Skylar

Skylar shivered with nerves, her throat uncomfortably dry to the point where she almost wanted water if not for the fact that she'd likely throw it up before the afternoon was through. She glanced down at her watch, twelve thirty in the afternoon back on earth. "I wonder what dad is doing..." she mumbled, fingers clicking the lock to release the watch. He probably wasn't doing what she was about to do.

"Are you ready?" N'kai asked calmly from his side of the sandy training pit. She knew that calm was fake though. The slight occasional flick of his tusk and the way his body seemed to almost be shaking from energy were enough to tell her that he was itching to train with her. Itching to test her.

"Almost," Skylar smiled, climbing the edge of the pit to place her watch out of harms way. If it broke she'd lose the ability to keep track of her last shred of normalcy. "N'kai... do we have a way of ending the fight with words?" She hopped back down trying to force herself to ignore the nervous waves broiling in her stomach. N'kai was a young warrior, fiercer than even some of the older members of the clan and although he lacked their experience he still had more than she did.

"You can submit anytime you feel bested, just say it out loud." N'kai nodded to her. The Unblooded watching their every move turned his normally brighter nature around her to something more mellowed and serious. He wasn't going to go easy on her. "Are you prepared now?"

She breathed deeply, "yeah." But was she really?

N'kai raised his wrapped hands and charged for her head on, cat running down the canary it knew couldn't fly. He was covering ground faster than she was able to process until the wheels in her head started spinning and she finally bolted in the opposite direction by instinct. N'kai's sudden halt was enough to stop her when she turned back to look at him.

"Are you taking this as a game?" He asked, there was a hint of wounded pride to his tone. The Unblooded snickering on the sideline only made the situation worse.

"No! I just..." Skylar tried to think of something as she came back over to him, "I thought we were warming up first by doing laps! I didn't know we were starting to fight right away." Although she tried to placate him he still kept staring at her. "You know I wouldn't tease you like that," she added.

After a moment he nodded, "of course. I shall be more clear next time then."  The Unblooded had fallen silent with fascination. If they had been in Skylar's shoes she knew N'kai wouldn't have just returned to where he was across from her. They would end up going to Lar'ja-thwei instead. 

Skylar shook her head, braids slapping her face like a unspoken reality check. She had to focus back on her training and think of any fighting she actually knew how to do. If she was honest it wasn't much. The most she had gotten was watching her father cage fight recreationally while she studied her books or knitted horrible scarves for the other boxers. Not exactly the most helpful now. Skylar began bouncing slightly as she tried to mimic some semblance of a stance, the confusion in N'kai's eyes made her breathe easier. That confusion was useful.

He charged for her again and this time she used her momentum to dive out of his way. Rolling to the dirt and pushing herself quickly to her feet. She wasn't able to grab for his back like she had wanted to do but at least she got a measure of how fast he was.

She bit her tongue lightly as she watched him, letting him charge her again and mimicking her first tactic. He still wasn't able to grab her and Skylar had to hope he was falling for the idea that she might be a one trick pony. When he charged the third time she charged back and his stumble of surprise gave her enough time to slide beneath him and hitch herself onto his back. Swinging higher up she wrapped her arm around his neck in a chokehold while she tried to avoid his sharp claws reaching back for her. He was persistent in trying to grab her, unaware that he was reacting just the way she needed.

On pure instinct she tightened her arm harder as his struggles increased. When he finally got hold of her leg she used her other one to dig her knees into his arm to lock on tight. She was no boa constrictor but she now not only still weighed a large amount but was turning extremely muscular in the process of all her time on the ship.

The harder Ne'kai tugged the worse he was pulling on his own neck and she could hear his breathing change as he fell to one knee. Her own heart was pounding in her ears along side her grunt of exertion. She just needed to out last him, just a little further. There was a moment of tenseness as his pulls faded softer and softer on her aching limbs.

"Submit, I submit."

It was just loud enough for her to hear as she dropped her hold and rolled down off his back. It was a hard impact and the yelp that escaped her mouth attracted the attention of the young Yautja starring at her with awe.

