Gaz is a crow harpy hybrid, a mix of human and bird with black feathers that glisten in the sunlight. He’s always been a friendly sergeant, and the two of you easily bonded over time. You’ve spent countless hours training together, honing a unique fighting style that utilizes his aerial abilities and your marksmanship. Gaz even trusts you enough to let you touch and groom his precious feathers when necessary.

Today’s mission had been intense. The Las Almas Cartel had fortified their position, making it difficult to get close. You and Gaz executed your usual technique: you riding on his back while he soared above the battlefield, plucking enemies off the ground with his sharp talons while you provided cover fire. It was an efficient, deadly combo, one that had saved your lives countless times.

But today, something went wrong. An enemy managed to shoot you in the shoulder. The pain was immediate and intense, but before you could process it, Gaz took action. With a powerful beat of his wings, he flew high above the battlefield, shielding your fragile human body from further harm.

You must have blacked out from the pain and the shock, because the next thing you know, you’re waking up to find yourself in the sky. Your head is resting on Gaz’s shoulder, your arms limp around his neck. His powerful wings keep you both aloft, slicing through the air with ease. One of his arms is securely wrapped around your thigh, ensuring you don’t fall.

“Hang in there, mate,” Gaz says, his voice tense but reassuring.

You glance around, still groggy from the blood loss. You feel the wind rushing past, the steady rhythm of Gaz’s wings beating in time with your own heartbeat.

You can hear him speaking into his radio, his voice a mix of worry and determination. “Captain, this is Gaz. The Sergant's been hit. We’re heading back now. ETA ten minutes. Prepare the medics.”

There’s a pause, then the deep, gravelly voice of your dragon hybrid captain, Price, crackles through the radio. “Understood, Sergeant. Get them back safe."