Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The cold winds of Sanctuary billowed and whistled over the mountains and into the caves. Winter was coming, and with it, a world of white. The days grew shorter, and night chilled any non IceWing to the bone.

Yet for Winter – the IceWing, not the season – this was the best time of year for him. Even if everyone kept making jokes about his arrival with the season. At first it irritated the scales off his hide, but now he learned to roll with the swipes.

As he entered the work cave that he called home for the past twenty years, he was greeted by the warm glow of fire in a hearth. Although naturally cold, he had come to appreciate flame. If only for the comfort it brought his friends and colleagues.

Only one was here, though, and she currently resting by the fire with a book in one claw and a quill in the other. She kept her eyes focused on the book, not even looking at her writing as she jotted down every thought in her mind in a journal. Only when Winter approached did she slide her spectacled gaze to him, a warm smile forming on her yellow scaled lips.

“You return!” The HiveWing, Cricket, fluttered her four translucent wings enthusiastically. “That was quick. I’m guessing Sky and Wren didn’t have much for you to do?”

“Those two are a team unlike anything I’ve seen.” Winter chuckled, sitting nearby. “Really, I was only there for moral support. Twenty years building relations with humans, and they get it down in two days. Then again, being a human would help…”

“When’s the new building going to be up, then?”

“Before the first snow, hopefully. The humans want it to be another school. Kind of like a university? They hadn’t fully decided. It’d be the first joint dragon and human school, though.”

“Oh, they decided to go for it?” Cricket’s yellow eyes widened into dinner plates, tail swishing enthusiastically.

“They did.” Winter nodded.

“I can’t wait to tell Blue when he gets home.” Cricket sighed happily. “This winter is going to be the best winter yet!”

“Well, hopefully it won’t replace me.”

Cricket shot him a squint and he smiled. “Who are you and what have you done with Winter? He never jokes.”

“Maybe he changes like the season.”

“Finally embracing the joke, are we? Or are you just trying to entertain me so I don’t have to get up.”

“I’d prefer it if you didn’t strain yourself. You’re due any week now.”

Cricket glanced down at her stomach at the comment, where a notable bulge had grown over the past few months. Indeed, she was egg heavy, and had about three ready to come at any time. That did not stop her working in the slightest. She’d even joked about birthing while managing a project. But, somehow, Winter had convinced her to take it easy for the last few weeks.

“Keep this up and everyone will think you were the father.” Cricket poked him with a talon.

Winter’s look of deadpan shock sent Cricket into a snorting giggle fest that threatened to roll her into the fireplace.

“Blue would actually kill me if that happened.” Winter found his voice after a moment.

“Yeah, he would. If he wasn’t distracted by a lamp like the overgrown moth he is.” Cricket replied through giggles. “You ever give any thoughts to settling down yourself?”

“Cricket, you know that - ”

“You’re married to your work, yeah, yeah.” Cricket waved him off with a shake of her head. “Too bad your work can’t… well, not warm your bed. Chill your bed? Is that what IceWings say?”

“Yes.” Winter nodded, a thin smile forming.

“So weird. But that’s what makes all the tribes fascinating, huh?” Cricket fluttered her wings enthusiastically. “Speaking of, I just got a summon to the Rain Kingdom. Apparently, some humans want to reside there, and they requested one of us to speak to Queen Glory.”

“I’ll go.”

Cricket’s cheery demeanor gave way to concern. “Winter, no, it’s okay. I can make it there. Especially with Blue.”

“I’m not having you fly long distances when you’re about to birth,” Winter replied bluntly.

“Are you sure? Because after five years ago…”

“I’m more than capable of handling the situation if I need to.” Winter reassured her. “Chances are I won’t run into any of them.”

“Jade Mountain is on winter break.” Cricket reminded. “Are you certain? Because I can do it.”

“I already said no. Blue would say the same thing if he was here.” Winter shook his head. “Actually, he’s supposed to be due back any moment. Can ask him then if need be.”

“Fine.” Cricket scowled before grinning. “Come to think of it, a change of scenery would do you good. Maybe you can meet a nice dragon there…”

“Ha, ha…”

“Seriously, if you have a hybrid, you must let me interact with them.”

“Cricket, please…”

“Did I ever tell you when Blue’s father found out, he clasped him on the shoulder and shouted - "

"Yes, yes you did!" Winter found himself speaking over her, having heard the story many times before. The only thing louder than his voice was Cricket's cackling right after.

***

It was the early afternoon by the time Winter reached the hot and wet Rain Kingdom. It was not a place he liked to frequent, as he always felt like he was suffocating. The insects buzzing in his ear didn’t make things any better. Luckily, he was too cold for them to want to infest most of the time. A minor reprieve from the swelting heat and icky moistness that was the ground straining his blue-white scales.

Being back in the Rain Kingdom brought back… memories. From the time he snuck out of Jade Mountain to chase Icicle to evening gathered around a fire once the winglet graduated, Winter had frequented this place many a time. However, over the past five years, he went maybe once. As such, his tolerance had waned, and he longed to be done with this.

Once, an IceWing roaming the forests would’ve been an impossible sight. Now, a few made their ways about. None really stayed, though. Still, he didn’t stick out like a sore wing as much.

The human embassies would be here later in the evening, so for now, he had to speak to Queen Glory. She had been made aware of his presence, having sent a letter in advance. Out of all the queens, Glory was one of the more… interesting ones to talk to. Always spoke her mind, never backed down. No speaking in tongues or diplomatic terms when it wasn’t needed.

His cousin could learn a few things from her.

“Thought you weren’t ever coming back here.”

At first, his mind went blank at the voice. He thought it, briefly, to be a familiar SandWing. But, the voice was different. There was a NightWing accent to it, which said SandWing did not have.

Slowly, Winter turned to see a Sand/Night hybrid approaching. Gangly and thin like a SandWing, but with bronze scales blotched with blackish purple. He was full grown now compared to the dragonet Winter had seen him last as. Impressively tall, too. Must’ve gotten it from his mother, just like his green eyes.

“Sandrunner.” Winter greeted respectfully.

“No shrieking in rage, that’s an improvement.” Sandrunner let a small smile tug at his face. “I’m guessing you’re the ambassador Queen Glory is expecting?”

“I am.”

“Funny thing, I’m off to see her myself. Why don’t we go together?”

Winter suddenly felt very trapped. This hybrid had the guile of his father and the intelligence of his mother. He doubtlessly knew far in advance that Winter was coming.

“Things haven’t really changed, if you were wondering,” Sandrunner continued on. “The Kingdom, I mean. Night and Rain pretty much just became symbiotic. Granted, there are those who are repopulating the old kingdom, but most wanted to stay here. Can’t say I blame them. I certainly prefer it here to the desert.”

“It does have a better food supply.” Winter nodded in agreement.

“Right?” Sandrunner’s green eyes glittered. “Sadly, I’m only here on business. Gotta get that whole diplomacy thing a runnin’. ‘Specially since dad is off doing Queen Thorn’s errands again. But I mean, it isn’t hard.”

“Good to know what hasn’t changed, either.” Winter felt a small smile tug at him. Sandrunner paused at the comment, squinting. He said nothing, though, continuing toward the Queen’s pavilion.

“I haven’t told her you’re here.”

Winter paused on the walkway leading to Queen Glory’s throne. Sandrunner was giving him a muted, deathly serious look. A look that said if it came down to it, he would use the stinger on his tail. It was something he inherited from his father, it seemed.

“I didn’t plan on stopping.” Winter gave him the same look in turn.

“You really think you can just wreck everything and not be around to clean up?” Sandrunner hissed, lip curling into a snarl. “Do you even know the damage you caused?”

“I don’t know why you are blaming me for something that everyone knew was going to blow up,” Winter answered vaguely, paying mind to some of the dragons nearby.

“And it was good they kept it a secret if this was always the outcome.” Sandrunner shook his head. “With that one explosive outburst, you shattered fifteen years of friendship and split my parents apart. And you have the gall to just come swaggering in here and not once thinking of checking up on them?”

Winter could only stare, jaw ajar slightly. He… had assumed everything was fine. Removing himself was the only appropriate reaction. They didn’t trust him with anything, so by leaving, he would let them be freer. Even if he was angry and betrayed by the whole thing.

“They… split?” Winter asked dumbly. “That’s not what I wanted…”

“Well, it’s what happened.” Sandrunner went to move past him. “I’m not going to force you to do anything, but if you want my advice, I’d at least say ‘I’m sorry for wrecking your entire life’.”

Winter said nothing, unable to speak as Sandrunner strode into the queen’s hut. Did he really cause that much damage? The lie that they told was massive. But he didn’t expect it to have so much fallout. Then again, what did they expect when he found out? He was angry and oh so cruel that evening, but he never wished ill upon them. He never wanted his former friends to split apart.

Guilt tugged at him. Maybe he should check on her. Sandrunner did say that she was here.

But first, he had a job to do.

***

The meeting with Queen Glory went as expected. A lot of mapping out areas for the humans to live, supplies, rules. Cutting down the woods was not going to be acceptable outside home and survival. And even then, dead trees first unless it was necessary not to.

“Sloths are also off limits for consumption.” Queen Glory stated, giving Winter a firm glare. “If one of the humans breaks this rule, there will be consequences.”

“I will drill it into their minds, don’t worry.” Winter reassured her, and she grew lax.

With the plans for the settlement written down, Winter placed them into his satchel and left the Queen to her duties. Sandrunner was no longer around, and he felt like he had a moment to breathe now. Twilight was coming. He had a choice now.

He could wait for the humans in their designated spot, or he could go visit… her. Both would impact the other. If he went to the humans, he’d have the weight of guilt. If he went to her, it may go on longer and leave with even more confused and conflicting feelings.

Yet… he really couldn’t fight the knowledge that he had split them apart inadvertently. He had to see her. For fifteen years, she was one of his closest friends. If anything, maybe laying this to rest could mend that rift? If not between them, but between Sandrunner’s parents. A broken home… no dragonet should live through that.

And so he flew over the huts and canopies, toward the NightWing section of the kingdom.  With each beat of his wings, uncertainly grew stronger. Was it really the best idea to swoop in? Should he just leave before he did any more damage? Well, according to Sandrunner, there wasn’t much else he could do it make it worse.

He remembered where she lived. It was a nice little home built into rock, perfectly nestled away from the elements. A wooden door barred the entrance. There used to be decorations all over the front, though. Now… it was kind of barren. Sure, some remained such as tapestries and flowers, but it wasn’t the same.

Winter stood outside the door for a moment. Should he knock? Should he just stay here? What should he do? Maybe leaving would be best. He made it this far. This was further than he ever expected to come.

No. He wouldn’t back down from this. It’s been five years. Seeing her again shouldn’t elicit the same anger. He had to do this. He couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t try and work something.

With trepidation, he knocked. Bang, bang, bang. The knocks were heavy but not aggressive. There was the sound of shuffling. Heavy shuffling made by someone tall and muscular.

The door swung open, and there she was. Five years later, and she was still one of the most beautiful dragons he’d ever seen. Her black, purple tinted scales glimmered in the light alongside the tear-drop silver marking behind her eyes. Old memories surfaced as they met eyes. His heart began to pound from both apprehension and something long lost.

“Winter?” The NightWing spoke quietly, as if seeing a ghost.

“Hello, Moon.” Winter attempted to make his voice appear less stiff to some success.

“What are you doing here?” Moon wasn’t accusatory with that question. Rather, she seemed… happy.

“Cricket is close to giving birth, so I came here instead of her,” Winter explained. “And then I ran into your son. He… told me what happened.”

Moon let out a deep sigh as pain and guilt ripped through her. Tears threatened to glimmer in her eyes.

“I didn’t want that, Moon.” Winter averted his gaze.

“You didn’t split us up.” Moon smiled sadly. “Do you want to come in?”

“If… that’s okay with you, sure.”

Winter stepped inside the home, finding it much like outside. Little splotches of personality, but it was empty now. It was missing a husband. Nothing was left of the SandWing in question. Then again, Qibli didn’t really carry much.

Moon pulled out a seat and gestured for him to rest in. It was bowl shaped, allowing him to lay down comfortably. Not as good as the ones he had back at Sanctuary, but they were naturally carved. He remembered watching Qibli and Moon do so one rainy day and was there for ‘moral support’ as the former had called it. Those were the days.

Kind of felt like that was all he was useful for these days. Which wasn’t a bad thing at all.

“How are you?” Moon asked quietly.

“Managing,” Winter answered in kind.

“Yeah, same.” Moon fell silent for a moment. “Cricket’s really pregnant?”

“Didn’t she tell you?” Winter raised a brow. “I swore you two kept in contact.”

“We do, but ever since that day, it’s kind of been surface level.” Moon averted her gaze. “It’s how it is with a lot of the old winglet, too.”

“Kinkajou actually let you go?” Winter asked disbelievingly.

“I haven’t seen her recently. Her and Turtle are on the rocks last I checked, but they…” She trailed off. “I see him a lot at the academy. He always checks on me. Little mediator, he is.”

This isn’t what I wanted… A voice in Winter’s head whispered. “Peril? She’s still at the academy last I heard from Sky.”

“She and I… well, she wasn’t happy when she found out. It’s better now, but again, all surface level.” Moon continued to avert her gaze.

“Those things I said that night, this wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for.” Winter’s brow furrowed. “I left you all behind because you didn’t trust me enough. By removing myself, I figured the bonds would tighten…”

“All it did was prove we were carrying a massive lie.” Moon shook her head, shifting her gaze to his ankle, where a Skyfire band rested. Winter honestly forgot it was there. “I don’t blame you for wearing that.”

“It’s never come off for years.” Winter attempted to reassure her. “It’s just… there.”

“I see.” Moon tried to meet his eyes but kept looking everywhere but. “Did… Sandrunner just up and confront you about this?”

“Basically.”

Moon huffed out a loud sigh. “That boy is an adult now, but I swear he acts like a dragonet sometimes. I’ll have a talking to with him later.”

Winter wisely kept quiet about the fact that he was threatened.

“How long has it been?” Winter decided to bite the bullet ant and ask.

“The last time I saw Qibli, it was two years ago.” Moon shifted uncomfortably. “I only hear things from Sandrunner, who is often back and forth. Although, lately he’s been avoiding the subject of him. I don’t want to ask.”

“I’m sorry,” Winter said the only words he could.

“You didn’t cause this.” Moon shifted her eyes to the ground. “We never should have lied to you for this long about Peacemaker. But the longer it went, the harder it was to tell.”

Winter tensed at that name. Peacemaker… the ‘reincarnation’ of Darkstalker. The beast of the dark that killed his aunt and dozens of other IceWings. The monster that had plagued his tribe for two thousand years.

And he was relaxing in the forest with his daughter last Winter saw. The fact that they let that… creature reproduce was reprehensible!

At least, that was how Winter felt back then. Now, all he felt was dejected hurt from being lied to his face for fifteen years. Nothing happened. Maybe everyone did make the right call by forcing Darkstalker to change.

But it did not stop the scars of mistrust from bleeding ever so slightly.

“In the end, I sided with you,” Moon continued after a moment. “There had to have been another way. We could’ve found it. Or maybe just a way to kill him. We honestly thought it was a kindness, but I see now that it was the worst punishment imaginable.”

“At least you came around now,” Winter said a bit too harshly. She visibly flinched. “I’m going to assume Qibli disagreed.”

“He agreed that it was a torture, but that there was nothing else to be done. Things got better as a result, so it was better ‘not to poke the dragonflame cactus’.” Moon shifted to the door, as if she expected him to walk right in.

Nobody did.

“I did it anyway.” Moon sighed. “I prodded and poked and it blew up. Every issue we had exploded around us, and poor Sandrunner was forced to see it all. We tried to make it work. We really did. But in the end… our philosophy on it was too different. He walked out that door two years ago, and I haven’t seen him since.”

“I see.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just… throw all this at you.” Moon let a tear slide down her face. “It’s just, seeing you brings back so many emotions of what we used to have. I missed you so much, Winter. We all did.”

Winter said nothing. He didn’t know if he missed them, truthfully. Sure, he missed the good times and sense of companionship. The nights under the stars, the sense of adventure and danger as they took out Vulture.

But he didn’t know if he missed them, the friends that hurt him to point of shattering.

“Why didn’t you reach out, then?”

Moon winced at his question. “I did, but it was right after. After getting no response, we were afraid you would just slam the door.”

"You did?" Winter frowned. He didn't remember that.

"I sent a letter. I'm assuming its ash now."

Silence. Moon didn’t look at him at all. Winter didn’t know what to say. He was going to be late for his meeting, though, if he stayed. Yet, he couldn’t quite pick himself up to go just yet. Even after all the hurt and time passed, there was still part of him that cared enough to make sure she was okay.