"She did it!"

"Only because she tricked him," one countered.

"Is that not the point of a fight? Outsmart your opponent? Do you plan on being obvious?"

Her head reeled as she watched the three discuss amongst themselves before her eyes turned over to N'kai who was already standing and eyeing her quietly. He seemed to glare at his youngers although he was for once more focused on her than going to beat one of them. She smiled despite the pain radiating in her arms and legs.

"You did well..." he rubbed his throat, somehow looking put out and proud all at once.

"Did you expect me to do poorly?" Skylar laughed, she felt more at ease now that she had at least won the first round.

N'kai let out a cough of sorts before looking away.

"Hey I survived dying! That counts for something right?"

He nodded, letting out a loud click of laughter, "yes I suppose if the black warrior could not keep you then it must count for something."

"It ought to! " Skylar stood. She was likely to get her butt gift wrapped and handed to her in the next few rounds but it felt good to be able to fight N'kai, really fight him. It was different from anything she had been through back on earth. Her father's protective guidance paired with Kayla's own strength had kept Skylar safe, swaddled up, and sheltered from bullies who came her way. They just couldn't protect her from her own expectations. "We ready to keep going?" 

Kayla was always so far ahead of her, sneakers flying faster than Skylar could even breathe. She never kept up. Now, as N'kai nodded to her, she let her feet slide into a stance, her heart was racing and her muscles were aching but it wasn't unbearable. Maybe for once she wouldn't have to see Kayla's back, her father's back, she could keep up beside them.

————————

Skylar clawed at N'kai's smooth skin, looking for anywhere to hook her fingers into before he slammed her down. But not a single groove existed across his arms or shoulders. With a large smack and a puff of dust she felt her head and body bounce across the training grounds. She wheezed in a shallow breath.

There was a moment of silence as she froze, dazed and in pain. And then the feeling rushed back to her. Her head throbbed and she groaned in pain as she tried to move her fingers. When they spasmed she inhaled a little deeper and began to move her splayed out legs, nothing broken.

"N'kai!"

Skylar let her head turn to her side at the sound of Elder Porcupine's voice. He looked livid as he hopped into the ring and marched toward the young warrior. Oh no. "Wait, wait," Skylar coughed out as she pushed herself onto her elbow.

He paused, looking at N'kai one more time before changing directions and heading toward her side. "Small bird?" he spoke in a quiet voice while he kneeled down. Those very familiar amber eyes bore into her as he helped her sit up.

"I'm alright really, we were training, I lost this one is all." And the one before that and the one before that... she grimaced in an attempt to smile.

The relief registered more on his body than his face as his shoulders untensed themselves and he pulled her to her feet. "I am glad you did not over expend yourself despite your recent injury." He kept staring at her and it dawned on her quickly that he was fishing for her help.

"Recent injury? You did not inform me of any injury" N'kai looked at her with frustration and she looked at Elder Porcupine.

"I uh, I didn't want you to worry about it. It seemed pretty minor in perspective to my other ones." Skylar looked at the ground, hands clasped together and foot digging at the sand. If she looked up she would give the whole thing away.

"Oh... I would have trained fewer rounds if I had known." N'kai's version of an apology made her give him a smile as he clasped her shoulder, "you did very well regardless."

"Thank you," she felt bad for lying to her friend but if Elder Porcupine had asked her to lie then she would. He was her friend too, before N'kai, and ranked Elder, just going along with what he said was better than disagreeing in front of everyone.

"Shall we go to the infirmary?" Elder Porcupine asked, offering his arm to Skylar.

She nodded and looped her arm through his, opting to limp on the leg sporting her still rather bright scar for effect. They made it out of the room before she looked up at him with a pout, "I want a bath."

He continued walking but she could see the humor slip onto his features, "of course, I will help take you to the bathing-"

"I mean the nice one," she tugged on his arm gently to get his attention and when she had it she continued, "please."

His features softened and he nodded after letting out a click of laughter, "alright, you can have a bath and then some rest after we visit Lar'ja-thwei."

