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Chapter Text

Time was running, fast as an hawk flying trough the clouds.
Every second taken from them was a step closer into a dark abyss that was waiting silently for the deep of the night to come and the moon to reach the highest point of the sky.

<< They... they can't do that... they should be fighting to protect dragons... >>

Whispered a very young dragoness with golden scales, her voice full of insecurity and fear, a clear sense of betrayal could be seen in her eyes.

<< "Fighting for the others"? They took us from our families, they keep beating us and treat us like garbage and want to make it look like a training! >>

Protested a blue dragonet tied to a pillar with heavy chains, she picked up on of those like she wanted to show it to a crowd.

<< Look at this Sunny! They wouldn't think twice about it and would tie all of us in a dark cave to starve, they are more than capable of killing Glory just 'cause she's not some snobbish SkyWing! >>

Sunny lowered her head, she always repeated herself that Dune and the others weren't really capable of harming them for real, but she knew that those dragons were ready to do anything if Morrowseer ordered them to and she sadly realized that Kestrel killing Glory wasn't such an unrealistic ending to that night.

<< Guys, you don't have to worry, this is my problem, not yours. >>

Said a RainWing near them, her scales were a pale white-graysh colour, fear ran trough her vein at the thought of the female SkyWing coming out of the darkness to kill her, she didn't even have the strenght to talk back after Tsunami, the chained dragonet, repeated her previous threat about killing her herself if she would have played "martyr".

<< We need to run away... >>

Said a MudWing that was pacing in circle nervously.

<< ... we always talked about escaping and we finally have the best reason to do it, I'm not staying here with a bunch of dragonet-killers. >>
<< Clay's right, we need to get away from them. >>

A NightWing came to the group, looking more than worried about their chances

<< There is a boulder blocking the entrance, it can be opened by the inside with a key and Dune has it. >>

Explained Starflight, the NightWing.

<< We could steal it. >>
<< They'd catch us for sure, Clay. >>
<< But maybe we can move it if we try all togheter. >>
<< Well, Webs and Kestrel came in without Dune opening the door for them a bunch of time, there has to be some kind of lever that moves it. >>

Observed Glory.
Before the other dragonets could answer, there was a strange noise and another voice came right from the entrance of the cave, a: << Yes, there is indeed a way to open it >> following a beacon of light and the silhouette of a dragon that they've never seen before: it was a green RainWing with a funny-looking snout and a small sack tied around his neck.
The dragonets couldn't smell any other dragon beside him, he was alone.

<< Who are you? Another member of the Talons of Peace? >>

Asked Sunny.

<< I doubt it, they hate RainWings. >>
<< But they are the only ones to know about this place, Tsunami. >>

While the other discussed about the dragon, Glory looked amazed at the sight of the first RainWing she was staring at beside her reflection, he didn't look like he was friendly and he wasn't as colourful as her, but curiosity already got her completely.

<< What's your name? I'm Glory and these are my friends: Tsunami, Sunny, Clay and Starflight. >>

She said pointing at each one of them in order.

<< I'm Chameleon and I'm here to take you out of this cave. >>

As he expected, they didn't believe his words at first.

<< How do we know we can trust you? You could be an enemy that simply saw how Kestrel and Webs got in here... >>

Commented Tsunami, she was staring at him carefully, like she expected an attack of some sorta and, since their caretakers knew nothing about RainWings (and never cared to do their research, considering them a bunch of lazy fruit-eaters), they never knew what Glory could do beside changing her colors, that stranger could have been a dangerous threat to them. Watching him getting closer with no fear only convinced her that she was in right, she doubted someone would have gone alone in a place full of dragons and would have been so calm around them if they were weak. Chameleon scratched the dusty floor until one of his claws became dark with dirt, then took something out of his sack and held it in his palm, using the dusty claw like he was writing on the "thing" and at the end he placed that on one of the chains resticting Tsunami. The thing was revealed to be a piece of paper that started to glow after Chameleon said something like: "Release her" under his breath, so the chains started moving like snakes, like they were alive, trembling and pulling on themselves until they broke like someone tore them apart.
The dragonets stated in awe at their friend and that kind stranger.

<< But... I thought only NightWings, IceWings, SeaWings and SandWings had animus in their Tribes! >>

Said Starflight with disbelief, Chameleon just laughed.

<< The power of an animus has no boundaries about the dragons it's awakened in, in the past there have been for sure more animus and you can be sure they weren't only in these four tribes. Even SkyWings had some animus hatching and... let's say that the fear of the unknown has been pretty damaging in those cases. >>
<< So it's true that they throw hatchlings that are sick or "strange" down the mountain? >>
<< Yep. >>
<< I can see Kestrel doing it. >>

Chameleon moved his hears in a way that showed a sudden interest when Glory mentioned the female SkyWing, but he rapidly hid the gesture moving his head around like he was simply trying to hear if someone was coming in their direction.

<< We have to move now, the moon's not high yet, but it will be soon and Kestrel will come for Glory. >>

Said Sunny, but the others were still unsure about trusting Chameleon.

<< Why are you helping us? And you still didn't tell us how did you know about this place... >>
<< I work for a generous queen that has a spy in the Talons of Peace. Me, her and other dragons are at her palace right now and when our spy talked about the terrible way you're treated here and Morrowseer's orders, we just couldn't stand the thought of it. I already infiltrated this group thanks to the other spy. >>

That seemed to do the trick and the dragonets started to follow him out the cave, he knew about Morrowseer and didn't look like he was lying.
They decided to trust him even because he was alone and there were five of them, if he was dangerous, they could have fought him.

<< So, were are we going? >>

Asked Clay.
Chameleon closed the cave's entrance and started flying with them, giving the dragonets a smile that, he hoped, would gave them a bit more of hope in his words.

<< I'll take you to the cave I'm using to spy on your kidnappers, you'll find food, water and some nice nests, tomorrow we'll go back and I'll give a lesson to these evil dragons, then my queen will take care of you and them. >>

Explained Chameleon, he took the dragonets in a cave that he enchanted so that the Talons of Peace couldn't find it without an invitation.

<< But Morrowseer said that he'll come back tomorrow, I don't think you'll be able to fight him. >>

Said a pretty worried Sunny, said NightWing was huge and really strong, even with his animus power, she couldn't see Chameleon beating him.

<< I won't need to fight him, you just have to wait and see. Now rest, this place is enchanted with a barrier, so it can be found by me and me only, I'll go and talk with the others so they'll prepare serious bedrooms for you. >>

Some of the dragonets were still dubious about his good intentions, yet they couldn't fight the tireness that they were feeling after all the fear and worry of only a few minutes before and after trying to sleep in turns to keep an eye on the cave's entrance, they were all in the realm of dreams, with Chameleon watching them fall asleep.
The green dragon grinned with satisfaction as he flew away, going back to a palace he came from, not bothering to be careful as he simply thought of which one of his masks he needed to use as he approached the SkyWings' palace, where the guards simplynstared at him and waved their greetings.
The "mask" of Soar was hiding perfectly the real identity of the RainWing from everyone.
Well, everyone except who sent him in that mission, the one that was spying on the Talons of Peace thanks to him and Cirrus (another one of his "masks"); said dragoness was just waiting for him as Soar landed in front of her, the "mask" disappearing to show the grinning Chameleon.

<< Queen Scarlet, the first part of the plan is completed. >>

Chapter Text

<< You wanted to see me? >>
<< Yes Morrowseer, I wanted to discuss a little problem with the tunnel in the Rainforest. >>

Shapeshisfter sat near a big pile of fruits and berries, casually eating a mango while the bigger NightWing came near with a confused look on his snout.

<< What problem? I thought our soldiers were doing a good job. >>
<< They are, but looks like some RainWings aren't so lazy and stupid as we thought, a few of them found the tunnel and almost discovered our prisoners. Of course it was easy to avoid the problem, but looks like it could be easier to trick them into letting us take over their kingdom with just a few words and promises, since they were so stupid to fall for our excuses. >>

Explained Shapeshisfter, Morrowseer wasn't that happy to hear that his guards couldn't avoid some random RainWing and that their secret was almost discovered, that could've ruined their plan to take over the Rainforest Kingdom.

<< We can't allow the RainWings to discover our plan, any dragon that's in danger and knows it will fight back, even those lazy lizards... >>
<< Again, I doubt they're smart enough to find out the truth, looks at what they gave us when we said that we were only tourists. >>

Said Shapeshifter offering Morrowseer a piece of the mango he was eating.
The bigger NightWing rolled his eyes but took the fruit, staffing it in his mouth and swallowing it without chewing out of anger at the calm of the other dragon, it was unnerving.
"How can Shapeshisfter be so laid-back when there's the risk to be caught in the act?"

<< You shouldn't be so calm. >>
<< Well, we're NightWings, we're better, stronger and wiser than some brightly-colored pacifist, I don't get why we should worry that much. >>
<< Because you still have to be careful to win, don't act like some puny "want-to-be-dragon-dictator" trying to conquer an entire continent and getting defeated exactly because they underestimated their enemies. Being superior doesn't mean that you have to act like an idiot. >>

Fighting the urge to slap the other dragon for his foolishness, Morrowseer eat a few more fruits to calm down his nerves, they were sweet and jucy like a fresh drink, enough to make him feel slightly calmer and if Shapeshisfter was eating those as well and was still lucid and alive, the NightWing didn't even had to waste time checking if the fruits were poisoned.
"He's not that wrong, why should I worry? Those RainWings didn't attack a single intruder in their territory and we never observed one using weapons or training as a soldier. They'd never hurt a fly and this will be their doom."
While thinking about the future victory, he noticed the smile on Shapeshisfter snout, a grin that looked like the one of a dragonet saying: "Ah! You fell for it!" after tricking a friend.
Morrowseer didn't like that.

<< You were right, you know? >>

Asked Shapeshisfter while his body changed before his eyes, like a dragoness taking off a vest, the "mask" of Shapeshisfter came off to reveal a RainWing with a strange-looking snout.

<< Sometimes acting like a dumb Mister "I'm-better-than-ya' all-and-nobody-can-beat-me" can really guide you to your doom. >>
<< You disgusting RainWing! You'll pay for this! >>

Roared Morrowseer, more than ready to burn to death the dragon that dared to trick him and Queen Battlewinner and to insult the NightWings' reputation with the mere act of acting like one.

<< And you know what's the funniest thing? I am Cirrus too, the IceWing that spied the Talon of Peace all this time, I tricked you twice! >>

Continued the green dragon raising his voice, like he wanted the entire world to hear his words.

<< I, Chameleon, a "lazy useless RainWing", made a fool out of all the Talon of Peace and the entire NightWings' Tribe! >>

Anger made the blood in Morrowseer's veins boil like the lava in the volcano of their island, yet he found himself unable to hurt Chameleon.
His body wasn't listening to his own mind, like it wasn't his anymore.
Then a terrifying thought made way into his mind, if that RainWing had magic, than it was clearly an animus and if his body couldn't follow his directions anymore, that meant he was in deep shit.

<< Done? >>

Asked a feminine voice among the trees.

<< Yes, Queen Scarlet, he ate the enchanted one. You can come out, he's docile like a sloth. >>

"Free me from this spell, let's see who's the docile one..."
Morrowseer was like a paralyzed dragonet, incapable of moving and speaking and clinging on the only freedom Chameleon was letting him, the one of his mind, his ability to think straight.
"If I could find a mind-reader, I could inform him about this bastard and Chameleon would be dead before next sunrise."

<< Well, well, well, look at the "all mighty" Morrowseer. >>

Laughed the SkyWing queen.

<< Make him bow. >>
<< You heard her, bow to the queen. >>

The NightWing was screaming like a maddragon in his mind, bowing like that to another queen was humiliating and he was hating every second of it, especially when Scarlet put one of her feet on his head, like some soldier posing with the corpse of an enemy dragon.

<< Now, tell us more about the prophecy, do you know which princess is going to win the War of SandWings Succession, or it's only up to these Dragonets of Destiny? >>

Asked Chameleon, Queen Scarlet was hoping for Burn to win, since they were allies, but the words of the NightWing left both oth them speechless.

<< The prophecy is not real. Queen Battlewinner and I made it up so that our Tribe could take advantage of the chaos caused by the war, to take over the RainWings and their kingdom. I couldn't care less about those SandWings and who'll take over the throne. >>
<< The prophecy... fake... >>

Scarlet stared at Chameleon in search of some kind of emotion different from his usual "I just want jewels and money" mood.
On his deformed snout was growing up a smile, no, a grin filled with satisfaction.

<< Chameleon, aren't you worried about your own kind? Not even a bit? >>
<< I told you what they've done to me... >>

Growled the RainWing, thinking about the day he was banished with the only fault of being unable to change color, being unable to sleep for more than an hour and being forced to stay awake and watch the others rest, the only fault of being, as everyone always said, a "strange", "creepy", grumpy dragon.

<< ... I didn't do anything wrong to them, yet they exiled me 'cause of this fucking thing I was born with, if they're going down, I won't be the one that will try to save them. >>

The venom in his voice was probably far more than the one running in his fangs and waiting to be spat against an enemy, the SkyWing queen was smiling with excitement at the thought of using all the new information at her own gain.

<< Something else to say about the dragonets and their prophecy? We want every detail. >>
<< There are other five dragonets that I wanted to train myself, just in case the ones that Kestrel and Dune have might turn out as a failure. If that's the case, they are to be chosen as the new Dragonets of Destiny. >>

Explained Morrowseer, the other two could still feel the anger in his voice, it was palpable despite the spell, that entertained them more than anything else.

<< Very well, now you listen to me... >>

Chameleon grabbed Morrowseer's snout, wrapping his fingers around it and nearly covering the nostrils of the NightWing, he was tempted to keep him from breathing just to torture him a bit more during their little chat, but finally decided to stay focused on the mission.

<< ... from now on. I command you to obey every order of ours and you will never hurt us. Now go, take those other dragonets and bring them to the cave near the SkyWings' mountain, you'll address me as your boss and follow my direction. And do NOT think, not even for a minute, that one of your mind-readers will help you, I want your mind focused on everything that can cover up this little quest we gave you, 'cause if you tell someone, anyone... >>

The RainWing's voice was lowered in a whisper: << ... well, you have the order to kill yourself in that case. Understood? >>.
Morrowseer couldn't stop himself from nodding, then Chameleon released him.

<< Now go! >>

And the NightWing flew off.

<< Good luck Chameleon. Keep doing a good job and your reward will be better than anything you could immagine. >>

Said Queen Scarlet, then she flew away too, leaving the RainWing to get rid of ever single proof that could have put them in trouble, leaving enough fruits for the first five Dragonets of Destiny.
The funny part of their plan was about to start.

Chapter Text

<< He's coming! >>

Hearing Starflight's scream, the other four dragonets went to greet Chameleon, hoping he was back with good news.

<< Guys, I have good news and bad news, wich one would you like to hear first? >>
<< The good one. >>

Answered Sunny, hoping that the bad news weren't the "catastrophic" kind of bad.

<< The good news is that I talked to Morrowseer and convinced him to spare Glory, from now on, you'll see what's going to happen and that could surprise you. >>

The female RainWing exhaled loud enough to sound like she had been holding in that breath since Chameleon landed in front of the cave.

<< And the bad news? >>

Asked Tsunami.
The adult dragon didn't answer directly, he told them to follow him and guided them at the base of the mountain where the cave was situated, there sat Morrowseer, a female SkyWing with golden scales and five dragonets: a MudWing, a SandWing, a SeaWing, a NightWing and another SkyWing.

<< Dragonets of Destiny... >>

Chameleon spoke in a loud voice, he wasn't referring to someone in particular, it was like he was talking to all of them at the same time, but the dragonets of both groups dismissed that possibility.
"After all, we are the Dragonets of Destiny, why should he talk to them too?"
Was the thought running into every single head except the adult dragons ones.

<< ... in front of you, you can observe your substitute, after Morrowseer ordered to take five eggs for the prophecy, he took five more and trained alternative Dragonets of Destiny in case the first group was a failure. >>
<< What?! >>

Shouted the clear SandWing, she looked pretty much the opposite of Sunny and not just in a matter of colour.

<< That's impossible! >>
<< Yes! We are the Dragonets of Destiny! What do you know about all of th- >>

Before the SkyWing could finish his sentence, Morrowseer slapped his head with the tail and growled dangerously at him.

<< Don't you dare disrespect my boss! You insolent brat! >>
<< Calm down Morrowseer, the little ones are shocked and it's normal, after all you tricked them for good. >>

Smiled Chameleon while a rock he took in his paw started to float in mid-hair before breaking like it was being crushed by someone.

<< They know that against an animus they wouldn't stand a chance, but we're not here to fight, we're here to talk and solve a few things. >>

The smile never left his snout, not even when screams were heard by the now-open cave.

---

<< I told you we should've just tied up all of them! >>
<< How should I've known that they could escape?! >>
<< Of course you didn't know, you're useless! Since you came in the Talons of Peace you caused only troubles! >>
<< My Clearsight, will you two SHUT UP?! >>

Roared Dune a few moments before Kestrel could lunge at Webs.

<< We lost the Dragonets of Destiny, Morrowseer could be here at any moment, the mountains swarm with SkyWings and you only think about fighting each other?! >>

The two dragons didn't say a word, choosing the silence filled with humiliation at the thought of failing their mission.
"Without the five dragonets, the prophecy won't come true and peace will be far from us for Clearsight-only-knows how many moons..."
Webs felt like cold fangs were biting at his guts, he was already considered a traitor by his Tribe and a failure by his fellows Talons of Peace, the thoughts of loosing all the five dragonets was scary and the imagine of them in danger and screaming for help was even worst.

<< I'll call the others for help, we must find them. >>

Said the SeaWing while aiming for the river that ran through the whole base, but a sudden roar stopped him.
Webs literally jumped on the spot at that terrifying sound and his scales became pale at the sight of Morrowseer coming in.
"He's going to kill us..."

<< Morrowseer... >>

Started Kestrel bowing her head and trying to not show the fear that was slowly creeping down her spine.

<< ... we... we have some bad news but bef- >>
<< I know everything. >>

Said the NightWing, but his voice didn't sound angry, Morrowseer looked almost apathetic, if it wasn't for the fury burning in his narrowed eyes.

<< The boss came here yesterday night and found out some displeasing things. >>
<< "The boss"? >>

Repeated a confused Dune.
"Since when Morrowseer takes order from someone? Is the NightWing queen coming? Does she know about all of this?"
The three dragons gasped with surprise as Morrowseer, the dangerous and fierce NightWing that could have scared everyone with his sole look, bowed at other two dragons, his head resting on his front paws and his backside was up like he was mimicking a dog that wanted to play with it's scavenger, his wings were open and made him look elegant and vulnerable in that pose; the two dragons were a male RainWing with a deformed snout and a female SkyWing, behind them were the dragonets missing from the cave and other five that the three guardians didn't know.

<< I am Chameleon, the first RainWing animus and currently one of the most important members of the Talons of Peace, this elegant SkyWing is Marianne and... I think Morrowseer already introduced me by my title. >>

Said the RainWing.
The reactions were even funnier than what he expected, considering that two of his interlocutors looked disgusted st the view of the giant NightWing bowing to a RainWing.

<< Yessir, he told us a "boss" was coming he didn't tell us you were an animus. >>
<< Oh, I can understand him, it's pretty hard to find animuses among my Tribe, he probably thought you wouldn't believe him. >>

Chameleon was calmer than Morrowseer, the "displeasing things" the NightWing mentioned before almost disappeared from the three guardians' thoughts, at least until Marianne spoke.

<< Yesterday night, Chameleon came to test the security of the base and your abilities as guardians, he came in pretty easily and took away the dragonets with no problem. If he was an enemy you'd be all dead by now. >>
<< Thank you Marianne, not to mention the awful job you did with these dragonets. >>
<< "Awful job"?! >>

Growled Kestrel in a low growl, she was trying to hold back her protests as she stared at the five dragonets that looked pretty amused by the view of their caretakers being scolded.

<< These five other dragonets were trained by Morrowseer in person and were all born in the same night, I guess you know wich night I'm talking about. >>
<< What? But how could they? The prophecy talks about five Dragonets of Destiny only. >>

Observed Webs, Morrowseer was about to shout at the SeaWing to shut his mouth, but Chameleon stopped hom with a simple look.
The green RainWing touched a big rock saying: << I command you to give me and Marianne some comfortable chairs >>, nobody saw what was on his palms, but the rock divided in two halfs and those became two thrones.

<< Yes, that's why they're here, we already tested you three, now it's time to test all the dragonets for real and see who are the five that will really save Pyrrhia from the madness of war. >>
<< I beg your pardon, but when you tested us? >>

Asked Dune with a concerned look on his snout.
Chameleon held back a grin.

<< He told us your SeaWing and your MudWing are pretty good in fighting, but he said that the other three aren't that promising, right? >>

The three caretekers looked at the floor, too ashamed to look at the other dragon.

<< So, should we discuss the beating and the verbal abuse you used as "training" before or after we talk about you... >>

He pointed at Kestrel with a claw.

<< ... wanting to kill a dragonet? >>
<< Morrowseer orderer tha- >>
<< Yes, the member of a group that wants to stop dragons from suffering, orders you to kill an innocent dragonet and you don't suspect a thing, right? No, it couldn't be a test, it's just logical and coherent with your goal, uh? Not to mention that even if he was serious, you woved to stop a war and save other dragons, you could have sent Glory away, but you wanted to kill her for nothing but distaste... why the are you even in the Talons of Peace? >>

Kestrel remained silent.

<< How do you pretend to stop this war? Sending these five to burn down entire cities so there won't be any dragons left to fight? >>
<< We're deeply sorry, we... there are no excuses for our behavior. >>

Said Dune.

<< Of course there aren't, after all, I'm talking to a SandWing that can't tell one of his kin from an half-blood. >>

The male SandWing stared confused at him, asking an unsure: << What do you mean? >> and letting his eyes meet Sunny's green ones.

<< She told me you consider her "defective" and it wouldn't be so strange if that was the case. I mean, she's smaller than any SandWing and doesn't have a poisonous barb at the tail, that can perfectly be a simple malformation that could happen to any of us. But tell me how could a SandWing not recognize a pretty evident detail... >>

Chameleon motioned at Sunny's eyes.

<< ... all SandWings have obsidian-black eyes, all the pure SandWings, how could you not recognize a pretty evident hybrid? >>

Some "gasp!" escaped the mouth of the other dragons, many of them were silent and stared at sunny with curiosity, a few of them looked disgusted at the thought if having an half-blood near them, like she was going to infect them with some kind of sickness.

<< Are they... are they wrong about me too? >>

Asked Clay almost whispering, seeing the confused expressions on Chameleon and Marianne's snouts and explaining what the three dragons in trial told him about he attacking Tsunami just after being hatched and how they kept repeating him what kind of monster lied behind that smiling mask, even if he kept caring and worrying for the others far more than any of their caretakers.

<< They keep telling me it's not normal to care so much for dragons of different Tribes and with me attacking Tsunami as an hatchling... is there something about MudWing attacking other eggs I should know? Or... >>

Chameleon and Marianne started to laugh like hyenas and almost fell from their thrones, holdings their bellies and laughing so much that the echo of their voices could still be heard for a few minutes after that.

<< Alright! I'm fine... >>

Gasped the RainWing trying to breath again as the golden SkyWing explained the truth to Clay.

<< MudWings probably have one of the strongest bonding between siblings of all the tribes. The bigger egg hatches first and then the newborn help the others come out. The dragonets spend their lives together, caring for each other with the bigger protecting them, I think it is called... mh... Chameleon, what was the word? >>
<< BigWings. >>
<< That. You probably just wanted to help her hatch. >>
<< Wait, wasn't there a MudWing in your group? She never talked about herself? Or she forgot her own nature? >>
<< Asha is dead... >>

Said Webs, letting out a snarling sound past his fangs.
He cared for her, she was their friend and he wasn't in the mood to hear someone laughing and talking like said dragoness was some idiot who didn't know how her own specie worked.

<< Oh, we're sorry. >>

Said Chameleon.
He waited a few seconds before turning his head toward Starflight and patting his head gently.

<< You're not a mind-reader... >>

He said, seeing the absence of silver "tears" near the eyes.

<< ... let me guess why Mr Grumpy didn't like you, you're not even a prophet, right. >>
<< Correct, sir... >>

Said the young NightWing staring at the floor.
Viper, the clear SandWing, just laughed at him and commented with a: << He's even more useless than Fatespeaker! At least she can sense emotions or something like that, even if she's annoying as fuck... >> that made said NightWing growl in annoyance.

<< I even had a few prophecies! >>
<< Sure you had, sure you had... >>
<< I swear! I- >>
<< Well! >>

Exclaimed Chameleon clapping his paws together and smiling.

<< I was about to ask you how you pretended to train Glory without even knowing Rainwings' abilities, but I think we can do better showing them to everyone here with a little tournament. >>

Marianne's eyes were bright with interest as she exclaimed: << A challenge? How thrilling! >>.
Nobody noticed Kestrel's expression change as she got more annoyed at the word.

<< You want the dragonets to fight? >>
<< Yes, the winners will clearly be the right dragonets for the prophecy. >>

Nobody dared to say something against Chameleon's idea, especially since Morrowseer stood up to look at them with threats written all over his sharp eyes and the bared fangs, five of the younglings were unsure but wanted to trust the only gentle dragons they met and the other five just wanted to fight.

<< Flame, Glory, fight. >>

Chapter Text

<< Flame, Glory, fight. >>

He was expecting the silence following his sentence, just like the shocked expressions on the dragonets' snouts, well, at least on the five that lived in that place, the ones trained by Morrowseer looked as interested as "Marianne".
"Morrowseer really fucked up their minds..."
Thought the RainWing, they almost remembered him of a certain SkyWing queen hidden by the "mask" of Marianne with his magic.

<< You can't do this! >>

Protested Webs going up to him.

<< They're just dragonets! >>
<< Oh, so you knew it was wrong when your friends covered them in bruises and destroyed their poor self-esteem and minds... >>

The SeaWing fell silent, shame was visible in his eyes.

<< ... yet you didn't blink an eye. But now that we're doing this to establish their future, you want to interfere? >>
<< ... no. >>

Webs went back to sit near Kestrel and Dune, he could sense the other dragons burning him with their eyes, he could hear their voices screaming "Coward!" in their minds and he found himself agreeing with them. The other two didn't look bothered by the situation, Dune was simply curious and Kestrel was already watching proudly Flame, like she expected him to win right away.
The young SkyWing positioned himself at one side of the cave's room where Kestrel trained the dragonets to fight, waiting for the Glory that, despite her friends repeating that she didn't need to prove a thing, followed right after.

<< No cheating, your friends can't help you and don't expect favouritism from me. >>

Said Chameleon, then he gestured for them to start the fight.
Flame was quick to lunge at Glory, filled with security and stories about RainWings and how lazy and useless they were, he was expecting a quick and flawless victory and Glory looked like she could read his minds, as she guessed right the thought of her opponent. The dragoness dodged the other one's claws, using her mimetism so that she became literally invisible at the eyes of everyone else in the room, quickly taking the advantage on Flame and leaving him to fire at where she stood seconds before in hope to burn her, but she was already gone.

<< Did you know she could do that? >>

Asked Kestrel to her colleagues, both of them shook their heads in disbelief.
Flame looked around him, trying to hear where Glory was or to smell her, it looked like she had disappeared from the cave.

<< Come out and face me! Stop hiding you coward! >>

Screamed the SkyWing.
He felt something long around his neck and, before he could react, a tail was pulling him toward the ceiling, then it released him before he could scratch it and when he got back on his paws, the body of his opponent dropped on his back, her claws piercing his scales and her weight pinning him down (even if it was difficult for her, since he was bigger). Flame brought his wings togheter like he wanted to clap, slapping Glory a few times untill she got down from his back and became visible again, her scales colored with various shade of amber and red like she was trying to look like him.

<< Are you mocking me?! >>

Asked Flame with a growl.

<< You useless lizard! Hiding 'cause you know I'm much stronger than you! >>

To his surprise, she was calm, being used to hear the others scream like that at her and having only her friends as support, those insults weren't new to her ears.

<< Yet I scared and hurt you, didn't I? >>

Asked Glory retorically.

<< You think you're so strong and superior, just 'cause... what? You can breath fire like MudWings, SandWings and NightWings? You can fight well like every other dragon that gets a good training? Or it's just 'cause you got a better cardio and your fire is hotter? 'cause that's not such a big difference, you know? >>
<< And what does a lazy vegetarian know about it?! Your blood is from a Tribe of sloths that hides from everyone else, nothing more than lazy cowards and soon you'll get destroyed in this war! >>

Glory smirked internally, she was making him burn with fury, to distract him just like she wanted, nobody else but her friends was seeing that.
She changed her colors again, now she was the perfect imitation of a SkyWing, someone could've probably mistaken her for one if she hadn't changed in front of them, but she wasn't mimicking just a random SkyWing, she was copying Flame's colour.

<< Look at me! I'm a mighty SkyWing! I'm so much better than everyone else that I got scratched by an evil, lazy, carrot-lover dragoness! >>

She exclaimed in a tragic pose, a paw was on her chest like it was hurting and the other one was on her forehead.

<< Look at me while a poor little lady is making a fool out of me! >>
<< I said SHUT UP! >>

He fired at her, his flames covering big part of the room, but she wasn't there to be burned.
After shifting again to an invisible silhouette, she was at his side, her right paw clenched in a fist as she punched him with enough strength to stop his fire and make him loose the balance, with a second hit she made him fall off his side, but he was quick to recover and moved all of his paws so that he could scratch her if she tried to go near him, firing again and again hoping to burn the RainWing. Flame soon was on his feet again and spread his wings, being a SkyWing meant they were big enough to cover big part of Glory's vision and he saw that as an opportunity to hit her when she hesitated trying to move, but not with fire; he quickly moved his left wing and hit her in the neck, the radius colliding with her throat and the right wing quickly followed the left, then he grabbed her by the throat and started squeezing hard, trying to choke her.
Chameleon felt the time slow up, he could hear the others screaming at him to stop the fight, yet he couldn't recognize their voices and who was talking now, his mind running with memories of his former Tribe and his envy toward them, their perfect bodies and abilities, he hated the other RainWings and now he was looking at that dragonet being chocked and felt a sudden disgust filling his guts.
"Why isn't she using her venom? Doesn't she know how to do it?"

<< What the... >>

Then it happened, as everyone but him whispered something of the line of what "Marianne" said.
An hissing sound and then, from Glory's fangs, a black liquid came out and landed on Flame shoulder, like a cobra spitting his venom at him, but that venom was far worse than a cobra's one.

<< It burns! Make it stoooop! >>

The SkyWing left his opponent and started screaming at the top of his lungs, the black liquid corroding his scales untill the muscles under his skin were visible, quickly trying to devour those too.
He tried to wipe it away with his paws, quickly burning and melting the scales and the skin on those too.

<< What the fuck is that?! >>
<< Oh, that's simply RainWing's corrosive venom, it's our natural weapon... >>

Explained Chameleon as he went to pick up Flame to carry him to the river and put the wound underwater, not that he cared that much about him, but he still had to do a good impression on the others.

<< ... we just need to hit the target in the eyes or some open wounds to kill it with one single strike. >>

The others looked impressed and scared, none of them knew what RainWings could do before.
Well, none of them but Morrowseer, since NightWings were studying the RainWings they kept as prisoners to be prepared before invading their kingdom.

<< Is there a way to stop the venom? >>

Asked Starflight.

<< No, there isn't... well, only one: if two RainWings are blood-related and they hit the same target, their venom will... lets say they'll "cancel" each other. But still, I don't know if I'm part of her family and I don't think that spitting on Flame without being sure of it would help. >>

The young SkyWing got out of the river, the water washed away the poison but the wound was still bleeding and the shoulder and neck's muscles were exposed in a repulsive way.
Chameleon gestured toward "Marianne" to make her say something, hoping Scarlet wouldn't burn her "mask" with some stupid sentence and, for his luck, she was still focused on the mission.

<< Well, you're wise, you know how to fight and you showed mercy... I think its a good thing for someone that should bring peace so, what can I say except: you are definitely fit to be a Dragonet of Destiny! I mean, at this point, who cares if the prophecy talked about a SkyWing? It talked about five dragonets born at the same time only and at the end there are ten of them! >>

She said as she made a: "You got a better idea for the prophecy at this point? Uh? Uh?!" gesture with her paws open and a smile, she then patted Glory on the head, only Chameleon noticed the strange light in her eyes, something he never saw before and he didn't want to know what was it or to ruin the moment for Glory. The younger dragoness was too busy looking at the other with surprise and happiness, after years of being told she was a mistake and a nuisance, having someone telling her that she was worth that role was like being blessed by Clearsight in person.
She looked at the three that trained her, glaring at Kestrel with a victorious little grin, but the SkyWing's expression was impossible to read in that moment.
For the sake of everyone that didn't want a drama to start, Viper cut the silence and Glory's friends' cheering with a fake cough.

<< I want to face this challenge too. >>

She said, going up to Sunny.

<< If she was chosen as a substitute for me, then I want to see how strong this hybrid is. >>
<< What? >>

Squeaked Sunny trying to avoid the SandWing's gaze, it was clear that Viper just wanted to beat someone.
The other dragonets surrounded their friend like protective siblings, but Viper wasn't moving from her spot.

<< It's only fair we test them all, so we can see if their training was really good and we can be sure we're not choosing the wrong dragonets. >>

Said "Marianne", Chameleon didn't expect less by someone that enjoyed dragons killing each other in an arena.

<< Then we can proceed. >>

Chapter Text

Sunny didn't want to fight, she didn't want to hurt the other dragonet and risk to cause her some irreparable damage.
But did she had any choice?
During his first visit, Morrowseer approved Clay and Tsunami because they showed no fear in attacking and fighting him, Glory proved her worth trough a duel and Kestrel always repeated to them how it was in a dragon's nature to fight and kill. She never approved that philosophy, she simply couldn't believe that intelligent and conscious creatures couldn't find other solutions beside fighting and killing, yet she didn't want to disappoint the one who trained her and she didn't want to appear like a coward and leave her friends.
"What will happen to me if I lose?"
Gulping, she positioned herself in front of the SandWing and tried to hide her fear, Viper was really big, more than her for sure, but her dark eyes were the scariest part, filled with a lot of hate and aggressiveness, something that Sunny never saw before, not even in Kestrel's worst days.

