Here goes chapter 30, kinda crazy to think we got this far. Once again, thank you, all of you, for your support.

His necklace jingled with the addition of another seven rings. Some of these were engraved with symbols that were only found on the bands of elders, when he asked the matron about, she simply answered that it was because of his hunt with the engineer, and the numerous new serpent skulls.

"If I may ask honored matron, will these permits allow me to participate and join in on hive cleansings?" the navy seal asked the towering huntress.

"Yes, though I cannot give you complete confirmation whether they will be enough to satisfy some of the less tolerable clans. You seem to have a particular interest in the kiande amedha. Why is this?" she inquired.

Mark had the impression that she had a raised eyebrow, but he could not confirm, since she was still wearing her ornate mask.

"I like the challenge they pose, they are the hardest prey to hunt no doubt; but in the time that I was stranded on the planet used for the Chiva, I came to learn about them, to understand their tactics. Successfully killing them gives me a rush of emotion, it makes my blood sing with adrenaline, and I experience the satisfaction that one acquires from the hunt. It also somewhat reminds me of when I once was a navy seal." he added the last part in a quieter tone, seeming almost sad.

The commanding female took note of this, and when the silence began to get awkward, she gave him another order, that came off more as an announcement: "The blacksmiths and forge masters are ready to start constructing the weapons you desire. They'll be patiently waiting for your arrival. Additionally, the news of your victorious battle against the engineer will became well known in the coming times. There shall be gatherings and meetings between other tribes to better relations. I'd advise you to participate in them, for it would put in you in a favorable position regarding the opinions of other successful hunters."

"Won't that be seen as disrespectful? I am viewed as an animal by many other yautja..." the matron stopped, turning around to face him, and rapping her spear on the stone floor, a sign for him to look up.

"As the matriarch of the Fire Skull clan, it is my duty in ensuring that our tribe is in the best interests at all times. My choice in allowing you to join our clan was a controversial one, yes it is no secret. But as you can see firsthand, it was the right choice, and you've brought much prestige and honor. Appearing in these public events more often and getting to know some of the other important individuals will result in their trust, and subsequent loyalty from the rest of the clan. If there's ever the need for help than you can count on being supported by the collective assembly." surprisingly, she reached her clawed hand forward and placed it on his shoulder, "Take this as advice from a hunter to another." she stated, and it was genuine.

"Thank you matron, the clan is blessed in having your counsel. If that is all, then with your permission I'll take my leave." she nodded her head.

Upon exiting the giant structure, he sent a message to Kyiv, asking him if there were going to be any events to which he could participate.

Walking through the busy streets, he took his time to reflect what was going around him, and he started to rethink his opinions: no one was really giving him the stink eye, if anything they were simply passing by normally.

He realized that he had probably condemned the majority of the species to that of arrogant racists with a superiority complex, simply because of the actions of a few that hated his guts. Maybe he had been the one to unjustly judge them and not the other way around.

"Yes, and the blade should be preferably single edged so that I can successfully use my hand to apply pressure without worry of cutting myself." Mark described the sword he had in mind, picturing it like that of a medieval long sword, with a few differences, naturally: he wanted it to be light enough so that he could easily use a one handed grip when required, but also have a handle that was made to accommodate two hands.

Nothing out of the ordinary, but the particularities came with the next to weapons.

First came these other sets of swords, they shorter, had a single grip and were slightly curved. When he held them in his hands the blades would remain parallel to his arms, like batons. It essentially made it easier to deflect and parry attacks, while also rendering him significantly more dangerous by incorporating hand to hand combat.

(this is to give you an idea. Does anyone know what they're actually called?)

And finally, came the gauntlets, true armored gloves that wrapped around his hands and fingers and extend to the middle of his forearms. These were special because they were designed for the sole purpose of using his skills with martial arts. The chinks that covered his knuckles were to be made in a way that resembled something akin to brass knuckles, adding devastating power to his already strong punches. In addition, fabric material were used as cushioning for his fingers, so that they wouldn't fracture or get injured whilst fighting; definitely a plus.

The last one proved to be the hardest because of the unorthodox design, but the forge masters merely laughed his concerns off and told him that they were feeling invigorated by the prospect of a challenge. The hunter did suppose that these weapons were quite special for his case.

Thanking the senior hunters, he left and took a trail that lead into one of the many forests, there he slowed his pace to a near halt and opened the casing of his computer wrist. He saw that a notification had arrived some time ago.

Activating the holographic properties of the device, he began to read the message:

"Mark,

I must say that I wasn't expecting such a question, but to answer it simply, yes; there is one that's happening tonight near one of the temples dedicated to Paya. Myself and Y'rall will be in attendance because of our positions and because it would be in poor taste to refuse. You do not have to come if you do not desire to."