“Aren’t you going to be late?” Moon smiled sadly.

“I suppose I am.” Winter slowly picked himself up, making for the door. “It was… nice to see you again, Moon.”

“Likewise.” Moon’s mood visibly brightened.

“But, I don’t know where we are now.” Winter couldn’t stop himself from saying. “I don’t know if I can ever go back to trusting you again. But…”

“But?”

“…I guess it wouldn’t hurt to visit every so often. Same with you and Sanctuary.” He forced a smile.

“I’d like that a lot, Winter.” Moon wiped the tear from her eye.

“I’m staying overnight. If you… still wanted to talk tomorrow, I won’t be leaving until midafternoon.” Winter gently opened the door. “We can see how it goes.”

“Where should I meet you?”

“I’m in the embassy hut. Room three.” He let out a silent groan. “… Right next to Sandrunner.”

“Oh, good, I can yell at him for what he did earlier on my way to you.”

That got a laugh out of Winter that was shared with Moon. It brought a sense of melancholy as he did. He loved her laugh and how it sounded like pure music in his ear. But hearing it… it only reminded him that things would never quite go back to being the same.

Whether that was for good or ill, that was up to the fates to decide.

Chapter Text

5 years ago

Winter landed at Jade Mountain, a place that brought back nostalgia and a sense of unfinished business. He remembered the first time he stepped into the halls of the academy. A sense of annoyance and pride mixed with pent up rage. Especially toward any NightWing student.

And yet he acted the worst to Moon. Whom he loved at the time. No wonder why she chose Qibli.

Yet here he was, walking the halls once more. It was toward the end of summer break, and soon the academy would be flooded with students again. As such, he had to prepare for his guest lessons on human studies. He and Cricket had volunteered to do a specialized class with a surprising student outcome last semester, so they were asked to do so again. Cricket would be arriving sooner, so Winter thought it prudent to get set up early.

Winter was living the dream if he were honest. His obsession with humans paid off tremendously. He was no longer ridiculed for it. Even his sister, who had slowly begun to reform, begrudgingly accepted it. He should visit the Ice Kingdom after this. He hadn’t seen his siblings in some time…

As he walked toward the area where he’d teach, he heard voices. Two distinctive voices. He allowed a small smile, recognizing them to be Moon and Qibli.

“…and soon his dragonet will be coming here.” Moon was giggling about something.

“I know, right!” Qibli snorted. “Hard to believe that Peace used to be… you know…” His voice lowered to barely a whisper.

"I know." Moon whispered back. "But, there are times I look into his eyes and I swear I see his shadow."

"You too?"

"Yeah, but they're nothing more than tricks of the light. Nothing of him remains."

Winter listened to this, confused. Why would they be talking about Peacemaker this way? His brow furrowed. Just because he was Hope's - formerly Foeslayer - son didn't... wait. Peacemaker did kind of appear out of nowhere, didn't he? He'd been assuaged that it was an adoption. But the way Moon and Qibli talked about him was odd.

Unless...

CRASH!

Winter dropped what he was holding as something horrible dawned. Cracks in the story he was told came surging back, shoved down because he trusted in his friends. But the whispering, and implication...

"Winter, are you okay?" Qibli poked his head out the entrance.

"Qibli," Winter's eyes widened as more and more thoughts entered his head. "Please tell me you didn't."

"Didn't what?" He raised a brow.

"Who did Peacemaker used to be?" Winter demanded. "Because if it's what I think it is... please, tell me it's not."

Moon also poked her head out the door at this time. Qibli averted his gaze.

"You did, didn't you?" Winter whispered as the horror of reality struck him. Then, rage unlike anything else bubbled inside. Betrayal. Hurt.

Before he could stop himself, Winter exploded.

***

Present

Winter licked his talon and turned the page on his book. He never found himself to be the type to enjoy fiction, but there was something about this one that got to him. Maybe it was the more scientific approach to the plot. Cricket had recommended it, being the scientist she was, and said that it was ‘fairly accurate, with some liberties’.

And so, here he was, reading about how the ancestor race of dragons – dubbed Dinogons – survived evolution and were causing terror throughout the tribes. Very interesting. Almost made Winter want to look for bones.

Blue would join for that. He loved that kind of stuff. Same with Cricket. The two Pantalans were perfect for each other in that way.

“What are you doing here, mom?” Sandrunner's voice came from across the hall. Winter, somehow, formed both a smile and a frown at the same time. He expected Moon to show, yet at the same time, dreaded it. Last night knocked the wind from his wings more than he expected and he wasn’t sure if he was ready to speak to her again.

But, he did offer. He had to honor it.

“Winter came by last night and mentioned he was staying here.” Moon’s voice was pleasant. Winter could hear the subtle ‘boy, you’re going to get it’ tone only a mother could have, though.

“Wait, he actually stopped by?” Sandrunner asked blankly.

“Yes, he did. He said that you, however, decided to confront him about everything.”

And there it was. Winter closed his book, ears flicking. He couldn’t help but overhear this.

“How could I not!?” Sandrunner retaliated defensively. “ He wrecked everything! The least he could’ve done was apologize.”

“Sandrunner, you were two when that happened, and you weren’t there at the outburst.” Moon responded with that motherly tone Winter had heard creeping up. “Your father and I didn’t divorce because of him. I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you this.”

“Really? Because he came in, wrecked things, and then next thing I know you and dad are fighting for three years.”

“Sandrunner, enough . I’m not discussing this with you right now. Winter came to check on me, and we’re trying to put it behind us. Do the same. You’re not a dragonet anymore.”

Sandrunner grumbled something under his breath, which caused Moon to say something in kind that Winter couldn’t hear. The door shut slowly, and then there was a knock on Winter’s.

“Come in.” Winter stretched his wings and presented himself to be more dignified as opposed to a casual laying on his bedding.

The door slowly opened, and there was Moon. She was gorgeous, with the way the sunlight beat off her scales and exposed the purple undertones. How her eyes sparkled at the sight of him, a slow smile nearly touching them. She really was as beautiful as he remembered.

And thinking of her like this… it hurt.

“You heard that, didn’t you?” Moon shut the door gently.

“You were right outside my door.” Winter gestured to it.

“Well, I did say that I’d have a talk with him, didn’t I?” Moon giggled.

“I honestly forgot he was seven. He looks ten from how big he is.”

“He got it from me.” Moon winked. “If there was one thing I got from Morrowseer, it was his height.”

Winter eyed her up and down. Yep, she sure was big.

“Did you ever tell the Dragons of Destiny about that?”

“Yeah, I did eventually. Sunny and Starflight, somehow, already knew. Clay didn’t care. Glory was a bit mad, as was Tsunami, but in the end they decided it didn't matter.”

Winter knew she didn’t mean it as a way to insult him for caring about Peacemaker. Yet he couldn’t help but feel angry in that brief, cold blooded second. Then, he managed to calm himself.

This is Moon. She’s one of the gentlest souls you know. He thought to himself.

“How was the meeting?” Moon asked.

“It went quite well.” Winter smiled. “The humans understood the rules and whatnot, especially about the sloths. Especially about the sloths. They agreed to try a way to make things work for the wood situation. Queen Glory will have to send a liaison to communicate with them. Most likely her daughter.”

“I certainly hope they know about the sloths.” Moon shook her head, bemused. “Some of the RainWings joke about it being a war crime.”

“If there is ever another war, that would be the reason.” Winter let out a quiet chuckle.

“You lightened up over the past few years.” Moon regarded him with a look Winter couldn’t quite place. “I don’t mean that in a bad way. But I remember back then that you wouldn’t joke that much.”

Winter frowned. “I joked.”

“Usually it was poking fun at someone. This is an actual joke.”

Don’t be mad, his mind whispered. “That’s true, I guess.”

“What else have you been doing these past five years?” Moon inquired gently.

“Honestly, not much has changed.” Winter shrugged. “Human relations, expanding Sanctuary. Riptide finally got married to Tsunami, so we had to find a replacement. That was a bit of a nightmare until Sky and Wren swooped in. Sky’s a weird one, but I’d be lying if his help wasn’t one of the best things to happen at Sanctuary.”

“Yeah, I remember when he attended JMA,” Moon replied wistfully. “Fast learner. But, even then, never lost that naivety. Didn’t help that Peril kept protecting him.”

“After everything she’s been through, it makes sense.” Winter nodded. “She and Turtle didn’t break up, did they?”

“No. They’re still going strong. I doubt she can ever be mad at him for too long after he figured out a way to suppress her Firescales.” Moon shook her head. “I heard they were discussing dragonets.”

“Woe to the one who ever bullies her dragonet.” Winter had a vivid mental image of Peril ripping off her band and going full Firescales on a bully.

“Honestly, the relationship is one of the best things to happen for the both of them. The one-sided romance for Clay was driving her insane.”

“Didn’t he have to flat out say that he doesn’t view anyone romantically and that everyone is family?”

“You remember correctly.” Moon nodded. “I wish I had his optimism.”

“I can’t speak from experience, but there is bound to be someone out there if you want that.” Winter shrugged. “Clay and I are alike in that way. What we do is good enough for us.”

“Maybe one day I’ll get that mentality.” Moon answered in a rather distant way. Winter resisted the urge to raise a brow. “Maybe once I head back to JMA I’ll have a bunch of hormonal dragonets bombarding my mind and it’ll keep all this at bay.”

Winter suppressed a laugh. “I never did ask you how it was being around dragons thinking… that on your first school day.”

“ Nightmare fuel.” Moon bristled. “My mother never prepared me for any of that.”

“Awful.”

“It certainly prepared me for a lot of things. Once that happened, almost nothing could surprise me.” Moon let out a melodious laugh. Damn near musical. “And lest we forget, you were one of them.”

“I had no such thoughts.” Winter frowned.

“Not as extreme as some of the others, but I remember you wanting me to like you.”

Winter’s frown deepened at her words. She wasn’t exactly lying . But again, nothing more could be done from it if he couldn’t trust her.

Or if she couldn’t trust him.

“I’m sorry.” Moon noted his frown, turning away. “I don’t mean to make fun.”

“It’s okay.” Winter reassured her. Just because he didn’t trust her didn’t mean he was going to be rude to her. He genuinely did want to fix the situation with her and Qibli. If they did indeed divorce over him – despite her saying otherwise – then he wanted to rectify it.

Maybe he did miss all of them…

“I bet you’re wondering where Peacemaker is now,” Moon spoke after a brief pause.

“I am. But I did not want to just come out and ask.” Winter’s tail spikes dug into the floor at the mention of Peacemaker.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you did. You deserve to know what’s going on.” Moon offered a kind smile. “He’s at the new Night Kingdom with Hope. She took over duties there, and he wanted to be around his mom. His daughter finished JMA with Sandrunner; same winglet and all.”

“You… let him move away?” Winter bit his tongue to keep from snapping. “Out of your sight?”

“Hope is more than capable of handling him.” Moon reacted a tad defensively. Winter couldn’t deny her point, though. “If anything happens, she was the one who had any sway over his actions.”

“I… guess that makes sense. And if he truly had compassion, he wouldn’t just murder his daughter or wife.” Winter muttered begrudgingly.

“Exactly.” Moon stretched her wings. “I’m going to get something to eat, though. Are you hungry?”

“I guess a bit of hunting wouldn’t be bad.”

***

Hunting down rainforest game was strange for Winter. He was always used to swooping down mountains and snagging a goat or sheep before it had a chance to react. In the forest? He had to hide in the trees and pounce on jaguars and other predators. In a way, it was far more dangerous. Their fangs and claws were strong enough to pierce dragon hide.

Not to mention they were smarter than the average goat.

Still, Winter found his prey and was able to freeze it solid near immediately, shattering it into pieces with a heavy slam. It was how he preferred to eat his prey. Having it all bloody and wet and sticky was… well, disgusting . He had no idea how some could eat it raw.

Case in point, Moon ripping her meal apart with her powerful claws and jaw. He stared at the almost feral glare in her face, and he was once again reminded of just how powerful she really was.

Woe to the dragon who earned her ire, Winter mused.

“Meat is a bit stringy on this one.” Moon cleaned her bloodied claws and face in the nearby river. “But not terrible .”

“Have you tried adding salt?” Winter questioned, doing the same. He had nowhere near as much to clean, at least.

“… What’s salt? Is it like sea salt?”

Winter stared before realizing that humans were not all that common. Meaning that they, naturally, wouldn’t be exporting most of their goods here.

“Salt is… some sort of mineral that makes something… well, salty. It’s hard to explain.” Winter fumbled a bit on his wording.

“Excellent wording. I daresay I couldn’t explain it better myself.” Moon giggled.

“Yes, it’s close to sea salt. Less strong, I think. Easier to make, though.” Winter responded, flustered. He usually considered himself to be much more eloquent but didn’t expect to be so put on the spot!

“Interesting… you’ll have to show me when I visit Sanctuary.”

Winter was at a bit of a crossroads now. He did say she was welcome to visit. But was he ready for her to come with him now, if that was what she was implying? Sure, he was enjoying his time with her. It almost felt like old times. But how long would that last? They were in somewhat of a ‘getting to know each other’ phase again. Would tomorrow bring more hurt and shrieking?

“Yeah, I will,” Winter answered a bit noncommittally. “Speaking of, I need to go back in a few hours.”

“I remember.” Moon smiled a bit sadly. “It’s… been nice catching up with you, Winter. I really have missed you.”

“I won’t lie, this has been pleasant.” Winter admitted slowly. “But… it’ll take a while for those wounds to heal. I can tell you’re serious about making amends, and that’s why I didn’t kick you out.”

“Of course I am.” Moon approached slowly. She acted like she wanted to reach out and grab his claw, but wisely decided against it. Winter wasn’t sure if he would appreciate it. “You were… are , a dear friend of mine. I know the others feel the same. This whole divorce came because we lost you.”

“I knew it.”

That was the only warning Winter had before Sandrunner descended, landing near them as if to separate Moon, who rolled her eyes. A silent ‘I’m sorry’ crossed her lips before she faced her son.

“I’m speaking about the Winglet, not your father and I,” Moon responded crossly. “Are you eavesdropping? Because I thought I taught you better than that.”

“I’m not, actually,” Sandrunner replied defensively. “I wanted to find you because I have to go back to the Sand Kingdom. I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” He added with a genuine, affectionate smile. “One of the guards said they saw you two going this way, so I tracked you down.”

Moon visibly relaxed, even if her face didn’t. “So soon?”

“Unfortunately. Queen Thorn is a needy mistress, and she already has dad and Sunny running around.”

“Sunny?” Winter raised a brow.

“Oh, yeah, she quit Jade Mountain three years ago to help her mother.” Moon explained. “Remember how injured she got against Vulture? Well, add that with age…”

“Mmm…” Winter grimaced at the thought, vividly remembering the imagery. “Makes sense to me.”

“Just don’t let Queen Thorn hear you call her a needy mistress.” Moon patted Sandrunner on the shoulder.

“Dad does.” Sandrunner chuckled quietly.

“That tracks from what I remember.” Winter suppressed a laugh of his own.

Sandrunner immediately got a bit more serious. “But, yeah, that’s why I came to find you. I’d ask if you want to come but…”

“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea,” Moon answered with some hesitation. “I’m afraid Queen Thorn may strangle me.”

“No, it’s a good idea,” Winter said suddenly. He wasn’t sure why he said it. But, this could get Moon and Qibli in the same room and potentially salvage the relationship.

“Alright, what’s your game?” Sandrunner asked pointedly. “You come here, acting like you have no idea, and now you’re doing this?”

“I’m a bit lost too, Winter.” Moon eyed him with confusion.

“Look, even if your relationship doesn’t mend, I… don’t want to be the reason why you’re alone out here. Sandrunner needs both of his parents within reach,” Winter answered with a bit of uncertainty. Why was he doing this? They hurt him , not the other way around!

“… It’s been two years,” Moon said quietly, wings folding in on herself. “Maybe enough time has passed that we can still be on okay terms…”

“I agree with Winter.” Sandrunner immediately jumped in upon her words. Winter raised a brow, but he expected this reaction. “You should come.”

“… I do have some time before I must go back to JMA.” Moon answered thoughtfully. “Give me a little bit and I’ll have an answer.”

“Like I said, I’m not leaving for a few hours,” Winter said. “I’ll go with you for the initial flight before turning to Sanctuary.”

“Alright. I’ll tidy up at home and come back with a decision. Meet at the square in two hours?”

“That works for me.” Winter offered a taut smile.

Moon returned the smile before spreading her starry wings and taking to the sky. Winter became acutely aware, however, that Sandrunner did not follow her.

