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Straazien are EXTREMELY rare.
They are powerful and feared. Yet none are known to attack without extreme provocation.
They were gentle giants with strange, unstudied abilities.
To get your hands on one would be well... it’d probably fetch the same price as a human.
The other most feared creature in the galaxy.
And while humans are significantly smaller than Straazien, they are far more violent.
While Straazien are known as gentle giants, humans are known as ruthless killers. One thing they have in common, they are both hard to kill.
Straaziens have almost an armor of stars for scales, while humans just don’t quit. Staying alive by sheer will.
And you see...
Tommy was a Straazien. A baby one.
But in the galactic clock he would probably be about 50 and about to hit his growth spurt.
He’s still quite small, being so young and all.
He’s probably around 2.5 meters long, from nose to tail, and about a meter from claws to tip of his back. His wing span is around 3 meters. Mentally he’s at perhaps... young adolescence. Maybe even younger.
But that’s not what’s important right now.
What is important is that his parents are fighting for him. He keeps seeing lasers pass by his head as he tries to duck behind his mother.
Whoever these hunters were, they caught them at a bad time. Inside a cave and unable to maneuver well.
Plus, his parents are trying to defend him and are much larger than him. So they’re constantly worried of where they’re stepping, what they’re doing. The slightest mistake could send the cave crashing down on them, on Tommy.
His mother roars in pain as one of her legs buckle. Sending her tumbling to the ground. His father screams out a roar as he tries to check on her wound.
What did these hunters have that could possibly cut through their scales?
His father’s gaze snapped back to the hunters as he tried to pounce on them.
A large beam cut right through his scales. He opened his mouth to roar only for a grenade type object to be thrown in, forcing itself down his throat and exploding.
His father collapsed. His mother stood on shaking legs as she turned to Tommy, trying to pick him up and just fly away. Ropes tied around her ankles and she was pulled down. Roaring threats that did nothing but make the enemy cackle.
Suddenly a giant machine was pulled into the cave. It powering up before shooting a laser at his father. His father let out a pained sound before thumping to the ground. Unmoving.
His mother screamed as she tried to tuck him in closely. Cover him with her body.
The laser sounded again and his mother’s grip fell loose.
Tommy’s breathing was panicked.
Are they... are they really gone?
Tommy didn’t have time to mourn before something grabbed him and pulled him out from under her. He yelped and tried to bite the assailant but a collar was clicked around his neck. Immediately a shock ran through it.
Tommy howling in pain as he stopped moving.
“Good.” Someone purred above him.
Tommy’s heart was going too fast, along with his thoughts.
Black spots filled his vision as he was carried away from his parents corpses.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur was having a fine day. He ran away from the orphanage. Finally getting away from that terrible foster system.
He was only a year away from 16 but he just couldn’t take being there anymore! He needed to get out, to be free!
He realized quickly you need money to be free. Either that or on the streets is where you lay your head.
Wilbur refuses to touch the grime and instead wondered out to a field he saw earlier.
He stepped into it, glancing around at the nice view. It was dark but the moon and the stars were unaffected by light pollution from the city out here.
He laid down, putting his hands behind his head as he looked up at the stars.
The soft whooshing of grass and flowers filled his ears and he let himself drift.
Terrible mistake.
Because suddenly the whooshing got louder.
Then there was footsteps.
Wilbur shot up, high on alert to see a group of...
‘Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.’
Aliens. Which apparently exist, because there’s this spaceship looking thing in the field and some really weird looking creatures approaching.
Yeah he’s pretty sure those are aliens.
He gets up, ready to bolt when something hits his back, presumedly a laser from the way a light filled his vision.
He stumbles but keeps running. It hits him again, and he nearly falls at feeling his leg go numb. But he kept pushing forward. Using a single foot to hop away.
One more and he was rolling on the ground. Small pebbles digging into his skin before another hit and he was out.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur blinked his eyes open slowly. He was sitting up. Cool metal against his back.
He brushed his curly hair behind his ear to see bars in front of him.
His eyes widened.
No...
Nononono-
He crawled on his knees and wrapped his hand around the bars, pulling on them with all his strength. It didn’t budge.
His breathing grew frantic as he looked around the room. Other creatures from earth were squawking and chittering. All trying to push their way out of these cages.
Oh he’s in a cage.
Do they know he isn’t like an animal?
Is he going to be put on display as some kind of pet?
Tears start to prick his eyes.
Then he realizes something is on his neck. His shaking hands slowly inch up to it. A cold metal ring.
He lets out a horrified scream as he starts yanking on the metal. Trying to stick his fingers between it and his skin to pry it off, but his fingers just kept slipping. Only causing him to scratch his own neck with painful marks but he couldn’t even feel it.
His breathing turned panicked as his whole body desperately contorted. Tears streamed down his face.
He isn’t a pet. He isn’t some animal these aliens get to take away.
He was finally free!
He was free and they strapped a collar around his neck.
His head banged against the bars while he sobbed.
Then the whoosh of a door.
Wilbur’s breath caught in his throat. Body freezing.
The animals all screeched in fear. Banging against their cages trying to get away.
The clicking of talons could be heard as footsteps slowly approached his cage.
A creature bent down and looked him in the eyes. Well it had like 8 eyes, all blinking at different times. It’s face had pincers that clacked like it was trying to talk.
Well… Wilbur had always been the defiant one.
He gathered as much spit as he could in his mouth before sending it hurling into the alien’s face.
The alien stepped back with a hiss, grumbling before it took out a remote.
Wilbur’s smugness dropped as soon as electricity coursed through his veins.
He screamed as his body contorted. The monster giving off some kind of evil laughter.
It wasn’t just a collar.
It was a shock collar.
After what felt like hours, the shocking fell away. Wilbur felt anger build up in him as he panted.
Did these creatures really think Wilbur Soot would give in that easily?
He’s going to kick and scream all the way to the grave!
Suddenly the cage was thrown open and he yelped as someone grabbed him by the back of the neck. He kicked and screamed.
Well. If they’re going to treat him like an animal, then he’ll act one.
He twisted his head and bit down as hard as he could on the creatures hand. He was dropped to the ground and there was a screech, like the sounding of an alarm. Wilbur turned and bolted towards the door.
He could hear shouting after him as his collar turned on. More strange looking aliens turned around the corner and pointed some kind of gun at him as they yelled.
Wilbur just jumped at them. Teeth gnashing as he growled and bit into one’s shoulder. It yelled in pain and hands started to pry him off.
Electricity courses through his veins but he pushes the pain down, spinning around and clawing at whatever he can. His brain can’t process anything he’s seeing. Only figures that he can make bleed.
Suddenly the pain gets worse and he howls. Digging his nails further into whatever alien was unfortunate enough to be his next victim.
Something hissed in pain as he kicked and clawed at whatever he could.
The shocking got worse and his body froze against his will. Beginning to jolt and contort as hands started pulling on him to restrain him.
He tried to move but his muscles just wouldn’t let him.
He felt himself be lifted up and suddenly thrown on a metal table. His hands were strapped down along with his ankles. Then his torso and head. The shock stayed but only painfully so.
He regained control of his muscles as he tried to move but the restraints wouldn’t budge.
He finally recognized his surroundings.
Needles. Scalpels.
Nonononononono-
His muscles burned from how much he was pushing. Tears flowing down his face.
He didn’t want this. He couldn’t take this!
Wilbur watched as a creature approached. He begged, not caring they didn’t understand him.
Just let him go home.
They didn’t listen as they approached his head with a drill.
————————————————————————————
The next time Wilbur woke up, his head was pounding.
He thinks he may have passed out from fear before the drill hit. Or if he was awake then his brain is thankfully blocking that memory.
Wilbur shivered.
He’s still alive. So that probably won’t be the last of their experiments.
What did they even do to him?
Suddenly he heard talking. And while that isn’t something he should be surprised about, what he is in shock of is he could understand them.
“Yeah dude. That bite contained like 13 diseases. They’re dead.” One chuckled.
Wilbur didn’t even bother to register what they had said.
Humans! Humans have come to rescue him!
How did they even find out he was missing?
Wilbur chooses not to think about that, “HEY! HEY I’M IN HERE!”
The voices stop and the door opens. Wilbur’s eyes widen.
Most definitely not humans.
The one talking before chuckled, “Look. No rescue for you.”
Wilbur’s mouth went dry, “H-how?”
“How do you understand us? Well we put a chip in your brain.” The alien showed his arm, pulling back a sleeve to see a bloody scrape, looking like a scratch mark, “Made it pretty difficult for us though. Must say, humans do live up to their reputation.”
