When The Stars Died

Extend the Olive Branch

Skeeter, huddled by the fire, wrapped in a trench coat, looked at Pandora closely.

"So let me get this straight. I died. And you fought that blonde bitch—who's somewhere in these Caves, about then Brownberry died for me, and Joe brought me back to life, and the blonde, who's name is Thalia, has a freaking twin brother, and for some reason, I'm talking like... A normal person."

"Yeah. Don't know why you're talking normally, but I think that started before you died. When you told me that beautifully cheesy poem, you were talking normally."

"Yeah, you got me. I've been trying to make my talking sound more civilised. Ooh look, I used a big word." Skeeter said dryly.

"I'm glad you're alive." Pandora hugged him. "I'm sure Nut is too."

Nut had been forgotten in all the confusion. Turns out, he had been trying to open a peach can.

"I'm glad I'm alive. Also. Too." Skeeter grinned. Then he faltered. "What about the Mapmaker and Co?"

"Thalia and her twin, ah, yes." Joe butted in. "We left them in the last caverns. I suppose they're still fine, although Thalia will be bruised and battered. Worse for wear, I believe the saying is. They shouldn't bother us again."

"But we're living with them." Skeeter frowned. "And I know she technically killed me and all, but since we're neighbours... We should extend the olive branch. Turn over a new leaf. Forget the past."

"That bitch stabbed you and you want to be BFFs with her? Correct me if I'm wrong, but she's nasty. I don't know if you remember, but she apparently hates us all and wants to kill us slowly. How have they even survived out here? Oh my God. They're probably criminals or something. The boy, maybe not, but definitely Thalia."

"But we have to live with them. And if she was particularly violent, she can help us kill the Supernovae. Obliterate them till their blood makes the streets run red. No offence Joe."

Joe shrugged. "None taken, I assume I would survive."

Skeeter pulled a face. "I don't know... All aliens are bad." Then he laughed at Joe's expression. "Just kidding."

"I have a feeling you two are going to get a bromance going on." Pandora commented.

"A bromance? What on Saturn's rings is that?"

Skeeter snorted. "Saturn's rings. That's the best curse I've ever heard."

"Skeeter, focus."

"So we kissed." Skeeter smiled, pulling the trench coat around him tighter.

Pandora rolled her eyes. "Pfft. I kissed you on your cheek, you moron."

"I remember everything, Pan. And, in my first moments of being revived from the grave, you said if I survived, you'd kiss me again."

"Uh, no I didn't."

"Yeah you did. I'd like to cash that in later on, okay? Thanks. Now, let's go find Thalia and Co."

"I never said that, I said you're like my brother and that I needed your help—"

And ignoring that, Skeeter shrugged off the trench coat and jumped up, scattering squirrels everywhere.

"Since dying, you seem a lot dumber." Pandora muttered darkly.

"Don't you think we should let Fiercefur and the squirrels into the forest for the day? So they can hunt or forage or attack neighbouring animals?" Joe asked.