<< Sunny... >>

She noticed Clay trying to go and comfort her, he was probably the best "brother" a dragon could have wished for and she was grateful for his and the others' support.
"I won't disappoint them..."

<< I hope you're ready, half-blood, I won't hold back just 'cause you're a runt. >>

Growled Viper, her tail swinging dangerously, like she was impatient to use that mortal barb and poison her.
"Does she really want to kill me?"
Sunny dismissed that thought.
"The others wouldn't allow her."

<< When you're ready, I am. >>

Before Chameleon could give the start, Viper launched herself at Sunny, her claws stretched out in search of fresh blood and her fangs were shining in a dark grin.
The hybrid felt herself freeze on the spot, it was scary, that grin filled with a sick pleasure, it was like looking in the face of a wild beast and Sunny never felt scared like that.

<< Sunny! Snap out of it! >>

Her friends' voices took her back to reality just in time to feel Viper's claws pierce trough her flesh and draw blood out of her shoulders.
She was fast enough to block her head before the SandWing could take a bite off her snout, then lowered her own before hitting Viper with an headbutt right on the chin, the sound of maws getting shut togheter with such a force echoed trough the cave's walls and her opponent got back with a whine of pain to control that none of her teeth got damaged.
For her luck, Sunny didn't hit her with the horn on the snout.
Sunny charged at Viper, coming to a stop just a few steps before crushing into her tail and opening fire, her plan was to trick her so she could burn her (her fire wasn't that strong and she barely used it, but it was still something), but the other dragonet wasn't so slow and quickly jumped in air, using her wings to go in the perfect position and then letting herself fall right on Sunny. The young hybrid felt air getting pushed out of her lunghs in the most painful way, clawing at the floor, she tried to struggle away from under her opponent, but Viper quickly anchored herself at the dusty flooring with her own claws and then tried to press herself more on the hybrid to apply more pressure on Sunny's chest.
To those who were simply watching, that scene could have been almost funny, for a creature like a dragon, the thought of crushing something or someone was nothing more than a reminding to be careful to not kill animals that could have been the pets of someone, or maybe the simple gesture of killing an annoying bug, no dragon, not even one of the smallest species, would have ever thought of the possibility to be squashed to death by another one, even when Clay once ended up rolling over her while playing, if someone would have told her she would have been killed like that, Sunny would have probably laughed.
In that moment, she wasn't laughing for sure, she wasn't a dragon, she was a bug and was feeling what was like to be crushed, to feel her chest being unable to expand and contract correctly, to not be able to breath and to feel the pressure on her bones increasing at the point of hurting for real.
"Am I about to die?"
If she couldn't breath anymore, she wasn't going to live long and Viper was scary enought to make her doubt about her will to only make her unconscious.
She spied the others with her eyes, her friends were horrified and even on Kestrel and Dune's snouts there was clear disgusts for that scene, but not because of her, they looked like they were disgusted by Viper. She did notice sometimes that they were almost soft with her, at least they weren't as mean as they were with the others, she never understood why and she didn't want to die without getting an answer, not only to that question, but the every single one she had in mind about the world outside that cave and her family, she wasn't going to die and not even to lose.

<< Should we... >>

Started Chameleon, but his colleagues stopped him and pointed at Sunny with a claw.
The green-eyed dragonet took a little breath (not that she could do that much about it) and prepared herself for a move that wasn't exactly pleasant, not even for her, but she didn't have many choice to escape that situation: Viper was facing in the opposite direction when she fell on her, so when Sunny looked up, she could see her hind paws and she didn't need an expert to know that hitting the spot between them was really painful, both for male and female dragons; she wasn't in the position to use her fire, since she could hardly breath and black spots already started to dance in her vision, so she gathered the remained strenght for another headbutt and hit between Viper's legs with her horn, right where it would hurt the most.
The scream that erupted from Viper's mouth was so loud it could have been probably heard by miles, even with the cave closed, many of the spectators put the tails in front of the same spots in a protective way and with expressions that were clearly saying: "Damn! I felt that!".
The SandWing rolled off Sunny and held her groin as the hybrid tried to stand and took deep breaths, coughing and shacking on her paws.

<< You... motherfu-ah! >>

Growled and then whined Viper.
Sunny took the opportunity and slammed into her side, it wasn't difficult since she was still having difficulty with standing and her body gladly accepted to just let it's full weight on something else, it wasn't that much since the size difference was pretty huge, but still worked to not make Viper stand.
But the SandWing still had the strenght and the will to fight.
Sunny avoided the poisonous tail by rolling aroud like a rock, but being still a bit dizzy and with the rolling adding only the sensation of nausea, she had barely forced herself to stand up before Viper could and waited for the tail to come back, then she bit it right at the base of the barb, to stop it and avoid being stung. Viper retracted the tail and Sunny didn't resist, she followed the movement with a jump and used her wings so she could hit her side again, when the opponent prepared for the impact and used them as shields, Sunny "fell" on the floor like she was sitting and slipped her feet under Viper's ones, making her lose the balance and taking the advantage on her surprise to grab her neck and then completely lie down, pulling the other one with her. Viper found herself trying to not fall, her tail blocked and her neck pulled in a way that didn't allow her to stand up without damaging it, it was so humiliating and she was on the verge to let herself fall on Sunny's chest to try to suffocate her again until she would have passed out, but the risk of the other one scrathing at her belly and damaging her was pretty big and the hybrid already showed to have no problem in "playing dirty".
Yet she didn't want to lose, it was a risk she was ready to take.

<< Alright! You can stop! >>

Said Chameleon going near them.
Sunny immediatly released the other dragonet, she felt a bit bad but was happy to be the winner of the challenge, Viper on the other hand, she was fuming and almost tried to attack the hybrid again.

<< He said stop! >>

Roared Morrowseer running to Chameleon side and shoving Viper in the dirt.

<< Calm down boy... >>

Commented the RainWing, patting the NightWings head like he was complimenting a dog.

<< ... nobody likes to lose. >>
<< Especially against someone smaller than you and with less... will to fight. >>
<< Thanks Marianne and I'm sorry, Viper, but you should remember to never underestimate your enemies. >>

"And even if won, you got so much on my nerves with that I'd have helped her for every time you didn't obey."
The green dragon looked at the remaining dragonets, then to Morrowseer.

<< You said you already tested Clay and Tsunami, right? >>
<< Yes, they are good and it would be a waste of time to try Squid... >>

Answered Morrowseer looking at the male SeaWing with an annoyed expression.

<< ... he's a real disappointment. >>
<< Yeah, no jokes on that. >>

Commented Ochre, the darker MudWing and Flame and Viper joined him (even if she was still cursing under her breath), only Fatespeaker didn't join the laughs.

<< We still have the MudWings and the NightWings. >>
<< Starflight doesn't like to fight... >>

Said Webs and Flame added a disgusted: << Even Fatespeaker sucks at being a dragon >>, something that annoyed almost every adult in the cave.

<< Well, this is a bit... annoying. >>

Chapter Text

<< Please! I beg of you! Let me try! >>

While Chameleon and "Marianne" thought about the test for the last dragonets, Squid started to beg them to get a trial, ignoring how Morrowseer kept dismissing his whining and calling him a "weakling".

<< My dear, sweet, little algae... >>

Said the golden SkyWing as she got closer to Squid.

<< ... first, you need to learn to act properly and request a duel like a real dragon of a prophecy would. >>
<< How? >>

"Marianne" made Squid rise his head, helping him in a more elegant position.

<< Chest out, head up, rise your chin a bit more... like this is perfect. Your front paws must be in this position... >>
<< Wider, right? >>
<< Good, very good. Now spread your wings slighty and the tail here... perfect! >>

The dragoness smiled encouragingly.

<< Now rise your voice, don't stutter and talk clearly. Now! >>
<< Boss! ... should I call him like this? >>
<< Sir is good. >>
<< Chameleon sir! I ask you and Marianne to let me challenge Tsunami to a duel for my rightful place in the group as a Dragonet of Destiny! >>

The two dragones smiled gently.

<< Very good. >>
<< R-really?! >>
<< Yes! But still, Morrowseer already approved of Tsunami's training, even if he trained you himself. We're sorry Squid. >>
<< What?! >>

Tsunami herself felt bad for him and tried to convince the adults to let them fight.

<< Look at this! >>

Exclaimed the green SeaWing, then he charged at the female with all his strenght and slammed right into her side.
Tsunami fell back, but only because she was taken by surprise, she was quick to get on her feet and hit Squid right on the snout with her powerful tail, sending him right on the ground and then punching him, she was almost using him as a mop to clean the cave's floor and the only comment the adults had on that pathetic scene was a: << Thanks for cleaning >> from "Marianne".

<< For Clearsight's sake, stop making a fool out of yourself and accept your useless nature! >>

Growled Dune while grabbing the emerald dragonet by the tail and literally throwing him aside like he was nothing more than trash that had to be taken out.
In the meantime, Chameleon took "Marianne" in private for a little chat.
He wasn't oblivious to her desires, she wanted a NightWing to fight in her arena and had been asking for one even before he became closer to her.

<< The male one would be of no use to you, Starflight never had a prophecy and, as you can see yourself, he doesn't have the silver tear, he can't read mi- >>
<< Yes, you already told me. >>

Answered her pretty rudly, then a grin formed on her muzzle.

<< But Fatespeaker has it and the other said she did in fact guessed the future of a few events. I want her in my arena, it will be such an interesting fight and she'll make a perfect pet to train to entertain my kingdom. >>
<< Please, don't use "pet to train" in the same sentence with a dragonet, I beg of you, you give me the chills. >>
<< Why thank you dear, now find a way to get me the dragonets we don't need to keep alive. >>

The RainWing rolled his eyes and got back to the others, pulling Morrowseer closer to whisper: << Follow Scarlet's plan and every single order of hers >> without the others hearing, then he pointed at Clay and Ochre to come at him.
The two MudWings sat in front of Chameleon, Clay was visibly nervous and Ochre was almost apathetic (actually, he was just pretty hungry, even more than Clay and just wanted to eat), Chameleon remembered Morrowseer telling him that Ochre was good at the start of the discussion about the ten dragonets, so he turned to Clay's caretakers and asked them about him.

<< He's good... >>

Answered Kestrel.

<< ... an idiot and not the strongest among them, that would be Tsunami, but he's still pretty good. >>
<< Pretty good it's not enough... >>

Commented Chameleon and stared at the two dragonets asking: << What's special about you two? >>.

<< Don't know. >>

Answered Ochre shrugging his shoulders.

<< I... don't know... >>

Said Clay.

<< He was born from a blood-red egg. >>

Said Webs and that made a little interested smile grow on the dragon's snout.

<< Well, that is pretty useful, MudWings that are born from blood-red eggs have fireproof scales after all. >>
<< What? But Kestrel still burned me when she was angry. >>

Clay was confused at that, were his scales not working?

<< Yes, but you healed faster than any of us. >>

Said Glory and Clay, after thinking about it for a while, nodded energically.

<< Well, that sure is useful in a fight, but you need to train more. >>
<< I will! >>

Exclaimed Clay and jumped on his paws, wagging his tail like an excited dog.

<< And what should I do? I don't know if I hatched from a blood-red egg. >>

Asked Ochre.

<< But the prophecy talked about a MudWing's egg with that color, if you have been chosen, you have to... >>

Dune's speech was interrupted when Morrowseer came in the cave, looking like a crazy dragon with rabies and trying to take a bite off the throat of "Marianne".

<< What the fuck are you doing?! >>

Exclaimed Chameleon and Webs and Dune were istantly on the NightWing, trying to take him off the golden SkyWing, soon followed by Kestrel and the green RainWing.
The dragonets looked surprised and almost scared by the big black dragon attacking the others and fighting like he wanted to kill them all, Morrowseer was never kind or playful around them, but seeing him acting like that was new and terrifying.
Luckily, he was blocked by the other dragons.

<< Well, well, well, what's your problem? >>

Asked Chameleon with fake calm in his voice.

<< He saw me call them. >>

Answered "Marianne", Chameleon held back his question and tried to play along with her.

<< You mean he knows? >>
<< "He knows" what? >>

Asked Kestrel immediately suspicious.

<< Oh, don't you know? He and Battlewinner are trying to take advantage of the prophecy, we came here to spy on you and save these poor dragonets from the Talons of Peace before you could hurt them. >>

Growled "Marianne" and Morrowseer started screaming at the three caretakers to flee and call the others.
The three didn't move, they didn't know why Morrowseer was acting like that or why they were being accused.
"Is Morrowseer really a menace? But then why is he screaming at us like they we're with him? Unless..."

<< We have nothing to do with this plan! Please! Believe us! We just want to stop this war! >>

Screamed Webs, he noticed instantly how the dragonets were looking at him and his friends, with pure anger and hatred in their eyes, except a few of them.

<< Luckily for those poor little ones, I've already called for backup. >>

Suddenly a bunch of SkyWing soldier stormed inside the cave, tackling the three member of the Talons of Peace and helping Chameleon and "Marianne" to tie up Morrowseer with chains.

<< How the hell did you get them here so fast?! >>

Asked the green RainWing to his colleague.
The golden SkyWing was pretty annoyed to his question and just answered: << Seriously? I'm the queen, I know when one of my patrols is on duty and where to find it >> while taking off the enchanted jewel Chameleon gave her, revealing who really was under the "mask" of Marianne.

<< You! >>

Growled Kestrel seeing the queen of the SkyWings in person.

<< Oh, Kestrel, I'm happy you remember me after all this time, it's been so lo- >>
<< Who's she? >>

Asked Clay.
Queen Scarlet almost snapped at the young MudWing for such an insult.
"How dare him not know who's the queen living on the same mountain where they're hiding?! How dare him to not know who is the strongest queen of all Pyrrhia?!"
Remaining calm, she was about to answer, but Starflight was faster.

<< Queen Scarlet, the queen of SkyWings. >>

There was fear in his voice and the queen knew that wasn't good for the plan, she quickly smiled in a sweet way.

<< No need to be afraid, little one, these disgusting dragonet-nappers filled your head with lies, nothing but lies on me and my loyal ally and only 'cause they knew we were on their tail and wanted to save you. >>
<< You're a liar Scarlet! A liar and an heartless monster! >>

Roared Kestrel and the queen just grinned with a certain satisfaction at her words.

<< Really? Am I the one that kidnapped dragonets and beat them up to force them to stop a war against their will? >>

Asked rhetorically Scarlet, then she got a bit too close for the other SkyWing's comfort, her voice filled with hidden pleasure in making fun of her.

<< Am I the one that killed her own son? >>

Silence filled the cave, Dune and Webs lowered their heads, knowing what really happened and that the dragonets wouldn't listen to their words, not after what was happening.

<< Where you planning to kill Glory in the same way? Or
maybe, like the daughter you left behind? >>

Kestrel tried to attack the queen, Scarlet didn't even flinch while her soldiers took down the other dragoness and chained her.
Chameleon smiled and went to put his tail around the queen's one, but was soon met with a deadly glare and went back to the dragonets, acting friendly and gesturing the guards to not touch them.

<< Don't worry, you're safe now, we'll take you to the castle and then we'll take care of all off you. >>

He could see they were unsure about the situation, Sunny looked especially hurt by the thought of their caretakers being even worst then they expected, but none of them tried to stop the soldiers.

<< What will happen to them? >>

Asked Clay.

<< They'll end up in the dungeon of the castle, you'll be taken to an healer... >>

The male RainWing petted the MudWing's snout gently.

<< ... I'm sorry we had to make your friends fight, we needed to be convincing, but we'll figure out the remaining dragonets in a better way, okay? >>
<< Okay. >>

Hearing all of the dragonets agreeing, Chameleon exchanged a victorious small grin with Scarlet.
Their plan was still safe.
"What a pity I won't enjoy some more fights for a bit..."
Thought Scarlet, she was enjoying making the dragonets fight like they were in her arena.
"... sometimes you have to lose at your own game to win the bigger one."

Chapter Text

<< Well well, look at the "oh-so-good" Talons of Peace... >>
<< Go away. >>

Kestrel, Dune, Webs and Morrowseer were in the dungeon of the SkyWing's palace, each one off them in a cell and with eavy chain on it's paws and metal rings on the wings, keeping them from opening completely and making them unable to fly.
The queen herself came to see them, Chameleon following closer under the "mask" of Soar, both of them grinning with satisfaction.

<< Ow, aren't you happy to see me? Your old queen? >>
<< Where are the dragonets?! >>

Asked Webs, grabbing the cell's bars with his claws and holding with enough strenght to make his knuckles pale.
One of the guards stricked him in the snout with the shaft of his spear and growled at him to not scream at their queen, but the SeaWing quickly got up again and growled back with a braveness that he never demonstrated before.

<< Oh my, so you have some guts! >>

Laughed Chameleon.

<< Were you so brave even when you didn't help these poor dragonets? They're fine by the way, they'll be well cared for. >>
<< If you try to hurt them... >>
<< You what? Soon enough you won't even be able to talk or see straight... >>

Webs didn't like the other dragon's words, filled with cruel amusement as he walked near the cell in front of his one, where the sillouette of a dragon lying down was barely visibile.

<< ... you know the effect of dehydration on a SeaWing, right? >>

Webs felt the colour drain from his face as he started praying for Clearsight to have mercy and help him.
That was such a cruel torture that in his former realm was considered immoral to use, even against criminals. A dehydrated SeaWing would soon loose their mind, becoming unable to see or think straight, at the point of attacking other dragon and hurting their own body to draw blood, just to feel something wet on the skin. After all the pain came death and the dragon in that cell didn't look like he was far from it, his pale and dry skin looked like an enormous dead leaf fell from it's tree in autumn, it didn't even looked like a SeaWing anymore.

<< Looks familiar to you? >>
<< N-no... why? >>

Scarlet grabbed a wing of the prisoner and extended it with enough strenght to make him came in sight and slam against the bars with a noisy moan of pain, yet the dragon still tried to bite and scratch her. Webs still didn't recognize that poor dragon, but his eyes istantly noticed the motive on his wings, a trait that only royal SeaWings had was the spiral and starburst's markings glowing on their wings' membranes and there was only one missing royal SeaWing that he heard of before that day.

<< King Gill?! >>
<< Correct~ being allied with our enemies, we couldn't just let him go after capturing him, right? >>

The king glared at him, he didn't recognize the SeaWing calling his name and just growled and licked his lips rapidly in a futile attemp to wet them, his tongue was like a slice of meat left under the sun. Webs was disgusted and terrified at that point, he knew that dragons so cruel existed, but he never thought he would be the one ending in their claws, putting the poor king out of his misery would have been an act of pity since nobody knew if that process could have been reversed and his mind restored.

<< You won't... you won't do that to Webs... right? >>

Whispered Kestrel, she and Dune may have been unfriedly sometimes and pretty harsh on Webs when he made errors, but he was their friends and the thought of seeing him in that state afflicted them like the one about the end that was probably awaiting the dragonets.
They already lost Asha and Hvitur, they didn't want to lose him too.

<< Oh, that depends, we still have to decide. Enjoy your stay~ >>

The two dragon were soon out of the dungeon, leaving the prisoners to stare at what remained of a once-fierce king and other prisoners.

<< We're going to get out of here... yes, we can do that! >>

Dune was trying so hard to convince himself of that, it was harder than convincing his friends and Kestrel wasn't even focused on his words.

<< Morrowseer, is it true? What they said? >>

The NightWing just glared at her, like he was trying to be intimidating even in that situation, he didn't even want to deny the truth.

<< I was not taking advantage of the prophecy... >>
<< Oh, that's go- >>
<< ... that stupid prophecy is not real. >>

The three new prisoners answered with silence.

<< Battlewinner and I made it up, us NightWings are taking advantage of this war and this is the perfect distraction to keep going with one plan of ours and help our allies win. >>

Morrowseer was grinning, like the situation didn't bother him and was nothing more than a little nuisance, he was sure that his queen would haave never left him there to rot.

<< If they put us in that arena, you're going down! >>

Threatened Kestrel, he just laughed at her.

~~~~¹

<< Isn't it good, Chameleon, when everything's going as it should? >>
<< Absolutely. >>

The RainWing was lying down on a bed, jewels of all kinds where on his body like he was bathing in them.
Scarlet just looked at him with a certain amusement in her smile, they understood each other on that, the love for richness was strong in their souls.

<< What are you going to do with the other five dragonets? >>

Asked Chameleon rolling on his belly.

<< Well, Fatespeeker is going in the arena and Squid will follow her, I have no use for them... >>

Started the queen.

<< ... of course Flame will stay here, if they trained him for good. >>
<< Oh, I think he'll be happy to train even more, he said he wished to become an assassin. >>
<< Then I'll be happy to let him train for that job. >>

Smiled Scarlet, a good fighter was always useful, especially if it was a SkyWing.
She then called for Peril, the young dragoness coming in the room a few moments later, like she was already outside, listening to their conversation.

<< Were you spying on us? >>

Scarlet's tone wasn't angry, but Peril knew that she was doing something wrong.

<< I'm sorry, I heard of the dragonets you saved and wanted to ask you about it, but I didn't know how to interrupt you. >>

She wasn't bothered by the thoughts of some of them going into the arena.
"Only criminals locked in the dungeon and enemies fight in there, if she send them in the arena, they must deserve it..."

<< Next time, knock on the door. >>
<< I will. >>
<< Good, now, I need you to call me our messenger, I have two dragonets to take to the Mud Kingdom and the Sand Kingdom and I wish for him to go and ask when and where I can find princess Burn and queen Moorhen. >>
<< I'll do that immediatly. >>

Chameleon watched the dragoness going away, turning back at Scarlet with a puzzled expression on his snout.

<< You don't want them to fight? >>
<< I'd like to, but allies are important in a war and trained fighters too. Queen Moorhen and Princess Burn would probly like to have them back. >>

Chameleon nodded.

<< And the first five? >>
<< Oh, I have plans for them. >>

Chapter Text

<< Fascinating, isn't it? >>

Queen Moorhen stared at what remained of a young dragonet in front of her and felt and shiver running down her spine.
He was on his hind paws, with the wings spreaded and the front ones that "clawed" at the air like he was trying to catch a butterfly; his fangs exposed in an innocent smile and, if it wasn't for his cold, dead eyes, she could have thought he was still alive. Nothing looked "strange" about that little SandWing, except for some white patches spreading trough his body, making him look like a strange dragon-leopard hybrid, on the pedestal there was a plate, on the plate was a single sentence: "Tempest: male, 3 weeks since the egg atched, vitiligo".

<< So that's why he's here... >>

Whispered the MudWing and felt cold fangs biting at her stomach.
MudWings didn't have a big parental instinct, they laid their eggs and then left the dragonets to look after each other, yet the sight of that embalmed dragonet reduced to a statue for Burn's museum nauseated her.

<< Yes, I've never seen a SandWing with vitiligo before, this specimen is perfect for my museum. >>

Said proudly the princess at her side, her gaze running over many other specimens she collected: there were two twins dragonets, born with part of their body attached like they were one, an albino dragoness, a melanic one, some poor hybrid that had the misfortune to meet the SandWing princess, one dragonet born with wings that were too small and many others.

<< Oh, will you end up in here too when you die? >>

Asked sarcastically queen Moorhen, she wasn't that surprised when the other just grinned with a certain sick pleasure and answered: << But of course! I'll make an exposition of the biggest rulers of this kingdom and I'll be the first! >>.
Sometimes Moorhen regretted to be allied with two cruel dragonesses like princess Burn and queen Scarlet, but they were really powerful and her kingdom was right in the way of the SandWings' one, she needed to make sure her subjects were safe and if the solution was to take part in the war with them, then she was not goingn to complain.

<< What a pity I wasn't able to put here my mother's body, she was a fantastic queen and everybody should be able to admire her once again. >>
<< Burn, I'm sure she's... really proud. >>

Of course she couldn't know what a dead dragon was thinking in the place where the spirits went after death, but she could perfectly guess that noone that was a good dragon could be proud of something like that and queen Oasis had been far from a good dragoness.
There was a reason after all if she was feared and Burn was her favourite daughter, they were equal.
That moment of silence was suddenly interrupted by a SandWing soldier that called princess Burn and, bowing to both of the dragonesses, announced the visit of queen Scarlet.

<< Let her in. >>

Ordered Burn.
Moorhen just sighed, Scarlet had send them a message about the capture of the Talons of Peace and the dragonets she "saved" two dsys before, the SandWing princess requested a meeting in her personal museum and she had to agree, not exactly happy at the thought of being alone with the two dragoness.

<< Burn! My dear friend! Hi to you too, Moorhen. >>
<< Good afternoon to you, Scarlet~ >>

Their voices were filled with honey and sweetness, but the fake joy residing in them was almost as clear as the day, she knew that behind their smiles hid an equal desire for power and greatness, the moment they'd meet something precious that only one could have got, the two "friends" would have been at each other's throat.

<< So, how are the prisoners? >>
<< Still whining and swearing revenge, the usual. But I'm not here for them, but to give you two some presents. >>
<< A present? You shouldn't have. >>

Smiled the MudWing queen.
From a jewel-lover dragoness, she expected something precious, but not too much (Scarlet would never gave some of her jewels after all).

<< First, the great news: thank to a dear animus friend... >>
<< You have an Animus? >>
<< ... don't interrupt me, Moorhen. >>

The brown dragoness lowered her gaze.

<< I was saying, thanks to my animus I could save the dragonets, you remember right? >>
<< Uh-uh... >>
<< Well, five of them are the Dragonets of Destiny! >>
<< For real? Come on, you're joking... >>
<< Do I look like a childish dragonet to you? >>

Scarlet's eyes glowed in annoyance, there was no sign of lie in them and the two of them knew her too well, she'd never joke around on that topic, never.

<< So, who did you capture? >>
<< A former soldier of mine, a SeaWing, a SandWing that you probably know... Dune's the name I think. >>
<< Oh, you can bet I know that traitor. >>

Growled dangerously princess Burn.
Scarlet waited for a bit before continuing with her speech, fearing the SandWing was too focused on hating the prisoner to listen.

<< With them, I captured Morrowseer and we enchanted him. >>
<< Wait, that Morrowseer? >>
<< How many Morrowseer do you know, Moorhen? >>
<< Well, first of all, it is perfectly possible for two or more dragons to to be homonyms. Second, I'm just surprised that a dragon like him got defeated, how powerful is your animus? >>
<< Pretty much, my dear. >>

Said Scarlet with a proud smile on her snout.

<< I thought SkyWings hated who's different and got rid of every strange dragonet, even a useful animus... >>
<< Obviously my subjects don't know that he's an animus, use your brain. >>

The MudWing held back a growl, it was annoying enough to hear every other dragon calling MudWings "brainless" and "dim", but she didn't have the patience to argue with her ally.

<< And the present is? Tell me I can enjoy their torture too, please Scarlie! >>

Exclaimed Burn with the tone off a dragonet asking her mother for candies, it was nauseating for the only dragoness not showing joy in those news.
Scarlet's grin at the mention of "torture" made it even worst.

<< Of course, that's one present and now I'll give you the others. >>

She turned to the door and called: << Viper! Ochre! Come here! >>, then two dragonets, came in, a SandWing and a MudWing.

<< These were two of the other dragonets Morrowseer got as eggs in case the first five were failures, we ran a few tests to see if they were the right ones and let's say things didn't work out for them, so I thoughts you could use some well trained dragons in your armies. >>

Explained Scarlet.
Moorhen instantly got near Ochre, acting like she was searching for any sign of abuse or wound, it helped her subjects to stay loyal to her when she acted like a BigWings for the others too, even if they weren't her sibs; Princess Burn just looked at Viper with the minimum interest, watching her muscles and controlling that she was perfectly functional.

<< So, was the training you recived any good? >>
<< Yes princess. >>
<< And you wish to join my army? >>
<< I wish to find my family and destroy those disgusting NightWings, I'll fight for you if that means I can do what I wish. >>
<< Mh... I like this one. >>

Scarlet smiled with pride, she knew how to satisfy her allies.

<< The others? >>

Asked Ochre, but his voice was empty of any real interest.

<< Oh, they're going to be under the best care, you don't have to worry. >>
<< I'm not worried, Fatespeeker is annoying and Squid is a weakling, I was just curious. >>

Explained the young MudWing shrudding his shoulder and making Queen Moorehn swear in her mind.
"Maybe his brain is not that fucked up yet and I can still save him before returning him to his siblings."
Thought the queen, trying to excuse herself and Ochre from Scarlet and Burn's conversation.

<< The first battle in the arena will be in two days. >>
<< I won't be late. >>

~~~~

<< You know, I had a vision about thi- >>
<< Shut up, Fatespeeker. Shut. the fuck. UP! >>

Growled Squid.
He and Fatespeeker had been taken by some soldiers that said they were to show them their rooms and instead trapped them the dungeon right after.
The NightWing even tried to warn him about it, he just didn't listen.

<< Come on, we're just dragonets, I don't think they're going to... holy Clearight! >>

Seeing the dehydrated SeaWing in a cell near, Squid started to insult every single ancestor and deity he knew about.

Chapter Text

<< The food is delicious! >>
<< Clay, it's the third time you say this. >>

The Dragonets of Destiny were in the room prepared for them, it was big and well decorated and they could even ask the guards to take them some snacks.
Despite their rescue having been two days prior, some of them were still shocked about the discovery and the real evil that lived with them for a ling time.

<< Come on, we should've seen that coming, no kidnapper could be a good dragon. >>

Commented Tsunami while resting on a big pillow, only Glory was as pleased with the fate of their former caretekers.
Clay and Starflight weren't sad about Kestrel, Dune, Webs and Morrowseer getting punished for their crimes, yet they couldn't cheer for it like the first two and Sunny was like in a state of denial, she kept trying to force herlsef to stop believing that there was a different explanation and that Dune was that evil, he had been like a father and stood up for her often, was it really a simple facade?

<< Sunny? Are you alright? >>

Asked Clay covering her with one of his wings.

<< No, I still can't believe what happened. >>
<< Hey, things will be better, maybe we can find our real families. >>

Tried to cheer her up Tsunami.
Her speech was interrupted as a female SkyWing with blue eyes entered the room, smoke rising from her body like she was burning internally and the heat she was emitting was stronger than the other SkyWings'.

<< Hi there, I'm Peril and I... well, wanted to... >>
<< Pleased to meet you! >>

Clay and Sunny's enthusiasm took her by surprise, being the champion of the queen and her strongest "weapon" didn't help her fame, the dragons were afraid of her, never pleased to acquaint her.

<< Were you the dragoness near queen Scarlet when she gave a speech to her subjects? >>

Asked Starflight, he remembered her sitting near the queen as she told the other SkyWings about the five dragonets and their recent victory on Morrowseer and the Talons of Peace, even if there were more of them in all Pyrrhia, it was always something to catch four of them.

<< Yes, I'm her champion and her... adoptive daughter I presume. >>
<< You "presume"? >>
<< Well, she took care of me since I hatched and looked after my training, but I don't think we could call ours a "mother-daughter" relationship. >>

Explained Peril, sitting far from them.

<< You can come closer, we don't bite... well, maybe Tsunami does. >>

Laughed Clay as the SeaWing gave him a little slap on the tail, Peril just shook her head.

<< I can't, I'd only hurt you. >>
<< Mh? Why? >>
<< I was born with too much fire inside, they call this Firescales and if I touch anything or anyone... >>

She took a piece of fish they were eating, it istantly burned in her paw, starting from getting well cooked to get surronded by flames, like it was thrown into lava.

<< ... I could easily kill someone with bare touch. >>

Clay looked down for a bit, then got closer to her and, despite her protest, touched her shoulder with a wing, feeling nothing but a warm sensation on it.

<< You can come closer to me, I'm fireproof. >>

Peril's jaw dropped like it was about to fall off her mouth, the thought of being able to touch and stay near someone without killing them hit her like a rock and for a brief moment she stayed silent and still, like she didn't know how to move or talk anymore.

<< Plus... >>

Added Sunny.

