Sandstalker's Revenge

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Disclaimer: I own Sandstalker, Patch and Redmoon. I make no money from this and do so for my and other's enjoyment only.

This story takes place in Junior's alternate time line and is a very short one for writing class on a 'forest.' What more appropriate than a 'forest' of stalactites and stalactmites with a little Martian mouse thrown in for good measure.

By Goldenmane

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Sandstalker paused, checking the tracks in the soft Martian soil. He knelt, running a finger over the slight impression, grimacing. His quarry lay not to far ahead. Soon he would find where Redmoon had taken Patch. Soon he would make the traitors pay for attacking his unit.

Sandstalker rose, continuing on his way. He stopped outside a cavern system listening. His keen hearing could detect little more than his breathing and the gentle breeze that had sprung up. He entered the cavern, putting his helmet on. He closed the visor, setting it for night vision.

He glanced around, paying close attention to every sound, every shadow. Somewhere would lurk Redmoon. Somewhere in the twisting passages and pillars of stalactites and stalagmites would be Patch. His mate-to-be.

Sandstalker paused at a junction. He had long since lost the trail in the passageways, relying on gut instinct alone. He had been, after all, a fighter. He had gotten his unit out of scrapes before when the odds seemed against them. He knew he had to find Patch before Redmoon could do anything to harm one hair on her head.

His tail twitched irritably when he could not decide where to go. He slammed a fist into the rough stone wall before heading down one of the passages. It ended in a huge cavern covered from floor to ceiling in stalactites and stalagmites, a literal forest of stone.

Sandstalker paused. Listening. Somewhere to his left came a faint scrape. Boot on stone? Could Patch be signalling him? Or had Redmoon finally made a mistake.

He darted right, keeping the natural pillars as cover. He wanted to get around, cut off Redmoon's escape further into the caverns.

Sandstalker carefully drew his laser. Redmoon had proved to be a much better shot than he. Could he make his shot count when it came time to confront Redmoon?

Sandstalker shook his head. 'Remember yer training. No thoughts. Nothing ta get in th' way. Don't let ol' Rimmie's training go to waste.'

He caught a glint out of the corner of his eye, dropping to the cold, damp stone. He chastised himself for letting Redmoon get the drop on him, and for his own lack of discipline.

"Don't play fool with me," Redmoon shouted. "Your unit never could best mine. Never will, either."

"Let Patch go," Sandstalker said, trying to get his bearings on Redmoon's voice. "She has nothing to do with this."

"Oh?" Redmoon asked, his deep timber echoing throughout the cavern. "She is a good bargaining chip. You would never dare fire for fear of hitting her."

Sandstalker crawled on all fours, making sure to keep below the low ridge the stalagmites had formed. Though that cover ended with little ground covered. He dashed to the next natural stone pillar, diving amongst the hail of laser fire from Redmoon.

He rose, looking around. He could no longer see the entryway to the cavern. For as far as he could see lay the stalactites and stalagmites. He had lost his bearings.

'No,' he said to himself. 'Keep focussed. Keep him talking. Get his mind off of Patch.'

"Give up yet, Sandstalker?" Redmoon shouted.

"Rat's chance in Hades," Sandstalker shouted. He closed his eyes, centering his thoughts. Maybe he could distract Redmoon. Draw his fire elsewhere. He concentrate on a small spear of stalactite, nudging it with his mind. He freed the rock, though let it dangle in the air. He turned, ready to bolt towards the nearest pillar.

He let the spear fall, diving for cover. As he predicted, Redmoon fired towards his diversion. Now all he had to do was home in on Patch. She, as he had found out, was empathic. If she could send her feelings to him, he could find her easier.

"Clever little Sandstalker," Redmoon called. "Distract me with your silence so you can blind side me."

Sandstalker's heart leapt at a faint squeak of pain. Patch.

He ground his teeth in anger. Sandstalker crawled around the pillar, breaking loose another piece of stalactite near the first one. He let it drop, gaining yet another few feet towards Redmoon's voice.

"Game's over," Redmoon called. "I know where you are."

Sandstalker did not hesitate, breaking off another piece of rock with his mind, letting it fall, diving for nearby cover. He crawled around the edge, and turned back quickly. With effort he stilled his breathing. At last Redmoon and Patch were in sight. All he had to do would be to distract Redmoon, kill him, and get Patch out of there.

He broke off several pieces, letting them fall in succession. He rolled into the open, firing at Redmoon. Sandstalker rolled to his feet, sprinting towards Patch. Redmoon fell, dead.

Patch threw her arms around Sandstalker's neck, kissing him.

Sandstalker returned the kiss, pulling back to look at his lover. "Did he harm you?"

Patch shook her head. "No. But if you hadn't gotten here..."

At the trailing of her voice, Sandstalker turned, looking around the forest of stone pillars. "We're not out of the woods yet, as they say on Earth. We still gotta find a way out."

Patch playfully slapped him on the shoulder. "Forgotten so soon? Did I not lead us through the mountains to our new home without losing anyone nor getting lost? Do I not have an uncanny sense of direction?"

Sandstalker nodded, pecking her on the cheek. "How could I forget. Now, dear lady, please get us out of here." He glanced to Redmoon's body. "The sooner the better."

Sandstalker followed Patch as she deftly wove her way around the pillars, some larger than three mice put together. Soon he could see a passageway.

They stopped at the entrance to the tunnel, looking back. "You'll never stop to amaze me," Sandstalker said.

"I hope not," she said, grinning from ear to ear. "Now, do you want out, or are you going to root yourself here?"

"Lead on, pretty lady," Sandstalker said with a flourish. He followed Patch as she dashed along the rough stone passages, bursting out into the Martian night. He whistled to his AI bike, waiting for it to arrive.

The low growl of an engine grew ever steadily as his bike raced to them. Sandstalker patted his bike when it arrived. He reached inside one of the saddlebags, removing a helmet. "I think you'll want this."

Patch accepted the helmet, and mounted his bike after he had settled. They rode off into the inky darkness, lit only by the sole headlight of Sandstalker's bike. Back to the village his unit called home.