Chapter Text

Part 3: Winglet Time Part 2

I continued to walk through the halls, following Clay’s direction. A right, a left, keep going…And I looked into a room on the right and saw three dragons. A large Seawing slightly smaller than me near the back on a raised platform. She was a light blue throughout most of her body. The other two I recognized as Kinkajou and Moonwatcher. I didn’t even take a step in before the NightWing looked at me. Wow, she is really observant. I stepped into the room which caused the other two to look. Kinkajou seems to perk up and grin at me. Tsunami(?) seemed to appraise me then grinned. Moon though, seems to gasp silently, as if surprised. Did they not tell them? Seriously? This school has a lot of problems in it.

“And since we saw you all had something in common, we decided to move dragons around and you will be having three new clawmates in your winglets. Like Flamethrower here.” Yeah, tell them now. Good job. I glanced at Moon, and she seemed nervous. Looking away from me. Kinkajou seems to notice before smiling at the NightWing. I walked to the left of them, near the entrance of the room. I also just noticed there was a waterfall in one corner of the room. That’s cool. 

“No I don’t!” A sudden loud whisper made me and Tsunami look at the two. Moon caved into herself and didn’t make eye contact.

“Sorry.” She quietly said. And before anyone else can say anything, two more dragons entered. A SeaWing and a MudWing. The two I don’t know. The MudWing had dark brown scales on his back with almost red scales on his sides, a light tan for his wings and underbelly scales. He was small, maybe slightly smaller than Qibli and Moon and a bit bigger than Kinkajou. 

“Turtle! I had asked for your Winglet.” Tsunami yelled out, and the green SeaWing walked up to her. He was about Moon’s size, maybe a tad smaller or bigger. I can’t tell. He was also… pretty chubby. Not in a rude way, obviously. Just pointing it out. I’m sure that's just how he is. A big ball of SeaWing.

“Hey Tsunami.” He spoke a lot quieter than Tsunami, who wrapped a wing around him. She then looked at us four.

“This is Turtle, my brother. Apparently I have thirty two brothers, but I’m guessing he’s the best one since he’s here.” She said actually quite proudly. And wow, thirty two???? Three moons, their parents were going at it.

“It’s true. I am.” Turtle said before pointing at the MudWing.

“That’s Umber. He’s my Clawmate.” So that’s his name. Tsunami then pulled away.

“Your Clay’s brother!” Kinkajou yelled and the MudWing nodded. We got two brothers of teachers in this Winglet? What’s next? Qibli is Sunny’s brother? Moon is Starflight’s sister?

“Anyway, hopefully the other two find where we are. We should be starting soon.” Tsunami looked outside to check the time and I rolled my eyes. 

“Maybe you should have given directions to classes instead of just saying who is leading the class.” I raised a ridge as I spoke. She looked at me and opened her mouth before closing it for a few seconds… She then pointed at me.

“Shut up.” She then looked away as my head reared back a few inches. Ok?? What the blaze… That was when the last two dragons entered. Both walking beside each other, and both looking at the NightWing. What is with that? A clap made me look back at Tsunami, who was sitting down with her forelegs up and her wings helping her keep balance.

“Ok! That's everyone! Time to start! I’m Tsunami! Or Princess Tsunami if you want to get formal, but if you do, I will punch you.” …This school is so weird.

“Anyway, I was wanting an Accrument Leader position. But everyone agreed I would be bad at that, I don't know why though.” I rolled my eyes at her. Yeah, I wonder why.

“But now I’m Head of School. So if you need anything, just come to me. Or not, I prefer that.” A scoff brought everyone’s gaze to Winter. 

“So that means you're the one I ask for a room by myself, or at least one with my fellow Icewings? Like my sister?” The IceWing seemed to almost growl out as he stared at Tsunami. I noticed Tsunami curl one of her talons as she smiled down on him.

“I would be, and the answer is no.” She smiled more real like at his scoff. Is she enjoying this?...Is she a sadist?? Please tell me the rest of the teachers aren't as bad. 

“Any more questions?” I raise my talon up a bit. I did. 

“Yeah, when are-” I started to say, but Tsunami glared at me and pointed at me again.

“I told you to shut up, squidbrain.” I shook my head in confusion. What in the blaze??? Why am I getting bullied by a teacher? What did it do to her?

