Accidental Escape

 Chapter 1.

    As I stood in the living room of my residence, wondering where my life went sideways.  I had always thought life was wondering.  I had a direction I wanted to aim for but sometimes life hijacks the day to day and now while I like my life, I have no idea how I managed to get where I am at.  Originally I wanted to go into computers.  I love tinkering with things that would frustrate people.  I am very good at trouble shooting problems.  I've fixed all types of things from VCRs to DVD players, computers to vacuums.  Which is why I am confused at how I ended up riding on dragon's back while planet hoping for work.  

    I was always told that dragons were fiction.  No one had seem them in recorded history.  This makes no real sense because dragons have been included in mythology across the world.  From the Chinese to the Germanic peoples of the ancient world.  Even the people in South America have legends of these creatures.  I will say that no one knew how intelligent they are, which is why D'grashon was a surprise.

"What are you doing?" said D'grashon while looking over Vash's posture, never truly understanding the moods of humans.  Always confusing and contradictory towards their own goals.

"Huh?? Oh I'm trying to figure out how I got where we are.  Did you know the place I'm originally from has myths of dragons, but there is no fossil evidence of them have ever living on the planet?  I'm just wondering how the people I left behind will react if we're actually able to find a way there.  You'd probably cause people to crap their pants at the site of you," I said while chuckling. "Sometimes I think I'm just in a hospital living out one last story while my brain dies."

"Well now I know you have brain damage.  I know I found you laying on the ground in a pile of your own mess.  Frankly I thought you were dead," said D'grashon.

"I KNEW IT! You were going to eat me weren't you??" I said sarcastically.

"NO! Gross! I was going to tell someone that I found a corpse, but then you started coughing," D'grashon said trying not to gag. "Just because I could bite you in half with barely any effort, doesn't mean I would enjoy the taste! I'm not crazy. Besides, the smell was horrendous."

I started laughing, I couldn't help it.  Sometimes all I can do is laugh. How else am I supposed to handle this? So far I've been able to find out that the planet I'm on is called Vesshara.  Similar to Earth but here, everything I grew up being told were myths and legends is true. As it turns out, humans are actually exceedingly rare.  So far, aside from being a fraction of the population, every time a human is found they are protected and are rarely seen out among the public.

After a moment of contemplation, D'grashon started getting impatient and said "You know, you have a habit of 'zoning out' as you say, from time to time and it gets rather irritating.  While I understand that you are trying to figure out what happened to you, how many times can that tiny brain of yours think on a topic and actually come to different conclusions?"

Looking a little taken aback "Ok, first of all 'zoning out' is a metaphore from my home and is a perfectly good descriptor of what happens to me. Second of all, I don't have a tiny brain.  Your body is massive and have a proportionally appropriate brain size for intelligence. Same with me.  At least I don't reach up to scratch my shoulder and knock things around with my ass," I said with a raised eyebrow while staring at this dragons rump.

D'grashon getting a little irritated with the come back looked at his own backside, "That, my tiny companion, is all muscle.  Stop staring at my arse! You are not my type.  Jokes aside,  I never bothered to ask since I figured you would tell me eventually.  Since that hasn't happened, what do you remember about what happened to you? Can you tell me of the events leading up to you waking up in that field?"

Taking in a deep breath, and holding it in for some time.  I stared off into the distance, trying to picture every detail that I could remember.  Some of it was fuzzy, most of it was blank. "I'll tell you," I said "but you might not understand some things.  While this world is interesting, it took a bit of a turn on some key technologies.  Mostly because need is the mother of invention and many of our needs are not needed here."

"Yeah yeah, I get that.  Hurry up and get on with it though.  You can be extremely long winded at times," D'grashon said with a bit of exaspiration.

"Fine.  I was on a train, going south.  I grew up on the west coast of the land mass I was in.  While riding this train, we would go threw tunnels and over bridges between cities," I said when I noticed D'grashon's face make an odd look. "What?"

"Train?"

"See that thing down there? That hover carriage?"

"I can see the nose hairs on the man driving it.  Of course I can see that."

"Ok smart ass, well, think of one of those pulling several of them at once, but on a track.  Stuck to the ground, and massive engine in front to pull all the weight," I said.