<< ... you can still play with us, there are games that don't involve touching the others after all and we could play with... ehm... >>
<< Go outside and find a good spot for "Hide and Seek"? >>

Proposed Glory as the other nodded energically.
Peril smiled and offered to guide them in the courtyard, the thought of having friends that didn't think of her as a monster was pure bliss for her and she hoped queen Scarlet would have approved of them being friends.
After all they were still dragonets, regardlessl of their situation and, even if she was a bit older, the needs to play and ease the atmosphere was in her too.

~~~~

<< Looks like we found a good bodyguard for our guests. >>

Commented Chameleon observing the scene, Scarlet looked pleased at the idea.

<< Yes, Peril is perfect for the job and letting her having friends will make her even more loyal to me. >>
<< Good for you, a rebellious pet isn't a good thing after all. >>
<< Oh my, isn't your own daughter the one you're calling a "pet"? >>

Asked Scarlet with a fake shocked expression, she couldn't care less about Chameleon's feelings toward Peril and, seeing the RainWing expression of pure: "Do I look like someone who cares?", he couldn't do that either.

<< Speaking about her, do you plan on telling Peril about Kestrel? >>

The queen thought about it for a while.
Her first instinct was to hide Kestrel's presence to Peril, but she knew her champion would find out in any case and finding out something like that could have been a problem for her plans.

<< I can't do otherwise. >>

Answered Scarlet, the thought of putting Kestrel into the arena and let everyone watch her getting killed was thrilling enough just like that, but the thought of letting her own daughter kill her?
"Now that's what I call 'pure fun', but first, I think I'll play with her for a bit."

<< I'm going to visit your former mate, want to come? >>
<< Nah, I'll stay here and sleep on a pile of golden coins, have fun for me too. >>
<< Alright. >>

The queen ignored her animus lack of interest for certain "games", what fun was in rolling on beautiful golden coins, when they could have been torturing prisoners and going to roll in jewelry right after?

<< Oh well, nobody can be as perfect as me. >>

Scarlet whispered to herself with a giggle as she went in the dungeon and stopped in front of Kestrel's cell.

<< Hi there Kestrel, how is it going? >>

The other dragoness ignored her, not even showing a bit of hostility.

<< Not talking today, uh? What a pity, I just wanted to talk with you about a certain dragonet, you know? Female, blue eyes, Firescales... >>

Kestrel's eyes suddently opened with surprise.

<< ... I think you know about my Peril, your daughter, the only surviving dragonet you have and my dear champion. A really good fighter I should say, the perfect monster to kill my prisoners. >>

The darker dragoness lunged at the bars, trying to get to the queen outside the cell and uselessly firing at her, too weak to hit her target or keep her fire up for long.
Some of the other prisoners where cheering for her, the other were silently watching them or simply ignoring the scene.

<< Aren't you an angry hypocrite, Kestrel? You're just like me after all. >>
<< I am nothing like you, disgusting monster! >>
<< Oh, really? Was it me the one that used the "I've suffered so much!" as an excuse to take off my frustration on innocent dragonets? >>
<< I never used it as an excuse! >>
<< Not vocally, but inside you know that was what you were thinking. That pain made you so angry and that it's like a pass for being like me~ >>
<< I'm not listening to your bullshit. >>

Kestrel turned her back on Scarlet, sitting in a corner of her cell as the other grinned and went on with her cruel taunting.

<< Was it me the one to swore on my son's grave to never hurt a dragonet anymore? >>
<< How do you even know that?! >>
<< My guards can be so blind sometimes, I tried to follow you myself, to end you with my own claws. I found you just in time to listen about your empty promises to not hurt aga- >>
<< You're killing for fun! You turned my daughter into a monster! You ordered me to kill my dragonets! >>
<< And I'm a powerful queen, I'm the one outside the cage and I'm gonna decide your fate. Some of us are monsters and some of us are clever monsters, these ones get to ruin the others. >>

Laughed Scarlet as she paced around in front of the cell.

<< If I were in you, I'd start praying, my dear. After I'll use you to get what I want, you're going to die in my arena and your own daughter will bath in your blood. >>
<< And what is that you want? >>

The question came from Webs' cell, the grin of Scarlet followed right after.

<< I'll make sure the Dragonets of Destiny will play by my side in this war. >>
<< I mean what you really want. It's not just about the war, isn't it. >>

Scarlet merely grinned as she left the dungeon.

Chapter Text

"Why he's not coming back?"
Queen Battlewinner rolled uncomfortably in her lava cauldron, hanging her head out like she had to talk with someone, but nobody was there to listen.
It was terribly calm that day, Morrowseer never came back from that trip to visit the dragonets and no matter how distant they were, her loyal advisor was never late, something was telling her that things went wrong and she didn't have any vision about it. For a moment, she was tempted to get out and ask her guards to go and search for him, but she knew she had to wait for someone to go to her, as getting out of the lava was certain death.
"When is Mastermind's lava armor going to be ready? I'm tired of beeing this weak!"

<< Mother, I took something to eat for you. >>

Greatness, her daughter, entered the room with a chest full of fruits that she clearly took in the Rainforest, on their island the food was all gone except for a few preys after all.

<< Have you seen Morrowseer? >>
<< No, mother, he's still not back. >>

The queen's eyes narrowed and a cracking growl erupted from her throat.

<< He's a strong dragon, if he's still out there, there's probably a good reason. But I'm sure he is fine. >>
<< I know he's strong, I don't need you to state obvious. >>

Was the cold reply and Greatness lowered her gaze on the ground.
She wanted to tell something to make her mother feel better, but she knew it was better to stay quiet when she was in that mood, especially if the one's to talk was her "disappointment" of a daughter.
"I don't get what does she see in him..."
She thought, she had no real proof that her mother had a "certain" interest in Morrowseer¹, but the more she thought about the freedom the queen conceded him in actions and how close they were, she was suspicious.

<< Your Highness! Your Highness! >>

Mastermind's voice echoed trough the cave, the NightWing rapidly getting to them with a scroll in his paw, he was breathing heavily and it looked like something really worried him.

<< What's happening Mastermind? Why couldn't our messenger deliver that? >>

Asked Battlewinner suspiciously, something clearly wasn't right and that feeling got worse when Mastermind answered: << It's an emergency, he said only you should read, it's from the Sky Kingdom >> and gave her the scroll.
The queen rapidly read and, even if Greatness couldn't see what was written on the scroll, she could see in her mother's eyes that it wasn't a good thing, especially when Battlewinner roared in pure rage, her voice an high pitch scream that was painful to hear, like someone was scratching ice with it's claws and, for a moment, the young dragonets feared to see mother's throat explode with the strenght needed to create a still-respectful roar.

<< What does it say? >>

Asked Greatness cautiously.

<< Call princess Blister... >>

Growled the queen.

<< ... her sister's allies went too far. >>
<< What do you mean? >>
<< I mean that we're going to destroy the SkyWings! >>

~~~~

<< How couldn't you see in Chameleon and Scarlet's minds what their plan was? >>
<< I... I didn't think about it until it was too late. >>
<< What a failure of a NightWing you are. >>
<< Stop that you two! >>

Morrowseer was about to lose his mind.
His "dear" neighbors of cell, Squid and Fatespeeker, were costantly arguing; that dark place was oppressive and filled with the essence of death and despair and he was still under Chameleon's control like a marionette.
He spent years manipulating the Talons of Peace and the thought of the puppeteer becoming a puppet was as disgusting as the fact that he had been defeated by a useless RainWing and a pompous SkyWing, plus he knew he was more useful alive for them, he wasn't going to die with honour in a fight or to be executed, he would have been used against his own Tribe.

<< It is true? >>

Asked Webs's weak voice, even if it was still getting water and food, he looked like he gave up and was just letting himself become the "ghost" of a dragon.

<< What? >>
<< Is it true that you were using us and the dragonets? >>
<< Does it matter now? >>

Morrowseer wasn't in the mood to talk.

<< It does! We're here because of you! >>
<< Well, the goal of the Talons of Peace was to steal eggs and force dragonets to stop a war for them, you were using them just like me. >>

Growled the NightWing.

<< The only difference is that I was looking after my Tribe. >>

Webs looked disgusted by his apparent lack of care for the situation, but he remained silent.

<< Good, stop annoying me, I need to think. >>
<< About what? Our imminent demise? >>
<< Some of us are of a better use alive. >>
<< Oh and what use could you have? Scarlet has an animus, he could take your place to keep the NightWings under control and you'll be useless. >>
<< Now that's a great idea. >>

Only a few prisoners noticed Chameleon's presence, the RainWing looked amused by the arguing going on.

<< I'm sorry to interrupt your chat, but the queen requires Kestrel for an important meeting, so you better make yourself presentable before the guards come. >>

The SkyWing bared her teeth at him.

<< I won't take orders from a stupid RainWing! >>
<< Well, excuse me missy, but this RainWing... >>

The "mask" of Soar took the place of the green dragon, quickly leaving Kestrel speechless.

<< ... is the father of your dragonets, I'd be more respectful towards my mate if I were in you. But I can kinda understand that you're nervous, I mean, you found out that your daughter is still alive and your mate is a "stupid RainWing" so I'll pass this time. >>

Giggled Chameleon before turning to Morrowseer's cell.

<< Anyway, I came here to see if my puppet is doing fine. >>
<< You take this spell off me and I'll show you... >>

Morrowseer's tone lacked of aggressiveness, he was almost like a dragonets being annoyed at his parent.

<< Oh, when you won't be useful anymore, I will, but for now enjoy your new den and life, soon they'll get worse. >>

Chameleon turned around, whispering to the NightWing with a fakely friendly voice: << But first, time for your Tribe to fall in the trap we prepared~ >>.

Chapter Text

<< And so, my queen, I thought this was the best idea and- >>
<< Yeah, I get it. >>

Queen Coral stared motionlessly at the SeaWing talking in front of her.
Her eyes focused on an invisible spot, her mind on something even further away as the thoughts of her life were running trough her head in a painful river of memories and none of them was a pleasant one. They went from the misterious murderer destroying every single one of her eggs that contained a daughter, to Webs kidnapping one of them and then the disappearance of her beloved husband; the stress caused by the war wasn't helping either.

<< Mom? Are you alright? >>

Asked Anemone.
Queen Coral tried to comfort her daughter with a smile, gently caressing her back, where the harness she kept her on didn't covered her scales, some found strange and unhealthy to keep a daughter near her like an animal on a leash, but she wanted to keep her safe, she wasn't going to lose another daughter.

<< Yes my dear, I'm just tired. >>
<< You should rest then, but can I stay up for a bit more? >>

Coral was about to deny that, but she noticed one of her sons talking with a guard and she thought he could have been useful as a dragonet-sitter.

<< Hey, you... >>

She didn't remember his name, or the names of every other son she had, they were too many to remember and they were useless, not meant to take the throne after her and only good to work as soldiers or something else, she couldn't care less.

<< Yes? >>
<< I'm going to rest, you'll guard the princess. >>
<< Of course mother. >>

The green SeaWing bowed and followed them in their bedroom, waiting for Coral to fall asleep before going with Anemone on the surface of that room filled almost entirely with water.

<< So, how's the training going? >>

Asked Turtle, the prince, as he smiled to his sister and the pale blue and pink SeaWing looked down with annoyance.

<< I hate this, I can't have a life and all the kingdom probably thinks of me as some sorta of weak useless beast. >>
<< I'm sure our subjects respect you, our mother is simply worried about your safety. >>
<< Please Turtle, don't try to make this look like a good life... >>

Whispered the princess, her mother was suffocating her every single day and it was clear as water that things weren't going to get better: Princess Blister held coral in her claws, the SeaWing's queen followed her words like she was one of her guards getting ordered around and the SandWing wanted to use Anemone's powers to kill her sisters, but what would have done that to her?
When Turtle told her that he had enchanted her to give her the same powers he had and that he was the SeaWing's animus¹, she still didn't know Albatross's story and how he lost his own soul, would have killing other dragons done the same to her?

<< Maybe we should say the truth to our mother... >>

Proposed Turtle.

<< Are you crazy?! She had too many delusions already, to know that her "precious princess" is not that special won't be pleasant... plus, they'd turn to you for that disgusting plan and I don't want you to get involved. >>
<< But you'll become a monster too if you go on with this! I can't let you do that! >>
<< Oh, don't worry Turtle, it would still be better than marry Whirlpool. >>

At her words, Turtle looked like he was going to puke.

<< "Marry Whirlpool"? Why would you marry that slimy salamander? He's not even a good teacher. >>
<< Because mom thinks he's an handsome dragon and would make a great king, only 'cause he acts like he's her number one fan and keeps complimenting her manuscripts. He's tricking her and he's not the only one. >>

The two dragonets remained silent for a bit, they cared for their mother, but they couldn't deny how easy to manipulate that dragoness was and how bad it was for her, her family and the whole kingdom.

<< Hey... >>

Turtle held Anemone by her shoulder, smiling in a comforting way.

<< Things will get better, I promise you. >>

The princess smiled after a bit, right before a loud knock on the door scared them and woke their mother up.
Diving underwater, the princess stared at the messenger at the door.

"What is your problem?! I clearly said I was resting, didn't my guards warn you?!"

Asked Coral using Aquatica language to communicate underwater, her scales shining bright as the glim of anger in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but this is really important. I have a message from queen Burn and..."
"And what does she want with me?!"
Anemone found that strange too.

"Why would our enemy send us a message? Maybe she wants us to deliver it to Princess Blister?

"She said that one of her allies captured some members of the Talons of Peace and with them they got the Dragonets of Destiny and..."
"Slower, I can't follow you."
"The SeaWing with them has the royal marking and it's a female!"

The queen didn't answer, her eyes filling up with surprise and hope, yet she tried to stay calm and composed.

"... what?!"
"They proposed a meeting and-"
"I'll be there."

And with that, queen Coral slammed the door shut and went back to her bed, swimming nervously as she lied down on it, ignoring the other two dragons in the room.
Turtle and Anemone exchanged worried look, there were more chances of that being a trap than a real possibility of them meeting their long lost sister, but they knew for sure that their mother was about to throw herself right in that situation without even thinking, something that could have been really dangerous considering how ruthless the other two dragonesses were.

"You think Princess Burn says the truth?"

Asked Anemone to her brother, Turtle just shrudded his shoulders and looked at his paws.

"Even if it's true, I seriously doubt they're going to give us back our sister without something in return."

The queen would soon had to choose among the hope to find her daughter again or her and her own kingdom safety.

Chapter Text

Peril sat in the queen's chamber as she waited patiently to hear what Scarlet said she needed to know.
She had been playing with the Dragonets of Destiny untill the evening came since there was no fight in program for that day, she was happy to have friends, especially someone that she could touch without burning him, but the sudden silence of the queen was starting to cancel that joy and put a bad feeling in it's place.

<< Peril, do you remember what I said to you about your mother? >>

The question left the dragoness confused.

<< I do, you told me that she tried to kill me and you saved me by killing her first. >>
<< Yes, she saw you as a monster since you burned your brother while you were in the egg, but I didn't tell you the true story. >>
<< What? >>

Peril tilted her head and stared at Scarlet with surprise as a spark of betrayal flashed in her eyes, that was a really important story for her, the one about her past and her family, why would Scarlet, the dragoness that took care of her like a daughter, hide something about it?

<< Please, believe me when I say that I've done it for your own good... >>

Started the queen and showed her a golden bracelet around her left wrist.

<< ... Chameleon gave me this to protect me from your Firescales, if you'll need an hug or the urge to hit me, I won't stop you, but I ask you to let me finish first. >>

Peril's lower jaw was open and her eyes were wide at the thought of the queen getting an enchanted bracelet to offer her physical comfort and being ready to let her express her possible frustration.
Scarlet took her silence as the permission to start talking.

<< I recently found out that Kestrel's not dead, she joined the Talons of Peace... >>

Silence followed her words.

<< ... I never knew she was still alive until Chameleon took me to their base and helped me capture them. I honestly wanted to keep you in the dark, I didn't want you to face the disgusting monster that once dared to call herself a mother, I was afraid to hurt you, letting you face her. >>
<< But why... why would you tell me this now? >>
<< Because you're a clever dragoness, Peril, you would have been able to find this out sooner or later. >>

Explained the queen as she exhaled a breath in such an exaggerate and theatrical way that almost give away the annoyance hidden in that sweet tone.
Peril was still stilent and... well, still, a statue that could only breath and see the world around her, then she slowly lowered her blue eyes on the ground, like she was ashamed or really hurt by the queen's words.

<< I... I understand why you did this, I understand that you wanted to protect me but... >>
<< But... ? >>
<< I need to see her, to talk to her, I need to face her. >>

Said the dragoness jumping on all her four paws, like she was going to face another opponent in the arena, the mask of decision and fierceness she held in her eyes was doing a really bad job at hiding the fear that was slowly getting to her heart. The fear and insecurity at the thought of the future, at the thought of facing the mother that put her on that earth and tried to kill her right after, like she knew she wasn't strong enough to face that kind of challenge. It wasn't like fighting in the arena, she wasn't a brave champion that other dragons couldn't even touch with a single talon, dragons that were destined to die under her claws, she was just a sick dragonet about to hear words probably full of hate and from the same dragoness that should have loved her more than her own life.

<< Then you'll face her... >>

Said Scarlet as she got closer to Peril but yet at a respectful distance, like she was worried to violate her personal space.

<< ... and I'll be with you. >>

As she said those words, Peril was clinging to her neck, hugging it so tightly that she almost cut her breath.

<< Thank you, queen Scarlet, you've been like a mother to me, more than Kestrel. >>

The queen wasn't going to admit it, but even if she trusted Chameleon and he assured her that the enchanted bracelet was perfectly functional, she jumped a bit at that contact.
She assisted at many, many fights in the arena, she had seen so many dragons die to the same dragoness that was hugging her; she had seen them burn like they were nothing more than dead leaves thrown in the flames, the same dragoness which scales could burn almost everything and that were being stopped by that simple piece of jewelry, a single hit, a little accident, a moment was everything needed to take it away and then she'd be dead. Even if she knew she was safe, a cold chill ran down her spine at the sudden hug and she needed a few moments before she could copy the gesture, relaxing her body and finally accepting that she wasn't going to burn into a slow and painful death.

<< Don't worry, Peril... >>

Scarlet lowered her head until the chin was touching Peril's shoulder, keeping her closer to her heart like her mother did to her when she was little and had some really terrifying nightmare.

<< ... that monster will never hurt my little champion. >>

She whispered in that sweet tone she rarely used as her bright eyes went to the mirror, staring at her own reflection and admiring how beautiful they were.
Her fangs.
Those dangerous teeth shining in the grinning reflection as the victorious light in her grin and her eyes grew again and again with every second that Peril wasn't letting her go, every second that she was falling for that honey-filled motherly voice and that deceptive hug.
Her little champion wasn't going to forgive her mother.
That little monster she saved to control wasn't going to turn on her.
She held her in her claws.

Chapter Text

<< Are you sure of what you're doing, Your Majesty? >>
<< Yes, this could be a trap. >>

Queen Coral ignored her soldiers' voices, staring at the blue sky in search of the pale silhouette of princess Burn.
Her messenger informed her right after she shouted to all the kingdom that she was going to get her daughter back, the SandWing princess was going to meet the SeaWing queen on the beach, he wasn't able to deliver the message all in one since he almost lost his snout thanks to the queen slamming the door on him, luckily for him, Anemone and Turtle heard his words (and his moan of pain) and reported the to their mother.

<< This is a complete waste of ti- >>

Moray's words were cut short by Coral's glare.

<< I suggest you to hold your tongue, if you want to keep it... >>
<< Forgive me, Your Majesty. >>

Coral turned to the sky again.
Finally the dragoness she wanted to see came in sight and landed before her.
The size of the SandWing and the victorious grin she was wearing made a few soldier back down a few step, queen Coral stood her ground and stared at the princess like she was no more than one of her subjects, ready to scratch that grin out of her snout with her own claws if she needed too.

<< Hope I'm not late. >>

Said Burn with fake concern.

<< No, but we're not here to chat like dragonets, I want to know if it's true that you and Scarlet have my daughter. >>

Princess Burn nodded as she searched in her sack for the proof she collected for the queen.

~~~~

<< Why you need our scales? >>

Asked a confused Sunny as Scarlet just said to them that they needed to collect the fallen scales during the shed and to hand them over to her.

<< Princess Burn needs them, in case someone questions the fact that you're here, this... >>

The SkyWing held a single black scale between two of her claws.

<< ... is enough to showe that we're saying the truth. >>
<< How? >>
<< We go to the Tribes that have an animus and they can use their powers to see if these are really from the Dragonets of Destiny or not. That will surely get their attention and help us get the higher ground in negotiations. >>

~~~~

The dragonets didn't ask questions that time, as Princess Burn recalled the memories of what Scarlet had said that morning, she found strange that they weren't curious about the plan like other younglings.
"Oh well, no annoying question."
She thought showing the scales of Tsunami to queen Coral.
The queen took them and stared at Princess Burn like she would stare at a jester.

<< And these should be a proof? >>
<< You SeaWings have an animus, right? Ask them to verify my words. >>
<< Our animus is in no condition to co- >>
<< I'm here. >>

Anemone came out from the water, much to her mother disbelief, for the queen had hoped that her daughter would have been clever enough to not show herself to the enemy and especially to not tell she was their animus and throw away the surprise effect of their secret weapon.
Before the queen could ask her what she was doing, Anemone went to her and took one of the scales, silently inspecting it and keeping it in her paw while ordering: << I command to glow if the answers to my questions are both positive. Are you from the missing princess? ... Is she really a Desgonet of Destiny? >>. The scale glowed like a flame, one time after the first question and a second one after Anemone asked again, clearing every doubt Queen Coral was having about trusting or not Burn and leaving in that place the sorrow that was coming thanks to one single thought: "Now what?"

<< What do you want from me? >>

Asked Coral, she could hear her heart pleading her to save her daughter and her brain scolding it and repeating that she was the queen and she shouldn't risk to put her kingdom's safety in danger for the only hope to see her again.
It was a queen's duty after all, to take very difficult decisions.

<< I want the SeaWings to fight by my side in this war. >>

Burn's answer wasn't unexpected, but it still surprised the SeaWing's queen, she was almost expecting something more then what the princess asked for.

<< After all what's good in a war for you? I just want my throne and nothing else, I have a bigger army and I saved your daughter from her kidnappers, this should be enough to show you wich side is going to really reward you. >>

Coral remained silent, the voices in her screaming as loud as the sea when it was "angry" and lunged at the coast and the reef like it wanted to crush them until they were no more.

<< I'll let you think about it, but I expect an answer for the next month. I'll take her there and, to show you how much our alliance means to me, you can have Webs. >>
<< The traitor? >>

Asked Whirlpool near the soldiers, beside him, a young cerulean SeaWing went pale with worry at the mention of the most hated SeaWing in the kingdom, the father that indirectly caused everyone to look down at him too since his blood carried the genes of a traitor.

<< Yes, you can have him alive and avenge your daughter's kidnapping. >>
<< Then I'll wait for them, my guards will wait here for the package. >>

Just said the queen, then she turned her back on the princess, silently telling her that the meeting was over.
She needed to think about the offer and what should have been her next move (and to ground Anemone for disobeying her and putting herself in danger).
Princess Burn just grinned and, after a: "Goodbye, Your Majesty" hat lacked of actual respect, flew away.
"This is not a war anymore, this is a game and I'm gonna win!"

Chapter Text

She felt tension many times in her life, Scarlet, but in that moment, it was so strong that she could have been suffocated by it, if it wasn't for the sick pleasure she was taking in staring at the other two dragoness.
Kestrel was chained to a pillar, her paws were tied togheter and an heavy muzzle was covering her jaws as two guards stood next to her, ready to take it off to let her speak. Peril moved her stare from Scarlet to her mother, like she was asking for permission to talk or for some reassuring words, finally going near the chained dragoness after a few minutes as the queen gestured for the guards to take off Kestrel's muzzle and go outside the room.

<< So... you're my mother... >>

Said Peril, Kestrel massaged her lower jaw and simply nodded, staring at Scarlet with pure hatred in her eyes.

<< I thought she killed you. >>

She simply said.

<< No, she saved my life when you tried to kill m- >>

Kestrel's laugh cute her short, she sounded more than annoyed at those words.

<< I see Scarlet didn't lost her "spirit", I'm not surprised she lied to you. >>

The darker SkyWing turned her eyes to the queen standing behind heer daughter and asked: << Care to tell her what really happened? Or should I be the one to do the honors? >>, taking the following silence as a "Yes".

<< It's the SkyWings' way to deal with sick or "strange" dragonets by throwing them off the highest cliff. You and you're brother were both born when she offered me to keep at least one of you, your brother was very weak and suffering from Ashscales, he had no fire in him and would have never survived, so I choose to spare him an hard life ending his suffering. Then Scarlet took back her word and ordered me to kill you as well. >>

Peril's eyes went from dragoness to dragoness, her adoptive mother looked insulted by those words and acted like they were as painful as being stabbed in the back by a SandWing's tail, yet she wasn't talking, she wasn't trying to defend herself and that made Kestrel suspicious.
Peril kept going.

<< But you never searched for me... >>
<< I thought you were dead. >>

Peril felt relief washing over her at her mother's words, she didn't feel any connection towards that dragoness that she never knew before that day and both her and her mother's voice and body language lacked of warm towards each other, yet she felt a strangely good sensation at the thought of her mother not trying to kill her.
But she had still killed her brother.
"What if there was a chance for him?
Yet, even Scarlet told her that it was the right thing to do, to get rid of weak and sick dragonets, every SkyWing in the kingdom kept talking about how hard it was to make the right choice for a weak dragonet that would just suffer.
"I can't be angry at Kestrel for something natural and right in our nature, can't I?"

<< You and the Talons of Peace kidnapped eggs from their family... >>
<< We were trying to stop this war, to prevent families from really losing their dragonets, dragons are dying every day and we were actually trying to do something about it. >>

Kestrel voice became a low growl at the mention of the prophecy, the thought of that prophecy that Morrowseer created and how they foolishly believed his words made her feel like an idiot.

<< But they told me how you and your friends treated them, how- >>
<< Those ungrateful brats might keep whining about their training, but we taught them how to survive, you don't do that by putting them under a glass bell and let them be weak. >>

Spat Kestrel, like she was talking about some newborn whining about parents not letting them doing dangerous things.
Peril couldn't see that, but Scarlet was smilinh, the smile she was showing to Kestrel only, the one a dragon could exibit when some important occasion presented itself.

<< Oh Kestrel, those poor dragonets are nothing but scared little ones you used for your dirty goals, I hardly doubt someone wise enough to hide and act without getting caught all these years wouldn't find any better way to train dragonets. But then again, you've been tricked so easily by Morrowseer's fake prophecy and his plan to get the RainWings' kingdom from them. >>

She said as Kestrel's eyes narrowed with rage.

<< What the NightWings want to do is not my buisness! Not mine, nor Dune or Webs'! We never knew about their plan! >>
<< Yes, sure. >>

Peril looked like she wanted to speak, yet she didn't want to interrupt Scarlet, afraid to upset the queen (she could be pretty scary when she was angry).

<< Aw! You're only a poor little dragoness that wanted to do the right thing and save the world... >>

The queen was talking in a moking voice, like a parent babytalking to their dragonet, Kestrel was livid at the other one's audacity.

<< ... you probably feel bad for choosing to kill one of your dragonets and saving the other one 'cause apparently you have preferences. >>
<< How could I have preferenced if they had just hatched?! >>
<< You're right, the male would have probably been your davourite. You searched for his body after all. >>

Kestrel growled in a mix of rage and pain.
A surprisingly sorrowful note in her voice that left Peril surprised enough to start doubting the "evil" nature of her biological mother. Said dragoness didn't see that doubt in her daughter's eyes, lost in the memory of that hateful day, in the imagine of herself searching for her son's body, hoping to give him a respectful burial and trying to silence that irrational part of her brain screaming that he could have been still alive.

<< I might have ordered to do what our nature asks us to, I can't deny it, but I felt pity for Peril amd everyone before her and actually demonstrated that we don't need to kill every Firescales dragonsr. But you? You act like everything you did was in good faith, like you can be forgiven so easily. You accuse me of ordering the death of your dragonets, yet... >>

The queen got close enough to be force Kestrel to take a few steps back, not wanting to be near that disgusting dragoness and her annoying grin.

<< ... yet those you ripped from their parents and their home are as innocent as your son was, you never esitated, using them to burn your guilt and letting out your rage on them. Does a good dragon do that? Does someone who cares about peace do that?! >>

Scarlet turned to Peril with every word.

<< How can someone who deserves to be called a mother and has enough heart to care for her dragonets, be that glad to kill again innocent little ones?! What's the deal Kestrel? You think that as long it's an order, you can run from your responsibility like you ran from maternity?! >>

Kestrel was at Scarlet's throat in a second.
The queen managed to push her back before she could get a bite off her throat, the other dragoness's fangs barely touching her scales before snapping back, doing no damage at all. But Kestrel wasn't aiming at that, she quickly grabbed Scarlet's paws, taking advantage of her surprise and and pulling her on the floor before wrapping the chains that held her down around the queen's throat and trying to strangle her.
To Scarlet's surprise, she was free again a few seconds after, coughing and touching her throat as Kestrel roared in pain and held her right cheek, the one Peril touched when she was an hatchling and the mother had tried to fly away with her, the one with a talon shaped scar where the young dragoness caressed the scales. That was the exactly same spot Perli hit to defend the same dragoness that ordered the death of her brother and now was acting like nothing more than a good mother and innocent victim of Kestrel's "lies".

<< Now you see Peril... >>

She coughed, still grinning.

<< ... why I told you she was dead, this IS your mother. >>

Peril stood silently near her queen, lowering her head as she quickly got out of the room, waiting to be in the corridor to start running, never hearing Scarlet's laugh.

<< What was that you said after you gave up on finding your son's body? >>

Asked the queen as the guards got in the room and started dragging away Kestrel's still form, drained of all her energy like she fought the entire war alone in that moment.
Scarlet had really seen and heard everything and she couldn't understand why she had let her live at the time, but the more she Kestrel tried to think about an answer, the more she got stuck in visions of the river where the dead dragonet had probably landed and got carried away, visions of herself searching and crying out for every single ancestor was looking at her, begging for forgiveness and swearing on his son's grave that she would have never allowed another dragonet to die on...

<< ... never again. >>

Chapter Text

<< You're an idiot, you know that right? >>
<< Yes... >>

Kestrel was in her cell again, listening to Webs and Dune's harsh words and agreeing with them every single one of them.
She was an idiot, a terrible idiot of a mother.

<< I think she gets it... >>

Said Fatespeeker, the young NightWing wanted to help Kestrel, but she didn't want to get on the other dragons' bad sides.
Being in a terrible situation already, she didn't need enemies.

<< Yes, stop arguing and annoying all of us! >>

Snapped Squid, being fearful of his future he became aggressive and nervous and even if the guards were still giving him water, he knew it would have been only a matter of time before the order to make him suffer like they were doing with king Gill.

<< Squid's right, we need all the help to... >>
<< To what Webs?! Escape?! >>

Growled Kestrel as she erupted in a sarcastic, forced laugh.

<< Please, how do you plan to do that?! We're being guarded even better than the other prisoners, how do we escape? And how should we get away without being followed? >>
<< Yes, we should wait for the other members of the Talons of Peace. Even if the prophecy is fake, they still believe in it, we all swore to fight side-by-side and help each other, they'll come for us. >>

Said Dune.
He wanted to be hopeful, but his friends knew that behind his mask of calmness, hope was already leaving him and only a small part of his wanted to stay attached to it.
None of the other prisoner looked interest in their words, none of them had hope in a possible escape and the SandWing didn't blame them, they were lucky enough to be still alive and with some bruises only.
"It could've been worse..."
Thought Dune, just in time for Chameleon under the guise of Soar to enter the dungeon, like he had been called there by his words.
He was smiling politely like he was about to talk with an old friend, yet he payed Kestrel no mind a as he walked in front of Webs' cell and sat on front of it, taking off his "mask".

<< You should be happy, my friend, soon enough you won't be there anymore. >>

The SeaWing shivered in fear, those words weren't good.

<< Am I going to be executed soon? >>

After all, to not be in that cellar, he should have been set free or killed and Scarlet surely wasn't going to let him go.

<< No, but princess Burn had a little chat with queen Coral, we're going to take the SeaWings as our allies and what could get their interest if not the missing princess and the dragon who stole her egg? >>

Webs fell silent, slowly moving his jaws as he was trying to talk, to plead him to not let Queen Coral get to him, for he was not going to be forgiven and he could perfectly remember the fate faced by those who angered the SeaWing queen.
<< Please... >>

Started Webs.

<< ... you don't have to do this, you don't have to follow Scarlet's orders and do these things! You do- >>
<< I don't have to do this, I want to, she pays me too much to not say "yes". >>

Grinned the RainWing as his former mate snarled.

<< You're disgusting. >>.

But Kestrel's words left him unbothered.

<< Oh, my dear, we all are. >>

Chameleon turned into Soar again and went to the dungeon's exit.

<< You said it too to the dragonets, if I recall correctly what they told me. Us dragons are made to kill, to fight and destroy those who aren't from our own Tribe. We are all pretty disgusting if you think about it, my dear, find me someone who's not like this... except a poor, innocent, pure, dragonet. >>

The SkyWing narrowed her eyes, but grinned with a certain satisfaction after his words.

<< Well, I remember your words about your Tribe. Filled with lazy dragons that kept sleeping and eating and wouldn't fight a fly, I remember you telling me that they don't like to kill so, by this logic, they don't look disgusting to me... oh right! They banished you 'cause you're a sick, creepy weirdo that was born the wrong way! >>

Chameleon's growled and an hiss escaped his jaws as he was about to take off Soar's look again shoot his venom at Kestrel, but he managed to keep his calm and left the dungeon, stomping his paws on the ground as the guards stared at him confused.

