The Lion of Light

The Lion of Light By: TimTam

This is a work of fiction and contains scenes of explicit gay sex, violence, and/or language. Any resemblance to actual places, persons, or events is coincidental. If you are not of the legal age to read adult stories, or are uncomfortable with gay themes, please stop reading now and close this document.

All rights to this story are reserved. Do not duplicate or distribute in any form without express permission of the author.

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Chapter 7

Sitting by the large window in our quarters, I couldn't help but let out a few choice curses under my breath as I watched The Vanguard dock with the Alpha Centauri station in orbit over one of the star's reddened planets. I felt a sense of helplessness, knowing that it should have been me bringing the behemoth vessel in to dock. Instead, I still had 48 hours left of my involuntary leave. Of the time I had remaining, I wanted to do nothing more than mope around while I waited for the timer to end, allowing me to return to duty.

Tethys emerged from the commode, barren since he had just taken a shower after our new daily training exercises. I couldn't help but appreciate his reflection alongside the reddened planet below. The colors of this planet suited his own reddish palette, and his golden feathers directly contrasted against the bluish tinge of the planet's atmosphere. Looking out below, Tethys' reflection showed him pulling his pants up to rest around his hips. I sighed in frustration, watching Tethys move his attention from me, to the world that hovered below. Placing his large palm at my back, I'm sure he could feel my discomfort as I sat around doing nothing.

"The official convoy for the surface will be departing within the hour," Tethys hummed. I only sighed again, this time showcasing my boredom. "You wish to travel with our Captain," He stated, clearly reading the onry expression pasted on my face.

"Come on Tethys!" I screeched now in agitation. "My species hasn't so much as set foot beyond our moon!" I waved emphatically at the planet below us.

"But you were on the Lyran home world just weeks ago?" Tethys questioned, perplexed by my meaning.

"Exactly big guy! I have seen more already than anyone else from my world has! I can't stop now! Besides, Alpha Centauri has been on our radar for a while now. I have to experience this first hand." I began trembling from a dangerous mixture of frustration and excitement. I observed Tethys chuckling from my exasperation.

"You are not a prisoner here Little One," Tethys started, giving me a harsh pat on my back. "You are more than welcome to join the convoy heading down to the surface." I beamed up at the handsome brute, completely disregarding the harsh contact he made with my spine.

"You think Mina will let me fly the shuttle?" I asked as I leaped from the bench by the window to rummage through the armoire at the foot of my bed.

"Most certainly not," Tethys mumbled as he pulled his uniform vest over his bulky torso. I flashed him a look of accusation briefly, before returning to my rummaging.

"What kind of weather do you think is going to be down there?" I asked, ignoring the fact that Tethys was dressing in his uniform despite the fact that he was supposed to be off duty for 48 more hours like me.

"Cool, and windy no doubt," Tethys spoke confidently. Once again I paused in my selection of garments observing the cold blooded theropod pulling his olive colored cloak over his uniform.

"You've already been briefed on this visit, haven't you Tethys?" I now turned towards the uniformed lizard, holding my densest boot in one hand. Slapping the chunky heel against my palm a few times, my eyes narrowed into suspicious slits.

"I am the first officer Little One," Tethys shrugged. "Not much happens aboard this ship that I am not a part of." Tethys turned towards me as he pulled his vest down tightly, restricting the formation of any kind of wrinkles on his uniform.

"You're going down there in an official capacity, aren't you?" I asked with disbelief abundantly clear in my voice. Tethys grunted through his toothy jowls with pride, and I couldn't help but feel a metaphorical dagger through my back. Before, I had the promise of Tethys being bored on leave with me for the next 48 hours. Now he'll be leaving me to wander aimlessly by myself among an alien world. A smile spread slowly across my face as I watched Tethys' own expression fade into one of suspicion.

"The shuttle will depart in 30 minutes Lux." With that, Tethys had left our quarters, and left me to plot my newest grand adventure.

If I were anyone else in that moment, I would've been feeling an overwhelming sense of abandonment. Abandonment over Tethys returning to active duty without me, or perhaps a feeling of unwelcomed solitude, but not me. Instead I imagined the possibilities that I could be facing on this barren world all by myself. What could have been just another port of sale for these otherworldly beings was inescapably new to me. In a short moment of concern, I sent a com link out to reach Hyakk.

"Hyakk, are you there?" I asked, still not quite sure how to navigate the Vanguard's subsystems.

"I am confused by your meaning Lux," Hyakk started. "I have not changed locations." Even the simple Earth expression was lost on him.

"That's great!" I exclaimed, trying not to let Hyakk hear the subtle agitation in my voice.

"Why have you opened this com channel Lux?" If he were human, I would have surely detected a tone of bemusement. But for Hyakk, the question was more sincere than that.

"Oh no reason," I twirled a strand of hair between my fingers as I observed the pile of clothing now resting on my bed. "I just wasn't sure if my translation matrix would work on the planet's surface." Hyakk paused briefly as he contemplated his response.

"Your device is configured on a closed loop with the Vanguard. Once you leave the ship, you will move out of range of her computer systems." Hyakk was very intelligent, but sometimes I wondered if he was capable of gathering subtle cues that were often hidden in any particular question or statement.

"Do you think there might be a way to tie my phone's software into the ship's com systems, in order to keep a secure link farther away from the ship?" I asked more bluntly now.

"In theory I do not see why such an arrangement cannot be accomplished," The pads of Hyakk's digits could be heard as he performed a series of calculations on a nearby terminal. "Your smartphone is a communication device in its most rudimentary function. So I believe that I should be able to link it to the communication systems for a longer reach."

"That's great news Hyakk!" My fist pumped in the air as I continued to listen to Hyakk's rapid thumbing on his panel. "You think that such a simple modification can be done within the next 20 minutes?" By now Hyakk was beginning to understand the hidden meaning behind my questions.

"Lux, are you planning to visit Centaurus Minor?" Hyakk inquired innocently.

"Oh, yeah! I thought I might get out and stretch my legs a bit while you all conduct whatever business that you had planned."

"That sounds agreeable," Hyakk acknowledged. "I will inform the Captain that you will be departing with us. In the meantime, I will need to examine your device more closely in order to make the necessary adjustments."

"I'll see you in ten minutes then!" I leaped away from the communication terminal to hastily dress myself, before making my way to the bridge.

A little while later, Hyakk and I made our way to the shuttle bay. The two of us spoke casually about hypothetical scientific theories that I have read about back on Earth. Hyakk's explanations were far more intricate and complex than I had planned for though, and I spent the majority of our walk just nodding agreeably to the nonsensical ramblings that came from the slender life form. Once the two of us arrived at the bay, I noticed Tethys moving a couple of large canisters into the cargo hold of the small ship. Mina supervised naturally, and before long her eyes came to greet Hyakk and myself.

"Lux!" Mina exclaimed as she eyed my peculiar choice of outfits. I had made an obvious choice not to wear my uniform on this particular excursion, but I also had not laundered much of my off duty clothing as well. "I am gratified to see that you will be joining us on our visit to Centaurus Minor!" Keeping her arms crossed as she returned to her supervisory activities, I was able to catch a small smile form on her face.

I had intentionally planned to go on this trip out of uniform in order to emphasize my disappointment in not being reactivated early like Tethys had been. Nonetheless, my choice of outfits was unusual even for my tastes. Heading past Tethys into the small shuttle craft, the loose white satin material of my trousers shuffled with each graceful motion. Grabbing the assist bar at the hatch with one hand, I pulled my army green kimono-like cardigan closed over my tight grey tank top.

Right down to my bright grey loafers, everything about my outfit signified my blatant abstinence of involvement with this mission. Instead I took on the persona of an Indiana Jones side character, off on my own grand adventure through the ancient deserts of this undiscovered land. I was here for significantly different reasons than everybody else, and I smiled as I took my seat waiting for Tethys to finish loading up the cargo hold.

"You will get cold in those clothes Lux," Tethys stated as he took his seat next to me behind Mina and Hyakk's positions at the front of the craft.

"I welcome it after spending all that time in the sauna we call our quarters," I retorted sarcastically, eyeing the outer hatch of the shuttle bay. Mina snickered with amusement as she began powering up the small craft with Hyakk's assistance. Tethys grumbled slightly in his chair, and that brought a small amount of contentment to my bruised ego.

The flight to the surface didn't take long, and the planet's thin atmosphere reduced the turbulence as the craft slowly descended towards the red planet below us. While we approached our designated coordinates, a small city complex appeared below. The moderately sized buildings were mainly black like unburnt coal, and the streets were red ruts that weaved between the buildings in a gridlock pattern. In the center of the complex was perhaps the only round structure that was evident here. The central plaza marked this place as the predominant hub for the local trade. Other small ships began passing us by as we neared our designated landing area. Some descended at a much faster rate than we had been, while others were just lifting off as we began to settle into our space.

"Okay everyone," Mina clasped her hands together, satisfied by Hyakk's parking job. "Remember, stick to the plan. We are here to deliver our shipment, and I'm sure that the elders would like to discuss the matter of our missing supplies." Mina's voice was expectedly cheerful, delivering this last quick briefing. Looking out the window, it was obvious to me now. The majority of the inhabitants here were all primarily Draconians. Panning my view out of the forward window, I frowned at not really knowing the plan.

"Keep your side arms holstered, but at the ready at all times." Tethys groaned, pressing the button to release the hatch. Again, my frown deepened into a scowl. "These Draconians are barely governed, and prone to instigating combat whenever possible. Do not give any of them reason to challenge you." With that, Tethys exited our small craft proudly. Several onlookers could be spotted eyeing the brute warily.

I hadn't actually thought to bring my disruptor with me. Partly because I didn't realize this was going to be that kind of mission, but also because it clashed against my brave choice of garments. Nonetheless, I knew better than to go anywhere without Tethys' blade. Tied around my left thigh, I made sure the tanned leather sheath was conveniently close at hand. Being the next one to exit the craft, I drew a little bit more attention than the hulking general who assisted my step. I Hesitated while watching Tethys unload the cargo. I spotted several merchants along the outer ring of the central plaza. Most of them weren't any species that I have seen before.