She'd pay that price, it couldn't be that bad.

————————

"Next time you want me to fake an injury please just actually hurt me," Skylar bounced onto the bed. She hadn't been in his room since her sickness so many months ago and now she wasn't sure of where she was supposed to sleep. There were no mats like in Kweide's room, just heated metal floor and the big bed beneath her.

When she turned to look at him she expected either for him to tell her to move or to not acknowledge what she'd done at all. But he was staring at her. No anger, but clearly watching her as he approached. "Surely Lar'ja-thwei's scolding wasn't that damaging," his voice was slightly teasing as he took of the various gold adornments on him.

Skylar gulped. "Well, well it was, kind of," she turned to look away. He wasn't completely bare so she didn't understand her own sudden shyness but the heat burning her neck was still there. "He thinks I'm reckless and weak. I'm not. I'm just surrounded by an alien race who are twice as durable as me." She flopped down, head landing in the soft furs as she covered her face but peeked out at him from behind her hands, "it's very damaging to be scolded."

"is it?" He looked amused. "I suppose you'll need to sleep here then? In case such a situation weakens you?" He was teasing her she knew, but those words were all the bait she needed.

"I'm glad you understand, it would be awful to be sick and sleep cold." Skylar slipped beneath the covers and made herself at home while the his series of click like laughter followed.

The lights went out and he slipped into the bed beside her. Skylar had made a pillow wall, something to keep herself from invading boundaries she shouldn't, Elder Porcupine wasn't Kweide, he wouldn't understand her natural sleepy inclinations. 

It only took a moment for her to realize the biggest issue with her plan. The pillow was easily lifted and she was easily pulled closer into his hold. She tensed and he looked down at her, "are you uncomfortable?"

She shook her head, slowly allowing her arms to ease around him as her heart pounded wildly. "Is this alright with you Elder Porcupine?"

He stroked her head softly, like one would stroke a stray cat. Not yet sure if they were to lash out and bite or appreciate the gesture. "It is." When she softened and eased into his embrace he spoke, "you do not have to call me elder between the two of us. You can call me by my name." His tone was gentle.

Despite her apprehension, she breathed out slowly, "so... calling you Luar-ke would be fine?" She gasped quietly when he let out a content purring sound.

"Yes small bird," he pulled her closer, his purring quieting down as he began to fall asleep.

She didn't know if he'd take it back in the morning, but she smiled in that moment and closed her eyes. The feeling of being held by elder porcupine, no, Luar-ke, was different than what she was used to. But still pleasant. Luar-ke's hold was encompassing as he laid on his side and held her between both arms like a shelter. She wasn't sure if she liked it best but she appreciated it as she began to drift off.

Some part of her felt wrong, guilty even, for being held by him. She didn't really understand why. This was just like when she was sick, when it had been necessary, but now it was simply because... they were friends. Like her and Kweide. There was no reason to feel guilty at all...

————————

"Small bird are you ready?" A knock sounded against the bathroom door and Skylar sighed.

"Almost!" She twisted side to side as she tried to debate her apparel. When she had awoken that morning Elder Porcupine had gifted a few sets of clothing despite her protests and now she had a dilemma she hadn't experienced in a long, long, time. What was she going to wear? She opened the door and placed her hands on her hips, "does this look right?"

Elder Porcupine glanced up from his holocube and let out a click of laughter. "It suits you well," he assured her after her look of suspicion. 

"But still," Skylar smoothed out the new royal blue romper with admiration. "It feels a bit overdone maybe? Do you think im dressing up too much?" She stared at the bracelets of gold on her wrist, also new, she was just walking right? Jewelry should be a no-no. It could draw too much attention.

"If you wish to wear it then you should wear it, clothe yourself as you see fit." He sounded amused as he let his hand brush over her shoulder, "it is a good thing to take pride."

She looked at him with minor disbelief before nodding, "alright then."

They both left the room with no haste, a leisurely stroll between the two as she walked with a slightly airy feeling. Skylar glanced the halls, no one was near by, she turned her head up to look at him and smiled, "thank you for walking me back."