<< Wow, that must burn. >>

Laughed Dune as Kestrel smiled with pride.

~~~~

<< ... so you want me to train those dragonets and make them loyal to you? >>
<< Yes, you have an entire month and when Tsunami will meet Queen Coral, she'll convince her to join us. >>

Scarlet smiled at the SandWing princess, she really liked that plan.

<< It will be my pleasure, Burn, they're going to be as loyal as soldiers to us and if the training won't be successful, my animus can enchant them. >>

Queen Moorhen stared at the two with surprise.
Sure, she didn't expect them to talk about doing things with patience and gentleness, yet the two didn't talk about torturing the five dragonets untill they'd become brainless puppets, that was new to her.
"But enchanting their minds is still wrong, really wrong."
She thought as she drank from her chalice.

<< Speaking of your animus, do you plan of letting me meet him? >>

Asked Burn.

<< He would be the first SkyWing animus after... don't know how much time. >>
<< Well... >>

Queen Scarlet was actually unsure of the answer.
She knew princess Burn was probably thinking of Chameleon as an interesting specimen to expose in her museum, but she had faith in her intelligence and good sense and hoped she wasn't that crazy to kill and collect a dragon that was that powerful and useful for their war.

<< ... when he's not working, he cou- >>
<< You should order the guards to keep Kestrel on a muzzle every second she's not eating or drinking. >>

Growled Chameleon entering the room snd still trying to take off Soar's mask.
He was so angry he had to try the spell different times to concentrate enough to change back and didn't even notice the other two dragonesses until it was too late to hide
Queen Moorhen just looked surprised to see that, but Princess Burn's eyes were shining with interest as she looked at him, a SkyWing animus was a rarity, but a dragon from the mysterious RainWing's Tribe and with a snout's shape that wasn't in any of the books talking about his kind?
"He's going to be in my museum."
Thought the SandWing as Scarlet prepared herself for the terrible headache that was coming.

Chapter Text

It was night and the dragonets were going to sleep.
The SkyWing queen went to them right before they entered the chamber and smiled politely, calling them to her as she quickly promised to not keep them away from the bed for too long, she was pretty tired herself thanks to Burn's babbling about Chameleon being the perfect specimen for her museum (and she wasn't safe yet, since Burn and Moorhen were sleeping in her palace that night).

<< I'm sorry to disturb you, little ones. >>
<< Oh, there's no problem, Your Majesty, what can we do for you? >>

Asked Starflight bowing his head.

<< You see, this war is not going to stop so soon and me and my friends are getting worried, since your training got interrupted, I'd like to help you and teach you what your kidnappers didn't. >>

The dragonets exchanged uncertain looks.
They almost forgot about the war, enjoying the peace and happiness of being like any other dragonet their age after all those years trapped in a cave and treated like punching bags.

<< I know you probably don't want to hear about this thing and you don't know princess Blaze and princess Blister, but I swear on my own throne, we're going to help you and you won't suffer again, I'll show you how good my allies are and the right way to follow in this conflict. >>

Continued the queen and Tsunami finally decided to interrupt her with a respectful gesture of the head.

<< My queen, your words are gentle and your intentions are really admirable, but we'd like to think about it first. >>
<< Oh, no problem... >>

Smiled Scarlet.
The answer was expected, yet it was still annoying for her to not get the results she hoped right away.

<< ... you have all the time to think about this, it's an important decision the one you must face at such a young age, I wish you to find in the night the answer you need. >>

The queen then wished the dragonets a good night and went back to her chamber, leaving the five young dragons to go into their one with a Peril on their tails as she had been invited for a slumber party.

<< So, what do you think? >>

Asked the SkyWing as the others lied down, Clay gesturing for her to sleep near him and she wasn't going to say "No".

<< I don't know. I mean, I want to stop this war, but how can we be one-hundred percent sure that princess Burn is the right queen for the SandWings? We should meet Blister and Blaze. >>
<< Yeah, I'm sure they'll be happy to talk with us now that their enemy helped us. >>

Said Tsunami sarcastically.

<< But Sunny's right, we can't choose a dragoness as a queen just because she's helping us. >>
<< I know Glory, but how can we get to know them? >>

The RainWing thought about it for a minute, her camuflage ability could have been helpful to mimic another dragon and infiltrate the other princesses' lines, but she didn't want to go alone in such a dangerous mission.

<< Maybe we could invite them to a meeting and take some guards with us... >>

Started Clay.

<< ... after all we know Morrowseer and the other NightWings are a danger to the RainWings' Tribe, if we stop them, the RainWings could help us and their abilities could be really useful. >>
<< It's not a bad idea, after all the RainWings didn't join the war, they don't have allies and enemies except queen Battlewinner and helping us to stop the war can be only good for them too. >>

The dragonets fell silent again.
Peril wanted to help them, but she didn't know what could have been useful to them except the things they were already proposing.

<< I could come with you, I'm a good bodyguard and a fighter. >>

Proposed the SkyWing as the others smiled gently but unsure of what to say.

<< You're really kind Peril, but it can be far more dangerous than fighting in a arena. >>

Said Clay smiling gently, but Peril wasn't ready to desist that easily from her own plan.
"I spent all my life fighting, I can do it!"
As she was going to speak again, Starflight interrupted her with a smile and a: << Well, we can think about it tomorrow, after a good night of sleep we'll be able to take the right decision >>.

<< You're right, trying to think about anything serious right now will take us anywhere. >>

Yawned Glory.

<< Alright, good night everyone. >>

The dragonets went to sleep.
All but Peril, still thinking about how she could convince the others to take her with them, or better yet, how she could convince Clay to take her with him.
"Why do I feel like this?"
Experiencing for the first time a sincere friendship and a crush after years of fighting and killing, she felt like she couldn't even think straight as that strange feeling of attachment and interest for that single MudWing confused her. After all she was a killer, a monster for many of her own kind and she was trained to be nothing that the cold-blooded Scarlet's champion, even if the queen had been acting much more gently and warm towards her lately, she wasn't sure her maternal figure would have approved of those feelings.
"Why life has to be so complicated?"
First, Queen Scarlet started to be more caring and acting more like a mother while her actual one was an evil heartless dragoness, then she started to feel in that strange way about a younger dragon that she never knew before a day or two.
"It was all easier when I was studying with Osprey... yes... maybe Osprey can help me!"
The old SkyWing lawyer had been her only friends before the Dragonets of Destiny came to the palace and he took care of her and her education, he would have been able to help for sure.
"Tomorrow I'll go to him."

Chapter Text

<< Come on Scarlie, I can search for another animus to give you, why can't I have this little present? >>

The SkyWing queen almost let out a growl at the insistence of Princess Burn, especially when the SandWing started to carress her chin with the tail in a way that was too intimate to be comfortable.

<< Do you feel it too, Moorhen? >>
<< The sexual tension? >>
<< Yep. >>
<< No, it's just you Chameleon. >>

The MudWing and the RainWing were both staring in annoyance at the display before them, luckily Princess Burn decided to stop asking for Chameleon to end up in her museum, at least for the moment.

<< Sorry Burn, but Chameleon has been a really important dragon in my plans and has done so much for me, I owe him many things. >>
<< Alright... >>

Sighed the SandWing, still looking at the green dragon with an eye before smiling in a fake sweet way.

<< I could wait until he dies in this war or when age gets him, I'll expose him in the best way to honor his precious help and our alliance and friendship. >>

Scarlet just nodded distractingly, not wanting to go on with all that arguing as she knew that Burn could have continued for more that a single night, so she decided to agree for that moment.

<< Well, now that this interesting conversation is done, I'll show you two your rooms. Chameleon? >>
<< Yes, Scarlet? >>
<< Go keep an eye on the NightWings' Tribe. >>
<< Sure! >>

~~~~

"Fuck me..."
Chameleon enjoyed using his other forms, he liked his masks more that his real self, but he was surely hating having to listen to Queen Battlewinner's tantrums.
Especially since Shapeshifter, his current "mask", didn't have enough power to talk back to her.
Sure it was normal for the dragoness to be furious and worried, knowing that Morrowseer was in danger, yet he saw nothing more than a queen exaggerating. After all an assassin and advisor could have been easily replaced and even if ge was the one taking care of the fake prophecy, the Talons of Peace didn't need him specifically to go on and the Tribe had many dragons to take care of the RainWings situation.
"Does she like him? I could use this against her."

<< Shapeshifter! >>

The queen's voice almost made him jump.

<< Yes, Your Majesty? >>
<< I need you to go and find Morrowseer! Take who you want, I don't care. If he trust your abilities so much, than I guess you should be able to find where they keep him. >>

"Perfect!"
Grinning internally, the NightWing bowed his head, he knew who he was going to take with him.

<< May I suggest you something? >>

Asked Princess Blister as she stared at her allies with a concerned look.
She only talked to Morrowseer all that time, while Battlewinner looked strong and fierce just like she immagined, she knew the NightWing wasn't resting in that cauldron full of lava for comfort, she could see the icy-blue light glowing in her eyes and under her scales, like a snowstorm trying to erupt from her, like she was freezing inside.
"Is this... an IceWing's opera?"
Blister asked herself as a chill ran down her spine.
"What if she gets out of there?"
She didn't want to try it on her own for sure.

<< Tell me, Blister. >>
<< You should send your daughter as a distraction, she could talk with Burn and Scarlet while Shapeshifter and his team search for Morrowseer. >>

The NightWing queen laughed at that suggestion as her daughter lowered her head like she was ashamed for something.

<< That weakling? She would be caught in no time! >>

Chameleon got closer to the princess, whispering at her ear: << I know you can do it. The entire Tribe has more faith in you than your mother, show her you can do it and I'll help you >> and repeating it enough time to make the dragoness snap and get in front of her mother.

<< I can do it! >>

Growled Greatness, her determination almost disappearing as her mother glared at her with surprise, like she couldn't believe that her daughter was really raising her voice in the same room as her.

<< What?! >>
<< I... I me-mean... >>

Greatness almost became smaller under that gaze, but quickly stood up and tried to keep her voice still, reassured by Chameleon's promises of help.

<< I want to do it! I can do it and I will show you! >>

Repeated the princess as she imitated her mother fierce pose.
Battlewinner didn't look impressed, yet she quickly exchanged a look with Blister and then turned back at her daughter.

<< If you screw this up, you better hope the SkyWings will kill rapidly, 'cause I won't be as merciful if you ruin the plan and come back. >>

The coldness in her voice wasn't from the ice trying to freeze her entirely, it was from her and her only and Greatness felt herself on the verge of crying from her mother's cruel words, but she managed to held back the tears and gestured for Chameleon to follow her outside.

<< Come, let's take some soldiers. >>
<< Alright princess. >>

Battlewinner looked back at Blister, the SandWing princess didn't look disgusted by her words, nor she looked impressed.

<< I hope your daughter will succed. >>
<< I hope that too, for the Tribe... >>

Started the queen, adding with a growl: << ... and for her own good >>.

---

<< Princess, you shouldn't let your mother treat you like that. >>
<< She's not wrong. I don't even want to become queen and I'm her only daughtet, what kind of princess am I? >>

Chameleon managed to hide a grin.
"This will be easy."
He thought.
He could already see her becoming another puppet for his and his allies' plan, insecure and sad dragonets were easy to manipulate after all.

<< Oh, you poor princess... >>

Said the dragon as he put a wing on her shoulder.

<< ... she'll see what a good dragoness you are, we're going to succed in this mission and we're going to do it in the most perfect way. >>

He told her as he put an arm around her waist to hold her close to him.
Greatness smiled gently, happy to hear that someone actually believed in her abilities.
"He's right..."
She thought.
"... I'm gonna do it!"

Chapter Text

It was deep in the night and dark figures were flying in the sky, perfectly blending in it's black horizon and clouds until they were invisible as only RainWings could become.
Greeatness was flying in front of the group, searching with her eyes for any sign of guards around the SkyWings's palace, she had send Shapeshifter and other two soldiers to get their attention and take them far from their posts.
"I hope their fi-"

<< Princess, I'm here. >>

Shapeshifter's form flew out from some clouds, his fangs exposed in a victorious grin.

<< You seem pretty content with yourself, did everything go according to the plan? >>
<< Yes, Your Highness, Astral and Bauxite are still taking care of the guards and sent me back to report. >>
<< That's good! Are you sure you know how to enter? >>
<< I'm the best spy in whole Phyrria, they never saw me before, they won't now. >>

He said as he lowered his voice in a silent giggle.

<< they know nothing about NightWings, they're gonna get their asses handled to them like a pulp of meat that's being grinded. >>
<< ... yeah... ? >>

The princess shook her head, but smiled too.

<< And my mother will finally see that I'm not a a weakling or a disappointment. >>

Shapeshifter patted her head gently, ignoring the look on the other NightWings as he stopped touching their princess with such casualty and landed in the arena, gesturing for them to follow.

<< We can easily access the dungeons from here. >>

Whispered Shapeshifter, rapidly lowering his tone as he looked around.
"Of course, some guard might still be there."
Thought Greatness with a shiver.
The place was big, silent and creepy, some of the NightWings shivered at the thought of stepping over the blood of the dragons that were killed in that place, like their rotten bodies could have gotten out from the dirt to attack them like in some old legends about dead dragons coming back alive to eat living ones¹.

<< This is the entrance, it goes right in the dungeon. >>

Explained Shapeshifter as he took them to a crate-door and motioned at the tunnel behind it.

<< We have to be quick, a patrol could come and spot us. >>
<< Hunter, Trickster, you make sure to tell us if somebody comes, we'll hear you don't worry. >>

Ordered Greatness as the two NightWings bowed to her and went in two different corners of the arena, hiding on the shadows and keeping an eye out for any sign of SkyWings.
The princess and the others stared at the crate, trying to find a way to open it or a weak point to hit, even if the second option could have caught too much attention.

<< I still don't get why you didn't try to talk to them like Princess Blister suggested, Your Highness, this is dangerous. >>

Said Void, another dragoness that was trying to lift the gate.

<< You heard of what Burn and Scarlet do to prisoners, right? >>

Asked Shapeshifter sounding almost annoyed.

<< Well, as a spy, I saw what they do, she could have tried to talk with Queen Moorhen, but those two would have killed or kidnapped her istantly. It's safer to be here with us. >>
<< Damn, what kind of sick masochist enjoy heing the subject of such a monstrosity of a ruler? >>

Void asked herself as she and the others managed to pull up the gate with a screeching sound of protest by the mechanism that wasn't made to work like that.

<< Come, we'll get where they keep the prisoners and Morrowseer. >>

Said Shapeshifter as he stood in the back of the group and motioned for them to go in with a movement of his wings.

<< You are indeed a really good spy, you know these prisons so well... >>
<< Oh, you should see how easy ot is to spy in a kingdom where they don't even know if you breath fire or spit flying sparkling broccoli², our queen has been very wise to teach us about how important it is to keep our secrets. >>

The group laughed quietly at the joke of their friend, quickly following the tunnel until they got in a big room with cells all around the place and guards talking around a small table where they were playing with cards.

<< We must take them down. >>

Whispered Greatness as the others prepared to fire at the guards, switching places untill they got in the right position to hit them.

<< Ready... >>

Greatness lifted a paw, waiting a few seconds before hitting the ground with it and whispering: "Fire!" as the others shoot at the guards.
The SkyWings didn't have the time to react as they were burned and then tackled down by the fastest NightWings.

<< Don't kill them. >>

Said Shapeshifter as he took a few steps near them.

<< They'll obviously know who violated their prison. If we kill their guards, we'll just make them angrier and vengeful and we'll put our tribe at risk. >>
<< He's right, every NightWing is important for the future of our Tribe and being the superiors specie, we can't let our blood being spilled if it's not necessary. >>

Added Greatness as she searched for Morrowseer.
It wasn't hard to find him, there were only two NightWings in that place: Fatespeaker and the one they were looking for.

<< Took your sweet time. >>

Growled him as they tried to take him out of his cell, luckily it wasn't hard to force the cell open, the hardest part was to avoid Morrowseer's claws as he jumped out of the cell and attacked them.

<< Are you out of your mind?! >>

Screamed Greatness as Shapeshifter got her by her throat and slammed her against a wall enough times to make black spots appear in her vision as her head was getting dizzier and his laughter louder.
His puppet was behaving all according to his plan.

<< Oh, poor princess... >>

Laughed "Shapeshifter" while letting her fall on the floor like some useless tool.

<< ... looks like your mother was right, you have to work harder to become queen, especially on choosing rookies for a mission 'cause they're your friends and how to recognize when something is clearly too easy and someone particularly... I'd say at ease. >>

Continued the RainWing wearing now the mask of Soar, after all the SkyWings didn't knew his true identity.
A few of the NightWings' flew out of the dungeon in hope to be safe, only to get out in a arena full of guards with Hunter and Trickster already under their "care".

<< Did you got the other two that tried to flee in the woods? >>

Asked "Soar".

<< Yes, but they were three. >>
<< Yeah, looks like the third one vanished in thin air when you went searching for him. >>
<< I killed that bastard, you can find his body near the river. >>

Said the animus who anchanted a rock big enough to appear as Shapeshifter's body, hoping the weight was close enough to that of a corpse that big.

<< Right but... how did you get here so quickly, Soar? >>
<< Very simple: you have an important prisoner in your dungeon? Then that's where the intruders are going, I got in from the upper floor while the sentinels came to retrieve you. >>

The guards looked satisfied and went back to immobilize their new prisoners.

~~~~

<< Too easy. >>

Laughed queen Scarlet as she and her "friends" watched the performance with pure amusement.

<< Oh, so easy to get in a trap, I was expecting more. >>

Said Burn as she faked a pout while Moorhen stared at the NightWings being captured in silence, slowly lowering her gaze to her paws as she thought of the terrible torture they could face in the future.

<< You think Queen Battlewinner will be mad? >>
<< Oh, I really hope so. >>

Chapter Text

<< So, did I do a good job? >>
<< You're always the best Chameleon. >>

Queen Scarlet looked at the NightWings they had caught with the help of her loyal animus.
The night was still young and the dragoness wasn't tired, she was ready to decide of all her new prisoners' fate right there in that moment.

<< The princess will serve us good as an hostage, I'm sure Queen Battlewinner won't like to hear her daughter is our prisoner. >>
<< I'm sorry Scarlet, but Battlewinner cares for her daughter like you cared about your husband. >>

Said Chameleon, currently under the mask of Soar as pain flashed in the young NightWing's eyes.

<< Oh my, so we can't blackmail her? That's not good, I'm sure we can play our card nicely and make her bow under the pressure. >>
<< We can try, after all Greatness is her only daughter, she has no other heir to her throne. >>
<< "Greatness" uh? Such an humble name. >>

Another NightWing they had caught growled at the queen.

<< You're one to talk? Your name is "Scarlet" and you are orange! >>
<< That's surely a nice comeback Void. >>

Murmured Trickster with a paw on his eyes as he covered in shame.

<< Yes, what about it? >>

Whispered Chameleon, the queen simply sighed: << Let's just say that my mother couldn't see colors really well and none of us wanted to tell her that and get punished¹ >>.
The SkyWing queen looked at her new prisoners and nodded silently.

<< Only five NightWings? >>
<< Greatness thought a bigger team would have been harder to sneak inside. >>
<< Well, she wasn't wrong, but the plan was so rushed... >>

Giggling, Scarlet got closer to the young princess.

<< At your age, in your position, you shouldn't be this dumb when it comes to rescuing your dragons. >>

Greatness looked like she wanted to answer back, but recoiled quickly under the grin of the adult dragoness, unsure of what would have happened if she pushed Scarlet's buttons.

<< Well, I have no use for her soldiers and we never had a NightWing fight in our arena before. Guards? >>
<< Yes! Your Highness! >>

Said the armored SkyWings that weren't busy chaining and muzzling the new prisoners.

<< Call our healers and have them examine these NightWings, I want to know who is able give us a good show and who is completely useless. We'll see what we can do with those. >>
<< As you wish, Your Highness. >>

Said one of the guards before going to call for the healers.

<< Now, now, our dungeon is getting pretty crowded, don't you think? >>

Asked Scarlet looking at her loyal colleague.

<< We need Greatness and Morrowseer and with the training they got, Squid and Fatespeaker will be a great addition to our gladiators, so they're needed as fighters along with whoever the healers will deem fit... >>

Started the queen, walking slowly until she was in front of the cells of Webs, Kestrel and Dunes.

<< ... and we need Webs to get Queen Coral on our side, so what should we do with you two? >>

Kestrel got quickly on her feet and growled behind the metallic muzzle, looking at her former queen in the eyes, daring her to open her cell.

<< May I suggest you something? >>

Asked Burn.
The SandWing princess and Queen Moorhen heard all the commotion and while the royal guards tried to stop them first, they had managed to get down in the dungeons.

<< Oh, my friends, I hope we didn't disturb your sleep~ >>
<< "Disturb"? Please, I want to enjoy this. >>

Grinned Burn, the MudWing behind here sat still, refusing to look at the prisoners.

<< You know Dunes is a traitor and I would love to execute him personally. >>
<< Uh-uh... >>
<< But there is someone out in the desert that hates him more than me. A certain dragoness named Thorn. >>

At the mention of Thorn's name, Dunes' eyes widened as stared at the princess, worried deadly at the thought of being used to lure his former best friend in a trap.

<< She is now the head of some low-life criminals, the Outclaws they call themselves. Before Six-Claws ran from me like they traitor he is, I managed to get a few things out of him~ >>

The chained SandWing launched himself at the cell's bars, trying to roar and silently asking for the whereabouts of his dear friends, afraid to know what Burn did with him.

<< Don't get your tail in a twist, the traitor escaped before I could execute him and take what was rightfully mine... >>

Hissed Burn, thinking back at Six-Claws strange paws and the multiple fingers that gave him his name.
She wanted to expose his anomaly in her museum and his escape deeply angered her.

<< ... but a few threats and a good wound where it really hurts made him talk about a very, little secret. Like the fact that you knew Thorn really well, so well she entrusted with something, didn't she? >>

Dunes just growled again.

<< Yes, the egg that would hatch under the full moon. >>
<< Sunny's egg? >>

Asked Scarlet and Burn nodded silently.

<< Just imagine how heartbroken Thorn must have felt, to know that her best friend took her precious daughter away from her and that he wanted to throw her in the middle of the war... if I take Dunes back, I might get her to have a nice little chat and if she finds out her daughter is with us and we "saved" her, may side with her. >>
<< And what if she doesn't? >>

Asked Queen Moorhen, highly doubtful of that plan.
"They can't be all so easy to manipulate, come on!"
Princess Burn looked at her like she had just heard a really stupid and naive question.

<< Then I'll have Thorn where I can kill her, it's not that hard to get. >>

The MudWing queen rolled her eyes, leaving a spot for Chameleon to speak.

<< And what about Kestrel? >>
<< Oh, I wanted to look at her getting killed by her own daughter, but I think I've found a better and far more useful way to dispose of her. >>

Something in Scarlet's voice made Chameleon himself shiver.

<< After all, she's quite the specimen, isn't she? Strong, agile, clever... a pure high-class SkyWing soldier from head to tail. >>
<< So... ? >>
<< "So...", since this war took down many of us already, I'll use her a bit more before letting Peril end her misery. I'll let my soldiers breed her like a common bitch, a dog or a pet-scavenger you want for pups to sell. She'll give us many, many SkyWing our army can use and maybe, considering she gave me the perfect killing machine, she could grant me even more. Then, when she won't be able to give us more eggs, Peril will kill her. >>
<< Are you for real?! >>

Asked Queen Moorhen as she stared at the orange SkyWing with wide eyes and clesr disgust.

<< Yes I am, a traitor deserves even worst. >>
<< I'm with Scarlet. You are not going to run like a coward, aren't you. >>

Said Burn and while the MudWing wished to say something different, she just shook her head and whispered, just barely udible.

<< No, of coure I'm not. >>

Chapter Text

A new dawn came and with it, a new day for Scarlet to feel like she was in Heaven.
Her minds was still imagining the future fights that her Tribe would soon enjoy and her body was still searching for the strenght to get up and suppress the sweet, sweet fantasy of staying in bed to sleep instead of attending her royal duties.
But she was still the queen, the power she had was a power for dragons worthy of it and lazy lizards weren't worthy.

<< Hey Scarlet, your friends are waiting for you in Burn's room, they want to have breakfast with us. >>

Said Chameleon peeking from the door in his Soar's mask.

<< ... were you waiting outside my room? >>
<< ... let's go, I'm hungry. >>

Following the animus where her allies sat waiting for them, Scarlet thought of the dragonets for a monent.
"They should meet Burn soon."
After all, if they had to choose a queen, Princess Burn had to make a good impression first.

<< Good morning. Did you sleep well? >>
<< Splendidly darling! >>

Smiled Burn, her eyes lingering on Chameleon with clear desire as he showed his fangs in a quick, small growl.

<< It was a pleasant night... >>

Started Moorhen.

<< ... but I fear I'll have to go back soon, I must keep my army in check and my sibs' need me. >>
<< You can go Moorhen, we need our allies to be well organized after all. >>

Said Scarlet.
She wasn't obvious to the MudWing's distaste for her and Burn, but as long as fear kept her in check, they weren't going to complain.
Plus, breakfast was more important, she had to execute whoever was knocking on theur door at that very sacred moment.

<< What?! >>

A timid: << It's me, Peril, the dragonets asked me to call you >> answered back.

<< Come in Peril, tell us again what the dragonets wsnt. >>
<< They wish to speak with you about the prophecy and their plan to choose wich princess should become queen of the SandWings. >>

Exchanged a strange glance with Burn, she smiled at Peril.

<< Very good, tell them to meet me in the throne room in an hour. >>
<< Yes, Your Majesty. >>

And with that, Peril left them alone again.

<< Do you think they'll do the right thing? >>

Asked Chameleon stealing a piece of meat for himself.

<< They're still dragonets, their minds are like clay, you can play with them and shape them as you prefer. We'll make them choose Burn. >>
<< And if they don't? >>
<< Oh, they will. >>

---

After an hour, Scarlet went in the throne room to meet the dragonets, dragonets who came in only a few seconds after.
Burn remained in her room as she was already planning a new exhibit of her museum (for a still alive and pretty displeased Chameleon) and "needed some peace".

<< Ah! My favourite guests! Peril told me you wished to talk. >>
<< Yes, Queen Scarlet. >>

Said Tsunami raising her head after she and her friends had bowed.

<< About the choice of the SandWings' queen, right? >>
<< Yes, Queen Scarlet. >>
<< Then, who did you choose? >>
<< Nobody. >>

The SkyWing just stared at the blue dragonet with a puzzled look.

<< "Nobody"? >>

"Think carefully before you answer..."
Scarlet thought.
She's didn't want to snap and rip Tsunami's tongue out, it would have been only a distraction to deal with the others in that case.

<< We can't make a good choice right now, we don't know anything but what was taught us about the princesses. We should meet and get to know them first. >>

Explained Starflight as the queen held back an annoyed expression.
"Damn, they're not as dumb as dragonets usually are."

<< That's really a clever decision, but there is a little problem... >>

Said the queen.

<< ... why should Princess Blister and Blaze ever want to talk with you? You are here in my palace, in a kingdom that's allied with Princess Burn, they have no reason to trust you. >>
<< We know, that's why we wanted to ask you for some guards and a guide. >>

Said the NightWing again.

<< For what? >>
<< We know that the NightWings are using the prophecy to attack the RainWings, so, we'd like to ask Chameleon's help to make the NightWings understand that their queen is wrong and defeat them of necessary... >>

"Alright, I'm following them. Chameleon's magic could really help with that."
Thought the SkyWing queen as she gestured for the dragonet to go on.

<< Once we stop the NightWings and bring peace for them and the Rainforest, well ask the RainWings to host a meeting with Blister and Burn in their kingdom. It's a neutral territory, so it might be the best place for meeting in peace and get to know the other two candidates for the SandWings' throne. >>
<< That's... that's really a good idea! >>

"If we help the RainWings, I might get them on my side as well snd so the NightWings that will follow these dragonets. These little brats are more useful than I previously thought. "
The queen caressed gently the head of each dragonet.

<< Little ones, you're so young and have been sheltered by the world outside that cave, yet you're as wise as any good ruler should be. I shall speak with Burn about this. >>
<< Thank you, Your Majesty. >>

As the dragonets bowed their heads, the queen motioned for one of the guards to go and call her "dear friend".

<< You're excused, why don't you ask one of my guards to give you a tour of the city? You've been here for days and barely got out of the palace. >>

Smiling with excitement, the dragonets and Peril went to search for a guard to ask.

Chapter Text

"This better be important..."
Blister wasn't exactly a big fan of the ocean.
Sure, even for a SandWing fresh water was important, especially in the heat of the desert, but when it came to meet her SeaWing ally, she would always ask Queen Coral to come to her and rarely visited her palace under the water. She hated to admit it, but in the deep and cold water, she felt too vulnerable, like an hatchling without a parent to look over her. She couldn't see, the pressure and the cold water made her feel like a giant paw was squeezing her and she felt slow and goofy compared to the SeaWings escorting her.
But to keep her allies happy and their collaboration going, visiting a a deep ocean full of strange creatures or an island with an active volano and an almost-unbreathable air were necessary trips she would force herself to go on.
"I'm still going to have my lungs destroyed. Smoke or water isn't that different."

<< Queen Coral is ready to receive you. >>
<< She called me here after all... >>

Blister played no attention to the guard's annoyed expression, she wasn't there to talk gently to some soldier after all.
She entered the room where the Royal SeaWings Council held their meetings, looking at the room with interest as she had never been in there before.
"This is actually pretty nice, those fish-lizards have some taste at least."

<< Ah, my dear Blister! Please, take a seat. >>

Said Coral, sitting in her spot with a strange expression, it was like she was sorry for something and the SandWing quickly hid her nervous glare.
"If she feels sorry for something, that whatever happened might ruin everything."

<< Would you like something to eat? The squids are delicious. >>
<< Thank you... >>

Blister took a squid and quickly swallowed it in one motion.

<< ... but I'd like to know why you asked to come with such an urgency. Has something happened? >>
<< It's about my daughter. >>

Anemone quickly hid behind her mother as the other princess's cold eyes turned to her.
"Please, tell me you dumb fish didn't start caring about the risks of losing her soul..."

<< What about Princess Anemone? >>
<< Oh, I'm sorry. I meant my missing daughter, the one a traitor named Webs stole from me when she was still in the egg. I found her. >>
<< Really?! That's magnificent! It will be an honor to meet her my friend, I'm so happy for you! >>

"You made me dive in this hellish hole, for your brat?!"
She felt a strong need to choke the queen in front of her, bit that expression on her face left her feeling more nervous than angry.

<< Forgive me, my dear Coral, but you don't look happy. >>
<< Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm relieved to know she's alive. Bit her current location might force me to make some... changings and I wish you help to avoid those. >>
<< Tell me everything dear. I can't help you if I don't know what you're talking about. >>

Blister looked around the room again.
All of the council's members were present and some guards were there as well.
"Are they worried I might attack Coral?"
Even if what the SeaWing queen was going to say would have made her that mad, the princess knew better than attacking someone with an animus literally tied to herself. Anemone might have been a whiny wimp (at least for Blister's standards) too scared to lose herself for exploring her powers, but every dragon who was in danger or saw their beloveds in trouble would defend themselves and the others, she was at risk.
"And even if I killed both, I couldn't leave this place alive."

<< A few days ago, your sister, Princess Burn, came to talk to me. >>

Blister held back a growl.
"That disgusting, despicable..."

<< She showed me the scales that belonged to my missing daughter , Anemone's magic confirmed that it was hers and not another dragon. >>

"... ugly, deranged..."

<< My daughter is living at the SkyWings' palace, Burn said she and Scarlet saved her from her kidnappers and they promised to give her back. Along with that traitor, Webs. IF I decide to fight by their side. >>

"... weak, psychotic bitch that I should've squashed when she was still in her lame rotten egg! She's just like mother, a Clearsightdamned curse!"

<< Now, I treasure our alliance and our friendship Blister, but as a queen I have to think of my Tribe first and my daughter is my heir and one of those who might inherit the throne. Her safety is a matter of all the SeaWings and my business, both as a mother and a queen. >>
<< I understand, dear Coral... >>

Hissed Blister with forced a smile on her muzzle, her fang bared and clenched in a painful way, she could almost hear a little cracking sound.

<< Then, did you call me to tell me our job togheter was all in vain? >>
<< Of course not! As I said, I treasure our alliance and our friendship, I called you here to plan something togheter. >>

Blister felt relief wash all over her scales, an appreciated change from the humidity of that place.

<< Very well then. I guess you want to free your daughter as soon as possible, mh? >>
<< Of course! I know your sister, from your words and those of the SeaWings who traveled to the Kingdom of Sand to visit the Scorpion Den. And I know Scarlet, I know whatever they have in mind, they didn't save my daughter to do the right thing and I don't trust them to keep her and the other dragonets in one piece. >>
<< Other dragonets? >>
<< Oh yes, Burn told me she's one of the Dragonets of Destiny. >>

Blister's scales became as pale as the pearls on the queen's necklace.
"Morrowseer disappeared... Burn and Scarlet got the dragonets..."
She scratched the floor with her claws as her paws moved to clenche in two fists.
Everything was going in the worst way possible.

<< I'll take them all back... >>

Said the SandWing standing.

<< Those monsters can't keep innocent dragonets prisoners, especially dragonets holding the future of Pyrrhia in their paws. With them, we coul finally win this war, no more innocents will have to suffer! >>

Said again, rising her voice and looking at each SeaWing present at the moment.

<< Allow me to talk with my spies, some of my SandWings still cross the desert and can bring back as many information as we need to form a plan. >>
<< Very well. We'll meet again in a week. >>

"A WEEK?!"
Blister took a deep breath and swallowed every curse word she could think of...

<< I won't disappoint you Coral. >>
<< I know you won't, my friend. >>

... then she waited and waited as the guards escorted her out of the palace and on the beach.

---

<< I hate this... >>

Blister was laying on the warm sand, her throat ached from all the roaring and cursing Clearsight and every ancestor in her family.
And even the NightWing coming out of the bushes and getting closer with an annoying smile.

<< Princess Blister- >>
<< "Queen" Blister, I told your stupid Tribe to call me "queen"! And who the hell are you?! >>
<< I'm Deathbringer, don't you remember? I'm one of my Tribe's best assassins. >>
<< I'm far too important to learn your strange names and you're all the same to me. >>

Deathbringer narrowed his eyes at the offence.

<< Look who's talking, you SandWings have only a few colors that look almost identical and your eyes are all the same, boring color. >>
<< I'm not in a good mood, don't make me kill you and ruin my alliance with your Tribe. I'm already having problems with these fish-breathed fireflies. >>

The NightWing's gaze suddenly turned apologetic.

<< What is it? >>
<< Your problems might not be over. >>
<< ... the rescue mission has failed? >>

Sure it hasn't been her idea, but she was the one that suggested Queen Battlewinner to let her daughter and only heir to the throne go with the rescue team and the NightWing queen wasn't exactly an easy dragon to calm.

<< None of them as returned, they might be all dead or prisoner. Queen Battlewinner wants to see you. >>
<< ... give me a minute. >>

What came out of the SandWing's maws, was pure blasphemy that that left Deathbringer shocked and horrified.

Chapter Text

<< Come, I know the perfect dragoness to show you around. >>

Smiled Peril as she guided the dragonets to a tavern she knew was usually frequented by the dragon she was searching.

<< Why can't you show us around? >>

Asked Tsunami.

<< I'm not allowed to enter a few places, you know, because of my Firescales. It's better for your guide to be someone that won't destroy the library or scare the dragonets in the Wingery. >>
<< Wingery? >>
<< You'll see. >>

Once they reached the place, they were welcome by the eyes of every SkyWing in the tavern.
Some whispered to each others, others were just staring curiously at them and the rest was too busy avoiding Peril's gaze to care for the dragonets of the prophecy.

<< That's her. >>

The bright and fuming dragonet pointed at a young SkyWing dragoness who's scales were of an orange so pale they looked yellow as a peach's inside, her dark orange eyes looked strangely innocent, like staring at a young dragonet still had to get out of her nest and explore the world.

<< Hey Pyrite! >>

The dragoness jumped a little when Peril called her name, looking at her carefully and trying to hide her fear.

<< Yes? >>
<< My friends here would like a tour of our the place. >>
<< Oh, then I fear you came to the wrong dragon. >>

Said Pyrite turning back to a cup in her paws as she fidgeted with it.

<< I'm not good with directions, I'll end up getting all of us lost. >>
<< In your own home? >>

Asked Glory, her voice half-filled with incredulity and annoyance for the other half.

<< Ye- >>
<< Pyrite, don't start again. >>

Said a SkyWing they hadn't notice at first.

<< Oh Eagle! >>

Eagle gave Pyrite a friendly nudge with his snout.

<< You should seriously stop thinking of yourself that way. >>
<< But- >>
<< No "buts". >>

The dragonets exchanged uncomfortable looks, hoping to ask Peril for someone else as the other two SkyWings kept their argument going.
At least until Pyrite stopped Eagle grabbing his snout with a paw and smiling.

<< Then you can come with us and help me shoe these dragonets around! >>
<< Oh no, I have duties to attend as a soldier. >>
<< Come on Eagle! >>

Screamed another SkyWing sitting a few tables on the right.

<< Don't let your girlfriend down! >>
<< Yes Eagle! Be a gentledragon! >>

The soldier shot his friends a death glare, then turned back to Pyrite, Peril and the dragonets.

<< Follow me and be glad I've still got time before I have to go back to work. >>
<< Thank you! >>

~~~~

<< I don't get why I have to meet those brats. >>
<< Because, my dear Burn, we need to keep on this mask with them and keep them on our side. >>

Said Scarlet for the third time in that day.