"Arcturian merchants," Mina spoke as she observed me looking out at them. "A friendly race, but not to be trusted on a frontier planet like Centaurus Minor." Frontier planet? I had clearly chosen the wrong outfit for this excursion. This was less of an Indiana Jones type of gig, and definitely more of a Wild West story.

"No doubt they have had to adapt their approach to accommodate such a, diverse group of beings like the Draconians." Hyakk operated the small gravity skid, making a point to slow briefly as he clarified the situation further.

"Will you be alright Little One?" Tethys asked, placing his strong arm around the small of my back protectively. I nodded confidently, belying my true discomfort of being left alone here. "It makes me uncomfortable leaving you here by yourself."

"Relax!" I proclaimed, stepping out of Tethys' grasp. "I'll be just fine!" My false assurance wasn't very convincing. I was sure that Tethys would've been able to smell my apprehension, if he had been standing downwind of me. Passing me an auspicious glance, Tethys walked off with Mina and Hyakk to deliver their supplies. The very first thing on my mind now was where a guy could find a palatable stiff one in this otherworldly frontier town I have found myself in.

Walking around the outermost ring of the central plaza, several small tables and shops were set up with different goods just like a flea market, or a bazaar. Each one was manned by one or two Arcturians for the most part. Occasionally I would see a Draconian shop owner here and there, but mostly this area was run by what I could only presume as the Arcturian benefactors. Most of the shops on the outer ring were mainly non consumable goods like weapons, clothes, and minerals.

Peering through the cracks of one of the shops, the inner ring was where the food goods, and other consumables were sold. My stomach began to rumble uncomfortably, reminding me that no one had given me any currency before departing to the surface. I moaned at the torture I would soon be facing. Taking note of my discomfort, one of the Arcturian shop owners approached me calmly while I was daydreaming about tequila, and tamales. Startled by his greeting, I swallowed the wad of saliva I had been producing.

"Welcome traveler," The shop owner spoke, leaving his table unattended. His royal blue complexion glistened by the hue cast on it by the triple Star's setting glow. His friendly smile was framed by two folds on either side of his small lips, signifying that this man smiled a lot.

"Thanks," I replied politely, forcing myself to look away from the inner ring that sold food goods.

"May I assist you in finding anything on this eventful occasion?" The merchant motioned towards his table, and I followed his gesture towards his small booth. Taking a moment to look around, I noticed this merchant sold mainly clothing, and various adornments like jewelry, and other accessories.

"I'm sorry, but my shipmates failed to provide me with any currency. You're selling a lot of unique goods though." The merchant smiled again as I perused the selection of goods he offered with my fingertips.

"Kind words from a traveler who has undoubtedly seen many unique things during his travels." The merchant bowed in thanks for my compliment. For some reason though, I couldn't help but feel hesitant towards him. I remembered Mina and Hyakk's warnings about the Arcturians here on this world. "Please, take a look around. You may find something that interests you. You have arrived on Centaurus Minor during an eventful evening. Everything you see on offer here is a gift for the celebration tonight."

I frowned, looking at the other shop owners receiving some form of currency from the customers. "Then why are the other shops accepting money for these items?" I asked suspiciously.

"Draconians are a proud race," The merchant spoke with a beguiling smirk. He could say that again. "Although these goods are given freely, gratuity is commonly accepted on occasions such as these."

"I'm sorry, but I don't have anything to offer for gratuity either," I said nodding politely before turning to walk away.

"I can see that your pride is important to you as well, primate." Not sure if his comment was intended as an insult, I turned back to face the merchant. "How about a trade then, hmm?" The merchant's smile remained firm, and almost forced.

"What did you have in mind then?" One of my eyebrows quirked upwards in a peculiar action that somehow enthralled the merchant.

"I would normally ask for something valuable like that Draconian blade you have holstered, but it appears to be your only armorment. Clearly that is off the table." The merchant approached me gracefully, inspecting the garments I wore. "Pick as many things that you like, in exchange I will take the green garment you wear."

"No offense," I paused, realizing that I never grabbed his name. "But that hardly seems fair."

"On the contrary, young traveler. Artificially colored garments are rare here on the fringe planets. Many Draconians seek materials that are difficult to find." Rubbing the material between his blue fingers, his smile broadened. "Not to mention the quality of this material is very difficult to come by."

Nodding my agreement, I perused his selection before finding three items I liked. The first item was another outer garment to replace my green kimono. It was a loosely knit beige robe that was sleeveless, no doubt to provide more arm room for the intended Draconian consumer. Next was a thin iron-chain body necklace that I draped over my forearm. Each loop hung lower than the others to form a complete covering across the torso. And finally, I picked a rather unusual headpiece made of what appeared to be titanium. It had tall, pointed ears like an Anubian jackal, and the front portion extended low between my eyes and over my nose to form a sort of snout. I placed it over my shoulder, not quite ready to wear it yet.

"All very good choices traveler," the merchant smiled pleasantly. Lowering his head, and outstretching his delicate hand, he waited for my part of the trade. His solid blue reflective orbs watched me remove my kimono, and a small gasp escaped the merchant's thin lips when his eyes came to notice the mark I bore on my shoulder. "I see you are very well traveled for a primate," He spoke in awe. My eyes narrowed when I realized he was speaking about my mating mark. "A draconian bond marking, very unusual for a traveler such as yourself." His smile never wavered as I handed him my kimono. By now I could feel a scowl forming on my face while the merchant continued to place my kimono on a hanger to be placed for sale.

"Thank you for the trade," I spoke before turning to leave the merchant's table.

"Be careful tonight traveler," The merchant warned. I turned once again to look the merchant in his eyes. "That mark you wear proudly will surely put you at risk for tonight's celebration. Do not let the other Draconian's see it if you do not wish to be a target for the event's activities."

"What does that mean?" I asked, walking harshly over to the merchant's table again. By now a red blush could be felt forming on my cheeks. I put effort into not grasping the merchant by his collar.

"Only that when the event begins, many of these Draconians may not appreciate a non-Draconian bearing the mark of a mated pair." The merchant smiled before returning to tend his shop. Before I could speak again, the merchant had already moved to speak with a Draconian customer. I thought it wise not to continue the discussion in front of a Draconian if the merchant's warning was true.

Continuing around the plaza, I couldn't help but let my paranoia grow inside of me. What had the Arcturian merchant meant by his warning? What event was he speaking about? In my wandering, I had begun counting all of the Draconians that passed me by. As the largest of the planet's three suns now set over the horizon, several large towers that angled above the plaza began to glow red, and an immense heat began to emanate from each of them. No doubt these were immense arrays that acted very much like Tethys' heat lamp back on the ship. I noticed the evening's cool air begin to warm up intensely when I found myself entering into a covered tent on the inner ring of the plaza.

The space was undoubtedly a gathering spot for many of the Draconians. Observing as many of these behemoth sized reptoids as I could, clearly I had entered into a Draconian bar of sorts. Several Arcturian females held trays of glowing red beverages that they handed out to the thirsty patrons. Grabbing one as I walked through the space, I found an unoccupied seat up at the bar.

"Hey Siri," I spoke, waiting for my phone to chime in acknowledgment. "Access The Vanguard's library." My phone chimed as a spinning circle formed on the device's screen. This drew the attention of another bar guest. "What is this drink that is red, and glowing?"

"Okay, this is what I found for `What is this drink that is red, and glowing'," Siri's shrill voice echoed loudly amongst the noisy patrons. Aggravated by her response, I set my glass down with a sigh. In a fit of rumbling laughter, my Draconian neighbor turned to look at my beverage.

"Draconian ale," The large man spoke. "It will put additional fur on your chest, at least as the other primates who drink it will tell you." Smiling uncomfortably, I turned towards the beverage.

"Thanks," I chirped nervously. "So other primates have drank it, and survived?" I asked compulsively. This resulted in another, louder round of ferocious laughter from my Draconian neighbor. The female Draconian to my left then leaned in to speak.

"Only the smart ones," She spoke revealing her relatively slender snout in comparison. The man on my right then slapped my back hard before cheering me on.

"Come on then little monkey! Drink! Tonight we celebrate the Ungodly Hour!" With that he laughed again before downing his own drink. Looking at the female to my left, she too drank more conservatively. Nonetheless she finished her's in one swallow as well. Cautiously, I followed their lead, and began guzzling the glass myself. When in Rome, am I right? With each swallow I could feel the burning liquor sizzling down my esophagus. When I swallowed the glass's contents, I noticed a distinct flavor of cinnamon, barley, and ambrosia. They were not inherently unsavory flavors, in fact I think I could get used to it, but the burning of the alcohol meant that these were strong drinks. They were made by the constitutionally fortified Draconians after all.

"That wasn't very difficult was it, small monkey?" The female spoke encouragingly.

"Ph'Lynx! Another round for the primate!" The man shouted towards the bartender.

"Um!" I spoke unsuredly, "And a menu." My finger pointed upwards to direct the bartender's attention towards me. Both the bartender, and the male Draconian on my right followed my gesture up towards the ceiling as if I had been pointing to something up at the top of the tent. The female laughed at their glances.

"You speak with the aid of a translator on your wrist," The female started casually. "Tell me small monkey, where do you call home?" The bartender returned with a menu, and three more drinks in front of us.

"Originally?" I clarified. "Earth was home, but now it seems that I will be calling The Vanguard home for a while." At the mention of The Vanguard, both of my neighbors turned away slightly, each guzzling down their beverages rapidly. Apparently they didn't much care for the Lyran flagship. Using his bare arm to wipe the access booze from his maw, the male turned back towards me with a suspicious look.

"So, what do the other monkeys call you?" He asked.

"I chose to go by the name Lux," I answered, not giving them the opportunity to know my real name. "What do other Draconians call the two of you?" The female went first this time.

"They call me Shawlah," she spoke proudly. Gesturing her large hand towards my neighbor on the right, "And that is Helc." Smiling at Shawlah, Helc smacked my back again more abruptly. I began to feel another bruise forming, which made me wince a bit in pain.

"Come then Lux! Drink with us!" Helc bellowed out with a commanding tone.

"Helc," Shawlah cooed. Her small ivory feathers ruffled a bit atop her head. "He is small, like other primates. Give him a moment to fortify himself." I couldn't help but feel peer pressure from my two Draconian drinking buddies.

