Kaelims' Backstory

The Human Children's Acceptance

Arrn was not sure how to approach the children. They appeared to be climbing on some sort of structure made of metal and other materials. This was new to Arrn. Perhaps he should do the same?

The shrub Arrn was hiding in was set near a pit filled with sand and rock; materials Arrn had not touched before. 

Arrn hesitated, watching the group of children frolic. Had he studied the behaviors of younger humans correctly? Maybe Arrn should attempt this later. Arrn began to back away.

The communication device in his ear crackled. "Invasion of Earth succeeded. No organisms in sight," The scratchy voice of the Kaelims' leader hissed, "Prepare to take all stone-like material first."

The Kaelim were starting... The only reason they had arrived at this little planet was for the materials. Their own planet was running out, and soon this planet would too. 

Arrn needed to do this now. He steeled himself, and got up.  Arrn stepped out of the bush into the sand pit and froze. Sand covered his paws, trickling between his toes. He waited for an allergic reaction. When none came, he moved forward, stepping awkwardly across the sand. 

The children didn't notice him at first, which surprised Arrn. Wouldn't anyone notice a humanoid alien walking towards them? Arrn approached the structure with the most children on it: a spiderweb-like thing made of ropes and steel. 

Now, a child noticed him. She peered at Arrn curiously, watching him test the ropes. Arrn grabbed a rope, the fibers rough against his paw pads, and began to climb. The other humans looked over at the alien, who was struggling to move without shaking violently. They didn't move away as Arrn reached the top where they were sitting, only staring at him and waiting for him to say something. 

Arrn panted. He had never done that before. Was that considered fun here? He coiled his tail around a rope, steadying himself. The children sat expectantly. Arrn took a breath, and spoke. 

"H-hello." The translator in his ear buzzed, telling him what to say. "My name is Arrn."

"Hi Arrn," The humans chorused,

"What are you?" A small girl asked, tipping her head to the side,

"I am from a species called Kaelim."

"You're an alien?" A boy dressed in a red plaid shirt bounced excitedly.

Arrn hesitated. "Yes."

"Wow! That's really cool!" The boy in plaid giggled, absolutely elated. 

"From which planet?" Another boy pushed his glasses up his nose. 

"My planet is called Wryn. It is not in this solar system. It is located in another system that is far away."

"Whoa! Can I go there?" Arrn turned his head. By his side, a black-haired girl giggled. Where had she come from?

"No, you should not. It is dying. We have no more resources. Which is why I am here. I need to speak with your caregivers."

"My name's  Isla," The black-haired girl said, "That's Winnie." She pointed at the small girl. 

Winnie waved. Arrn raised his paw and flopped it around in an attempt to copy her. The children giggled. 

"I'm Benjamin, but you can call me Benji. I like that name." The boy with plaid pressed a thumb into his chest, smiling a crooked smile. 

"And I'm Wyatt." Wyatt pushed his glasses back up his nose. 

"My name is Arrn."

"You said that already!" Isla gave another giggle. 

"Oh." Arrn listened for his translator, waiting for it to help him. 

"Are those horns on your head?" Benji clambered over and sat in front of Arrn. 

"Yes."

"Can I touch?" 

"Y-yes." Arrn winced internally. Translator... 

Benji reached up, and grabbed one of Arrn's horns. 

"I wanna touch too!" Winnie climbed over and touched Arrn's other horn. 

Arrn sat there and took it. They were only children after all. But he was on a mission. After the children all had a turn at touching it, Arrn got back on track. 

"I need to see your caretakers."

"Our parents?" Wyatt scratched his nose. 

"They're at my house!" Benji hollered, still extremely excited. "Come on guys! Let's go to my house and show them!" 

The humans cheered, and climbed down, as fast as monkeys. Arrn was left at the top. 

"Alien! What was your name? Arrn! Climb down Arrn!" Benji bounced in place. 

"You can do it, Arrn!"  Winnie started up a chant. 

Encouraged by their shouts, Arrn began to climb down, going so far as to unwrap his tail from the ropes. Each step down was nerve-wracking, and full of fear. But, thankfully, Arrn made it down in one piece. The children surrounded him, congratulating him on his safe journey down. Winnie and Isla each took a paw, and lead him away from the structure, and towards Benji's house.