Stranded on a Tiny Planet
Chapter 16: Landslide

About that same time...

The electro-storm was furious and swept in fast. Seraysa and Verin had made good time on the ground but had to stop and replace shelter under the arch of a large tree root.

At first, Seraysa protested but Verin explained, “It’s ok Seraysa. The EFP can’t fly in this storm...literally! No Ansheetan can fly in an electro-storm. It messes up our ability to control our magnetic field. We’re all grounded now.”

As Seraysa and Verin hid from the shocking rain, Seraysa still seemed fretful, “How far are we from the lake?”

Her brother thought, “Maybe a couple nublars... perhaps more.”

She got up abruptly and threw her hood over her head.

Verin grabbed her arm, “Seraysa! You can’t go out there!”

“I have to warn Merco. This is my only chance to get ahead of Coroc and his forces before they get to him.” she explained.

“It’s dangerous Seraysa!” Verin protested.

“You don’t have to go Verin. But I have to do this.”

With her head down and hood covering her head, Seraysa ran out into the shocking rain in the direction of the lake.

Verin stood looking helpless for a moment before looking up, “Why wasn’t I an only chrysalis?”

Groaning, Verin pulled up his hood, shouldered his supply bag, and chased after her. It was foolish and he didn’t like it. But he couldn’t let his sister do this alone. Even if it meant they could get struck by lightning.

...

Later at Pela Canyon...

The electro-storm was fast moving and wrathful in energy, but the worst parts ended swiftly. It rained normally for several nublars before subsiding as well. The light was beginning to fade from the sky, signaling night’s approach. Anu had replaced Traynar’s bandage with the materials Merco had given her from his jacket. The blood leak was once again stopped but Anu knew he’d need to see a proper medic soon. However, now that they had moved away from the lake, the medics she had requested wouldn’t know where they were. That is, if they were even coming? The storm certainly would’ve delayed their arrival but what if none were sent?

When the shocking rain ceased, Merco lowered his arms and shook the water from his jacket with a powerful buffeting noise. Droplets rained down upon her and Traynar making her cry out from their cold temperature.

“Sorry.” Merco’s voice rumbled as he placed the jacket behind his back as a cushion.

A reverberating groan flowed from the giant alien as he arched his back and stretched his powerful arms out in front of him. Harsh cracks from beneath his skin were disturbingly loud, making Anu shiver. Merco groaned again and his legs shifted. His massive body leaned forward as his