He smiled at his friend's attention and worry. 'Oh, he's going to want to know why I've asked him such a thing, I just know he is.' he thought with a chuckle, already imagining all the different ways he could tease him and drive him nuts.

Mark tugged on Kyiv's leg putting pressure on the joint to snap. His hand came pat on his own leg, signifying his surrender.

He let go of the limb, unlocking his own from the arbitrator's torso. They got back up, they were both breathing hard, Kyiv a little more so.

"How many types of submission hold do you know?" "As many as there are. Quite curious to see that they work the same on yautja, huh?" he punched him on the arm.

"Had this been before your augmentation, things would have been much different." "But they aren't." he checked the time, "When is it that we have to go again?" "In a bit. But do tell me why you're so insistent on coming." he asked him as they took a small sip of water.

"Well, this... what can I call her? This ally, yes, this ally advised me to try and interact more with the important members of the clan." "And this trustful individual of yours told you so." he nodded, "Is there something else between the two of you?" he kept pressing, making it quite obvious what his questions were.

Mark nearly spit out the water in his mouth at the thought of mating with the matriarch; their relationship was professional, like one between a soldier and a commanding officer. He doubted she wold want to lay with him of all people, and he was sure as hell not going to do it with her if it would be simply for the sake of procreation.

"I should really tear off your mandibles, do you know that?" "And then you would have to deal with a vengeful female." he shivered at the thought of it, "God, I'd rather throw myself blindfolded in the nest of serpents." they laughed at his joke.

"Want to go another round?" "No, unfortunately I cannot. Y'rall was quite insistent that I join her in our shared rooms before we leave. And I have to bathe and so do you. And for the good of Lilka, please try to wear appropriate attire."

"Ok, ok, fine. I will." be pouted like a child, making his way back to his own chambers.

'Joking about the hive wasn't the best idea in the world.' he told himself with a grimace, the noises of the kiande amedha were stronger now, louder.

It was ever present, he had learned to somewhat cope with it, but it was still there and it kept him on edge. He never knew if one of the serpents would suddenly jump out to end him. The navy seal could never lower his guard, and he could allow himself the luxury of relaxing.

When he got back to the privacy of the bedroom he took out a medical box from one of the drawers next to the bed. Opening the metal box he took out a few small jars, collecting four, five pills and swallowing them whole.

He hoped they would keep his stress and panic at bay, it was either that or he had to concentrate on something else, whether it be fighting or hunting.

'Weak....' a voice spoke to him. He wasn't strong enough to free himself from his addiction to the antidepressants. He had become addicted, he needed them, otherwise he would be lost.

Placing the medications back into their designated place and he locked the drawer, locked his secrets away.

Making his way to the large bath, he touched the control panel so that the water would be ice-like in temperature. He waited as the heat slowly dissipated and was replaced by the frosty cool.

Undressing himself, he placed the smelly garments in a bag that would be later emptied by the servants to clean them.

Mark placed a foot in the water and took a deep breath, fighting to ignore the tremors of the cold. Slowly he placed the other foot as well, taking a couple steps forward as he descend the steps and the water came up to his waist.

His breaths came out of his nose as he kept his lips sealed, goosebumps forming all along his trembling body. Moving forward some more, the liquid covered him up to his chest.

Stifling a yelp, he grounded himself, nails digging into his palms, causing small bleeding cuts that were being disinfected by the healing properties of the water, making them to burn.

He dunked his head under the water, bubbles escaping his airways as he let out a muffled scream.

"Are you content?" "Yes, I'm glad that you've finally decided to indulge in our clothing." "I'm making a valiant effort here, there's no need to make this more unbearable than it already is."

He was dressed with the likes of a blooded hunter: little armor except for the wrist and shin guards and plenty of exposed skin.

Mark had tried to cover himself up with a fur lined sash that went from his belt up and around his left shoulder, essentially hiding the left side of his torso. He managed to sneak in some pelts around his calves and forearms that made a nice conversation, but alas it ended there: save for the loincloth and leather shorts around his pelvis and upper legs, he was bare.

'This is still scandalous...'

"Come." Kyiv told him, "I'll present you my colleagues so that you can work yourself to converse with other esteemed hunters."

So much for slow updates, I guess.

And now we've reached 30k views (hey, that's pretty good!) so once again thank you.

(Side not, thank you for checking out my second story, I please advise those of you who haven't to go do so, cause this seems like the only way to promote it)

Thanks are also given because of some ideas you guys have commented from the last chapter.

Final announcements here, Mark's mental health will still play a big part in the story, especially later, so be prepared to see more of it.

And finally, how would you guys feel if I added smut, (it's going to be present in Gods and mortals but I'm debating whether I should put it here or not) let me know what you think in the comments.