[Dedicated to iamvinn for the lovely fan-art again! Ily x]

MINUTES SEEMED LIKE hours as Jason and I patiently waited for Louis to signal that it was safe for us to board the Mothership. Jason had suggested at one point we just make a run for it and hide in the first room we came across but I'd decided against it, despite how tempting it was; I was itching to get back inside and help Louis fix this whole mess but even I was aware of just how important it was for us all to stick to the plan. One wrong move was all it took for it to all go tits up. If the phrase 'sticky situation' was going to be used to describe a moment, it would definitely be this one. I sighed, my eyes darting to each circular window in hopes of catching some sort of positive movement - Louis running past with a wide grin, Nix waving cheerfully down at me or even a Councillor receiving a well-deserved punch to the jaw. But no, there was none of that, just the stillness of the night and echoing of woodland creatures going about their nightly routines. 

Jason shifted beside me, pushing his glasses back up his nose as he asked, "How much longer do you think this is going to take? It's been about ten minutes." 

"Oh, Jase," I cooed, "are you really that impatient?" I ruffled his hair in a way I knew infuriated him and he just pouted at me like a child.

"No," he huffed, "I just can't get my head around what he's trying to do in there. If it's as heavily guarded as he says, then surely all this is pointless and he will no doubt get caught?"

"Have a little faith in him, for goodness sake," I said. "It's his ship; he'll know every nook ad cranny and most importantly he has his crew. There's a hell of a lot more of his people than there are Councillors and I know that he said it would be dangerous and not that simple, but he was just over-exaggerating. I mean, how difficult could it be to take down a couple of guys with big spears - hell, I even took one down myself."

Jason raised a brow. "You did?"

"Oh, yeah I guess I forgot to mention that part. Proper kicked him in the face," I said in a self-congratulatory kind of way and why the hell not? I was proud of how I took care of that evil git on the ship after all. "You should have seen his face as I came flying towards him. But after he was out, some of Louis' people helped me with the other one."

"Really?" Jason asked, his eyes wide. "Sure sounds like you had it tough in there. Are you alright?" His tone was concerned all of a sudden and when I glanced over to him I could see it in his eyes, that look of distant curiosity and worry. After everything that we had been through so far, he was still looking out for me.

I nodded. "Yeah," I told him with a curt nod. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just ... I don't know. I guess that you've not really changed since we were kids."

I wondered what he was referring to, if he meant something I'd perhaps overlooked. We'd done everything together when we were younger; went on trips to the beach, been partners in school, been each other's shoulder to cry on. But now with the tone of his voice and frown on his brow I couldn't help but feel like he meant a completely different thing and it worried me because 

"Jason," I began, "what are you trying to tell me?"

"When we were little, you were always the one who wanted to go out and be spontaneous. I was always tagging along because nobody else wanted to be my friend and I felt grateful that you would even take the time to ask me to come on little childish adventures down to the beach or through the back garden... I guess what I mean is, you're exactly the same even now - you're still taking any opportunity you can to live a life of adventure but I think this one is bigger than you might realise. This adventure, Flora, could possibly get you killed and here I am, tagging along once again because I want to support my best friend and make sure she doesn't hurt herself." He looked away, back towards the ship. "And I can't help but wonder if this is all worth it; putting yourself in danger just so you can say you've done something miraculous."

"Jason," I began, a little unsure how to take his comment. "We're friends, and friends do things together whether it's dangerous or not. I never asked you to help me with this one because I didn't want you to be put in danger. You knew what you were getting yourself into as soon as you followed Louis and I. If there was any point where you weren't comfortable with this, you could have walked away and you didn't. Doesn't that tell you that you're here to do more than look after me?"

"I suppose. But you always come before I do. You're the only friend who means that much to me, Flora. I'm here now so that you can have someone to support you as much as you are supporting Louis."

"I've been trying to do that for you, Jason, but I can't continue to do so if you're always harbouring around this jealousy you have towards Louis - and don't deny it, I've seen the scowls you've sent him and how you've spoken to him at times."

"I don't mean him any harm. It's just difficult to see you off adventuring with someone else who isn't me. We've always been partners in crime, and I've always come to you with my problems first hand and vice versa - until he landed here. I guess I'm just a little jealous of how he knew everything and I didn't.

I just laughed. "Of course he knew everything, you daft bugger - he is the everything in this venture."

"When you put it like that," Jason spoke slowly, "I can understand. But still, you'll always be my partner in crime."

"And you're always mine, Jason. Don't ever doubt that I'm losing touch with you. Louis is a friend in need. And like you said, I was there when you were in need at times and I like to return favours." I paused for a moment before adding, "And yes, this adventure is also part of why I'm helping him. But I could never have let him fend for himself. You know what we're like, humans."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "Remember that nasty one from high school - um, the girl with the pink stripe in her hair?"

"Maisie Roberts?" I asked. "Yeah, she was a git."

As we both reminisced about those dreary high school years what with bullies and the like telling us that we'd amount to nothing and that the world didn't need us - look at us now, I thought - I'd almost forgotten to keep a look out for Louis and his signal. Only when a blinding flash of blue light waved down at us from one of the windows did I realise that Louis was giving us the clear. Finally, I thought. 

"There's the sign," I said. I stood up slowly and waved back at him, showing that we were on our way. And then he was gone, most likely running down to meet us. I heard Jason jump up beside me and brush the muck off his clothes before he turned to me and smiled.

"Let's go," he said.

Despite the all-clear, we were both still very cautious as we neared the ship and turned left down the empty corridor. I was still in awe as we jogged along, the intricate and beautifully crafted interior of the ship something I knew I'd never forget. I couldn't help but chuckled as I noticed how Jason was inspecting the walls, his eyes wide and full of wonder. 

