Extraterrestrial Exploration

chapter 27

–Eiso–

crouched down, we both inspected the print we found in the dirt. It wasn't very fresh but it was the biggest sign of life we had found so far.

We had spent all day and all night scouring the area for any signs of life, it was a grueling search, tracks were hidden and any evidence of anyone passing through was nearly non-existent.

whoever took Nala didn't want to be found, but even the best hunters slip up sometimes.

we had traveled far from the river in search of those who stole nala from us, it was hard to distinguish if the trails we were finding were left by animals or others of our kind, it seemed like we were chasing spirits and running in circles. But now that we found a print we knew we were on the right path.

‘we’re getting close.’

Eikan nodded as we both gazed at.the animal trail ahead. standing to my feet I started walking down the trail, keeping my eyes out for any more signs of the ones who took Nala.

‘Do you think she's still alive? Eikan suddenly asked, as we walked.

‘She has to be. they wouldn't have taken her with them just to kill her later.’ I responded.

Eikan was quiet for a long moment. ‘Do you think they— I mean do you think she's…okay? if they are raiders then–’

‘I'd rather not think about what they've done to her… for now we have to focus on finding her, once we do that we make sure she's safe and then we tear apart any of the bastards who touched her…’ I growled, much to Eikans surprise.

Even I was a bit startled by my sudden anger, usually we avoided conflict, we avoided the raiders and minded our own business but now that someone has taken Nala, taken our mate? I've felt an unrelenting torrent of rage stirring inside of me.

It was a strange feeling but this rage seemed to fuel me, and drive me in our search for Nala so I didn't question it. I'd do anything to get her back, and I knew Eikan felt the same.

We continued along the path in silence, going deeper into unknown territory; we were both on edge, unaware of what we would find.

‘you're starting to resemble him…’ Eikan said quietly at the back of my mind.

I paused briefly, looking at him confused by the comment. He slowed his pace and we walked beside each other. ‘Resemble who?’ I questioned.

Eikans gaze moved to me as he slowed to a stop. ‘father… your horns are starting to grow like his.’ he pointed to his head and my eyes widened as I stopped and reached up to touch my horns.

sure enough just as Eikan said, a second set of horns had started growing above my current ones. ‘I noticed it a few days ago after you went into a rut. I was going to say something then but…’ Eikans voice trailed off.  The sudden growth was odd, and left me feeling…different, but it didn't matter. The only thing that matters right now is our search for Nala.

Turning away I continued walking down the trail. ‘We can talk about my horns and father later, let's just focus on the reason we are out here.’

A feminine shriek had us startled as we looked towards the direction it came from. immediately my mind assumed it to be Nala and I took off running in the direction of the sound.

“Brother!?” Eikan called out before chasing after me.

we dashed through forest before coming across a small clearing and stopping in our tracks. Before us sat a woman on the ground holding her injured leg, but it wasn't Nala. confusion and uncertainty washed over me as the girl whimpered with her back turned to me.