rushed at us. I gave our surroundings a quick once over to make sure nothing was in the immediate area. I glanced back at Daz and nodded before setting out into the jungle.

(Ashley)

Once we started our walk I took the time to observe my surroundings. These were vastly different than the ones on Earth. The trees were much bigger and they looked to be connected to each, either by their roots or their branches were interlocking with each other. There were a multitude of different birds and other small creatures racing through the trees. A good amount of them were telling others of our passage. Hopefully we would a find good open area because with someone of Jaran's size we would need a lot of space.

Ra was going crazy. All the sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming him but he looked to be enjoying himself a lot. He barked like a mad man one moment then he'd be off to sniff or bark at something else. Jaran looked to be just as amused at Ra as I was. I wasn't watching when Jaran stopped so I walked straight into his back. I looked ahead of us and saw a vast meadow. It was perfect. I tapped his arm and nodded to him. He put his finger to his lips and then pointed to a tall tree with a few low branches.

He wanted me to stay put while he scouted the area to make sure we didn't disturb anyone. I was already climbing when he cloaked himself and stalked out onto the meadow. Ra stayed right beneath me but he was ready to leap onto the meadow if Jaran was threatened. Ra was just as protective of Jaran as he was with me. The meadow was silent for at least ten minutes before Jaran uncloaked himself called me over. I jumped and landed in a crouch before taking off with Ra at my heels.

I took my bow and looked around for a good target. It would be better if we started with a stationary target first. I saw an old tree with a large white patch of bark and figured it would have to do. I pointed over to it and when I was sure he saw it I brought my bow up and took my stance. Even though it has been a few years since I used a bow and arrow the familiar stance brought everything rushing back. Easy as thought I leaned into my bow after I notched an arrow, I sent it winging off to the target where it hit the bark with a loud thwack.

I stood back as I savored the moment before turning to see Jaran clapping. He didn't give praise often so I enjoyed it when I did get it. After that came the, what I thought would be a long process of teaching Jaran how to shoot the arrow. I shouldn't have been so surprised to see him learn in under an hour. He carried his bow like a pro. He leveled his bow as he notched his arrow, then took his stance and shot three arrows towards the mark. Instead of aiming above it to allow for the distance like I was taught, he aimed level at it, and the yard-long arrows sprang from his bow with such force that they carried straight to the target, burying their heads in the wood. I blinked and murmured, "Great Paya!" once I saw all three shafts hit the mark.

Once I knew we were done with the tree we set off to look for real prey. Most of my prey would small but I had a feeling that Jaran would be hunting something much bigger. We were running low on meat and it has been a while since we had a fresh kill and I could use a skinning lesson. As we walked I was continually putting small birds and such in a pack that was tied to Ra's back. Jaran mainly scoffed at my kills but I could care less. As long as I got something from this hunting trip I'd be happy. Beside I planned to use the bones for a necklace or hair ornaments.

Jaran had gone up ahead as Ra and I took a small water break next to a small pond we found. I was counting my kills when a loud bellow rang through the jungle. I looked up in apprehension. That wasn't Jaran and whatever it was sounded quite large. Ra was on his feet growling and looking the direction Jaran had gone in but he refused to leave my side. The ground started to shake and I knew something was coming straight at us and as it got closer a revolting smell overpowered my senses.

I loaded my bow and prepared for whatever was coming. Ra sunk to the ground and was snarling ferociously, as though hoping to scare the creature that was coming. I still couldn't hear Jaran and I feared the worst when a creature made from a nightmare came bursting into the clearing. Ra now stood in front of me, offering a small piece of protection but I knew Ra stood no chance of taking this thing down.

It was the size of a large rhino and boy, did it stink. It basically looked like a giant hairy cockroach with a large pair of snapping pincer jaws which were dripping with saliva. Its eyes locked onto the two of us and I knew chances of my survival were slim at best. I had no idea what this thing was and didn't know how to defend myself against it.

Ra and I started backing away to head to the trees when its whole body shuddered. That alone warned me but I was too slow in moving. The beast's two thick horns had suddenly spurted out thick goo which shot in opposite directions. Most of it hit the trees but a large glob hit Ra and pinned him to a tree. He howled as he struggled to get loose and I prayed it wouldn't harm him. I shot three arrows in rapid succession but all they did was bounce off its flank. The beast snarled and shook itself as though insects were annoying it. I was backed up against a boulder when it decided to charge. Its pincers opened and I did a backflip to land on top of the boulder just seconds before it hit. I noticed its saliva started to melt through the rock and knew it was acidic.

