Qualin
Freeing the imprisoned Nehwalians was an experience. They really weren't like the slaves I was used to. Most seemed so timid. Aside from a few that clearly had some combat training and had seen their fair share of shit, the majority seemed meek, obedient, and caring. They were practically falling over each other to help each other stand, walk, etc. My experiences had been quite different.
They definitely didn't seem like the type to start a slave rebellion. I was impressed by some of the stories Minor shared from the first group. Most rebelled for the sake of others who were abused and desperate. But the next group we were heading to, were apparently men who hadn't actually fought.
The difference in their treatment was obvious. These men had collars but no sign of being beaten. They were malnourished and looked like they'd been made to work in the mines outside the compound. But there were no wounds, no signs of whipping. They were kept in a single barrack with basic bunks and common a wash area. The door had been locked, but it looked more like a labor camp than a prison, unlike the other building with everyone chained up in individual cells.
As we entered, everyone stood and turned their eyes down.
"We here to free you. Line up and we'll remove your collars." Minor called out. Everyone organized into a line without question. They also gave no reaction to the statement that they were being freed. My first instinct was to not trust them. They seemed like loyalists to me. Like they'd do as they were told but might turn on us if ordered.
Then, as we moved down the line, Minor began to share fragments of their memories with me. Most of these men had been serving loyally when they were apprehended because a sibling, parent, or adult child had been identified as a rebel. But a few had been helping the rebellion in secret; I was impressed to find none of them had revealed that during interrogations. Not one broke. Even ones that hadn't been involved seemed to know information, but they had kept it to themselves. And the Ratarans were so convinced that they were loyal servants, they didn't press too hard.
That didn't save them from being threatened and worked to exhaustion. A few were regularly sexually abused. Despite our explanations for helping them, those individuals were the least trusting. They didn't resist and did exactly as they were told, but Minor let me hear their silent concerns that we were tricking them. That they'd been sold and this was some ploy for sick amusement.
I knew how they felt. I wouldn't trust us if I were them, either. At least, not before I knew Minor. Maybe their trust in others would begin to heal soon, too.
It actually felt kind of good to be freeing more fellow slaves. And to realize I had more in common with this privileged class than I had realized. It also wasn't so surprising anymore that Nehwalians had been willing to rebel. And, ironically, their privileged status and seemingly devout loyalty had made it easier for these people to organize without anyone noticing.
I had time to contemplate these things as we got all the collars removed and everyone to follow us in a timely fashion. I was glad things were going smoothly so we could get out of the building as quickly as possible. The energy in there was twisting and writhing in a way I'd never seen. It was like the air was trying to strangle me but couldn't quite get a grip.
Minor reflexively batted at some of the threads wrapping around him.
'Calm down.' I ran my fingers through his hair and gently moved some of the threads with my other hand. 'Remember, in this form, you can ignite those threads. Don't want to accidently blow anybody up.'
'Right. It's easy to forget. I thought I was pretty used to seeing the threads, but this is weird.'
'It's mostly harmless. Though it does seem to be having an effect on the plant life.' I gestured to some roots that were growing through the floor of the hallway we were walking down.
"Oh, that's because of them." One of the men noticed my gesture and nodded toward the other side of the building as we passed a hallway perpendicular to the one we were walking traversing.
"Right, Someone said there's someone of an unknown species being held here. What do you know about them?" Stardust asked. She seemed pretty distressed by the strange energy. Even as we were helping the others, she kept fidgeting and looking around. I swear she even whimpered a few times.
"I was assigned... to... breed...with them." The man winced and lowered his head. Stardust started to growl. I doubted it was his fault though. It clearly wasn't his idea.
Minor touched his sister's arm. 'He's just as much a victim.' They shared a look and she nodded.
"And all this?" Minor gestured to the overgrowth. We started pulling on the door, having to break some roots and vines to get it open.
"They were being cooperative... trying to. But they got scared... and the branches and vines started breaking through the walls. They didn't seem to be able to control it. It just got worse when the masters used the shock collar. I think they've been sedated ever since while the masters have been considering their options. But the vegetation keeps growing, slower, but unnaturally, like it's drawn to them."
Stardust caressed some of the roots as the last of the men filed outside. "They're just scared. Not hostile." With that, she turned and headed back down the corridor at a brisk pace.
"Hold on!" Minor shouted after her, but she showed no signs of slowing down. He huffed and turned to the group we'd just led out. "See them?" He pointed to the group Major was looking after. "Go over there. The cute looking bunny creature the children are singing with will make sure you're taken care of."