"Holy shit," he panted, "this is incredible."

"It's quite something, ain't it?" I added. "Wait until you see the crew."

"Louis' crew?"

"Duh, who else's crew would it be?" I laughed.

"Hopefully not that Klaru bitch," Jason said, looking over his shoulder as if he expected her to be looming right behind us. "Sure as hell am dreading coming face to face with her."

"Yeah, well with a bit of luck that won't happen," I said, not too sure that it would all be that easy. There would no doubt be another run-in with Klaru and her three goons but with a bit of luck it wouldn't be for quite a little while.

We rounded another corner into yet another winding hallway and I had to pause for a moment and think back to when I had been aboard earlier. Which way had Nix taken me? What direction was the hospital area? If I made it back there, I would probably be able to recall where we were. The walls were bare save their decor and I had to wonder how the crew knew where the hell they were going on the damn ship. I couldn't see any sign posts or clues to which way Jason and I had to go. After Louis had made it on board and gave us the signal, we never really went over what would happen after that. Now that we were all on board, what exactly were we supposed to do now?

"You're lost, aren't you?" Jason asked all of a sudden.

"No?" I said, realising it sounded more like a question. "Maybe," I corrected.

"Brilliant," Jason huffed. "So what do we do now?"

"Call out for help?" I suggested. "They all know who I am, so they'll come help no doubt."

"And what if there are still Councillors running around? What if one of those guys come charging towards us instead?"

The thought made me shiver and I could only shrug and tell him, "Then we run like hell."

He deliberated this for a moment before nodding, neither of us really having much choice. If the worst came to the worst, then fleeing the scene would be our best bet. However, I would only leave if Louis was safe with us once again.

"Louis!" I called out, making Jason jump slightly. My voice carried down the hallway but there was no reply.

"Louis!" Jason shouted. "I can't help but feel like we're being watched."

"Well, don't try and make me feel better," I scoffed. "It's just in your head."

"Is it?" he retaliated. "Then who the hell is that behind us?"

I whirled round to find a female standing not so far behind us and I recognised the shaven head and wide green eyes instantly. "Bu!"

"Miss Flora?" she called in surprise. She waddled towards us with frantic flailing gestures. "I thought that was you! Good thing it is too! Prince Loudrix was just running around looking for you!"

"Where is he?" I asked. "He called us on board after signalling that it was all clear."

"He did?!" she cried. "Oh, no. No, no, no. It is most certainly not alright. After we helped to escape we managed to trick the Councillors and lock them in the downward stock rooms but they have fought their way out and are searching for the prince right now!"

"Then we need to find him!" I replied instantly, looking worriedly over my shoulder. "What will they do if they find him?"

Bu's face fell and her skin seemed to fade several shades until she was unhealthily pale. "I dread to think, Flora. I truly do not want to find out."

"Then why are we standing around?" Jason asked all of a sudden.

Bu seemed to have noticed Jason for the first time and all she said was, "Ah, yes you must be the other one the prince mentioned. Jack, is it?"

Jason looked livid but the anger soon shaped into concern. He said, "Yeah, whatever. Now let's go find the prince."

The three of us tore round the corner like speeding cars, Bu directing us on where we were headed. 

"The last time I saw him he was by the infirmary. Some of us were injured as we rounded the Councillors up. Nix is in there as we speak."

My heart stopped. "Is she alright?"

"She is severely injured, one of her arms was badly broken but she will live."

"That's good," I said. "Hopefully we can go see her after all this mess is cleared up."

"She will like that," Bu told me with a smile.

Eventually we came to a small metal door sitting ajar on our left. I peered inside and noticed that a set of stairs led downwards into a foggy corridor. I half expected some sort of stereotypical lizard-like alien to jump at me and eat me, but instead, I heard a voice yelling commands.

"...I promise you! Everything will be just fine!"

I recognised the voice instantly. "He's down there," I said, turning to Bu and Jason. "I'll go get him."

"No," Bu said all of a sudden, reaching forward to grab my arm. "You don't know where you're going, Flora. The ship is large and the corridors vast. You may get lost once again!"

"But we don't have time," I protested. "I need to see that he is OK and then we can all work together to-"

A sudden, clang sounded throughout the corridor and the chatter died down. It echoed all the way through to the entrance where the three of us stood. None of us made any sound. My head turned so sharply I felt a crick in my neck, but it didn't faze me in the slightest; on the contrary, I was on full alert. In the distance I could hear a slight shuffling, almost like the sound of a body being dragged along the ground and then a sudden grunt sounded.

"You don't suppose..." Jason began quietly.

Dread shot throughout my entire body, my heart hammering in my chest as I listened carefully for his voice again. He had to be OK, he just had to be. This was Louis we were talking about; stubborn, determined and damn right feisty. He wouldn't go down without a fight and I knew that a mere Councillor wouldn't have the guts to harm him in any sort of way. No, that was why Klaru was here. 

A few more moment of silence past and I felt tears stinging my eyes.

Then suddenly, "Unhand me this instant!"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but this little game is about to expire." The voice that spoke back was a low grumble, an angry one at that. In the time it took for the sudden grunts of a fight to break out, I was already running down the dimly lit green corridor as Bu and Jason shouted after me to come back.

Thaaanks again to all of you for sticking with the story despite my little break, I can't believe that the majority of you remained faithful and patient, it warms my heart and I can't thank you all enough.

NEW STORY | Why not check out my new short story, Night Out? 

Space joke: What did the moon say to Earth? "You're my whole world!"

Cazza x