Work Text:
Wil scurries through the trees, adrenaline rushing in his veins. He pays little mind to how his legs burn as he continues to push them past their typical running capacity. Every bone and muscle in his body aches from the previous unideal confrontation. His wheezing worsens by the minute as his muddy shoes smack against the soil. Vaguely, he feels a warm, trickling sensation on his face, probably from the blood trailing down his forehead and temple. He almost stumbles, clutching the precious in his arms tighter on instinct. The gold and red-speckled egg starts to glow once more.
Don’t stop, keep running.
Don’t stop, keep running.
Don’t stop, keep running.
Don’t stop, keep running.
He hears yells and cries from behind him, the faint thumping of boots, and the clanging of steel that Wil does not want to get in contact with again. Without meaning to, he sobs with a low whining-like sound. He couldn’t help but pull the egg closer, hoping that the being inside didn’t mind, just like all this time.
It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal, really. As a street kid, you learn the ins and outs of life.
What to do, what not to do. Wil is pretty good at that one, despite trouble finding his way even when he avoided it at all costs.
What to say, and what not to say. Wil likes to say he’s proud of this one, managing most of the time to get out of certain situations with his ‘silver tongue,’ as they say.
What to hate, and what not to hate. Okay…he’ll admit, this rule never made sense to Wil, nor did he like it. Unfortunately for him, though, his rebelling against this one has caused him to pay the price. He doesn't have much regret, though.
Honestly, he never did.
…
When the butcher and blacksmith were called to the town center, Wil just happened to eavesdrop and spy from an alleyway. It was right after running from the baker for stealing a handful of cookies. He wasn’t one to always pay attention to gossip that didn’t directly benefit him, but as people screamed and rapidly moved, he caught sight of what made his heart stop in awe.
A dragon egg, one so bright that its gold could be compared to the sun. Little red spots gave it personality from an early stage, despite not even hatched yet. He heard a group of townsfolk stole it from the dragon’s den on the mountain, claiming that another generation of dragons would make everything worse. Guess they didn’t think an angry, broody dragon was a more significant threat (literally and figuratively) than a harmless egg.
The village wanted to kill it. Destroy it and crush it to dust. And for some reason, it was like the egg sensed Wil’s presence at the moment. It glowed so faintly, and that light was all Wil could see. How could anybody want to hurt something as special as that?
So, when Wil volunteered to crack the egg, he knew he’d do all in his power to do the exact opposite. He promised his life to the egg, vowing to keep Sunshine safe. Because nothing, especially something so precious, deserved to suffer like Wil had, not before its life even began.
Although the villagers initially didn’t like the idea of the vermin dealing with a dragon egg, they decided it was best since Wil was always good at ruining things. That shouldn’t have stung as much as it did, but at least he got the free dragon egg.
From then on, Wil had something to share his warmth and words with, even if it was just one-way. Hidden in an isolated alley, Wil kept the egg in his shabby tent while scavenging in places he couldn’t take it. During colder days, he’d give the egg his worn-out coat, hoping to shield it from most of the biting chill. When he did, Wil could’ve sworn he saw it wiggle.
He’d talk to the egg as if it was another person, feeling as though the being inside was truly listening if the glowing and twitching were anything to go by. Wil had never felt so warm inside until the egg appeared. He never felt the urge to protect anyone but himself, but the more he spent time with the egg, the more he valued its life over his own 12 years. He’d never let it die as long as he’s living.
Unfortunately, with time, the village became suspicious whether or not Wil had carried out the destruction of the egg. There was no evidence of it, and soon rumors spread. And Wil knew nothing good came with falsities. Specifically ones about him.
When the harsh moment came, Wil was dragged to the village center. The blacksmith was holding a recently made, hot trident. Wil couldn’t control the shiver down his spine or the sweat on his forehead.
“Tell me, boy ,” The blacksmith hissed, pointing the weapon at Wil, “where is the abominable creature?”
Out of spite, Wil remained silent, which only served as a rough kick that left him clutching his stomach.
“Answer me!”