I spared a glance towards my partner's twin brother, who was in fact in the form of some fluffy, long eared, florescent creature, sitting in a circle with several kids and singing some nursery rhyme while the adults passed out rations.
I laughed out loud and offered quick assurances that they were in good hands, before rushing after my partner and his sister.
***
Stardust
The air felt tense. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. But it didn't feel like danger. Rather, I could tell someone was scared and sad. It made my heart hurt. I've always hated seeing others alone and defenseless. That's the best part of our family and why I love what we do: we help the helpless. And we get to meet the most interesting individuals from so many different species and cultures.
As I ran down the hallway towards the source of the strange energy in the air, I knew this was going to be an interesting person. We'd meet a few species who's mood could effect the area and even nature around them, and this seemed to be one of them. I couldn't wait to see what they were like, but most importantly, I couldn't wait any longer to let them know they were finally safe.
I stopped outside a heavy metal door. They were clearly inside. All the roots growing through the cracks in the walls and floors were reaching towards this door. They had even started to break the door open from pushing through the gaps in the sides and underneath.
It only took a few moments to free the door from the broken latch and hinges. Minor and Qualin caught up quickly helped set the door aside. The smell that wafted from inside was laden with fear and grief.
"Be careful." Minor grabbed my shoulder as I started to step over the roots and vines to head inside.
"I'll be fine, you two wait here." Looking inside, there was a figure curled up on a bunk. There was even more vegetation breaking through the outside wall and was wrapping around, but not touching, the figure in the bed. Reaching out, I gently touched their mind. It felt timid and feminine. "She had men forced on her, regardless of it was their choice or not, sensing another male might be frightening."
My brother and his partner nodded and took a step back to be out of view of the door. I made my way inside, careful to avoid stepping on as much vegetation as possible in case it might be perceived as a threat. "Hello," I spoke quietly and softly. "My name is Stardust and I'm here to help you get out of here." I gently pressed the words into their mind along with my intent to help, in case there was a language barrier. I could tell she was technically conscious, but her mind felt lethargic, likely from whatever sedative they'd given her.
Sadly, the only reaction was a slight recoil. I reached her and knelt by the bed, gently running my hands over the vegetation and then brushing violet colored hair from her face. I let a little bit of energy flow into her to help burn off the sedative.
Her skin was pale, even a little iridescent like a pearl, with golden freckles. Her features and body shape were actually a little androgenous, which might explain why the others had used neutral pronouns for this particular person.
I continued to speak softly and gently rubbed their back, trying to rouse them. It felt more like coaxing them to consciousness, as they hid from reality in the recesses of their own mind.
I told them over and over that they were safe. It became like a chant and I gently sang the words, "You're safe with me, safe with me..."
After a couple minutes, Their eyes fluttered open. My head was resting on my arm as I leaned against the bunk from my place on the floor. "Hi. Do you want to get out of here?"
"I... can't..." They're words were in a different language, but they're mind was open now and I had no difficulty acquiring understanding. "I promised I would stay. Obey. And I'm trying..." Tears started to fall from their iridescent purple eyes.
"It's ok. You don't have to stay. You're safe. I'll take you home."
"I can't. My people traded me so the invaders would only take me. If I run away, they might go back and take more people. I'm trying to do as they say, but the world is strange and doesn't listen, and I just got scared and everything just... happened..."
"It's ok. I'll help you. I promise. I'll help protect your people too." It was a big promise, but I felt for them. I was also angry that people would trade someone to save themselves, but if they felt they had no choice... it didn't matter. I'd figure something out. "Come on, my name is Stardust, what's yours?" I held out my hand.
"...Vesserio." They tentatively reached out and took my hand. I smiled and helped them to their feet and led the way out of the cell. They were my height. The light fabric wrap they were wearing made it easy to see they were flat chested like a typical male humanoid, but their slight frame and the way they moved seemed feminine. Their hair was pulled into a loose ponytail that still framed their face, and reached just past their shoulders. They're eyes darted around, catching the light at different angles, reflecting a rainbow of colors that practically shone in the dark.
I felt their grip tighten and they pulled closer to me as we left the cell and they spotted Minor and Qualin. "Don't worry, these are my brothers. You're safe with us."
They smiled and nodded to my brothers, but leaned closer too me for comfort. I shifted to hold their arm instead of just their hand. They blushed in a cute way, but seemed to relax slightly. They were so sweet and cute that I couldn't help smiling. I already felt like we could be good friends.