[Dedicated to gorgeous-mermaid for the lovely fan art above!]

Painfully unedited but you guys can forgive me considering it's 2am and I have work today *sobs* yaaayy

THE CORRIDORS SEEMED to go on forever; no matter which way I turned, I found myself staring down an identical hall to the one I'd just ran through. Louis' voice was still echoing protests around me but I couldn't pin-point which direction it was actually coming from. One minute it sounded like he was yelling to the left but when I turned to head that way, he seemed to be struggling the down to the right. My mind was reeling as I stood still and concentrated, listening for some sort of give away.

"You shall regret this, I tell you!" I heard him shout somewhere to my left. I turned and didn't bother wasting more time contemplating if I was going the right way. I'd soon find out anyway. After I'd jogged around the beams and jagged walls of the ship's bottom floor I found myself out of breath and slightly woozy, almost as if the side effects of the tracker were attacking my system once again. Always at most inopportune moments, I realised and I just shook my head and pressed on. I had to find him.

"Stop trying to fight me," the second voice spat all of a sudden. Soon followed a crack and an 'oof' as a body hit the floor. Surrounded by the green tinted fog, all I could make out were blurry silhouettes up every forked pathway, but I eventually found myself squinting as I made out movement up ahead. It looked like a figure.

"Get off me!" Louis shouted. "This does not need to become any more unfortunate than it already is! You can stop this right now." I'd never heard Louis as desperate, not even when he had asked for my help to find his ship. He had mentioned before about hot kind his people were but surely if his parents found out about the treason that Klaru and the Councillors had acted out, that kindness wouldn't go very far when trying to save their necks. Louis was trying to stop the storm before it truly hit.

"There is no time for your pathetic ramblings now, Prince," the voice snapped. "This will all be over soon, never fear."

I ran at full speed, flying towards the large,  bulky shape of a man as he loomed over Louis, his eye ablaze with anger. Clearly he hadn't expected an intervention because as soon as my body collided with his side he went tumbling backwards and into a tangle of thick black pipes and wires. I too lost my balance and fell over my own feet before I glanced over to Louis.

"Flora!" he exclaimed, his blue eyes wide. I noticed a deep gash down the side of his cheek, blood dripping through his fingers as his palm protected the tender flesh. "Why aren't you with everyone else?"

"I had to find you," I blurted, pushing myself up and grabbing his arm. He winced every so slightly but allowed me to tug him up to his feet. The Councillor was fighting with the wires entangled with his limbs and I didn't hesitate to tell Louis how serious the situation actually was. It struck me as odd that he was so calm and I had to wonder if he actually knew that all the Councillors were running around looking for him.

"I need to find my people and make sure they are well," he said, still clutching at his cheek. 

"We will," I promised. "I left Bu and Jason up on the second floor. I don't know how to get back there though..." I trailed off, realising that I was lost once again. However, Louis grasped my hand tightly and ran to the left, guiding me down a dark hallway until we were standing before a large silver door with two gold, intricate handles protruding out in an almost inappropriate way. In any other circumstance I would have laughed. "Where does this lead?" I asked.

"Back towards the control rooms," he told me. As he opened the door, I had to shriek as I took a step forward; there was no floor, just an empty space, like a vertical corridor almost. Confused, I looked to Louis who just grinned, took my hand carefully, and told me, "Trust me."

I just nodded as he pulled my numb legs forward, closer and closer until ... we were both standing side by side in mid air. It felt like solid ground beneath my feet which baffled me all the more and I looked to Louis to find him already grinning at me. "Invisible elevator?" I guessed.

"Of sorts," he replied and then something shuddered below us. I gasped, suddenly frightened that I would fall to my death. I didn't dare look down, knowing that the invisible floor would only mess with my head and probably more so than the tracking serum. Suddenly, we were being propelled upwards as if safety wires were attached to our bodies. But there was no tug, just the uncomfortable lurch of my stomach as we shot skyward.

"So," I began, "it's like the alien beam thing?"

He frowned. "Alien beam thing?"

"Well, for example if I were standing in the middle of a field - a crop field, for instance - and your ship were hovering above me, if you for some reason wanted to pick up a person, you'd use your ship's gravity beam thing?"

"I see where you're going with this," he chuckled, wincing as the action creased over the split skin of his cheek. "But no, Earthling, you've been watching too many films."

I could only laugh, unable to grasp that he had been the one to tell me, the human, that I'd made-up the stereotype in my head. "So, is that a no?"

