Author's note: Okay. Guys, this one is going to work a bit differently from my other fic, St. Andrew's. That one I have already written most of. I know where it's going. I know how to end it. But on this one, I'm winging it. So please bear with me, because the chapters are going to be short. Hopefully often, but definitely short. And send me any ideas you might have. I will take them into consideration.

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Disclaimer: Don't own it. You think I own it? Hah.

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Taro

I've had strange things happen to me before.

But having an alien spaceship land in my backyard definitely tops the list.

I glanced over at my sister Sakura, who was watching from the doorway on the other side of the ship. She looked a bit scared, but more than a little intrigued. Can't say I blame her. I was curious, myself.

Do not be afraid.

I jumped, my eyes flicking around for the source of the voice. Sakura regarded me curiously. Obviously, she hadn't heard it. It must have come from the craft. And they knew I was here.

Slowly, I beckoned to the ship. Whatever was inside, I wanted to meet it face-to-face.

After a moment, a hatch opened in the side of the ship. And she came out.

I could immediately tell that she was female. She had a human torso, set centaur-like on a horse's body. Four legs, each with cloven hooves and a small dew claw on the back. Graceful arms, small hands. An almost human face, minus the mouth and most of the nose. Beautiful, slanting, emerald eyes.

But those were the normal parts. The weird parts? She was entirely covered with thick blue fur. She had a pair of extra eyes, set on flexible stalks, like a lobster. And she had a tail. A thick, strong, reptilian tail with a small, sharp-looking blade set into the end like a stinger. She held both her head and her tail high.

I felt the need to bow. So I did.

Greetings, human. The voice echoed through my head. She nodded to me.

"Hello." I said. "Can you understand me?"

She smiled at me. A strange feat, considering she had no mouth. Something in those eyes . . . But it was definitely a smile.

I can now. I have a translator implanted in my brain. It takes a moment to sort through an alien language.

I nodded, impressed.

"How can I understand you?"

Thoughtspeak uses the subconscious to transcend language. But I am remiss, human. I am Ranara. Ranara-Estheri-Keragar. You are called?

"Taro. I am pleased to meet you, Ranara." I bit my lip. "Um, pardon me if I am rude, but may I inquire why you are in my backyard?"

I was not aware that this land belonged to you. I beg your forgiveness.

"Well, it belongs to my family. But that's all right, my parents are out of town for the week. It's just me and my sister."

Sister? She obviously saw where I was looking, because one of her stalk eyes swiveled around to fix on Sakura. My sister squeaked and ducked into the house.

It is safe, Taro's sister. I will not harm you. Come, tell me your name.

Sakura poked her head out, watching the alien with wide eyes. She glanced at me, and I beckoned. Slowly, she padded away from the house. But she stopped short about two feet from the porch.

There was another, coming down the ramp. A male. A BIG male.

He was easily a head taller than Ranara. Muscular. Broad hands, heavy hooves. But the tail blade was what caught your attention. It was more than twice as long as Ranara's, thicker, heavier, sharper. And waving agitatedly.

He was not a happy alien.

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AN: Yay! Less than 24 hours and already two reviews! Thank you thank you thank you!!

g21|to: *blush* Thank you. Please keep reading, and you'll be able to see where it goes.

Liaranne: A. Oh. Good point. If you look, you will see that I changed it. ^.^

*Innocent look* Maaaaaaay-beeeeee . . . Actually, I thought of the sequel first. But I have a plot for this one, and I don't have one for the sequel. Yet. *sheepishness* Any ideas?

Computer ineptness. Yes. I thought it made her character a bit more interesting. She's supposed to be kind of a rebel. (Wonder how Ax would take her . . .)

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Thank you to all my reviewers! (Yes, all two!) Now. The rest of you. *glares* YES, you. Review!!!!!