Once again, Wil said nothing. He knew it would make no difference if he told them or didn’t say anything. But he was sure as heck not gonna say anything about the egg. Not his little sunshine.
The blacksmith snarled. “Fine. Do as you please. Just know it won’t save you.” He turned around and yelled, “Search the whole village, every nook and cranny. Find that egg!”
Oh, shoot.
Wil's breath hitched. On instinct, he sprang to his feet and raced to Sunshine, hearing the curses of others and footsteps thumping behind him. Before he could make another turn, a sharp, rough rock collided with his head, sending his mind spinning as he almost fell face-first. Luckily, he gained his footing just in time, despite his head starting to pound and ring simultaneously. He ducked into his secluded alleyway just in time to snatch the dragon egg from the tent, leaving it all behind. For Sunshine. For the precious Sunshine.
…
Wil gasps as he almost trips over another root, returning him to reality. The elevation he’s at now is much higher than before, the trees tilting at an angle as they escalate with him. He has no time to wonder if he took the heightening path that led to the mountain.
Pain continues to spasm throughout him, and he prays the increased altitude doesn’t mess with his breathing even more. He doesn’t even know where he’s going, mind blank, as he lets his legs drag him despite wanting to collapse.
He pulls Sunshine impossibly closer as if the egg could somehow merge with him. Wil has half the mind for a desire to blame this whole situation on it, but he knows it was his own choices that led him here. He wouldn’t have let something so harmless (at least for now) suffer the consequences of its family just because of a stupid ongoing hatred.
A spike of pain wrecks through Wil’s skull, causing him to trip over a rock (they really have it against him, don’t they?). His arms shield the egg from the ground, but then it slips out of his grasp and rolls.
Thankfully, he falls on the good side.
He lunges forward to grab Sunshine, but his body shuts down on him. His arm drops limp on the dirt as he lays on his side, a wave of exhaustion washing over him with full force from the adrenaline-fueled getaway. Still, his fingers twitch to grab the egg a few feet away from him.
His head continues to pulse, eyes heavy yet unable to close. Instead, he just stares at Sunshine, wishing it would just find a way to roll closer to him. The trees looming over him, casting shadows, look much more ominous than before.
There are faint footsteps. However, one pair is heavier while the other is much lighter. A shiver wracks through Wil as he gulps.
That’s not good.
Oh god, he just wants to hold Sunshine. The villagers wouldn’t come this far, would they? Sure, they did it before, when they kidnapped the egg, but surely they didn’t want to repeat the same mistake twice, right? Especially if there’s no guarantee that the other drag–
Wil’s heart stopped mid-beat.
Oh no. That’s not good.
In the back of his mind, Wil thinks he has already said that. But he can’t bring himself to care as blood dribbles over his cheek and across the bridge of his nose.
The–the dragons. Wil forgot about the dragons. They live here, in the higher parts of the forest, where it blends with the mountains. They–they must have sensed his presence…or smelled his blood, or fear…or whatever other dragon powers they have to know that he’s intruding in their territory.
Or…did they sense Sunshine? That could also be a possibility, surely. And now the egg is glowing again.
That’s not good.
The footsteps draw a bit closer.
Maybe Wil should grab the egg and tell it to stop. But that would be rude. He likes it when Sunshine shines. It’s pretty. But not when it could shorten the amount of time until he’s found. His fingers tug to reach for the egg again, but to no use.
What if–what if the dragons see him with Sunshine and think he was the one who stole it? Which in a way, he did, but that was from the villagers because they were gonna be mean to the egg. Surely, if he tries to explain that to them, they’ll show him some mercy. Right?
Or what if they think all village people are evil and deserve pain and suffering for what they did, Wil included?
Oh no. That’s not good.
He’s had enough experience to know the villagers deserve it, but did that mean Wil deserves it, too? He–he just wanted to keep the egg safe. Was that–was that also supposed to go on the list of all the things he did wrong? Both by the villagers and the dragons?
He–he doesn’t know anymore. It hurts to think. Should thinking hurt this much? He doesn't think so. So why’s everything hurting?
That’s not good.