“Oh yeah and what’s that?” Wilbur asked with annoyance.
“Ruthless killers.”
Wilbur faltered for a moment, “What?”
The one chuckled, “Yeah. The two you bit? They’re dead.”
“How?!?” Wilbur sputtered.
“You have a bunch of unrecognized diseases and gave 13 new ones to him. His body didn’t stand a chance.”
Wilbur’s mouth went dry.
He didn’t... he didn’t feel bad about killing him.
It’s just...
He didn’t think he’d ever have to kill someone in his life.
“Well why don’t you just save that beast for your new home. Whoever decides to purchase you.”
Wilbur’s face turned back to anger, “I’m not a pet! Don’t you care that I- I have thoughts and... and I’m sentient?!? I am not a pet!”
Wilbur despises that laughter coming from the alien, “No? Why would we care? Why don’t you listen here, little pet.”
Wilbur growled.
“Ah-ah. You won’t get a treat if you don’t behave.”
Wilbur only slammed his fist against the bars, the cage rattling, “I’ll show you a treat!”
“Or we can always punish you. Really. You want to impress your new owners. Act a bit more lovable, okay?”
Wilbur felt tears prick his eyes again, he’s so tired of crying. He wants to go home.
“We’ll be landing at our base soon. There you’ll be bid on. Behave would you? You’ll fetch a higher price that way.”
“If that’s so then you’d bet I’ll do everything in my power to see you get the least amount for me.”
The alien shrugged, “It’ll cost you a whole lotta pain.” He waved around a remote of some kind, “I’m in control after all.”
Wilbur felt dread fill him. He didn’t want this.
Please he didn’t want this.
The ship suddenly began to shake.
“Looks like we’re landing.”
————————————————————————————
Tommy was lonely. Very lonely.
And that’s a dangerous thing for Straazien.
Straazien are very pack oriented creatures.
They don’t need a lot of others, but they need someone. It can be a father or mother, brother or sister, or just a good friend. But they need someone or else their loneliness can consume them and kill them.
A terrible death. Death by loneliness.
Straazien usually stay close to their packs, brothers, sisters, and parents. But regularly Straazien have a reunion in which they all meet next to a dying star to socialize.
Orphan Straazien children also have a special call they can scream into the depths of space when they’re alone. It’s a call for help. Adult Straazien will often drop what they’re doing to come after the call.
No one wants a baby to die of loneliness as they are the most susceptible to succumb to it.
So Tommy couldn’t even call for help. He had to get up into space. To yell for help but he can’t.
He’s trapped in a metal cage, being thrown around with little care.
His parents are dead. Gone. Never to hold him again.
He’ll never be loved again. Never be able to call for help.
He’s alone. He’s so very alone.
His cage is thrown into a room. Animals all around him squawking at the sounds of cages shaking and rattling.
“You’ll be having a new little friend in here soon. Don’t you worry.” A creature said mockingly as they smacked his cage.
Tommy just curled in on himself and pushed to the back of his cage.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur was so tired.
The landing was rough and his head smacked against the metal a few times. He watched as aliens came in and stacked the other animals on a cart and took them away.
One by one he was more and more alone. He thought the noise was annoying but the silence, waiting for aliens to come and take him to his fate, was so much worse.
Wilbur heard the door open.
“Alright. Your turn.”
He was placed on the same cart and wheeled away. He tried to map where he’s going, but they threw a blanket over his cage so he couldn’t see.
Fear crawls up his throat.
He’s going to be sold like an animal. Packaged nicely to be tamed and pet.
Oh what if he gets pet.
He doesn’t want some alien creature cooing and running their fingers through his hair.
He’s going to be sick. He’s going to throw up.
He tries to hold it back just for the reason he doesn’t want to sit with that in his cage.
He stops and he’s being lifted off again. His cage hits the ground with a clatter and the blanket is torn off. He hears the wheels squeak away and watches as the door shuts, leaving him in a low lit room.
Animals are yelling loudly around him but he can’t hear them over his own spiraling thoughts.
He isn’t some dog to be tamed. He isn’t some animal to be pet.
He’s a human being.
Okay. He needs to get a hold of himself. Take in his surroundings, and find a way to blow this joint.
He scoots up and does his best to stick his head through the bars. Scanning the room. From what he can see, animals of all kinds were here. Alien species he doesn’t know of.
Are any of them sentient or is it just him?
His eyes then land on the creature next to him.
It’s large, probably about his height. It was curled into itself. Wings and legs wrapped around it for comfort.
“Is that a space dragon?” Wilbur asks out loud.
It’s scales are a deep black turning red just at the pointed tips. And most amazingly were these speckles that looked like stars in them. If he just saw the scales, he’d think he was looking out into space itself.
Apparently him speaking awoke the sleeping beast and it’s eyes blinked open to meet his.
And something just... clicked.
Everything else fell away and it was just them.
The universe went silent.
A moment where two apex predators saw each other and dipped their heads in mutual respect.
Respect of command and power. Respect of legacy and honor.
A respect of an individual.
The space dragon began to sit up a little more.
“Um. Hello? Can you talk?” Wilbur asked.
‘Denial.’
Wilbur reared back.
What... what was that? It was like... in his mind? Did he just feel or think what the dragon wanted him to?
The dragon tilted it’s head, ’Affirmative.’
Wilbur blinked, “Okay so... not what I expected... uh... What’s your name?”
‘Tommy.’
Wilbur didn’t quite know how to describe it. He wasn’t hearing words per say... it was more like an emotion but in the form of thoughts. It was strange and yet made perfect sense.
‘Your’s. Question?’
“Mine’s Wilbur. It’s nice to meet you Tommy.”
The creature nodded, ‘Agreement. Agreement.’
Tommy shuddered and curled in on himself more.
Wilbur’s head began to pulse with, ‘Lonely. Lonely. Fear. Lonely.’
Wilbur made a wounded noise, “Well come this way then.”
Tommy snapped his head up. Wilbur leaning as far as he could and sticking his hand out through the bars.
Tommy slithered his tail through the bars and Wilbur’s hand gently gripped it.
“You don’t need to be lonely. I’m right here.”
Tommy began to shake with what Wilbur assumed were sobs.
“Oh no. Don’t cry.”
‘Thankful. Thankful. Overwhelmed. Thankful.’
Wilbur softened and rubbed his thumb gently on the dragons scales. He barely registers he’s hitting their points and they’re not even hurting him.
“Does this thing work two ways?” Wilbur questioned.
‘Affirmative.’
Wilbur beamed, “Oh wonderful! Then maybe me and you can work on a plan to escape this place yeah?”
Tommy smiled, it was strained but there, ‘Can’t. Can’t. Trapped.’
Wilbur shrugged, “We can figure it out! Come on!”
Wilbur felt the way his own brain was sending, ’Hope. Hope. Hope.’
Then the door opened.
“Alright. Show time.”
————————————————————————————
They shoved his and Tommy’s cage into the cart. He wanted to pulse hope but all he could feel was dread as they were pushed further and further down a long hall.
They were pushed through a door where some other cages were already sitting. All behind a curtain and waiting to be sold.
He heard chattering of different aliens behind it and watched in horror as animals were taken and sold. He could hear the bidding war.
“And make sure to stay because coming soon is our two biggest catches yet! And all at once? Truly we are working our hardest to get you the best merchandise not on the market!”
Wilbur swallowed. He isn’t merchandise.
‘Scared. Scared. Scared.’ Pulsed in his mind and he turned to see Tommy.
He stuck his hand out and Tommy’s tail curled around it. They just sat in silence.
There was nothing to say. Just sit and wait for their fate.
A few more animals went by and his cage was grabbed. Tommy’s tail was forced away from his hand and he was dragged through the curtain and taken to some pedestal.
“We bring to you... one of the most feared creatures in the universe...” The announcer said.
His cage was turned to face the crowd.
“The Human!”
The crowd erupted in gasps, shouts, as hands already raised to buy him.
“Now now. Calm down! Lets start the bidding at 1,000,000 credits yeah?”
He started shouting. Screaming and kicking his cage. He wasn’t letting these people think they’ll get some relaxed pet. He’s going down kicking and screaming.
Suddenly electricity shot through his nerves and his body immediately began to contort. Silencing his cries.
“And yes. The collar comes with him.” The announcer continued with a clear amusement in his voice.
Wilbur felt tears roll down his cheeks. He’s never wanted to go back to the foster system more.
He just wants to feel the earth grass under his feet. To dunk his head in water and let it wash over him.
He wants to smell the forest and hear all its critters.