<< No underage lizard who spent their entire dragonethood in a cave will tell me when I die and what I bow to. Nor will a fairytale. >>

Growled the SandWing.

<< I know you don't believe in the prophecy, but if the other queens do, then they might accept you and stop supporting your sisters if the dragonets choose you. >>
<< Scarlet is right and why am I here? >>

Asked Queen Moorhen while she shared some gossip with Chameleon.

<< 'cause we need you to back us up and tell them what a great ruler Burn is. >>
<< And they should believe I'm being objective? >>

Asked the MudWing, not exactly that impressed with the SkyWing's plan.

<< Well, do you have any better idea? >>
<< I do. >>

Said Chameleon.

<< Let's enchant them! >>
<< I second the RainWing. >>

Queen Scarlet was tempted to let Chameleon do as he told, but she had to keep in mind that an animus was still an animus: a glass full of water and every spell was a drop closer to overflow.

<< I already made him enchant two dragons, you know how delicate an animus's soul is. If I let him go crazy I won't have an animus anymore and I won't have a psycho-magical-thing running around with myself as an easy target. >>
<< Psycho-magical-master, if you please. >>

Ignoring Chameleon's tone, the orange queen called for her guards.

<< Bring the Dragonets of Destiny to me, they should be having a tour of our kingdom right now. >>
<< Yes, Your Majesty. >>
<< Hopefully they'll be easy to find. >>

Queen Moorhen thought about the most interesting places to visit in the SkyWing kingdom.

<< They're probably in the Wingery, little dragonets are just so cute! >>
<< Ah! Please! Who would ever wish to surround themselves with those whiny brats? >>

~~~~

<< Aw! You're so cute! >>
<< Sunny, you say that to every dragonet you meet. >>
<< This one is special! >>

The five friends were visiting the Wingery and had been swarmed by curious dragonets as soon as they entered the place.
Clay was being used like scavengers used horses and was trotting around the place with a flock of squealing little ones on his back; Tsunami and Starflight were busy trying to keep the younglings off them as they answered their many questions (especially Starflight, who was being "targeted") and Sunny and Glory were enjoying the attention, the first one trying to reach her goal of hugging every single one of the youngest dragonets in there and the second one putting on a show of changing her look for them as they asked for their own look or that of a parent.

<< Should I come in and save you? I think you've become the little things' obstages. >>

Laughed Pyrite while watching the scene with affection.

<< Nah, we're fine. >>
<< Yes, if someone needs us, tell them we're busy! >>
<< Got it~ >>

Chapter Text

<< So, we're finally going to meet Burn... >>
<< I hope she isn't as terrifying as the scrolls say. >>

The Dragonets of Destiny sat outside the throne room, waiting patiently for Scarlet to invite them in.
They were having fun in the Wingery and Pyrite and Eagle were a good company, but when duty called, none of them hesitated to leave the younger dragonets and their protests, eager to start their mission and, hopefully, end that war as soon as possible to lift the weight off their shoulders and go back to their families.

<< Anyway... >>

Said Glory with a little grin, trying to take away some of the tension in that corridor.

<< Where is your lady, Clay? >>
<< "My lady"? >>
<< Yes, Peril. >>

Sunny and Tsunami turned to him with the same expressions, Starflight simply shook his head, but he couldn't deny finding the situation equally entertaining.

<< Oh, she usually visits Osprey at this time. >>
<< Osprey? >>

Asked Sunny tilting her head.

<< The dragon that has been her mentor and teacher. She told us about him yesterday, weren't you paying attention? >>

Asked Starflight, surprised at his friend's lack of memories of such a recent event.

<< Hey, I'm focusing on the meeting we're about to attend. It's a miracle I still remember my name at the moment. >>
<< Me too, I feel like something's biting at my tail. >>

Said Glory, even if she seemed in a neutral mood, Clay was just relieved the topics at paw weren't his "girlfriend" and his relationships anymore.
Suddenly a guard opened the doors to the throne room and made room for them.

<< The queen requests your presence. >>
<< Thank you! >>

Starflight quickly covered Sunny with a wing, gently reminding her to behave in a less energetic way in front of the royals and leaving her to line up with the others and bow before Scarlet, Burn and two unexpected guests: Queen Moorhen and Chameleon in his Soar's mask.

<< Ah! So these are the Dragonets of Destiny. >>

The MudWing queen gave them a respectful nod, leaving them gaping in pure surprise as they saw just how big adult MudWings could be.
In those days they had thought Morrowseer was the biggest dragon they could ever see, yet the dragoness in front of them looked just as big, maybe even more, at least enough to make them wonder how she could move around in Scarlet's palace and feel intimidated by her presence, even is she gave away friendly and gentle vibes.

<< It's an honor to meet you five. >>
<< The honor is all ours, your majesties. >>

Said Starflight shooting at his friends a quick look, silently asking if they were fine with him speaking first, they nodded.

<< You can take off your mask Chameleon, this meeting is just like a friendly chat after all. I wish for you all to be comfortable. >>

Said Scarlet and the animus did as she said.
Burn suppressed the hissing sounds begging to escape her throat and express her annoyance in front of the five dragonets pretending to hold her future in their paws, she showed her fangs in a gentle smile instead.

<< I've heard so much about you. What the Talons of Peace did was awful and I feel partially responsible for this, it is my war they want you to stop after all. I hope you can forgive me. >>

The SandWing bowed in front of them (luckily, only the other adults in the room caught the glimpse of pure anger in her eyes), while Tsunami felt some pride at that moment, the others were slightly uncomfortable.

<< Oh, there is no problem, your majesty... >>

Said Starflight again.

<< ... the casualties of a war are usually a force not even those in charge can control. We hold no grudge against you. >>

It was an half-truth of course, while none of the three sisters could have known that the war would have caused the birth of s prophecy and the kidnapping of five dragonets, those were still consequences of their actions and the five did consider them as responsible as the Talons of Peace for what had happened to them.

<< You're so wise for your age, little NightWing, I hope this is part of who you are and not a consequences of what you've been trough. >>
<< My name is Starflight, Princess Burn... >>

Scarlet could have swore she heard Burn scream in her head for not being called "queen".

<< ... and I thank you for your concerns. But while many abused dragonets grow up "too fast", I can assure you I'm just myself. >>
<< Yes, he has always been older inside. >>

Said Sunny mocking him in a friendly way and then going instantly silent as she felt Burn's eyes on her.
The princess wasn't angry at her for that childish pun, but Sunny's instinct told her that those black eyes on her body weren't safe, she could feel a strange emotion behind them, but she couldn't recognize it and so, she told herself it was nothing but simple nervousness from being in front of so many important dragons all togheter.

<< Fascinating... >>

Said Burn as she got closer with her head.

<< Sunny, isn't it? >>
<< Y-yes... >>
<< Forgive my curiosity dear, but you're the first hybrid I see in a very long time. >>
<< There aren't many hybrids around, mh? >>

Asked Glory.

<< No. Once those were hunted down like preys, today things aren't so hard for them anymore, but that doesn't mean there aren't dragons who still see their mixed blood as something wrong. >>

Answered Chameleon and Scarlet nodded at his words.

<< If you ask me, I don't get all the hate. If I find an hybrid of the most powerful species that got all the best from their parents and ancestors, I'm not throwing them away. >>

Said SkyWing.
Moorhen smiled again at the five dragonets.

<< But our friend's curiosity is understandable. You don't see everyday an hybrid, a RainWing, a NightWing and a member of the royal SeaWings family all togheter. >>
<< Wait, what do you mean with "a member of the royal SeaWings family"? >

Asked Tsunami getting closer to the queen that was big enough to tower over the other adults beside her.

<< Oh? Nobody told you? >>

Moorhen shook her head with a sigh.

<< I guess nobody thought about it. But you see, back when us MudWings were allied with Blister and the SeaWings, I met Queen Coral and King Gill, as well as some other relative of theirs that worked as a guard and some commoners as well. Most SeaWings have plain wings, but some have little motives on the membranes, and the royal family has big and beautiful artistic motives. >>
<< Like NightWings? >>

Asked Clay pointing at Starflight's wings and how the silver scales on the underside sprayed outward like a splash of water.

<< Exactly, young one. I've seen the talon prints on the queen's wings. Sure, your motives have some differences, but the spirals and the glowing similar to your body's scales? These are royal patterns. >>

Tsunami was about to ask more, but Burn was faster.

<< Please, forgive me for not letting you elaborate on this, little one. But unfortunately I have duties to attend, may I ask you to think of the meeting first? >>
<< Of course! >>

Starflight was back on track quickly.

<< We won't take too much of your time, your majesty, we'd only like to ask why you think you'd be the best choice for the SandWings' throne. >>
<< Oh, I can give you five good reasons. >>

Clearing her throat, the SandWing princess started counting on her fingers: << One: I was my mother's favourite and while you may think favoritism isn't important, a queen will obviously recognize the best choice. Two: my sisters fled the scene before I could challenge them, they literally abandoned the kingdom and gave away their rights to the throne as soon as they choose to not fight for it, not to mention that they showed weakness and cowardice. Three: SandWings are on my side, some of them are on my sisters sides as well, but when dragons are on a royal's side, it means said royal is good for them. Four: I have more allies then them, if other queens trust me this much, it can't be for nothing, right? Five: and I talk about this especially because I don't want the lies of your kidnappers to cloud your judgment, did they tell you about my museum? >>

The five dragonets shifted uncomfortably on their spots at the question (well, Tsunami was still thinking about her recent discovery).
Dune had told them about the creepy museum where Burn would display every dragon that showed the minimum phisical anomaly, he had told them about dragons of all ages being put on display as whole or, instead of the entire corpse, being dismembered for the body parts "affected" by the anomaly. They heard about Six-Claws, an old friend of his, about his polydactyly and how Burn had promised to wait for him to fall in battle before taking away his paws for her museum.

<< They did... Well then, the fifth good reason to choose me as a queen, is that I help my Tribe's scientific development. My museum isn't different from any other museum out there, those places are out there to educate us and I offer education. I offer the chance to learn about the different things that can affect a dragon's body, about the many different creatures that Mother Nature offers us and I always wait for my future "guests" to die peacefully. >>

Either the dragonets were that bad at noticing the shifting tone of the princess, or they were simply confused from all the things she was saying without leaving them time to talk (and that was the most plausible explanation), they didn't caught the hint of something that wasn't being told.

<< Do I have to add how having professionals work on every piece of my collection gives them the chance to study them and pass more information to our researchers and healers or... >>
<< You've said enough. >>

Said Scarlet, silently asking Burn if she had wrote down her speech before and congratulating her on it.

<< Yes... yes, you gave us all the information we needed. Thank you. >>

Smiled Starflight.
Clay and Sunny just nodded and smiled, Tsunami had regained her "consciousness" a few seconds prior just to be confused by Burn and Glory changed her colors to a dark brown body, with black and splotches of red on her neck like coal with sparks of fire in it and her head was the color of smoke, something she had used to do when she was younger and they felt extremely confused by Starflight trying to make them study, she used those colors to mimick a blown out torch and say: "Starflight! You made their brains melt! Can't you see the smoke?".

<< Thank you for listening to me~ >>

Smiled Burn and the dragonets all turned to leave, then Clay stopped and turned back to the three dragonesses.

<< I'm sorry, can I ask you something? >>
<< Of course young one, tell us. >>
<< You know the other five dragonets? Two of them were a SandWing and a MudWing, are they at your kingdoms? >>
<< Oh yes, Viper and Ochre. >>

Moorhen put a paw on Clay's back in a reassuring gesture.

<< Don't worry, they're fine. >>
<< Thank you. >>

Once they got out of the room, only Starflight was still on his paws as the other four let themselves fall on the floor like seaweed that was washed ashore.

<< My brain hurts... >>
<< Was she even breathing? Taking a pause? >>
<< She lost me at the eighth reason. >>
<< Sunny, she gave us only five... >>
<< See?! >>

Suddenly, Clay's head shot back up.

<< I'm an idiot! >>
<< Ah! What happened?! >>

Asked Tsunami snapping back from her thoughts.

<< I could have asked Queen Moorhen about MudWings and my Tribe's life. >>

Clay was lucky enough that some guards were there to stop his friends before they could murder him.

Chapter Text

<< Give me another one. >>
<< Aren't you drinking too much? >>
<< Am I paying a bardragon to give me drinks, or an healer to tell me how well I can handle alcohol? >>

The NightWing shrugged his shoulder and gave the princess another goblet filled to it's limit.
Blister gulped down the fresh drink with no second thought, the event that had happened just moments prior kept repeating in her head.

~~~~

<< She suggested to send Princess Greatness! And now the heir to the throne has been caught with our soldiers! >>
<< Yes! That SandWing is plotting with our enemies! >>

Blister sat as still as possible in front of Queen Battlewinner, trying to not cover under all those eyes staring her down and the accusing stares of the two NightWings that had talked.

<< Your Majesty, I swear own my honor and my mother's grave. I have no idea how the SkyWings got all of your soldiers and your daughter. >>
<< I know you don't... >>

Growled Battlewinner, her voice dripping with venom.

<< You and Morrowseer have been too busy with the war after all. >>
<< But... my queen! >>

Called the NightWing that had accused her.

<< Stuff it Vengeance! >>

The queen's roar made her jump, she couldn't help it, the high-pitched and cold screeching of the ice in her throat contrasted with her deep and powerful voice in such an unnatural way that it scared her to hear it at full volume (and she hated to admit it).

<< But, you are correct at least on one thing: the SkyWings knew about our arrival, there is a traitor among us. >>

The dragons around them roared and growled in rage and Blister felt her heartbeat going faster.

<< And while I don't think it's you, princess, I won't lie to you: our great plan is in danger and we need to focus on it. We can't waste our time on your war while our greatest assets are in the enemy's claws and you are not useful to us for now. >>

Looking around for an easy way to escape, the SandWing could see guards everywhere.
"Looks like I'll die here... unless..."

<< Your Majesty... >>

She got closer to Battlewinner, bowing to her in the most submissive and respectful way.

<< I beg of you, give me the chance to prove that our alliance is still a great advantage to you and your tribe. >>
<< Oh? And how do you plan to do that?! >>

Asked Vengeance with a sarcastic laugh.

<< Going straight in the enemy's den to tell them our plans? >>
<< I have no contact with Queen Scarlet. >>
<< Then how should you help? You don't have the power to tear down her Kingdom and you can't just walk in there with no repercussion. >>
<< I can! >>

Snarled Blister a bit too soon, but she had got the queen's attention.

<< The SeaWings have an animus, their queen does everything I tell her and trusts me deeply. I will ask her help, I will make her give me everything I need. >>
<< Oh, so you'll have an excuse to visit Queen Scarlet? You really think we're that dumb? >>

Queen Battlewinner's tail struck Vengeance as soon as he finished his sentence, leaving him on the floor with an aching muzzle.

<< Go on. >>

Ordered the queen, clearly impatient and hoping to end the meeting as soon as possible.

<< Give me one week, I'll bring Morrowseer back to you. Your daughter, your soldiers and the traitor as well. >>
<< A week only?! It's impossible! >>

Screamed someone in the crowd, but their voice was quickly silenced by Battlewinner's stare.
The queen stepped with one paw only out of the lava, her head leaning closer to the SandWing princess as she stared at her in a silent threat, towering over the pale dragoness.

<< You have four days. If I don't get what I want by then, my tribe will hunt you down and you will end up like our RainWing prisoners. Do we have a deal? >>

She extended a paw, drops of lava were still running through her claws and Blister had to be careful to not get herself burned as she put her paw on the queen's.
Battlewinner made sure to break her bones before the pawshake.

~~~~

<< Fucking bitch... >>

Hissed Blister looking at her right paw.
One of the Tribe's healer helped her and bandaged the paw, but it still ached and using her left one wasn't as easy as she thought.
"What do I do now?"
She asked herself.
"Even if I get Coral's daughter to help me, I don't know what awaits me in that hellish kingdom. I can't just throw myself at whoever is behind all this mess."
She had always considered Blaze a stupid dragoness with no brain and far too emotional, yet she had behaved just like her.
"I let my emotions get the best of me, I put myself in deep shit and now what?"

<< Hey, princess. >>

She turned to a young NightWing dragoness followed by two males, she looked so little and boney compared to them, thet Blister started to doubt her age, even if her voice wasn't that of a baby.

<< What do you want? >>
<< To help. >>

Rising an eyebrow, the SandWing hissed a laugh.

<< Good one, little things. Now let me loose my dignity in peace. >>
<< You're acting like a drunk and pitiful divorced dragon, you already lost that. >>
<< Well, when you're an adult and have a war to carry on, stress does terrible things to your mind. What do you dragonets know about it? You don't look older than a few years. >>

The black dragoness growled at her.

<< We know that you will be fucked if you don't satisfy our queen and we know how to help you. >>
<< How? Care to explain? >>

Asked Blister sitting with her head on the good paw and trying to not let the alcohol talk again.

<< I was one the last dragons to see Morrowseer before his disappearance. >>

Said the dragoness, instantly catching the SandWing's attention.

<< Say what now? >>
<< Morrowseer is a great dragon and a noble member of our tribe. But his taste in dragons are... questionable. >>
<< Yeah! He chose some small runty egg over her for the prophecy. >>
<< Preyhunter! >>

Said one of the males with her and Blister rolled her eyes.
"Just what I need, an envious and whiny baby and her lackeys."

<< As I was saying. I followed him to ask how I could help the tribe, I wanted to prove myself and show him that I could- >>
<< Get to the point. >>

She could feel the anger radiating from the younger dragoness, but if Blister ever cared about hurting other dragons' feelings, that NightWing wasn't one of those cases.

<< Some soldier told him that he was needed at the end of one of the tunnels we use to enter the Rainforest. >>
<< And this is important because... ? >>
<< I've been hanging around the entrance of the tunnel and talking with some guards, when I asked them who was waiting for Morrowseer they all told me a different names. Then Morrowseer came back to talk with the queen and then went out again and disappeared, the only other dragon who I saw coming out of the tunnel was Shapeshifter. >>
<< Now that I think about it... >>

Said Blister, thinking back to the NightWing that was with her, Greatness and Battlewinner when they were organizing the rescue mission.

<< Shapeshifter agreed with me on sending Greatness with the rescue team, he went with them. >>
<< You think he's a traitor? >>

Asked the young dragon with big muscles, yet Blister shook her head.

<< I have no certain proof and he disappeared as well, he might be imprisoned like the others for all I knew. I can't use the fact that he was the last dragon to talk with Morrowseer beside the queen, nor the fact that he wanted to bring Greatness on mission as well. I need more. >>

"I'm wasting my time with those three brats."

<< Is his choice in jewels suspicious as well? >>

Asked the young NightWing that had talked last.

<< What do you... what's your name? >>
<< Strongwings, Your Majesty. >>
<< Strongwings, what do you mean? >>
<< Well, Shapeshifter always wears those strange jewels and chains, but I've never seen a dragon here making them and Mastermind, the dragon I work with, said once that those were some "exotic trinkets" and the grown ups always talk about this Scorpion Den and the things you can buy and I thought, since it's in the Kingdom of Sand and Burn lives there, maybe he went there to buy those and... >>

Strongwings stopped talking as the look his friends shared was fsr from convinced by his words.

<< I'm sorry. I know it's a stupid theory, don't mind m- >>
<< Shut up. >>

Growled Blister as she started scratching the ground, drawing in the dirt some sketches, but she quickly stopped and snarled in frustration.

<< You said Shapeshifter wears those jewels daily, right? >>
<< Y-yeah... >>
<< Do you remember exactly what those look like? Every detail? >>
<< I think, but you should ask someone more cle- >>
<< Draw! >>

The young dragon jumped and started finishing the princess's work, his friends quickly joining him and adding as many details as they could remember.
Blister cursed herself for not paying attention, she had no interest in that dragon and his accessories and yet, he turned out as more important than she thought.
"Note for myself: pay more attention to random dragons with jewels."

<< Here. >>

The dragoness pointed at the finished drawing and Blister, looking carefully at it and forcing her mind at work, found in her memory why those jewels had sparked such an interest in her.

<< I've seen these before... >>

On Shapeshifter, on an IceWing from the Talons of Peace she had met once talking with Morrowseer and Nautilus and on a beautiful SeaWing dragoness that worked for Coral.¹
They were all the same.
"It could be a coincidence, nothing stops a merchant from making more of the same piece... but what if... ?"

<< You two are Preyhunter and Strongwings. What is your name, young dragoness? >>
<< Fierceteeth. >>
<< Well, Fierceteeth, I thank you all for your help. >>

Chapter Text

The dragonets were in their room, still trying to get back the freedom of their minds and push out of them Burn's long explanation.

<< That could be a good strategy... >>

Said Starflight massaging his temples with two claws.

<< She drop a long monologue and doesn't let us the time to interrupt and ask about it, we're let confused by all those information and she passes as a dragoness who's good at talking and making herself look like the best option in the shortest time possible. >>
<< Well, she clearly is good with words, that's a good quality for a queen. >>

Said Glory.
Tsunami was staring at her reflection in a mirror, studying her wings as she felt the happiness running trough her veins and making her glow like a torch.

<< Can you believe it? >>

Asked turning to her friends.

<< I'm a member of the royal family! >>
<< You were always as bossy as a spoiled princess, at least we know it's an hereditary thing. >>

Grinned Glory, laughing when her friend slapped her with the tail in a playful way.

<< I think it's really cool! You might find your parents sooner than any of us, you might even be a real princess! >>

Said Sunny.

<< Oh, it would be fantastic. >>
<< Maybe we can interrogate our "dear guardians". >>

Clay looked at Glory and grinned.

<< Are you searching for an excuse to torment Kestrel? >>
<< That too, but if they stole us from our homes, they might know who our relatives are. >>
<< She's right. >>

Nodded Starflight.

<< And considering our plan and the tribes we need to talk with, I think we might find the time to find all of our families. >>
<< Wait, I get that SandWings and MudWings are Scarlet's allies and that we'll have to talk with the RainWings. But how will you and Tsunami talk with your tribes? >>
<< Very simple. >>

Starflight picked up a scroll from his personal collection, but that didn't contain informations about Pyrrhia or a detective fiction like those he liked to read, there was the drawing of multiple dragon heads and information about every queen in the continent and some other minor details.

<< If we want to get Blister and Blaze to come and talk to us, we'll have to meet their allies as well. So, we'll talk with the RainWings and find where the NightWings are hiding, if they are a threat to the Rainforest they can't be far from it. I'll try to make Queen Battlewinner change her plans and, once their problem is solved and the RainWings will help us organize the meetings with Burn's sister, we'll request Queen Coral and Queen Glacier's presence as well, to hear what they have yo say. >>

The NightWing smiled and clapped his paws togheter.

<< And here is how we'll stop the war, save a Tribe and find our families. >>
<< It's a good plan, Starflight. But what makes you think that, for once, Battlewinner will listen to you? Two: what if the RainWings don't want to help us? Three: what if Blaze and Blister won't come? >>

Asked Tsunami and Starflight smile reassuringly.

<< Easy. First: once the RainWings find out they are in danger, they will fight back and Scarlet will help, she basically adopted us, I doubt she will risk us going in battle with a small army. Two: we will find another place, you know how many cities there are in Pyrrhia that are on neutral territory? >>
<< I don't. >>
<< Well, I do. Three: they will never pass the chance to be chosen from the prophecy... or to kill each other. >>
<< Fair enough. >>

Said Tsunami shrugging her shoulders.
Before they could go ask Scarlet to let them interrogate the captured Talons of Peace, Chameleon entered the room in his Soar's mask.

<< I'm sorry to bother you five, but the royal chef asked me to tell you that lunch will be ready soon. >>
<< HOORAY! >>

Roared Clay jumping on his paws.
Tsunami stared at Chameleon confused.

<< You must have the greatest timing in all Pyrrhia, you're always near when we need you or the queen. >>
<< What can I say, I'm just really lucky to be always in the right place at the right time. >>

Smile the green dragon as he sat near Starflight to look at his scroll.

<< What is this? >>
<< Our plan to stop the war. >>

Said the young NightWing, carefully repeating his explanation as the other nodded with interest.

<< You have a great future ahead of you, Starflight, you'd be a magnificent strategist. >>
<< Thank you. >>
<< At least you'll be of great help if the NightWings won't listen to reason and keep their attack on the RainWings. >>
<< How's our Tribe? >>

Glory's question left their green savior speechless.

<< What? >>
<< Our Tribe, what is it like? >>

While a lie would have been easy, Chameleon knew it couldn't be good, especially since they'd soon discover the truth.
"Who cares?"
He thought.
"She'll find out anyway. The sooner the better. She'll have to accept the truth."

<< Once it was beautiful. We were powerful, we lived as a proud Tribe and the elders told me many times of how beautiful is to live where resources are always plentiful and where there is peace. >>
<< Always? >>

Asked Sunny with a smile.

<< Always. Queens and their heir didn't have to kill each other. We had this trial made of five challenges they would face and the one with the most victories became the queen. >>

The dragonets listened eagerly to his words, amazed by the thought of a Tribe where no blood was shed for a throne and the dragones lived a seemingly perfect life.
But it was clear that his words were filled with resentment.

<< Did you say "once"? >>

Asked Glory.

<< The last good queen they had, at least for the elders, was Grandeur. Then she saw her daughters were useless and soon let her eggs get mixed with the others, hoping to find someone to be queen after her. But a group of brainless dragoness took over, every once in a while one of them take the throne, then another one takes it and so on. So they all can be queen, like a stupid game. And what does a Tribe controlled by vain dragonesses playing like dumb teenagers? >>

He saw Glory's crests and ears lower.

<< We've become weak. They all go after fruits 'cause hunting is "too much works", most of the younglings don't learn to read or any of the things you need in life aside your abilities. They all act like dumb kids, naive to world, they wouldn't even notice their own Tribemates going missing. >>

He eyes narrowed and his voice became a low growl.

<< I was born there, this cursed snout of mine never let me breath correctly, never let me sleep for more than two hours of more. I can't change like them and they never tried to help me, never tried to understand why I stared at them in envy while they slept while I gasped in my nest. Never cared that I wasn't as happy and blissfully unaware because every second I felt only the tiredness and the pain... they exiled me like a criminal, an orphan like the others after all, they don't even keep track of their own eggs, nobody knows it's parents and we have only one way to find out if we're related to someone. >>
<< That thing about your venom? >>

Asked Starflight, carefully looking at Glory.

<< Yes. >>

Chameleon looked at said dragoness, his gaze softened just a bit.

<< I'm sorry Glory, but what Kestrel told you all this time is the truth, our Tribe fell in disgrace and our specie with it. Lazy and dumb fruiteaters... >>

The young RainWing was out of the room as soon as he finished.
Her mind was spiraling with the voices of her guardians and their insults, of all those years she had been called an "error" and mere "dead weight", while she had been chosen for the Prophecy by Chameleon and Scarlet after they sent her against Flame, those words still hurt and they had came back to stung her in the chest.
Clay made a move to follow her, but Starflight stopped him.

<< Let her be, she might need a moment alone to elaborate. >>
<< But she shouldn't be alone. >>
<< I know... >>

Chameleon ignored their following words, disinterested in their words and Glory's reaction.
He hated RainWings, he hated his true self as much, while the young dragoness never knew about him and his pain, he knew she would have become just like the others if she had grew up in her Tribe.

<< Anyway, I'll talk with Scarlet now, don't let the chef wait. >>

Leaving the room and going past a mirror in the corridor, Scarlet had those in different part of the castle, all big mirrors with golden frames with jewels all over.
He would always admire those precious gems, yet not even his love for gold and jewels could save the mirror from his fist, the memories of the past and his hatred mixing amin his reflection scattered all over the pavement, on each shard of glass.

Chapter Text

<< Hey Glory... >>
<< Mh? Oh, hey Peril... >>

The two dragonesses sat on a solitary balcony.
Peril had just finished talking with Osprey when she noticed Glory staring at the horizon with her scales colored of many different dark and dull shades of colors that symbolized sadness and pain, she thought that some company could have helped her and wanting to be a good friend (to her first friends especially), she decided to give it a try, even if she wasn't used to help others and she was in a bad mood herself and actually felt a bit of envy toward Glory.
Clay usually complimented the RainWing's beauty and intelligence, Glory would often turn of a bright shade of pink and gold around him, smiling in a way that felt different from the simple happiness of a friend being complimented by another friend.
She wanted to be that close to Clay as well, but she was still searching for the courage to ask.

<< Are you alright? >>

The SkyWing held back a growl at her own words.
"What kind of question was that? It's obvious she's not alright!"

<< No... >>
<< Do you... want to talk? >>

She couldn't hug her or pat her back reassuringly, the only way she could help was either talking to Glory or killing whoever had hurt her.

<< I just find out that what I always knew was true... >>

The RainWing lied down.

<< Lazy and stupid fruitcatchers... my tribe is full of those, it's been years since RainWings have been something different from what Kestrel and Dune have always said to me. I should be used to this, I shouldn't feel this pain after all this time, but I was chosen as a Dragonet of Destiny for Clearsight's sake! >>

Growled Glory.

<< For once... for once I wasn't an error, a replacement for some random dragonet. For once I was important, needed, it felt so nice to be chosen and now... >>

Tears were running down her face.

<< Now I'm not even sure Scarlet and Chameleon did the right thing choosing me! >>

Peril looked at her in silence, getting a wing close enough that the other dragone's tears were evaporating from the heat.
"What now?"
She tried to remember Osprey's teaching, or at least what he had told her about listening and reassuring other dragons.
"Alright, I never did it before. Let's hope I don't ruin anything..."

<< You know why SkyWings kill dragonets like me? >>
<< Uh? >>
<< They say it's because our powers are a curse and they want to spare us a life of suffering. But when the others look at me, I don't see pity, I see hate and disgust, just because I do what every SkyWing soldier does: I fight enemies, I kill enemies and obey my queen. They see a monster and that's only because of who I am and what I was told. >>

Glory was silent.

<< I... I can't understand completely how you feel Glory, we don't feel the same things, even if we're both hated for who we are... >>

After all dragons were different and reacted differently, even to similar events.

<< ... but I don't think Scarlet and this "Chameleon" are wrong. You beat up that SkyWing dragonet and survived years of abuse, I say your kidnappers' opinion isn't important. >>
<< Yeah, I wish I could believe that too. >>
<< And you're not lazy or stupid, aren't you? Then it's not... what was it? Oh, it's not a "genetic" thing, your kind can change! >>

Glory looked at her with an uncertain smile, clearly unsure on how to react to that "compliment".

<< Thank you for trying to help Peril, I really appreciate it. >>

She smiled back.

<< Why do you look sad as well? >>
<< Oh, Osprey just gave me some... some bad news. >>

She trusted Osprey with all herself, she knew he would have never lied to her, that's why it was so painful to think about his words.

"Peril, you must be careful. I am really happy you're interacting with other young dragons and making friends, but the way you're talking about this Clay? You're getting too fixated on the idea you've made of this dragon, there's the risk you might become obsessed with him and that's not a feeling, no, that's an illness that will consume you and turn in a monster like everyone think you are. We need to work on your relationships and how to get rid of the damages that all these years of isolation have inflicted on you."

She never thought to hear those words from the only friend she had before the Dragonets of Destiny.
She still couldn't understand all that talking at all, Peril didn't see a problem in the way she talked about Clay and how much she yearned for his company.
"He's the only dragon I can touch, is it this weird like him?"
Osprey had told her that to really like a dragon she should have known them better.
"But it already feels like I always knew him..."

<< Peril? >>

Glory was calling her and Peril shook her head to cast away her thoughts.
"Well, maybe it's strange I'm envying Glory and Clay's friendship, they grew up as siblings after all..."

<< Are you alright? >>
<< Yeah, it's just those... you know... I'm not used to open up with others. >>
<< That's fine, we can just watch the clouds and enjoy each other in silence. >>

Nodding, Peril lied down as well, breathing heavily.

<< It would have been so much better to not have feelings at all... >>

She said, not caring about being understood.

<< Maybe to know the magic to cancel them... >>
<< Yeah, it would be useful to be magical like an animus... animus... Peril... YOU'RE A GENIUS! >>

Peril jumped on her paws in fear at Glory's sudden scream.

<< Why didn't I think about it before? >>
<< About what?! >>
<< I'll explain it later. Oh, I just wish I could hug you right now! >>

Peril felt strange at Glory's words, but in a pleasant way.
Clay had told her the RainWing wasn't exactly a fan of physical contact, to wish she could have touched her, it meant Glory was really pleased with her and it made her feel better.

<< It's fine, just tell me what is this all about. >>
<< Follow me then! >>

~~~~

<< Where are Glory and Peril? >>

Asked Scarlet.
She was in the dining room with her daughter and sons, the Dragonets of Destiny and "Soar" sitting by her side and they were all waiting for the two missing dragons to start eating.

<< I hope they'll come soon, I'm hungry. >>

Said Clay staring at the food and trying to suppress his stomach's rumbling.

<< I'm sure the- >>

Glory opened the doors so suddenly she startled the presents, Peril was right behind her.

<< Chameleon... >>

She stared at the disguised RainWing.

<< You told me our tribe fell, that we've been disgraced by the wrong queens... >>

She got closer to the masked dragon, confusing everyone unaware of his real identity as Scarlet sat in silence and observed the scene, hoping for something thrilling to happen and not worried at all about her audience (after all Peril was loyal to her and she wasn't superior to use the worst methods to keep her dragonets silent).

<< ... then the only way to clear their name, to clear our names, to clear mine, is to change things and to change them, we need a new ruler. >>
<< What are you saying? >>

Her colors switched, becoming so bright she could almost reflect the sunlight coming trough the window.

<< Train me! >>

She said.