His shoulders slumped all of a sudden and he gave me a look that said, 'damn you.'

"Not necessarily-" he began but I just laughed and raised a triumphant hand to the air.

"Knew it."

Colourful beams flashed past us like city lights, at one point making my head spin but at the same time brought the biggest smile to my face. It's what I imagined flying around in space would look like, surrounded by planets and stars and more incredibly beautiful things. Louis took my hand all of a sudden, looking down at my bedraggled appearance. He didn't look too good either for once; his usually ruffled hair was sticking up in all directions, some ends caked with blood where they'd met with the gash on his face, his eyes looked tired, as if he'd fully accepted what the situation was. It would drain anyone. However, he still managed to smile at me and there, in that moment, I realised he was one of those beautiful things in space as well.

When our ascent finally began to slow down, he squeezed my hand gently and said, "We have to be quick, especially with that tracker still in your system. They know we're on the ship now so it won't take them long to find us."

I nodded. "Alright. Where exactly are we heading now?"

"Control room," he announced as he fully came to a halt, floating in mid-air. With his free hand he reached out and grasped the door handle to our left, one identical to the previous one. He pulled himself out of the 'elevator' and helped me steady myself after finally landed on solid ground once again. I wobbled at first and he took me in his arms so I wouldn't fall. For a moment our eyes met and we said nothing. I had't realised previously how good it felt to hug him, not even that first time I told him how they could make everything better. Now, he was making me feel better. 

"Well this is ironic, you helping me be steady on my feet," I laughed and Louis just frowned.

"I don't understand," he told me.

I just sighed and corrected myself, "What I mean is, this reminds me of when we first met and you were wobbly on your human legs and needed help." I would always think fondly of our first interaction, how much of a pompous git he had been. "But now you're the one helping me."

"With all due respect, I don't believe either of us are helping anybody while we stand here talking about irony," he pointed out, grinning in that cheeky way he did.

"Of course," I said before he unwound his arms from my waist; I missed them.

The control room was empty by the time we reached it, and luckily we hadn't bumped into any unwanted attention. There were a few close calls but nothing too problematic. Louis asked me to shut the door behind us and I complied as he took off to the large screen in the centre, surrounded by buttons of all colours. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the cut wire, still sparking away violently under the main panel. I pointed it out to Louis who just groaned and slammed his fists down on the table.

"Typical!" he grumbled, looking left and right across the selection of gadgets.

"Is there no way we can fix it?" I asked. "No sort of back-up system or generator?"

Louis shook his head. "I may be able to set up the backing power but even then, the signal may not carry out far enough. Besides, it will take a least ten minutes, which is time to precious to waste. We would be discovered by then."

I thought for a moment. He seemed to be forgetting that it was I who was being tracked, not him. "I can lead them away," I said. "They're not tracking you. Klaru isn't stupid, she'll think we're still running around together and if she does happen to find me, then that gives you more time to fix it."

Louis shook his head firmly. "No, you're not putting yourself in danger for my sake."

"I've been doing that since the day we met," I argued, crossing my arms over my chest. "I want to help and us standing here complaining isn't doing any good. You start fiddling with those cables, and I'll go buy you some more time. Don't try to fight with me," I snapped as he stood, his arms outstretched as if he were about to pull me back towards him. "I want to help."

"But I'll just be worrying about you in here. And what if they find me first?" he pointed out. "What then?"

I could only shrug, not entirely sure what would happen then. "Well, then I guess we're screwed. But don't you think it's worth a shot?" 

"I..." he trailed off. It must have been the desperation in my face, for he signed deeply and let his shoulders slump. "You're not going to change your mind, are you?"

"Nope," I said with a smile, turning to leave the room. Just before I allowed the doors to slide shut behind me, I glanced at him over my shoulder. He was still watching me intently, as if it were the last time he would see me. I smiled at him. "Be careful," I told him. "I mean it, Prince."

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the sides as he gave me a small nod and murmured, "I promise, Earthling."

Then I left the room and turned down the corridor to my right, glancing out of the circular windows whenever I passed, dreading to find an angry Klaru marching her way towards the ship at any moment. Then it would definitely be game over. To be honest, how else did she expect to win? Louis was back on the ship, her people outnumbered and not to mention, she was still out there in the woods, probably miles away from the ship.