He wants to go home.
The shocking eventually stopped and his price had already raised to 14,000,000 credits. And still rising.
While all the other aliens were jumping at the chance there was two who were sitting calmly. Clearly refined from their stance and clothes.
The one of the left had white draped against his body with glistening gems and gold. Or Wilbur assumed gold at least. His neck long and head held high. He had an extra pair of limbs and appeared to have a tail along with some thin veil behind it. Next to him was the same species that seemed to be together. This one was dressed in a flowy dress. A veil over her head that draped down her back in something so shiny it nearly blinded him.
Their faces were almost interested but bored at the same time.
The man turned to the woman and said something. She nodded in return and the man raised his hand.
“1,000,000,000 credits.”
The announcer’s jaw dropped for a moment before fumbling to a grin, “Do I hear 1,001,000,000?”
The crowd was silent and the man’s grin only grew wider, “Sold to the Emperor and Empress of the Reqeolux Empire!”
Wilbur felt sobs rip through him as he was lowered off the podium and shoved into a pile of already sold cages. Them sticking a note to his cage that he assumed had his buyer’s name.
“Next up is our next rare find! You’ll be happy you came today folks!”
The cage was turned around to reveal Tommy.
“A Straazien!”
More cheers erupted and Wilbur felt guilt wash over him. He can’t help but want the same people who bought him to buy Tommy. They already spent so much on him. Well he assumed it was a lot.
His thoughts were interrupted by the same voice.
“1,000,000,000 credits.”
The crowd went hushed and the announcer asked for any higher bids before saying Tommy was sold. He was drug off the podium and shoved next to his.
Wilbur’s hand immediately went out and Tommy’s tail wrapped around it.
They didn’t say another word. Simply stewing in their situation. Letting their emotions of attempted comfort and fear wash over each other.
Wilbur thinks... this won’t be as bad with someone to go through it with.
The auction ended and cages began to be wheeled away. Someone picking his and Tommy’s up and starting their journey to their new ‘home.’
Tommy’s tail wrapped around his hand the entire time.
They stopped at a sleek looking spaceship. Such a shiny silver it nearly blinded him. The two royals were standing at the entrance ramp.
The Emperor put his hand up as they approached, “You may go.”
The alien wheeling them bowed and walked away.
The Empress snapped and a group of people came out of their ship with different carriers.
Their cages were lifted off the cart and onto their higher tech one. It seemed to be floating as they were pushed inside. The royals following after.
One of the workers pressed a button and the ramp slowly shut. Wilbur only feeling dread as it inched up. Gently closing with a soft hiss and sealing their fate as pets to royals.
They were left alone in the storage room and the ship took off.
Wilbur watching through the glass as the atmosphere turned to stars.
This is the first time he’s seen it. Something fills him at the sight. He feels so small. So powerless. So out of control.
Tommy’s tail grips him tighter, ‘Concern. Concern.’
Wilbur broke his gaze with the empty void and looked at Tommy’s concerned eyes, giving a weak smile, “I’m alright. I just wish... I could have seen this at a better time.”
Tommy seemed to understand as they both looked back to the window before everything became a blur.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur isn’t sure when he fell asleep but he jolted awake and smacked his head on the roof. His arm uncomfortably sticking out of the cage. His neck sore.
He shook himself off and rubbed the top of his head.
Where was he again?
His eyes trailed to the tail wrapped around his hand and crawling up his arm.
Oh right. He got abducted but aliens.
Yeaaaaah!
But in other news, he’s made an alien friend! In the shape of a literal space dragon whom can communicate telepathically.
Boy his life sure took a turn!
Sarcasm is his coping method, deal with it.
He groaned and slammed his head against the bars lightly.
He can’t think of anything good these aliens will do with him. They won’t release him. The most he can hope for is they won’t treat him too much like a pet. Or he’ll be treated really well because of it.
He shivers.
He’d rather be treated horribly and not a pet than be treated like a bird in a gilded cage.
The door suddenly opens and in come the two royals and a few guards behind them.
The Empress nods to one of the guards and they walk forward, reaching for his cage.
Wilbur snarls, biting at the hand reaching for his cage.
The Empress just holds up a remote and pain courses through him. The collar shocking him into submission.
The guard finished opening his cage and drags him out. Another guard following suit with Tommy.
Wilbur feels something click around his wrist and the weight of his collar disappears. His eyes open in confusion as he looks down at his hand. Seeing a thin white band with a blue line in the center on his wrist.
Tommy has something similar on his front paw. The guard flinching slightly when a scale poked him and tore through skin. Blue blood trickling out of his skin.
Both of their collars were taken away.
“Welcome.” The Empress states and it sounds flat, “Here is what you need to know.”
Wilbur gulped and felt the way Tommy shifted closer to him.
“Most of those at the auction were there to purchase you as pets. To have you lay at their feet as a sign of power.”
Chills wracked Wilbur’s spine. The way she speaks with no mercy. No concern. No sympathy. Not even mockingly.
Just a simple fact.
“But.” She smirked, the first emotion he’s seen from the two royals, “We think bigger.”
Wilbur blinked, “What?”
“Why waste such a powerful asset? Just to make one look good? When you can do both?” The woman spoke cryptically.
Wilbur felt confusion pulse from Tommy, him pulsing it right back.
“We want you to be a part of our security. We want you to train and know how to kill on sight. To risk your lives for us. To put it simply, we want a Human and a Straazien as our body guards. We have threats to our lives all of the time. Having you two there will have those who want to kill us thinking twice.”
Wilbur’s shoulders loosened just slightly. Okay. So he isn’t a pet.
He’s a slave.
“As for what is on your wrists, that’s a special tool that links up to our minds. To put it simply, we don’t even have to click a button to bring you immense pain. So for your own benefit I suggest you follow the rules. Do not disobey us or your superiors. You are to do whatever we ask, whenever we ask you to do it. I entrust you to our head of the royal guard. He will bring you to be trained and properly disciplined.”
A man walked up, wearing a white suit with many medals hanging off of it. He practically looked like another royal.
The royals turned and left with a few guards but a few stayed with their captain.
“You may call me Sir or Captain. You will simply be called 9-14 and the Straazien will be called 4-9.”
“I do have a name, y’know?” Wilbur said flatly.
The man just smirked as Wilbur collapsed to the ground in pain. Body shaking as electricity coursed through him.
Tommy jumped towards Wilbur, pushing him with his snout and whining with concern.
Tommy backed up as he yelped. Body contorting as well.
“Okay! We get it!” Wilbur shouted but the pain only increased.
“Yes Sir?” The man suggested in a mocking tone.
“Y-yes. Yes Sir.”
Normally Wilbur would have kept fighting. Gotten up and tried to bite him but Tommy was being punished as well.
He couldn’t let Tommy get hurt because of him.
“Good. Now stand up.” Captain ordered.
Wilbur shakily stood up.
“Faster.” The man said as another shock of pain went through his system.
He got to his feet and the man had a pleased smile.
“Now. Back straight. Hands folded neatly behind your back. We’ll teach you how to look like a proper guard in no time. Our masters expect nothing but perfection.” The man smirked, “Isn’t that right, 9-14?”
Wilbur gave a small nod, “Yes Sir.”
“Let’s get you two to a training ground. We have a lot of work to do.”
————————————————————————————
They followed Captain around for a while. Wilbur doing his best to map the halls. They passed a few people dressed much more poor looking than the others. The same cuff around their wrists as Wilbur and Tommy.
So they weren’t the only slaves. Though so far, the only guard slaves he’s seen.
The Captain then held his hand up to a scanner and a door whooshed open. Inside was a giant room.
On the left side of the room, long-range weapons and guns on racks covered the walls while targets sat opposite of them. On the right side of the room were mats and handheld weapons and in the center was what appeared to be gym equipment.
Wilbur gulped, looking at his noodle arms.
He’s tall for his age. People didn’t mess with him much. So he never really needed to work out.
Even these aliens were only just about his height and he still had some growing to do. His frame was also bigger than their’s.
He has, however, been in a few fights. It’s fairly normal for foster kids he thinks. He’s had to protect himself so he knows at least some basics on fighting.
“Alright 9-14. You’re with me. I need to test just how well you live up to your reputation. As for 4-9, head over to the mats. You’ll be sticking with close combat. 33-45 will meet you there to teach you.” Captain ordered as he walked off, Wilbur trailing after him.
“Straighten your back.” Captain ordered and Wilbur rolled his eyes but did what he was told.
“What was that with the eyes?” Captain squinted.
Wilbur smirked slightly, “Oh. It’s just a sign of respect.”