“I don’t know what you’re planning,” he turned his gaze to Winter, “but if you are serious about pushing my parents to be around each other again… I can follow along. For now.”

“I meant what I said about not wanting this.” Winter looked him straight in the eye as he spoke.

“I want to believe you. I really, really do.” Sandrunner met his gaze. “But you didn’t see their fights. You didn’t see how it went toward the end. If I find out you plan to break their hearts… well, I won’t let you. Am I clear?”

“Whatever you may think of me, I am not a dragon of deception.” Winter spread his wings to take flight. “I mean exactly what I say. I hope you will understand that.”

“Yeah… me too.”

***

Winter sat in his own booth of the tavern, on his second drink of something called ‘Pineapple blend’. He didn’t know what was in it other than pineapple, but it was the strongest drink offered. Winter could always hold his liquor and never got hangovers, and right now, he was praying on that to come in clutch again.

Immediately after leaving Sandrunner, Winter went to the tavern. His cocktail of emotions made him crave… well, a cocktail. He hadn’t felt this emotionally confused in years.

Winter should have never checked on Moon. By doing so, he opened up a whole slew of emotions that he’d locked away along with the key. Yet… like the moon shining through a window, she somehow managed to illuminate the grave of his emotions.

And with that came uncertainty. Could Winter really forgive the others for lying to him? For not trusting him? In the end, it wasn’t even about Peacemaker. Well, yes, it was, but the most painful part was that it was fifteen years and he had to find out by accident . He remembered roaring up a storm and leaving poor Cricket to handle his mess after.

She understood. Cricket was good like that. She stood by his side, alongside Blue. They were some of the best friends he ever had, and for a while, the only friends.

But… Winter also couldn’t deny the deep-down emotion of wanting his former friends to be happy . Despite his tearful anger and throat rending shouting, he never wished ill upon them. In fact, he remembered his final words to them back then:

“This isn’t goodbye . This is I can’t stand to look at you.”

And like that, he left. The words were cruel and said with pure disgust, but he never wanted this. He never got a note, at least not one he saw. Moon said she sent one, though. It was possible Cricket hid them to spare his feelings. In fact, he suspected so. He wasn’t as angry about that, though. She trusted him completely and wanted only to protect him.

What a beautiful wife she would’ve made. Blue beat him to the punch, though, and he was happy for them.

And so here he was, pondering why he was doing what he was doing. He was always a selfless dragon in retrospect. He faked his own death for Hailstorm’s sake. Went out of his way to help Icicle to some success. Never took anything that wasn’t his. Queen Snowfall restored his princehood, but he never went by the title.

Made sense why despite everything , he’d want to help them. He shouldn’t, though. He really, really shouldn’t. All he was doing was lining himself up to be hurt again. What was he, some sort of glutton for punishment? Well, he had to be, as he was downing a bottle of something called Pineapple Blend.

He could’ve been happy with Lynx, too. Hindsight was a bitch. He never noticed she was into him until it was too late. Alas, she moved on, and was happily married to Hailstorm.

And Winter was stuck, alone, beaten by everyone who made their moves first. First Moon, then Lynx, and finally Cricket.

Maybe one day he’d have someone. Ugh. The alcohol must be getting to him if he was getting depressed over love after telling Cricket he was married to his work.

With a sigh, he paid for his drinks and made his way out of the bar. The sunlight hurt his eyes at first, but he adjusted quickly.

“Oh, there you are!” Came Moon’s voice as she landed nearby. Sandrunner was a few seconds behind her, eying Winter with some suspicion but also a hint of hope. “Are you… drunk? Should you be flying?”

“I didn’t have enough to inebriate me, don’t worry.” Winter waved off her concern. “What did you decide?”

“I think… I’ll go on one condition.” Moon said slowly, tail flicking with apprehension. “And that is if you come, too.”

“… Why?” Winter frowned.

“Because I know for a fact that Qibli misses you too. Before all this, you were his best friend. Seeing you will bring him so much joy.” Moon gave him one of the most beautiful smiles he’d ever seen. “I had my chance to apologize. I know he’d jump on his chance, too.”

“Wouldn’t he throw a fit if he sees me coming with you?” Winter pointed out.

“I have… considered that risk. But I think he needs closure as much as I do. If he does act up, I’ll shut him down.” Moon gave him a determined look. “Does that ease your concern?”

Winter didn’t answer immediately. He wasn’t sure if he should go. But… something deep down said that it may be okay. That things could work out. As much as he loathed to admit it, having someone like Qibli in his life always made it interesting.

Maybe the rift could be mended over time. Or maybe it was the alcohol talking and he had no idea what was going to happen.

“… Alright. I’ll try.” Winter huffed out a lengthy sigh. “But, I need to stop by Sanctuary first.”

“Is it on the way?” Sandrunner asked.

“Maybe a few hour detour, depending on what I need to do.”

“… Alright. I may go ahead in that case if it takes too long. Like I said, Thorn is a needy queen.”

“She’s going to kill you.” Moon tutted. Sandrunner shrugged. “Well, as long as you know…”

“Let’s not waste time, then.” Winter spread his wings. “Faster I make sure Cricket is okay if I miss the eggs, the better it’ll be for everyone.”

Chapter Text

Twenty years.

It was hard to believe that twenty years ago, Winter only had a major obsession over humans, called Scavengers then. When he was exiled and wandered his way to Sanctuary, he never thought that it would ever grow to be the place it was now. Sure, the Talons of Peace had a passing interest, and Riptide was always supportive. But convincing others? That was a nightmare in itself.

Even with the recognition of humans as sentient beings, convincing both species to work together was a grueling task. Humans, rightfully, did not trust dragons. Dragons, despite the queen’s decree, still saw them as food or otherwise unintelligent. There was also the language barrier.

But, years went by, and things worked out for the most part. Winter couldn’t help but be proud of his legacy. While he was not alone in creating Sanctuary, it was his drive that got it going in the first place. He was a founding member. He could retire now and be remembered for all history for his accomplishments.

Still, where was the fun in that? It was one of the few things to bring him absolute joy, especially over the past five years. He was recognized in all kingdoms. Sanctuary, in addition to serving as a human hub, was a place of mixed tribes. Anyone could join as long as they obeyed the rules and respected humans. Naturally, the town of Possibility formed a trade deal soon after it took off, it also being a neutral hub.

“Oh wow, it’s expanded.” Came a voice that he was still not used to.

Flying next to him was Moon and Sandrunner, the latter for once not eying him suspiciously and looking quite amazed at the development.

Sanctuary used to have ramshackle huts and homes built into caves, but now it was starting to take shape. Better structures, better cave systems. Silkwings helped by creating silk structures, too. Humans? Well, they were ridiculously innovative now that they weren’t being poached by dragons. Dragons did a lot of the heavy lifting in this town, and coupled with human direction, designs never thought possible began to take shape.

Buildings larger than four stories? Two were made now. Multi-leveled buildings everywhere in general now. Humans had something called steel, too, that they formed pillars with. Dragons could walk on the upper levels without issue or concern due to it. Town hall was able to be constructed this way and Winter could move his office from a cave in the mountain to someplace he could overlook the entire town.

“Indeed.” Winter let a smile crawl onto his face. “Five years is a lot for humans. They make the best of what short lives they have.”

“What’s the average life expectancy again?” Moon asked curiously.

“Rarely do they live past their fifties. But with medicine and dragons not poaching them, they may start to live longer.” Winter explained, descending to the town. “I need to stop by my office and grab some work I’ll do on the trip, and then I need to check on Cricket.”

“When is she due again?”

“Within the next few weeks. She said that she didn’t mind if I missed the whole nesting business, but if I miss the hatching, she will hunt down and bite me.”

“When did she get so vicious?” Moon raised a brow as they landed on a platform on the top floor of town hall. “She was always so shy and reserved.”

“Five years and having a clutch will do that to someone, I guess.” Winter shrugged. “She likes to get rises out of dragons these days.”

“Blue must enjoy that.” Moon craned her head in all directions, taking in the sights.

“I think this is my first time here,” Sandrunner suddenly said. Winter glanced back at him curiously. “At least, that I remember.”

“And what do you think?” Winter asked.

“It’s… interesting. I don’t share the same fascination with humans as you clearly do, but I’ve been watching them run around and cobble things together.”

“They’ll surprise you.” Winter entered his office. Everything was just as he left it; immaculately organized with everything having a label. Nothing was out of place. As such, he easily found the paperwork – largely about budget and subjects to produce to the council – and went to head back.

Only to see a pale, scrawny Skywing come flying at him like one of those RainWing darts.

“Winter!” The Skywing shouted upon arrival, hovering in the air while flailing his arms around trying to form words. His pale blue eyes, wide with excitement and worry. “Babies!”

“… What’s a baby?” Sandrunner looked at his mother and Winter for an explanation.

 “Cricket babies!” The Skywing, Sky, forced out breathlessly. “I was trying to find something to comfort her and I found you instead! Did you know how much your scales sparkle in the sky? Very hard to miss you. Anyway, I’m glad you’re back, because there are babies! White shelled, too. Like snow, actually.”

“Oh, dragonets,” Sandrunner answered his own question.

“She… gave birth?” Winter asked dumbly.

“Yes!” Sky bobbled his head. “Not thirty minutes ago! We were in the middle of planning and then she goes ‘oh’ and started calling for Blue. That was two hours ago. I’ve been flying around getting her water but I think she needs a rag now. Do you have a rag? That would save me trouble.”

“I have a cloth, yeah.” Sandrunner pulled out a brown rag from his satchel. “Useful for keeping cool in the desert.” He explained when Moon shot him a questioning look. “I imagine mountain water will do just right here.”

“Thanks!” Sky snatched the rag. “She’s in her cave. I know she said that if you came back, Winter, to ‘send his butt up here’. Well, she used another word, but I don’t like swearing.”

“Hard to believe he’s Peril’s twin.” Moon mused as he flew off. “She would be swearing up a storm and he absolutely refuses to.”

“Whenever he and Peril get together, it’s night and day difference.” Winter agreed with a low laugh.

“Oh, you still talk to Peril?” Moon shot him a curious glance. “I was under the impression you…”

“Not as much as you think. She visits mostly for Sky. But when we did talk about it, she…” Winter stopped talking, glancing back at Sandrunner. “I think you know.”

“I do.” Moon averted her gaze.

Being inside the familiar cave brought a sense of comfort back to Winter. It wasn’t big, but it was more than accommodating. The crackle of fire and the orange glow it sent through the hearth tired Winter’s eyes. It was getting a tad late. Maybe they’d have to stay the night, especially if this went on for a while.

In the middle of the cave, resting in soft bedding, was Cricket. She had a blanket around her neck and chest that held two beautiful, white eggs that had an iridescence to them. Not unlike SilkWings. Cricket’s eyes were tired and her breathing slowed, but her wings fluttered happily as her tail tip slapped on the ground with excitement.

Laying beside her, looking like the proud parent he was, was Blue. His azure and purple scales glittered from the fire and cast a strange, fiery hue over him. Given his ability, it made perfect sense to Winter. Cricket leaned into the crook of his neck, his head over hers, antennae whipping around like dueling snakes.

Upon hearing their arrival, however, both their heads lifted. Immediately, their mood shifted to elation and then confusion upon realizing Moon and Sandrunner were there. Cricket shot him a questioning look but otherwise didn’t react. He gestured that he’d explain later, and she seemed to accept that.

“Aren’t you glad I didn’t have you go now?” Winter spoke with false smugness. Cricket rolled her eyes.

“ I am.” Blue kissed her forehead. “I had a feeling she’d lay sooner than expected.”

“And why is that?” Cricket raised a brow.

“Because it’s you . You do everything early.”

“You’re lucky I’m tired because I have an argument for that.” Cricket shook her head. “And yes, Winter, I am. Birthing there would’ve been much worse with insects nipping at me. I have no idea how NightWings and RainWings do it.”

“I don’t know how I did it.” Moon patted Sandrunner on the head, who looked displeased by this by the way his sail flattened. “Honestly, a lot of it was a blur.”

“Plus that was what, seven and a half years ago?” Cricket shifted her gaze to Sandrunner. “Funny how time flies.” She sat up straighter. “Speaking of, it’s been ages, Moon! Surprised to see you here.”

“Winter stopped by, and he told me you were pregnant.” Moon did well to hide the hurt in her voice, but Winter caught it. Winter was, admittedly, still surprised that Cricket never told her.

“Maybe it was a good thing he went after all.” Cricket mused.

“Did you decide on names yet?”

“Mmm, no, not yet,” Blue answered her. “We decided that one would have a SilkWing name, and the other a HiveWing. But given how random the hybrids can be, we’re holding off until they hatch.”

“Trust me, I know that dilemma. When we were deciding on a name, it had to be a mixture of Night and Sand conventions.” Moon laughed. “Although, he doesn’t do a lot of running these days.”

“Flying is easier.” Sandrunner shrugged.

“He could always change it to Sandflier. NightWings change their names to suit better roles, right?” Cricket asked.

“They can, but I dunno, I like it still.” Sandrunner looked at the eggs with interest. “Hard to believe I was that small.”

“I remember carrying you around everywhere. You squirmed a lot in your egg, especially during the last month.” Moon winked at Sandrunner, who rolled his eyes. “I vividly recall being in a meeting and having you nearly roll around the table. We all thought you were going to hatch right in the middle of it.”

“Oh boy, I can’t wait for that.” Cricket looked down at her eggs.

“Well, with luck, you won’t have such a rebellious spirit. He gets that from Qibli, I swear.”

The mention of Qibli made Winter grimace slightly. Not out of anything negative, but just the fact that he was going to see his former best friend for the first time in five years. He didn’t know how Qibli would react. Moon, there was never a question of anger. Qibli? Well… he didn’t know. Qibli was always affable but maybe he held Sandrunner’s views.

“Cricket.” Winter decided to get it over with. “I’m going with them to the Sand Kingdom.”

“… You are?” Cricket raised a brow again. “Okay, what happened? Because last I checked, nobody was on speaking terms. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that things worked out between you two, but this was not the outcome I thought.”

“Well… a certain someone may have exploded on Winter and he learned Qibli and I weren’t together anymore.” Moon gave Sandrunner a pointed look. He had no reaction. “Next thing I know, there’s Winter knocking on my door. The rest went from there.”

“Huh. I didn’t know you two had split…” Cricket’s eyes went wide. Evidently, the surface level stuff went both ways.

“Guess we’re both surprised by changes in each other’s lives,” Moon answered without hostility, but Winter saw through it. She was still upset.

The two used to be close. Moon was pretty much a living ancestor to Cricket’s species, and given her role in the Pantalan war, they had formed a kinship. Five years ago shattered it. Cricket was never one to act hostile, but this must’ve been her way. Moon picked up on it and now it went both ways.

Winter couldn’t help but feel frustrated. He was the one hurt. He didn’t care if they kept in contact so long as he was never treated differently. So why did all of this happen? Why did he have to ruin everything? It wasn’t his fault! He was completely justified in his reaction!

So why did the world around him crumble?

“Moon, this may take a bit to get prepared.” Winter moved over and looked down at the eggs, smiling faintly. “Feel free to fly around Sanctuary. Chances are we’ll be staying the night. There’s an inn nearby; you can’t miss the sign. Tell them I said to give you two rooms.”

“I’ll probably end up taking off, honestly.” Sandrunner instead said. “Admittedly, though, I am curious about the place. I suppose an hour or two roaming wouldn’t hurt…”

“Just don’t step on any humans,” Moon teased.

“Ha, ha…”

With that, the two left, and Winter turned back to Cricket to see both her and Blue giving him a demanding look.

“Coulda sent a letter, you know.” Cricket frowned.

“Didn’t think you’d care.” Winter shrugged.

“Of course we care!” Cricket snapped back. “I’ll never forget that day when you came back a wreck. That’s not something you just… move on from!”

“I’m not sure how much you remember, but it was pretty bad.” Blue added on. “You barely spoke for weeks. You did your job and then returned to your cave. We couldn’t get you to do anything else.”

Winter frowned. He didn’t remember a lot of what happened. It was all compartmentalized in his mind and a blur at best these days. All he remembered was the emotions he felt.

“I told you both that I didn’t care if you spoke to them still.” Winter shuffled his wings, feeling awkward.

“Well, how could I look Moon in the eye when I found out she allowed a forcible change? We didn’t even do that to Wasp!” Cricket growled lowly. “I can tell she regrets it. But I don’t know if she regrets her actions, or the consequences.”

“Both,” Winter answered. “It’s why she and Qibli split. They couldn’t agree with each other over what happened.”

Cricket softened at that. “I see.”

“Well, it’s your choice if you want to see them all again.” Blue smiled sympathetically. “I just don’t want you to get hurt again. Like I said, it was bad.”

