Kael and Lyra stood before the pod, now looking entirely Human. Their reflections in the pod's metallic surface showed no traces of their Aetranite origins—no translucent skin, no glowing veins, no metallic shimmer to their hair. They had successfully adapted.
But looking Human wasn't enough. They needed clothing that matched Earth's inhabitants.
Kael turned to the pod's interface. "LUX, can the pod generate appropriate Human clothing?"
"Affirmative. Fabricators within the pod can synthesize Earth-appropriate garments based on analyzed data."
A compartment slid open, revealing neatly folded outfits. Kael and Lyra each grabbed their respective sets, exchanging glances before stepping behind the pod to change.
When Kael emerged, he was dressed in dark jeans, a plain black shirt that fit snugly against his lean, athletic build, and a lightweight, dark jacket. His boots were sturdy, perfect for traversing unknown terrain. He flexed his hands, testing the fabric—it was comfortable, breathable, but still felt far less advanced than Aetronian attire.
Lyra stepped out moments later, adjusting the fit of her outfit. She wore slim-fitting dark jeans, a cropped white top that hugged her figure, and a lightweight jacket. The clothes had been tailored perfectly to her new physique. She turned her arms slightly, feeling the material. "Not bad," she mused. "Though I miss my Aetranite gear."
Kael nodded in agreement but remained focused on their next task. "We can't just leave the pod exposed." He turned back to the machine. "LUX, conceal the pod."
A soft hum vibrated through the air as the pod shimmered, its surface bending light around it until it faded from view completely.
"The pod is now cloaked and undetectable by primitive Human technology," LUX confirmed.
Kael exhaled in relief. "Good. We'll come back for it when we need it."
Lyra glanced around at the towering trees and dense foliage surrounding them. "Now what?"
Kael turned to the forest beyond. "Now, we find our way out."
---
The forest was unlike anything they had ever seen. Aetron had its own form of plant life, but this was different—wilder, more chaotic. The scent of damp earth, the rustling of unseen creatures, the distant call of birds—all of it felt overwhelmingly alive.
Kael took the lead, moving with the precise, calculated awareness that LUX provided. Every step was measured, every movement efficient. Lyra followed closely, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
Despite their advanced physiology, the forest was unfamiliar terrain. The uneven ground, tangled roots, and thick underbrush forced them to move carefully.
After several minutes of walking, Lyra exhaled sharply. "Are we even going in the right direction?"
Kael remained focused. "LUX, scan for any signs of Human settlements."
There was a pause before LUX responded.
"Nearest population center is approximately 20 kilometers northeast. Limited technological activity detected."
Kael adjusted their course. "This way."
They moved swiftly, but the dense vegetation slowed them down. Lyra brushed her hair from her face, glancing upward at the towering trees. "I thought Earth was supposed to have advanced cities."
Kael smirked. "Maybe we landed in the wrong part."
As they continued, Lyra suddenly tensed, grabbing Kael's arm. "Did you hear that?"
Kael froze, his senses sharpening. A rustling sound—too large to be just the wind. Something was moving.
He turned toward the source, his body instinctively shifting into a defensive stance. Lyra did the same, her muscles coiled, ready for action.
Then, from behind a cluster of thick trees, a pair of glowing eyes emerged.
A large, predatory creature—unlike anything they had seen before—stared at them, its muscular frame shifting as it moved closer. Its fur was dark, matted, and its fangs gleamed under the dim light filtering through the canopy.
Lyra inhaled sharply. "That's no Human."
Kael's mind worked rapidly. A predator. Larger than expected. Powerful limbs. Aggressive stance. Likely territorial.
The creature snarled, lowering its body in preparation to strike.
Kael took a slow step forward, his voice low. "LUX, analyze."
"Species unknown. Closest match: Earth's apex predators. Threat level: Moderate. Recommend avoidance or neutralization."
Avoidance wasn't an option. The creature was already preparing to lunge.
Kael shifted his weight, ready to strike. Lyra followed his lead.
Then, with a guttural roar, the beast lunged—
And Kael moved.
His reactions were instant, calculated. He dodged effortlessly, twisting to the side as the creature's massive claws slashed through the air where he had just been. Lyra darted back, agile and quick.