The man hummed and a proud smile started stretching up his face, “That’s right.”
Wilbur held back the laughter trying to bubble up out of him.
They have no clue about Human culture. He could probably use that to his advantage.
“Alright.” The man said as he smacked a treadmill looking thing, “Lets see how fast you can run.”
Wilbur gulped but stepped on when a shock of pain bit at his wrist.
The man clicked a few buttons before the treadmill like device started up. Wilbur followed along at a slow pace. The floor slowly started to get faster and faster. Wilbur’s breathing and heart rate picking up.
His muscles started burning as it just kept getting faster and faster. Wilbur huffing loudly as his arms started swinging back and forth with his steps.
Eventually he reached his peek, the treadmill no longer increasing but staying at that pace while Captain studied him.
Wilbur felt anger grow inside of him at being studied.
He pushes it down. He just has to survive and keep his head down. He’ll be fine.
Wilbur keeps up his pace and the man’s eyes widen as he just keeps going, and going, and going.
Based off the way the timer on the machine is counting, Wilbur knows it’s been almost an hour.
Wilbur starts to slow down and the treadmill follows. Wilbur huffing and sweating as he collapsed to the floor.
The man stepped up to him with a thoughtful expression, “Honestly. Slow. Slow for what I was expecting. 12 kilometers an hour? Really? But...” The man hummed, “Your stamina is insane. Nearly an hour non-stop? You do live up to your reputation.”
Wilbur hated the way a little pride came over him. He doesn’t need to hear this alien’s notes on him.
“Alright. So Human’s got some endurance. Noted. Now let’s keep going.”
————————————————————————————
When it comes to physical activities, Wilbur did well. Compared to these aliens whom had very little muscles in their arms, Wilbur was stronger.
He could lift more, had better grip, and typically had more stamina in each physical activity than the others.
However at the end, his body was shaking, mouth dry and sweat dripping down his back.
Luckily they had given him and Tommy a water and food break. Which helped Wilbur out quickly.
He was back to training in about 30 minutes.
————————————————————————————
The next thing to test after his physical activities was his ability to use a weapon.
He was kind of surprised that he was given a lethal weapon but that just gave him the opportunity to use it.
He immediately turned to Captain and aimed right for the head.
He pulled the trigger but nothing happened.
The man just smirked at him, “Can’t shoot us. It’s programmed to recognize us.”
Suddenly Wilbur was on the floor. Body contorting once again.
He was getting really sick of this. Especially because it kept going.
And going. And going.
In fact it felt like it was only getting worse. Wilbur screaming out in pain.
“I’m waiting for an apology.”
Wilbur smiled, teeth showing in full, “As if.”
Wilbur screamed louder as the pain increased.
Suddenly something tackled him.
His eyes squinted open and through tears he could see Tommy, whining with concern at him, tail wrapping around his hand.
‘Concern. Concern. Concern.’
Pulsed through his mind and he tried to give Tommy a reassuring smile.
“4-9! Enough!” Captain called and suddenly Tommy collapsed on top of him. Jolting and contorting as he howled.
“No! STOP!” Wilbur shouted.
The man raised a brow, something like realization sparkling in his eyes, “Apologize.”
“Fine! Fine! I’m sorry!”
The pain spiked.
“AHG! I’M SORRY SIR!”
They both flopped down in relief. Wilbur’s chest heaving but he wrapped his arms around Tommy anyway.
“You okay there bud?” Wilbur whispered.
‘Assurance. Assurance.’
Wilbur’s head flopped down to the floor as he sighed.
The man then laughed, “Oh I see how it is. You don’t care if you get hurt but you care if 4-9 does?”
Wilbur snarled.
“Great! We’ll just punish him every time you misbehave.”
“No!” Wilbur shouted as his arms tightened around the space dragon on his chest. Tommy was just about as big as he was length wise.
Tommy whines in pain as the cuff on his wrist lit up.
“No stop!” Wilbur shouted, “Please just stop!”
“Will you behave?”
“Yes! Yes I’ll behave, just stop hurting him!”
Tommy slumped back down, tail wrapping around Wilbur’s waist.
“I’m so sorry.” Wilbur said as he bumped his head against Tommy’s.
Assurance filled his senses.
The man studied Wilbur for a moment.
There was something else about humans that made Captain falter.
It isn’t good to be afraid of your subordinate.
But he can’t help the way his skin crawls when a single, brown, human eye locks on his.
Humans are incredibly protective of those they care about.
Somehow, someway, this Human has bonded with a Straazien. Enough so that it would put its pride to the side.
It would submit.
But there was a warning in that gaze. In that soft brown turned sharp.
At that moment the Human promised him that it would do anything for the Straazien.
It would die for the creature.
And Humans are notoriously hard to kill.
Captain schools his expression.
None of that matters. He has these two completely under his thumb.
He has nothing to be afraid of.
Right?
————————————————————————————
The gun felt light in Wilbur’s hand as he shifted it around. Captain showed him how to hold it and he aimed. For some reason, the man took off the sight.
Wilbur did his best guess work and fired at the target.
It just grazed its shoulder and Wilbur grumbled. He kept his hand steady and fired again.
The gun shot out a laser that had a wide diameter. It wasn’t that hard to hit the target. He managed to hit the target on the head.
He adjusted a little more and fired for the gut. He didn’t hit the center but he thinks it would still do the job.
When he turned around Captain had wide eyes.
“Have you used a weapon like this before?” The man asked.
“No?” Wilbur said with a raised brow.
“I didn’t realize humans had such good accuracy.”
Wilbur just looked back at the target, “The laser is pretty wide and the target isn’t that far.”
The man just shook his head and moved on to a farther target.
As the targets got further, Wilbur missed more. But he learned quickly and had a steady hand so it was easy to adjust. There also seemed to be less recoil than he expected.
He’s never shot a gun before. Never even held one.
But Wilbur always prided himself on being a fast learner so he’d get this eventually.
He was then handed a ball and asked to throw it at a target only a small distance away.
He hit the center with ease.
Captain seemed to be in shock.
Wilbur didn’t understand. He just... threw a ball.
Nothing to gawk about.
Captain seemed to disagree as he kept making him do it more and more. Further and further distances until Wilbur couldn’t hit the target anymore.
Then he tried moving targets.
Wilbur did pretty well at that too. The distance he could hit the moving target wasn’t as far but he assumed that was fair.
Captain simply nodded to himself and they moved on to the mats.
They started in a simple fighting position.
Wilbur holding his fist up while Captain did the same.
“Only rule is don’t kill me or break my bones. You won’t get punished for defeating me. If you even can, that is.” The man grinned.
Wilbur nodded and the man rushed him.
Wilbur has been in enough fights to be able to block a hit. Not to mention Captain’s hits were... rather weak.
Captain tried to bend down and sweep his legs but Wilbur just stood his ground, reaching down and using that moment of weakness to grab his leg and knock him to his back.
Wilbur then fell to one knee, stabbing it into the alien’s stomach. Captain grunted but managed to get out of the hold before punching Wilbur across the face.
Wilbur grabbed his wrist before he could pull back and kneed him in the gut again. The man grabbed his stomach with a pained yell and Wilbur tackled him, pinning him to the ground and grabbing his wrist tightly.
The man screamed and pain shot through Wilbur.
“Ow!” Wilbur shouted as he backed off, “I thought you said I wouldn’t be punished!”
The man grabbed his wrists, “If you didn’t try to break my bones!”
“I wasn’t going to!”
The man sat up and winced as he rubbed his wrist, “Seriously?! I’m pretty sure you fractured it.”
Wilbur blinked, “What?”
“Don’t even know your own strength.”
Wilbur mentally grumbled to himself.
It’s not his fault the aliens are weak.
It was strange... in every alien thing he’s ever seen it’s always assumed aliens were going to be these big brutes that could take bullets without flinching.
But here it’s Humans that aliens are afraid of. Their strength and endurance. He’s taller than the aliens here too. Apparently aliens can’t throw.
Wilbur smirked to himself, he wonders what else humans can do that aliens can’t.
Another guard came by as Captain left to check his wound, taking over Wilbur’s training.
————————————————————————————
Captain’s wrist was fractured. It was an easy fix. Only a couple of weeks and it would be good as new.
He got it fitted into a cast and then went off to report his findings to the royals.
He walked into the throne room, head bowing when he saw the two.
“What is your report?” The Empress asked.
“Straazien are strong. We believe 4-9 to be merely a child so his strength is not at its maximum. However, his scales are incredibly sharp and normal punches and kicks do nothing to his armor.”