It shook its head before turning to where Ra was still pinned to the tree. Fear spread through my whole body. I acted without thinking. I rushed forward and with a howl leapt onto the beast's head, and sank my two daggers deep into it. Its eyes were well protected but that still hurt and distracted it, and it spun away from its victim, while I was hanging on. I rode the creature like a bucking bronco and it was only a matter of time before it threw me off. I should've looked to where I was landing but I didn't and that was what cost me the fight. Right as I landed I felt an immense pain and looked down to see one of its pincers had sliced open my stomach.

It backed off slightly as I watched my blood fall. The world around me started spinning and I could feel myself falling. Once I hit the ground I heard only two things. One was the sound of Ra's mournful howling and the second was my name. That was it before darkness claimed me.

(Jaran)

I was an idiot to think I could take on a Slime Roach and now my student was the one to pay the price. These creatures are known to be dangerous even when you're in full armor and have a load of weapons on you. Daz had done well with how long she had fought but all can I think about is losing her. It had thrown me against a tree when it caught the scent of my student and her dog. When it threw me it had dislocated my knee but I had forced past the pain to get to Daz but I was too late. I watched as she was stabbed and she fell to the ground. I lost it after that. I took my ceremonial dagger and jumped on the creature just as Daz had done. I shoved it deep into the creatures eyes and down into its brain, and watched as it fought for a few seconds before lurching and not moving again.

I took no time to celebrate as I rushed to Daz's side. She was bleeding out very quickly. I picked her up before rushing over to Ra and slicing open the goo that still trapped him. Once he was free we made a mad dash for the ship. It felt like hours before we saw the ship. I had sent a command ahead to have the ship start. Once we were onboard I strapped us all in before launching the ship. I started the communication screen and started growling when it felt like forever before it finally showed Drak's face. He looked bewildered before smiling.

"Hey Jaran how was the…?"

"Never mind you need to get back to the ship. Daz is severely hurt and I need help."

His face got serious within a heartbeat.

"What happened Jaran?"

"JUST GET TO THE SHIP DRAK! I'M LOSING HER!"

"JARAN'TSK! CALM DOWN AND EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT HAPPENED!"

I knew yelling at him would solve nothing but I was deeply afraid. I could hear her heartbeat slowing down and I knew she didn't have much longer. I explained what had happened and what attacked us. The whole time Drak was just staring at me with a cold expression. Once he was done he nodded his head.

"You don't need to worry Jaran. I'm already here and so are Shim'kara and Merdrej'qif. I brought them here to celebrate with you. We'll have the Medbay ready for you."

The screen went black. I barely registered what had just happened. I was staring down at the large puddle of red that was slowly covering myself and Daz. I looked up in relief to see our ship.

'Just a few more minutes Daz.' I thought to myself.

I waited the agonizing few minutes it took for the ship to finish docking before the three of us rushed out before the door opened completely. Shim'kara was there waiting for us but I blew right past her and headed straight for Medbay. I could hear Ra and Shim'kara try to keep up with me but it was a lost cause. The doors were opened and I rushed in to put her on a table while Drak was already looking over her wounds. Merdrej was already inserting an I.V. for any poison in her system.

Shim'kara was trying to pull me out of the room but I refused each time she pulled me away. I wasn't leaving until I knew she would make it. The sound of a high pitched beeping brought my heart down even lower. Drak checked the screen with all her stats. He quietly cursed.

"She's lost too much blood. She's needs a blood transfusion."

"We don't have any blood for her though."

They went quiet with Merdrej's statement. I stared down at her and could see her slowly leaving this world. And me as well.

"Give her my blood."

They turned to me with stunned expressions. Drak was the first one to speak.

"Don't you know how risky that is? She might not even accept your blood. She might die quicker because of it."

"Give. Her. My. Blood."

"She's just a student Jaran."

I turned to Shim'kara with a very cold look. "Pauk that, she's my daughter."

Author's Notes- Okay I know it's been over 7 months since I last updated. A lot of things have happened and most I'm just coming to terms with. I don't know if I'll be able to write much. My brother Mike proposed on New Year's Eve and I'm a bridesmaid. And because of that I get to run around helping the bride whenever she needs it. The wedding is in September and the bride is starting to get nervous and pissy right now so all I'm doing is keeping my head down and making sure I'm not a target. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Leave a review please.

16 SilverMoon 16- Thank you for the llama. He's very pretty. Glad you liked the chapter.

Lady Augustin- Gosh darn it you figured out my plot for those two a whole chapter early.

Luna Unchiha666- Are you talking about her training or her punishment?

The Silent Hunter- I so glad you like my story.

Verade- Sorry for the long wait.

Dark Thunder27- I was hoping it would be an awesome story. Thanks.

SouzouWriter- Thanks. Hope you enjoyed this chapter too.