[EDITED]

Today was different. The usual rhythm of my surroundings had been disrupted, throwing everything off balance. Even the simplest things seemed askew. The delivery of my breakfast, which was always punctual, arrived late this time. At first, I considered the possibility of waking up early, but something felt off beyond that. I noticed a peculiar energy in the air-an increased level of activity with increased footsteps echoing through the halls.

It was as if a significant event was about to unfold, and that realization filled me with a growing sense of fear and apprehension. Suppressing my emotions and creating a haze around my existence had become second nature to me. The aliens had crafted a world where predictability reigned supreme, where everything remained constant. But this unexpected alteration was unraveling me making me anxious. Emotions I had long kept hidden were now resurfacing, flickering momentarily before disappearing, leaving me with an empty canvas.

I mechanically consumed the Jell-O, its peculiar combination of avocado and grass flavor, along with the crunchy cubes that possessed the texture of chips but tasted faintly of lavender. I lifted the cup of water to my lips and took a sip, only to recoil in shock. Something was off; the water had been tampered with. In a panic, I involuntarily flung the cup from my trembling hands. Why drug the water? If their intention was to sedate me, they could have done so more directly. The only explanation I could muster was that they were too preoccupied, opting for immediate drugging upon their arrival to collect me.

The effects of the drugged water began to take hold, and I released a deep sigh, resigning myself to my numbed state once again. I despised the feeling of the unknown, preferring the predictability of my muddled world.

"Swoosh."

That dreaded sound, which reverberated through my entire being, announced its presence once more. Eliciting a deep-rooted sense of fear.

The dark, elongated arms of my captors swiftly lifted my sedated body, propelling me out of the room with an unnerving coldness that sent shivers down my spine.

Straight ahead, a left turn, another left, yet another left, and this time they took an unexpected right, continuing along the new path. I held my breath, my heart pounding, as they opened a door and guided me inside. The room was blindingly bright, with a mist hanging in the air, giving it an ethereal ambiance.

Confusion enveloped me as I observed the alien creature handling me communicating with another entity before hastening toward a pool. The liquid within resembled water, but the unmistakable scent of medical chemicals lingered, assaulting my senses.

Without warning, they plunged me into the pool, devoid of any gentleness. Agony coursed through me as the liquid burned my skin, resembling acid. I longed to cry out, but the drug rendered me utterly voiceless. Swiftly, they retrieved a bottle containing a white, toothpaste-like substance, meticulously smearing it all over my body, not missing a single hair or nail. Once again, I was immersed in the acidic water feeling as though I had been cast into the fiery depths of hell.

Emerging from the scorching liquid brought fleeting relief, only to be followed by being unceremoniously thrust into a container. It was spacious, with circular openings on all sides. The alien sealed the container with a transparent glass lid, leaving me naked and vulnerable like the day I was born.

I found myself thrust into an unfamiliar and unsettling experiment. Suddenly, the air within the enclosure began to circulate rapidly, creating a whirlwind of sound that echoed throughout the room. Closing my eyes tightly, I braced myself for the disorienting rush of wind, half-expecting it to consume me completely.

But to my surprise, it didn't happen. Instead I found myself laying there strangely dry and disoriented. The alien figure once again approached me, delicately lifting me off the ground and placing me gently on a nearby table. It then proceeded to dress me in a pair of white shorts, a perplexing gesture that seemed utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. I couldn't help but scoff internally at the absurdity of the situation. "Oh, how grateful I am to receive these shorts," I thought sarcastically, my voice dripping with bitter irony.

A wave of exhaustion washed over me, leaving me yearning for rest. All I desired was to curl up in a fetal position and surrender myself to an unforeseen demise. But despite my weariness, I was compelled to continue moving forward. Carried along the enigmatic path that stretched before me, I observed numerous aliens, each cradling their own peculiar extraterrestrial creatures, disappearing through colossal doors at the end of the hall. It became apparent that my turn had arrived when the alien carrying me opened those very doors. Ushering into a world of glass-encased rooms.

The sheer scale of this place was awe-inspiring. The room I entered was akin to a vast stadium, dwarfing my previous expectations. I stood there, astonished by the sheer number of glass chambers stacked upon one another and aligned in orderly rows. It was as if the entire facility housed an immeasurable population, a sprawling labyrinth teeming with life. And amid this spectacle, the towering, slender figures of the black aliens seemed to multiply, resembling a bustling anthill.

Fear and concern welled up within me, gripping my heart with icy fingers. Questions plagued my mind: What was happening? What did these beings want from me? Why have things changed today? A deep sigh escaped my lips. I made a conscious decision to suppress these worrisome thoughts, to shield myself from the overwhelming terror of overthinking. It was easier, I reasoned, to become an empty vessel, devoid of emotion and thought, just as I had done before in the face of despair.