“Just be careful of Sandrunner.” Cricket warned. “I don’t like the look in his eye when he glances at you.”

“He blames me for his parents splitting apart. He was two went it happened and ever since then, they fought a lot. I don’t have details, before you ask.”

“Ouch.” Blue winced.

“Well, either way, I hope this goes well. For your sake.” Cricket sighed, adjusting the eggs. “Where is Sky, by the way? He went to get a rag and that was almost an hour ago.”

“You know Sky. He probably got distracted by a snail.” Winter chuckled.

“Yeah… we need Wren back. She keeps him on task.” Cricket shook her head. “Too bad she’s on her way to Valor.”

“Ah well. He’s a great source of levity.” Blue rubbed her shoulder as the sound of someone entering came followed by rapid clawsteps. “Speak of the snail, and it shall slither in.”

“I’m so sorry!” Sky burst in, holding a wet rag. “I meant to just soak this but then there was an argument between dragons and humans and I had to step in and mediate. It was over food and it took a while to settle it.”

“Oh.” Cricket blinked. “I thought you got distracted by a snail again.”

“Well, I did, but I managed to fight the urge and do what was asked of me.” Sky admitted, giving Cricket the rag. “I hope I didn’t make you wait too long.”

“Nah, just in time.” Blue smiled reassuringly as the rag was placed on Cricket’s head. She gave a pleasured growl and leaned into Blue more.

“Well, now that all of us are here, may as well discuss what we’re going to do in your absence.” Cricket turned to Winter. “How long do you plan on being gone?”

“Uh… good question,” Winter answered sheepishly. “I didn’t discuss that. Moon has to be back at Jade Mountain soon, so…”

“Fair enough.” Cricket nodded. “Alright, so, this is what we have planned for while you’re gone…”

***

“Cricket?”

“Yes, Winter?” Cricket turned her head back, placing a few documents back on a nearby shelf. Blue had taken the eggs to the nest and to write a letter to Bumblebee, who was in Pantala helping Sundew and Willow with something. Sky went off to do… Sky things. He could only pay attention for so long, after all. Not so much a planner as he was a doer.

“Did… they ever write to me?” Winter couldn’t help but ask.

Cricket let out a small sigh, landing and looking at Winter with a sympathetic look. “Only once."

“Why didn’t you share?” Winter asked. He wasn’t mad, but he was certainly… well, he didn't know what he felt.

“Because when you returned, you froze that bridge to the point of shattering it. You flat out told me to burn any letters they sent.” Cricket smiled sadly.

“Did I?” Winter was surprised at himself. Then again, he didn’t remember much from that time period.

“You did. But, I had a funny feeling something like this might happen.” She gestured out of the cave as if Moon was there. “I was mad, too. But when I saw that Moon had written to you… I couldn’t burn it. Not after everything.”

“May I see it?”

“Sure, let me find it.”

A moment later, Cricket came back with a letter that had seen better days. Not that it was ruined, but the lack of sunlight had caused some damage. Likely kept somewhere musty, too. Without hesitation, Winter opened it:

To Winter,

Winter, if you are reading this, words cannot express how sorry Qibli and I are. We never meant to lie to you or keep it hidden for this long. But, the more we pushed it down and forgot about it, the easier it became. We didn’t want you to get hurt, and that’s what we did anyway. I’ll make no excuses. We should have told you.

I’m not sure if you’ll ever reply to this. If you don’t… well, that’s your choice. But I’ll wait forever if it means I can talk to you again. You were – are – one of the best dragons I’ve ever met, and my best friend. Qibli wanted to write a message too, but given how ferocious you two were, I decided to write one first and see if you’d reply to me.

Again, if you chose not to, I won’t blame you. But I’ll hold out until you do.

Always,

Moon

Reading it made a pit well inside of Winter. He almost wanted to shred the letter, but instead read it over again. He was angry at his own declaration. Maybe if he had read this earlier, his hurt wouldn't have driven such a rift. But at the same time, he was in no position to think clearly. Cricket saving this letter was a miracle in itself.

“No one else sent anything?” Winter asked again for clarification.

“No.” Cricket shook her head.

“I never meant for this.” Winter’s ears flattened, tail poking at the ground in frustration. “I was fine with losing the winglet. But I didn’t want them to implode.”

“You can’t control how others react to things.” Cricket jabbed a talon at his chest. “You have dragons who care about you. So whatever happens to you affects everyone else. Even if that means groups split.” She smiled sweetly. “When I heard, I of course chose you. I don’t think Moon or Qibli or the others had bad intentions, nor do I see them as bad dragons. But they made a choice that sent not a ripple, but a tsunami. Everyone around them was bound to get swept away.”

“It’s not right.” Winter argued back weakly. “I didn’t want Moon to split from Qibli. I didn’t want Sandrunner to grow up in that environment.”

“You can’t control the actions of other dragons. Didn’t we drill that into your head ages ago?” Cricket asked wryly.

“What should I do, Cricket?” Winter asked after a moment. “I… don’t know if I want them back in my life. But at the same time, I can’t deny I haven’t felt better with Moon around. Yet, it’s like waiting for a powder keg to explode.”

“Honestly, you made it this far.” Cricket went back to the shelf and organized a few scrolls. “Moon seems remorseful. At the very least, I think she’ll be alright. Things may never go back to being the same, but if you’re ready to move on, I will too.”

“I can… try.” Winter stood a bit straighter. “I don’t know if I can ever forgive them. But, if it helps Moon and Qibli get back together… then I can move on.”

“I think the boat has sailed on that one, Winter.” Cricket gave him a knowing look. “You don’t see what I do.”

“What do you see, then?”

“All.” Cricket answered ominously before giggling. “But I worry, that's all. Just… if it gets too far, put up your boundaries. All I’ll say.”

“Well, yeah, that goes without saying.” Winter raised a brow, unsure of what she was getting at. She only laughed at his reply. “What?”

“Nothing, nothing. Never change, Winter.”

Winter rolled his eyes and left her, going to check on Moon and Sandrunner.  They doubtlessly settled in well, but he still wanted to check on them. Damn his morality…

Sure enough, Moon had taken a room to herself. Sandrunner was nowhere to be found. Which was probably a good thing, because in retrospect, they would have a hard time staying in the same room. Moon was quite a large dragon, after all. These rooms weren’t built for those with her height in mind.

The room had bare essentials and a bedding, but was adequately warm. Moon would not suffer the chill tonight, and that was what he cared about.

“Sandrunner flew ahead.” Moon explained his absence. “Made sure I was all settled in and then took off.”

“He loves his mother. I remember that from when he was younger.” Winter smiled faintly.

“He always was a mother’s boy.” Moon looked out the window wistfully. “That's why he’s so protective of me.”

“I gathered that much.”

“I hope that he will come around to you, one day. He relied a lot on our arguments for character basis.” Moon’s face held an expression of sadness. “I won’t go further.”

“Moon, I found your letter.” Winter held it out to her. She raised a brow, taking it before reading it. She blinked with surprise. “After everything, I told Cricket to burn anything you all sent. She kept it instead.”

“I wondered if you got it.” Moon folded up the letter again.

“Maybe if I had replied, you wouldn’t have…” Winter glanced away guiltily.

“No, it would’ve happened.” Moon glared. It was a rare look, and it made Winter remember the feral look the other day. These past five years really must have changed her, as he barely recognized her whenever she held this expression. “You and Sandrunner are alike. Must I repeat myself with you, too?”

“I just have a hard time believing it is all,” Winter admitted.

“I understand that.” Moon softened at his words. “Don’t go into the Sand Kingdom expecting us to get back together, either.”

Winter was taken aback. “What?”

“I’ll always love Qibli. But if we get back together… I don’t think it’ll end well.” She shook her head. “We’re too different. I’m a passive dragon who likes sitting back and reading a good scroll or book, for example. He’s very active and energetic. I’m not that dragon for him, or is he for me. We had fifteen good, strong years… but everything ends.” She allowed a small smile. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a new beginning.”

“Is that why you wanted to go back? To start over?”

“Yes. It’s not impossible that we get back together, mind you, but I just can’t see it. Not after everything.”

A brief silence fell over them as Winter stood, shocked. What was he supposed to say to that? He was only going to get them back together! Well, that and see how Qibli would react, but that wasn’t the main focus here.

“I just hope that Sandrunner doesn’t fill Qibli’s head with false hope.” Moon continued after the silence. “I don’t want this to be harder than it will be.”

“If he does get his hopes up, I don’t want to be there,” Winter said flatly. “I’m still concerned about how he’ll perceive me showing up with you, now that you’re single. And then you telling him no…”

“And I can handle him. I am not one for violence, but I am stronger than him.” She flexed her arm. Winter, admittedly, caught himself staring. “Got that from dear old dad, too.”

“I just… don’t want to make this harder. I’m still wary after everything, I guess.” Winter glanced away, ruffling his wings.

“And you have every right to be. The fact you agreed to come is something even my visions didn’t pick up on.” She let out a small giggle. “Then again, I haven’t had one of those in years.”

“Really? I thought you were getting stronger at it.”

“I was, and then Qibli argued with me living in the future rather than the present, so I stopped trying. He was right, mind you.”

“Alright… I’ll trust your word.” Winter slid his eyes back to her.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you were always sensitive deep down. I would never say or do anything I wasn’t absolutely certain you would be okay from.” Moon wrapped the tip of her tail around his claw. The sudden warmth almost made him recoil. “I mean it.”

“I… can tell. Thank you.” Winter nodded thankfully. “I’ll leave you to rest, then. I’ll find you in the morning. Sleep well.”

“Sleep well, Winter.”

***

The Sand Kingdom bore its scorching sun upon Thorn’s Stronghold like it did almost every day. Qibli let out a small sigh, using his wing to protect his black eyes from its harmful rays. Yet, despite its brightness and heat, there really was no better environment for him. His lean and gangly body made him perfectly able to withstand the desert environment, after all!

However, just because he enjoyed this environment, it didn’t mean he liked to be out in the heat for too long. Luckily, he was going to be stuck inside all day on that front. Acting as an honor guard for Queen Thorn meant that he had to make sure no one would dare try and take advantage of her weakened state. He didn’t mind it at all. There were rarely any confrontations these days, and the ones that did were spooked right off upon speaking to her. Or, funnily enough, her daughter.

“Y’know, when I became queen, I expected there to be an endless chain of events that I must climb. Peace is what I wanted but… I do find it boring.” Queen Thorn confessed to Qibli, snapping him from his thoughts.

He slid an eye to the dragon who had practically raised him for most of his life, ears perked to show he was listening. It always hurt to see her in the state she was in now, but if there was one thing about Thorn, it was that any injury seemed to make her that much more intimidating. The worse it was, the more it added to her hard, criminal-like status. Even if she wasn’t one anymore.

The Bandit Queen, she was called these days.

But, she would be doing no more of the plundering that her name suggested. Her left arm was gone at the shoulder, as were two ribs on that side. Instead, a nasty, cauterized scar with vein-like ‘tendrils’ replaced them. A nasty, final gift from Vulture, Qibli’s grandfather, before he was slain.

Yet, she wore it like the Eye of Onyx around her neck; as a sign of power.

“What, twenty years of cleaning up every mess left by the sisters and Vulture not enough for you?” Qibli responded teasingly.

“Not if it means sitting around with not even reports to hear.” Thorn grumbled upon her throne.  Her eyes, for the hundredth time, scanned around the stronghold walls, trying to find something interesting.

All that greeted her was four walls and a few windows that allowed sunlight to filter in. Two of them, though, did allow her to see out into the courtyard and at an oasis. Said oasis had a few stalls where merchants tried to sell their wares. Otherwise, it was a popular gathering point, as the oasis seemed to infinitely replenish itself. Animus magic? Qibli hadn’t quite figured that one out.

“Fancy another walk around the Stronghold? We can even get your walker.” Qibli winked. She swiped her wing at him, annoyed.

“Stonemover should’ve been back by now.” Thorn cricked her neck. “Same with Sunny.”

“If there is one thing I know about Sunny, it’s that she won’t be gone long.” Qibli reassured her.

“True… But I’m worried Stonemover tripped and fell again. He’s still not used to walking after all this time.”

“Want me to go look for him?” Qibli asked.

“No… I guess I will myself. Gives me something to do.”

Thorn slowly got to all three, waving off any attempt to assist. Once she stood straight up, she was fine, even if hobbling down the short staircase to the orange carpet was a bit of a hassle for her.

Qibli went to fetch her prosthetic, which was made of wood and jointed with metal rods. Leather straps held it around her chest. It was by no means perfect, but it did the job just fine. Even if it meant that she was as subtle as a brick sometimes with how loud it could get once the padding started to wear.

“At least it doesn’t chafe anymore.” Thorn leaned her weight onto the prosthetic. “I remember getting splinters. Not pleasant .”

“I recall.” Qibli grinned. “I also remember you scaring the poor carpenter half to death when you complained.”

“Got the job done, didn’t it?” Thorn flashed a many fanged smile. To those who didn’t know her, it was almost aggressive, if not somewhat sinister. But it was just how she smiled.

It didn’t take long to run into one of their goals. Just as they left the throne room and went to go out into the oasis, they came across Sunny speaking to a rather tough looking dragon. She didn’t back down despite the obvious size difference. Heck, her petite form made her even more dangerous in Qibli’s eye. Her little claws could go anywhere and there was almost nothing a bigger dragon could do about it.

“Well, if you always wanted to challenge her, you know the drill,” Sunny spoke sweetly, a wide smile on her face. “All you have to do is hold the Eye of Onyx.”

The larger dragon had a brief moment of fear at that. “But I thought challenging to duels is how it works.”

“Yes, that’s how it worked in the past, but you’ve certainly seen the condition my mother is in.” Sunny pressed, her green eyes twinkling. “Hardly a fair fight, wouldn’t you say? No, no, the Eye of Onyx is the perfect judge, I say. No need for anyone to get hurt.”

Thorn approached from behind Sunny, her smile growing immensely. “Oh come now, Sunny. A little battle does the body well. And even if I lose, well, I’m far from the one our challenger has to impress.” Thorn held out the Eye of Onyx, dark eyes glittering. “Go on, touch it. If you pass, I’ll gladly accept your duel.”

“Maybe not today.” The dragon let out a sigh.

“Not confident in your chances?” Thorn asked not unkindly.

“Not that confident.” The dragon let out a defeated chuckle. “Maybe one day.”

The dragon left, disappearing into the crowd as Sunny turned to face them.

“That happen often?” Qibli asked her.

“A little more these days than before. But one mention of the eye, and suddenly all the will drains from their face.” Sunny smiled brightly. Unlike her mother, she did not bare her fangs. Rather, she looked like her namesake, shining down upon Qibli in a way he wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about.

Well, no, that wasn’t true. He knew exactly how he felt. But the big problem was right next to him.

“If they were smart, they’d find ways around it.” Thorn shook her head disappointedly. “Oh well, their loss.”

“You say that like you want them to challenge you, mother.” Sunny frowned slightly.

“Nope. But it’ll get a bit of excitement going in my life.” She ruffled her wings. “I guess being with the Outclaws for most of my life and dealing with Vulture left nothing for me to do anymore. Yeah, sure, there are power gaps and all, but Six-Claws and Cobra take care of that.”

“I’m still surprised she joined us in the end…” Qibli muttered lowly. His biological mother, turning on Vulture and swearing allegiance to the crown? Who could’ve seen that coming? Either way, her skills were useful, and she earned her pardon for the role she played. Qibli didn’t trust her much, and thinking too much about her caused his scar to hurt, but it was a win.

“Strange things happen.” Sunny regarded him with that warm radiance of hers. “Anyway, what are you two doing out?”

“Looking for you and your father. You seen him?” Thorn scanned the crowd, but there was no heavily scarred NightWing in sight.

“Probably roaming.” Sunny shrugged her wings. “Ever since the rock scales were chiseled off him, he likes to go on long walks or flights.”

“Can’t believe it was that easy…” Qibli chuckled at the mental image. On a whim , he suggested it, and lo and behold it worked. Incredibly painful, and he had to be put under for the surgery, but it worked.

“I suppose being confined for so long would lend itself to that.” Thorn shook her head. “I should fly around to find him.”

“Why do you want to find him?” Sunny asked. “Is something happening?”

“Yeah, I’m bored, and I need someone to bother.” Thorn laughed. It was Sunny’s turn to sigh. “Oh, don’t give me that look. After your father didn’t even send a letter, he signed himself to be mercilessly bothered by me.”

“Yeah… yeah, that’s true, I guess.” Sunny held a mischievous look in her eye at Thorn’s words. “I think I saw him by the left wall. Hard to miss if he is.”

