Alonso’s P.O.V.

A Desert-like Area

I am depleted. I have been walking around this desert for three hours and have had no progress. To add to it, I keep going in circles. Was I missing something about this planet? I stopped and felt something small bump into me. I looked behind me to see what looked like a small fox with large ears.

It is a fennec fox, right? It’s cute. I dug in my bag and found a snack-size bread. I handed a piece to it before walking again. To my surprise, it followed me. I broke off another piece and handed it to it. To my dismay, that did not stop the fox from following me. I gave it the remaining bread before leaving.

The fox continued by my side, causing me to sigh.

“You are not leaving me, are you?” It blinked at me. I chuckled.

“Okay, then, can you help me find Claire?”

It pointed its head in front of us and began to run. Is it telling me to follow it? The fox stopped and looked at me.

I guess it is.

Claire’s P.O.V.

A Desert-like Area

I walked through the new area with examining eyes. The smell of engine fuel has become more prominent since I got here. Kari and Alonso are somewhere on this planet. I hope they are okay. We fell from such a high place, the idea that I am even alive now is shocking.

Alive

I shook my head. Those two definitely survived the fall. If so I trust they are together. I felt my cheeks redden.

If those two are alone, what can they be doing?

Alonso’s recent actions with people worry me. It appeared that, under stress; he found a hurtful way to cope. When we ended things, I could not let him go completely. Though I was the one to end our relationship, the sexual aspect stayed. That was until I felt that I could break out of everything.

Now he is alone or with Kari. Those two seemed to have grown closer recently. If she has any interest in Alonso, would she accept any request he has? I hope not. If anything, I hope the two heal and the three of us make it to the new planet.

My foot kicked something, causing me to look at it.

A stake?

I looked ahead.

A trail of stakes.

I followed them.

Alonso's P.O.V.

We stopped at what appeared to be a meadow-like area. I began to walk in the area, but the fox did not follow me. Its face appeared full of worry. I wish it would continue to come with me, but I can not force it to do something it would not want to do.

“Is this the end of your journey?” It sat. I nodded. “Thank you."

I looked ahead and walked. After about what felt like twenty minutes, I paused when my eyes saw a short and short pear-shaped figure whom I could only see from behind with a deep umber brown skin tone and long turquoise hair. In their hand held a sharp stone with what appeared to be blood on it.

In front of her on the ground appeared to be a pale silhouetted figure with long, dark hair and a weak, decrepit smile.

Claire’s P.O.V.

I smiled brightly as I saw the ship ahead of me.

My baby!

Now I just have to check on Kari and Alonso, who are likely inside. I opened the door and walked inside.

“Hello!” I called as I walked around.

Sadly, I received no answer. They must have not come here yet. I should get the ship up and running and fly over this planet myself. First, I must go out and assess the damage. I walked towards the doors but stopped as they quickly locked.

Shit

“Emergency mode on. Activating protection: Sandstorm”

Good to know this thing works, but the idea of my friends being stuck in a sandstorm is not so comforting. I started to push on the door.

Kari’s P.O.V.

A Meadow-Like Area

That thing... that monster. It stayed in a formation of Nylah her until it died. It called me a monster repeatedly as it laughed at me. It accepted its death in return and it made me feel worse. I stared at the pale silhouetted figure with long, dark hair and a weak, decrepit smile before me. My breath remained shaky while my heart ached. “I’m sorry.” Whispered from my lips. “I’m so sorry, Nylah.”

"That is something you do not see every day." A deep masculine voice said.

I quickly turned and got ready to use my stone when I was grabbed by, stopping me. In front of me was a tall, medium tan skin, man with golden eyes and medium-length red shaggy hair cut in the style of a mullet. His expression appeared cold, sending fear into my heart.

"Kari," he said.

How did he know my name?