Then how did the Councillors get to Hoveton so quickly? The voice nagged that same question over and over until I had to fully ponder the answer. How the hell had they arrived at my home so quickly on foot? Imogen had driven me home while they were wandering in the trees still trying to find a path. The tracking serum had nothing to do with it, surely; that was purely to track an individual, not transport you to them... I had to remind myself that these guys were aliens and their technology was most likely centuries ahead of us stupid Earthlings. 

I turned to the left and guided myself through another identical hallway, my heart beating uncontrollably at the thought of a Councillor rounding the corner and advancing toward me, Striking Blade in hand. I was quick, but not quick enough to dodge a sudden thrust at my chest. 

I had to pause for a moment to catch my breath, running through the ship leaving me exhausted both physically and mentally. It was hard work having to remember that you were being counted on to save the life of not only a prince, but his entire crew and trying to not get killed at the same time. Things looked to be good for me up until I turned that final corner and I came face to face with a tall burly man with savage looking eyes. 

"Fuck," I whispered under my breath, slowly stepping backwards. He mirrored my actions and paced closer, his hands curled into claws. 

"You are the human who escaped," he realised, glaring at me. "I suggest you come quietly and no harm will come to you."

"I don't believe you," I retaliated. All I kept thinking was that I had to buy as much time for Louis as possible and despite how desperate I was to run back the way I came, I stood my ground, balling my hands into fists. "Klaru was just using me as part of her plan to capture the prince."

"Yes," he said with a smile. "But it appears the original plan has been compromised."

"What do you mean?"

"You stupid girl! It means that everything the Princess has worked for has been corrupted by you! If you had remained here, she may even have let you leave without harm."

I raised a brow. "So she did intend to hurt me?" My question seemed to anger him more for he took two large strides forwards.

"I do not blame her; I would even suggest she remove your tongue first."

"But then how would I be able to tell all my awesome jokes?" I blurted, not at all thinking about what I was saying. 

"I - what do you mean?" he stuttered, frowning at me, his predator stance faltering for a moment. "If this is some sort of human trickery-"

"You'll do what?" I challenged, not sure where the sudden courage had come from. "Huh?"

I had no idea how long I could keep the teasing up before he charged at me. My legs were stiff as a board, glued to the floor as I continued to be as stubborn as possible. Whatever gave Louis more time, I would do it.

"You dare talk like-"

"Like that to you?" I finished for him. "Please," I laughed. "You and your kind have no power on this planet. I bet you don't even know-"

Suddenly he unleashed an almighty roar, almost like that of a beast and before I knew it, he was charging at me. My feet betrayed me as I took off back down the corridor I'd come, the voice in my head yelling how stupid I was and how dangerous it was. But all I had to do was lead him away from the control room-

"What are you doing back here?!" Louis demanded as soon as I slammed the door shut behind me.

"I was chased," I panted, pressing my back to the surface of the door which was now being pounded upon, an angry snarl ripping from the Councillors's throat.

"I can hear that," Louis replied bluntly. "Thanks."

"Well, Your Majesty, I didn't have much of a choice! I panicked!" I screeched, struggling to keep the door from bursting open. But suddenly, I didn't need to try, for the banging ceased and the guy spoke slowly from the other side.

"Your Majesty?" he repeated. "Why, is that our prince in there with you, human?"

"Um, no?" I said, trying to sound partly truthful. Of course, that wasn't what I sounded like at all. 

"It is," he concluded. "Excellent."

"Oh, píss off, Clepto!" Louis shouted all of a sudden. "I'll be sure to have your sorry arse fired as soon as we get home."

I looked to the prince with wide eyes, unsure if I'd heard him correctly. "Go, Louis," I heard myself mumble.

He smiled widely as if the whole threat of an imposing Councillors wasn't happening right outside the doors. "Why, thank you."

"Stop communicating," the Councillor - Clepto - hissed at us. "I suggest you stand away from the entrance or I will have no choice but to - oh."

There was a sudden silence outside, an eerie emptiness in the air that sent a chill up my spine. Louis must have felt it too, for he looked to me with frantic eyes and set to word on trying to operate the back-up power for the ship. His fingers fiddled with several wires and buttons set on top of the control panel, flicking a green button only to sigh and tug at a yellow wire. It was like watching somebody attempt to diffuse a bomb, only this bomb was metaphorical and no doubt about to burst through the doors at any moment. I was kidding myself if thinking Klaru wouldn't make it back to the ship before everything was hunky-dory. 

"What's going on?" I asked Louis quietly, gesturing to the door.

He shrugged. "No idea, but just don't let him in, whatever you do."