“Anyone got any other questions?” She asked - which almost sounded like a threat - everyone. Silence…then-

“When are we going to eat?... Just kidding, pretending to be Clay.” The MudWing said while looking at Qibli. I give him credit, he’s either very unobservant or brave as moons. Luckily, for him, Tsunami only snorted.

“Well, luckily I did bring food.” She then reached over for a large bowl that I didn't notice and pulled the lid off it. Inside was a bunch of fish. Fish? I never had fish before…

“Eww, I'd rather not. I’ll wait to eat some delicious and more tasty fruit.” Kinkajou said in disgust. She really hates eating prey, huh. Sparkle never cared that much but he didn’t show his disgust this much. Turtle took one and so did Umber. Moon and Winter also went to grab one but the NightWing stopped as they both reached at the same time. I couldn't quite see what their expressions were as Winter had his back to me and was partially blocking Moon’s face. But he seemed to freeze before grabbing a fish and moving away. That's when I stepped up and grabbed a fish, handing one to her. That seemed to knock her back in as she caved back into herself, but she did cautiously grab the fish.

“Thank you…” She said so quietly I barely heard. But I nodded at her with a big smile, which she looked away from. I then grabbed another fish before moving back to my spot, noticeably closer to the NightWing though. I raised the fish at eye level and looked at it. It was silver with bits of pink and blue in it. And it seemed to shine if I turned into it. It can’t be that bad, right? I opened my mouth before tossing it in. I chewed it slightly, then stopped. Oh no… it’s terrible. It was bitter. Why is fish bitter?? Shouldn’t it be salty? Or is that ocean fish? Is this a river fish? I saw the green SkyWing raise an eye ridge at me. I must be making a face. I quickly swallow it and try to hold back a gag. I am never eating fish again. I managed to get control of my face again as Tsunami clapped again.

“Well, it’s time for introductions. Glory’s idea. I already have introduced myself sooo…” She looked around before immediately pointing at me.

“You go first!” Oh, now she wants me to speak. Amazing.

“I’m Flamethrower.” I said to everyone. Though, only two of them actually didn’t know. I sat there in silence while Tsunami raised her eye ridge. What?

“Anything else? Goals? Family? Favorite color?” Ooooohh, it's an introduction introduction. Not just a name introduction. 

“Um, most of my family actually lives near here. Near Agate mountain. I had never been to the palace until like a little over a year ago. My favorite color is orange… And my goal is to find Flame and throw him. It’s my destiny.” A couple chuckles from the group.

“I also want to know more about the other tribes. I know practically nothing about them.” I finished as I looked around at the others. Which one would go now? 

“What is the jewelry you have on?” I look over to Qibli. And he pointed at an earring he was wearing.

“I have mine, but I was wondering about yours. They don't really match each other.” He continued. Oh, I didn’t realize someone would be interested in them. Did he mean all of them? He had to, because he wasn't specific. I then pointed to my right earring. It was a little wooden dragon head with fire coming out of its mouth. It was also painted and attached to a small chain which was attached to my ear.

“Well, this one was made by Parrot. He is a two year old in my town.” A snicker from the RainWing alerted me that they understood what it meant. I then pointed to my horn band on my right horn. It was rose gold with gold circles and diamonds in them.

“This one was my grandmother's, but it doesn't fit her anymore and it definitely doesn't fit my mom, so they gave me it. It is a bit more for ‘nesses but I don’t mind.” More snickers, most likely for other reasons. I then turned my head so they could see the other side of my head and pointed at my left earring. It was a gold wire that attached the top part of my ear to the bottom. It had small jewels in shapes of fruit intermittently on the wire.

“This one was made by Sparkle, Parrot’s father.” I then pointed at the leg band on my right leg.

“Did you just say Sparkle?” I looked up towards Winter who looked otherly confused. 

“Yeah, he is a jeweler. What’s wrong with his name?” I twisted my head. Yeah, I know his name is a bit funny, but it's his name. And your name is literally Winter.

“It doesn’t sound like a SkyWing…It sounds like a RainWing name.”

“Ok! This ain’t what we're supposed to be talking about! We're trying to introduce ourselves!” Tsunami cut in and yelled. Thank the moons. I could hear a growl from Winter. She then pointed at Kinkajou.

“You! Introduction!” She yelled. Kinkajou was practically hopping.

