Chapter 11: Lift Off and New Land
The rocket was nearly done. Porcupine had built the shell with his strong quills and logs, Hedgehog added padding made of seaweed and moss, Skunk made sure the air filters worked (because nobody wanted to smell that in a small space), and Puffer Fish… well, she mostly supervised from her water tank.
The Mars people worked day and night, helping the animals because they knew this might be their only chance too. Every hammering sound, every bolt tightened, and every screw turned brought them closer to freedom.
Finally, the rocket stood tall under the glowing Mars sky. It shimmered like a silver leaf, with big glass windows and a water-filled dome on top just for Puffer Fish.
“We’re ready,” Skunk whispered.
“Are we really doing this?” Porcupine asked, gripping a vine rope.
“We don’t have a choice,” said Hedgehog. “We have to find a new home.”
Puffer Fish was nervous. “What if the rocket shakes too much? What if I float out of my tank? What if we land in a volcano?!”
“You’ll be okay,” Skunk said. “We’ve been through worse. Remember the Shark?”
They all laughed nervously. Then the countdown began.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
WHOOSH!
The rocket blasted into the sky. Mars became a tiny red dot behind them, and space opened up like a giant ocean filled with stars. They floated, gasped, and stared in awe.
After what felt like days (but was really just one nap and three snacks later), the rocket beeped.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
“What’s that?” Puffer Fish squeaked.
“It’s telling us we’ve reached somewhere,” Hedgehog said.
They looked out the window and saw a green and blue planet spinning peacefully.
“It looks like Earth… but it’s not Earth,” Porcupine said.
The rocket gently landed with a soft thud on a soft, mossy surface. The door creaked open.
They stepped out.
There were no buildings. No animals. No people. Just glowing plants, sparkly rivers, floating stones, and purple skies.
“Where are we?” Skunk whispered.
“Wherever we are… I think it might just be our new home,” Hedgehog said.
Puffer Fish swam in her dome and did a happy twirl.
For now, they were safe. Together.
PusheenThinks 