Against my better judgement, I eyed Helc suspiciously and proceeded to drink my beverage. I sure hoped I could hold my Draconian ale well. Helc jeered, and before he could go for another harsh pat on my back, my hand met his in a clapping motion. Observing the contact with amusement, Helc belted out more laughter at my high five. I wasn't sure how many more harsh slaps to the back I could take. Shawlah, Helc, and I talked briefly about the celebration tonight while I waited for the grub I ordered. I wasn't quite sure what it was I ordered, but I prayed that it would be cooked.

In my reconnaissance of tonight's events, I couldn't help but feel my mind fogging up a bit from the strong ales that I had been consuming. What I did know though, was that tonight was a special night for these Draconians. Tonight was the one night, out of their calendar year, that all Draconian laws, and bonds were broken. This gave these aggressive beings the ability to act impulsively, and create new bonds if they weren't satisfied with the ones they had made over their year previously. I took note that this only affected Draconians, and those who had been accepted into Draconian culture. My breath relaxed a bit after hearing this.

Once my plate of food arrived in front of me, I was already four ales deep in my drinking companionship with these two Draconian hulks. Clearly, they were less affected by the booze than I had been, and they were starting to take notice of my compromised fortitude. Taking one good glance at the plate of wiggling worms in front of me, I began feeling nauseous and very warm. Knowing that I couldn't throw up in front of these well trained drinkers, I instead made the worse choice of removing the knitted garment I wore that hid my bond marking to Tethys. Helc immediately took notice of my mark, seeing as he was on the same side as it. Before I could even take my first bite of food, Helc immediately jumped to his feet and grabbed me by the throat aggressively.

"You bear a Draconian bond marking, little monkey." Helc then pressed his thumb against my jaw, contorting my head so that Shawlah could see it. I could see Shawlah's jaw clench tightly as she began to smell the spot on my neck. The muscles on her face and neck twitched in response to her aggravation.

"I knew I could smell a Draconian on you, but I thought it had been because of all this close contact with the other Draconians here." Shawlah's sharp claw traced my jawline to my chin, and she tilted her head to meet my gaze. By now the bar had gone mostly silent, observing our interaction with each other. "Tell me something primate. How did a food item such as yourself end up as a Draconian's plaything?" Shawlah's pupils began dilating rapidly, much like I have seen Tethys do before. This time however, it felt much more sinister in nature.

"I am no one's plaything," I said, spitting my words with venom. In a brash moment, I wrapped my forearm around Helc's. Pushing down harshly, I could feel his claws dig into my flesh drawing blood, and tearing my tight grey tank top. Grabbing my knitted garment from the chair, I turned away to walk out of the bar. Every Draconian was standing now, reaching for their weapons. "Thanks for the booze friends!" I saluted the behemoth lizards as I walked out. "See you, never I hope!"

"I like adversarial prey," Helc said, rising from his stool. Shawlah too rose, and they began to stalk after me from the tent.

If I had been sober, I would've been terrorized by all of these Draconian onlookers around me. They all watched me, whispering about Tethys' mark. Some of them growled with their disdain. One thing was for sure though. They all were giving me a wide berth as I walked through the crowded plaza. As if my luck wasn't already bad enough with those two stalking after me, I looked up to the platform in the center of the plaza. To the left side, a tent opened to reveal a behemoth crimson Draconian, almost like Tethys. The real difference here though was that this Draconian still bore his wings. It was a real signifier that he was significantly more highly regarded than the other minor Draconians in this plaza. Raising his hand to speak, the entire crowd went silent. All whispers halted, and everyone observed the elite Draconian at the center of the plaza.

"First blood has been drawn!" The elite Draconian bellowed out among the crowd. "Who has made this petition for ritual combat?" Looking down at my chest, I noticed that my grey tank top had absorbed the blood that was caused by Helc's sharp claws. Revealing three long, bloody scratches down my torso, I realized that it was my blood that had been drawn.

"It was I, Arkemond!" Shawlah's familiar voice announced among the crowd. As Shawlah bowed towards the elite Draconian, the crowd dispersed around her. All except Helc, who looked at me like his tasty morsel to be eaten.

"On what grounds have you drawn first blood?" The elite's powerful voice beckoned.

"The primate bears a Draconian bond marking!" As Shawlah pointed towards me, the elite's gaze met mine. With a sheepish grin, my fingers danced in an uncomfortable greeting gesture towards the winged lizard on the platform. "It is a disgrace to the Draconians, and he should be killed so I can take his place as a mated female." Many things sounded incorrect about her argument, but who was I to judge the correctness of this very different culture.

"If I may, your Eliteness," I spoke, rousing several bittered growls, and sharp gasps. The elite Draconian dismissed the crowd.

"The primate May speak." The crowd silenced again. "What could you possibly say to me, as a small creature? I have eaten other primates like you before, picking their meat from my teeth with the small bones from their bodies." I sighed uncontrollably from his words.

"Hi, um," I gulped hard. "I am not a Draconian." I shrugged, shuffling my head from one shoulder to the other, and back again. The elite crossed his arms in disappointment. "Of which you already know. Therefore I am excluded from the Ungodly Hour celebration?" If one could call it that. In fact, this celebration was taking a decidedly dark turn of fate.

"You bear the mark of a Draconian," The elite Draconian spoke as if that clarified matters perfectly for me. "Therefore, another Draconian has accepted you into his clan, which makes you honor bound to uphold our rites, and customs." Gulping hard again, I Iet out a sigh of anguish at his words. Arkemond turned to address the crowd now. "This challenge has been recognized. They will fight for the right to be mated."

"You don't even know who I'm mated to, Shawlah!" I hollered boisterously at the female Draconian. Turning to face my opponent, I feared it was going to be too late. By the time my eyes met hers, she had already taken me to the ground. As my only impulse at that moment, I whistled for Shawlah to look down. The entire crowd went mad at my gesture. I had drawn my only weapon, pointing it towards Shawlah's torso, and ready to pierce her abdominal wall.

"You declare war, little monkey?" Shawlah gasped, as she rose to her feet. Bewildered by her meaning, I could hear a familiar roar out among the crowd.

Blazing through the crowd of lesser Draconians, I could see Tethys moving the bystanders aside as he made his way towards me. I didn't realize just how tall his stature was as he stood nearly a head taller than the crowd of lesser Draconians. It also dawned on me that while the majority of these Draconians were various shades of grey, the only two that were of a crimson coloration were in fact Tethys, and Arkemond, the elite Draconian. My mouth gaped as I realized just how powerful Tethys once was, and how he gave it all up when he lost his mate, Aaliyah.

"This ritual is unfounded Arkemond!" Tethys howled in fury. "Lux has not completed his bond with me, therefore he will remain excluded from ritual combat." My pounding heart eased a bit, partly for seeing Tethys defending me, but also because I wouldn't have to be slaughtered by the hands of Shawlah. Grasping both of Tethys' hands, he helped me to my feet.

"The monkey has declared war on my house," Shawlah spat at Tethys' feet. "I cannot rest while this food item wields a war blade. It is a disgrace to my family, and to your clan that can only be satisfied by final blood." I sighed again, looking at Tethys, who observed me holding his blade unsheathed.

"His name is Lux!" Tethys became enraged by her addressing me as something other than his equal. Using his blunt claws, Tethys swiped aggressively at Shawlah's face. Placing three long, bloodied marks on her snout, Arkemond held out his hand once again.

"I will have the primate, known as Lux, and his soon to be mate join me in my tent!" The crowd roared in upheaval.

I grabbed Tethys' large hand, at which my behemoth mate jumped. Looking down at me, his pupils had narrowed into fiercely slim slits. When he saw my face, Tethys' breathing calmed, and his pupils widened into a more relaxed state. Touching Tethys' clenched jaw gently, I could feel him tense up again briefly before leaning into my touch. I could hear Helc say something in Draconian that probably wasn't very polite, but I kept Tethys' attention on me instead.

"The tent, Tethys!" Arkemond commanded again. How did Arkemond know his name? Did the two of them have history?

Walking beside him into the tent, Tethys never let go of me. His arm wrapped protectively around my waist, and I helped guide his step from the small of his back. Entering into the tent, the space was nearly barren, except for several large cushions with the largest being the one that Arkemond sat on. It was probably where he slept during the celebration, but right now he only sat on it, waiting for Tethys and myself to join him. To Arkemond's left sat a female elite Draconian. She was adorned with abundant precious metals, and looked mostly like a reptilian version of Athena. Her eyes narrowed at me as we entered the tent.

"Brother!" Arkemond spoke, rising to greet Tethys. The two of them clasped arms respectfully before Arkemond motioned for us to be seated. The female, whom I suspected to be Arkemond's mate, never took her eyes off of me as we sat.

"Brother?" I asked Tethys. "You two know each other?" Tethys hummed his agreement.

"Okay great! So you can get me out of this mess then right?" I asked Tethys, hoping that he could get me out of the bloodbath that I Had unknowingly made for myself. Tethys only shook his head disapprovingly.

"This one's mind is simple," The female spoke, still watching me. Arkemond grunted, trying to hold back his laughter. My face flushed in angry embarrassment over her words.

"Forgive my mate's bluntness, Lux," Arkemond apologized. "It is her truest quality, though it is not her most redeeming."

"So tell me again how you two know each other?" I asked, turning towards Tethys.

"Arkemond is..." Tethys paused painfully. "Was Aaliyah's nest mate." His eyes closed, probably remembering her painful fate.

"So wait, you mean to tell me that Arkemond is, or rather WAS my brother from a past life?" Tethys nodded. Arkemond's eyes grew wide with my proclamation. "This is insane!" I shrieked.

"Even confronted with the truth, the mammal denies it," Arkemond's mate refrained again.

Arkemond picked up his pitcher of the glowing red ale, and poured us several large glasses of the spicy liquid. Without hesitation, I proceeded to guzzle mine without any coaxing. This was a harsh plot twist, and I wasn't quite sure that I was prepared for it.

"I knew you vowed to find her again brother, but I never thought that you would follow through with it, let alone take this mammal to be your mate." Arkemond took a big swig of his ale, then returned his gaze towards me. "This does bring up the issue of what to do about your declaration of war Lux."