<< Teach me about our tribe's traditions and the Royal Challenge! For I'll be the next RainWing queen! >>

Chapter Text

Chameleon was impressed.
He couldn't deny the hate he felt for his own kind and the effect it had on his opinion of Glory, but he couldn't deny that said dragonet impressed him either.
She wasn't as dumb, lazy and naive like the other RainWings and she wasn't weak, when she declared her will to become a good queen to save their Tribe from themselves, she had gotten the older dragon's attention and, maybe, a small part of him was slowly starting to respect her.
He had given her an affirmative answer even before consulting Scarlet, luckily the queen was interested in Glory's own plan.

<< This will make the dragonets even more loyal to us and with Glory as a queen, there is no way the RainWing won't be on our side. >>

Said the queen.
She and Chameleon went in the treasure room after dinner, enjoying what was their favorite activity: bathing in the golden coins and the jewels.

<< So, how are you going to help the dragonets with their plan? >>

Asked Scarlet while Chameleon enchanted a few scrolls with messages written on them, using the gold as a comfortable chair.

<< Very simple: once we interrogate the captured Talons of Peace and find out which are the dragonets families, I'll go with them to meet their relatives, my powers might be useful to make sure no accident will come to our dragonets. >>
<< Clever boy. >>

Praised him the queen while she petted his head like he was some sorta of dog.

<< Then we'll take care of the NightWings problem by making Glory the queen of RainWings and then, my enchanted scrolls will play their part. They'll fly straight to Blaze and Blister, wherever they'll be, telling them where and when to come. It's so simple it can't fail. >>
<< Don't worry, the plan won't fail, not if we're careful and you'll put your magic to good use. >>

Chameleon nodded silently, carefully rolling up the scroll for princess Blaze.

<< I still can't figure out how Blaze convinced Queen Glacier to fight by her side, what can a SandWing offer to the IceWings? The desert is far too hot for them, even the northern part. I mean, they sweat like they're about to melt just when they enter the ring in my arena! >>

Said Scarlet and Chameleon giggled.

<< Tell me, how would you describe Blaze? >>
<< Weak, so full of herself, Burn and her SandWings describe her as a stupid hatchling in a dragoness body, someone that will whine when someone else is prettier than her and would instantly cry in front of confrontation and... they said she's beautiful. >>
<< Exactly! Someone you can easily take advantage of, that is sexy and that can't offer anything more than burning sand? I know what Glacier asks her to do to keep the alliance. >>

Said the Rainwing rising two claws in front of his mouth and opening them in a "V" as his tongue slithered out of his "lips" and started moving in between the digits in a pretty obscene gesture.

<< Chameleon! Where are your manners? >>

Asked Scarlet laughing.
They had to stop pretty soon since Peril entered the room right in that moment and the two didn't want to be seen in a compromising position, after all, a dragon mimicking a cunnilingus at the queen could have been pretty dubious to see.

<< Peril! >>
<< You wanted to see me? >>
<< Yes, come here. >>

With Peril getting closer to the dragonets, Scarlet had decided to use her even more, to spy on them and carry her words when she needed to keep them in check.
Of course that meant making Peril able to get closer to them faster and what could strengthen a friendship faster than playing together and being able to feel each other?

<< Me and Chameleon have a surprise for you. >>
<< So, this is the "Chameleon" to dragonets had told me about. >>

Said Peril.
Her friends had told her about the animus RainWing that saved them and his masks, she knew Soar since Scarlet kept him unusually close, differently from her other guards and her own dragonets, the young dragoness never thought of an animus hiding in the palace, but that made her feel strangely in peace with herself.
The fact that she wasn't the only "abomination" that survived her own kind was comforting.

<< What surprise? >>
<< Here. >>

Chameleon showed her a necklace he got from Scarlet's treasure, not paying the queen's glare any business as he enchanted the necklace.

<< I command you to make Peril capable of controlling her Firescales. Make so that she can decide whenever her body won't burn everything it touches or it will be as hot as the sun itself. And she shall be able to choose every time she wears this necklace, for as long as she keeps it on. >>
<< Really?! >>

Peril was more than excited at the thought of not being a danger to anyone and the chance to have more friends in the future and live like any normal dragon.

<< You're such a good boy. >>

Said the queen as the dragon beside her bowed with a theatrical gesture and a prideful smile.

<< Thank you so much! Both of pf you! >>

Said Peril wagging her tail.

<< But how does this work? >>
<< You must focus with your mind on the state of your Firescales and how you want ot to be. Strong, weak, completely null? Anything you can focus on. >>
<< This is so cool! And so... I... don't even know what to say! >>

Chirped Peril while thanking them again and bowing far too many times.
Chameleon smiled lightly, it felt pleasant to see his daughter that happy and excited, while he never got the chance to be close to her and develop any affection, it still felt good to see her like that. Probably because the thought of having an actual family or someone closer to him was still a shadow lingering in his mind, no matter how hard he tried to crash it under the memories of his past, nor how much he told himself he didn't care.
There was a small thought and small thoughts could usually get bigger if they were fed or not kept in check.

<< Now go and show it to your friends~ >>

Scarlet waited for Peril to get out, then turned to Chameleon with a playful grin.

<< I thought you didn't care for your daughter >>
<< I don't feel that kind of fatherly affection for her, but that doesn't mean I hate her... >>

Answered the RainWing.

<< ... she's still my daughter, it's only natural to feel paternal instinct, for how weak mine can be. >>
<< Oh well, it's not a problem for me, you're basically adopting all the Dragonets of Destiny too. >>

Answered Scarlet.

<< You too, you adopted them all and you adopted my daughter. Does that make us a couple? >>
<< ... shut up Chameleon. >>

~~~~

<< Hey girls! Have you seen Clay? >>

Peril almost slapped herself as she stopped before Sunny and Tsunami talking in the corridor.
"I'm trying to become friends with them, damn brain, stop making me act like a stalker!"

<< You look different. Your body is not smoking anymore. >>

Observed Sunny as she got closer and inspected the SkyWing, Peril answered with a smile and offered her a paw.

<< I got a magic necklace, I can control my Flamescales now! >>

She exclaimed, noticing that her body started to heat up a bit with the strong emotion and she quickly tried to cool down before offering her paw to Sunny again.
"I have to train."
The hybrid carressed her arm like it was silk and smiled brightly.

<< Now we can really play like dragonets should do! Let's go call the boys! >>
<< Sure! >>

Peril sat down right after with an embarrassed look on her muzzle.

<< I mean, sure, eheh... >>
<< Look, we saw how you look at Clay... >>

Started Tsunami.

<< He is a brother to us and we care about him, so if you feel a crush for him it's okay, the only problem would be if you hurt him, 'cause in that case, we're gonna show you that you're not invincible. >>
<< I understand. >>

The SeaWing's tone was so cold and serious that she was really surprised for a moment.
"It's right! I'd kill whoever dares to hurt him too!"

<< Now come get the boys, I'm sure we can beat you in a race if we go on foot. >>

As the three ran with an unfair but playful advantage, Peril quickly followed with joy.

Chapter Text

<< Here they are... >>

Queen Scarlet grinned with satisfaction, looking at her prisoners with cruel kindness.

<< ... the Talons of Peace's powerful guardians. Three useless prisoners. >>

Dune, Kestrel and Webs were laying down on the floor, their paws, wings and tails were binded togheter with heavy chains, theur mouths were muzzled and guards were keeping them on a leash with long and equally strong chains.
Only Morrowseer wasn't being held like that and was sitting right next to them, still as a statue and silently obeying "Soar"'s order to be a good "dog".

<< This will be quick and painless if you cooperate. >>

Said the queen and gestured for the guards to remove Webs' muzzle, after all he was the only prisoner unable to breathe fire in their faces.

<< Tell us where did you get the dragonets' eggs. >>
<< Why do you care? >>

Hissed the SeaWing, earning a slap with the tail from Morrowseer.

<< I don't get why you insist on helping them... >>

Said "Soar" shaking his head.

<< You lost your home and your family for a fake prophecy made up by a tribe that's thirsting for the blood of innocents. You lived and worked with a traitor who destroyed his best friend's family and a cruel dragoness who abused dragonets and was ready to kill one and still tries to hide behind her past suffering like it's some kind of shield that will make her actions right and her a victim to be forgiven. >>
<< Not to mention that our guarda didn't exactly report a pleasant behavior from them towards you. Why would you still be loyal to them? >>

Webs looked at Kestrel and Dune for a moment, quickly staring back at the queen and baring his fangs.

<< Like you are any better! You watch dragons killing each others for fun, you made Kestrel's daughter into a monster and forced innocents dragons in the dungeon for your sick games! >>

The SkyWing queen grinned only.

<< Yet, right now, I'm your best option. >>

She said while getting comfortable in her throne.

<< We have more allies on our side, so, more Tribes that will benefit from victory. Our plan comprehends saving the RainWings from the NightWings and searching for a peaceful option and, if Burn becomes queen, the war will stop, we'll have no need for any more fight. >>

The dragoness rose from her throne, walking to the chained SeaWing and lifting his chin with two claws.

<< You wanted to bring peace, right? You sacrificed everything for it... >>
<< Yes I did, I want to stop all this madness and the pain and the deaths. This is what Talons of Peace wanted! >>

"Well, before Nautilus became the leader at least..."
Thought Chameleon.
He met the other SeaWing and he knew that wasn't the best dragon out there the rule their organization.

<< I stay for our group's goal, I won't betray them! >>

For once, Webs could see pride in his partners' eyes as they nodded and looked at him.
Scarlet didn't react.

<< So you do have some balls... >>

She said walking in a circle in front of the four prisoners.

<< And you really believe in bringing peace to Pyrrhia. Then if the ultimate goal is that important, you must accept the fact that we're bringing peace as well, our methods are different yes, but as I said: many tribes will benefit from our plan and by choosing a queen, this war will stop. >>

The SkyWing got closer to Webs.

<< If you want peace, then you must choose the right path to bring peace, even if you don't like it. >>

The SeaWing lowered his gaze.
While he knew better than trusting Queen Scarlet, he knew that she was making a good point as well.
If they were really going to help the RainWings and the NightWings find a peaceful solution, then there was a chance for five Tribes on seven to benefit from Burn winning the war and once a queen was chosen and the other princesses were gone, the war would have stopped.

<< You might be right... >>

Said the chained dragon, before baring his fangs at the queen again.

<< But you could be lying as well and I'm not a traitor. >>

Webs spat on Scarlet's face, causing some loud gasps from the other dragons in the room.
Scarlet cleaned her cheek with a furious glare, slapping the SeaWing hard enough to make his head slam on the floor.

<< Guards, take the dragonets we sent in the dungeon, we'll play with them soone- >>
<< NO! >>

Holding back her laugh, Scarlet turned to look at Webs again.

<< Yes? Don't you want Fatespeaker, Squid and Princess Greatness to play? >>

Webs lowered his eyes again, his heart running with fear for the young dragons.

<< I'll... I'll talk. Just don't hurt them or my friends. >>

Some guards laughed and joked with each other about his cowardice, all while Scarlet kept her composure in a hateful, fake smile as she went back on her throne.

<< Did your friends tell you where they found their eggs? >>
<< Yes. Except for Starflight's egg, Morrowseer brought him to us. >>
<< Don't worry about him, just tell us the rest. For now we just know Tsunami is Queen Coral's daughter, as both Burn and Moorhen confirmed that the royal pattern is there. Can you confirm it as well? >>
<< Yes. I took her from the royal hatchery myself. I took Glory's egg as well, but- >>
<< It was with all the Tribe's eggs and there was no way of telling which parents were hers. >>

Said "Soar" with an annoyed growl at the thought.

<< Go on. >>

Trying hard to ignore Kestrel and Dune's hard expressions, Webs thought back to what they had told him about the other's eggs.

<< Dune said Sunny's egg belonged to a SandWing named Thorn and Asha, the MudWing that was with us, said the blood-red egg she was carrying belonged to her sister, Cattail. >>
<< Good, now we have more names, wasn't it easy? >>

Webs lowered his head and let the guards muzzle him again, trying to hide his shame.

<< Morrowseer, what about Starflight? >>
<< He's the son of Mastermind, our greatest scientist. His mother was Farsight and she's dead. >>
<< Perfect! Just one family to find and the rest is fine. >>

Said Scarlet while gesturing for her guards to take the prisoners away, all except Morrowseer.
Webs tried to scream something behind the muzzle, but the dragoness paid him little attention.

<< If you're worried about the other five dragonets, don't worry. Flame already found his mother, it was pretty easy to find which one of us lost an egg and when it happened considering the dragonet's age. If Burn and Moorhen need help with Viper and Ochre's family, we'll gladly help them. The others... you can play the father role for as long as you'll live. >>
<< Better start now then~ >>

The SeaWing was pulled away, leaving Morrowseer the only remaining prisoner.

<< Now, I order you to tell us of every single member of the Talon of Peace and every hideout, everything you know. We want to know everything. >>

A little part inside of the queen was in pain at the lost chance of torturing the prisoners.
But she knew the right occasion would soon come to her.

Chapter Text

The Scorpion's Den was one of the worst places for a princess to roam.
Yet Burn felt no fear, nor worry, she knew how to defend herself and she had her guards, a few of her best soldiers, but she knew she still had to keep an eye focused on the few shadows around, covering tents and stands with their dark embrace and hiding outlaws of every kind and with the worst intention. It was exhilarating the thought of finding a bunch of pacifist in a cove full of snakes far more dangerous that the dragonbite vipers, any dragon coming from the outside would have thought that it wasn't possible, just like finding fire in the Kingdom of Ice, yet they were there, in the big oasis in the middle of the place.

<< Be ready to fight, but don't kill if it's not necessary. I want them alive. >>

Ordered Burn as she looked around the place, her black eyes filled with hatred and disgust at the view of the many SandWings hiding from the war instead of fighting for her and all the hybrids that lived already in the area.
"Cowards, traitors and disgusting half-bloods..."
Thought the princess as she held back a growl.
None of them looked scared of her, they were proudly keeping their heads up and staring back like she didn't belong there, adding fuel to her rage.
"When this war will end, this place will be too and you all with it."
Contemplating the only few hybrids that were "interesting" enough to be put on display in her museum, Burn finally saw the dragoness she was looking for.

<< Ah! Thorn, my dear friend! >>

The word "friend" left her lips like a hiss.

<< What are you doing here, Burn? >>

Asked said dragoness as she stood proudly in front of the Outclaws.

<< Being the boss of this bunch of criminal scums clearly made you forgot who I am... >>

The princess spread her wings and took a proud yet defensive pose as she raised her voice for everyone to hear.

<< ... I am the future queen of this kingdom. >>
<< You are nothing but a mere monster Burn! And an idiot as well! >>

A crowd of dragons got closer, trying to take the best spot to look at the display, waiting for a fight to start and the best occasion to take a piece of the princess.
Thorn and her group helped those in need, kept the place safe from becoming the lair of heartless criminals and even with the water under her absolute control, she never abused her powers, everyone in there was ready to fight for her (except the few dragons that feared the Outclaws).

<< You came with only a few guards, in a place where even the worms in the ground you're walking on want you dead. Unless you can perform miracles, you clearly want to die. >>
<< Believe me or not, I came here to make you an offer. >>

She didn't even had the time to listen to the few milliseconds of silence following her words, Thorn was already roaring her laughs to the sun and soon all of the Scorpion's Den followed right after.
The princess clenched her fists in the scorching sand as she tried to stay calm and ignore the laughs and the words the others were screaming at her, she would have to deal with those after her coronation.

<< Oh and what could the mighty and only "queen" offer to me? Except your head on a pike I mean... >>

Thorn slowly advanced, stopping only when the guards lowered their heads and raised their tails, like they were ready to strike at any moment.
Burn was not impressed, not even amused for what mattered to her interlocutor.

<< I can offer you Dune, still alive... >>

Thorn's eyes became as big as the sun itself, a light full of hatred spread trough them at the thought of the one that she considered a dear friend and that stole her egg, leaving her heartbroken and taking her daughter away from her, after everything they had done for each other.

<< ... and your daughter. >>
<< Careful with words! >>

Snarled the SandWing at her royal similar, Burn just smiled at her, a grin that was increasing in evilness.

<< Your little spies should be good at their job. >>

The princess sat down in the sand and talked like she was speaking with one of her subjects as she explained everything, from the "rescue" of the Dragonets of Destiny and the arrest of four members of the Talons of Peace, to the current plan that she and her allies came up with.

<< As you can immagine, once this war is stopped, I'll come here to destroy whoever will try to stand in my way... >>

Continued Burn.

<< ... and that pretty daughter of yours is one of the few hybrids that I could consider interesting enough for my museum. Maybe I could stuff her up along with her friends, or keep them alive as living attraction until they die. Luckily for them, Scarlet and I take good care of our pets. >>
<< Pets? You're talking about dragonets! >>
<< You're disgusting! >>

Shouted Six-Claws as he took a few steps to stand near Thorn.
Burn's eyes quickly fell on the interesting paws of the dragon, those paws with six claws instead of five, those that she wanted to expose so bad in her museum.

<< How could you leave my army? >>

Asked the princess ignoring the insult (it felt more like a compliment to her).

<< How could you betray your future queen? Throw away the glory of winning the war and the honor of becoming one of my precious treasures? >>
<< You are crazy if you think getting killed and put in a glass case is an honor! Especially after fighting for a monster! >>

Burn was about to snap and hit him, but Thorn was quick to go and stay between them, even to avoid Six-Claws doing something suicidal.

<< What do you want then... >>
<< Thorn! You can't believe her! >>
<< If it's true and my spies will prove it, what do you want in exchange for my daughter's safety and Dune? >>

Burn only stared at her like she was saying: "I think you know the answer to that question".

<< You are pretty skilled in killing all the guards infiltrating in here and those criminals trying to bring chaos to your "little paradise"... >>
<< Yes... >>
<< Killing my sisters should be easy then. >>

Chapter Text

<< How can you be so spineless? >>

Squid sighed in annoyance as Kestrel's voice reached his ears.
Since the three members of the Talons of Peace were brought back to their cells, they kept arguing at the very first occasion. Mostly, they kept calling Webs a "coward" and a "spineless traitor" for telling Queen Scarlet about the dragonets' families.

<< It's not like she can do much with that information. She already knew that Tsunami is Queen Coral's daughter, she could still try to get the SeaWings on her side without knowing about the others dragonets' relatives. >>
<< Every piece of information can be used in war. I thought we taught you- >>
<< What?! What did you exactly taught me?! >>

Growled Webs baring his fangs at Kestrel and Dune.

<< All you ever did was complain and act like victims because... you suffered and that is apparently a reason to make it everyone's problem. You taught me to whine like a damn hatchling, take off anger on dragonets and treat like shit your own colleagues. You aren't worried about this war, you're just searching for an excuse to mistreat the others like you always do and you know what?! >>

The SeaWing looked directly at Kestrel.

<< Maybe it's for the best that your daughter didn't grow up with you. You aren't that different from Scarlet after all. >>

The dragoness grabbed his throat in an instant, her paw reaching between the cell's bars so easily even with how close those were, yet Dune couldn't help but shiver worry at the impact of Kestrel's arm and bones with the metal.
But she didn't even flinch, she only held the green dragon by neck as she stared at him with fury in her eyes and her teeth bared.
None of the two talked, Webs and Kestrel simply stared at each other as she waited for him to back down and cower like he always did and he held her gaze, for once in his life, he wasn't afraid of her.
He was already doomed, prisoner of a cruel queen and soon to be sold to another one that wanted him gone, he had already lost his family and even the dragonets he cared for since they were still in the eggs, he had nothing left to lose and nothing more to fear, for he was already dead.

<< Would you just stop it?! >>

Roared Trickster, finally breaking the silence and the focus of the two.
Kestrel let go of Webs' throat and snarled at him, going to sit in a corner of her cell and trying to hide how much those words had actually hurt her. The SeaWing simply sat down and looked at the fallen king in the cell in front of his, staring and what he thought was going to be his future, still empty of every hint of fear and the rage he felt before.
Squid couldn't take it anymore, he couldn't bear the constant arguing and the emptiness in the other prisoners' eyes, he didn't want to end up like them.

<< Fatespeaker, please, tell me you have a plan. >>

Said the SeaWing looking at hos cellmate.
The NightWing was silent, staring at nothing in particular, her eyes were wide and white, bright like stars and empty.

<< Fatespeaker? >>

Webs approached her slowly, carefully touching her shoulder as she suddenly turned to him and grabbed his paw, her voice rising with panic as she suddenly turned back.

<< Stop her! Stop her! >>

She screamed while the green dragon tried to free himself from her grasp.

<< Fatespeaker! It's me! What's gotten into you?! >>

The dragoness finally let him go, gasping and taking deep breaths to calm down as she looked around the cell.

<< Where are we? Where are the SkyWing dragoness and Chameleon? >>
<< What about them? >>

Fatespeaker was reluctant at first, but finally talked.

<< Look, I know I often lied about having visions of the future and the few I had... I don't even know if they were visions or just dreams. But you have to believe me now. Alright? >>
<< Fatespeaker, you had bright white eyes and were in a trance. That was either a vision, or you have some medical problems and right now, I want to believe the first option. >>
<< Very well. 'Cause I've seen a bright colored SkyWing, a dragoness with smoke coming out of her. She destroyed a scroll in front of Chameleon and he looked desperate and then... then there was this... I don't know. It was a shadow coming out of a mountain and it was huge! I mean really huge, like a giant drag- >>
<< Wait! >>

Hunter's head popped out of his cell.

<< Have you seen what that shadow looked like? Was it like a black dragon? >>
<< I don't know, that part was hard to see. >>

The adult dragon looked at his fellow NightWings with sudden fear.

<< You think it's that legend? >>
<< There is no way she could know about that. She wasn't born in the tribe. >>
<< I'm sorry. But what are you talking about? >>

Asked Fatespeaker, but another prisoner interrupted them as he stuttered in fear.

<< The SkyWing dragoness with the smoke and brighter colors must be Peril. >>
<< Peril? >>
<< Queen Scarlet's champion, an abomination that was born to kill and destroy everything she touches. >>

"If this 'Peril' exists and the NightWings are worried about the shadow in the vision..."
Webs looked back at his cellmate, swallowing the lump in his throat as he tried to not show too much of his discomfort.
Something really bad was about to happen, sooner or later.
"I don't want to be there when that happens."

<< Fatespeaker, we need to get out of here. >>
<< Mh? How? >>

He may have not been the best of the dragonets when it came to fighting and everyone who knew him would have described him as a "whiny, balless and spoiled brat obsessed with treasures", as Viper called him once, but he wasn't that stupid and the call of his survival instinct was helping his willpower.

<< Those dragons don't know much about NightWings and I didn't hear a thing about Morrowseer teaching them, he's locked here most of the time. And you have been locked here longer than the others. >>
<< So... we could trick them! >>
<< Exactly. >>

They just needed a good plan.

Chapter Text

<< Tag! You're it! >>

Giggling, Starflight slithered out of the dark corner he was trying to hide in, a pretty difficult thing considering the room itself lacked of places with enough shadow to blend in.
He let the other dragonets away from him and waited a few seconds before charging at them, trying to grab Sunny's tail first and failing at it once the dragoness used her smaller size to slip past his paws and out of reach. The NightWing turned around quickly and patted Peril's left wing, the SkyWing was still getting used to the thought of being safe to the touch and often forgot to keep her distance.

<< Tag! You're it! >>
<< Oh damn... did I hurt you? >>

Asked Peril looking at his paw.

<< No, you're perfectly in control. >>

The dragoness smiled enthusiastically, looking at her bright scales and the lack of smoke rising from those.

<< What did Chameleon say about this? >>
<< Just that I need to focus with my mind to decide the state of my Firescales. >>
<< Well, right now you're pretty relaxed and happy, I guess your feelings and state of mind have a big influence. I wish my scrolls had something about this... >>

After Scarlet and Chameleon rescued them, the queen had sent her guards to retrieve the dragonets possessions and Starflight was able to retrieve each of his precious scrolls.
Yet none of them could tell him about Firescales and animus magic like he wanted to, while that wasn't a surprise, he still felt the aching pain of a mind hungry for knowledge and informations about the "unknown".

<< Why don't you write your own scrolls? >>

Asked Sunny and Clay smiled with her.

<< Yes. You're a clever dragon Starflight, you could do your own research and write your own scrolls. >>
<< Well, I suppose it won't hurt to try. >>

Said the NightWing, a bit embarrassed by the praises.
"I never thought about becoming a researcher... do I even count as one if I don't officially work in the field?"

<< Let's start then! >>

Said Sunny jumping on her paws and pulling his tail.

<< We can play the study game now and write all the information about hybrids like me, magic and everything dragons don't know about NightWings and RainWings. >>
<< Isn't it just studying? Studying is boring. >>

Sighed Tsunami.
Glory gave her a gentle hit on the flank with her tail.

<< Come on granny, games are boring only if you make them boring. >>
<< Oh, I'll show you who's the granny! >>

The SeaWing jumped on the other dragonets, pinning her to the ground and using her weight to immobilize her, then she proceeded to tickle Glory until her scale started shifting continuously and the RainWing began to squirm and beg for mercy.

<< So, who's the granny? >>

Asked Tsunami stopping her assault to let Glory breath normally for a bit and give her an answer.

<< Noone. >>

Croaked the defeated dragonet, her voice hoarse from laughing.

<< Let's start studying~ >>
<< Maybe I can help with that. >>

The dragonets jumped in fear at the sudden voice, none of them noticed Chameleon sneaking in the room, even with his hoarse breathing and lack of camouflage.

<< Hi Chameleon! >>
<< Hi Sunny, hi guys. I bring great news. >>

The dragonets quickly went to sit around him, eager to listen.

<< We got your former captor to talk about your families and where you come from. Since Burn and Moorhen are our allies, I thought that we could start by visiting their kingdom to search for Clay and Sunny's relatives first, since to meet the others we'll need to talk with their queens first. >>

Explained the green dragon.

<< I will gladly accompany you and help you learn everything about your heritage, if you wish, I could even help you with your study Starflight. >>
<< Oh yes! That would be great! >>

The dragonets jumped around enthusiastically, even those that knew would have to wait before meeting her families, they were happy for their siblings.

<< Follow me then, I'll help you prepare for the travel and tell you a few things you need to know before... >>
<< Can I come too? >>

Asked Peril.

<< You should still train your new ability Peril, it's a big responsibility and before going out there, you must make sure you can control it. >>
<< I will! >>

Said the young dragoness, hiding the sadness she felt at the thought of not being able to accompany her new friends and her crush on their adventure.
But the determination she felt was real, she wanted to show them all -Clay in particular- what she could do and how she could be helpful to them.

<< Very well then. Queen Scarlet is organizing a wing of the dungeon for your training, you can find her at the entrance. >>
<< Thank you. Good luck guys! >>
<< Good luck Peril! >>

As the SkyWing went on her way, the dragonets turned to Chameleon again to ask more about the travel, all pretty impatient to go.

Chapter Text

<< Is Soar going to join us today? >>

Asked a SkyWing guard as he yawned, trying to not fall asleep on the job as boredom got a hold of him.

<< No, the queen sent him with the Dragonets of Destiny to visit the Mud and the Sand Kingdoms. >>

Answered his colleague, equally bored from standing outside the dungeon's entrance.

<< What a pity, he's the one that got the best jokes. >>
<< Yeah, he's a fun guy. This job is so monotonous. >>

The first guard nodded.

<< I wish the prisoners would try something funny, so we could have fun beating some sense into them. >>
<< Really? Pfft! Nah, I wish I was the one going as a bodyguard with the dragonets, some exercise would do good. And so would a different view, anything but staring at these walls all day. >>

Before the other SkyWing could answer, a scream made them both jump in the air and turn around.

<< What's happening?! >>

Asked the guards running trough the various cells before stopping in fron of Squid and Fatespeaker's.
The young dragoness was on the floor, rolling around and scratching her skin furiously as foam came out of her mouth and her eyes searched around in a panic for something that wasn't there. Squid sat against the cell bars, his back pressed against them like he wanted to slip through the metal and get as far away from his cellmate as possible.

<< What's wrong with her?! >>
<< Moonless Syndrome! >>

Said Squid, looking at the guards' confused expressions and explaining as clearly as he could: << She has been taken here before the others, when a NightWing doesn't get enough moonlight, they'll go crazy because their scales start burning like crazy! >>.
The two SkyWings looked at the other cells, but none of the NightWings gave them any hint of that being a lie, they were all staring at the dragonets with concern and that made the first guard act and enter the cell.

<< Wait Crest! You can't go in there! It could be rabies! Look at her foaming mouth! >>

Said the second guard as Squid rolled his eyes, but Crest ignored him as he let his spear on the floor and went to raise Fatespeaker's head with a paw so that she couldn't hit it on the floor.

<< She's my daughter's age! I'm not letting a dragonet if I can help it! >>

Growled Crest as he tried to calm down the convulsing dragonet.
The moment the other guard turned around to call for backup, Squid got the abandoned spear on the floor and put it around the SkyWing's throat, pulling at it as the older dragon coughed and tried to free himself.

<< What are you waiting fo- >>

Watching his colleague getting choked, Crest tried to get up to help him, FateSpeaker grapped his wrist and pulled him on the floor, rolling on top of him and grabbing his head before he could breath fire at her, slamming it on the floor until the SkyWing passed out, it didn't take long despite the heavy metal elm protecting him.

<< Squid! >>

The dragoness jumped on the other guard before he could finally get free from Squid, the young SeaWing was hanging helplessly while trying to keep the spear's shaft pressed against the guard's throat and was about to give up.
Once the two had managed to incapacitate the second guard, careful to check for a pulse to make sure they didn't accidentally choke him to death, they finally got out of the cell and shut the door.

<< That foam thing was really cool. >>
<< Thanks, but it felt so gross to drool and gurgle like that. >>
<< Yeah yeah, I know, now let's go! >>
<< Wait! >>

Feeling the NightWing pulling at his tail, Squid felt the need to slap her.
Times was against them and while they weren't as binded as other prisoners, the chained wings and the heavy metal rings on their paws were still a nuisance and would have slowed down their escape.

<< What?! Someone might have heard all the commotion! >>
<< But we should help the others as well! >>
<< We don't have the time! We'll ask for help once we're out of here! >>

Before they could argue, they heard Kestrel's voice from her cell, muffled by her muzzle but still clear.

<< Search for the dragon of the Jade Mountain! He can contact the Talons of Peace! >>
<< What?! >>
<< What kind of dra- >>
<< YOU'LL RECOGNIZE HIM! NOW GO! >>

The two dragonets quickly left the dungeon, finding themselves in the corridor and trying to remember from which directing they came when they had been taken down there.

<< Where do we go? >>
<< I think... >>

The sound of steps getting closer terrified the two whispering fugitives.
Especially Squid, he couldn't blend in shadows as well as FateSpeaker, even with her colors not being a full black and the guards being able to smell and hear her, she had a big advantage, while he was a target in plain sight.

<< Not in the arms of the soldiers. Follow me! >>

The two ran away, hoping to find an exit and to not end up facing more SkyWings.

Chapter Text

<< You really think they can escape from here? >>

Asked Dune and Kestrel sat back down with a shrug of her shoulders.

<< ... no. >>

Said the dragoness.

<< But if they can perform a miracle by getting past the guards, taking off of the chains and flying away from here, maybe they can find Stonemover. >>

The SandWing nodded, still not convinced.

<< You know, they lost their entire cildhood and ended up in here exactly because of the Talons of Peace. What makes you think they won't leave us in here to rot? >>

Before Kestrel could point out that the thought had already crossed her mind, some soldiers and an healer came into the dungeon.

<< What happened in there?! >>

Asked a fuming dark-scaled guard.

<< You should really train your soldiers. I wasn't this dumb and I was trained there. >>

Said Kestrel as she grinned with satisfaction

<< Laugh while you can, traitor! It won't make your sentence come sooner and won't spare you the torture! >>
<< Oh my, I'm so scared... >>

The guard growled at her, turning to the healer that was checking on the two SkyWing tricked by Squid and Fatespeaker, knowing the queen's punishment was going to be worse than the humiliation.

<< Sir, what is your name? >>

Asked Greatness.

<< Why so interested, NightWing? Think you can sweet-talk your way out? Maybe with some bullshit about being better than the others and doing the right thing? >>
<< Well... yes. >>

The guard laughed like a hyena, drying a tear escaping his eye and leaning on the wall.

<< You're a fun one, NightWing, it will be such a pity to lose a comedian. >>
<< Ehm... the queen actually wants to use me as leverage against my mother, Queen Battlewinner. >>
<< Oh, we won't lose the comedian then! That's fine. >>

Greatness lowered her gaze.

<< Well, I tried. >>
<< Don't mind him, General Cormorant¹ is just pissed his soldiers are easier to trick than hatchlings. >>

Said Kestrel looking at her claws.

<< Don't waste your breath, traitor. >>

Said Cormorant.

<< You're gonna need it for training with the Dragonets of Destiny. >>
<< I suppose I won't train them like I did before. >>
<< You mean when you abused those poor little ones? Of course not! >>

Growled him, muttering something like: << Clearsight help me if I'd ever let something like this happen to my dragonets >> under his breath.
Kestrel stood up with anger.

<< If your dragonets were born disabled or with Firescales, you would have killed them! >>
<< And if I'd let live dragonets like those, they'd live a miserable life! Just like that monster of your daughter... >>

Kestrel bared her fangs behind the muzzle as the guard went on with his explanation.

<< Not a single friend, feared by everyone, unable to touch and be near someone without hurting them, destined to destroy everything... >>

Pausing, he looked back at her and sighed.

<< We spare our hatchlings a terrible future, we spare them a terrible suffering. Those born weak, those animus dragons that will lose their soul if they don't restrain themselves... we don't kidnap dragonets and abuse them for fun like you did. >>

Kestrel was about the snap back, when Dune himself let out a ferocious growl.

<< You are a disgusting, delusional and hypocritical piece of- >>
<< Aehm! Aehm! >>

Queen Scarlet herself was at the door, staring at them with annoyance.

<< General Cormorant, please, refrain from bickering like a dragonet and tell me why my guards are as good as dead and we're missing two prisoners... >>

She started, kicking one of the guards still recovering from the attack of the dragonets.

<< I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I won't let you down again, I will train my soldiers again, we'll work harder and- >>
<< I hope so. >>

Watching him bow, Scarlet turned to the healer.

<< Are the Dragonets of Destiny and Soar gone? >>
<< Yes, I personally helped them pack enough medicine and bangades for the journey. >>
<< And where did our little escapist go? >>
<< Apparently, they're directed to the arena. >>

Grinning with satisfaction, the queen clapped her paws togheter.

<< Very well. Our guests can't watch their little "friends" get used to entertain us now, can't they? >>
<< "Our guests"... the Dragonets of Destiny?>>
<< No, Queen Marie Antoinette² of the SandWings! You know? She resurrected and attached her head back yesterday... OF COURSE I MEAN THE DRAGONETS! >>

Was Scarlet's sarcastic answer, remembering all those times Burn annoyed her with stories of said queen and, if she could recall right, Oscar³ at the command of the royal guard.
She never imagined she could actually use the SandWing's story in a functional sentence.
"Damn, their names still sound so... undragon-like... at least they're original."

<< General Cormorant, go ask our sentinels if the Dragonets of Destiny are out of reach. I'll tell my sons to call our beloved public~ >>

~~~~

<< Look! A gate! >>

Fatespeaker and Squid quickly tried to open the heavy metal gate in front of them.
It didn't have any locks, but presented a strange mechanism.