-

Mikey, reduced to a mere shell of himself, resembled a lifeless rag doll as he hung limply in the arms of the alien. Defeated and weary of the hardships of his existence, his eyes remained downcast, barely open, shutting out the world and numbing his senses.

Among the multitude of aliens parading through the facility, Mikey's captor joined the ranks of its kind, each one cradling a drugged or compliant being. Like the others, they had concluded their extensive period of experimentation and were now prepared to present their specimens for sale. Humans in particular were a perplexing species, requiring months of study and manipulation to understand their intricate bodies and address any potential flaws. A healthy functioning human body capable of respiration and devoid of complications, was a desired commodity among prospective buyers. It was the Oth, a species known for its involvement in the illicit interstellar black market, that orchestrated and controlled this thriving, albeit morally reprehensible, enterprise.

Today marked the arrival of buyers of various species. gathering to bid or directly purchase life forms, regardless of their level of intelligence. Humans, designated as a "green" planet where any form of interference was strictly prohibited, tantalized the black market clientele, igniting a primal desire to possess what they were forbidden to touch. Naturally, the black market catered to these yearnings, providing access to the unattainable. Mikey, by unfortunate chance, was one of the countless humans who had fallen victim to the abductions orchestrated by these extraterrestrial beings.

The alien carrying Mikey carefully placed the drugged boy within a glass-enclosed square room, content with its assigned task, and proceeded to take a break. Perhaps to enjoy a snack or engage in conversation with their comrades.

Mikey lay sprawled on the floor, his mind devoid of any conscious thought. The presence of the other captive species surrounding him went unnoticed, as his dulled senses prevented him from registering their existence. Had he been aware enough to survey his surroundings, he might have caught a glimpse of a young human girl, located seven rows of glass compartments ahead. Although he would have only been able to discern a strand or two of her hair from his prone position.

The atmosphere within the facility resembled an amusement park coming to life, with the black Oth aliens acting as hosts, guiding wealthy potential buyers, and facilitating introductions to the available species. It unfolded like a meticulously orchestrated business transaction, with the aliens showcasing their merchandise and dutifully addressing inquiries, executing their roles with a cold, detached efficiency.

Nori pov

Today, my mates and I made the decision to venture into the black market in search of a pet. We weren't seeking an intelligent creature; rather, we desired an average pet that could perform a few tricks and didn't require excessive attention.

Within the realms of the black market, there were distinct sections. One focused on providing average pets that possessed limited intelligence and didn't demand significant care to survive. The other side delved into the sinister aspects of the black market, where prisoners of war and individuals with dubious backgrounds were traded. Unfortunately, not all those taken into captivity fell into the category of guilty parties, but such stories were seldom discussed. The interstellar government only took action against those who committed highly illegal acts, but gathering concrete evidence to understand their true motives remained a constant challenge. What they sold and if it were discovered were all up to fate.

"Nori, what kind of pet do you think we'll end up with? Riker insists on a loyal and obedient companion," Oaka remarked, rolling his eyes playfully and stealing a glance at Riker from a distance.

"Who cares? I just want one that can enjoy sweets with me," I huffed, rubbing my nose triumphantly. Oaka looked at me, his brows furrowed, and clicked his tongue in response to my playful antics.

Riker jogged towards us, waving energetically as a signal that the ship was ready for departure. A rush of excitement filled me, as I had never owned a pet before. However, I couldn't help but hope that our pet wouldn't turn into a nightmare, similar to the creature in a show I had watched recently. It multiplied uncontrollably, devouring everything in its path, including the person's entire house. Admittedly, it was a low-budget television program, so I wasn't entirely sure if it was real but it certainly unsettled my nerves.

I leaped onto Oaka's back, clinging to him tightly. "Carry me!" I whined while he grumbled good-naturedly. Walking with me still attached to his waist. I grinned mischievously as Riker raised an eyebrow, observing our antics.

"I'll only carry our sub mate, not a big goofball," Oaka chided, flicking my forehead playfully as we boarded the ship.

"We have arrived!" Riker sang, dancing towards the exit. He only exhibited such carefree behavior around his mates, as in the presence of even a single servant, he assumed a cold, reserved demeanor. I sighed, reluctantly rising from the comfortable couch I had been lounging on, pouting slightly.

As we descended the ramp of the ship, many workers and buyers instinctively avoided us. Being from the top-ranked red planets, denoting highly dangerous species, and considering Riker's status as the prince of his planet, his formidable aura permeated the atmosphere wherever he went.

"Hello, what can I assist you with today?" a courteous Oth worker inquired, bowing respectfully.