"How was I supposed to know the symbolism of that blade?" I coaxed the last droplet of ale from the glass onto my tongue. Returning the glass to the ground, I then coaxed more liquor from the elite Draconian that I apparently once called my brother.

"Regardless, once a declaration of war has been proclaimed, it cannot be taken back without taking someone's final blood. And if you are who the mate of my sister says you are, then that will only cement Shawlah's claim to battle." Arkemond poured me another glass. I imagined the elite frowning with regret, but I wasn't sure if he was capable of such a biological feat, seeing as he was a Draconian without lips just like Tethys.

"Okay fine!" I gasped relenting to the certain doom that I would soon be facing. "Let me kill this motherfucker already!" Arkemond's mate cocked her head to one side curiously.

"You insinuate that Shawlah has copulated with her mother?" She asked, confused by my expression.

"No, your eliteness," I sputtered. "I insinuate that I'm ready to fucking do this!" Arkemond let out an amused growl.

"He is fiery, just like Aaliyah was. I will grant you that one Tethys." I groaned disapprovingly at Arkemond's lack of addressing his compliment towards me. "Very well Lux, you seem to wish for expediency on this matter."

"I very much do, Arkemond," I touted disrespectfully. Arkemond's mate narrowed her gaze at me again, but Arkemond only laughed as he placed his hand reassuringly on her forearm.

Leaving the tent, with my unsheathed war blade fixed firmly in my right hand. I saw Shawlah, and Helc waiting for me on the opposite side of the platform. Shawlah was pacing back and forth from one end of the `stage' so to speak, and back again. Obviously she had not yet calmed down.

"So, the little monkey has decided to come out and face me," Shawlah raged. I couldn't help but egg her on with a little bow. They didn't call it liquid courage for nothing, and this wasn't just any level of courage these Draconians kept bottled up. This was Draconian courage.

"We ready to do this?" I asked, swallowing a hard lump in my throat. Shawlah simply nodded, before she began moving in a circle around the outermost edge of the platform.

Thinking back to my training, what little I have had, I remembered Mina's adaptation of my dance into our routine. I remembered how we postulated, and practiced using my opponent's weight and momentum against them. I hadn't yet taken down Tethys, but Shawlah was much smaller than an elite Draconian, which meant that I might pose a chance of defeating her. Not taking my eyes off of the bloodthirsty reptile, I also saw flashes of Zia in my memory. I had been mistakenly distracted by the thought, when Shawlah took her first attack of opportunity.

Before I could completely clear myself out from her path, Shawlah's blade made contact with my left arm. In her aggressive motion, I noticed something important. In combat, Shawlah gave each swing the most force that she could muster. I realized that I could use that to my advantage as the crowd went wild. Touching the bleeding laceration with my good arm, I breathed heavily realizing that I wasn't yet out for the count. As Shawlah continued to circle around me, I found that she was herding me towards the center of the platform.

This was dangerous for me, as she kept me pinned to the center of the stage. Each attempt I made to move to the outer edge of the platform was answered by another lunge from my attacker. I had to make my move soon, or else I would remain effectively pinned to the center, waiting to be slaughtered. A loud crowing sound came from a particular area of the crowd, and that distracted Shawlah just long enough for me to advance on my enemy. Taking a couple of silent leaps towards her position, I went in with a slicing motion. That was too easy though, and my arm was met by the twisting motion of Shawlah's grasp. Trying to bring me to my knees, I instead proceeded to kick at the back of her's.

"The weapon in my hand is not the most deadly one I've got, Shawlah," I spoke, giving her a smooching sound from my pursed lips. Shawlah hated hearing my listless gimping, and she drew herself back onto her feet with a growl.

"Too bad it will be the last one you see, monkey!" Shawlah screamed as she made a flat out run for me.

Attempting another sideswipe, Shawlah was able to wise up to my battle style. This time, she went by my right side, and rather than giving me a swipe from her blade, Shawlah grabbed my hand holding Tethys' blade. The crowd went wild again, as she spun me into her grasp one more time. Following her momentum though, I brought my head back making harsh contact with her snout. My vision blurred briefly, but as she righted herself, I used her own momentum to spin her over my back, and down onto her's. Kicking her blade from her hand, I sat on her chest with her neck between my legs.

"Do you yield?" I asked, not taking my chance to slit her throat.

"I do not yield to prey!" With Shawlah's scream, came eight painful scratches down my back, as she dug into a pair of my ribs with her deadly claws.

Before I could take control of my movements, I found myself bringing my blade into contact with her skull. Through her eye socket, I effectively lobotomized my opponent. Regaining some control over my senses, I looked back at Tethys. His expression was pained, but he never looked away. With a sharp nod of his head, I realized what I had to do. Turning my blade in her skull, I screamed bloody murder as I finished the fight with Shawlah, putting her out of her pain. That was it. That was all I could do, and I felt her blood splatter against my bare skin when I pulled my blade from her dead corpse.

This time however, the crowd cheered for a new reason. I had defeated my opponent, and drawn final blood. I had given them all what they wanted. I had just committed homicide, per their customs. Wiping Shawlah's blood onto my white pants, I once again holstered my blade and walked past the crowd of cheering Draconians. Walking directly into Tethys' arms, I gripped him tightly as my tears began to wet his uniform. Somewhat against my wishes, Arkemond pulled my chin out from Tethys' meaty pectorals. Looking into my tear soaked orbs, I could see compassion in his.

"You have satisfied honor today Lux." Arkemond bellowed. "Sa'Line and I welcome you into our family as Tethys' mate. Welcome home brother." Once again the cheering crowd roared in pleasure as I continued holding Tethys tight. I never wanted to let go, and I welcomed Tethys' returning hug, despite the enormous pain I felt on my back from Shawlah's dying grasp.

A little while later, Arkemond's mate, Sa'Line tended to my wounds in their tent. Her touch wasn't the most gentle, but it was understanding. She seemed to know exactly how to handle battle wounds such as these, and I welcomed the cool savs that she placed around the cuts on my back, chest, and left arm. It didn't take long for Mina, and Hyakk to arrive once they had heard the news. Expectantly, Mina rushed to my side, and took my puffy, tear soaked cheeks into her soft palms. Sa'Line growled protectively towards her, having not been properly introduced to the unwelcome strangers in her tent.

"Sa'Line?" I started. "I'd like you to meet Hyakk, and my Captain, Mina." It was hard to speak with Mina squishing my cheeks, but I felt the attempt was pertinent given the fact that I wasn't hoping for another final blood duel tonight. Sa'Line relaxed a bit, and she continued dressing my wounds.

"Lux! What kind of mess have you gotten yourself into this time?" Mina interrogated. "You were supposed to be on leave, and instead you have somehow found yourself engaged in mortal combat?" I forced a smile through my pinched cheeks.

"Survived," I corrected.

"I'm sorry?" Mina asked, releasing her ransom on my cheeks.

"I survived mortal combat," I clarified, though I don't think that was what Mina was needing clarified.

"You should have never been required to engage in this primitive show of status in the first place!" Mina howled with rage, and I felt Sa'Line growling suspiciously.

"Yeah well, I didn't know a lot of things before taking Tethys' mating mark." Personally, I was just as put off by Mina's attitude as she had been about the fact that I just killed someone. Watching Mina stalk out of the tent, I could hear my small Pleadian captain giving Tethys an earful of how she felt.

"Monkeys," Sa'Line sighed, reaching into her bowl of medicated, wet savs. I couldn't help but snort at Sa'Line's remark. I really was beginning to like her, I thought to myself.

Leaving the tent finally, I began fumbling towards the bar for another round of drinks. I wasn't planning on leaving this party just yet. I needed more booze first. Catching my momentum with his large arms, Tethys righted my posture and I realized that the medication in those savs was potent stuff. I looked up at Tethys' calm expression, and huffed at my particular predicament.

"Mina has given me instructions to bring you up to the Vanguard as soon as possible," Tethys coached.

"That's great Tethys, but first I need a few more of those Draconian ales." I slurred slightly, clearly not needing any more intoxicants in my system.

"Mina made it clear that it was not a suggestion." I looked up at the brute again, this time anger flashed in my orbs.

"Again, that's great and all, but I am on leave right now. I don't really think she can do that. Do you Tethys?" My logic was as sound as a drugged up rat approaching a trap with cheese, thinking it wouldn't die from taking just a few small bites. Tethys grumbled uncomfortably at my disheveled state. "Oh, oh! I get it Tethys. You want to mate with me now." I whispered in his ear. "You don't have to disguise your feelings in front of these people Tethys. We're as good as married in their eyes! Aren't we now?" I looked over at Arkemond and Sa'Line who watched me lean back over Tethys' arms.

"No," Tethys grumbled. "Not like this. I want you to be ready for it when the time comes, Little One. "

"Well I'm drunk, and drugged up on some pretty dope shit. I don't think I'll be more ready than I am now, bucco!" I could feel Tethys growing increasingly uncomfortable with my altered status. "Come on! We'll find a nice quiet spot, just the two of us, and we'll explore each other's bodies. I've gotten pretty good at Draconian physiology. I promise not to lobotomize you too!" Letting out a hoot, and a holler, I pounded weakly on the former elite Draconian's densely built musculature.

"I don't want you like this Lux!" Tethys commanded. "You are vulnerable, and not present. I do not wish to mate with you, not like this." This time Tethys growled with frustration.

"I didn't want you to leave me alone Tethys, but you did. I guess the mission was very important." Finding some sort of mobility, I slid right out of Tethys' arm like a slimy eel, before striding off towards the general direction of the bar.

"You have turned your mate away," I could hear Sa'Line say to Tethys. "Let him go, we will keep him safe tonight." With that, I watched as Arkemond strolled towards the bar after me, and Sa'Line walked Tethys towards the shuttle.

The next morning I spent mostly heaving up combinations of glowing booze, and only modest bits of food. I clearly had done most of my drinking on an empty stomach. All at once, my head throbbed, my stomach hurt, and my chest, back and ribs prohibited my movements. I thought back to the events of last night as I felt the now bloodied bandages over my torso. Leaning in with a cool wet cloth, I peered up at Sa'Line who was wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Sorry if I kept you up all night," I blushed, realizing that the elite Draconian was tending to me herself.