“And the Human?” The Emperor asked.
The man gulped, “The Human. Humans are known to be strong. But it appears I doubted just how strong they were. 9-14 fractured my wrist on accident simply by holding it too tightly. He could have snapped a bone with his bare hands. He didn’t even realize how strong he was. He also has incredible accuracy, something I believe most records have looked over. He hit each target with ease, and with a little bit of training, will most likely be our best marksmen. His only weakness I could find was speed, his max being a mere 12 kilometers per hour. However, to make up for this weakness, he has incredible endurance. When we were sparing, I hit him with multiple attacks that should have at least made him falter, but it didn’t. It appears Human’s pain tolerance is beyond anything we’ve ever heard of. When using the shocking device, he would have kept pushing through the pain if not for 4-9 coming in and getting punished as well.”
“Why did 4-9 come to his aid?” The Empress asked, a curious expression on her face.
“That was another thing I wished to speak to you about. It appears the Human and the Straazien have bonded. 9-14 was willing to do my wishes as long as I did not harm 4-9.”
“Should we try to pry them apart? Bonds in this line of work could lead to 9-14 picking 4-9 over his duty.” The Emperor suggested.
“If I may.” Captain requested.
The royals dipped their heads in a nod.
The Captain continued, “I believe trying to separate them will have unwanted consequences. If we have 4-9 under our control then we will have 9-14 under our control as well. The likelihood that there will come a situation where 9-14 had to pick you over 4-9 will likely never come to pass. But if we try to tear them apart, the ramifications will be immediate. The Human will not back down. I believe we should allow this relationship to grow. The closer they are, the more easy they will be to control.”
The royals nodded, “Very well then. Do as you wish.”
“Thank you, your highnesses.” Captain bowed once more before turning and leaving.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur and Tommy were both escorted together down the same halls until they reached one full of doors. Wilbur assumes this is where all the bedrooms are.
What surprised him the most though, was how they let both Wilbur and Tommy into the same one.
“This will be your room. You will be escorted here before every sleep cycle and taken to eat when you wake. Your bracelet tracks your location and this door will be locked until someone is available to escort you, so do not attempt an escape.”
Wilbur rolled his eyes, “Yes Sir.”
The guard nodded and the door shut. Wilbur glanced over the room.
It was fairly big. Each corner had a few blankets piled up on top of a mattress. There was a door that lead to a bathroom most likely, and a wardrobe looking thing to hold his clothes.
There was a window that shows stars upon stars. It would have been a wonderful view if it didn’t leave Wilbur confused.
Did they not land? Was this just some giant spaceship?
That made escaping a bit more difficult...
Tommy strides inside, messing with his blankets on his claimed side of the room.
Wilbur took this time to notice their size difference.
Tommy was taller than him length wise.
However he walks on all fours so Tommy’s head sits at about his shoulder, his wings tucked neatly behind his back.
Tommy started forming the blankets into a nest, patting it down and fluffing them up.
Wilbur smiled at him. Who knew space dragons would be so cute?
Then Tommy looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
Their connection spoke of hope and insecurity as Tommy glanced at him then to the nest and back.
Wilbur raised a brow before he realized what Tommy was asking.
“Oh uh. Yeah Tommy. That’s a great nest. Wonderful job.” Wilbur praised.
Tommy’s eyes lit up, sparkling slightly as a smile formed on his face and he pranced around in a circle before shifting over to Wilbur’s blankets.
“Oh no, Toms. I don’t need a nest-“
It was too late.
The space dragon leaped across the room and started rearranging everything. Wilbur just huffed fondly and watched on.
Once Tommy was finished he gently bit Wilbur’s sleeve and pulled him over. Pushing him down with his snout. Wilbur allowed both to happen, falling down with ease while Tommy gave him that same look.
“Thank you. It’s very comfortable.” Wilbur said.
Tommy preened and walked over to his nest. Settling down in it and staring at Wilbur intently.
Wilbur blinked in confusion as he watched Tommy’s eyes blink. Though his eyes blinked from the sides with thin, see-through eyelids before scaled ones came from above and below.
Weird.
Wilbur’s brain pulsed with, ‘Protect. Question? Why?’
Wilbur squinted, “Why did I protect you?”
Tommy nodded.
“I don’t know.” Wilbur shrugged, “I guess I just thought this whole thing would be easier if we were less alone. You shouldn’t have gotten punished trying to come to my aid. So I tried to help you back. We’re in this together, yeah?”
Suddenly Tommy shifted, wings curling around his form as he straight up melted.
Wilbur’s eyes went wide when a flash of light blinded him.
His eyes blinked open and standing there, was a bright, golden haired boy. A simple black shirt and pants on. Human looking face but when he blinked there was still two sets of eyelids. His eyes were blue but swirled with stars the way Tommy’s did.
Wilbur would have mistaken him as a human if it weren’t for the wings and tail that unrolled from his back.
Tommy blinked a few times and smiled, his teeth inhumanly sharp.
“T-Tommy?” Wilbur questioned.
Tommy nodded, brain pulsing with ‘Assurance.’
“Y-you-“ Wilbur stuttered.
Tommy wobbled on his feet, catching himself on the wall as he inches over to Wilbur.
“You can shape shift?!?” Wilbur screamed.
Tommy stopped his approach and nodded shyly.
“And you’re-you’re a child!” Wilbur screeched.
Tommy fumed, ‘Disagree’ poking at Wilbur’s brain.
“You’re just a lil’ baby!” Wilbur shouted again, “What are you 8?!”
Tommy huffed, ‘Sort of.’
Wilbur just smiled, “Aww Tommy. You’re adorable!”
Tommy flushed and started inching towards him again. Suddenly Tommy pushed off the wall, fumbling on his feet as he started doing a small dance around Wilbur.
Wilbur’s brows scrunched together as Tommy swayed and spun around him, falling to the ground before getting up again. Tears started to spring in Tommy’s eyes each time he fell and Wilbur wanted to ask what was wrong but he felt he couldn’t interrupt whatever this was.
Tommy suddenly stopped directly in front of him, falling to his knees and bowing his head.
‘Pack. Question? Pack. Insecure. Question?’
Wilbur took a moment to realize what Tommy was asking then his eyes blew wide. Instantly Wilbur’s features softened.
“Oh Toms. Come here.” Wilbur opened his arms.
Tommy looked up with a confused expression.
‘Worry. Scared. Insecure.’
Wilbur only beckoned him again. Tommy stood up with shaky legs and stumbled over to Wilbur. Wilbur catching him when he fell right into his arms.
Wilbur pulled him into his lap, Tommy’s wings stayed tucked into his back and tail wrapped around his own waist as he looked to Wilbur with unsure eyes.
“Of course we can be a... a pack. A family. Of course Toms.” Wilbur muttered and Tommy lit up.
Tommy’s wings unrolled and wrapped around Wilbur. His tail wrapping around Wilbur’s waist as he made trills Wilbur couldn’t understand. He assumed it was happy though.
“You and me against the universe, huh?” Wilbur asked as he held Tommy tighter and started to lay down. Tommy curled his tail around him tighter.
‘Agreement.’
Wilbur watched as tears started to fall down Tommy’s cheeks but a warm smile stayed on his face as his eyes closed.
Wilbur gently brushed the tears away, watching Tommy rise and fall with each breath.
Tommy is only a child. He doesn’t deserve this. Doesn’t deserve being locked up and forced to be a slave.
Somewhere in Wilbur’s mind, there’s a voice that reminds him he’s a kid too.
Wilbur ignores that voice.
He doesn’t know how to explain it. Him and Tommy just clicked. Tommy did an adorable little dance ritual or something and asked if they could be family.
How could he say no?
He needs someone too. Needs someone to fight for. Without him Wilbur would... he’d break over time.
Being alone and singled out will do that to someone. Wilbur would know.
It’s why he ran away.
Wilbur held the sleeping Tommy closer, he won’t run away this time.
No. Now it’s time to plan.
With his and Tommy’s connection it might be possible to communicate plans without others knowing.
So now Wilbur thinks. He schemes.
And he makes a promise. A promise that one day...
They’ll both be free.
————————————————————————————
5 years.
5 years later.
5 years of training.
5 years of preparing.
5 years.
Wilbur’s been planning. He trained every hour he could. He took what he could to his and Tommy’s room and ripped it apart to find out how it worked.
He managed to sweet talk his masters into giving him special classes on weaponry and technology.
5 years of keeping Tommy close and watching him grow.
5 years of their bond only growing stronger each passing moment to the point they could communicate telepathically with ease. Vocabulary expanding until it wasn’t just single words.