Wil’s vision blurs, but his eyes are still yet to shut. Footsteps are much louder now. And they keep coming closer…and closer…and closer…
That’s not good.
“I swear, Phil, I’m gonna burn that village right down to the ground after this.” A deep and gruff voice growls, though it sounds a bit muffled. The voice is mad.
That's not good.
“Calm, mate. I want to annihilate them as much as you do, but we can’t just go head first when Tommy could still be there.” A gentler voice says. This one sounded like a breeze. But under the breeze was an obvious storm.
That’s not good.
“How do we even know, Dad!? We have no clue whether my unhatched brother is even alive or if our instincts are just messing with us!” The rough voice snaps.
A sigh. “I know, Techno, I know. But I just have a strong feeling Tommy’s alive. Why do you think his presence suddenly feels so near?” The softer voice speaks again.
Before Wil can tune into the response of the scary voice, a harsh cough erupts through his throat, gagging up blood. He doesn’t…he doesn’t think that’s normal. Why is there blood coming out of his mouth, too?
That’s not good.
“ Phil ,” a voice hisses, “Did you…?”
“Loud and clear, mate.” The gentle voice responds, but it sounds more intent this time.
The footsteps hurry, thumping getting even louder. Then, they silence. Someone's breath hitches while someone else growls.
“Oh lord…is that…?” The soft voice breathes.
Delicate footsteps make their way, and soon, Wil sees a pair of Geta sandals next to Sunshine. Wil attempts to move his gaze up, but it hurts to do so. Silky green fabric with a black trimming circles around whoever he’s looking at, and he assumes the rest of the outfit is the same.
For some reason, it seems like Sunshine is illuminating even brighter, and the light starts becoming too painful to bear when the person’s hands take hold of the egg with loving caution, the same way Wil would pick it up. It makes Wil’s heart pang that he isn’t able to reach out.
In a brief second, Wil blinks, and there’s a huge shadow looming over him, much closer than the trees. There are clean black leather boots in his vision and a trim of white and red just barely touching the ground…is that a cape? He can’t remember anyone from the village with a cape. Nor can he remember a person with a green kimono. Should he remember? He’s usually good at remembering. It helps him so he doesn’t get hurt, even though it happens anyway. Well, keeps him from getting hurt more.
“Uh, Phil?” The deep voice is back, sounding urgent. “Phil, there’s an injured human here.”
Apparently, ‘Phil’ is too busy crooning at Sunshine, considering Wil can’t see the egg on the ground anymore.
The shadow above him shifts, and now someone’s crouching beside him. Brown pants…a white poet shirt…and…is–is that braided pink hair?
“ Phil , there’s an injured human.” A hand touches Wil’s shoulder, and he flinches without warning, but the hand doesn’t relent. Moving hurts.
‘Phil’ still doesn’t respond, still cooing and making some other instinctive noises that Wil can’t comprehend.
“Oh, for God’s sake,” the deep voice mutters. “Dad, there’s a concerningly injured human child .”
The noises stop. There’s a shift of movement, and then another shadow is over Wil.
“Let me see–” Another person hisses. The soft voice must be ‘Phil’ then. “Oh lord, that’s not good.”
A huff. “You think?”
“Shut up for a minute, mate.” The green figure is bending down.
Wil catches sight of Sunshine in ‘Phil’s’ arms and twitches his hand out to try and reach the egg. He finds just enough of a voice to murmur out, voice slurred, “S’nshine…”
There are a few moments of silence, and Wil almost believes he has lost his hearing until the crooning comes again. A slender hand makes its way into his hair and starts stroking through his brown curls, seemingly paying no mind to the blood.
“Oh my, and here I was thinking so hard about how could it be possible for my precious egg to still be alive when he was taken by the same village that despises us.” The gentle voice, Phil.
The hand doesn’t stop petting. It’s gentle, and the gesture is soothing, making Wil feel like he’s slowly dissolving into a puddle of bones. He doesn’t remember anyone ever treating him like he’s delicate.
“But I think…I think I know the answer now.” Phil whispers. “Techno?”