“Yay! I’m Kinkajou! A Rainwing! I have never met any IceWings, or SeaWings, or SandWings before! Well, except for the Dragonets of Destiny, I’m best friends with them. I want to learn how to write and I want to know everything about your tribes and I think this school is the best idea ever! And my favorite color is yellow!” She practically squealed out, hopping like a hare. And blazing, I was betting on pink. I could practically hear the annoyance from Winter. The RainWing then nudged Moon. 

“Your turn!” She seemed to shrink into herself even more. She really doesn't like other dragons that much, huh? At least Kinkajou seems to be nice to her, maybe the RainWing will drag her out of her shell… heh, shell. Turtle. Heh.

“Um, I’m Moonwatcher…but please call me Moon…I grew up in the rainforest…and I like scrolls.” Rainforest? Is that where NightWings live? No, Sparkle would have said if they did. Did her parents live there like Sparkle in my town?

“I like scrolls too.” I looked over to Turtle.

“Well, ones not made by my mother. I have already read those too many times… And my name is Turtle.” Mother? Tsunami said she was a princess and their siblings… So he is a Prince? That means we have two princes in this winglet. Wow, there are a lot of important people in this one. Now I feel a little underwhelmed compared to them. Maybe Qibli ain’t that important? Please, me and Moon can't be the only normal ones.

“I’m Qibli. I was one of Queen Thorn’s Outclaws before she became queen. My plan is to learn as fast as possible so I can go back and protect her.” NOOOOOO! Why! I was hoping for you, Qibli! You betrayed me! Three moons… Moon and I are in a Winglet full of important people. Two are princes, one being related to a teacher. Another also related to a teacher. Kinkajou knows the Dragonets of Destiny. Now I just realized it must be the teachers… Why did I just realize this?... Plus one is a main guard(?) of a queen. Looks like it's just you and me Moon.

“I’m sure she is lost without you.” Winter spoke. Didn’t have to be rude IceWing.

“I’m sure you're important to your Queen.” Nevermind. Winter flinched before glaring at the SandWing.

“And I’m Umber. Clay’s brother… Reed, our BigWings, sent Sora, Marsh, and me here to help learn now that the war is over…And I like the color yellow also.” The last bit he said while looking at Kinkajou, but he glanced at Qibli a bunch. Ok, I must not be the only one thinking the SandWing is cute. I’m not the weird one then. 

“I’m Winter.” The final one to talk starts.

“Queen Glacier's nephew.” Both Qibli and Winter speak at the same time. And the IceWing growled before glaring at the SandWing. Qibli smiling big at the IceWing. Those two are gonna fight sooner or later, aren’t they?

“Don’t mock me.” Winter growled out.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Qibli smirkingly said. Winter glared before turning to Tsunami, who looked like she was about to sigh again.

“May I please have a different Clawmate if I have to have one?” He asked. It looked like Tsunami was about to say no, but then realized. I didn’t even think of that.

“I mean… If you get everyone in agreement, yeah. You can have someone switch. But-” Tsunami began to speak, but was cut off as Winter pointed at Turtle.

“Good. I want the SeaWing Prince.” Turtle seemed to stutter at the IceWings words.

“I want to trade sandsnorter for him.” Winter continued while Tsunami sighed.

“YES!” We all stared at the MudWing who’s face looked so dark it was almost black.

“I-i mean…if Turtle wants to…” The MudWing then proceeded to give the SeaWing the biggest hatchling eyes I have ever seen. I wanted to do what he wanted and it wasn’t even directed at me. Turtle broke immediately.

“...Fine.” He spoke, making the MudWing jump and hug him. The SeaWing yelping. Tsunami was currently on her sixth sigh in a minute. She then looked at Qibli with a deadpan expression. Who shrugged his shoulders before he spoke.

“It’s three to one, they win.” Winter spun his head and looked at the SandWing as if he suddenly grew an extra head.

“Wha-” He started to say.

“What was that? I think Flamethrower said we should go hunt! That’s a good idea! Let’s go!” Tsunami practically threw herself outside after speaking. We all stood there as we recovered before everyone looked at me. I then raised one of my talons.

“I didn’t say anything! She is just bullying me! And Winter was the one that ran her off.” I defended myself before pointing at Winter, who scoffed.

“Your princely charm at work my majesty-” Qibli spoke before being smacked in the back of the head by a white tail.

“Shut up sandsnorter.” Winter growled before walking to the edge and gracefully took flight. And we sat there in silence for a few seconds…

“We probably should follow them.” Turtle said which was followed by a sequence of ‘yeahs’ and ‘yeps.