"Wait, stuck on the ground? Why would you build something so inefficient? Why not hover?" D'grashon said out of curiosity.

"We don't know how you do it.  We have machines that can pull us around on the land.  Machines that can fly us through the air, some faster that the speed of sound.  But things like anti-gravity is beyond the science we understand.  Though from what I remember, people were working on it.  So it might happen in the near future," I said wistfully.

"Well if that's the case, how do you get off the planet and go into space?" D'grashon said.

"Well, a different type of engine, massive amounts of liquid fuel, and a willingness to ride an explosion into space.  Cool to watch, but extremely dangerous.  Though there are more safety requirements than words in an entire library these days.  But we're getting off topic," I said chuckling at the absolute look of horror on D'grashon's face. "Why the face?"

"You. Ride. EXPLOSIONS? Into space?  Human's are insane. I am curious about your flying machines though, but you are right we have gotten off topic.  So you're on this train, and then what?" he said a bit perturbed.

"Well I was sitting in my seat staring out of the window and I was looking down a tunnel that we were approaching. I saw another train coming towards us on the other set of tracks.  At least that's what it looked like to me.  The lights from the front of the train, and the horn blowing made the tunnel brighten up.  Only problem was that it got brighter and brighter.  I had to shut my eyes and cover my face, it was so bright.  Next thing I knew, I was spinning like a top.  Reminded me of the tea cup ride at Disneyland really.  Don't look at me like that, I'll answer those questions later.  I warned you this wouldn't make much sense. Anyways, I passed out.  I don't think the trains crashed into one another, there wasn't any sort of crushing metal sounds.  It was just the train horn.  The next thing I knew I woke up here with a pounding migraine, your big ass nose over my head, and I swear I heard someone tell me not to be afraid and they will explain things once I have a minute to myself. The rest you know.  I do have a couple questions though.  How do you speak English and why did you 'claim' me when we got back to this place?" I said while reaching for a glass of water.

"First of all, we are speaking common, not English.  There are five languages on this world, most of which you can't speak because of how your mouth and tongue operates.  Common is the universal language between all of the stars.  Do you not have a common tongue where you are from? As for the other question that will take a bit, but suffice to say humans are exceptionally rare.  For what ever reason, they only appear on this particular planet.  Your kind are rumored to be extremely industrious and useful.  They used to have their own settlement.  A small city near the coast, but some 3000 years ago a Naga was insulted during a visit.  He left, and came back with his army and razed the place.  Ever since then, humans are few and far between.  We do not limit their movements, nor their willingness to help out in any way, but in order to keep  them safe, dragons claim them because well... we are the biggest species anyone has met.  You are not my property but rather my responsibility," D'grashon said with an air of superiority.

"So not a slave? Well that's a relief I guess.  The place I'm from actually has over 7000 different languages throughout the world.  There are a few dominant ones, English being one.  Overall though, there are many. Does that answer your curiousity though? I don't really remember much else.  I do know that I was out for a while though.  I don't know how long exactly, but I was very well rested when I awoke.  Speaking of which, how long are we going to be here?  It's been a week since I woke up, and well I don't know anyone here other than you, the doctor that looked me over, that overly touchy guards woman at the gate, and your extremely nosy neighbor.  I swear, if she shows up in a thong one more time, I'm going to have to spray her down with a hose.  I will admit the wings though are cool to look at.  Damn near translucent.  If I didn't know any better, I'd swear she was a Faerie," I said.

"Faerie... that is an extremely old term of her people.  The mostly are called Fae now.  There are some unruly people who need a lesson in manners that use other terms, but those are not for polite company. Here, there are Dragons, Fae, and Naga.  I do have to say that Fae is a general term that covers several sub-species.  Not all have wings.  Not all have legs to that effect, but she is typical around these parts.  There are small towns here and there of immigrants from other places but very small demographic and they usually keep to themselves," D'grashon said slipping into a lecture tone.

"Quick question now that we've been talking about things.  I didn't want to ask before because I wasn't sure and didn't want to insult, but, are  you female?  I haven't seen any males since I've been here. Not even out of the window.  Only people walking down there that I can make out are female.  What gives?" I said trying my best to not give offense.  Hard considering I have yet to make out the dragon's expressions.  If I don't stand back far enough, I can't even see both of her eyes at once.