"No need to apologize Lux. Draconians are a cathemeral species, which means that we can be awake day or night if need be." Sa'Line just continued her attention towards my head, and my stomach grumbled once again. Sa'Line paused, not sure whether or not I would hurl again. "For a primate, you developed a taste for Draconian ale quickly. I am surprised,"

"Yeah well, on Earth we have a similar liquid that we call Fireball Whiskey. I'm finding the experience between the two of them to be very familiar." I tried laughing, but it only resulted in sharp, shooting pains in my rib cage.

"Your body was not designed for such aggressive combat." Sa'Line sighed. "I did not believe that you would survive," She continued bluntly.

"Thanks, um, I think," I responded, unsure of what to make of her comment. Patting my shoulder, Sa'Line beckoned me to sit up.

Doing as she asked, with her support of course, Sa'Line began to remove my bandages so that she could change them for me. Before she began to clean my wounds however, Arkemond arrived with a small pot of a fragrant, steaming liquid. Smiling through the use of familiar clicking sounds that I have often heard Tethys produce, Arkemond expressed great satisfaction that I had finally woken up. Arkemond poured me a cup of the hot liquid, and I took in the aroma for a moment. I definitely knew these smells.

"Ginger," I took another whiff of the earthy beverage, " And turmeric?" I asked, puzzled by the happenstance that they would have tea made from ingredients found on Earth.

"Drink," Sa'Line encouraged. "It will settle the worms in your belly." Spitting out the steaming concoction, I eyed Sa'Line and Arkemond warily. Naturally Arkemond laughed, expressing his amusement once again. Sa'Line only grumbled with mild agitation. "An expression, monkey. There are no worms, but this will help to settle your stomach." Sa'Line clarified, pushing the cup back up to my mouth for another sip.

"You will need your strength today, Lux," Arkemond spoke next. "Today is perhaps the second most important day of the Draconian calendar!" Hesitantly, I lowered my cup into my lap.

"I'm not going to have to kill anyone else today, right? Sa'Line and Arkemond both could easily smell the fearful pheromones that I was letting off, and Arkemond clasped my shoulder ruggedly in amusement.

I winced in pain as my body moved in ways that disturbed my healing battle scars. Sa'Line let out a raspy hiss towards her mate in frustration over disturbing my healing progress. Arkemond returned his hand to his tea, heeding Sa'Line's warning. Sa'Line then helped me to my feet, so the three of us could leave the tent, and begin planning the day's events.

"Today we acknowledge the new, and renewed commitments of our people," Arkemond pronounced to the groups of wandering Draconians around the plaza. Everyone went silent as the crowd ushered in more onlookers. I couldn't help but feel the cool morning breeze against my mostly barren torso. "With the Ungodly Hour behind us, together we welcome a new year to the people!" The crowd began cheering at Arkemond's declaration. Last night they cheered for death, but today they cheered for renewal. Was this their version of celebrating a new year?

Being educated as I went along, I discovered that the responsibility of the elite Draconians wasn't just to lead these people. They were also given the responsibility of helping them grow, and proliferate as a society. Our responsibility today would be to tour the city complex, and acknowledge all of it's residence. Sa'Line, and Arkemond were solely held responsible for recognizing each person, bond, and conglomerate of citizens. They would give blessings to the new groups, and families, and they would recognize the one's that withstood the trials of the Ungodly Hour. As a whole these people would be meeting a lot of other people today. That made my head spin, and my ribs sore from the thought of walking through the entire city today.

Sa'Line started by taking me in to one of the city's physical stores. This wasn't just a merchant's booth. This store had Draconian mannequins that displayed shiny new armor, fine leather goods, and the most premium materials available anywhere on this frontier world. I hesitated to think why we were even here, but I quickly realized that Sa'Line, and Arkemond had brought me here to get cleaned up and presentable before parading in front of the townspeople with my two elite hosts.

After being ushered to the back of the store to be bathed, the Arcturian shop clerks brought me to a resident manicurist. She was hell bent on trimming my long, brown hair, but after fifteen minutes of nearly coming to blows in defense of my long locks, she settled on just a mani-pedi and some shimmering body lotion.

"Jesus fuck," I inhaled sharply looking at my naked body in the mirror. The shimmering lotion was filled with silver flecks that sparkled under the warm interior lighting.

Next, Sa'Line came into the room with two small vials of body paint. I observed her crimson form, which was also lathered in a shimmering golden body lotion. Her body was painted with a reflective metallic gold paint as well. Delicate golden lines had been drawn all over her in intricate patterns, and shapes. It was kind of pretty actually, in a warrior goddess sort of way. I couldn't help but instinctively cover my bits as she eyed my form in thought.

"I was right to assume that gold would not suit your pale complexion," Sa'Line stated bluntly. "Silver is a much more ethereal color on you Lux." Cooing softly, Sa'Line placed her vials of paint onto a nearby counter, and proceeded to dip her thumbs into the matt brown paint. "You still need a bit of color on your skin though." With that, she began painting my body with the ashy brown pigmented paste. "Traditionally, one's bond mate paints the other with colors, but since yours is gone now, I will assist you."

"Thank you," I spoke softly, appreciating the gesture.

"Remove your arms from your genitals Lux," Sa'Line insisted. I opened my mouth to protest, but was met with cruel logic from her. "It will be difficult to paint your lines under your arms if you do not. Besides, it is not anything that I have not seen before, monkey." Not even granting me the opportunity to perform her requested action myself, Sa'Line lifted my arms out to my sides before continuing.

After all the paint had been applied, and it had been given time to dry, I looked myself in the mirror one more time. I grew astonished with what I saw. My cool skin tone balanced the silvery lotion. The brown markings were accented by the pearly white paint that was in the other bottle. It was much more subdued than Sa'Line's own body paint, but she was right about one thing though; It had a rather ethereal effect on me. Next up of course were the garments. This actually took some time for Sa'Line to decide however.

"You bear the Draconian mating mark of a female, yet you are anatomically male," Sa'Line pondered out loud, not quite sure what to make of me. "Do we dress you in armor like a son, or in celebratory linens like a daughter?" Sa'Line eyeballed two outfits now. The first one was that of an armored mannequin, and the other was a female mannequin wearing scant sashes, and colorful silk linens.

"I think," I started, realizing I was still talking to an elite Draconian. Sa'Line's eyes met mine before nodding her approval. "Forgive me Sa'Line, but I don't think I can bear all the weight of that armor, nor am I comfortable with parading around as a Draconian female. I am not even Draconian." Sa'Line placed her palm up at me for silence.

"Your wounds are still healing, and I recognize that you are not the most traditional unbonded Draconian, but do not forget that we have accepted you into our clan as a Draconian." Sa'Line's words were blunt as usual. I found a couple things that I wanted to complain about, but one word rang louder than all the others.

"Unbonded?" I asked, thinking that my translation matrix failed me for a moment.

"Yes, do you remember Tethys' rejection last night Lux?" She asked rather bemused by my misunderstanding.

"Yes, but I have turned Tethys down many times," I answered with a cautious nod, and a shrug.

"Last night was the one night when all laws, and bonds were broken." Sa'Line sighed at the gnashing gears that failed to communicate with each other in my brain. "By rejecting you during the Ungodly Hour, Tethys severed his legal bond to you. Now you must present to Draconian society as unbonded."

Was this what Sa'Line, and Arkemond had intended by including me in their parade around town? Not just as a welcome party, but also to showcase my eligibility status? Did I want to be bonded, actually bonded? It was unusual to be locked into an unfamiliar mating practice, but at least I had grown to know Tethys. I wasn't sure if I wanted even the possibility of being claimed by anyone else.

Inhaling a deep breath, I realized that all I needed to do was to make it through the day without being claimed by anyone. Then The Vanguard will depart, and I won't have to be marked for sale anymore. That shouldn't seem hard. After all, I'm not the most attractive Draconian there was. I just hoped that no one else thought any differently. Taking another big breath, I pointed towards the female linens on display before turning back to my reflection in the mirror. How had I become a bride up for sale?

"I'm not wearing the armor." I winced in pain as I raised my arms to have the garments secured around my body.

Leaving the shop, I was now angry, and very hungry. I needed something to eat right now. I began perusing the nearby shops, and carts as my Draconian matchmakers made their way through the streets. One thing that seemed different about today, was that everyone was offering me free goods left and right. Arcturian merchants fed me lavishly, Draconian warriors bowed, and all of the females began crowding around me. Playing with my hair, and touching my expensive linens, many females giggled at my peculiar situation, while others out right snarled with their aggression.

Making my way through the people, and shuffling back towards Sa'Line, and Arkemond, I paused as a familiar snout greeted me. It was Helc. While the females had been gawking at me, the males had been petitioning their elites. My translator matrix could make out several requests to be bonded, but I wasn't getting a clear picture of what they were saying. `Crap, crap, crap!' I thought to myself, sniffing my armpits for any kinds of unusual pheromones. I wondered what it was about me that was drawing so many Draconians out of the woodwork, practically requesting my hand in marriage. Then, it dawned on me.

The clan that I have been accepted into was the clan of the Elites. If any of these Draconians were wise, they would have already known that I was their meal ticket into a wealthy, and powerful house. It didn't actually matter if I was attractive or not. Hell, I didn't even have to be female. One of those lucky suitors would hopefully get their chance to bond with me, and that would mean an instant status upgrade for them. I didn't let my fear get to me though. This would be just one day, and then I'll hopefully avoid return for a while, if at all. I just would be turning down a lot more suitors than I had originally planned.

Returning my attention back at Helc though, I noticed his eyes flicker first towards me as he saw me approaching. Next his eyes flickered down as if to size me up. Leaving the crowd of other males, Helc strode confidently to my side. I tried my best not to acknowledge his existence. Helc was persistent however, and he soon found the perfect spot to torment me as his hand caressed the painful wounds that Shawlah had placed on my back.

