Chapter 25

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Greg, Alice and Stacey were standing on top one of the landing platforms, doing their best to avoid the onslaught of an attacking winged lizard creatures. 

Selena quickened her pace and ran up to one of the idle ships. Placing her padded feet underneath, she pushed up hard, turning the ship onto its side; timing it just right so that the much larger winged dragon rammed its head straight into it. Selena couldn't hold her position, but the knock was enough to send the assailing creature into a temporary stupor.

Unaware of the alliance, Greg pulled out his knife. Selena shrieked as Greg thrust his knife into her tail.

A primal fire surged up into the Leopard Gecko's chest. She turned hard, ripping her own tail from her body. Her eyes turned black as she set her sights to attack Greg.

A thrust of warm air blast from above them both. "NO!" Ryan shouted from the ship above them. "Don't do this. We need to work together!"

Selena struggled to resist her primeval urges as Becky lowered the ladder for Alice and Stacey. Both of them climbed quickly. Greg walked towards the ladder as Selena followed him closely. Jeremy struggled to keep the ship stable with the chaos that was going on around them.

Greg cautiously began ascending the ladder as Selena hissed at him.

"It's okay, we are getting out together." Implored Ryan.

When Greg got to the top of the ladder, he began to retract it.

"What are you doing?" asked Ryan.

"That creature is not coming!" protested Greg.

"Yes she is! She has been the only one who has known what was going to happen and has helped us to safety so far."

"It is a threat?"

Ryan looked down at Selena. Despite her form, she now looked fragile and scared. She had risked everything to help them. Now they were leaving her?

"She's one of us, Greg. She's a runaway, just like me! And ... she is my friend."

Greg didn't understand it, but he knew when his best friend was serious. Nothing of his facial expressions or his voice left any doubt that Ryan meant what he had said.

"Alright, Ryan ... alright."

Ryan lowered the ladder. Selena the Leopard Gecko began to awkwardly climb upwards.

Below on Mars, Victor and his team continued to battle hard. Ryan was sure that he saw Carl's familiar hat heading towards the bunker in the South.

Above - the ship set its coordinates - for Earth.

Prologue

As odd as it was, Earth was not a totally blue planet. Selena guided them to a sizeable patch of green. A world re-born would begin.

They know I have rebelled against their plan.

Will there be any more survivors from Mars?

It's not clear. I hope so. The Aliens will not give us time to repopulate like before. Their punishment will be swift. Not only that, but the old deep sea creatures are still here. They are probably sleeping though - not expecting our visit.

What then? Did you bring us here to die?

There is one chance, but many will have to unite. I am the only one that can turn the tide. Humans and creatures have to know a better course.

Selena ambled over towards the water's edge.

Where are you going? Asked Ryan.

I'll be back, winked Selena.

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