An affirmative huff, and then arms encompass Wil, lifting him off the ground with grace and cradling him. Wil’s head lulls against a sturdy shoulder. Soft-fluffy material allows him to rest his head less painfully. The same fabric is then wrapped around him like a blanket, and now Wil feels warm enough that he could just fall asleep right there.
But that’s not right.
With effort, Wil manages to blink his eyes a bit more open, glancing up with foggy vision. Crimson-red eyes lock with his dull brown ones, and then he catches sight of sharp teeth. Confusion and a growing sense of dread build up inside. He lifts his head farther back and immediately takes the view of the shiny horns protruding from pink hair circled with a gold crown. A shadow behind the guy’s back now becomes more evident as red and pink-scaled wings stretch out.
Oh no. That’s not good.
He glances at the person next to him. Piercing icy-blue eyes look into his own, yet they look warm. Long-blond hair cascades down the shoulders, a strange green and white striped hat on top. The scaly wings are just a darker shade of the green and black of the robes. Only then does Wil realize these people are abnormally tall, the blondie only slightly taller than the pinkie holding him.
If the wings and horns didn’t give it away, it’s not often that people are as tall as these two…which could only mean…
Feeling a surge of fear, Wil jerks, trying to escape the grasp. His breathing gets faster as he chokes out, “W-wait–”
The pink dragon holds him tighter, halting his squirming. “Shh, it’s alright, nestling. Calm down. We’re not gonna hurt you.”
Wil whimpers in fear, taking a glance at Sunshine in Blondie’s arms. The egg continues to glow, getting more bright by the second. Wil’s not sure what that means.
“I’m–I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to–I just wanted–” He gasps. The green dragon cups his cheek, the hand chilly yet providing odd comfort.
“If you’re so tense seeing us like this, thank goodness we’re not in our true forms yet.” Phil chuckles.
Wil gulps.
Sighing, Phil glances at Techno before looking at Wil again.
“You know…” Phil murmurs, “Tommy here would be very sad and bored without his nurturer once he hatches.”
The pink dragon, Techno, holds Wil closer. “Indeed. Our little Theseus is already attached to you. I’ve never seen him glow this bright around anyone.”
Wait…were they–were they talking about Sunshine? Sunshine’s name was Tommy?
“And it seems,” Phil rubs under Wil’s eye with his thumb, wiping away a stray tear, “Techno and I may have gotten drawn as well. After all, it's not every day we're lucky enough to meet a pure-hearted human, bonus being a child .”
“And such precious things are to be in the arms of those who’d treasure them,” Techno whispers, stray hair swaying as he lowers his head to Wil’s ear. “You, little one, are one of those treasures more precious than gold.”
Wil’s heart warms at the words, and his mind gets more fuzzy. Vaguely, he thinks he shouldn't be feeling this way, but he can't bring himself to care. No one’s ever said he's special.
He glances at Sunshine (Tommy?) once more. The egg is so bright now it looks like it's just a blinding yellow glow.
The two dragons notice this as well. Phil gasps softly, a smile forming on his face. “Oh, it looks like our sweet Tommy’s about to hatch soon!”
Techno huffs a small laugh. “Then we better hurry up and get to the den soon. Time doesn't wait.”
Phil nods, looking back at Wil. “Alright then, little human. Could you look into Techno’s eyes for a bit?”
Wil, with the blood loss getting to his head, does as he's told despite his original fear. When he locks with those piercing red eyes, he can't help but get starstruck by how…pretty they are. Like–like red rubies. Rubies are pretty, just like the eyes.
A wave of exhaustion and delirium washes over the boy, who has a sleepy smile on his face.
A hand cards through his hair, sending him deeper into his trance.
Distinctly, he hears a soft voice murmur, “That's right, little human. Sleep well. Soon, you’ll wake up knowing you're cared for. And a baby brother who will continue to adore you.”
Against his cheek, a deeper voice rumbles. “Hush now. Never shall you need to be afraid again. You're safe now, and we will always protect you.”
With those words giving solace to him, Wil loses consciousness, peaceful slumber taking over him now that he knows he’ll always be safe.
*FIN*