Page 2 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

I’m not convinced the arrohawk is going much faster than the ‘puffrio’. “I bet the puffrio makes it; loser makes dinner next,” I say confidently.

Krogoth laughs. “Fine, I like my steaks rare.”

It becomes hard to make them out, forcing me to squint. Both creatures have covered such incredible distances in such a short time. Then, when I think I’ve lost sight of the pair, I make out the faint splash of water as the creatures crash into the sea.

“Ah, see! The chase is over. The arrohawk caught it split seconds from the water,” Krogoth exclaims, bringing his hands together.

“Pfft, there’s no way you could have seen that from here, you big cheater,” I say, protesting.

“Female, it is clear as day. You need but—” Krogoth stops, interrupted mid-sentence.

In the far distance, where the arrohawk is surfacing from the sea, a gigantic maw of teeth explodes out of the surface, enclosing around the arrohawk, who tries desperately to flyout of reach. However, the mouth is so big, so massive, it has no hope of escaping before the gargantuan beast of the sea completely envelopes it.

“Gods! A Tidalith. One hasn’t been seen in generations. You bring good luck, Pebbles,” Krogoth explains, gazing intently out the view port as the city sized beast submerges back under the water, leaving behind incredibly tall waves.

My mouth drops open. “‘Good luck?’ More like the harbinger of doom!” I say loudly, stepping back from the view port.I don’t know If I can do this. This place is far too dangerous for a city girl like me, or any human for that matter.

Krogoth rushes to place his hands on my shoulders, steadying me. “Easy now, Pebbles. There’s nothing to fear.”

“That monster is the size of a small country, Krogoth! You’re going to tell me you’re still the ‘strongest predator’ after seeing that?” I step back, needing space, feeling a tightness in my stomach.

“Yes. The Aquaxus Clan has been known to hunt them in the past. Although it’s no easy feat, as you can see why,” he urges, his palms turned towards me.

My stomach settles, the shock of what I just witnessed fading away. “I’m sorry, Krogoth… I just… This is all new to me. I want to be with you, but at the same time, I don’t want to get eaten.” Taking Krogoth’s outstretched hand, I move in to hug him.

“I know this is difficult for you, Pebbles. It’s a big change. But I won’t let anything bad happen to you. Besides, I never liked the sea much, anyway,” Krogoth says, smiling down at me. I feel so secure in his arms.

He breaks our embrace after a cozy moment, turning back to look out the view port. “Excellent. This might be something more to your liking.” He points to what looks like a city in the distance. “This is our first destination. Welcome to Star City, Pebbles.”

As Star City comes into view, it’s a complete contrast to the unblemished and wild nature of the rest of the planet I’ve seen so far. The first thing that hits me is the vibrant colors, with a variety of structures, buildings and streets, which are bustling with aliens. It almost looks like earth if it didn’t look so… alien! My breath quickens at the sight.They could have shops here! Oh, and fancy alien foods! And un-cult like robes for clothes and no giant alien monster creatures.

“This is more like it,” I exclaim, grabbing Krogoth’s arm.

He smiles warmly at me. “Seeing you happy again pleases me.” He moves towards the central controls and begins maneuvering the ship to prepare for landing. “We’ll be landing soon.”

The altitude of the ship begins to lower, leaving the clouds above, and the bow of the ship adjusts itself to face towards Star City. More of the planet’s surface becomes clearer, and I can make out more details.

Suddenly, a voice comes through the ship’s communications system.

“Draxxus battlebarge, you’re not scheduled to return yet. State your business,” a gruff male voice challenges.

Krogoth stiffens. “I’m Chieftain Krogoth of Clan Draxxus and you will give us landing clearance,” he demands sternly.

“Forgive me, Chieftain, at once,” the gruff voice retorts with an apologetic tone. “You are clear to land. Please follow the coordinates,” he finishes after a moment.

“Any issues?” I ask, suddenly curious.

“This ship should have returned to fight on the Nebian war front. It won’t be long before the elders come asking questions,” Krogoth states as he punches in the landing coordinates on the ship’s control console.

“I hope I won’t be getting you in trouble with them?” I ask, growing concerned.

“I’m always in some kind of trouble,” Krogoth chuckles. “The elders are mostly old fools and cowards. Sycophants to the Scythians. But when they convene together, their word is the law. Which means we must be careful,” he finishes, looking me in the eye.

Looks like it’s not just the giant, monstrous beasts I need to worry about, but also a hornet’s nest of political intrigue to boot. I forcefully put my hands behind my back when I realize I am biting my nails again. My mind whirls with all the scenarios which could go wrong. It feels like every step I take could lead to my doom.Come on, Roxy, you got this, one problem at a time.

Krogoth must notice my discomfort as he moves closer, rubbing my back. The heat of his large palm against my back soothes my anxiety. “Don’t worry, my beautiful Pebbles, I’ll look after you,” he reassures, smiling down at me.

My heart leaps to feel him so close.With Krogoth by my side, we can take on any old guys or giant beasties.“I’m glad, Krogoth, I need you. Just promise me I won’t have to escape any more prisons.” I smile.

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