There was a loud rumble, and D'grashon tilted her head. "Why yes, I am female, aren't you? You are the first human we've had in this area.  The only reason I even knew you were a human was from some old documents I happened to read while earning my teaching degree.  Those documents though gave an overall description.  So I was just assuming.  I will say you smell odd though.  As for why you only see females, it is because most males keep to their families.  We used to have many more males here, but around 500 years ago a plague came and decimated the male population across all species.  No one figured out where it came from but it tore through this planets population with a vengeance.  Now, most males have many wives.  Most of the galaxy is that way honestly.  Not a small male population, but males having many wives."

I stood there slack jawed.  I couldn't help myself.  I didn't want to know, but I had to ask. "What is the average wife count per family unit?"

"Oh that differs between species.  Most Fae have between 12 and 36 wives. Dragons share one male per city.  They are extremely aggressive towards other male dragons," D'grashon said as she shifted away from the platform in preparation for a visitor. "Actually, speaking of that, here comes Athereon.  I wonder what has him in such a hurry."

Athereon was quite a bit smaller than D'grashon. barely twice my size, with a wingspan about twice that.  He landed softly, skidding to a halt and looking around with a fire burning in his eyes. "WHERE IS HE?!" Athereon demanded, looking around and finally landing his eyes on me. "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!?" 

"Calm yourself.  Why are you acting like this? You will behave in my hearth or I will slap you across the valley! This is my house guest.  We just got back from the doctor.  I told you about her. She was cleared by the medical staff not 2 hours ago.  I've claimed responsibility.  There is no reason for you to be acting the fool!" D'grashon bellowed.

"SHE?! YOU... YOU..." Athereon slowed his breathing.  Visibly trying to calm himself and barely bringing his rage under control. "You are severely mistaken.  This is no female, that is a male!  Can't you smell it?! I could smell it from my hearth at the back of the canyon! The wind blows away from my hearth so that other dragons know to stay away and I could still smell him.  He REAKS of male pheromones!  You can not be this dense."

D'grashon spun her head to point it at me, putting her nose close and breathing in deeply. "Oh, that's what that smell is.  I didn't know, he is my first human after all.  I just thought they smelled different.  You are being ridiculous.  Calm yourself now.  He's no dragon, and certainly no challenge to you.  Relax.  Have a conversation and you might find things a bit more amusing than you think."

After hearing this, Athereon calmed down dramatically.  Looking over this pink skinned, skinny person the rage left his eyes and a small bit of questions flooded his mind. "I.. what? Human? Wait... I thought you said we haven't had one in ages? I know there are small pockets of humans living in larger cities closer in land away from the naga, but around here?"

"Can I speak or are you going to have issues with me still?" I asked, trying to sound calm but inwardly trying not to run in terror.  D'grashon has been nothing but polite to the point of annoyance, but this guy was beyond angry.  It didn't help that he was twice my size, but oddly enough he was humanoid.  He had scales over his torso, down his arms, and head.  His hands had scales and claws, though only 4 digits. A thumb and 3 fingers.  He stood on the balls of his feet, which had 3 toes with claws as well.  His shirt zipped in the back, which was odd, but it was very fitting.  He was well muscled, just a massive presence I was having a difficult time not running from.

Athereon's tongue flicked out, tasting the air. He stammered, feeling a bit apologetic. "I am sorry human, yes you can speak.  I could've sworn another male dragon was here, and I was about to tear into you.  I didn't know, my apologies.  Why do you smell like my kind?" 

Feeling a bead of sweat starting to drip down my forehead, I couldn't help but chuckle to cover up my nervousness. "First of all, the name is Vash.  Yes I am a human, but my name is Vash. Secondly, I have no idea why I smell like you.  I know it's a bit warm in here so I'm sweating a bit, but other than that no clue. I didn't mean to offend you.  I JUST found out like 10 minutes ago about dragons and the idea of one male per city.  I didn't know D'grashon was married.  She offered to let me stay here, but I will leave as soon as I find a way down... " I said peering down over the ledge. "Actually, how do I get down?  I don't see any stairs, and I sure as shit am not jumping without a parachute.  Or a wing suit for that matter.  I'd kill myself," taking several steps back.

