Captain Sunshine

Chapter 17: Owing Apologies

"Shadow hands!" Fang called out, hoping to pull his Captain's unconscious form from harm while he ran towards him.

However, all the drive he had earlier had unfortunately disappeared into apprehension and fear as he couldn't help but think-

'What have I done?!'

-and his shadow hands dissipated before they could even reach Solar.

"No!"

In an act of desperation, he threw PlanterBot to a nearby bush and lunged over Solar to shield him.

It was a stupid move- but he was running out of options and if this was the price he had to pay for refusing to listen to his Captain for the umpteenth time... then so be it.

He braced himself at the exact moment he was sure the Plantosaur was going to grab him when a loud pained roar made him jolt in surprise.

He looked up to see the monster's back burst into flames.

He was quick to drag his Captain away from the rampaging Plantosaur, wincing as his injured leg practically protested in pain.

"Fang! Solar!"

The relief at hearing the familiar voice of Qually almost made his knees buckle under the weight of his Captain.

Qually survived! He couldn't believe it-

Another roar snapped him from his small victory and he was quick to drag Solar away from the rampaging Plantosaur.

"Qually! Over here!"

Just as Qually popped up from behind the monster with his flaming spatula, the familiar ship suddenly flew over their heads and started shooting at the gigantic alien.

Tendrils of veins hung off its frame, and obviously, it had its own mishaps while they had been away.

The monster screeched, and Qually ran towards them hands over his head, afraid of getting hit.

"We have to go!" Fang yelled as he waved the ship over. Fortunately the AI pilot must've understood as it started descending the transport towards them while continuing its attack against the burning Plantosaur.

"What happened to him?!" Qually asked in concern as he took Solar's other side, helping him carry their Captain.

Fang winced, unable to hide the guilt that was definitely showing on his face,  as they slowly but surely made their way to the ship.

"I kind of messed up."

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Cahaya had been engrossed in reading an astronomy book that he couldn't help but jump as someone knocked on the door of his shared room with Daun.

He turned to see Tanah smiling hesitantly at him.

In response, he rolled his eyes and went back to reading.

"Please. If you don't want another shouting match, I'd advise you just leave me be." He paused before adding, "But if it's about the dishes, it's Air's turn. I did his turn last night-"

"I wanted to see if you're available to help Atok with the shop today." He said gently.

Cahaya tilted his head, "No. I've got some studying to do."