“I’ll go check, I guess.” Thorn spread her wings. “Coming?”

“Will in a moment. I just need to finish up here. And it looks like Qibli will have to stay, too.”

“Erm… why ?” Qibli shot her a questioning look.

“Because Sandrunner is about two minutes away.” She pointed to the sky.

Sure enough, an approaching dot that could be no other than his son was flying toward them. Qibli let out a small smile of both joy and sadness. Joy because, well, it was his son! How could he not be happy, especially when he grew into a fine young dragon.

But, he also felt sad because whenever their eyes met, all he could see was Moon. His heart ached at the memory of her. It had been two years since he left. His heart still longed for her. Yet… it didn’t seem possible that she would ever see him again. Maybe it was for the best…

“You okay?” Sunny asked, concern written all over her golden face.

“I’m okay, yeah.” Qibli flashed her a smile.

“Liar.” She responded disapprovingly. “I thought we were past that.”

“Can we not right now? Especially in public and with Sandrunner almost here.”

“Fine, I’ll drop it… for now.” Sunny pressed her claw onto his. How small it was compared to his, and he wasn’t exactly the tallest dragon either. When she touched him, it felt so right , yet he couldn’t help but feel a sense of wrongness. Like the hole in his gut widened as it was filled.

Qibli never wanted her to let go. With her, it was like something missing from his life was being replaced. But he wasn’t sure if he should want that. Not so soon after his divorce.

Plus, Thorn would kill him and he had no idea if Sunny remotely felt the same. Sometimes, he thought he knew, but she was an enigma to him. A delightful puzzle that he liked to be around.

Sandrunner landed a few moments later, and Sunny withdrew her claw.

“How was the Rainforest?” Qibli asked warmly.

“Eventful.” Sandrunner shook his head. “And uh… well, I have news for you. I don’t know how you’re going to take it but…”

“Well, one way to find out, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, I know.” Sandrunner shifted uncomfortably. “Mom’s coming back… and she’s bringing someone with her.”

Moon’s coming here!? What? Out of everything Qibli expected, Moon wasn’t on the list! He felt anxious and happy at the same time. But, also a great deal of worry due to the vagueness of Sandrunner’s words.

“Who’s coming with her?” Qibli eventually asked.

Chapter Text

Winter did not miss the Sand Kingdom at all.

His tribe was built for the cold winters, not this scorching sun and arid sky. His scales kept him cool but he stood out like a sparkling wing against the sands. They could’ve taken the tunnels from the Rain Kingdom, but they were already halfway here with the trip to Sanctuary. No real point in turning around. And if Winter was going to be staying here for a bit, he may as well get used to it the hard way.

“I don’t miss this part, either.” Moon bristled when Winter let slip his grievance. “My scales absorb all the sun. Yours, at least, reflect it.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s true…” Winter ran his eyes over his dark scales.

“It’s great in literally any other environment. Why did I choose to love a SandWing again?” She asked jokingly. Yet, Winter somehow felt like it was a genuine question deep down. “Oh, look, the Stronghold. Finally.”

Winter followed her gaze and, sure enough, the capital of the Sand Kingdom rose over the dunes and into view. It’d been years since he was here. He wondered if Thorn may just execute him and Moon on the spot for what happened to Qibli. They may not be mother and son, but they certainly acted that way.

Ironically, his life may lay right in Sandrunner’s claws if it came down to it.

They landed in the courtyard, eager to get away from the warm skies. Being on the soft grass that surrounded an oasis was a night and day difference. As thirsty as he was, Winter knew that just jumping into it was bad manners. However, they were allowed a drink from it. It didn’t quench his thirst completely, but it was better than nothing.

“You alright?” Winter asked Moon, who fidgeted with her canteen.

“No,” she answered truthfully. “But… I’m here. Too late to turn tail and run.”

“Are you afraid of him?” Winter narrowed his gaze.

“What? No. Not in that way.” Moon shook her head vigorously. “I’m just… well, you haven’t had to go through a divorce or even a break up. I’m envious of you for that. A lot of mixed emotions is the best way to describe it.”

“Yeah… I know that part.”

Winter, truthfully, felt more and more uncomfortable with each passing second. He shouldn’t have to be comforting Moon, yet he was. He shouldn’t even be here at all. Moon had all but shut down the notion of them getting back together, so what was the point? Sure, talking to Qibli may work out, but he could’ve done it in any other means. Why did he bother coming?

Again, they hurt him! So why was he suffering for them again?

“You made it!” Sandrunner nosed his way through the crowd toward them. “Oh, good, nobody gave you trouble over a drink.”

“Would they?” Winter asked.

“Depends on time of day. And who sees you.” He shook his head. “Just… take my word for it.”

“Despite everything, the war lives on for some dragons.” Moon leaned in to whisper to Winter.

“It’s been over twenty years since it ended.” Winter frowned.

“Yeah, and many lost so many friends and family that the sight of, say, an IceWing could bring back unpleasantness.”

That was true. Some of the IceWings back in the palace held the same beliefs they did before. Snowfall was trying to make it a better place, but when dealing with older generations, change came slow, if at all. They tended to stick to their belief and that was that. Even as the more forward thinkers began to outnumber them, there was still the rank and seniority.

“Did you tell Qibli we were here?” Moon asked Sandrunner.

“No.” He shook his head. “He’s with the Queen right now. I did warn that both of you were coming, though, so it’s not a big shock or anything.”

“How’d… he take it?” Moon visibly flinched asking the question.

“He was surprised. I don’t know more about the fact that you’re coming, or Winter is accompanying you.” Sandrunner chuckled lightly.

“I don’t need to be worrying about stingers being thrown at me, right?” Winter shifted his glance down to Sandrunner’s barb to emphasize his point.

“No. Sunny would kill him.” Sandrunner let out a barking laugh. “She’s scary when she wants to be.”

“Sunny? Really?”

“You didn’t know her like we did. Especially at the Academy.” Moon giggled alongside her son.

“I will take your word for it.”

Sandrunner led them inside, where Winter immediately felt cooler. He nearly collapsed then and there. However, he managed to hold off until he was standing before a guest room. That was a good sign if they weren’t just being thrown out to the sands. Moon had her own, as did Winter. Sandrunner apparently had his own place here, with Qibli.

Winter was, honestly, surprised that Qibli didn’t offer Moon to stay with him. Maybe he, too, realized there was no hope for them. Plus, it’d be awkward. At least, Winter assumed it would be. He had no experience with that.

“How long will Qibli be?” Winter asked Sandrunner, who shrugged. “A timeframe?”

“Uh, maybe an hour or two. I’m sure he’ll come find you once he’s done.” Sandrunner furrowed his brow in thought.

“That means three,” Moon said sardonically to Winter.

“Probably.” Sandrunner smirked. “You remember where the den is if you’re hungry, right?” Moon nodded. “Cool.”

Winter, although not being asked, did remember the way himself. Sandrunner was being pleasant, but Winter still felt the standoffish nature radiating from the younger dragon. Yet, when he looked into those eyes – those eyes that looked just like Moon’s – he detected something… else. Barely restrained rage . But at what and who, Winter couldn’t tell, because it didn’t seem directed at him specifically.

Winter certainly wasn’t going to be opening that can of worms, though.

“I am a bit peckish, actually.” Moon turned to Winter. “Are you?”

“No, I’m fine,” Winter answered honestly.

“Well, hopefully you are, and it’s not the desert heat making you not hungry. I remember that happening a few times.”

“I’m serious.” Winter flashed a small smile. “Go eat. I’ll rest here.”

“Alright. I’ll see you later.”

***

“You’re acting nicer to him.”

Sandrunner raised an ear at Moon’s words, as if he wasn’t expecting them. Moon didn’t need to read his mind to know what he was thinking these days. Perks of being a parent. In fact, she hadn’t used it in years on him, and even then only when she had permission.

“I still don't trust him, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Sandrunner bristled. “But he hasn’t given me reason to bite his head off yet.” He let out a small snort at his own words. “Although, he’s as blind as Starflight was when it comes to the obvious.”

“Define obvious.” Moon stopped him.

“He doesn’t get it. I don’t think he ever will until someone shoves his nose into it.” Sandrunner tsked. “Maybe it’s because I wasn’t there, but to me, it’s just so obvious how deep his borderline hypocritical attitude runs.”

“Winter has been nothing but honest.” Moon slanted her eyes.

“Oh, it has nothing to do with honesty. I got that impression when I spoke to him back in the Rainforest. He believes what he says and I, begrudgingly, respect that. It’s just…” He stopped himself. “I’m not going to tell you, yet. Right now, there are far more important things than him.”

“I can read your mind, you know.” Moon poked him with her tail. He had a brief glance of petrified horror before he adjusted himself.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He called her bluff.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t. But you know that I can.” She winked. “Who knows, maybe my practice will slip. I am getting older, after all.”

“You’re teasing me, and I hate it.”

“When was the last time I had the chance to tease you about something, Sandrunner?” She chuckled as they walked into the den. He merely grumbled under his breath in response.

The den was somewhat empty, as most of the guards were on duty and it was past lunch, but not quite dinner yet. However, that made it easier to find something to eat and find a place. She had a sense of melancholy upon entering the place, vividly remembering the times where the entire Jade Winglet would sit here whenever they chose here to gather on breaks.

Moon missed them all so much. Sure, she still spoke to them, but it just wasn’t the same. There wasn’t any time, outside Turtle and Kinkajou, where they just got together and hung out. If it was just them getting older and traveling in different directions, that would be one thing. But this? This was… torture.

And it was completely her fault.

“How’s your father?” Moon asked Sandrunner.

He didn’t answer immediately. “He’s… okay. Like I said, he was mostly surprised.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I said that you and Winter were visiting. I didn’t mouth off or anything before you ask.” Sandrunner held up a claw before she could speak. Not that she was going to interrogate him about that. “I’m not sure what his thought process is right now. I didn’t inherit the mind reading thing.”

“I’m just asking so I know what to expect.” Moon smiled gently.

“I know. I really, honestly don’t know what he’s thinking.” Sandrunner tore into a flank, chewing quietly before continuing. “I want to say he’s… hopeful.”

Well, that was bad. Moon should’ve expected that. She was, after all, the one who initiated the divorce. Someone had to, and he was clinging onto false hope. It was the worst day of her life, and she cried for three days before she mustered up the courage to bring it up.

Qibli was a good father. A good husband. But it just… no, she wouldn’t think too much about it.

“Sandrunner.” Moon addressed him with a soft, but firm, tone. “I don’t want you to expect us to get back together.”

“W-what?” Sandrunner stared incredulously. “Wasn’t… wasn’t that the whole point of this!?”

“No. The point was to get closure. Your father and I said a lot of things that we didn’t mean or could’ve said better.” Moon shook her head. “I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m not shutting the door on it. But I can’t see it.”

He gave her a cold glare. It was almost scary if Moon didn’t know him. “You’re going to get with Winter, aren’t you?”

That was a shocker. Moon was at a complete and utter loss for words, letting her jaw drop for a moment. “Where did you get that idea?”

“Because the moment he shows up, things go sideways, and now I’m wondering what the point of all of this was.” He sighed heavily. “I see how happy you are with him, too.”

“I’m happy to reunite with someone who I lost,” Moon answered with finality. “I’m happy that things are moving on. I’m hopeful that one day, all of us can put this behind us and move on. I miss my friends, Sandrunner.”

“I…” Sandrunner averted his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re frustrated. I understand that. Things can never go back to being as they were before this, and I never, ever , want to see you being placed in the middle of a divorce again.” Moon reached out and wrapped her claw around his. “You’re older now, true, but I can see the damage it did to you. Reopening that wound is not something I will ever do. I know for a fact Qibli feels the same.”

“So you’re… going to remain apart to spare me?” Sandrunner gave her such a distraught, hopeless expression that nearly ripped her heart in two.

“No, that’s not it.” Moon vigorously shook her head. “I just… it’s hard to explain. I hope you never, ever have to go through this.”

“But that sounds like what you’re saying!” Sandrunner protested. “I’m older now! I can handle it!”

“And it still tears you apart inside. I’m not reading your mind, but it’s a tornado of emotion,” Moon said gently. “ We did that to you. Not Winter. Not anyone else. We did because we couldn’t control our own emotions. I don’t need more visions to know that it’ll be good for a few months, and then something will break.”

Sandrunner finished his meal with a dejected, haunted look that Moon couldn’t do anything about. No words she said would reassure him. She spoke the truth, and once again, had hurt the dragon most precious to her. Being a parent meant you had to speak the truth at times and hurt them with it, but not like this. Not this crushing, tidal wave of finality that crashed through him.

“No matter what happens, your father and I will always love you. And we will be there for you.” Moon tried to boost his feelings anyway. “When you turned seven, became an adult, we didn’t even get together for your hatchday. This is why I am here. No more will we miss any hatchdays out of fear of the other exploding or ruining it for you.”

“It’s fine that you didn’t make it. We had a separate celebration, remember?” Sandrunner tried to smile, but his eyes were all but brimming with tears.

“It’s still not right.” Moon shook her head. “I honestly think your father and I would be better as friends than lovers. And that once the wound heals, things will get better.”

“At this point, nothing I say will make a difference.” Sandrunner let his shoulders slump, tail curling around his legs as he stared at the ground. “Just… I don’t know. I need to process this.”

“Take the time you need. Just know that I love you with all my heart, my little SightWing.”

That got a small laugh out of him. “I can’t believe that worked.”

“I may not have been the best mother for you, but I still have my tricks.” She winked. He gave her a glare, and she knew that it was her comment and not anything else. Despite everything , Sandrunner went out of his way to protect her. He got that from his father, and whenever she made comments like that, she could see Qibli’s face staring right back.

“I’m going to go fly around for a bit.” Sandrunner stood up. “Just… I don’t know. Good luck?”

“Thank you.” She nuzzled his face affectionately, which relaxed him.

Moon watched him go, feeling a tad guilty. She didn’t mean to just… completely defeat him. Sandrunner wasn’t the type to lash out, but she found herself praying to the stars above that Winter would avoid his anger. He was the most likely target, after all.

“Moon?”

And like that, all her confidence faded. She didn’t expect to hear his voice so soon after speaking to Sandrunner. Another hour or two, so she could collect herself. But right now? Were the stars spiteing her?

She turned and faced her ex husband, doing her best to hide the mixture of emotions on her face. Oh, he was just as handsome now as he was back then. A thin, athletic frame. An inquisitive face that bore sincerity and concern. The scars upon his body only added to her attraction.

And yet, despite wanting nothing more than to fall into his arms, Moon held her ground. She had to hold true to what she said to Sandrunner. In the short time, they would be perfect. In the long, she just… couldn’t see it.

“Qibli.” She smiled warmly.

“Sandrunner told me you were coming but… I didn’t really believe it.” He approached slowly, but stopped just short of her. “I guess that means Winter is here, too?”

“Yes.” Moon nodded. “He’s in a guest room last I checked.”

“I… guess I’ll have to see him, too.” Qibli fidgeted nervously. “How… are you, though?”

“Managing. You?”

“Same.” Qibli’s black eyes darted all around the room. “What uh… what prompted this? I’m not complaining! It’s just, Sandrunner was rather vague and then he kinda passed out shortly after arriving.”

“Winter and I… are patching things up. I wanted to give you the same chance,” Moon answered truthfully. “And… to speak to you at least one last time.”

“Should we find somewhere private?” Qibli asked before jolting. “Wait, no, not like that. I swear.”

“You’re fine.” Moon laughed silently. She missed this anxious, well-meaning demeanor of his whenever something serious was happening. “But, yes, I think that would be best. No need for the whole Sand Kingdom to overhear us, huh?”

“No, I suppose not.”

***

“That really happened?” Winter asked, baffled. “I guess I missed out on a lot these past five years.”

“You have no idea.” Sunny giggled, walking alongside him as they made their way around the Stronghold. After a short rest, Winter found himself roaming, and he bumped into the princess along the way. Her eyes lit right up with recognition and happiness upon sight. Sunny was never one to hold a grudge, and admittedly, he really needed someone with her optimism right now.

“So, how did that end?”

“Well, Qibli decided that ramming down the door was the best option.” Sunny snorted out a laugh. “Now, I’m not one for violence. Not at all . But when you got an assassin hiding in the kitchen, I really couldn’t tell them to find another option.”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Honestly, the first mistake was trying to use me as a hostage.” Sunny’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I may be petite and passive, but I share more than others know with my mother.”

“The mental image of you fighting off an assassin is hard to believe given your personality, yes.” Winter nodded slowly. She swatted at him. “It’s true.”

“Just cuz it’s true doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting.” She put up an expression of false hurt.

“So, what ended up happening?”