Kael saw an opening. He pivoted, driving a precise kick to the beast's side. The impact sent it staggering, but it recovered quickly, snarling in rage.
Lyra took advantage of the moment, grabbing a fallen branch and swinging it with surprising force. The creature yelped as it connected, momentarily disoriented.
"Run," Kael ordered.
Without hesitation, they turned and sprinted. The creature recovered fast, but Kael and Lyra were faster. They weaved through the trees, their enhanced speed giving them an advantage.
After several minutes of running, the sounds of pursuit faded.
They finally slowed, catching their breath. Lyra glanced over her shoulder. "What was that?"
Kael shook his head. "LUX doesn't recognize it. But whatever it was, it wasn't friendly."
Lyra exhaled. "Great. We're on a new planet, and the first thing we encounter tries to eat us."
Kael smirked slightly. "Welcome to Earth."
Lyra shot him a glare before glancing up at the sky, where the sun was beginning to set. "We need to find shelter before it gets dark."
Kael nodded. "And we need to reach that Human settlement as soon as possible."
With that, they continued forward, venturing towards the nearest human settlement.
The forest stretched endlessly before them, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Kael and Lyra moved cautiously, their senses alert for any sign of danger. The recent encounter with the predator had left them both tense, but they knew they had to keep going.
As they navigated through the thick underbrush, LUX suddenly alerted Kael.
"Human detected. Approximately twenty meters ahead. Male. Estimated age: similar to yours. Armed with a primitive projectile weapon."
Kael halted instantly, raising a hand to signal Lyra to stop. She followed his gaze, her muscles tensing. "A Human?"
Kael nodded. "LUX, analyze behavior."
"No signs of aggression. Individual appears to be moving at a steady pace. Likely returning to a settlement. Probability of hostility: low."
Lyra frowned. "Should we avoid him?"
Kael considered it. They still knew little about Humans, and trusting a stranger on an unknown planet was risky. But with nightfall approaching, they needed shelter.
Before they could decide, the figure emerged from behind a tree, stepping into view.
A tall, athletic young man, roughly Kael's apparent age, walked confidently through the forest. He carried a long hunting rifle slung over his shoulder and wore a rugged outfit suited for outdoor survival. His sharp hazel eyes flickered with alertness as he moved.
The boy hadn't noticed them yet.
Kael and Lyra instinctively stepped behind a tree, watching him closely.
Lyra whispered, "He looks like a hunter."
Kael observed him carefully. His posture was relaxed, but there was a quiet confidence in his movements—he was comfortable in this environment. That meant he knew his way around, which could be useful.
As they debated, the boy suddenly stopped. His hazel eyes darted around, sensing something amiss. He wasn't looking directly at them, but he knew he wasn't alone.
Kael narrowed his eyes. He's sharp.
The boy adjusted his rifle slightly, scanning the area. "Who's there?" His voice was steady, cautious, but not immediately hostile.
Kael glanced at Lyra. She gave him a look that said your call.
After a brief hesitation, Kael stepped out from behind the tree, raising his hands slightly to show he wasn't a threat. "We don't mean any harm."
The boy's eyes locked onto him immediately, his grip tightening on his rifle. Then Lyra stepped out as well, her expression unreadable.
The boy's gaze flickered between them, assessing. "You're not from around here." It wasn't a question.
Kael maintained his calm expression. "No. We're... lost."
The boy raised an eyebrow. "Lost? In the middle of a forest?"
Kael nodded. "We were trying to find shelter."
The boy didn't lower his rifle yet, but his posture relaxed slightly. "Where did you come from?"
Kael hesitated. "Far from here."
The boy exhaled, still studying them. Then, after a moment, he sighed. "You're lucky you ran into me. This forest isn't safe at night."
Lyra exchanged a glance with Kael. This was the opportunity they needed.
Kael nodded. "Can you help us?"
The boy hesitated for a brief moment before lowering his rifle. "My name's James. James Carter. My family lives nearby. If you don't have anywhere to go, you can come with me."
Kael and Lyra still weren't sure if they could trust him, but as the sky darkened and the distant sounds of the forest grew more ominous, they kne
w they had little choice.
Kael gave a small nod. "Lead the way."
With that, the three of them disappeared into the fading light, heading toward the Human settlement.