5 years of mastering the guns on the ship.
5 years of mapping the halls, the guards changes in shifts.
5 years of adjusting their plan to save everyone.
5 years of learning the best fighting styles in the galaxy.
5 years of devoting himself to the long game.
5 years and Wilbur is 20 years old and Tommy is 13.
And most importantly...
5 years and one more mission when Wilbur gains their trust.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur held his head high, back straight as he walked around the crowded room. Aliens chatting to each other as they ate and drank.
It was just fizzy water, bubbles swirling in their cups.
Apparently bubbly drinks are fancy everywhere.
Wilbur had his hands folded neatly behind his back. A white suit on with various gold chains swinging from it. The sleeves covered his bracelet.
Tommy was at his side, in his human form. Wings tucked behind his back and standing about to Wilbur’s shoulder.
Wilbur only grew taller, towering above the aliens he calls masters. Well, not for long on the masters bit.
Tommy only grew as well. In his dragon form, he is much bigger than Wilbur.
He recently hit his growth spurt, something him and Tommy had been waiting for.
Tommy had to sleep for an entire year while he grew and Wilbur stayed by his side as much as he could.
Normally parents would watch their children during their growth spurts, protect them.
But Tommy didn’t have any parents.
So Wilbur was there. Pulling more blankets around him when he got cold or knocked them off in his sleep. Holding him close when he was having a nightmare. Humming a gentle tune he remembers from Earth.
Their bond only grew stronger, them practically glued to each others’ side.
Wilbur was pulled back into the moment when he saw a servant bringing drinks to the royals. It was a darker color than the rest.
He strode up to them. The servant nodded to the royals and held out their drinks for them.
Wilbur swiped the two cups away just as the two royals were about to grab them.
The crowd gasped at the disrespectful action.
The royals however, gazed curiously at Wilbur.
Wilbur chugged the drinks, licking his lips with an ‘ah’ escaping him.
The servant looked mortified before a smirk crept up his face, “Fine then. Looks like we got rid of you instead.”
Wilbur hummed with an eye brow raised.
He clicked his tongue a few times, pretending to take in the taste, “Tastes like... hot chocolate honestly. Like the one made with water.”
The servant blinked as the crowd stayed silent.
“You’ll be dead by tomorrow.” The servant said skeptically, almost trying to convince himself.
Wilbur shrugged, “Eh. It’s not that bad.”
Wilbur smirked at the fake-servant, “Theobromine isn’t all that poisonous to humans. If anything...” Wilbur leaned closer to the shocked imposter, “It gives us a boost.”
The servant shivered when Wilbur suddenly knocked him to the ground, pinning him and slapping cuffs on his wrists.
The crowd cheered and Wilbur whipped his head back to pull his hair out of his face.
The royals smiled and clapped their hands.
“Good job 9-14.” The Empress commended as she clapped her hands lightly.
Wilbur earned a few pats on the back and friendly shoves by his fellow guards. Wilbur smiled at them with a fake friendly smile.
“It’s a pleasure to serve, madam.” Wilbur bowed to the Empress.
She smiled at Wilbur’s formlessness. Feeling pride bubble up at a Human bowing and serving her.
Tommy tackled Wilbur and wrapped himself around Wilbur like a koala while the fake servant got pulled away.
Wilbur chuckled to himself and patted Tommy’s back, “Hey 4-9. I’m fine.”
Tommy just chittered something and his tail wrapped around his waist.
Wilbur rolled his eyes fondly and made no move to pry the clingy dragon off of him.
“Please.” Wilbur announced to the crowd, “Continue your festivities.”
The crowd all clapped for him and continued to banter, trusting in the Human to keep their little gathering safe.
Wilbur nodded to himself and continued his guarding.
————————————————————————————
The party ended, and Wilbur was about to leave when Captain tapped his shoulder.
Wilbur turned to look at him.
Captain smiled, “Good work out there. Instilling fear is the best way to have control.”
Wilbur nodded slightly, “The more people that are afraid of me, the less they will attack our masters.”
Captain smirked.
Apparently Wilbur is a good actor, because he has these people wrapped around his fingers.
Captain then continued, “Speaking of, they’d like to speak to you. Come along.”
Wilbur nodded, patting Tommy’s back whom had been clinging to him this entire conversation, “4-9, I’ll see you in a bit.”
Tommy grumbled but jumped off of him and walked towards their quarters.
‘Good luck.’ Was sent through their connection.
’Won’t need it.’ Wilbur replied back.
Wilbur smiled and followed Captain along.
————————————————————————————
“Welcome 9-14.” The Emperor stated, “We have been considering your loyalty to us for quite sometime. Although we had some... bumps in the road at the start. You’ve quickly become someone we can rely on. After all... where would you go without us?” He smirked.
Wilbur bowed his head and rolled his eyes, “Of course Emperor.”
“Therefore, we believe you should be promoted to second-in command. You will be the Executive Officer, underneath Captain. Captain is the one whom recommended this change.”
Captain smiled at him and Wilbur smiled back.
“Why, I gladly accept this title.” Wilbur said back, in a mocking tone they never could quite pick up on.
“Good. Captain will let you know your duties as Executive Officer, and what freedoms this allows. Well done, Officer.”
Wilbur bowed once more, as Captain pulled out a phone like device and pushed a button. The bracelet clanked to the ground as Wilbur rubbed his wrist.
“Thank you, Emperor.”
He nodded in return, and Captain and Wilbur turned to leave.
————————————————————————————
Captain showed him around the ship, pointing out different tasks Wilbur will be in charge of.
To put it simply, Wilbur will be a manager of sorts. Making sure everything is running smoothly and punishing those whom disobey.
“Your first task will be bringing in our new workers.” Captain stated.
Though, Wilbur knew what that really meant.
They were bringing in new slaves.
Wilbur nodded, “Of course.”
He’s observed this many times.
Wilbur walked with Captain to where they were holding the new recruits, and Captain waved to let him do this on his own.
Wilbur stepped in front of a group of aliens, various shapes and sizes. All terrified.
Wilbur smiled at them, them cowering under the Human’s gaze.
“Welcome aboard. You all will serve your new masters to the best of your abilities. We are strict in our protocol, and we shall take no disrespect. Punishments will be dealt out how we see fit. Now. Heads up, backs straight. You’re new guests here. Treat your generous hosts with the upmost respect, and you will have no issues. Treat them as if they were what was keeping you alive, because they are.”
The group shuddered and Wilbur smirked, seeing the way Captain was smiling at him.
“I will see you to your new quarters.” Wilbur announced, “There you will be assigned your tasks. Follow your orders directly and in a timely manner. As stated previously, punishments are dealt out with no hesitation. Do not disobey.”
The group all nodded, Wilbur turning around with a flourish, the gold on his suit smacking against him.
“Follow me.” Wilbur ordered before escorting everyone down the halls.
————————————————————————————
Once he finished situating the slaves, Captain walked Wilbur back to his quarters.
“Well done Executive.” Captain said as he patted Wilbur on the back.
Wilbur wanted to snap his arm in half but he restrained and put on a smile, “Thank you. It’s all do to your wonderful training.”
Captain smiled proudly, “I did train you well, didn’t I?”
Wilbur rolled his eyes, “Yes. You did.”
“Alright then. I’ll leave you to your rest. The chip that will allow you to punish the new workers will be ready in two days. We will do the surgery as soon as it is ready. So rest well.”
“Yes Sir.” Wilbur nodded, watching as Captain turned down a hall and faded from view.
He then opened his door to see Tommy back in his dragon form.
Tommy was sprawled out on the blankets that covered the entire floor in a big nest. He was now 7 meters long.
“Hey starlight.” Wilbur greeted, using a voice so soft that it was reserved just for him and Tommy, along with the nickname.
Wilbur originally got the name from the way Tommy’s scales and eyes shone like stars.
Tommy blinked his eyes open and perked up, tail wagging excitedly.
‘Wilbur. Wilbur. Wilbur!’
Wilbur chuckled as Tommy jumped up and grabbed him, pulling him close.
“Alright Toms! I get it!” Wilbur laughed as Tommy snuggled him closer, practically crushing him as he laid on top of him.
‘I missed you too bud.’ Wilbur communicated.
‘Gone for a long time. Did you do it?’ Tommy asked as he shifted and allowed Wilbur to sit up, still leaning against the dragon’s side.
Wilbur hummed and lifted his bracelet free wrist for Tommy to see.
Tommy inspected it and smirked, tail wrapping around Wilbur’s waist, ‘Are we doing it tonight?’