I nodded. "Right."

But unfortunately things once again didn't go to plan as the sudden brute strength used to blast open the doors sent me tumbling to the floor in a ungraceful heap. I was only catching my breath when the four Councillors - Klaru's three henchmen and the one who didn't appreciate my sarcasm - entered the room closely followed by the bitch herself.

"Well," Klaru began, taking in the two of us, "I thought you'd put up more of a fight."

"From the way you speak to people I thought you'd be pretty capable of breaking down a door yourself," I returned, smiling at her. "Apparently not."

She took no time to groan at the sight of me. "I was so hoping you'd been disposed of since I last set eyes on you."

"Oh," I let slip. "That ain't the nicest thing to say."

"Good," she spat before nodding to Malor, his icy eyes already fixed on my face. It took him all but two large strides to reach me and before I could retaliate, he'd hauled me up and was gripping my upper arms so tightly he may as well have just cuffed me. I was about to scream in protest when a sudden hissing sound filled the room followed but a sudden crack. I may have been mistaken, but it sure sounded like a rekindled signal.

Louis met my gaze, alarm laced in his bright blue gaze as he realised he'd done it, he'd connected the signal back home. But before he could even open his mouth to speak, there was a large curved blade placed at the hollow of my throat, painfully close to my skin. It crackled in Norkar's hand as he sneered at Louis, the silent message of, "Don't say a word or she dies," seeming to linger in the air.

I saw the pure horror on Louis' face as he realised the severity of the situation; it was my life on the line for once, not his and one wrong move would mean I'd be a goner. That evil, selfish part of my mind was begging for him to save me but that wasn't what I truly wanted - I wanted him safe, home, where he could finally be at peace and tell his friends and family of his great adventure on Earth and how awesome I was and so on.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Klaru raise a brow at him, almost challenging him to shout panic into the microphone. But he didn't, instead as he let his eyes lower to the ground in what I devastatingly realised was defeat. Before me, I watched his human guise melt away to reveal his true, beautiful skin and he pressed a green button down and spoke in his native language.

"What's he saying?" I asked no on in particular.

"He told home that everything is well and that he shall be returning home momentarily," Klaru said, turning to face me. "I do believe he made a smart decision, don't you? Wouldn't want to dirty the floors with blood, now would we?"

"Oh, honey, don't sound so upset," I sarcastically spoke. 

As soon as Louis had lifted his finger off the button and turned to face us, he glared at Klaru. I'd never seen him so angry, so hurt, like seeing her right before his eyes had tipped the scale just that fraction over the edge to make his blood boil. He shifted forms so quickly I wondered if I'd even seen it clearly. 

"So," he steadily began, "it's true."

"What's true?" Klaru innocently pondered. 

"Don't give me your shit," he spat. "This whole time, you've been plotting against me, jeopardising my mission all to feed your petty belief that humans are dangerous and will be the downfall of Junito. Don't even get me started on the part where you tried to kill me just to become queen."

"Oh, Loudrix you're awfully flustered," Klaru cooed as if she were talking to a baby. The superiority she gave off was really beginning to irk me. If I managed to break free from grasp I'd be sure to give her a smack. 

"And you, my dear, are awfully screwed. You want to know why? Because we're heading back home right now whether you like it or not, and they know I'm alive and safe. You can't kill me now, not after I've reported home."

Klaru seemed to only realise this as Louis told it to her and the second she narrowed her eyes I knew she was stumped. That was it, over. Her brilliant plan had come to an end, and not the one she had intended for Louis was right - he had informed his home that he was safe and beginning the journey back soon.

But stupid little me should have known that there would have been a plan B - or C, considering that the second plan had been to come to Earth and kill Louis as the original plan, that being plan A, to shoot him to a foreign planet and kill him that way had in fact failed. I allowed my mind to argue over what plan the Councilors were carrying out when Norkar lowered his Striking Blade from my throat and stalked over to Louis. He secured him the same way Malor was holding me, and he didn't even put up a fight.

"The thing you always forget about me, Loudrix," Klaru said, "is that you always underestimate my intelligence."

"Oh, please," I whispered, apparently louder than I had anticipated for a hand was suddenly slapped over my mouth.

"I knew you'd be tough to take down so easily," Klaru was muttering now, as if she was concocting a whole new scenario right there on the spot. "But no, you may have just made things a whole lot easier for me."

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Space joke: Orion can't help it if he's so popular; he just has that star quality!

Cazza x