<< How do we open this? >>
<< I don't know. I can't even see the guards, why aren't they watching over this door? >>
<< I- >>

The gate slowly raised, pulled up by something they couldn't see and opening for them to look out in a giant and empty space surrounded by walls, but with the clear blue sky in plain view and with no ceiling to stop them.

<< Maybe Clearsight loves us! >>

Said Fatespeaker as she got out in the open, quickly noticing the queen looking down at them and the SkyWings that were taking places.

<< You were saying? >>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Notes: (¹)= General Cormorant is an NPC from "Wings of Fire: Roblox".

(²,³)= any reference to both the real life queen and Lady Oscar from the manga and anime, is not casual.

- LaraEndlight

Chapter Text

Squid and Fatespeaker watched in terror as more and more SkyWings took their places, rapidly filling the seats and dooming her in that arena.

<< If only our wings weren't chained... >>

Murmured Fatespeaker turning to the now closed gate behind them and the soldiers sitting comfortably behind the bars.

<< We'd still be trapped, the guards can still fly and all those bastards know we're two weak dragonets against all of them. They'd stop us... tell me you got a vision of us surviving and going away from here... >>
<< I wish I had. >>

The soldiers on the pillars roared in unison, catching the crowd's attention and silencing them all as Queen Scarlet came out from the gate in the pit, quickly flying over the two dragonets and reaching her seat as the guards in the dungeon shut the gate closed again.

<< MY DEAREST SUBJECTS! Today we have two very special guests in our arena! >>

Screamed the queen as all the other dragons roared in amusement and clapped their wings.
The queen made a gesture with her tail and her son, Vermilion, stepped in.

<< You heard our queen? We're about to see the raw power of pure anger and betrayal! >>

Everyone roared again.

<< After a long interrogation, Morrowseer told us everything about five fake Dragonets of Destiny the Talons of Peace kidnapped in case the first five failed! >>

A few SkyWings started talking to each other with pure excitement, judging and staring carefully at the prisoners in front of them.

<< He told us everything we needed to know. Clap your claws for our two new entrances, first we have the son of the Talons of Peace's leader himself: SQUID THE SWEAWING! >>

Some spectators cheered for him, others were suggesting various ways to kill him and which dragon sent against the poor scared SeaWing.

<< And to fight by his side, from the misterious night, with all the powers that make her tribe so dangerous and feared: FATESPEAKER THE NIGHTWING! >>

The SkyWings sounded even more excited than before, waiting to see the NightWings' power used in a fight as Squid and Fatespeaker looked at each other in desperation.

<< Do we have to fight each other?! >>

Asked the young dragoness, hoping for a negative answer.
Squid quickly jumped in front of her, raising his voice as he looked at the queen.

<< You can't let us die here! We have useful informations! >>

A choir of: "Oooh!" rose from the spectators, Scarlet quickly silenced them spreading her wings and staring down at the dragonets with a sly smile.

<< With Morrowseer under my command, there's nothing you can say that we don't know already. What else can you tell us about the Talons of Peace, that he won't just tell when asked? >>
<< IT'S NOT ABOUT THOSE USELESS KIDNAPPERS! >>

Screamed Squid, his voice cracking under the fear of not being heard.
The queen's smile grew wider as she flew down in the ring with them, staring down at him with amusement as she said: << Then tell me, young SeaWing. What are those "important information" only you two have? I'm so curious! >>, clearly trying to mock him.

<< FateSpeaker had a prophecy, she saw the future and it's not pleasant. Morrowseer can't know this, he can't have the same visions as her and you know it, don't you? >>

The smile disappeared from the flame-colored dragoness's face, her eyes darting from prisoner to prisoner in search of doubt and every little hint of lies.

<< Is it true? >>

Asked looking at the NightWing dragonet and Squid answered again.

<< The prisoners in the dungeon will comfir- >>
<< I wasn't talking to you! >>

Growled Scarlet, slapping Squid so hard he fell on the ground.
Fatespeaker held back a scream, trying to put some distance between herself and the queen.

<< What did you see? >>
<< I... I won't tell you! >>

Trying to growl, the NightWing assumed a defensive position.

<< Not unless you let us go! >>

She was terrified, yet she wasn't going to let the cruel queen use them for her amusement.
Scarlet simply shrugged, a grin creeping on her muzzle.

<< Very well... >>

She was flying again, up in the sky, as she looked around the crowd for a few seconds.

<< Is Flame here with us?! >>

She asked and a few dragons rose on their paws.

<< I want the young dragonet that the Talons of Peace kidnapped! The Flame we rescued and brought back home with us! >>
<< I'M HERE! >>

Said dragonet quickly flew near the queen, staring at her with pride, not knowing what to expect from his queen.
Scarlet called Vermilion with a tail gesture, whispering something to him and sending him back to announce the news.

<< Dear spectators! The queen has a very generous offer for both Flame and our fighters! >>
<< Get ready to fight... >>

Whispered Squid massaging his aching cheek.
Fatespeaker paled, looking up at her former colleague with pleading eyes.
There was a time she would have called Flame a friend, a "brother", even when the other dragonets insulted her, she would act like those were nothing more but playful taunts, but deep down she knew the truth and she couldn't keep deluding herself.
Except from Squid and maybe Ochre, Viper and Flame would have been perfectly capable and willing to trade her life for theirs.
If the queen wanted Flame to attack them, to kill them, there was nothing she could say to stop him.

<< To avenge the honor of our great tribe and the childhood that has been ripped from him, Flame has the choice to fight his former teammates and constant reminders of what happened to him! Until Fatespeaker will obey and reveal the visions she claims she had to our noble queen, this young dragon can show us how powerful SkyWings can really be! >>

The crowd cheered and the announcer pointed a claw at Squid.

<< The young NightWing shall be left alive! But Squid hasn't been granted the same mercy! If Flame so desires, the fight with the SeaWing will last until one opponent only is left breathing! >>

Flame's expression was far from doubtful or remorseful, he looked happy, too happy for someone in his place, at least in Fatespeaker's eyes.

<< We're two against one, we can do it! >>

She said as Squid got up trembling.
Back on the NightWings' island they hadn't been the best at fighting and Flame could still use his wings.

<< Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut... >>
<< And have the queen sent us against a full grown fighter? Or more than one? At least Flame is alone and a dragonet like us. >>

The young SkyWing landed in front of them and Vermilion roared one last time.

<< Claws up! ... Fire ready! ... FIGHT! >>

Chapter Text

The fight was over the moment is started, at least for Fatespeaker.
Flame slammed into her with all his might, sending her sprawling on the ground.

<< You stay down. >>

Growled the young SkyWing.

<< I can't kill you, but that doesn't mean I'll hold back if you interfere. >>

His attention turned to Squid, who was cowering against the wall in a futile attempt to look smaller, like he was trying to disappear.

<< You can't even imagine how long I've waited for this moment. >>

Smiled Flame.

<< You were so pathetic, so annoying. Whining all the time about your daddy, like that made you better than us... >>
<< Flame, I'm sorry I was so annoying. I'm sorry my father and his group kidnapped you, but killing me isn't going to bring back all those years on that island. >>
<< No, that's true. But it's going to entertain my queen and my tribe. >>

The SkyWing lunged at him with outstretched claws.
Squid tried to shield himself with his wings, hissing in pain as Flame's claws scratched the membrane and trying to push him back spreading the wings. It didn't work well, his opponent saw right through him and backed away to avoid the wings, jumping forward again to grab him by the nack and pulling him on the ground, delivering a strong punch right on the muzzle.

<< SQUID! >>

Screamed Fatespeaker as she saw her friend getting punched again and again, until blood started pouring from his mouth a fang fell from it.
The crowd was cheering and roaring in joy for the young dragon.

<< Stop it! Please! Just stop! >>

Begged the NightWing.
Prayers that fell on dead ears and Flame kept hitting Squid with mad joy, stopping only at the flames that Fatespeaker breathed on his face.
Of course her fire didn't hurt him, he was a dragon from the breed with the hottest fire and while she was worried for Squid, the young dragoness was still holding back.

<< You're worse than him... >>

Mumbled Flame as he let go of Squid's neck.

<< Fighting to defend someone that never cared about you and not even trying to hurt me? >>

The NightWing was trembling.

<< You're just angry and desperate for attention, now that you've found your family. You're no- >>
<< Are you calling me a whiny brat?! >>

Growled the red dragon as he fired at her.
Fatespeaker rolled out of the way, trying to run and getting stopped by Flame's claws on her tail, piercing the scales and pulling her toward him.
She waited for him to pull her close enough, then rolled on her back and kicked the SkyWing in the chest with both her hind paws, freeing herself and pushing him away from her.

<< We're pathetic? Then what are you? You were the first of us to be defeated and scrapped as a Dragonet of Destiny! >>

Growled Fatespeaker, pointing at the scars Glory's venom left on Flame's shoulder and paws.

<< You were so stupid, underestimating your opponent like a little hatchling that doesn't know how the world works. And look at you now! >>

She gestured for the crowd, ignoring the SkyWing's hateful stare and his deep breaths.

<< You fight to entertain a crowd? You are not a dragon, nor a future assassin. You're a trained pet, like those monkeys Morrowseer told us about, those the Scavengers keep on chains and train to dance for coins. >>

Flame was full of rage, roaring at her as fire erupted from his maws.
Fatespeaker raised a wing to cover herself, the burning sensation on her membrane making her flinch, but she forced herself to stay still.
"If I make him angry enough... yes... he won't control himself. The queen will have to stop him from killing me!"
She hoped.
If Queen Scarlet wanted her alive, that strategy might have been her best chance at survival.
The fire suddenly stopped, the roar of rage turned into one of pain and she peeked from behind her wings, noticing that Squid wasn't laying on the group anymore. The SeaWing had snuck up behind Flame and was now on his back, sinking his claws in the enemy's flanks and his fangs in the shoulder's scar, where the scales couldn't grow up after the venom melted them, leaving the skin and the muscles open and vulnerable to the attack.
The crowd was going crazy with twisted pleasure as Flame tried to grab Squid's head and throw him off, resolving to throw himself on the back and crashing the smaller dragon under his back, but the SeaWing was persistent and didn't let go, not even when the red dragonet turned his long neck and bit down on his head.
Fatespeaker got closer, looking at her opponent's vulnerable belly, killing him would have been terribly easy in that position and she knew it would have make her and Squid's life easier, but she couldn't do it.
She couldn't force herself to kill another dragonet like that, but she couldn't back down and let Squid be killed either, he wasn't a great fighter after all, not as much as Flame at least.
She had only one solution.

<< Queen Scarlet! >>

She roared.

<< I surrender! I will give you my prophecy and every other vision I'll get! >>

She said as Squid finally let go of Flame's shoulder to growl: << Don't do that! >>, leaving Flame all the time he needed to slam his claws on the SeaWing's paws and retreating his head, ripping the crest on the green dragon's head and leaving him on the ground to scream in pain and hold the aching spot.
The young SkyWing spat the ripped crest on the ground, his eyes darting from Squid to Fatespeaker as he waited for the young dragoness's next words.

<< Just let Squid live! I'll be your prophet and hold no secret from you, in exchange for his life! >>

Queen Scarlet seemed to ponder her offer for a bit, then turned to her soldiers.

<< Guards! Escort Flame to our healers and send one down in the dungeon to check on Squid! He looks pretty beaten up. >>

Flame growled at them, seemingly uncaring of the fact that the crowd was still complimenting his performance, he glared at Fatespeaker one more time before flying up to the guards signaling for him to follow.

<< Thank you, your Majesty! I shall never forget your mercy and your kindness! >>

Roared again the young NightWing, bowing to the queen as Squid looked at her both in gratitude and disappointment.

<< I'm sorry... >>

Murmured her.

<< I couldn't just watch him kill you Squid. I'll try to look for another way out of here when- >>
<< You will find one, you're almost free. But down in the dungeon? I won't be so lucky... >>

Two guards came down and got a hold of the SeaWing, who whispered a single: "Thank you, Fatespeaker" before following them, not even looking back.
Fatespeaker turned back at the guards still in the sky, two of them were flying in her direction.

Chapter Text

Chameleon and the five dragonets were flying toward the Mud Kingdom, fast and ready for every situation.
The animus had changed into a big and dark MudWing, telling them to call him Bog as long as he wore that mask and that he had sent an enchanted scroll to warn Queen Moorhen of their arrival.

<< So, what can you tell us about my tribe? >>

Asked Clay flying closer.
Chameleon pondered his words for a moment, trying his best to find the right words he sighed and opted for the most direct approach, like he did with Glory.

<< I'm sorry to disappoint you, but your parents won't be pleasant. >>
<< What do you mean? >>

Asked the young MudWing with a worried expression.

<< MudWings have a breeding night once a month, then the females lay their eggs in a safe place and simply leave them there, checking on them a few times. We already told you that once the BigWings hatch, they will take care of their siblings and that they'll have the strongest bond, but that's it, there is no close relationship between the siblings troop and their parents. >>

Clay stared at him in silence, disappointment was visible in his expression at the thought of his own parents not being like he had always imagined and the chance that they might refuse to meet him.
Yet he wanted to be optimistic.

<< I'll still try to meet my parents. At least, to know who they are. >>
<< Alright... >>

The first answer that came to Chameleon's mind was actually: "Don't tell me I didn't warn you", but he couldn't ruin his relationship with the dragonets.

<< So... I've been thinking of a way to help all the tribes believe in us. >>

Said Starflight trying to ease the mood.

<< What are you planning? >>

Asked Glory.

<< Well, the prophecy talked about five dragonets only, right? >>

The others nodded to his words.

<< But that's just absurd, the war is wrecking all of Pyrrhia, it's affecting all the tribes, all seven of them. Of course many doubt of the prophecy, why would it talk about five dragonets only? >>
<< You mean... >>

Said Glory, quickly understanding what Starflight wanted to say.

<< Yes. We're the Dragonet of Destiny, we can change the rules to do our job better and we can say that the Talons of Peace got the wrong prophecy, that the real one talks about seven dragonets, for every tribe in Pyrrhia deserves to live in peace and every tribe will be more interested in us if we have a "piece" of them with us. >>
<< Starflight... you're a genius! >>

Said "Bog" with a smile.
"Why didn't we think about it before? It's so simple! I need to tell Scarlet!"

<< Well, getting a SkyWing won't be a problem. But what about an IceWing? >>
<< We'll... think about it. >>

"Yeah, Hailstorm is out of question."
Thought "Bog".
The young prince was of the right age, but if he took away the amulet of Pyrite, Hailstorm could tell the dragonets that he and Scarlet weren't as good as they told and the mask of the SkyWing dragoness would clearly leave a mark, the dragonet would be too traumatized and confused and too occupied with the conflict of the two identities in his mind to be of any help.
"Where do we get an IceWing?"

<< Hey! It's Queen Moorhen! >>

Said Sunny as the MudWing queen sat with a few other dragons who they assumed were her guards and gestured for them to land closer.

<< Welcome to my kingdom! >>

She said as they all bowed respectfully.

<< I'm Bog, I'll be their guard and tutor today. >>

Said "Bog", he could tell the queen recognized the chain that held the various "masks", but she didn't blow up his cover and simply nodded.

<< Allow me to introduce my siblings. >>

She motioned for the four dragons behind her.

<< My sister's Chorizema and my brothers are Wallaby, Echidna and Wombat. >>¹
<< It's an honor to meet the Dragonets of Destiny in the flesh. >>

Smiled Wallaby.
While they were all adult dragons, compared to the queen's size, her siblings looked much younger.

<< As long as you stay in my kingdom, you can rest in our palace, young dragons. We already found out your mother's identity, Clay, Queen Scarlet got all the information she could get from your captors. >>
<< Really? Thank you! >>
<< And thank you for your offer, we have much to discuss, your Highness. >>

Said Starflight, their plan to change the prophecy to appease all the seven tribes couldn't be hidden from their savior's allies after all.

<< I'm sure we do. Now, you just need to go to the Diamond Spray Delta and ask for Cattail. >>

Explained the queen.

<< I know where it is, I can bring you there without a map. >>

Said "Bog".

<< Then we'll come back later. >>
<< Very well, I wish you good luck Clay and if you see Ochre around with his siblings, say "hi" to him for me. >>
<< Ochre? Is he here? >>

Asked Glory.
While it wasn't that strange that the other dragonets would search for their families as well, they didn't expect them to go away easily with the Talons of Peace still lurking in the shadows.

<< Yes, he came to the kingdom and we helped him find his family. It wasn't too hard actually, we just had to consider in which night the prophecy's eggs should have hatched and from then, search for all the MudWings dragonets that hatched in the right period. We wish you the same Clay, just don't expect too much from Cattail. >>
<< Chorizema, he can't know about MudWings society yet. >>

Snapped Wombat silencing his sister.

<< Oh, don't worry, Cha-Bog told me everything on our way here. >>

Smiled Clay.

<< I know my mother might not be pleasant... but I still wish to know her. >>
<< Then good luck Clay. I'm sure your siblings will love you all. >>

Said Moorhen, looking at the four dragonets beside Clay.
The young dragonets and "Bog" saluted the queen and her siblings, walking away and marching straight for the Diamond Spray Delta, chatting about Clay's biological siblings and fantasizing about their looks and names.
It took at least half an hour of travel and chatting before they came to a stop on a path surrounded by mud puddles and tall and dry mud structures that were big enough to host more than one adult dragon.

<< Wow, cool! >>

Smiled Clay looking at some bright colored snakes hanging from the trees.
The other four dragonets looked around with the same interest while Bog asked some adult MudWing taking a bath in a puddle, not even looking back at him as they spoke, but pointing at one of those mud structures among the others.

<< Thank you. Come on you five, let's go to that sleephouse over there. >>

As the five got closer to said "sleephouse", Bog raised his voice and said: << Hello? Is someone there? >>.

A sleepy-looking male MudWing emerged from the sleephouse.

<< Yes? >>
<< We're looking for Cattail. We just want to talk. >>
<< Mh, wait here. >>

The dragon disappeared, soon his place had been taken by another MudWing, a thin dragoness with brown scales that had a reddish shade on them, her eyes were brown like Clay's, with a golden ring circling the pupils.

<< Yes? What do you want? >>

With trembling paws, Clay got closer and smiled.

<< Hello, it's you who had a blood-red egg right? You're Asha's sister. >>

Hearing the name of the dragoness that should have been with their guardians and that they have only heard about, Cattail hissed nervously, the sleepiness disappearing from her eyes.

<< What about that traitor? >>

She asked in a low growl, emerging from the sleephouse with all her body and stretching her wings, showing some paler dapples on the membrane.

<< She left us for those Talons of Peace, left us here like we were nothing to her. Always speaking about that crazy prophecy and such, only came back to buy that red egg for two cows... wait, the Talons of Peace didn't send you here to take those back, right? We should have bred them, but we ate them so, too bad. >>
<< Those bastards you bought your egg? >>

Asked Tsunami and Clay shook his head.

<< Wasn't it stolen? You... you sold your own dragonet?! >>
<< Yes and even if it was stolen, there were six other eggs, my dragonets survived without that one, they didn't need whoever was in it. >>

At his mother's words, Clay felt a sharp pain in his chest.
Chameleon had warned him, but those words couldn't undo years of fantasies and hopes that easily and they surely couldn't shield entirely the young dragon's heart from the one who was his mother and was talking about her own egg as an object that she had given away, that wasn't a "necessity" and she didn't even care for.

<< Cattail... I'm Clay... I'm the dragonet that was in that egg. >>
<< And he is your son. >>

Said "Bog".
Cattail still didn't look that interested, turning to the adult dragon and staring at him for a long moment.

<< Are you... his father? I don't even know who he was and I don't remember you from the breeding night. >>
<< No, I'm just their guardian for the day. >>

That quickly took away the dragoness's interest in him as she turned back to Clay.

<< Well, you're my son alright. Why are you here? You came to look for your siblings? >>
<< I came to look for my entire family. >>

A low chuckle escaped Cattail's fangs, a high croaking sound like a thousand bullfrogs yelling at once.

<< I'm sorry Clay, no father for you and you can bet he wouldn't care either. I might be your mother, but don't expect hugs and kisses, this is just how MudWings' nature is. >>

She said and while her voice became slightly less venomous knowing her son was in front of her, like she was simply stating a fact rather than talking with some annoying dragons that disturbed her sleep, it was clear she still felt no affection and no interest for him, not thinking of how much those simple words could hurt a dragonet that didn't grow up in that place and with said mentality.

<< Your siblings live close by, if you want a warm welcome you should talk with them, I can't help you with it... and tell the Talons of Peace that we had a deal, they can't get their cows back. >>
<< We left those bastards, you won't hear about them from us. >>

Growled Glory, angered by that dragoness's disinterested behavior and her.

<< Is that so? >>

Asked Cattail.

<< What about Asha then? Is she still with them? >>
<< Asha is dead. >>

Said Tsunami before Clay could deliver the news.

<< ... what? >>

Asked Cattail, her eyes widening.

<< Our captors told us she had died while keeping an eye out for some dragons spying around the place we were kept in. >>

Lied Starflight, fearing the reaction of the dragoness if she heard the truth of her sister dying while carrying Clay's egg to the cave they have been kept prisoners, killed the night she got out specifically to retrieve the same son that was in front of her.
Luckily, the others got the hint at his expression.

<< Well... serves her right for choosing the Talons of Peace over her own kin! >>

Growled Cattail, shaking with what appeared to be anger, yet her voice was dripping with other emotions and her eyes gave away easily how distraught she really was.

<< Go away, you had your answers... >>
<< Mother... >>
<< GO AWAY! >>

Roared the dragoness as "Bog" quickly got in front of the dragonets and her siblings got out of the sleephouse to make sure everything was fine, the animus rushed the five younglings away from the scene as more roars were heard behind them.
Roars of pain.

Chapter Text

The painful wailing of Cattail and her siblings was distant, "Bog" and the dragonets got far enough before sitting down to rest and let Clay elaborate on what had just happened moments prior.
His friends were trying to comfort him, he knew he shouldn't have left Cattail's words get to him, but the thought of the parents he had wanted to know for so long not caring about him was still painful, it was natural to feel like that after something like that.

<< What do you want to do now? >>

Asked "Bog", his voice showing an hint of uncertainty for the first time.
He knew from experience the pain of being rejected by the family that should have loved its dragonets, even after all those years, the memories still made him uncomfortable and if he hadn't been in control, he would have probably struck Cattail right on the snout.
But before he could voice his opinion and try to cheer Clay up, a troop of five young MudWing came up to them.

<< Excuse-me, but are you the dragons that were asking Cattail about her missing egg? >>

Asked their BigWings.

<< We were. Who are you? >>

Asked back Clay while trying to compose himself and to not look like he had been fighting to instinct to cry in both anger and sadness.

<< I'm Reed... >>

Said the other dragon, then he pointed at his siblings with a wing.

<< ... they're Sora, Pheasant, Marsh and Umber and whoever was in that red egg, is our missing sib. >>

Clay's eyes widened with surprise.
He met his mother just a few moments before and now his biological siblings were in front of him?

<< You... you're really my siblings? >>

Asked him as the other dragonets got at his side, still keeping an eye on him and the others.

<< I knew it! >>

Exclaimed Umber as he flew around Clay's head with excitement and landed on his shoulder.

<< I kew he felt familiar! I told you! >>
<< You're our brother, you should have been with us all along. >>

Said Reed smiling widely while Pheasant went right in front of Clay to measure their height difference with a paw before jumping with joy.

<< He's not just our brother! Look at his size! He's our BigWings! >>

The troop started to cheer and got closer to Clay as the other dragonets stopped themselves from going between the reddish MudWing and his biological siblings.
They could feel jealousy stinging at their chests at the sudden thought of those strangers acting so familiar with Clay and not even caring to say "hi" to them.

<< Oh... that's right... >>

Clay's initial confusion at the lack of enthusiasm in Reed's tone quickly disappeared as he noticed that his brother was the biggest among the others, just slightly smaller than himself.
"So, he has been their BigWings..."
He could only imagine what it meant to be responsible for his siblings safety and be one to care and look after them, only to meet a dragon that could take his place all of sudden.

<< We can finally do everything siblings do together! >>

Said Umber.

<< Play togheter, eat togheter, sleep togheter, fight to... oh... >>

Umber's sudden words casted a shadow over the troop's eyes, every single MudWing stared at their paws with sudden sorrow on their faces.

<< What... what's up? >>

Asked Tsunami carefully.

<< It's because... I'm not a good BigWings. >>
<< Don't say this, you did our best. >>
<< And I still failed, Marsh. >>

Reed finally explained the situation.

<< Our sister, Crane... she died in battle a few days ago. >>

Clay fell silent, his mind suddenly taking him back to the scrolls Webs would read them inside the cave.
One of those described the graveyard the territories around the Mud Kingdom had become since the war started and how the land was full of gravestones.
"Was Crane one of them? Did I see my sister's grave when we were flying here?"

<< Those damned IceWings. >>

Growled Sora, scratching the earth like it was the dragon that killed Crane itself.

<< It was one of them, it killed her like she was nothing! >>
<< Yes... I'm not the BigWings Ii wanted to be... >>

Pheasant stopped Reed a second time, her voice raising but not in anger, in a futile attempt to make him stop questioning his abilities again and being hard on himself.

<< You've been amazing! We'd be all dead if it wasn't for you! >>

The bigger dragon simply ignored her words and grabbed one of Clay's paws in his, smiling with hope and joy as he held him.

<< But now you're finally here! You can guide us and we'll be finally togheter! And... >>

The reddish MudWing couldn't hear what Reed was saying, his mind already traveling through many different versions of that future he was imagining and all of them were joyful and perfect: he was flying with his siblings, racing with them across the sky to see who was the fastest; he was protecting them from the fire of enemy SandWings and teaching them how to fight; they were eating an entire mountain of food and then sleeping in a big pile.
A smile appeared on his "lips" as he thought about it, that future with his family, the second family he ever knew.

<< Clay? >>

The smile disappeared as soon as it appeared, so sudden that it went almost unnoticed by the others as that future Clay was seeing suddenly turned dark.
He knew nothing about battles and how to guide a troop, they would all die due to his ignorance and would be alone again, without his blood family and the one he had known since his hatching day, the family he grew up with and that he knew better than his own claws.
"Should I really leave them for... those strangers?"
Except for the same blood, the other MudWings were total strangers to him and the thought of leaving his friends, his other siblings, was so painful.
He couldn't do it, they were all his family and he had a mission to accomplish, the only way he could defend his biological siblings as well.

<< I'm sorry Reed... >>

Said Clay placing a paw on his brother's shoulder and smiling encouragingly.

<< ... but you are their BigWings and you are the right one to protect them. >>
<< Me?! But... but you... >>
<< I'm a Dragonet of Destiny, I have a war to stop. >>
<< So you really are the dragonets of the prophecy? >>

Asked Umber as Sunny smiled and nodded.

<< I'd love to stay, to get to know you all and do everything siblings do together and we will, but once this war is over and I'll have protected all of you by stopping it. >>
<< You promise, Clay? >>
<< I promise. We'll all be back and we'll do everything siblings do, all together... >>

Clay looked back at Tsunami, Glory, Starflight and Sunny.

<< Because they are my siblings as well, the dragonets I grew up with and I can't rest now, knowing this conflict may harm my two families. >>

Glory trotted near Clay, her scales turning a bright pink as she rested her head against his shoulder.

<< Yes, he is our BigWings. >>
<< We'd be lost without him, I would still be in my egg . >>

Added Tsunami with a small laugh.
Reed smiled, moved by the other dragonets words as he looked proudly at Clay.

<< That's right. It's in the blood after all, it's in the bond you share with the dragons that become family for you... >>

Turning to the SeaWing, the NightWing, the RainWing and the hybrid that had become his brother's family, he kept smiling.

<< Save Pyrrhia and come back in one piece, all of you. Clay's siblings are our siblings and ten dragonets in a troop is better than just six, we'd be happy to get to know all of you. >>

Finally letting free the tears of joy he was holding back, Clay pulled Reed in a tight hug as all the other dragonets joined in.

Chapter Text

The initial plan was to tell Moorhen they had an interesting plan to discuss and fly back to the home and work on it and choose a date to discuss it with said MudWing, Scarlet and Burn, yet Chameleon and the dragonets were still in the Mud Kingdom.
After the five dragonets and Clay's siblings had their moment, they had asked him to spend at least a day together and while Chameleon was initially tempted to remind them of their job and the fact that they had basically wished each other goodbye a few moments prior, a small part of him was moved by their interaction and had been strong enough to make him accept their request. Queen Moorhen had no problem letting ten dragonets spend a day in her castle, she and her siblings looked more than happy at the thought of helping a small troop grow like that and the animus didn't have a reason to object.
At least, he didn't have a real one beside the fact that all that "family bonding time" was making him nauseous.

<< Are you alright? >>

Asked Moorhen.
The RainWing in his "Bog" mask had been sitting in a corner of the room they were all in, drinking some liquor he never heard of before and ignoring the dragonets.

<< Yes. I just find those sappy family reunions annoying. >>
<< Oh, not the family type, aren't you. >>

A half-chuckle escaped the animus's maws.

<< I could have been one, maybe, had I been born a real MudWing. But I had the "pleasure" to hatch in an uncaring tribe, a family that turned its back on me. Everyone does if you're not their ideal relative at the end. >>
<< Are you... sure you feel fine opening up to me? >>

Asked the queen cautiously.

<< I'm just stating facts, not opening up. Do you really think you and your siblings would be this loyal and close if you grew up with different circumstances and different teachings? >>
<< Oh dear! I don't know, our instinct is so "weak" a BigWings already knows what to do once they hatch. I don't think something nature grants us will prevail over hatching outside this kingdom. >>

Laughed the dragoness, making "Bog" feel annoyed at her naive answer.

<< It's true. Clay's instinct has been true to your MudWings' reputation since the night he hatched. But I'm a spy in the Talons of Peace and I assure you, Ochre showed no sign of it in all these years. He might not be a BigWings, but he was raised with the alternative Dragonets of Destiny as their brother and he could turn against them pretty easily. >>

The MudWing queen stared at him in silence, nodding as she thought about his words.

<< I've heard from him of the way he was treated. I've heard of the abuse the dragonets suffered, even those five under your care. Look at them... >>

She pointed at the five with her tail.
Clay had been playing-fighting with his younger siblings and was being pinned down by Sora, Umber and Sunny, Glory and Tsunami were talking with Pheasant and Starflight about something that looked pretty entertaining and Starflight was explaining some old legends to Reed and Marsh. Each other held a big, happy grin on their muzzle, acting like they always knew each other before that day.

<< They're gentle and trusting, they're kind and want to do the right thing. It's up to you, the choice of who you'll become and the family you'll have. >>
<< And what does it have to do with me? >>
<< Chameleon. Do you find "sappy family reunions" annoying because you're not a family dragon, or because what you've been through left a deep scar that's twisting your feelings about it? >>

Chameleon felt a strong desire to curse the dragoness, holding himself back with a strength he didn't know he could possess as he forced a smirk full of poison.

<< Forgive me, your Majesty... >>

Hissed mockingly.

<< But I do remember the job of analyzing someone's mind, traumas and feelings is up to the mind-healers.¹ It was already hard enough for healers to learn what they needed to heal a dragon's mind and heart, someone who doesn't understand the shit she's talking about will only cause more damage. >>

That seemed to do the trick as Queen Moorhen bowed apologetically.

<< I understand Chameleon and I ask you to forgive me for overstepping your boundaries. >>

He was oh so tempted to tell her of a certain hole to stick her apologies in, but he had to remember himself that she was the queen of the place.

<< But we're allies in this war and that makes us close enough for me to worry about you and the others. I may not like all of you, but we all need to be at the top of our performances if we want to win this war. >>
<< This is the first thing you said that makes sense... >>
<< So, maybe you should talk with a mind-healer to help yourself. Or you could start trying to get closer to those five cuties and see how that makes you feel. I think it could help. >>

And with that, Moorhen left him alone, going back to his sibling as Chameleon tried to keep his composure.
Her words made him feel strange, like there was a heavy boulder on his chest, he had felt like that before, every time he would think back of his former tribe, he would feel the pressure like anger itself had taken the invisible form of an heavy objects.
"It's just anger. It'll go away."
He thought, going to the nearest window to enjoy the view and clear his thoughts.

Chapter Text

Night time came too slowly for Chameleon's tastes.

« Alone at last... »

He said to himself, sipping some red wine and admiring the view outside the window with no real interest.
Queen Moorhen gave him and the rest of her guests the most luxurious rooms to rest, he was pretty sure the dragonets' rooms were even more beautiful and interesting than his.
"Then why are they here?"

« Hey Chameleon, I hope we're not disturbing you. »

Said Sunny with a bright smile.

« Of course not, little one. But why aren't you asleep? I thought you five would be spending the night with Clay's other siblings. »
« Yes and we were sleeping. But Sunny had this really cool idea and we thought to ask for your help. »

Said Clay.
Chameleon tilted his head curiously.

« What's this "cool idea"? »
« Well, I thought: since we must stop a war and defend the innocents and it's dangerous... »

Sunny started, gesturing with her paws and keeping her bright smile, oblivious to the fact that Chameleon wasn't even listening to her that much.