Wilbur shook his head and patted Tommy’s side, scratching beneath his wing and making Tommy melt, “Tomorrow night, sunshine. I need to rest a bit. You ready?”
Tommy nodded and curled around him. Wilbur leaned against Tommy’s side, letting his head lull to the side to see Tommy’s eyes.
Wilbur smiled at the sleepy dragon and patted Tommy’s head, “You deserve some rest too.”
Tommy nipped at Wilbur’s shirt, pulling him down.
Wilbur chuckled to himself but let him fall onto Tommy’s paws, head resting against Tommy’s neck and arms.
Tommy then laid his head on Wilbur’s chest, curling his tail around Wilbur to surround him. Tommy then gently laid his wing over the little bundle, hiding Wilbur from view.
Wilbur felt Tommy’s warm breath fill the air.
‘Love you, my little starlight.’
Tommy huffed, ‘Love you too.’
Wilbur adjusted himself a little, Tommy grumbling unhappily, ‘Oh quiet you big baby. You’re lucky I let your clinginess stand.’
Tommy’s tail curled around him tighter, ‘Not a baby. I’m bigger than you!’
‘Yeah but you’re still just a itty bitty baby dragon-‘
Tommy growled playfully, ‘Am not!’
‘Okay Toms. So you don’t like it when I call you my little starlight, sunshine, moonbeam-‘
‘STOP!’ Tommy said and if he were in his human form, his face would be red.
Wilbur laughed but snuggled closer anyway, ‘Goodnight, sweetheart.’
‘Goodnight Wilby.’ Tommy huffed.
Wilbur’s heart warmed at the nickname. He doesn’t know how to describe his and Tommy’s relationship.
Sometimes he feels like they’re brothers.
Poking fun at each other and Tommy would just poke him during meetings through their connection. Sometimes Tommy would purposefully say something funny just to get him to laugh in the middle of something important.
The crew always looked at him strangely but he just said it was a human thing.
Meanwhile Tommy looked as smug as ever.
And sometimes Wilbur couldn’t help but look at Tommy and see just... a kid. A lonely kid he took on the responsibility of taking care of.
He comforted Tommy when he had nightmares. He made sure Tommy got the correct accommodations and he made sure to behave so Tommy never got punished.
He carried Tommy back to bed whenever Tommy tried to stay up late and watch him train, only to fall asleep half way through.
He’s the one who gently pushed his hair back out of his face and he’s the one who loved him.
He has this instinctual need to protect Tommy.
To care for him and make sure he’s happy.
Tommy became family that first day.
When they decided it was them versus the universe.
And Wilbur planned on fighting the entire universe to keep Tommy safe.
It isn’t fair that this happened to them.
But Wilbur can’t help but feel... happy this happened to him.
He would give anything to ensure him and Tommy didn’t meet this way. That Tommy still had two loving parents that would be there to do what Wilbur’s been doing.
But he can’t change that. So he’s happy things happened this way.
That he has Tommy there to fight for. That he has a family, no matter how strange.
Wilbur closed his eyes, Tommy’s even breaths pulling him to sleep. The tail wrapped around him a comfortable, normal weight.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur woke up to his alarm, blinking his eyes open and shifting around. He pulled out the phone like device from his pocket.
He clicked off the alarm and patted Tommy’s side, “Alright. Gotta get up.”
Tommy grumbled and shifted closer.
“Toms. Come on. Just one more day. Don’t tell me that excitement isn’t making you want to wake up?”
Tommy grumbled a bit before standing up, shifting into his human form as Wilbur stretched.
Wilbur was then tackled to the ground as Tommy pinned him. Grinning at him with sharp teeth.
Wilbur smiled back and flipped them around, Tommy’s wings trying to get some traction as Wilbur pinned him down.
Wrestling, Wilbur found, was very normal for space dragons. Tommy started doing it every morning and said it was like a bonding thing.
Wilbur was never someone who liked wrestling with his other foster sibling. Maybe because they never knew when to stop or what was too much.
Tommy has never once truly hurt him, and Wilbur returned that favor.
Tommy pushed him off and Wilbur stumbled back, Tommy growling playfully as his tail flicked.
Tommy tackled him again and Wilbur rolled to the ground, kicking him off as Tommy went tumbling to the side. He jumped at Tommy and pinned him once more. Tommy struggled beneath his grip.
‘Do you yield?’ Wilbur asked smugly.
Tommy pushed against him but Wilbur stayed in control. He then flopped down, defeated.
‘I yield.’ Tommy huffed.
Wilbur smirked and got off. Tommy huffed and stood up, fixing the blankets they messed up.
Wilbur went to the wardrobe and took out a clean pair of clothes before heading to the restroom to get changed.
————————————————————————————
Wilbur and Tommy walked around the halls.
Wilbur doing his new tasks while Tommy just followed him around, as he always does.
Captain came around to watch Wilbur for a little bit but after confirming Wilbur wasn’t tampering with anything, he left.
Wilbur smirked to himself. They have no clue what’s coming.
————————————————————————————
It was time.
Wilbur had everything set up. The sleep cycle began and most officers went to sleep. Some wondered the halls but no one questioned his presence.
He was the Executive Officer now, after all.
Him and Tommy walked down the blindingly lit halls. The white walls and floor reflecting the light. Not a speck of dirt found thanks to all the slaves they have.
Wilbur’s footsteps echoed in rhythm with Tommy’s as they approached a special door.
Wilbur put his hand up to the scanner, it unlocking with a hiss.
Wilbur walked in to the small room. Computers lined the walls. Lights flashing on and off as small beeps sounded through the room.
Wilbur walked up to the main control panel, clicking a few buttons and scanning his hand print once more.
He pressed a button and bent down to speak into a mic.
“All guards, please convene at the main dining hall for an important meeting. Every single one of you.” Wilbur smirked as he turned the mic off.
Luckily, the only enslaved guards were him and Tommy. The rest of the poor aliens whom were bought by these disgusting creatures just became servants.
Makes their plan easier.
Wilbur stepped away and walked with Tommy to a different room.
Wilbur grinned as the door slid open.
The armory.
Tommy grinned, ‘Time to do some crime.’
————————————————————————————
Wilbur had been messing with these weapons for a long time. Taking them apart in secret to find out how they work. And after years of doing it, he finally found out exactly how to turn off the little safety function that prevents him from shooting the aliens.
So with a few quick tweaks, Wilbur turned off the function on some of his favorite weapons. Strapping them to his back as he clicked on a belt with different tools on it around his waist. Different types of grenades they specially designed for him.
Why did they do that?
Because they’re gullible. With a few sweet words meant to dig into their brain and make his ideas seem innocent, he convinced them they would be useful in protecting the royals.
Really, the greatest strength of Humans...
Their ability to lie
Wilbur smirked as he clipped on the final weapon, “Let’s do this.”
Tommy smirked, ‘Let’s do this.’
Tommy shifted back into his dragon form. Leaning down and helping Wilbur climb on top of him. Wilbur sat down, just at where Tommy’s neck attaches to his body. Patting Tommy’s neck as Tommy rushed down the halls.
The two reached a hall full of doors, the quarters for all the servants.
Wilbur pulled out his phone like device, opening up all the doors.
“Attention!” Wilbur shouted and the servants all lined up outside of their doors, shaking at the sight of a Human riding a Straazien.
Wilbur clicked another button, the bracelets all falling to the ground as gasps sounded through the halls, “We’re getting you out of here! You are to follow these halls until you reach the hanger! Take the ships and fly everyone back home! There is enough fuel to get you there, and each ship is equipped with hyperspace capabilities! Now GO!” Wilbur shouted, the servants mumbled too each other and Wilbur rolled his eyes.
Tommy stomped on the ground and let out a loud roar, shaking the room.
The servants all started shuffling away, following Wilbur’s orders.
Tommy turned and stood defensively, his tail whipping behind him as he glared at the other end of the hall.
Wilbur pulled out his weapon, pointing it towards the same place.
“Captain should have gotten an alert when I deactivated everyone’s bracelets. Assuming they were all in the dining hall, they’ll be here in approximately 30 seconds.” Wilbur said.
Tommy huffed, ‘Then we defend for as long as we can so the servants have enough time to escape. I know the plan Wil.’
Wilbur smiled, ‘Then let the dance begin.’
————————————————————————————
Guards came rushing at them.
Wilbur pulled out a sniper rifle looking weapon, shooting the aliens right in the chest in quick secession.
Tommy whipped his tail around, knocking them into the walls with yelps.
Another horde came, blasting lasers at them. Tommy pulled up his wing, blocking Wilbur from the hits.