"Hello there, monkey!" Helc crooned, flashing me a show of his mottled, greenish-black raven feathers that rested atop his head. I scoffed at his unflattering display, before walking on. Helc did not take the hint however, and he kept on walking beside me with his claws dancing on my tender flesh wounds. "That was a remarkable display of honor you showed us last night." I still wasn't paying him any attention. Helc was smaller than about half of the other Draconians here, and it was obvious that his status was low, based on his blatant dancing around the other bigger theropods. "Perhaps, you might be interested in accepting MY mating mark, primate?"

"Pass!" I bellowed out into the crowd. The other males took note of Helc's attempt to coax me directly, and soon half of the larger ones began to herd themselves our way. Helc took me by the shoulder, and turned me so that we were now walking away from the approaching herd of men.

"I know I'm not as big, and domineering like Tethys, but I can assure you preything. You will not find anyone as voracious, and aggressive as me. That is what you like right, little primate? You like it rough, and dangerous." Helc ran his tongue over his sharp rows of teeth. I wasn't sure what kind of hunger that his saliva insinuated, but I knew that neither of them were innocent.

"Look Helc," I sighed struggling to decide if it was even worth my time leveling with him. "I don't intend on taking anyone as my mate today. In less than a day, my ship will be departing, and I will be on that ship going far away from you. So if you don't mind, I'm still feeling hungry." Before I was even able to shoo him off though, I heard Helc's enthusiastic laughter belt out one more time. Handling me a cut of smoked meat he picked up on a nearby table, Helc snarled.

"They won't let you leave, Lux." Helc grumbled aggressively. "You are honor bound to stay with your clan until you have been bonded with another before they will allow you to leave. It is a right of passage that all Draconians must participate in before they can leave." With that, Helc stomped off through the growing crowds of people.

"Hey Siri," I called with a sigh. "Call Tethys."

"Calling Tethys mobile," My phone responded eagerly as I watched the crowd hovering around me.

"This is Tethys," Tethys boomed from the speakers on my wrist. The bustling crowd grew more silent at the mention of his name. Jesus, I need to make this more clandestine.

"Tethys," I whispered, dancing behind a merchant's cart. "What the fuck?"

"Lux? Are you alright?" Tethys spoke with concern.

"No! I'm not goddamn alright! I have crowds massing around me of eligible bachelors, and they all want to bond with me, because you severed our bond last night. And now I'm the most eligible bachelorette due to the fact that I am a part of Arkemond's clan now!" I tried my best to emphasize my distress as best as I could towards Tethys.

"I see," Tethys paused. "Have you persued the idea that one of them might be a suitable match for you?" Tethys asked stubbornly.

"God fucking damn it, Tethys! No I don't want to be mated to any of these people! I don't know them, but at least I can trust you. So if you don't get your shadey ass, and tail down here and help me out, so help me god, I WILL hunt you down and kill you myself! Once they let me off this god forsaken rock first!" My cheeks flushed so many different shades of red, and I was barely able to get out my flustered ramblings in one single breath, but I did it. God did I lay into him. Tethys only chuckled at my distress.

"You are hardly in any danger Lux," Tethys spoke calmly. "You simply have to take a new mate before The Vanguard departs the system."

Howling from my dismay, the crowd definitely grew more silent now. "Not when my most suitable mate is Helc, and I can't tell if he looks at me like some kind of meat to be eaten, or worse fucked. God don't make me do it Tethys." I pleaded.

"And what is that?" Tethys asked for clarification, though I knew that he needed none.

"Don't make me beg! Tethys please," I took a deep breath before going in for the final move. "Tethys, I am asking you in sound mind, and body to please take me as your mate." The comm-link went silent for a moment.

"Very well Little One," Tethys announced proudly. "I will be down there within the hour. I suggest you dig in beside Arkemond, and Sa'Line until I arrive." I breathed an enormous sigh of relief as I ended the call.

I was hasty, following Tethys' instructions. Wandering through the masses of Draconians between Arkemond, and Sa'Line, I couldn't help but feel like a baby animal seeking protection from the leering predators just waiting to pick me off. Hesitantly I declined several offers from prospective suitors and prayed for Tethys' swift arrival. Smelling my fear, and anguish Sa'Line turned to me to hand me a jar of clear goo.

"I can smell your apprehension Lux," Sa'Line pointed out. "Do not fear. If you decide to take a mate, I trust you know what to do with that." Sa'Line and I looked down at the jar that she handed me. My skin crawled at the thought. "It will make accommodation easier, when the time comes."

"Gross," I spoke before quickly retracting my comment. "I mean, thank you." Placing the jar of goo into my satchel, I swallowed hard waiting for Tethys to get me out of this mess.

Like an angel descending from the heavens, I breathed a great sigh of relief watching The Vanguard's shuttle coming in to land. I thought that I would never see a more beautiful sight, then seeing that ship coming down to get me. I practically danced as I eagerly waited for Tethys to take me away from this never ending nightmare. All of these other Draconians could kiss my ass, because soon I wouldn't be persued by any more of them very shortly. I never thought that drawing so much attention from people could be unhealthy, but this day definitely changed my mind. I praised all that was holy, and smiled as I declined a few more offers.

By the time Tethys had chosen to make his appearance, the largest of the three suns was setting again. A brisk chill set in, signaling the return of this planet's cool evening. Most of my suitors had either been rejected by now, or they mostly all dispersed away towards the heat lamps that kept the central plaza warm at night. But out of all of the figures that now walked away, one man stood proudly among the rest. Nearly a head taller than everyone else, I thought I would never enjoy watching anything more than to see my ship mate come to whisk me away from this torturous hell hole of a planet.

"Arkemond!" Tethys bellowed, reaching out to clasp his brother in law's arm.

"Tethys, brother! Welcome." Those familiar clicks of satisfaction came from Arkemond's muzzle as he expressed great satisfaction in seeing Tethys again. "You return so soon!"

Waiting for this little excursion of mine to end, I began to shiver in the cold air of the evening. Eyeing my struggling form as Tethys' opportunity to make his move, Tethys removed his cloak to place it around my exposed flesh.

"Lux," Tethys announced. To my disappointment, not very many bystanders remained in the area. Part of me wanted everyone to see this exchange happen. "Do you give me permission to bond with you?" I paused wondering if that was it. Somehow I expected things to be much more grandiose, like how everyone had just been trampling over themselves to get into the elite's clan just one short hour ago.

"Okay, yes!" I hissed at the lumbering man. Grabbing Tethys by his hand, I began to lead him towards the shuttle. Before we could get very far though, Sa'Line stepped in front of us both halting our progress.

"You must first bear the fresh mark of your bond Lux," Sa'Line commanded.

"So if I just let him bite me, you'll let me go?" I asked hurriedly.

"You both must consummate your bond with each other before we can send you off honorably." Sa'Line pointed to the jar of goo residing inside my bag, before she and Arkemond continued off towards the central Plaza together.

"Okay, fine!" I whispered abstinently, turning towards Tethys. "Let's do this big guy!"

"I have been hoping to do this with you," Tethys mumbled quietly, nuzzling my right ear.

"This doesn't get you off the hook, you know," I demanded from the hulking Elite Commandant General of the Draconian Empire. "Right now you're here to fix my problem, we'll deal with this bullshit later."

"I will gladly fix your problem, if you will fix mine Little One." Tethys laughed, and nipped at my ear in the way that he knew would stir my pot, but in that moment I couldn't help it. I was mad at him, thoroughly repulsed by his pickup lines, and utterly at Tethys' mercy.

Rushing into the same shop were I had received the garments that Sa'Line dressed me in, I hurried Tethys to the back of the store where the shops dressing area was located. The shop had become deserted as the shop owners undoubtedly joined the evening's festivities at the central plaza.

"Okay, so you chomp down real quick, and I'll pretend that you just fucked my brains out, and we'll call the deed dirty. Understand?" I asked, looking into Tethys' confused glance. Tethys started his response with a grumble, and briefly took this opportunity to inhale a whiff of my essence.

"You do not smell like a freshly mated Draconian Little One." Tethys' assumption was filled with mockery, and mild disappointment.

"So, what do they care?" I hissed in a hushed tone. Setting the behemoth down on a stool, I leaned over him, propping myself up on his lap with my palms. Tethys' eyes changed as he looked into mine. They flashed with hurting, and suspicion.

"You do not wish to mate with me Lux?" Tethys asked warily.

"That's not the problem Tethys!" I hooted, still trying to maintain a whisper. Huffing, I plopped myself down on the floor indian style. Wiping a few strands of my hair away, I explained further. "I'm afraid, Tethys. I had hoped that we could do this on my time, but as more time has passed, the more terrified I become. I'm not sure I'm ready for this. I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready for this, honestly. I'm not very good at being intimate, or sensual." Tethys chirped, and jeered at my last statement.

"No one wants to fear sex Lux," Tethys began as he rose to peruse the displays of clothing. "In fact, that is why Draconians insist on taking a mate quickly." Inspecting each garment thoroughly, Tethys felt and evaluated each material that was displayed as he walked around me. "All Draconians fear their first mate, but in order to swim, you must first enter the water."

"You're not my first mate though," I quipped in a gimpy expression. Finding what Tethys was searching for, Tethys then returned to me at the center of the room.

"Am I the first that you have taken seriously?" Tethys pulled a thin strip of material between his hands. Wrapping one end around his knuckles, Tethys brought himself down to his knees in front of me. I paused a long time, thinking about his question. "We do not have to do this Lux. You are free to leave this room if you do not wish to mate with me." I sighed, knowing that wasn't really the complete picture.

"No, I trust you," lowering my head to the floor, Tethys grabbed my chin to look him in the eye.

"Remove your cloak," Tethys commanded gently. Doing as he asked, Tethys corrected me as I looked away again. Struggling to maintain eye contact, I sat on my knees in front of the massive Elite Draconian. "Why do you wear a female's clothing Little One?"

"It was either this, or a bulky suit of armor too heavy for me to wear." Tethys jeered, displaying his amusement with a display of puffed up feathers.

"Remove your clothes," Was Tethys' next command, and I did what he asked. I found it easier now to meet his gaze, and I could feel that he wasn't judging me for anything. Not right now.