“Qibli let out a stream of fire that overcooked a steak but also stopped the assassin from bolting out a window.” Sunny hopped up on her legs to look over a tall wall. “Assassin is currently in the gulag.”

“Gulag?”

“What everyone jokingly calls the dungeons. I think it came because Kinkajou started calling it that and it just… stuck.” Sunny smiled warmly.

Kinkajou. That was another one that had a crush on him and Winter never did anything with. Moon only told him ten years after , and he had no idea if she still felt the same.

She was also the one who ‘tricked’ Darkstalker into eating the strawberry. If he had any romantic interest, it was gone right there. All he could remember was how it was to put on Pyrite’s necklace and lose his everything . It was only on for a second. And yet he remembered it vividly .

Hailstorm had to live it for years.

And Kinkajou doomed Darkstalker, a terrible monster, to that fate. Not even he deserved that.

“You okay?” Sunny asked.

“Yes.” Winter nodded slowly.

“Y’know, when I heard what happened, I honestly never thought I’d see you again.” Sunny looked out to the sands, a faint smile on her face.

“We didn’t really talk much at all.” Winter slid an eye to her.

“I know, but that didn’t mean I disliked you. And I know the impact you had on the Winglet. I taught them, remember?” Sunny winked, poking him with her tail lightly. “You’re still my student, even if you left. Just… all grown up!”

That made Winter feel… strange. In a good way. He barely spoke to her, but she still considered him important? And her student? That was… well, he was happy to have made such an impact.

“I’m guessing it was weird teaching Qibli, who may as well have been your brother.” Winter changed the subject, unable to deal with the positive reinforcement. He always did that, and he hated himself for it.

“I don’t see him as a sibling, actually,” Sunny said to Winter’s surprise. “We never grew up together. We don’t have that sibling bond that I do with, say, the dragons of destiny. I don't even see him as a student anymore, either; he's basically turned into my best friend. That, and he helps my mother.”

“Yeah… he always was the team's support.” Winter leaned over the wall, standing upright. The sunlight was glaring, but he could tolerate it for now.

“I don’t know what you plan on saying to him, but I will tell you now that he beats himself up about what happened.” Sunny shut her eyes in reflection. “He hides it well, but he can’t keep it hidden from me.”

“What are you, a psychologist?” Winter raised a brow.

“No, but I am extremely good at reading other dragons. Fatespeaker joked that I must be an empath, too.” Sunny let out a quiet giggle. “Being my size, I can sneak anywhere, too. I could always be right behind you, and you’d never know.”

“Somehow, I don’t doubt it.” Winter noted a figure flying by, seeing that it was Sandrunner. He was aimless in his flight, and had a look of distress on his face before landing toward the end of the hall. He didn’t seem to notice them.

“Uh oh.” Sunny winced. “I guess the talk went bad.”

“I’ll leave you to talk to him if you want.” Winter grimaced. “He doesn’t like me much.”

“Yeah… I got that impression from how he said your name.” Sunny patted his shoulder. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Sunny trotted over to Sandrunner, engaging him in conversation that Winter couldn’t hear. It was clear that Sandrunner was in complete disbelief over something. From the way Sunny’s face fell, it was most certainly about Qibli and Moon. In a way, Winter felt a tad guilty. He knew that it was unlikely they got together, and yet he didn’t tell Sandrunner. Moon would probably have killed him if he did, though.

He did not fancy another shouting match.

“Did you know?” Sandrunner suddenly came marching up to Winter. Sunny tried to stop him, but the hybrid had his father’s determination and could not be deterred.

“What did I know?” Winter questioned.

“That this was all for nothing!” Sandrunner’s tail lashed out against the stone floor. “They were never getting back together.”

“… Yes. Moon told me last night,” Winter answered with some hesitation. He didn’t know if he should answer honestly, but if he lied, Sandrunner would’ve doubtlessly seen right through it.

“Of course you did.” Sandrunner scoffed. “It wasn’t enough that you blew a hole the size of the Sand Kingdom between them, you came here anyway to make my father feel worse!”

“That’s not true.” Winter furrowed his brow.

“Sandrunner, you’re upset. Maybe you should take it easy.” Sunny tried her best to calm the raging dragon.

“No, not until I had my final say.” Sandrunner glared at Winter. “You don’t even get why I’m really mad at you, do you?”

“There’s another reason?” Winter blinked, surprised.

“It’s because you are nothing more than a judgemental prick!” Sandrunner all but spat. “Mom told me what happened with Peacemaker, and how you weren’t there! You flew off to fight in the battle instead of helping the others come up with a solution!”

“Darkstalker had just killed my father,” Winter answered darkly. He and his father were never close, but it was still his family that was in danger.

“And I get it, I really do.” Sandrunner nodded curtly. “If that happened to me, you better believe I’d want to rip apart the one who did it. But by leaving, you lost your right to be mad at the outcome! It’s like not voting and then complaining when something happens you didn’t like! But oh no, you decide to be mad, and honestly I think my parents were right not to tell you! You had no right to know!”

Winter’s fangs bared, but before he could reply, something stopped him. It was like something deep inside just… broke. A lingering thread that was finally cut, and some sort of crushing emotion took hold.

“And there it is: realization.” Sandrunner chuckled humorlessly.  “You have no real right to judge over the outcome if you weren’t there to have a say. Be mad all you want, but it was the best solution they had. Maybe if you were there, you could’ve helped. But instead, you blow up over them not telling you something as if you ever had the right to say something. Because of you , my parents are divorced, and they lost their friends. And then you stride back into their lives? Now ?”

Winter didn’t say anything at first. “I didn’t want them to split up. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that.”

“I believe you. But you can’t get up on your perch and stare down at them, either. It was the best option given their unwillingness to kill Darkstalker.” He shook his head. “It’s you who should be apologizing to them , not the other way around.” Sandrunner went to turn away before sighing. “Maybe they would’ve split up eventually. Still, it would’ve been less hell than staying over at a friend's house because you couldn’t sleep over the fighting.”

“Sandrunner, you need to calm down.” Sunny interjected. “You can’t blame Winter for being hurt over them not telling him.”

“No, I can’t. But I can blame him for acting like he did nothing wrong.” Sandrunner began to walk away, head hung low and tail dragging behind him. All the fight had left, and now tears of frustration poured down his face. “The only way you can make this right, Winter, is if you leave right now. Spare them more pain, would you?”

With that, Sandrunner spread his wings and took off, disappearing out of view just as quickly as he came.

“I’m so sorry.” Sunny held Winter’s claw. “I’ve never seen him so… angry . He was always troubled, but never like this.”

“He needs someone to blame and I’m as good of a target as any. I don’t take it too personally.” Winter pursed his lips together. “He’s barely an adult. Growing up in a broken home environment screws you up in ways that will take years to heal, if ever.”

“Mmm… I hope he finds peace.” Sunny nodded slowly. “When he was at Jade Mountain, he was like Qibli. But now, it’s like he can’t even pretend anymore.”

“I think… he won’t be as aggressive now. He got everything out.” Winter let his shoulders slump. “I think he’s right, though. I did forfeit my right to be mad.”

“No, you didn’t. Just because you weren’t there doesn’t mean you can’t be mad that your friends kept something hidden.” Sunny poked him square in the chest.

“Honestly, the Peacemaker thing didn’t hurt so much as it did the lying,” Winter admitted quietly. “Maybe… I could’ve handled it better. Maybe I should’ve written. Maybe then I wouldn’t have screwed up Sandrunner’s life.”

“What will you do?” Sunny asked him. “I won’t stop you from leaving, but I really don’t think you should.”

“I don’t know, Sunny.” Winter sighed. “I just don’t know.”

Chapter Text

Qibli knew that talking to Moon would be hard after all this time, but he didn’t expect it to be so awkward either. As soon as they went into a private room, they fell silent for a moment.

Qibli couldn’t help but run his eyes over her. Oh, her beauty hadn’t faded in the slightest.  He wanted nothing more than to fall into her embrace, or her into his. He remembered this shy, little creature that was afraid of her own shadow. The dragon she was now barely resembled her back then in all the best ways.

“I… am really glad to see you again, Qibli,” Moon said quietly. “Really, I am.”

“So am I.” Qibli shifted slightly.

“But, before we get too far… I didn’t come here to get back together with you.” Moon let out a mournful sigh. Qibli’s heart immediately sank. “You and I both know that as much as we want each other, it won’t end well.”

That… was painfully accurate. He didn’t want to say it, though. She was his everything, even at the worst moments. Yet the more he looked at her, the more he remembered their arguments. All the shouting. All the fighting. It was over the tiniest things toward the end. The pain of watching his love deteriorate… that would never fade.

“We already screwed up Sandrunner. I don’t want him to give him hope and then crush it on the small chance it will work out.” Moon shook her head. “I’ll always love you, Qibli. You gave me fifteen years of joy and a beautiful son that I love with every scale on my body. But I want to spare the three of us the heartache of watching us go at it, and I don’t want Sandrunner to be the mediator.”

“I… agree.” Qibli didn’t recognize the words leaving his mouth. He wanted to stop them. To fight for a chance still. Yet even he knew, deep down, that it was folly. “But, that doesn’t stop me from missing you.”

“It wouldn’t.” Moon smiled sadly. “I miss you too, Qibli.”

“Then, how are you so sure that this will end badly?” Qibli couldn’t stop himself. “It all spiraled, yeah, but I mean… Winter’s here! We never thought that would happen. How did you even convince him?”

“You and I both know that it wasn’t about him in the end.” Moon averted her gaze. “As for convincing, it was accidental. He feels guilt over us. But, as I said, it wasn’t about him.” She returned her eyes to his. “Before you think it, we’re not dating. I know how your mind works, and I want to reassure you that it’s not that type of situation.”

“I… yeah… okay.” Qibli deflated, wings falling limp at his side. “We changed too much for each other and it broke us.”

“I don’t regret what we had at all, like I said.” Moon gently touched his claw. It had all the warmth it did back then. He longed to feel it more. “But, I think even these past two years showed us how different we are. I like slow, quiet things like reading and teaching. You love the fast paced adventures and sense of danger. I won’t deny I had fun on our adventures, it’s just…”

“Not what you always want.” Qibli finished for her, nodding slowly.

“Yeah.” Moon averted her gaze. “I don’t want you to stop being who you are to be with me. And I know you feel the same about me.”

“I guess… I just don’t want to accept that it’s really over all.” Qibli admitted, turning away from her. “I spent two years hoping still, and now I’m having closure but it's not the one I want .”

“It’s not what I want, either. But it’s what’s best for us.” Moon held his face and turned his attention back to her. “All three of us.”

“Where do we go from here, then?” Qibli questioned. “Because I really, really don’t know.”

“One flap at a time,” Moon said with that old optimism of hers. “I would like to remain in your life. I don’t want this to be the end of us ever spending time together. We need to go in the direction our hearts dictate, and not to placate the other.”

Where his heart dictated… it was right back to Moon. Yet, there was a small tug in the back of his mind. Something gently pulling him in another direction, one that he had been ignoring for two years. Oh, Thorn would kill him if he ever did go that way. But if he was going to listen to Moon, that was where he wanted to go.

“I see you’ve already met someone.” Moon chuckled.

“Uh…” Qibli quickly became flustered, turning away.

“I'm glad. I want you to be happy, and I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“Are you so sure you wanna do that?” Qibli asked hesitantly. “We just basically finalized our divorce here.”

“We did that two years ago.” Moon reminded him sharply. “It’s time for both of us to move on. We need to be there for Sandrunner, and for that to happen, we both need to be happy. We need to show him that things will be okay. No more missing hatchdays because we were afraid of being in the same room.”

“You’re right.” Qibli averted his gaze. Sandrunner had to choose who to have his hatchdays with first after they divorced because Qibli didn’t know how he’d act around Moon. What kind of father was he if he couldn’t keep himself in check for a few hours?

“We can still be friends. We can still be a winglet again if the others are willing,” Moon said. Yet, Qibli could hear the trepidation in her voice. Her confidence was fading. Her body language was taut and barely contained. He realized there that this was just as difficult for her as it was for him.

Maybe he should fight for her again. Maybe he could win! Yet, again, something held him back. He remembered the harsh things they said to each other. They didn’t mean it. Not truly. It was just rage and frustration about a dying marriage that made them say things.

Even if they got back together, there was no guarantee it’d last or even be the same. What if they hated each other after a few months but didn’t separate because of Sandrunner? He was an adult, true, but he was stunted emotionally. Not unlike Qibli himself at his age.

He gave Sandrunner a dragonethood that was not unlike his own. Drastically different, but uncomfortably close at the same time.

As much as he loved Moon, as much as he wanted nothing more than to feel her body against his… he had a son to think about. He had to put Sandrunner’s needs first. And if that meant he couldn’t be with the one he loved out of fear of blowing up, then so be it.

“Alright.” Qibli forced a smile.

“Promise me that you’ll be happy, Qibli.” Moon blinked away tears. He hadn’t noticed she had started crying. “Even if you can’t stand to be around me again, just be happy. You deserve that, and so much more.”

“Only if you promise to do the same.” Qibli felt his own eyes water.

“I promise.” She nodded slowly.

“I guess… I should find Winter or something.” Qibli got up and stretched. “May as well deal with the emotional sledgehammers at once, know what I mean?”

“Take all the time you need.” Moon said sternly. “Winter will understand. He did with me. He will with you.”

“Alright.” Qibli sucked in a deep breath. He could do this. “I’ll find him tonight. I need to decompress.”

“Go to where you’re being tugged.” Moon encouraged. “That someone is here, aren't they?”

Said someone’s face immediately entered Qibli’s mind. “Yeah… they are. It still felt like I was cheating, though.”

“You’re not.” Moon asserted.

“I guess I just need to convince myself of that.” Qibli whispered to himself before addressing Moon. “How long are you staying?”

“Not sure. Probably a few days, or whenever Winter wants to kill himself from the heat.”

“I’ll warn the oasis guards to keep an eye out for an IceWing going to charge in.” Qibli forced out a laugh. Moon laughed alongside him.

It hurt.

“I’ll tell Winter you’ll find him later,” Moon said gently. “Go. Take the time you need to cry. Stars know I need it…”

Qibli nodded slowly, leaving his ex-wife. Ex-wife… the thought was agony. Like being raked over a set of coals or being stabbed by Rattlesnake in her death throes. His claw went over his chest, and he felt his heart nearly burst from his chest. It was just like the time he left two years ago. He tried to outfly the tears, but nothing could stop them.

No. He wouldn’t let himself cry in public. How would it look to have the Queen’s honor guard break down in the middle of the hall. He had to be strong for her. For Sandrunner.

The talk had gone better than he expected, but… it was a staggered reaction, he came to realize. The more he thought about it, the worse it got. Moon seemed so confident, so resolute in her words. Yet she was putting on a front. She had to be. Both of them had to grieve for their dead love.

And Qibli knew who he had to go to. It didn’t take long to find her door. He knocked, and she answered. Seeing her was like a golden ray of sunshine that pierced the dark veil around him. Her eyes met his, and he knew she knew what had happened.

Wordlessly, Sunny embraced Qibli, holding him tight. She was remarkably strong for someone so small. She pulled him into the room, and the moment she shut the door, Qibli broke. Tears streamed down his face, and his legs wobbled. She said not a word, wiping the tears from his eyes as he sank to the ground.

“It’s over,” He whispered.

“Let it out.” Sunny responded just as quietly, tightening her embrace.

Qibli shut his eyes, holding her just as tightly. She felt… good in his embrace, but he didn’t know if it was his blurred emotions from his conversation. He wasn’t going to act on any of them.

Not until he was certain... but he was sure he was.

***

Winter swore as he heard knocking on his door. He had his bag all packed and in claw, ready to just bolt. Yet, he recognized the knocking to be Moon’s, as it was very light and musical. He thought he had more time.

With a resigned sigh, he opened the door. Maybe this was for the best. Leaving without saying goodbye? That was heartless. 

No, he had to tell her face-to-face.

“Winter?” Moon eyed his claw with confusion.

“I’m leaving,” Winter answered her question without hesitation.

“W-why!?” Moon blurted out, eyes wide with shock.

“Had a chat with your son. No, don’t chew him out.” Winter cut her off before she could get angry. “He was right that I had no room to be mad. I left all of you to avenge a father I didn’t even like, so I forfeited my right to be angry at the result.” He turned away. “All I did was bring hurt. So, I’m going to remove myself.”

“Don’t you dare.” Moon grabbed his wrist so hard that he thought she'd break it. A furious look crossed her face, and once again Winter was downright terrified of her. How funny it was to compare from twenty years ago. “Just because you weren’t there didn’t mean we shouldn’t have told you the result.”

