Wander wasn't quite sure how long he had been sitting on this particular planet. Maybe a few minutes to roughly an hour? Despite feeling left out it was nice to see Sylvia so happy. Even if Ryder wasn't exactly the best choice of charecther he couldn't prevent this nor expected it to lead to them possibly separating? Or maybe he was over reacting? The orange star nomad was actually fortunate nobody was around as he talked to himself unaware he was secretly being watched.
"Now, Wander, don't be selfish. If Sylvia wants to have hardcore, violent, inconsiderate space adventures with a guy like Ryder, you gotta let her. "
It did hurt a bit. After being alone for so many years and considering his bond with the only creature he ever considered his honorary family+ best friend alongside adjusting to this new stranger one could only imagine how Wander was feeling as he picked up his chin once again trying to think of a potential positive.
"You'll just have to find another partner someone strong, and smart. And brave. Someone who, though they act all tough, has a creamy center of gooey goodness. And when you inevitably get yourself into trouble in situations, they'll always find a way to get you out, no matter how bad things seem."
No one could ever replace her though, yet he had survived this long without Sylvia. Surely he'd be fine now?Oh.. oh grop. Just saying that actually made Wander realize he didn't nor was ready to let her go. It made his heart sink to his stomach until pausing to turn around and spotted a massive insectipede like worm staring at him with massive sharp teeth. He smiled nervously backing up into a rock wall.
"Hehe. Uh howdy! Sorry I didn't know any one was around here! Yikes!"
It growled and tried to bite him. Wander took off as fast as he could trying to find something to diffuse the situation as he dug through his hat desperately it gave him a red bouncy ball reminding him of another fun misadventure Sylvia and him had gotten into. He attempted to throw it but the immensipeed kept chasing him. For once his energy was starting to run out, he wish he was alot more brave cool.and heroic like Ryder. He likely wouldn't be running from a threat, to make matters worse Wander was too scared to watch where he was walking and stumbled into a bunch of sticky vines that wrapped around his orange fluffy body trapping him. The massive immensipede paused in its tracks as Wander tries to struggle free but nothing happened. The big worm in question tilted his head in confusion only to speak in a rather eloquent voice.
"Huh. I guess my fellow kind was right. Setting snares is much easier for catching prey. If only I had know that sooner. Would have saved me alot of past trouble. This is way more easier and efficient. "
The immensipede wrapped his massive tail around the vine ball staring at what he got. Wander would be lying if he wasn't shaking a bit especially since Sylvia was no longer around to help him out of this pickle. That look in it's eyes along with licking it's lip all hungrily didn't help either.
"My your quite small. Like a twig."
"Hehe, I eat alot of salads."
"But considering how I've had to travel to other planets for my hunts I suppose beggars can't be choosers."
His quote unquote "cage" was placed on the planets bare ground grey surface as Wander could see the massive worm take out a cookbook and supplies. The star nomads stomach did a nervous flip flop .
"Now how to prepare you, I maybe be a predator but I do have some standards. Size wise I could stuff you up, make soup or hmm... geez I can't decide. So many options to pick! Roasting is in, but maybe I could use seasonings and call it a day."
Wander tried to keep calm despite feeling rightly uncomfortable and getting covered in pepper which tickled his nose badly. Surely he could think of something!
"Uh wait a second Mr Immensipede sir. I think we got off on the wrong foot here. You can't consume me!"
"Why ever not? It's nothing personal. Just the food cycle and all that. Deeply sorry but I can't really grow anything out here. Dead planet, Carnivore diet. " The massive worm explains rather directly.
"No I get that it's just... well we don't really know each other yet!" Wander stresses as the Worm looks at him in disbelief and slight amusement.
"Oh... I do suppose your right. Sorry I do pride myself on my manners. And it it would be rude to not end at least on civil . Go on."
"I figured. Your voice is very gentlemanly!" Wander compliments and starts to calm down as the massive Immensipede actually smiles right back at him.
"Thank you. I pride myself on speaking. My name is Fredrick."
"Howdy Fredrick! Folks call me Wander!"
"Wander... hmm why does that sound so familiar?"
"Not sure. Your guess is as good as mine. If anything my names kinda unique. Me and Syl-... Wander froze sadly as Fredrick notice but he changed the subject.
"Oh I mean... I've been kinda nearly everywhere!"
"Even Keton 6?"
"Especially there! Boy I tell ya one time we even ran into another immensipede much like yourself who...."
"Wait a second let me guess. He had bad eyes!"
"Yeah how did ya know! Wander asks giddly jumping for joy."
"That's my cousin Craig! I haven't seen him in months but he did mention a few helpful strangers find his missing lens. Oh geez I can't thank you enough for helping assit in his struggle!"
"Daw shucks. Just doing the good any do gooder would do! What a coincidence!"
"This changes everything! Wander I'm sorry for my hostile animalistic nature. Your free to go." Fredrick says using his teeth to get the orange star nomad out and even used his napkin to wipe his fur clean.
"But wait... don't you need to eat?"
"Its fine. Surely I can make do with something else. Besides Sylvia must be worried sick about you!"
"I don't think so." More tears dripped down Wanders eyes as he tried to smile forcefully. Fredrick however noticed and was caught off guard. This wasn't like the cheery nomads nature at all.
"Why isn't she with you anyway?"
"Well ya see.. she met up this old friend of hers and we all went on this super important mission. But I got left behind. It's alright though. Honestly!"
"Doesn't sound quite alright. You sound rather upset. Did something else happen Wander?"
"No no no! I just.. kept screwing stuff up so I thought they'd be better off without me and all that."
"Did Sylvia say that exactly to your face?"
"Well no. She did get a bit mad but I just wanted to help impress them and befriend Ryder. But I'm not some cool roughing tumble space hero. And I likely never will be."
"Ah I see, after dealing with this news your not sure how to cope and think this Rider fellow will replace you."
"Yeah... exactly. It scares me cause I dunno what this means for Sylvia and me."
"I'm sure this is all just some big misunderstanding. She likely got all swept up in the excitement and you must have gotten something misinterpreted. All good friends have disagreements but it's how you handle them that counts in the long run. "
"Wow Fredrick. Your right! I should probably go talk to her and it that. I was probably just being all silly about being replaced. Your quite the listener!" Wander compliments.
"Much appreciated. I aspire to be a therapist. However will you get there though?"
"I could just use my orbale juice woah!-" Wander was interrupted mid sentence as Fredrick had scooped him up using his tail to place the orange alien on his back much to the formers surprise.
That will be to slow. Allow me to help reunite you both. I know a shortcut.
"Golly Gee thanks!"
"Hold on tight Wander!"
"Yeeehaw! We're coming Sylvia!" Wander cheered as he pulled something out of his hat to give the massive space worm.
"Sandwich for the road?"
"Why thank you!"
To Be Continued.
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