Wilbur heard an engine reving, knowing instantly what weapon they were setting up.
‘Down’
Tommy acted instantly, wing coming down as Wilbur shot the alien trying to set up a Gatling gun. Wilbur then reached to his belt, grabbing a grenade and pressing a button as he threw it.
‘Wing’
Tommy pulled his wing up just in time to stop a flash of light from blinding Wilbur and lowered it as soon as it was gone. Wilbur shooting another alien.
Tommy leaped at them, spinning in a circle and knocking them back.
Wilbur watched as a guard tried to slip past them, making quick work of them with an easy shot.
Wilbur felt something sting his shoulder and he yelped, turning with a flourish and shooting down his attacker.
‘Sorry’ Tommy apologized.
‘I’m fine’ Wilbur said back as he shot down another sniper trying to get him.
Wilbur strapped the sniper to his back and pulled out two small automatic guns, ‘Plan B’
Tommy nodded and leaped up, flapping his wings as he turned upside down and dug his claws into the roof.
Wilbur fell off his back as Tommy’s tail wrapped around his waist.
He smirked as he hung upside and barraged the guards with lasers.
Did they need to do all this? No.
Did it make them feel awesome? Of course.
Tommy detached from the roof and flew back down, placing Wilbur back on his back as Wilbur threw a few more grenades at the enemy. Bonking a few on the head.
They blew up, aliens flying into the air with screams.
He’s pretty sure he heard the Wilhelm scream in there somewhere.
Wilbur looked at the pile of bodies forming in the hall. Some groaning in pain and trying to get up only to fall back to the ground.
‘That should be enough. Lets go.’ Wilbur said.
Tommy nodded and rushed off, claws scraping against the not-so pristine floor.
————————————————————————————
Tommy skidded to a halt as they reached the hanger, Wilbur looking around but seeing no remaining ships.
“What?!?” Wilbur shouted, “There should have been enough!” There was one, tiny ship they left locked for them.
But it was gone.
They heard a strained chuckle from behind them and Tommy whipped around, seeing Captain clutching his side.
Captain smirked, “There was a last minute mission and a few guards got sent out to go retrieve an artifact the royals wanted to buy. They left just as you sent that message to distract us.”
Wilbur growled and pulled out his sniper, aiming it right at Captain as the man leaned on a few barrels.
“There is no escaping. We locked the ship down so it can’t go on autopilot. And you can’t manually fly this ship with two people. It’s far too big. You’ll run out of fuel and be stranded here. Well, your little Straazien friend won’t be. He’ll be able to fly away and ditch you.”
“He wouldn’t.” Wilbur hissed.
“Yeah, and we didn’t think you’d betray us, but here we are.”
Wilbur rolled his eyes, “You enslaved us! Did you really think we wouldn’t fight back!”
“You could have had everything! You were Executive Officer! You weren’t a slave anymore. You had freedom.”
“But Tommy didn’t.” Wilbur said back.
“Yeah but who cares?! You were free! Free to be one of the most powerful creatures in the universe, but you gave that up! And for what?! A silly bond you formed with a fellow slave? You’re past it! You probably think we’re the gullible ones, but you’re trusting that Straazien to not just dump you once he’s finished! Now he’s free and you’re stuck!”
“He’s not going to just leave me! Not after everything!” Wilbur shouted back.
“Sure he won’t. Just like how you wouldn’t leave us! Your fellow officers!”
Wilbur took a shaking breath as he calmed down, “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I?” Captain laughed, “I thought we were in this together! Brothers in arms!”
Wilbur growled and bared his teeth, “We were never brothers!!!”
Tommy bumped Wilbur with his tail and Wilbur looked down to meet his eyes.
‘I have a plan.’ Tommy said.
‘There’s nothing to do Tommy! Even if we manage to take control of the ship, we can’t steer it. I don’t trust in my ability to hack into it before we run out of fuel!’
‘Wilbur.’ Tommy pleaded, ‘Trust me.’
Wilbur took a shaky breath and looked back to Captain, aiming for the man’s chest, “Alright Tommy. I trust you.”
Wilbur suddenly shifted and shot the barrel Captain was leaning on, the thing blowing up as Captain screamed. Completely engulfed in flames as Tommy rushed towards the end of the hanger. A small see-through shield allowing visibility of the stars.
“Tommy...” Wilbur started as Tommy rushed towards it, “Tommy I cant breath out there!”
Tommy leaped at the force field, pushing right through it as Wilbur screamed.
‘TOMMY!!!’
They burst into outer space, Wilbur holding his breath with wide eyes.
Tommy’s wings flapped but he couldn’t hear a thing as they flew. Wilbur squeezed his eyes shut, ready to start freezing to death but nothing happened.
He carefully opened one eye, letting them both open after a moment.
He blinked a few times before looking at Tommy who was smiling at him.
Wilbur let out the breath he was holding before sucking in another one.
“How?” He tried to say but it was silent.
‘How?’ He asked again.
Tommy smirked, ‘Because I’m awesome.’
‘Is that really the only answer I’m going to get?’
‘Yep.’
Wilbur sighed as Tommy stopped and turned, looking at the giant spaceship that once housed them. It was incredibly long and tall. The shining silver a stark contrast to the black behind it.
‘Are we really free?’ Wilbur asked.
‘One last thing.’ Tommy said and Wilbur didn’t like that he could feel the smirk in it.
Wilbur watched as Tommy’s mouth opened slightly, a light forming inside his mouth as his cheeks started puffing out.
Wilbur blinked a few times before suddenly Tommy opened his mouth completely. A huge laser colored in whites, blues, pinks, and purples, all the colors and more spiraling around it as it cut through space and went straight to the center of the ship.
Not a single sound was made as the laser stopped. Just a small ball of light sitting carved inside the ship before it exploded.
The ship crumbling in on itself as the ball of light grew bigger and bigger.
Wilbur’s eyes widened as a new star was born.
Wilbur gasped in amazement. Pulsing it through his and Tommy’s connection.
Tommy smirked and suddenly went flying towards the new star. Wilbur’s eyes wide in awe as everything began to warp around them.
Stars began to blur together as Wilbur felt gravity push against him, the stars on Tommy’s scales beginning to glow.
Wilbur squeezed his eyes shut and gripped onto Tommy tighter. Hugging him close when suddenly the weight stopped.
Wilbur blinked his eyes open, looking down to see Tommy almost back to his usual self. The only thing different was his eyes.
All around them space looked... different.
The black looking inky as speckles of white and blue swirled inside it. The same as Tommy’s changed eyes.
Wilbur reached his hand out, the black flowing through his fingers like melted chocolate.
Wilbur laughed in wonder. Reaching both hands out to feel the void around him.
His laugh only grew stronger, though it was still silent.
Tommy smirked as he dived into the ink. Spinning around and letting it coat him and Wilbur.
Wilbur looked at his hands, now covered in it. It was as if he and Tommy were made of the void itself. Of stars themselves.
And just like that, it was over.
Wilbur blinked and him and Tommy were out of it, now moving through space much slower.
Wilbur looked around, seeing a green and blue planet hovering in the distance.
Tommy smirked, ‘Pretty cool right?’
Wilbur chuckled and looked back to Tommy, ‘Yeah Toms. Though now I have even more right to call you starlight.’
Tommy grumbled, ‘Yeah, yeah.’
Tommy’s face then saddened as they looked back towards Earth, ‘I guess... You’re going home now?’
Wilbur frowned, looking out towards the stars.
A smile started creeping up his face, ‘Y’know...’
Tommy perked up slightly.
‘Earth never was my home. Not really. Neither was that ship. They were just... somewhere I stayed for a bit. My real home... is with you.’
Tommy smiled up at him, ‘Wow Wilbur... You’re so soft.’
Wilbur slapped Tommy’s neck and grumbled, ‘Alright, Alright. Maybe I will just leave then.’
Tommy was suddenly serious, ‘No take-backs!!!’
Wilbur laughed and hugged him, ‘No take-backs. Now... What do you say we pay a little... visit, to our good pals, the smugglers.’
Tommy grinned, ‘I think that’s a wonderful idea Wilbur.’
Wilbur looked back up at the great blank canvas in front of them, ‘And after that... There’s a whole lot to explore out there isn’t there? A whole lot of adventures to have.’
‘A whole lot of crime to do!’
‘Oh there is so much crime. Let’s begin.’
Tommy smiled as he began to glow. Wilbur taking a deep breath and shutting his eyes, preparing for the rest of his life.
They shot off into the void.
What a terrifying pair.
A Human and a Straazien.