Planet X Pandora

Captured

It had been an hour since they woke up, and they were trying to decide what to do next.

" - and that's when the guy killed her. " Kash finished her take of what she had learned.

" That's just messed up. " Ian concluded, running his fingers through his hair.

" Oh look, we have a genius here. " Aaron commented. Ian glared at him, but didn't rise to the provoking.

" I don't know what we should do. " Kyle said, looking scared and concerned.

Kash didn't reply, trying to devise the best plan. She had gotten a good night's sleep after a long time, and didn't want to ruin her cheery mood. The only thing she could think of was to keep going down the tunnels. When she proposed her idea, she got strange looks. But eventually they all agreed. Ian took the lead as usual, with Kash following closely. Kyle took his time, and Aaron slowed down to catch up with him.

"Long time no see. " he said.

" We haven't been out of each other's sight for a whole week, Aaron. " Kyle said.

" True. But we haven't bonded. "

" What the hell Aaron. Do I look like a bonding toy to you? "

" C'mon, my main man! "

" What do you want. "

" Nothing. You should work on your flirting, man. It's been ages since I taught you. " Aaron said, remembering the old days.

" Flirting? What's gotten into you? This isn't the time. "

Aaron nudged his shoulder playfully.

" I know who you like. " he bribed.

" Oh really? I'd love to hear who. "

" It's a piece of poncho. You like her, don't you? "

" Who? You mean her as in her? " Kyle nodded towards Kash.

" Who else, dumbass? Ian look like a girl to you? Well, I mean other than his hair? "

"Shut up. Speaking of girls, what about you? After this is over and we go back home you're gonna need to find someone for the rest of your miserable life. "

" Well, since you want to hide the truth from me, as a matter of fact, yes. "

" So who's the lucky guy? " Kyle teased. Aaron turned red and punched his friends arm.

" I'm just kidding! " Kyle protested.

" You better be. She has the most beautiful eyes, and the softest black hair. She's so amazing, and I- " he stopped himself when he saw Kyle choking back a laugh.

" Go ahead. Make fun of me. I'm not the one who's gonna die a loner. "

Kyle smacked Aaron across the back of his head. But Kyle was happy for his friend. It's so obvious he like Zia. Oh gods.

Aaron smiled inwardly when he pictured Kash laughing, her sharp nose wrinkled from giggling.

Kash walked in comfortable silence next to Ian until the ground started rumbling under their feet, causing Kash to stop midstride. What was that? The rumbling got louder and more intense as it seemed to get closer.

Ian looked around sharply and Aaron cursed under his breath. The rumbling sounded in front of them, as the group tried to regain their balance. Up ahead, light filtered through the tunnel at a weird angle, indicating a bend in the path. Through the available light, Kash saw disturbances in the steady stream of light. Somethings running. Fast. But she was tired of running away from danger. She wanted to face this one. She stood her ground, awaiting the new threat. That's when she saw them. About fifty men with dark skin and plaited hair ran out of the bend and abruptly came to a halt when they saw the small group. Their faces were covered in tribal looking paints, spears in their hands. The men seemed to part aside, leaving a path in the center. Aaron walked forward joyously.