I saw an invisible shooting star land west of Monte Bianco. If Kuja David saw what I saw, then he would’ve ran to nanay and an entire squad of Terrans sorties for investigation. If anything I wanted to avoid seeing nanay, kuja and even dad.

After packing a snack, a drink and my will to check out the unknown by myself, I snuck out of the window from my bedroom. I double checked my several body pillows beneath my blanket to ensure that if nanay checked on me, then she would assume I’d be asleep. And not sneaking out. But I hardly believe that she would even want to see me.

The metal roof creaked beneath my steps and cracked when I hopped down into a bush. I expected someone to check out the noises outside, but as expected when it wasn't for the sirens warning about an incoming assault, then no one cared about any noise.

I turned the key of my hoverbike, which I parked a few streets away, and it greeted me with the soft humm of its engine. The road to the west led to the East Atlantic Base. A military base built to fend off the Monocero. The shooting star landed north from the western forest that divided Monte Bianco and East Atlantic Base. And if the locals hadn’t complained about the deforestation then there would be a larger base than just the cape of the western beach.

The road connected to a small cobblestone path into fields before I could enter the forest. And once I reached the stone cross, I parked my bike next to the wooden table and bench that my grandpa built for picnics after a walk through nature.

I stopped at the towering stone cross and swiftly bowed before taking my leave. Being in the favor of a good luck charm was needed, especially when I had to consider that I might see an alien.

The small and entangled trail forced me to push through bushes and twigs alike, all while avoiding trampling on flowers and mushrooms. I’d hate it if someone stepped on to my dinner. After another minute- long hike, I finally reached the cliff.

Fifty meters tall, one horned and for some reason almost completely translucent. It sat there waiting. As I prowled in closer to get a better look of the Monocero, a man climbed out of the crystal skin located at its nape.

He looked human.

I didn’t understand. Tentacle arms, multiple heads, long pointy ears or four arms. I braced myself with anything but a man that didn’t differentiate than a human man. And with each careful step closer, I was drawn in more. The night was especially dark with the absence of the moon today. That’s why making out his features and face was difficult.

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Then I slipped on a wet rock and fell forward.

I messed up again. The second time this week. What if the alien would shoot me? That never crossed my mind until I hit the ground. My fingers dug into the ground when I heard his footsteps close in until I could see them. My stiff neck forced my head to look up. I wanted to see if he had a third eye or maybe only one, maybe no face or no mouth. Anything that would distinguish us from them.

He smiled. He offered his hand and knelt down. “Are you hurt?” His voice was smooth and husky.

I sat back, taking a good look at his hand. The sleeve hugged his arm, showcasing his neat muscles. Then my attention returned back to his face. I took his hand without any second thought. There was no point to it. He looked very much human, just also ethereal. Pale, almost white with a hint of gray skin. Platinum with wild locks that covered his blue eyes.

He pulled me up. “Do you speak english?” He asked me as his hands moved to my shoulder, securing me from falling.

I nodded and took a step back. “I do.”

He was taller than me. Everything about him is human. Two arms, legs, one head, same anatomy as any athletic man. I was disappointed. He could’ve had at least a third eye on his forehead.

“What are you even doing here?” He went to pick up my bag that I left on the ground.

Oh, I don’t have anything to lose anymore. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to simply come and welcome an alien. That wouldn’t sit well when I blurt that out. But – I lost control and crashed the Terran pilot test, disappointing my entire family as we all serve the very same people who also shot down some of yours. Yes, I should keep it simple.

I grabbed my bag that he dusted off before offering it to me, then said. “I thought going for a hike through the forest would lift my mood.” I smiled at him.

He placed his ring and index finger on his chin. Now that we both stood, I only got to have glimpses of his eyes. He answered. “You don’t fear the dark or unknown?”

I twitched. I shook my head, then my attention waned over to the Monocero.

He followed my sight then he stepped in closer to me.

I kept distancing myself from him. There was something off about him. His hands trembled as he tried to reach out for me. And completely oblivious to my surroundings I cornered myself against a tree. The alien placed his hand beneath my chin, pushing it up to meet his gaze, while the other hand was next to my head.

It darkened, and the next words showed me an emotion that I held back the entire time. “You shouldn’t be able to see the Nebul. Are you here to kill me?”

He was afraid.

I was afraid.

But neither of us were ready to end each other's life.

“Nebul?” I asked.