“I had no right to know.” Winter went to tug his claw free to no avail. “Let go.”

“Not until I said my piece.” Moon glowered. Oh, she was mad . “You do not get to run away after you come into my life again. Sandrunner may have had a point, but that doesn’t excuse us sending you back to the Ice Kingdom! I just got you back, and if you think I’m letting you run off hurt again, you have another thing coming.”

“Again, I had no right to know.” Winter glanced down at his claw. “Seriously, let go. You’re going to break my wrist.”

Moon’s grip lessened, but she did not release him. “I just got done talking to Qibli. I would not have had the courage to do that without you here. Even if you feel no right to complain, that does not mean that we shouldn't have told you. Especially after Qibli saw you try on the Pyrite necklace. When Peril and Vulture were controlled. We knew you'd be upset, and we kept quiet. But we have the chance to try again. You’re back in my life, and I will not let you go like this. You mean too much to me, and I’m not having someone else fly off distressed!”

The last part was added with such a somber, emotional inflection that Winter didn’t know what to do other than feel stupid. Here he was, running away from his feelings again. Before, it was lashing out angrily. Over the years, it was burying it in his work. And now, running? What kind of coward was he? One look at Moon’s face and he knew she told the truth.

He mattered after all this time.

“What do you mean someone else?” Winter decided to ask.

Moon froze, as if she’d said something she shouldn’t have. “Nothing. I just… hate seeing someone fly off like that is all,” She said quickly. 

“Right, well… I can’t help but think of the what-ifs.” Winter relaxed his stance, glancing away.

“Neither can I.” Moon shook her head. “But if there is one thing I learned over the years, it’s to live in the present, for good or ill.”

“What will you do now?” Winter asked as Moon released him. “I won’t ask how your talk went; that’s between you and Qibli. But where will you go now?”

“Now?” Moon ruffled her wings, staring at the ground. “Back to the rainforest, and then Jade Mountain. Things are better, but I can’t say the same between myself and the rest of the Winglet.”

Winter thought about his response. He couldn’t just go in and magically fix everything. Yet… maybe it was time to crawl out of his shell. Teach a few lessons at Jade Mountain about human studies. Give Cricket time to raise her dragonets. That would be fair. And the justifiable reason, while also being around the rest of the Winglet.

Maybe he should try. 

“I might teach there instead of Cricket.” Winter offered. Moon’s eyes lit right up and oh, it made his own heart skip a beat. He remembered the days back when he loved her. How it meant the world to see her look at him that way.

“Would you really?” Moon asked hopefully.

“Perhaps. Cricket needs time to tend to her eggs. There’s only so much Blue can cover for her, and Bumblebee is off in Pantala for now.” Winter smiled thinly.

“Well, I’ll have to tell Tsunami when I get back. Or, you can come with me and we can get it out of the way. But, only if you want,” She added quickly.

“We’ll have to see how drained I am after this conversation with Qibli.” Winter placed his satchel back down in his room. “Oh and, don’t be too hard on Sandrunner. He’s only lashing out because he needs someone to blame.”

“That does not make it okay,” Moon responded pointedly. “I taught him better than that.”

“I abandoned everything I was taught within two weeks of knowing the Jade Winglet.” Winter glanced over his shoulder. “I’m not saying don’t talk to him. I’m saying that I see myself in him.”

“How?” Moon raised a brow.

“Emotional problems. Lashes out with anger. Doesn’t react well to positive reinforcement.” Winter added the last part as a guess, but given Moon’s sigh, he was dead on. “You did the best you could with the cards dealt to you. And now it’s time to reshuffle.”

“What in the stars does that mean?”

“I… don’t know, but it sounded neat.” Winter shrugged. Moon let out a scoffing laugh. “Point is, Sandrunner won’t be an issue to me. Or, really, any of us. I think he’s too beaten for that.”

“I suppose I’ll have a talk with him later. He’ll find me.” Moon smiled, eyes distant.

“How are you doing, though?” Winter decided to ask. “Like I said, I won’t pry, but I just… want to know how you are.”

“It’s over.” Moon looked to the floor, voice quiet as if she could barely believe her words. “Truthfully, I’m barely holding myself together. I’m acting strong, but I’m afraid to sleep.”

“Nightmares?”

“Yeah…” Moon folded her wings around herself. “And the urge to just try again, y’know? I want nothing more than to rekindle it. I want it like you wouldn’t believe . But we’re just so different, and I can tell he’s drawn to someone else who can make him happier than I ever could.”

“Is he?” Winter let out a small ‘hm’.

“I can tell. No, I didn’t read his mind.” Moon shook her head. “I have my guesses, though.”

“Sunny?”

“How did…?” Moon blinked, surprised.

“She spoke to me before Sandrunner. She says their relationship changed to the point where he's her best friend. So, you know, that opened up a lot of possibilities.” Winter shrugged.

“No kidding,” Moon muttered. “But, yes, that is the most logical choice. To be honest… it will hurt seeing him with someone else.” She smiled bitterly. “I’ll have to stop myself from throwing a fit, most likely.”

“Is there really no chance of you two getting back together?”

“Getting back together isn’t the problem. It’s staying together.” Moon sighed dejectedly. “I have my life in the Rainforest and Jade Mountain. He has his life here in the Sand Kingdom. I can’t expect him to uproot everything and come back with me and vice versa. You weren’t always here for it, but whenever he left for the Sand Kingdom for up to a month at times, separation anxiety nearly killed me. I don’t regret having a dragonet, but I have no idea how I even agreed to it given that circumstance.”

Winter could only nod at that.

“I don’t mean to dump all this on you. I just… needed to talk.” Moon apologized, staring with those emerald eyes of hers. Eyes that he found very hard to say no to.

“It’s okay.” Winter sat beside her. She leaned against him, and he almost wanted to push her away. He didn’t want her rebounding onto him. But, for this one time, he supposed it was okay. She was clearly in emotional distress.

They said nothing more for a while, Moon simply using his presence as a comfort as the occasional tear slid down her eyes. He didn’t know what to say, but she didn’t expect him to have anything to say. So, he sat there, doing what he could. Admittedly, it was nice having her warm scales against his.

Maybe things would work out. But, before he got to that point, he had to see how it went with Qibli.

***

It was early evening when Winter finally encountered Qibli.

It was hard to believe five years had passed and that it could change a dragon so much. He looked much more tired, his scars pronounced. Still scrawny and gangly, and Winter knew he was more than capable of defeating any assassin. But, his black eyes lacked the life that Winter had come to know from him. Instead, it was replaced by uncertainty and just plain old exhaustion.

“Wow, five years hasn’t changed you one bit.” Qibli greeted warmly. “Well, no, you’re buffer. Have you been exercising?”

“No more than usual.” Winter wasn’t sure what to do with this. Qibli was very openly… into other males as well as females, and often jokingly flirted with Winter. Still, it being the first thing in five years?

Well, he almost laughed. It made him feel relaxed in a way, but tenser in another.

“How have you been?” Qibli asked with trepidation.

“Alright.” Winter shrugged. “I didn’t expect to be back in the Sand Kingdom any time soon.”

“Yeah, no kidding. Once Sandrunner told me you were coming, I thought he suffered a heat stroke.” Qibli laughed quietly. “I was like ‘there’s no way’. And yet, here you are.”

“I could leave.” Winter pointed toward one of the windows.

“Oh, wow, joking. That’s kinda sussy, you know?” Qibli let loose one of the biggest grins Winter had ever seen. After all these years, Qibli brings out that word that he picked up randomly and threw it at Winter. But what else did he expect?

“Ha, ha, Moon made the same joke.” Winter grumbled. At the mention of Moon, Qibli’s face fell slightly.

“How, exactly, did that happen by the way?” Qibli asked without hostility. “Sandrunner didn’t really tell and Moon said it was a chance encounter but was rather vague.”

Winter spent the next few moments going over the events of the past few days. Qibli listened intently, occasionally interjecting with the occasional joke. It was like old times. It relaxed him, but he couldn’t let his guard down. Not if it meant being hurt again.

“Jeez, this was like a boulder falling down a cliff. Like, once it starts tumbling, it just keeps going.” Qibli scratched the back of his head with a wing claw. “After everything, I kind of expected you to just freeze Sandrunner.”

“Maybe I would have if it was five years ago,” Winter admitted quietly. “But, times change. I’ve learned to control my anger.”

“Thank you for not killing my son, even if he completely deserved it after that.” Qibli chuckled. “But uh… it’s really good to see you again, buddy. Once you left that night, I… well, I didn’t know what to do.”

“You could’ve tried visiting.” Winter responded, keeping his voice as level as possible. “I could’ve, too. Sandrunner pointed out earlier that I flew off to avenge my father rather than stay and help.”

“Yeah, you did.” Qibli agreed. “I understand it, though. If it was Thorn…”

“I remember the rage you flew into when she lost her arm.” Winter nodded slowly.

“I never want to relive that.” Qibli bristled. “But… yeah, what we came up with, that was the best we had. We didn’t want to kill him. Honestly, at the time, I thought it was a kindness. It wasn’t until later that I remembered Pyrite and then what Darkstalker did to Fierceteeth and… well, by that point…”

“I respect the noble intention. I was far more hurt by you not telling me, though.” Winter reminded him. “Again, I wasn’t there. I had no right to know.”

“Maybe you didn’t. Doesn’t change the fact that we should’ve trusted you.” Qibli grimaced. “You were my best friend. That I didn’t trust you with something so big was… well, what does that say about me?”

“I don’t know. You knew I would blow up. I want to think that you really were trying to spare me.” Winter averted his gaze. “I don’t know if I can ever forgive that. Like I said, it was the lack of trust that got to me. Still… I’m older now.” He looked to the ground. “I guess I… have missed all of you.”

“We’ve missed you too.” Qibli smiled brightly. “Honestly, without you there, a whole lot of things just fell apart.”

“I never wanted it to be like this. Moon says that it wasn’t me that split you up, yet…” Winter returned his gaze back to Qibli, whose face fell further.

“You may have lit the dragonflame cactus, but you weren’t the explosion.” The smaller Sandwing looked out the window, where the desert seemed to glimmer under the stars and moons. “I blamed you for it at first. But the more we fought, the more I realized that it wasn’t you.”

“Before you think it, I came here to help save your marriage, not end it.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t think anything could’ve. As much as I wanted it to.” Qibli’s voice was quiet. “I’m the sun and she’s the moon.”

“ That is awfully clever for you.”

“Thanks, I try.” Qibli forced a happy face, winking. “Speaking of sun, Moon told me to go where I am pulled to."

“Is it who I think it is?

Qibli merely shrugged, an innocent expression growing on his muzzle.

“I’m willing to try again.” Winter eventually forced out. “I might not be able to forgive, but I can… attempt to move on. It’ll take me a while, though.”

“You seem better about this stuff than you were ages ago. The Winter I knew all those years ago would’ve held a forever grudge.” Qibli turned away from the desert and faced Winter. It was like what Winter said had lifted a gigantic weight from his shoulders. “You could’ve handled the revelation better, mind you, but I can’t blame you. Both of us should’ve tried harder. Me for trusting and reaching out after it.”

“Perhaps I could have.” Winter shrugged. “What’s done is done, though. Now comes the rebuilding part.”

“Indeed.” Qibli sighed. “Moving on from Moon is going to be… a nightmare. Still, your presence did allow us closure. So, thanks for that.”

“You’re welcome?”

“How long do you two plan on staying, by the way?” Qibli asked him. “Moon said a few days, or whenever you want to kill yourself from the heat. Which could mean an hour from now or what Moon said.”

“Cricket just gave birth, so I should probably go back soon.” Winter looked in the direction of Sanctuary.

“Did she really?”

“Yeah. Two eggs.” Winter stood next to Qibli, leaning out the window. “That won’t stop her. But I’ve decided to take over her lessons in Jade Mountain in the meantime.”

“Really?” Qibli blinked. “Already trying to spend time with my ex, are we?” Winter gave him a scowl. “I’m joking. Maybe.”

“I’m not moving in on her,” Winter answered flatly. “That’s final.”

“I think Sandrunner may kill you, anyway.”

“Like I told Moon, don’t be too hard on him,” Winter said. “He needed somebody to blame, and I was that somebody.”

“I figured. I’ll need to talk with him anyway. Let him know the game plan.” Qibli’s sail flicked up and down with apprehension. “If you ever have a dragonet, Winter, just be ready for when they hit three. That was… something.”

“I don’t plan on having any soon.” Winter shook his head. “But given how we all acted like hormonal idiots back then, I can make a few educated guesses as to what it’s like on the parent’s side.”

“Ugh, it makes me wonder why Thorn didn’t just kill me a few times.” Qibli laughed.

“My parents did try to kill me. Multiple times.”

“Dude.” Qibli could only stare. “I was joking.”

“I know.” Winter smiled tautly. Qibli blinked a few times. “I’ve moved on. I can… attempt to make humor of it. My mother and I will never like each other, but Icicle, Hailstorm, and I are trying to get closer.”

“Funny how we both have screwed up dragonethoods. No wonder why we got along so well. No wonder why Sandrunner turned out so much like you.” Qibli added in a way that Winter wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. “Seriously, if he didn’t look so much like me, I’d say he was your dragonet. Rageful, complete lack of interest in any other dragons, and so on.”

Winter didn’t know how to reply to that and so stayed silent.

“I do wonder what will happen once Blaze finds him.” Qibli laughed. “He’s been an adult for some time now.”

“Ugh, is she still like that?” Winter shuddered.

“Ready to tease someone? Always. Sandrunner is prime bullying material for her but she knows not to push boundaries.” Qibli mused. "That was one of the good parts about him growing up. Never had to worry about an egg.”

“I suppose that would be a good thing.” Winter stepped back from the window. “I’m going to go rest. It’s been a long day, and I imagine you feel the same. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but… it was nice to see you again.”

“Same thing, buddy.” Qibli wrapped his wings around Winter gently. Winter tensed at the action, but accepted it after a moment. The touch was… nice. He did miss the heat of his scales.

No wonder why everyone thought they were in a relationship until Moon walked by.

Departing, Winter made his way to the guest room. He heard Moon sleeping, although she was whimpering a bit. He was tempted to open the door but left her. This was not something he could help with. She had to do this on her own.

Plus it’d be awkward if he just opened the door. No, he had to keep in mind his own boundaries. He meant what he thought about not wanting to be the rebound dragon.

With some mixed feelings, he left her door, and moved to his own and settled down for the night. Tomorrow was another day, and who knew what it’d bring?

Chapter Text

7 years ago

“THE EGG’S HATCHING!”

Moon couldn’t believe how loud she shouted. It was like a hurricane ripped from her lungs and vibrated the very walls of their Rainforest home. Immediately, she heard the rapid scrambling of claws from other rooms, and she returned attention back to the egg.

Sure enough, a crack had formed on its black and gold shell. It was vibrating with vigor, ready to burst. Honestly, given the way this dragonet had been a disaster the past few weeks, she was surprised that they hadn’t burst right out.

The moons weren’t out tonight, so no need to keep them in the moonlight. That didn’t matter to Moon, though. Honestly, growing up with those powers may be a disaster.

The nursery suddenly became very crowded as dragons pushed themselves in. A hiss came from Winter on her left as a fiery Skywing, Peril, bumped into him. She didn’t seem to notice, talking to a smaller SeaWing whose eyes were fixated on the egg.

“I’m just saying, maybe we should do this elsewhere?” Peril questioned. “Grumpy here doesn’t like me standing next to him.”

“I don’t mind that you stand next to me, I mind that you’re stepping on my tail .” Winter growled in response.

“Oh.” Peril removed her foot, earning a grunt of thanks. “Well, thank Turtle for suppressing my scales. Woulda been real awkward otherwise.”

“Did you two ever pick out a name?” Turtle, the SeaWing, asked Moon and Qibli.

“Yeah. Sandrunner. Kinda fits the motif of both tribes.” Qibli responded proudly. “Fits boy and girl.”

“ I thought Sandflier would be better, but noooo, nobody listens to Kinkajou.” A RainWing hung from the ceiling like a bat, her tail coiled around a pillar to keep herself up. She had a perfect angle of looking at all of them and what might be Sandrunner’s back. Her scales were shifting all sorts of happy colors despite her snark.

“Doesn’t run off the tongue as well.” Moon shrugged.

“Was that a pun?” Kinkajou gave her a critical gaze with her blue eyes. Turns out, RainWings could change their eye colors as well as their scales, so she fancied blue today. So weird, their tribe was.

“Coulda been.” Moon flashed a smile before someone entered the living room.

“I’m not late, am I?” The voice of her mother was somehow heard over the commotion. Maybe it would be a good idea to move the egg.

