#Cole's name comes from the latin root “coleo” meaning sheath. it is part of the order that identifies beetles: “Coleoptera” or “sheath wing

[fourwingedwriter]

Godly Warriors - Canid Capture Part 4

AN: Hope yall enjoy my insect people :D

First Part - Previous - Intro/Master Post

CWs: references to body related insecurity, references to blood loss

Lepid POV

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My wings were being tended to, our medics trained heavily in each warrior's anatomy. Mine were especially tricky, easy to break or damage due to their size and structure. So, to distract myself from the procedures being done on them, I watched my sibling.

Cole was visibly uncomfortable about being in close proximity with Canid. She would constantly glance across the medical tent as if something about her presence would mean danger.

"We're not going to be killed. You really need to calm down. It's not like we kidnapped her." I eventually said, giving her a look.

"I'm not scared!" Cole exclaimed, conjouring an offended look.

"I didn't say you were scared."

She opened her mouth to retort and promptly looked away, embarrassed, "Shut up."

I rolled my eyes, "Why don't we discuss actual issues?"

He looked to me, jaw set, "The poachers blocked the last path to the mammalian temples. I'm positive they've been tracking Canid, which would explain why they've been moving so weirdly."

"Correct." I glanced to Canid, who looked half dead, "Which means we're going to have her tagging along for a while."

Cole dug her hands into her cloak and glared at nothing, "Fuck."

I straightened my clothes, uncomfortable in the fit of Cole's shirt. It was slightly too big on me but was the only shirt compatible with wings we had on hand. I felt exposed, the colar going down too far and the back hole too tight.

"Lepid Sir," a medic got my attention, "We finished with the Warrior. She lost a lot of blood, but there are no signs of infection. She shouldn't be moved for as long as we can manage. Much more bloodloss will be fatal."

"Thank you Mallow. Keep someone at her bedside, she may try to stand." I bowed slightly as I stood, turning to Cole, "Release your wings. You look sore."

She sighed, pulling harshly on her breastplate straps before ripping it off. Her deep brown wings spread out, and she relaxed slightly, "Go rest. I'm going to send out some scouts."

-

The air was heavy with unrest. Cole sat on her bed, acting as though she wasn't watching me try to lay down comfortably. I knew she felt my pain, remembering the days we used to lay on our backs.

"Do you need me to help?" She finally blurted out.

"Please." I said weakly, sitting up and bracing myself to make it easier for her.

Cole walked over, pausing slightly before putting her hands on my back. He gave the best massages, also understanding the way our back muscles worked. I practically melted under her touch, letting out a low groan as she released part of my lower back.

"You owe me." She says, pressing into the space between my upper and lower wings, relieving tension I wasn't even aware of.

"Thank you."

I stretch, feeling more free than I had in months. The human body was not and will never be designed for wings. I look to Cole, who had her wings out, a sight even I rarely saw.

"You should keep them out more often. That brestplate is gonna make dents in your shoulders." I reminded him, gesturing to her mostly bare chest, the chafing almost impressively bad.

"You know it makes me feel vulnerable." Cole didn't make eye contact with me, her softer side something she hid from everyone else.

I couldn't argue with her, knowing how much shame she held for her "improper" manifestation of her Warrior side. We both know it's because she's part beetle, the craving of an armored shell only natural.

"Get some sleep. You look half dead." He called over, climbing into her own bed.

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Tagging: @tildeathiwillwrite @whumperofworlds @rainbowsandwhumperflies