The Primitive King ~ ON HOLD ~

THREE

ALVARA

My head pounded as I tried to lift my eyelids, but I found that incredibly difficult. As I drifted in and out of consciousness, I had a nagging thought that I should wake up. A strong gut feeling was telling me danger was nearby, and I needed to be alert.

My eyes were like bricks, refusing to move. The only thing I was aware of was a strange series of clicks and grunts. I heard shuffling, and then a cool paste was applied to my forehead.

Eventually, my eyes finally lightened enough to open, and my body was shocked into stillness as I observed my captor.

Long dark hair sprouted from its head, and its skin was mostly a deep burgundy red. There were what looked like golden/bronze tattoos creating negative space in thick lines all across its skin, and it extended down the neck and onto the shoulders and appendages.

His thick shoulders were wide and sloped down his torso into a surprisingly tiny waist. Every muscle was on display and he had what looked like 10 abs. His arms had to be twice the size of my thighs, and my eyes widened at just how out of my element I was with these beasts.

The creature was large, and frighteningly at home in this environment. I couldn't help but compare it to Tarzan, a book about a wild jungle man from back on Earth. The only modern thing about his was the metal ring in his lip. I glanced around and noticed we were in a small cave, with a fire to warm me through the evening.

My mind raced as I grasped what this meant, there was an unknown species dwelling on this planet. I'd have to make it back to the ship, and see if that Fukani's communication device could allow me to communicate with this... Beast.

I couldn't think of a better word and sat up with the realization. He let out a couple of clicks and a soft grunt and pushed me back down to rest. Yes, indeed it was a male. The cloth wasn't covering much, and I was overwhelmed at his sheer size.

I took in my surroundings and had to focus on my breathing to keep from hyperventilating. There was also an older-looking alien, who seemed to be female and was staring quite curiously. The large male held out what looked to be a fruit, and I cautiously took it from him.

I suppose if they wanted to kill me, I'd be dead right now. Instead, they were gently applying medicine to my forehead and offering food. Looking down at the bizarre fruit, it appeared to be citrus, though I doubt I can count on a familiar flavor.

My teeth sunk in, and the skin gave the sensation of pops on my tongue. It wasn't unpleasant, just surprising and I was embarrassed when I let a squeak out in response. The aliens both let out a continuous repetitive hiccup sound, and I deduced that they were laughing at me.

Great, I'm glad they saw me as a reallll threat. Perhaps playing the angle of weak damsel in distress would work in my favor, though?

As I got past the initial popping fizz sensation and the redness on my cheeks, the inside was delicious. Its texture reminded me of watermelon, but the flavor was bold like jack fruit and seedy like raspberries. I happily grubbed on the rest and licked my fingers