The Encounter || SHORT STORY [ COMPLETE ]

3rd Person Limited - Alien

     Weather from a star, a planet, or from some far off and incomprehensible structure somewhere in the universe, the creature now found itself far from home. Crash landed in a plane of green on green on green. The creature limps, hungry and alone in this unknown territory. It's in what it recognized as a forest, or what would be considered a forest in their world, the flora was much different though. 

      Structures, wooden and large, break from the ground and reach up high into the sky, spreading their hair into the wind. Green on brown on green. They were thankful that the world's air was breathable for them, though it did sting just a little. They wonder if that's normal here. Standing their full height caused their head to hit the many brown limbs above, instead they opt to crawl. The sky above was dark and dull, the forest not allowing much of any light to shine though to help them on their way. A small break in the canopy shows the moonlight filtering through, and with no other options they decide to follow, wishing to find any sign of life and hoping they're friendly.

     The forest breaks off, making way for more green. The rough texture beneath the creature turns more soft and cushioned. They squinted happily at the good sensation. A large clearing lays in front of them, looking like nothing they've ever seen before. It wasn't impressive, compared to where they were from, but it was nice for being in an unfamiliar place. The clearings they're used too had very beautiful flora in the blooming season, and such amazing festivals in the dying.

     A simple, pleasant smell wafts through the air. Before, the scent of this planet was overwhelming, everything hitting all at once, causing them discomfort. But after a little getting used to, they tried to regulate what they could smell, shifting their body to fit their circumstances. 

     The scents were still strong though, and that's how they found a small container, across the clearing, holding bags and bags of the pleasant smell. With little deduction needed, it was very obvious that whatever it was, it was most likely something edible. Survival instincts discarded they reveal their mouth, biting into the packaging, gnawing their way into the contents.

     Days of being stranded with not a whiff of something smelling even remotely edible- at the time not hungry enough to risk getting poisoned- but now, they disregard the thought of any poison that could come from the sweet smelling contents of the little bags.

     Not moments after they started ravishing the contents of the small container is it left empty. Whatever was in those tiny bags were delicious, whether it was from hunger or genuine taste, but that was possibly the best thing they have ever eaten. One bag stands unopened in their hands. They don't know this world, they don't know where to get these tasteful treats. The container looked like it was purposely placed. For a second the thought of it being a trap crossed their thoughts, but there wasn't any hide nor hair of any life other than the container and (used to be) snacks. And for another second they felt guilty for possibly eating someone's food rations, they don't know the food situation on this planet. They could have just killed someone.

     Their stomach growled another low rumble, more satisfied than before but still hungry. Deciding they will feel bad later, they chew open the package and leave only a few on the off chance they run into sentient life that could direct them towards more. Out of kindness- even though being a thief and potentially killing someone- they clean up their mess, eating the rest of the wrappers and placing the box back into its poor hiding place. With one last glance towards the clearing, and a semi-full stomach, they leave to continue to search for life.

     They didn't get far though before they smelt something they could only describe as musky. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good, but it was strong. It almost came out of nowhere because they weren't paying attention, but it definitely wasn't there earlier. The bag in their hand crinkled as they realized what it may be. Their attention shifted back towards the clearing (their goodbye short lived). Approaching from the far side of the field was life. A singular life form, walking on two legs, their body small and lugging along the clearing. They watch with interest now, as the thing looks for the tub that they had just tucked back away neatly. With a tug to the container, the lifeform goes flying backwards, landing with a muffled thud. They found it amusing.

     The being stands again, now visibly upset and frustrated at the missing contents. The guilt creeps back once again. Maybe they had killed someone. They wanted to confirm their suspicions, so they quickly pointed to the container in question. Is that yours? The being stood, staring wide eyed and frozen at the gesture. They were disappointed, it seemed the being didn't understand them. That was, until the being spoke. 

     As expected, neither of them was going to be able to understand each other, a big language barrier between them. Verbal communication was not a strong suit for them. They decide it's best to give back the small amount they had left to the original owner instead of keeping it as a guide for later. Tossing the bag back, they start to leave again in disappointment, faintly hearing the lifeform speak again. The language barrier was a big loss for them. They would have to find a different way to get food... unless.

     They abruptly turn back again, stubbornly not giving up hope. Maybe if they try to communicate again they'll get somewhere, this is the only living organism they've found this whole time after all. All they have to do is show the being they were no harm and that they want to help and not hurt. They decide the best way to do that is feign innocence on being the food culprit. They desperately scramble through the stump again, filtering slightly though the container that held only a handful of crumbs. They decide that would have to do. They pick the crumbs from the box and hold their hands out towards the being, hoping this would get them somewhere, anywhere. The lifeform paused, but eventually reached into the holes on the side of its body. The being takes out the two chips that were left in the bag they had given back.

     The chips were placed back into their outstretched palms, causing confusion. But before they could try and redirect their intentions, the lifeform said something once more and turned to leave, not once looking back as it speedily walked away. That had not gone as planned. But they squint their eyes in happiness anyways. They may not have done what they originally sought out for, but they feel they had made some kind of progress regardless. They enjoyed this lifeforms weird interpretations and funny expressions. It seemed the being had no intention of hurting them when they were leaving, so they decided, just maybe, they would wait for the being to return once more to try communicating again (Plus maybe it'll bring more food).

     They stumble further into the clearing to wait, deciding maybe they should look better suited for this planet if they have to stay here any longer. They change their figure and size according to the only living being they had met thus far, hoping having a friendlier and more familiar stature will help aid in their new found goal. Make a friend.