Observing the paint that Sa'Line had placed on my body, Tethys requested for me to stand. I did as he asked awkwardly, and after a while it felt even less intimidating. By now, Tethys' left pants leg was becoming thicker than his right, and I could see his own arousal through the large bulge that he was forming down his leg. Tethys took note of my wandering eyes, but did not protest this time. Rising to his feet now, Tethys removed his uniform vest revealing to me his familiar pectorals, and well pronounced abdomen. In a moment of weakness, I reached out to touch him there.

"Keep your hands to your side," Tethys commanded again, moving a step away from my grasp. Understanding my request to touch him though, Tethys' next suggestion was one I appreciated all to well. "Would you like to remove my pants for me Lux?" I nodded trying not to halt my eye contact with the tall man standing nearly two heads above me.

Tethys started for me, by unbuttoning his trousers. He then paused, resting his hands on his hips. He waited for me to continue where he left off. Moving in a couple of steps, I couldn't help but lick my Cupid's bow at seeing all of Tethys' manhood hanging low, and beckoning for my touch as I lowered the bottom portion of his uniform. It was large of course, immense even compared to my thin build, and that began to start my anxiety again. I couldn't help it, my breathing sharpened, and grew more jagged. Already knowing the culprit of my anxiety, Tethys now crouched low on one knee moving himself to meet my gaze.

"On your knees Little One," Tethys cooed gently, and I did as he asked. This is where the strip of fabric Tethys had picked out came into play. "Sometimes we must enter into the water blindly." Tethys pronounced, and he unwrapped the fabric from his knuckles. Placing the material over my eyes like a blindfold, I could feel Tethys pull tightly to secure the knot he placed at the back of my head. "I want you to use only your other senses to explore my body. Touch me anywhere, taste me, smell me, but to not remove your blind. Do you understand?" I nodded sharply at his command.

"Um, Tethys?" I asked, not sure where to go from there.

"Yes Lux?" Tethys continued crooning.

"Will you make that low rumbling sound I like?" I requested, hoping it would help to calm my nerves.

"The sounds that I make are up to how you touch me." By this point, I was beginning to get frustrated, and I groaned in agitation. Not willing to participate in this game anymore, I struggled to get to my feet.

"Can I take this damn blindfold off now, Tethys?" Taking a step forward, my hands made immediate contact with his armored chest. "Woah," I conceded, taking in the texture of Tethys' rough scales. My fingers began to dance around the surface of his skin, and I nearly jumped out of my own skin when I heard my requested rumbling sounds just inches away from my ear. It definitely made me feel better, and I slowly reached over to feel for Tethys' broad snout. Following the pattern of his scales, my digits danced along his cheeks, and I brought my hands to feel the soft texture of Tethys' ruffling plumage. I could tell that he was still enjoying my touch by the way he kept his feathers puffed. That suggested a level of stimulation, which I had guessed was a good thing. Pulling his broad snout in now, I placed a tender kiss there as I extended myself rather painfully.

"Do you still want to remove your blind?" Tethys asked softly. A subtle quivering could be heard in his voice. One that I had not noticed before now, and probably never would have if I wasn't wearing this blindfold.

"Is that fear I hear in your voice Tethys?"

"You are becoming more perceptive, like a true Draconian." I chuckled at his response.

Moving my hands down his jaw, I felt nearly every nick, and groove on his scales before expediting them lower with more confidence. This action was met with some more pleasant emanations from my theropod companion. It didn't take me long for my hands to find their way to Tethys' gargantuan member. This touch encouraged a tug on his heavy cock, and Tethys growled possessively. My own erection twitched, and this touch was reciprocated by his. Clearly this was a good sign, and I began to stroke his cock slowly, memorizing each soft ridge on its underside. This action was reciprocated by two this time. Tethys' other hand now gripped my ass tightly, giving my soft flesh a bold squeeze. And his tongue soon came out to dance along his previously claimed marking on my shoulder.

"I want to taste it now Tethys," I spoke as my hand continued pumping at his nearly solid erection.

"I will not stop you," Tethys spoke. His voice was more aggressive, yet he still fought against it.

Kneeling once again before Tethys. I started touching my companion's digitigrade toes, before moving up his calves, and thighs. On the underside of Tethys' groin I could feel where his genital slit was, and I grew intrigued. Leaning in with my nose, I was able to smell Tethys' familiar smokey cedar wood aroma that had become mixed with a sweet smelling musk. When my cheek grazed his large member, I jerked back momentarily, surprised by it's warmth. Returning to my exploration, this time I began to lap my tongue along Tethys' shaft. From base to tip, I took in the flavor of his cock.

"It tastes like quarters Tethys," I chuckled to myself at the strangeness of his flavor.

Fortunately for me, I loved sucking on quarters as a kid. It was one of those weird things that I enjoyed, that always made my parents cringe. Tethys mumbled something, but I paid him no mind. I was becoming too infatuated with my tongue's ministrations on his cock. Lapping at the tip of his cock I could taste something more familiar now. Large globs of Tethys' precum began to ooze from the behemoth's tip. Clearly Tethys was enjoying this a lot more now.

"I want to taste you now Lux," Tethys' voice was shaking greedily, and he took a step away from my mouth.

Kneeling in front of me, I could feel Tethys' sharp, warm breathing on my shoulder. Each puff made the hair on my neck stand on end with excitement. Before long, I could feel his large hands gripping my jaw. Applying pressure, Tethys did not request entry into my mouth, he demanded it. Opening my mouth a little to ease the pressure Tethys had been placing on it, I was surprised to experience his long tongue take entry. I didn't mind however, I welcomed this peculiar sensation by beginning to suck on his tongue. After only a moment, Tethys began to croon more verbally, withdrawing his tongue from my mouth.

"Open your mouth wider Little One," I shivered at his aggressive tone, but I did as he asked.

I could feel him shift, and stand before placing my mouth on his cock once again. Tethys kept his hand on my head gently as I began to slowly bobb my head over the first ridge on his cock. By now I could hear Tethys' grumbling echo through the store. I liked how much he was enjoying this, and I struggled to move down further on his cock. Nearing the second ridge on the underside of Tethys' cock, it was here that I began to choke. This time I did not apologize for my difficulties. Instead, I extended my arm up to tap his encouragingly.

"Squeeze my hand Tethys," My plea was met by confusion in his voice. "Not too hard, but enough to distract me." Unsure, Tethys did as I asked cautiously.

This old trick would help keep me from gagging as I swallowed Tethys' cock deeper, and I pushed myself to move down onto his second soft ridge. Tethys moaned deeper this time. It was a sound of pure, animalistic aggression. This time I could hear him getting lost in the sensations as his large member was knocking at the gates to my throat. This went on for a while, and I could sense Tethys was nearing his own climax. Before I could suck him to completion however, Tethys abruptly pulled out to stop himself. I heard a few heavy footfalls as he began circling around behind me. My pulse quickened, and I knew what it was that Tethys wanted.

"Lean forward," Tethys growled, and I promptly did as he asked.

Laying there with my arms and knees tucked below me, I turned my head to get a better listen for Tethys' ragged breathing. It was intoxicating, knowing that I was doing this to him. I let a smile spread across my face. That smile was answered by Tethys heavy cock resting between my ass cheeks. My own urgency grew as he leaned forward to nip at my shoulder. With a few slow and steady thrusts against my ass, I counted the number of ridges on Tethys' cock while he moved it back and forth. Grabbing my ass with his blunted claws, I felt them pinch into the muscle there. It was a bit uncomfortable, but didn't last long before Tethys spread them.

Scooting back a bit, my Draconian partner leaned in now to lick at my hole. His tongue was dripping with saliva, and he licked circles around my sensitive bud. My mind danced from the stimulation, and I arched my back expectantly; pleadingly. He understood this request thankfully, and Tethys began rumbling in the way that felt so good to me. With a bit of pressure, I felt Tethys' tongue slip in. It was so wet, and hot that I began moaning from the sensation.

"Don't stop!" I pleaded out to him, and that was answered by a deeper plunge of his tongue.

God it felt so good, moving and wiggling against my prostate. Resting a third of my weight on my cheek, I reached my arms back to grasp at his fingers clutching my ass. I yanked on them hard, separating them from my ass with a tinge of pain. That moment of desperation didn't just hurt my sore ribs, but I could feel where I had made Tethys scratch at my ass, leaving a few red marks in his place. I didn't care though, he was driving me mad, and I wanted to feel him fuck me deeply. Drawing his tongue back into his mouth, Tethys moved up to nuzzle the undamaged portion of my rib cage.

"Are you still afraid Little One?" He whispered with small puffs of his hot breath tickling my nipple.

"No," I shook my head. "I fucking want you so bad Tethys! Please?" I howled in need, not caring who heard me, or how fucking demented I sounded. My throat was drying out, swallowing the metallic flavor that Tethys left in my mouth.

"Very well," Tethys laughed at my expense. "Are you ready to become a mated pair Lux?" Once again, caution appeared in his voice. He really was concerned about my wellbeing, and I knew he would stop if I asked him to. I didn't want him to though.

"Fuck Tethys!" I commanded. "Mate me, breed me, do what the fuck ever it is you do in Draconian culture; Just don't stop making this feel so good." Tethys grunted his understanding before lining his pointed shaft up with my hole. "Wait!" I shouted as I began to feel the pressure from his tip. Tethys sighed. "Get the jar in my bag," I ordered the big man to do for me. "She said it would help."

Feeling Tethys stretch over me, I loved feeling his rough scales rub against my skin. Taking the jar from my bag, I assumed that Tethys knew exactly what to do with it. Without any further instruction, I could hear him dip his fingers into the slimy substance. Placing his finger along my hole, I could feel the pressure as Tethys begged for entry. I relaxed a bit, allowing this action. Once again I moaned as Tethys moved his finger along my prostate. I could feel my own cock aching from the stimulation, and I was feeling ready for Tethys to actually fuck my brains out.

Removing his finger from my ass, Tethys then went in for more of the goo. My ears twitched backward uncontrollably as I heard him lathering up his cock with it. I waited, patiently. Listening to the wet sounds his hand made rubbing along the ridges of his cock, I wasn't left waiting long before I could feel the tip sliding into my quivering hole. I shook, and trembled under the pressure of his cock. Yes, the clear slime aided Tethys' entry, but god was he thick the farther he got inside of me. One ridge, then two made it past my tight hole. I sucked in a deep breath. By the third ridge I was damn near howling at the full moon. Reading my cues, Tethys began to pull out slowly. Grabbing his arm forcefully, I kept him from stopping. Tethys made amusing sounds with his throat, as if to show his approval.