The tension snapped like a twig.  D'grashon and Athereon started laughing heartily. They both said at the same time "We are NOT married."  Looking at one another, they started to laugh at each other.

"We are siblings.  When dragons mate, generally the male dies just before the male heir is born.  That is actually how we know one of the eggs is a male and that the hatching is about to take place.  Most of the time, the queen lays around 20-30 eggs.  Once a new male heir is born, the male dies, the queen retires and travels.  There is a strict system of sharing that is done between cities.  So inbreeding isn't done.  If I were to marry, I would move to another city after it being arranged.  Thus far I have elected to not marry because I've been teaching the young ones.  I believe with this last litter, you have 600 children?" D'grashon asked, mildly amused.

"600!?"

"Not quite that many, but close.  I may not look it Vash, but I am nearly a thousand years old.  It's quite normal for my species.  We don't produce offspring every time we couple, nor every year.  Not every female wants to have kids, though they all help raise the young ones.  I can see why you said to calm down.  He doesn't know anything.  How can this be?" Athereon questioned.

"He just got here.  Somehow, he is from someplace else I've never heard of.  A planet called Earth.  The place is very different from what I've been told," D'grashon explained amusedly. "I'll explain it later.  Is he the only reason you came here?"

"No.  I came to inform you we're having a guest from the mainland.  She said you would know, and she is excited to meet your guest," Athereon said with a confused look on his face. "I don't know the lady, but she's a Sprite.  When did you meet a Sprite?"

"Oh, when I was traveling.  That was years ago though.  I wonder how she knew of you Vash?  I haven't talked to her in decades," D'grashon said quizically.

I just shrugged and slumped a bit.  Finally letting the tension out of my shoulders.  A Sprite huh? "Just so I understand this, she's a small version of your neighbor right?  I mean the myths of where I'm from say the Faeries are only so high," holding my hands around a foot apart from one another. "and Sprites are only about a twelfth that size.  The fact your neighbor is my height is hard enough to get my head around."

"How can anything that small have any kind of intelligence? Sprites are smaller, but not by THAT much.  She might come up to your shoulder.  Smaller races are hard to gauge when it comes to size.  Anyhow,  I will take my leave.  Sorry for the misunderstanding.  Now that I've spent some time around him, I can make out subtle differences in his smell.  From a distance though, it's hard to tell him apart.  If you two do any traveling, I suggest warning any males beforehand of him entering their territory," Athereon said with a backwards wave as he leapt off the ledge and flew down the canyon.

Waving to Athereon, D'grashon started lecturing again out of habit. "Sprites are very similar to Faeries in terms of size, but direct comparison is very different.  For starters their eyes are only one color.  Their skin is generally paler, and their wings are a mix of skin stretched over a skeleton with small feathers at the tips.  The overall body type is more like you though.  If your eyes were one color, and you had wings, I would say you were a particularly tall Sprite.  Granted the hair on your head would be a bit longer.  Are you sure you're not a sprite?  Someone didn't cut off your wings did they?" She said in abject horror as the thought came crashing into her mind. 

"No, no, I am human, but that was a dark thought.  Is it common or something?  Why would anyone cut off someone else's wings?" I said in disgust.

"Some races think that Sprit and Faerie wings have special properties and use them in their concoctions.  It's completely ridiculous though.  Can't get it through their head that things don't work that way.  It is dealt with harshly when it happens though.  The last one caught doing such things was executed with haste.  Enough with that kind of talk, I'm hungry. You? Right well, lets get some dinner going," D'grashon said as she sat up on her haunches after walking into the kitchen, and starting to cook.

After dinner, we sat at the hearth of the home.  Talking about all manner of different topics.  She was really very well educated.  Frankly I felt kind of out of my depth on many topics, but it was nice for some normalcy.  D'grashon layed down on her bedding near the hearth. Motioning to some rather impressively sized pillows said "You can use those for a bed.  Though I don't have blankets.  It rarely gets cold enough to need anything of that sort and normally I just stoke the fire a bit and stay plenty warm."

"Oh this will do. Can you hand me that other pillow though? I can use that as a cover.  If I get to warm, I should be able to kick it off.  Hah! I look like a sandwich. I guess we will figure out the rest as it comes?" I said as she started to drift off to sleep.