Oaka pov

"We're here to find a pet," Riker responded to the Oth's inquiry.

The Oth quickly typed some information on a hologram, then proceeded to ask another question, clearly driven by the desire for a lucrative transaction. "What type of pet are you interested in, and what is your price range?"

Riker grinned and replied, "Just a simple pet, something like a qup." (Basically a dog)

An unmistakable grim expression briefly appeared on the Oth's face, prompting me to grab Nori's shoulder to stifle a laugh.

"Very well, please follow me, sirs," the Oth bowed and led the way. "These three rows contain the types of pets you're looking for. Row 1 offers the lowest-priced options, while row 3 offers the highest." The Oth smiled and gestured towards each row. Since they were assigned to assist us, they quietly observed as we perused the pets in the first row.

"Oh, look at this one!" Nori exclaimed with his usual exuberance, pointing out various pets in an exaggerated fashion.

As we moved on to the second row, I noticed Riker growing slightly tense. I glanced at Nori, who was engrossed in examining the pets and discreetly tapped Riker on the shoulder to get his attention.

"What's the matter, Riker?" I asked, catching him off guard with my observation. However, considering my natural sensitivity to my mates' emotions, it wasn't entirely surprising that I had noticed the subtle change in his demeanor.

"I don't know, it's just... since we arrived, something feels off. And the longer we stay here, the more unsettling it becomes," he whispered, scratching his neck with a hint of anxiousness. I grew increasingly concerned. Riker was not one to openly display emotions, especially not in front of an Oth worker. If Riker couldn't quite put his finger on the cause of his unease, then there was a good chance something truly unusual was transpiring.

"Riker, what do you mean?" I inquired, my brows furrowing. "It's probably nothing to worry about. Let's just keep looking," Riker dismissed my concern, waving it off as he walked ahead towards where Nori had darted off.

Lost in thought, I pondered the possible reasons behind Riker's apprehension. Perhaps the corrupt nature of this place was troubling to him. As an Oblivion, a species known for their immense power, Riker could sense the inherent moral decay permeating this planet. However, observing his distracted state while he scanned the pets Nori was excitedly pointing out, it became clear that something more significant was amiss.

Riker pov

"Riker! Look! Look!" Nori's voice buzzed in my ears with excitement. "This species is called a bunny! Doesn't it look tasty?" I nodded, my reaction slightly delayed as I took in the sight of the furry creature in front of me.

However, despite Nori's enthusiasm, I couldn't shake off the persistent feeling that something was off about this place. It was as if the planet itself was emitting strange energy, drawing me toward a specific location. The howling wind felt unsettling, like anguished cries from a living being, and the glass enclosures that held the various inhabitants seemed to reflect the face of another.

As I contemplated the peculiar circumstances, a sense of curiosity and unease mingled within me. Who or what was behind this strange phenomenon? I had never encountered anything paranormal or unsettling like this before. The only time my senses had felt this distorted was when I first met my mates. But that was different; the connection we shared quickly overshadowed any lingering magic.

The concept of mates suddenly caught my attention. The word echoed in my mind, reminding me of the bond I shared with Nori and Oaka. We were a unique trio, and our connection was deep and profound. All are dominant in race and waiting for the day a sub will come stumbling into our lives. It had helped us navigate countless challenges in the past, but now, even that bond seemed insufficient to fully comprehend the enigma before us.

Snap. Snap. Snap.

A clicking sound pierced through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present. Nori was snapping his fingers in front of my face, trying to bring me back from my contemplation. "What is it, Nori?" I asked my voice betraying a hint of confusion.

"You've been standing there blankly for two minutes. Is something wrong, Riker?" Nori looked at me with genuine concern, while Oaka stood silently beside him, his eyes fixed on me, searching for answers.

"Do you think we should leave?" Oaka chimed in, his voice laced with worry, mirroring the unease I felt within.

"No, I mean..." I began to respond, my thoughts racing to find a solution. Surprising both my mates and myself, I quickly gathered my scattered mind and made a decision. "Let's just continue exploring," I suggested, my eyes narrowing as I carefully observed the rows of exotic pets. "We've reached the end of the third row. Perhaps we should venture into the section showcasing other species?" I looked at Nori, whose eyes sparkled with excitement and couldn't help but chuckle at his unwavering enthusiasm. "Alright then," I said, a faint smile forming on my face as I waved for Oaka to join us.

"We'd like to explore a higher level, if that's possible," I requested, addressing the Oth attendant who had been observing our interactions.

"Of course," the Oth responded with a smile, their eyes gleaming with the prospect of generating more profit. The promise of our curiosity leading to further exploration was undoubtedly appealing to them.

A/N-

I look like a greasy rat rn because I just broke my back editing these two chapters all day...