« ... and since you're our friend and an animus, I thought that you could grant each of us some cool power to make things easier! »
« This is... actually... »

The RainWing animus quickly tried to think of all the cons and pros of the plan.
"If they get something to protect themselves better, my job gets easier and I could slip a mind-control enchantment in there... Yes, with that, there's no chance they'll turn on us."

« ... a good idea, Sunny. »

Said the green dragon with a gentle smile.

« Yay! Can we choose our powers? »
« Of course you can! Let's see... »

Chameleon's eyes fell on a bowl of fresh fruit on the table.
He knew how well enchantment worked on dragons that ingested cursed objects, Morrowseer was still his loyal puppet after all.
He took his scroll and prepared to write the first enchantment.

« Who goes first? »
« Starflight. »

Sunny said as the young NightWing blushed a bit at the gentle nudge she gave him with her wing.

« Why me? »
« Because it's thanks to you that we have a real plan to fulfill the prophecy. »
« I just had the idea to recruit more dragonets... »
« To make all the tribes trust in us. Trust is the perfect start. »

Starflight looked at the others, waiting to see if anyone had to object and then moving to sit right beside Chameleon, just to take a closer look at the scroll.
"Alright, I could still try to write the-"

« We should put some enchantment against mind-control. Some tribes might have animus dragons they keep secret and if they're not with us in this war. They will use them. »

Said Tsunami.

« Oh, I visit each tribe daily with my masks, I can assure you that you don't have to worry about it. »

Chameleon lied with a smile, after all, the SeaWings had their animus.

« But what about dragons that live outside the kingdoms? »

Glory asked and Chameleon held back a hiss of annoyance.

"You won this round, you little freaks, no mind-controlling spell. We can keep you on our side just fine..."
The animus wrote down the requested first enchantment, turning to Starflight right after.

« Alright, let's start. "I enchant this fruit, so that the dragon who will eat it will..." what do you wish for? »
« I wish to have the NightWings abilities, like reading minds and seeing the future. »

"You, little..."
Chameleon wrote down each word as he cursed himself internally.
"Why didn't I think of this? I should have seen this coming!"

« Oh and I want to have complete control over them, so I won't risk going crazy. And... can I have immunity to poison, with the ability to recognize them if I taste poisoned bait? »
« Why? »
« I just think it could be really useful. Many dragons in Pyrrhia fear NightWings and if someone tries to assassinate us, I'd be one of the first targets. »
« Very clever. Anything else? »

"I am so tempted to assassinate you with my own talons..."
As Starflight shook his head, Chameleon ripped the piece of paper from the scroll and carefully folded it and stuffed it in an apple.

« Here, swallow it in one bite. »

Starflight obeyed.
He didn't feel any particular sensation, opting to focus solely on Chameleon, trying to shut out everything else from his mind and fixate all of himself on him.
"It works. Of course it works."
Was what he heard Chameleon's voice say, a strong aura of confidence coming from the RainWing's body as the young dragonet smiled.

« Next? »

Clay quickly sat at his right with a wide grin.

« Since I'm supposed to be a BigWings, I want to be the best protector for all my siblings. »
« Alright... and ? »
« I want my scales to be completely immune to fire and lava and the IceWings' freezing death breath and even RainWings' venom. »
« And weapons, Clay. It would be terribly humiliating to survive my venom just to get killed by a dagger. »

Chuckled Glory.

« Oh, yeah. That too. »
« Alright... done. Do you want to go now, Glory? »
« Mh... »

The young dragoness thought about her choice for a few minutes.

« I've been taunted and haunted all my life for who and what I am... I just wish to make dragons cruel like Kestrel, Dune and Morrowseer can feel what it's like to hurt so much by words or... wait, I know. »
« Say the word, dear. »

"Ah, a vengeful RainWing taunted by others for something she can't help. We could be relatives."
Chameleon thought with a silent chuckle.

« I want the power to find out other dragons' deepest secrets and fear, everything that could trigger my enemy. »
« Glory! Don't you think that's too much?! »

Asked Sunny with a shocked expression.
Chameleon was about to write down Glory's words when he heard her chuckle.

« Oh Sunny, it's not like I'll become a terrible dragon for this. »
« Such a power can only corrupt you. »
« If you say so. But I still want to shock our enemies for good... oh, Chameleon, give me just the power to find out what other dragons despise and turn into that. »
« Mh... it can be useful to distract your enemies and torture them. »
« We're not going to torture anyone... and don't try it now. »

Sunny said.
"Such a bleeding heart..."
The animus thought as he wrote down the enchantment for Glory and turned to Tsunami.

« What can I write for you? »
« I never swam in the ocean or deep water before, I want my body to be capable of surviving even in the deepest abyss and swim at any depth without the need to decompress. »
« This is a good idea. »
« And I want to be able to spit boiling water. So I can keep my body warm if I take a swim in the Ice Kingdom and I'll never have to fear dehydration. »
« You'll be the first SeaWing with this capacity. That's so cool! »

Said Clay as Tsunami took her enchanted fruit.

« And you, Sunny? »
« I... I just want to have something from my father's side. I look almost like a pure SandWing, but a lack of stinger and green eyes can't really tell me much about my father's breed. I just want something from in the look and... don't know, ability too perhaps. »
« Aw, that's so sweet! »

As her friends cheered for her choice, Chameleon let out a sigh of relief.
"At least none of them asked to be an animus."
He thought, giving her her enchanted fruit and waiting.
As Sunny sat there, a strange shimmer started to cross her body, as if small sparks erupted from her horn and were now running over her scales, with the shimmer's passage, a new color replaced the orange of her crest and the gold of her wings' membranes, leaving behind black scales with small, scattered silver spots, like stars in the night sky, only places as if they were sand swept by the wind.
It didn't take long for the others to figure out which tribe Sunny's father belonged to.

« You're half-NightWing! »
« It's... incredible. »

Starflight smiled as he took a closer look, followed by the others as they admired those few changes as if she had turned into a completely different dragoness.

« What about his abilities? Can you seed the future? Read minds? Breath fire?! »
« She could do that already, Clay. »
« Oh, right. »
« Well, NightWings had a history of animus dragons as well. Maybe you got magic. »

Tsunami said with a soft chuckle.
More laughs erupted from the dragonets and Chameleon as well.
Sunny laughed and grabbed the animus's empty cup, moving it like a wand as she said: « I command this cup to float and bark » in the most theatrical way.
Everyone laughed again, until a loud barking sound stopped them, coming from the now floating cup.

Chapter Text

« So, Peril, tell me how you are feeling. »

Said Osprey.
The old dragon was organizing some scrolls while the young SkyWing looked at him.

« Normal. I just miss my friends. »

Peril said.

« I can finally switch off my firescales on command, yet Scarlet keeps me here. »
« Don't be sad, training to have complete control over your new abilities is really important. »
« But you always told me that socializing is important too, especially for growing dragons. »

Osprey chuckled light-heartedly.

« It is. And I'm really happy you finally found friends to play with. »
« I just wish the rest of the tribe could see me like a friend... »

Peril sighed.

« I don't really care for their opinion. But it's so annoying that they'll act like I'm some kind of heartless monster when I just follow the queen's orders like the soldiers do. And they all still come to see me in the arena, what makes me so much different than any of Scarlet's soldiers going out there and killing someone else's army? »

The older SkyWing sighed and reached to give the dragoness a few pats on the back, seeing that her scales weren't as bright as they were when with firescales active.

« Unfortunately Peril, some dragons can be... hypocritically obtuse and SkyWings' laws don't help. »
« Aren't you an attorney? You should respect the laws... »
« I do. But when you study law, you learn when it is better to question it and oh, there is so much to question in the law that rules this kingdom. »

Once all the scrolls were in place, Osprey and Peril walked to the throne room.

« Our laws order the death of dragonets with too much or too little fire and you could argue that it is for their own good as well. But our laws also call for the death of animus dragons, when we could learn from IceWings, who had many animus and knew how to keep them in check, then they could help those dragonets like... who did you say helped you? »
« Soar. »
« Like Soar helped you. »
« Yeah, I see what you mean. »

Said Peril.
Scarlet had told her to not speak with anyone of Soar's magic, but if there was a dragon that could be trusted with protecting someone's secret, it was Osprey, she knew the old SkyWing was trustworthy.

« So, if you could, you'd change these laws... »
« Oh yes. It would take time for the other SkyWings to open their minds to new horizons, but they would do it, sooner or later. »
« Hey, if they didn't try to rebel against Scarlet for keeping me alive, maybe their loyalty could be useful to not obstruct progress. »

Peril joked.
As they reached the throne room, they saw Scarlet literally bumping her head against her throne, a scroll laid down open at her feet and she looked both furious and worried.

« Your Majesty? Are you alright? »

Osprey asked, getting closer to her as Scarlet quickly picked up the scroll and burned it to a crisp in rage and, he noticed, need to hide something.

« Yes. I'm perfectly fine. »

She growled.

« I'm just worried about this damn war and the dragonets' plan, and... and... »

Scarlet slowly turned to look at Peril.
The queen's mouth curled in a big smile, as if she was suddenly hit with the most ingenious idea she had ever had.

« Peril... my dear Peril. My sweet, sweet champion. My daughter. »

The queen said, gesturing for her to get closer as her voice became as sweet as honey.
Only Osprey and a few guards in the room seemed to notice that something was off.

« What is it? »

Peril asked, her scales lighting up with warmth as Scarlet called her "daughter".

« My darling, you finally have the chance to do something big, something incredible. »
« What do you mean? »
« I got a message from the dragonets... »

"Soar must have sent it with his magic."
Peril thought.

« They need a SkyWing and I know you can be trusted with such an honor. »

Chapter Text

The trip back to the Sky Kingdom was calm.
The dragonets spent it chatting about Clay's biological siblings and about the discovery of Sunny's heritage and her animus power, trying their new powers themselves and asking Chameleon questions about the SkyWing and the IceWing they needed for their plan.

« First of all, we must make sure all of Pyrrhia knows about the new prophecy. »

Chameleon said.

« You need to prepare a speech and be convincing. »
« Starflight, it's still up to you. »

Clay said and the young NightWing looked at him nervously.

« Why? Just because I'm the bookworm here, doesn't mean I'm good at speaking to an entire crowd. »
« Maybe you won't have to do it. »

Tsunami said, a smirk playing on her fangs.

« We have two animus dragons here, we might just enchant something to make our message reach every dragon in Pyrrhia. So everyone will hear us and you won't feel nervous. »
« This is a fantastic idea! But... isn't animus magic dangerous to use? »

Glory asked.
Chameleon shot the dragonets a reassuring smile.

« Yes, there are risks a dragon might face. As you know, it can lead you to lose your soul. Some say it happens when you use it too much. »
« And this is why the IceWings have their animus dragons perform only one spell each to benefit the tribe, correct? »

Tsunami asked.

« Exactly. But others think only "bad" spells will damage you. »
« That sounds like a good theory, but what would classify a "bad" spell? If someone is attacking my family and I use magic to hurt them, I would be doing something good by protecting others, but the spell would still be used to hurt. Would that damage my soul? »

Sunny asked.
Chameleon stayed silent for a few moments, as if considering the question.

« That's the thing. There are many easy spells to classify, but there are as many that lie in a grey area and their interpretation might vary with no idea of how it will affect you. That's why I keep so many jewels. »

The RainWing pointed at his rings.

« I love jewelry, I love precious things, but I love my soul more. I enchanted those so that if I perform a "bad" spell, a gemstone of those embedded in my jewels will turn to ash instead. »
« And that should stop your soul from rotting? »

Tsunami asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

« Believe it or not, it does. Working as a spy in the Talons of Peace, I've learned of an animus NightWing that enchanted his own body, it slowly turns to stone instead of making his soul rot and has worked until now. »
« That's crazy! »
« Yeah! Why would someone ruin their own body and health like that?! »

The dragonets asked.
Chameleon simply shook his shoulders, he never personally met the "dragon of the Jade Mountain" and he wasn't that interested. According to the other members of the Talons of Peace, that NightWing was too bust sulking and hiding from the world, he wasn't a threat.
"What was his name? Stone-something..."

« I don't know. Maybe he has his reasons. »

The RainWing said, quickly shifting in his Soar "mask" as he and the dragonet finally reached Scarlet's castle.
The guards let them pass without question and the queen was already waiting for them, wearing her best smile.
"What a pity I wasn't there when she read my scroll..."
Chameleon thought, barely hiding a smirk at the image of the queen finding out about their pawns' new abilities and how two of them were becoming potentially dangerous.

« Ah! My dear dragonets! I missed you all~ »

Queen Scarlet said, her voice soft and friendly and her smile as bright as Peril's who sat right beside the throne and shifted on her paws with excitement.
"What's gotten into her?"

« Your Majesty, Chameleon said you know everything already. »

Tsunami said with a smile.

« I do and I'm so proud of you all for such a clever plan! I happen to have a suggestion for your SkyWing dragonet. »
« You do? »

Clay asked, wagging his tail with excitement.

« I do. You see, the first prophecy was about eggs hatching under the three full moons and that's what everyone thinks. But when you tell them that it was fake and you have the real prophecy, there will be no need to hope for other eggs hatched on the brightest night. »

The queen said.

« We know, we were thinking about asking Flame. Since he has been trained by the Talons of Peace. »

Starflight said, making Peril huff silently.

« Flame? »

Chameleon said.

« I don't know. He was defeated in front of everyone and Glory almost melted him alive. There is no way he'll leave the normal life he got to help you... »

"You could tell me in advance your ideas. I have to stick with you..."
The animus thought.
Scarlet's smile widened.

« Exactly! That's why I wish to entrust you with the safety of my dear Peril~ »

At the mention of her name, Peril got closer and smiled.

« I wasn't trained by your kidnappers, but I've been trained as a warrior and I have a power like yours! »

The young dragoness said, hardly keeping her voice in check at the thought of traveling with her first and only friends and becoming more than "Scarlet's champion".

« And now I control it, I can be even more useful and I'll follow your instructions! »
« She's right. With her firescales in check and her training, she could really help us. »

Clay observed and, to Chameleon and Scarlet's relief, none of the dragonets argued.
"So young, so easily influenced by their feelings... I almost envy such innocence."

« Then, before we find an IceWing, let's send Starflight's message. »

Glory said.

« It's really important and if we have to go to the Ice Kingdom, we'll need to give the IceWings a good reason to not hurt us. »
« Are you sure you're ready? A public speech isn't something easy. »

Scarlet told them.

« I've been queen for many years, yet it never gets easy going in, you know. You can't show hesitation or uncertainty. You must be clear and loud and everything about you must make you look sure of yourself, it must tell others that you believe in those words and that they need to do it too. »

The queen stood in front of Starflight.

« Can you do that, Starflight? Can your eyes stare in those of whoever will receive your message? Can your voice reach their minds and their hearts? »

The black dragonet swallowed, visibly nervous at the thought, but didn't back down and steadied himself.

« It doesn't matter if I can. I have to. I have to and I will reach them. »
« Then all the rooms of my castle will be at your service. »
« I'll just need this one and a mirror. »

Nodding, the queen turned to a young SkyWing maid and sent her to fetch the "perfect mirror".
Starflight kept mumbling to himself, likely trying various speeches and tones of voice, adjusting his posture various times until the maid came back with a big, round mirror surrounded by jewels.

« Can I try? »

Sunny asked Chameleon as he nodded.

« Make sure the spell is clear, don't leave any details that could help. »
« Just like that? »
« Just like that. »

The hybrid nodded, placing a paw on the mirror that the maid held in her claws.

« I command this mirror to make it so an image of whoever's looking into it will appear to every single dragon inhabiting Pyrrhia. They will hear him speak and will have to listen. Make it last until Starflight's done. »

The mirror didn't look any different, but as soon as Starflight got closer, the glass seemed to become mist, coming out of the frame and reaching the male NightWing like a gentle breeze.
The dragonet took a deep breath.

« Dragons of all Pyrrhia! »

He started, telling himself it was no different than those times he played pretend with his friends, that he had to think he was playing a part for them and that would make the tension disappear.

« I ask you to forgive my sudden appearance, but it is time for all of you to know the truth. I'm Starflight of the NightWings, one of the Dragonets of Destiny and I bring you the truth. The prophecy you've known all along was fake, fabricated by the Talons of Peace as a really good lie, yet imperfect. The War of SandWings succession is afflicting all of us, all of our tribes and yet, those dragons really thought we wouldn't notice they left out the IceWings and the RainWings from their fake prophecy. Aren't they worthy of being considered tribes of Pyrrha in the Talons of Peace's eyes? »

Starflight asked.
Pride was always a good way to appeal to the crowd.

« I possess all of the gifts the three moons blessed NightWings with and I've looked in the future, the real prophecy will have its way only when a dragonet of each tribe will fight for it. I will fight for my tribe and these brave dragonets with me will do as such. »

He turned the mirror to the other chosen dragonets, standing far from all the adults, all of them posing pridefully and, in Tsunami's case, showing off her wings' patterns.
After Moorhen told her about the royal patterns of her family, she felt hopeful that her parents would recognize her from that message.

« I present to you: princess Tsunami of the SeaWings, Clay of the MudWings, Peril of the SkyWings, Glory of the RainWings and Sunny... the hybrid! »

Chameleon looked at Starflight in surprise, then with pride.

"Right. Not all dragons accept hybrids, the SandWings might not appreciate her immediately. By having Sunny and a pure SandWing together, these little pests will appeal to both the SandWings and all the hybrids in this continent... this guy's good!"

« The Dragonets of Destiny stands for everyone, of one tribe, or two, or even more. Bringing peace and stopping the death of all these innocents is a goal that should bring dragons together, no matter their heritage. That's why we ask for your help, to find the Wings of Ice and the Wings of Sand blessed by the brightest night, the two missing chosen dragonets that shall accompany us in stopping this war. You can save your home, your families and friends, you can save yourselves and your tribes in one. That's all we ask of you, before we put an end to the slaughter. For we are the Dragonets of Destiny, we weren't just chosen by fate itself, we possess abilities that no other dragon possesses and we won't refrain from using those if it is necessary to protect Pyrrhia! »

And just like that, Starflight gesture with a wing for the maid to cover the mirror.
Not having anything at the moment, the dragoness wrapped her wings around it and gave the dragonets the thumbs up.

« You didn't say what are our abilities? »
« Animus dragons from other tribes could use this to imitate us. Now that dragons know what we look like but not what we can do, it will be hard to do it. »
« Well, change of plans. Now we miss two dragonets for this to work. »

Tsunami said.
Chameleon thought about it.
"Maybe I know where we can find an IceWing..."

Chapter Text

« What do you mean? »
« I mean what I said, it might take a while to do this. »

Queen Scarlet huffed, looking at Chameleon with a frown as the RainWing looked over the sleeping dragoness.
Pyrite was the young SkyWing sleeping at their paws, enchanted to stay in her dreams as they spoke.
Such a loyal dragoness, noone could ever doubt her desire to serve Scarlet, the enchantment trapping her made sure of it, keeping her mind in a constant loop of worshipping Queen Scarlet and self-loathing, one thought was about loving the SkyWing queen and the other was to remind herself of being clumsy, useless, worthless and to never take off her necklace, the object holding the spell that made Pyrite exist. In reality, she was nothing but a mere mask, just like Chameleon's alternative forms were, a mask to make a dragon loyal to Scarlet and unable to think for themselves with the risk of finding out the truth, the dragon behind the mask was noone but Prince Hailstorm of the IceWings, the brave prince that offered himself in sacrifice to allow his brother to escape.
Such a brave and strong dragon, a prey worthy of being kept alive and, as Pyrite, a loyal dragoness that Scarlet knew could be used for everything she wanted.

« But why would it take a while? It took you a few moments only to create Pyrite. »
« I know and it would take even less to take off that necklace and bring out Hailstorm. But the spell had been in place for years by now, had influenced his mind and when you damage someone's mind or heart, you might make damages far bigger than those a physical duel could do. Hailstorm could have mixed memories, could feel his soul torn between himself and Pyrite, it's like being traumatized and suffering from the mental scars it leaves you. »
« So... he could come out with a split personality disorder? »
« Either that, or the biggest case of gender dysphoria Pyrrhia has ever seen. »

The two dragons looked down at the sleeping Pyrite.

« It's a risk worth taking, we just need to make sure he won't remember that we have been the one to order this... »

Scarlet said.
Hailstorm remembering her as the dragoness ordering the spell could only mean trouble, he could tell her other pawns.

« Someone has to take the blame... »
« Who are you thinking of? »

Queen Scarlet smirked, knowing really well she could take care of two problems in one.

« We need two spells only for this. First one: make sure that noone can emulate our Dragonets of Destiny's abilities. Other tribes have animus dragons too, they could use them to find out those abilities and create fakes. »
« Alright, I'll try to make those as protected as possible. »

"Easier said than done. Nothing stops me to put all the protective enchantment on our pawns, but nothing stops other animus dragons from making more enchantments to try and fight ours."
Chameleon thought as he started preparing the piece of his scroll to write down the spells.
Animus magic wasn't an exact science after all, with the only known limit being the inability to bring back the dead, everything else was like a chess game between dragons trying to find the right spells to avoid counter attacks and their opponents doing the same.

« The second enchantment? »
« Make it so that Hailstorm will believe it was Ruby that orchestrated Pyrite. »
« Ruby? Isn't she already inoffensive? »
« Yes. But we need someone to take the fall for this. We could make the accusations public, tell my subjects she's a secret animus and was working against me and that you found out and used your powers to stop her. So, while Hailstorm believes we and the dragonets saved him and will help them without exposing us, we can use this to get the favor of the IceWings as well in this war. And it will even stop my subjects' fear of magic, you will be known as a hero and the first official SkyWing animus! Me getting rid of that disappointment of my daughter is just a bonus, I can always make Peril my official heir or have more eggs. »

The queen explained.

« Scarlet... you are a damn genius! »
« I know, but please, don't stop saying it~ »

The RainWing suddenly got an idea, the perfect plan for a dragon that loved richness.
After all, there was noone richer than a royal dragon.

« I'll do it Scarlet, but for the right price. »
« Naturally. I always paid you fairly and you served me loyally, I'd never betray our arrangement. »

Scarlet said with a nod.

« Very well. When I, Soar, will become a respected SkyWing animus and the hero that stopped Ruby, I want you to take me as your new husband. »

Chameleon requested.
He knew really well the sad end King Canyon encountered when Scarlet got tired of him, but the RainWing wasn't a normal, boring SkyWing, he was a powerful animus and most important ally in Scarlet's plans, she could never replace him.
The dragoness seemed taken aback by his sudden request, taking a few moments before answering.

« What a thrilling request, so thrilling... »

Scarlet said, a smirk slowly forming on her fangs.

« If our plan goes as it should, it will be my pleasure to make you my trophy husband. »
« "Trophy husband"? Darling, I could overthrow you and take over the entire tribe, I should be the one making you a trophy wife when you're not working. »

Chameleon knew that dragoness wasn't the most stable of the queens in Pyrrhia, but he had to admit it, the widening of her smirk and the excitement in her eyes surprised him.

« Let's see how the plan goes first. »
« Don't worry, my dear wife-to-be, our plan will never fail. »

Queen Scarlet smirked again, walking out of the room, still murmuring to herself about that "thrilling" situation.
Chameleon went back writing down his spells, making sure to take extra precautions to make sure no animus could replicate the Dragonets of Destiny's powers and looks and moving right after of the spell for Hailstorm.
"A really thrilling situation indeed."

Chapter Text

In the silence of the dungeon, a loud choir of laughter echoed through the dark corridors.
The prisoners were much more lively and some of them seemed to feel victorious at best.

« I can't believe them... »

Dune said, drying a tear from his left eye.

« Those damn dragonets, they're still going to save Pyrrhia and found the tools to do it. »
« They spat on us and all the Talons of Peace and I can't even be mad for this. »

Kestrel chuckled.

« I never thought I'd say it, but those brats could actually make me feel proud for once. »
« Woah, Kestrel! Admitting you might be proud of them? Are you trying to cause a storm? »

The dragoness huffed at the SandWing's words, but they were undeniably true.
While it was more than humiliating to think that a bunch of inexperienced dragonets could study a better plan of an organization of fully grown and trained adults, their goal was still to bring peace to Pyrrhia, fake prophecy or not, if the Dragonets of Destiny could still save the continent, they had no reason to protest.

« Hopefully, they'll do it fast... »

Squid muttered from his cell.
The SeaWing dragonet was covered in bandages and while his life had been spared, now that Starflight could spy the future, Fatespeaker wasn't necessary to Queen Scarlet and that meant his friend was in danger and could be destinied to rot in a cell and awaiting her fate in the arena.

« Hey, don't worry. I'm sure they will. »

Webs said to him, reaching with a paw outside his cell in a friendly gesture.
They were interrupted by the entrance of a SkyWing dragoness with dark scales and an armor, one of the many spies of the Talons of Peace, posing as a soldier under Queen Scarlet without much trouble.

« Avalanche... »
« Kestrel... »

Dune shot Kestrel a silent invitation to not bring up their first interaction, when Avalanche and other soldiers were sent after Kestrel on the day of the latter's egg hatching.

« Avalanche. How are things at the Talons' headquarters? »

The SandWing asked.

« Some are still losing their minds when I told them of Morrowseer's confession and the prophecy being fake. But your dragonets' latest message made things quite brighter, Nautilus couldn't be happier that the future of Pyrrhia is in the claws of dragonets with unnatural abilities to make those spoiled SandWing princesses swallow some humility... »
« But... ? »
« But he doesn't like that things are out of our control right now. We can't predict the next move of the dragonets and we can't keep them and their progress safe. And they're still under Scarlet's roof, being brainwashed by her and this animus that slithered inside our ranks... »

Avalanche sighed.
During her last visit to the prisoners, when they explained the truth of the NightWings' prophecy, Kestrel told her even about Chameleon being "Cirrus".

« He hasn't visited once. I'm afraid he knows we found out his real identity and that means he might suspect a spy already. My visits to you are becoming too risky. »
« If you haven't been arrested already, maybe he doesn't know you are a member of the Talons of Peace. None of us knows all of the dragons involved with them after all... »

Webs pointed out.

« I'd still rather not risk blowing up my coverage and putting myself and my son in harm's way. Flame is already damaged enough. »
« Mph! I wonder whose fault it is that we are damaged. »

Squid hissed under his breath, looking at his wounds with bitterness.

« Your son is a rabid animal. »
« My son is a product of those horrible circumstances you all were forced into. »

Avalanche growled at him.

« I never wanted for him to become a Dragonet of Destiny, but all those innocent dragons need the Dragonets of Destiny. If Scarlet didn't take the other five... »
« We would still be trapped under you all, losing our childhood and suffering like prisoners, away from our families and homes. Being brutally "trained", if you can call that a training... »

The dragoness kept silent.

« And what about my "dear" father? He has a spy in this place and couldn't make a way out for us? Doesn't he care? »

The dragoness kept silent once again and Squid knew he had his answer.
Nautilus put the Talons of Peace and the goal of saving Pyrrhia before everything else, before richness and the safety of a stable home, he was told that SeaWing would be capable of performing horrible acts in the name of the peace he craved, yet Squid was still disappointed at the thought of his father prioritizing the safety of stranger dragons before his own flesh and blood.

« Don't take it personally... »

Morrowseer growled from a corner of his cell.

« You might be his son, but you are one dragonet compared to many more families and dragonets out there. »
« He has a duty as a parent. His job is to care for his family. »
« And his job as a leader is to put his operation first. It sucks, but it's the truth, one dragonet is not more important than countless lives, it would be selfish to endanger them all for you. »
« Oh, do you justify planning to destroy an entire tribe to save yours with these words? Instead of sharing the Rainforest, you still choose to sacrifice soldiers in a battle. »
« A battle that won't have any casualties from us NightWings. RainWings don't have an army and once our anti-venom armors will be operational, my tribe won't need to worry about that volcano anymore. »
« Are you done? »

Webs huffed in annoyance.

« The Dragonets of Destiny might be out of the Talons of Peace's control, but they can still be helped out of Scarlet's grasp. »
« You literally accepted to sell the Talons of Peace in exchange of yours and the prisoners' safety. »

Kestrel hissed at him.

« I accepted to talk. I never accepted to say the truth to Scarlet. »

The SeaWing pointed out with a smirk.

« Squid is wounded, I'd say this breaks Scarlet's offer of keeping him safe. Unless Chameleon puts a spell to get the truth out of me, I won't betray the Talons like this. Tell this to Nautilus. »
« I'm afraid then, that those you know the names of will be in grave danger. »

Avalanche sighed.

« Chameleon is an animus and the dragonets might want to visit this dungeon and give you a piece of their minds. Do you really think he and Scarlet didn't think about it? That they won't place a spell to keep your mouth shut? Nothing keeps them from making you speak with magic or by force. »
« What you say is true... »

Dune said, his voice lowering to a hiss.

« But it also means that we're a liability as long as we are trapped and since we can't escape, that makes us a liability as long as we live. »
« I'm afraid it's the truth... »
« You are not here just to talk, Avalanche. Aren't you... »
« I'm afraid this is also the truth. »

Avalanche reached for something in the bag tied to her neck.

« I'm here to make sure those monsters will have noone to brainwash or enchant. I hope you will find the strength to forgive me. »

Chapter Text

« Alright. Get ready... hide! »

Chameleon said, currently in his Soar mask and turning to look at a wall, covering his eyes for good measure.
After Starflight's big speech, the dragonets proposed to play a game to unwind all the excitement accumulated and calm down the NightWing who was still panting and trying to accept the fact that he, the shy and quiet member of the group, had actually succeeded. Since Glory had requested to be trained in the RainWings' Royal Challenge days before, Chameleon thought of taking advantage of the situation and using those innocent, childish games to do the job.
Hide-and-seek was perfect to better Glory's camouflaging abilities.

« ... nine... ten! Ready or not, here I come! »

The green dragon looked around the royal gardens, a beautiful place extending all around the SkyWings royal palace, perfect to hide from a hunter, or so the dragonets thought.
Chameleon walked casually to a big fountain, a symbol of Scarlet's vain personality, a flaunt of her richness, considering it was big enough to be considered a pool. Big enough to hide a young dragonet, even someone of the size of Tsunami, who laid under the surface of the water, around the statue emerging at the center of the pool so that the water pouring from it and forming a small waterfall could hide the crests still peeking out of the water.
The seeker reached her with his tail, tapping her back with a smug expression as the SeaWing came out.

« Am I that bad at hiding? »
« No. But you chose a terribly obvious hiding spot. »
« I'm blue, there aren't many places I can hide here. »

Tsunami pointed out.

« Trust me, dear Tsunami, you can always hide. »

Said the fake SkyWing, moving onto his next target.

« Peril. I see you right there. »

He called out to his daughter.
The young dragoness had convinced a guard to lend her his armor and spear (surely nobody would have refused the queen's champion's request), turning off her firescales so her scales wouldn't be too bright and sitting still with the other guards, imitating their posture perfectly and keeping her eyes closed in a seemingly relaxed expression, so her blue eyes wouldn't be seen.

« What gave me away? »
« Your idea was really clever, it would have been harder to find you, if it wasn't for the fact that all the guards keep the same distance from each other. But the guards beside you sit further away... »
« Oh, right... »

Sighed Peril.
The fear other dragons felt toward her had once again come to bite her in the tail.

« Also, this armor is too big for you, I could see the helmet hanging on the side. »
« Oh! »

Next was Clay.
"Surely, being as big as he is, he must have put some effort into hiding..."
Walking around the royal gardens, Chameleon started flying to get a better view of the place and the possible hiding spots.
It became "painfully" evident where both Clay and Sunny were at that point.
The gardens were big enough to host a few trees in a few groups, perfect to nap or eat a snack in their shadows, or, seeing that some of those trees were leaning to the sides like something big and heavy was weighing them down, use them as a hiding spot.

« Clay, Sunny, I saw you two. »
« How did you guess we were together? »

Sunny asked, gliding to the ground along with Clay.

« Well, it was hard not to see the effect of trees trying not to break under the weight of a dragon. Those aren't as big and strong as those you can climb and live on, even dragonets as young as you can be hard on their trunks, that's how I guessed Clay was there... »
« Oh... »
« And since you two are often together, I threw the bait and you took it, Sunny. »
« Oh... »

"Now, the last two..."
Finding Starflight and Glory might have been a bit harder, after all, NightWings could blend perfectly in the shadows, Glory could turn perfectly invisible and both dragonets had spent years using their abilities to hide from their guardians in the cave they were trapped in, that meant they were probably used to be perfectly still and keep their breathing in check.
Chameleon couldn't rely on his eyes only.
"Let's see..."
He started walking casually, moving his head and squinting his eyes like he was scanning the place with his sight, moving along the darker place first, until he reached the elegant arches and pilasters uniting the royal gardens and the palace.
"Silence... not a fly buzzing..."
Chameleon closed his eyes and raised his muzzle in the air.
In his masks, he had perfect snouts, no deformity in sight, that meant no respiratory issue and nothing stopping him from smelling the little NightWing hanging from the ceiling.

« Starflight, come down there. »
« It's for the crabs and fishes we ate before leaving the Mud Kingdom, right? »
« Yes. Those delicacies leave quite the scent and that means... »

Turning around, Chameleon went back sniffing the air like a hunting dog.
He had to admit that Glory's plan to hide on one of Scarlet's statues wasn't bad, but once again, his nose didn't let him down.

« Lesson number two: always remember that your hunters have all their senses working most of the time, try to hide your scent too, not just your body. »
« What if we don't have the time to do it? »
« Either keep running or hide in a way that grants you the chance to take your target by surprise. »

Chameleon explained.

« Now, for the next part of your special training... »

A sudden choir of roars and screaming interrupted his words.
Turning to the direction of the sound, the fake SkyWing could see various guards flying to one of the entrance for the dungeon and a dragoness going in the opposite direction.
He recognized her pretty easily, having met her both as Soar and as Cirrus when he spied on the Talons of Peace.
"Avalanche? Why is she running from..."

« Stop that dragoness! »

Chameleon said, pointing at Avalanche.
Initially puzzled by his order, the dragonets heard some of the guards screaming the same and quickly took off after the SkyWing trying to escape, leaving him to fly straight to the dungeon, hoping Avalanche hadn't killed the prisoners who could tell him and Scarlet everything they needed to know.
"All that screaming couldn't be from a simple chat..."
Perhaps, the attack on the main base of the Talons of Peace would come sooner than he thought.