"Of course smallbird."

She hopped from foot to foot, "Luar-ke, Luar-ke, Luar-ke." It was childish but she enjoyed saying his name, special secrets dripped like sweet honey when one could safely say them aloud. She half expected to be reprimanded, but his eyes followed her with amusement.

"Skylar, Skylar, Skylar," he said, reaching out to move her hair over her shoulder. She turned and bounded just out of reach. When his hands caught empty air he looked at her with shock before she giggled and hopped back again. He didn't run, but he began to pick up a little more speed as he followed after her, swiping playfully for her.

She was grinning when they rounded the first turn and the next, empty halls echoed back their laughter softly. Her barefoot feet barely made a sound in contrast to her excited giggling. When she rounded the next corner, much ahead of him because he had let her be, she stopped.

Kweide and D'to were standing there. Had the walk been so short? No, she looked around, this wasn't their hall. D'to noticed her first, mandibles flaring in surprise.

When Kweide's impassive mask turned to her she smiled again. Under it, she could guess he was happy to see her by the gesture of his hand. "Hi there," she walked over carefully. She looked behind her, Luar-ke's demeanor was calm as ever despite the fact he had only had a singular hallway to compose himself.

"Skylar," D'to greeted first.

"Hi there, did you just get back?" they both sported a few wounds and lacerations but she gasped at the one on Kweide. With quick footsteps she reached for his arm and gently inspected the jagged gash filled with purple goo, "will it scar?".

Kweide took his time replying, his mask directly facing towards behind her as she waited. "More than likely."

He wouldn't look down at her and she began to frown. Didn't Yautja like scars? When he stayed quiet she looked down at his arm and pipped up, "it'll look good on you! An admirable scar." That got his attention.

Kweide's head turned down to her immediately, "yes..." he pulled back his arm slowly, giving her hand a squeeze before he let his hand drop flat, "I suppose it will be." His attention turned upwards again to behind her.

She cleared her throat and turned around to calm the heat burning up her neck. What Skylar saw did calm her racing heart but only because she was too confused to feel anything else. Luar-ke was assessing Kweide, none of his usual expressions on his face. Just cold, calculating judgement.

D'to looked at Skylar and she met his gaze, he looked nervous, he obviously knew something she didn't. And that something was about to lead to a fight in the middle of a hall, or at least a challenge. She gulped, there was no way she could stop it once it started so her options were few, "I'm feeling really hungry! Could we go get something to eat please?". She turned her question to Luar-ke since he was the Elder. She began to wonder if that was the right decision though when he looked pleased and Kweide tensed behind her.

"Of course Skylar, do you wish to eat together?" He tilted his head and his amber eyes focused on her.

She opened her mouth to tell him no, just so she could separate the two Yautja, but Kweide spoke first. "Elder I am sure you have better things to do than take Skylar to the cafeteria. You are leader of the ship after all." Normally, that would have offended her, but she didn't think the venom in his statement was meant for her in particular.

Luar-ke merely dipped his head as if agreeing with the statement, "perhaps, but we Elders do not let our pride keep us from enjoying what we please in less grand pleasures unlike other-" he tilted his head, "-less experienced warriors often do."

Skylar looked between the two and her foot started to dig at the warm steel floor as she scrambled for an out. She couldn't let the Yautja she cared about fight like this. They needed apart, now. "Hey Kweide why don't I meet you back at the room? You want me to bring you something?" She moved to stand in between them.

He stared a moment longer before he nodded, "it would be appreciated."

She smiled and nodded, "alright, I'll be back soon!" she turned and breathed in relief as she walked passed Luar-ke and he followed after her. She looked back at Kweide only once before they turned the corner, he wasn't looking at Luar-ke anymore but she knew she needed to have a talk with them both soon. Before something got out of hand that shouldn't.

A/N: It's been a minute but mostly because wattpad undid this chapter three times :))). I'm sorry for the delay loves! Next chapter should be out before August as well <3. - Admin Sapphire