"You do not wish me to stop?" Tethys grumbled. I only shook my head no. "No, I can't smell any fear from you Little One. Only your desire for more."

With his words, Tethys began to rock his hips back and forth. That third ridge moved against my sphincter, and I used every last ounce of willpower not to clench down on his cock while he moved it rhythmically back and forth. After a while, Tethys pushed in deeper. I could feel a fourth ridge begging for entry. I didn't protest. Instead I began panting almost like a dog. I needed more still. I was hungry for sex, and I wanted Tethys to give that to me. Repeating his actions with his fourth ridge, I could now feel the thing I most wanted to feel. Several ridges moving along my prostate brought a great sense of euphoria.

Not only was Tethys going in deep, his girth stretched me to my limit, and each goddamn ridge played with my sensitive bits. There was also a new feeling though. One that I had never felt before that brought me butterflies as it tickled my insides. I remembered vaguely what some people had mentioned about depth play. They said the sensation of feeling your insides moving was that of like butterflies in your stomach.

"Oh god," I breathed uncontrollably.

"Shall I keep going Lux?" Tethys asked, seeing where I was at. I didn't answer him. I simply leaned backwards into my companion as I nuzzled into his neck.

Reaching my arm behind his shoulder, I began to grip at his scales aggressively. Pulling hard on them, I heard Tethys let out a roar before making a harsh thrust into my ass. In his quick motion, Tethys' last ridge ridge popped into my hole. The gentle Tethys that I knew was leaving. Instead, his large hands squeezed my hips as the sounds he made became distinctly more animalistic. Moving my hips over his cock, Tethys sneered, and growled. It was much more high pitched than I was familiar with, and I no longer felt in control. That was Tethys' tipping point, and I loved experiencing this side of him for the first time. Continuing to pull hard on his scales, I bated Tethys to keep moving; Thrusting into me.

Tethys was getting close. Among the high pitched sounds emanating from his throat, I could also feel a rumbling in his chest. The vibrations felt like an engine revving to redline. It was so deep, and such a core sound that I began feeling it in his cock too. The entirety of Tethys' form was beginning to vibrate like an oversized sex toy. I liked this sensation, and I reached my other arm over his shoulder to hold on tight. Just like when I grabbed onto the scales on Tethys' other side, the pressure that I applied to pulling on both sides was met with Tethys' most aggressive sounds yet. There was no hiding our interaction any longer. Tethys wanted every Draconian within a 10 kilometer radius to know that I was his mate.

As Tethys and I both began to climax, he promptly removed my clinging torso with his palm. Pushing me back down onto my elbows, that was when Tethys left his new love bite. So many aggressive grunts, and burbling sounds came from his muffled maw. And I was too busy being caught up in all of these new sensations. I had barely noticed amidst these swarming sensations that my own cock was gushing several bolts of cum. Everything felt so sensitive.

"I'm flying the shuttle back to the ship," I wheezed from exhaustion, after laying in our mass of bodies for a while.

"We can determine that later Little One," Tethys moaned as he sought out to pat my shoulder in our tangled mess of bodies.

"Fuck that! I just fucked a traffic cone to get off this planet. I'm flying, and that's final." I wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Very well," Tethys grunted his concedence. "Primates, you recover too quickly." Tethys laughed between exasperated lung fills.

After Tethys regained his stamina, we both wandered slowly towards the shuttle. Despite my desire to leave Centaurus Minor as soon as possible, my ass welcomed the slow pace. Fucking a traffic cone may have been an excessive use of alliteration, but hey if the shoe fits right? Tethys walked proudly through the streets of the city, his puffed up plumage rustled in the cool nightly breeze. I smiled, both at the opportunity to leave this gravely misguided expedition behind me, and at the fact that Tethys was holding my hand. It humored me to see that his clasped hand didn't just wrap around mine, but also my wrist. It felt like a warm winter mitten, though more rough, and scaly.

At the shuttle, I began to lose absolute control over my temper at the sight of two Draconian warriors blocking the hatch to our getaway craft. My face felt hot, and my temper spread to my burning ears. I clenched my free fist, ready to pounce. I could not fathom what else this goddamn society had left to spring on me, and I felt Tethys let loose a round of laughter as I laid into these last two Draconians with my well chosen words. I had half a mind to pull out my war blade on them, but then I realized. All of my things were back at Sa'Line and Arkemond's tent. The two warriors bowed, and I quit my belligerent sputtering.

"Arkemond would like to ensure that they return all of your belongings," One warrior spoke. I gasped in annoyance.

"Fine," I spat. Tethys and I turned to move back towards the encampment, and the two warriors followed a few paces behind.

It wasn't a long walk before we had arrived at Arkemond and Sa'Line's tent. The two elites emerged from behind their tent flaps eyeing us both knowingly. This was perhaps the only time that I could appreciate the Draconian's incapacity to smile. Sa'Line stepped down to the two of us, and she placed my body chain necklace on me. She then moved to position my Anubian style headdress atop my crown with pride. Bowing her head, Sa'Line offered me my sheathed war blade respectfully. It felt peculiar like I was being crowned prince, or granted some weird knighthood.

"You display your mate's mark well Lux," Sa'Line nodded respectfully. Turning towards Tethys though, I saw her expression change, as if she was about to frown. I looked over to Tethys, not sure what was happening. "You do not possess your mate's mark. Why?" She asked him quizzically. Tethys grunted, clearing his throat to speak.

"Actually Sa'Line!" I jumped in before Tethys could speak. Sa'Line's amber orbs flickered my way. "Your eliteness, I mean," I bowed, and Sa'Line relaxed. "Tethys cannot bear my mark like I do his. My jaws are too weak to pierce his armor." Sa'Line moved back to me now.

"Then tell me Lux, how do the other primates on your home world show their bonds?" Sa'Line asked bluntly as was her trademark feature.

"Traditionally, my culture uses a metal ring that each partner wears on their finger." I blushed, realizing that Tethys only had four fingers on each hand. Which one would be his wedding finger? Sa'Line snapped her fingers.

"Arkemond, bring me our offering tray." Sa'Line commanded. Arkemond bid as he was told, and returned from his tent with a bowl of trinkets and coins, providing it to Sa'Line. "Choose your devotion to my brother. I will respect your culture's tradition." She was going to make me do it. She really was going to make me seal the deal, and actually get married to Tethys.

I brought Tethys' hand to the bowl to compare ring sizes, and sifted through the different offerings. Unsuccessful at finding anything big enough to fit an elite's actual finger, I quickly shuffled the bowl, and began sifting again. Clearing his throat, I looked up at Arkemond who was removing a ring from his own finger. Reaching over Sa'Line's outstretched arms, Arkemond placed his ring on top of all of the other trinkets, and offerings.

"That is all of our offerings my dear Sa'Line," Arkemond spoke, clearing his throat.

Sa'Line watched carefully as I picked up Arkemond's ring off the top of the pile. It was an interesting design. The ring was composed of bars in varying lengths, and depths that all ran parallel to each other. It reminded me of Tethys' own blocky natural armor. Placing the ring on Tethys' middle finger, I couldn't help but smile bashfully up at my towering mate. The irony of everything that has happened on this planet was going to make one hell of a story when I got back home; If I got back home.

"Tethys," Sa'Line moved to provide the bowl to him. "Choose your devotion to Lux." Tethys didn't take nearly as long to pick out my ring, and soon he found an onyx black ring that had many long, and narrow flat spikes that ran perpendicular to the ring's band.

"I give you sharp teeth to match your quick tongue Little One," Tethys whispered as he placed my ring on my finger. "May they pierce my heart, if I ever forsake you." I honestly wasn't expecting any vows from him. Jesus, now I felt bad for not saying something cheesy to him.

"May your bond remain gilded, and fruitful," Sa'Line spoke loudly for everyone to hear her proclamation. "Lux, you have served your duty as a true Draconian spirit, and you bring honor to our house." Arkemond leaned in as the crowd of onlookers began cheering with abandon.

"You may take your leave of Centaurus Minor now, if you so choose." Arkemond said softly to the both of us. I breathed an enormous sigh of relief.

In the shuttle, Tethys and I sat in comfortable silence. The subtle sounds of the shuttle's ion engines hummed quietly as I reflected on my journey. I had come down to this planet to have one, mind you. But I had never thought that it would turn out to become a Draconian fight show, turned soap opera, turned big fat Draconian wedding. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be getting married to an alien, no less. At least I knew that I had the ability to sleep with my spouse BEFORE the wedding though. I was a blatant advocate for sleeping with your partners before deciding to take one of them to the alter. At least I knew that if I was stuck with Tethys forever, he could offer me amazing sex; Among other things.

Tethys, and I wandered the ship's corridors aimlessly. I just kept smiling that stupid bashful smile the whole way. I felt repugnant at the fact that a small portion of my inner self loved how things panned out for me on Centaurus Minor. I would not own up to it if I was ever asked about it though. I still had my pride, and I don't think a story about being sold as a bride in some alien culture obsessed with honor and duty would grant me more than a few puddles of hysterical tears. Oh no, this would go down in history as mine and Tethys' best kept secret. Moving into our quarters, I grasped Tethys' hand possessively. The brute hadn't seen this coming.

"Lux, the Captain wishes to see you," Tethys suggested.

"Yeah," I said, pulling the hefty theropod into our quarters. "Mina can wait until tomorrow. We still have to discuss the terms of your punishment for abandoning me on that planet." I smiled mischievously up at Tethys' bewilderment. "I recover quickly even for a primate, and I realized that I haven't given YOU any vows yet. Besides, this time I want to see you fuck my brains out." Tethys' plumage ruffled from his peaked interest, and I flashed him my devilish grin. "On one condition," I demanded. I loved watching Tethys' feathers flatten from his uncertainty. "Promise me that when I'm old and incontenent from fucking your traffic cone over and over, and over again Tethys, you'll be there to change my diapers." I laughed at Tethys' completely flattened plumage now. Sniffing the air of our quarters mockingly, I was sure that I could smell Tethys' fear.