Gently grabbing the blanket, she snatched the egg and placed it on the floor of the much larger living room. Here, everyone could actually breathe. Especially the larger dragons, such as Moon and her mother, with whom they bore an uncanny resemblance. They may as well have grown from the same scale.

Oh, and that wasn’t even getting to the fact that Hope had just landed outside with Peacemaker. Yep, definitely a good idea.

“Thorn wishes she could be here, by the way.” Qibli said to Moon what felt like the tenth time. But, he was nervous, as was she. He was just trying to reassure her, and that was why she loved him.

“It’s okay, we’ll head there with Sandrunner when he’s situated.” Moon nuzzled her husband gently. He reciprocated as Hope and Peacemaker walked in.

“Just in time, it seems!” The large figure that was Peacemaker exclaimed to his mother. He strongly resembled a NightWing, with his RainWing features being limited to fins on his cheek and the ability to change his wing color. Today, they were bright pink with happiness. He wasn’t quite as big as Moon or the other NightWings, but he was close. About Winter’s height, actually. For now.

Once, this dragon was named Darkstalker. Now, he was virtually unrecognizable.

CRAAACK!

All thoughts of who Peacemaker used to be flew out the door the moment she heard the egg crack followed by a tiny chirp. Moon’s attention was glued to the egg, where a golden arm had burst forth. The claw itself was black, like her scales. So, it would seem he had a ‘mutt’ look to him. Kind of cute.

That’s when a green eye met hers through a tiny crack and oh, her heart skipped beats. They were her eyes! Same eyes as her mother! Moon nearly burst into a puddle of emotion right then and there.

A tail came forth next, the barbed tip breaking through the shell with ease. Qibli blinked at that, glancing to Moon excitedly.

“Careful with that.” Hope muttered as the tail began to lash on the ground. “You don’t need to be stung right after holding them.”

“SandWings can choose when to inject. Kind of an instinctual thing. So, I think once they realize who we are, it’ll be fine.” Qibli explained to Hope, who nodded with satisfaction.

“I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be a grandmother.” Secretkeeper sighed happily. “Well, not as soon as I am now.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Moon shot her mother a playful scowl.

“Oh nothing, nothing…”

Another arm burst free, followed by a leg. Sure enough, this dragon had splotches of black-purple along their golden body. A sail, too, if the tail was an indication. Moon whispered encouragement to the small dragonet, who chirped as if to say ‘I’m going as fast as I can!’ The tone certainly felt that way. Given the actions in the egg, that tracked.

And then their little face popped out, revealing a Sandwing visage with small hints of NightWing. A black, forked tongue stuck out of his – the face was masculine – mouth as he tasted the air. Green eyes darted in all directions before focusing intensely on Moon, as if recognizing the eye color. Then, they shifted to Qibli. Chirps and other noises began to get louder as wings finally pushed the rest of the egg off him.

“He’s so tiny!” Peril all but shouted, Turtle shushing her. “Oops, sorry. But he is!” She added in a lower tone.

“Hello, Sandrunner.” Moon bent her head low to nuzzle him affectionately. “I’m your mom. And this is your dad.” She said as Qibli did the same. “Welcome to the world.”

Sandrunner immediately turned away from them and started exploring on wobbling claws, earning a low chuckle from Moon and a barking laugh from Qibli. Moon caught him before he fell, holding him in her claws.

“He’s just like me.” Qibli snickered. “Immediately after I left the shell, I started wandering.”

“You still do.” Winter interjected, but he had a very noticeable smile on his face.

Sandrunner squirmed in her claws, but it was more trying to see and explore everything rather than trying to get away. It was there that everything hit Moon at once.

This was her son. Her son . A beautiful, little hybrid that came into the world because of her and Qibli. Upon holding him, Moon knew that she would protect him with her life. Of course, she already resolved to do so, but some sort of instinct kicked in upon touch.

Qibli walked over, wrapping a wing around the both of them. His breathing was ragged and thick with emotion, same with hers. It was all they could do not to break down in front of everyone.

“Cricket’s going to be maaaaaaaaaaad.” Kinkajou giggled, still upside down. “That human better be on her good side for the rest of eternity for making her miss this.”

“I wish Sky could be here. He would’ve bumbled his way through everything trying to get a closer look.” Peril snickered. “And be louder than me.”

“That’s impossible.” Winter answered flatly. “I’ve heard you two when you think you’re alone.” He shifted his eyes to them with a knowing look. Turtle began fidgetting with his talons as Peril merely grinned.

““At least wait until he inevitably passes out before you start, will you?” Moon gave a look of false disapproval.

“If he was anything like me, that won’t be for a while.” Qibli chuckled. “You ready for a mini me?”

“Okay, that’s enough time having a son, back into the egg you go…” Moon spun around gently, jokingly grabbing the egg shells.

“I’m not that bad, am I?” Qibli frowned.

“You are.” Winter immediately jumped in. Again, there was a wide smile on his face, so there was no hostility.

“Only for you, hot stuff. Or is it cold stuff?” Qibli winked. Winter grunted with annoyance.

Moon giggled at the grunt, returning attention to Sandrunner. He had calmed, somewhat. She felt such a cocktail of emotions that she didn’t know what to do with herself.

But without a doubt, this was one of the best days of her life, and it’d only just begun.

***

Present

The morning came, and Moon shook off the memories of the past the best she could. Being around Qibli, it made her dream of Sandrunner’s hatching. At least, that was the one thing that stood out in her dreams. Other parts were a confusing mess of blurred emotions that ripped and tore into her very soul.

Her body ached. She was still so tired. Yet, she forced herself up. She should be happy she got a form of closure, but all Moon felt was miserable. The actions of last night only now hit, and they hit like a battering ram. Why did she do what she did? Why did she just… let him go? She should have fought.

Yet, the staying together part was what came more into focus. Moon had to think in the future again rather than the present. The future only spelled more hurt and heartbreak.

And now came the difficult part; finding Qibli, and speaking to Sandrunner as parents again. Sure, she already told him what to expect. But he also needed to see that things would work out. They must .

Moon instinctively went to check on Winter, finding him gone from his room. Panic briefly set in before she noted his satchel was still here. Her heart thumped regardless, vividly remembering when he nearly left. How her heart sank, and she wanted nothing more than to pull him in closer.

Truthfully, Moon was afraid of herself for that action. She didn’t want to run into his arms tearfully and make him seem like the rebound dragon. He was like ice itself; hard on the surface, but once cracked, became brittle. She didn’t want to be the dragon who shattered it again.

Sandrunner wasn’t in his room, either. He stayed with Qibli whenever he was here. That made Moon feel a tiny sliver of a stinging barb. He’d elected to stay in a guest room in the Rain Kingdom this time. But, that was most likely because Winter was coming. It still made her feel bad that Sandrunner didn’t want to stay with her.

Was she going to lose him today? No, he was too loyal and protective for that. Undoubtedly, things would change. Moon had to believe in her son, though. He would never abandon them.

“Moon?” Came a smaller voice as Sunny poked her head out from her room, which was opposite Qibli’s.

“Hey Sunny.” Moon smiled the best she could. “Did I wake you?”

“No, not at all.” Sunny shook her head. “I’ve been awake for at least an hour.”

“Oh, good.” Moon breathed a sigh of relief. “Have you seen Qibli, by the way?”

“I think he’s in the Den. I spoke to him thirty minutes ago and he mentioned being hungry.” Sunny responded, brow furrowed.

“Sandrunner?”

“Nope, not since last night.” Sunny shook her head. “Winter tell you what happened?”

“He did.” Moon nodded slowly. “That’s why I need to find Qibli. We… need to parent him still, I guess.”

“I’m sure he’ll come around to the new situation,” Sunny said optimistically.

“I know he will. It’s just a matter of getting there.” Moon muttered more to herself. “How’s Qibli, by the way? I don’t want to jump him with this if he’s not okay.”

“He was okay last I saw.” Sunny shifted her gaze away, deep in thought. “I think even if he wasn’t, he’d come through for Sandrunner.”

“Yeah, he’s a great father.” Moon couldn’t help but smile, even if she felt nothing but sadness. “You should’ve seen him the first few months with Sandrunner.”

“Oh, I know. He told me and I got to witness a bit of it myself, lest we forget.” Sunny winked, letting out a small giggle. “But, I won’t hold you up. I gotta finish up something for mom, anyway.”

“Alright. Thanks, Sunny.” Moon’s smile turned genuine. “And not just for this, but for helping him last night.”

Sunny appeared shocked that Moon knew. Her face darkened ever so slightly, and Moon felt both happy and angry at the same time. Happy that Sunny may indeed return the feelings. Angry that she may indeed return the feelings. Ugh. She had to prepare herself for that.

“How did you know he came here?” Sunny asked once she composed herself.

“Only place he’d go after that. Don’t ask me how I know that.” Moon chuckled.

“I suppose it is obvious, huh?” Sunny sighed. “I mean, I’m around the same age as him, and my mother is not the best for compassionate talk. And I am nothing more than a walking empath, right?” she added with a grin.

“You are more than that, trust me.” Moon snickered. Much more, especially to Qibli…

“Well, I hope so. But anyway, if you wanna catch him, I’d fly after him now.” Sunny shooed her along. Despite this, Moon never felt like she was being shoved away. It was more playful than anything. Sunny would never do anything out of spite.

Moon hoped.

Sure enough, she found Qibli in the den. He was chatting up some of the Outclaws, who were on break. They were sharing stories of patrols and one-off bandits. Stuff that Qibli loved but Moon felt intense anxiety about. She’d fight if she needed to, yes, but going out and seeking it? No, thank you!

Upon her approach, however, the conversation died. None of the Outclaws looked at her with intense dislike or anything close to it. She didn’t know why she thought that. Qibli wasn’t the type to bad mouth her, even if it ended messily.

“Oh, hi Moon,” Qibli said as brightly as he could. His face was strained, though.

“Hey.” Moon returned his demeanor. “Have you seen Sandrunner?”

“Uh… no, I haven’t.” Qibli scratched his head in thought. “What did he do this time?”

“Well, he yelled at Winter.”

“Oh, yeah, I know about that.” Qibli winced.

“We should find him and talk to him. He hasn’t had the two of us do that in a while.”

“You’re right.” Qibli turned to the Outclaws. “Looks like I’ll have to catch up with you later. You’re here for another few hours, right?” They nodded or otherwise confirmed. “Alright. Seeya before you take off, hopefully.”

Moon wanted so badly to ask him how he was. But… that would just devolve. She had to distance herself and focus on Sandrunner. Qibli appeared to feel the same, as he didn’t ask either. Yet, she caught him glancing a few times at her. Doubtlessly, he saw her do the same. Both of them had so much more to say yet couldn’t find the words.

After about half an hour of searching, they found Sandrunner. He was roaming the outskirts of the stronghold, but he wasn’t alone. 

“You must show me how to replicate that scale shine.” A large, beautiful dragon had approached Sandrunner. With jewelry on every talon and a golden necklace, she looked like the crown jewel of the kingdom. “I know you say that it’s a hybrid thing, but that can’t be all! Look at that luster. With a bit of refinement, I daresay you would be quite the star to all the ladies. Or males, if you’re into them. I don’t judge.”

“Oh no, Blaze found him.” Qibli groaned, stifling a laugh. “Should we interrupt?”

“If she goes too far." Moon pursed her lips together. "She wouldn't though, right?"

"Blaze is more aware than we think she is. If Sandrunner was getting really annoyed, she'd back off."

“I’m really not into anyone.” Sandrunner replied politely, but also in a way that said ‘please go away, I’m brooding’. A tone Moon had grown so used to over the past seven and a half years.

“A dragon your age, not into anyone? How strange!” Blaze let out a gasp. Moon could tell she was playing it up. “You’re Qibli’s son, right? I’m surprised that nobody has attempted to get to know you! You’re entertaining me, so you must have the patience of a queen!”

“It’s rude to just leave conversations.” Sandrunner shrugged.

“Well, if you’re bored, no it’s not.” Blaze shook her head, the jewelry clinking musically. “I’m sure many a dragon would love to have someone like you. You look sad, though. Is there something going on?”

“That’s my secret, I’m always sad.” Sandrunner attempted to joke. Blaze merely frowned deeper. “Seriously, I’m okay. I’m not going to burden someone else with it.”

“Aw, you’re so cute when you do that. I like shy dragons.” Blaze lowered her head to Sandrunner’s level. “Well, if there is anything I can do… you know where my room is.” She added with a wink.

Sandrunner’s face went so dark that Moon thought he was turning into a full NightWing. His eyes all but shrieked ‘someone help me’ but he didn’t immediately say no . Blaze grinned wickedly at this, having gotten the reaction she wanted before turning away with a sway of her tail that was hypnotic even to Moon.

Sandrunner could only stand rigid, jaw ajar slightly. Was he... considering it? No, that wasn't like him. But there was a brief hint of desperation that she'd also never seen in him before. Blaze was most certainly joking, Moon could tell, but did Sandrunner believe her?

Should Moon say something?

“Well, are you going to take her up on it?” Qibli sauntered over with a giant grin on his face.

Their son all but jumped at their approach, face still dark. “… How much of that did you hear?”

“Only the important parts.” Qibli wrapped a wing around Sandrunner. “I won’t stop you if you're worried about that.”

“Dad, please, no…” Sandrunner looked at Moon pleadingly, who only shook her head. “Not you, too?”

“We heard all of it,” Moon merely said. She wanted to say more, but acting like the worried mother when she may be reading too far into things may make things worse.

 Sandrunner wasn’t going to go after Blaze. He didn’t go after anyone. He barely had any… thoughts about any dragons.

Didn’t stop Qibli from teasing him about it mercilessly.

“I… wait, why are you two here?” Sandrunner immediately changed the subject.

“We wanted to find you.” Moon responded simply. “You pulled a disappearing act last night.”

“Oh. Yeah I… slept out in an outpost. I just needed to be away from everyone for a while.” Sandrunner averted his gaze. “I blew up on Winter last night. He probably already told you.”

“He did.” Qibli nodded slowly.

“I’m not sorry for saying what I said.” Sandrunner ruffled his wings. “But… I shouldn’t have made a scene. I just…”

“I know. It’s hard for you,” Moon said sweetly, wrapping her wing around him. “You’re just trying to find someone to blame when there isn’t any.”

“Yeah, I know.” Sandrunner looked at both of them. Moon could hear his mind churning out a dozen thoughts. “I just… I’m lost. You two aren’t getting back together. I need to accept that. But I don’t want to keep going back and forth anymore. I’m… tired of that. Tired of feeling like I have to choose.”

“Well bud, that’s why we’re here.” Qibli smiled. “We had a talk last night, and we decided that we aren’t going to do that to you anymore. We needed a bit of growing ourselves. So, no more choosing who you want to have your Hatchday with. None of that ‘will they be upset if I’. We’re going to try and make this all work. Moon and I are here, right now, and nothing bad happened.”

“We’ll always be your parents, and we’ll always be a family.” Moon added on. “I don’t know what the future will bring for us, but we’re going to try and make this all work.”

“Can’t you just look to the future?” Sandrunner asked with a faint attempt at humor.

“I could , but then I’ll get fixated. You don’t need me like that. You need me here .” Moon nuzzled him affectionately. “This is going to be hard on all of us. Don’t ever be afraid to talk to both of us. We’re your parents, together or not.”

Those words hurt to say, but Moon meant every letter. She glanced to Qibli, seeing the pain on his face as well, but he agreed wholeheartedly.

“I’m sorry for being an ass.” Sandrunner glanced between the two of them. “I just… feel all this rage and nothing to throw it at.”

“Well, not that you would, but I wouldn't go to Blaze feeling all rageful and nasty if you're still planning that.” Qibli nudged him. "She'll bite you, and not in the fun way."

“Qibli!” Moon shot him a half horrified, half amused look as Sandrunner once again stared off into space. “Actually, how do you know that?”

“I've been called to a scene a few times when someone tried a few times and seen the aftermath. She's way smarter and more dangerous than anyone gives her credit for.”

Made sense.

“Right, well, I’ll likely be leaving here tomorrow evening, by the way.” Moon announced to both of them. “I need to get the semester ready at Jade Mountain. Plus, Winter is probably dying. He offered to teach there to cover for Cricket.”

“… Why is he covering for Cricket?” Qibli raised a brow.

“Oh, did he not tell you she had eggs?”

“Yeah, Winter told me. Not sure why I asked that question now.” Qibli ruffled his wings. Not unlike how Sandrunner did. “About time, too. I’d love to visit but I can’t just up and leave. I’ll have to ask Thorn when I can, though. Be nice to travel to Sanctuary again. Maybe I can even meet the Winglet.”

“We really should get the band back together again, yeah,” Moon agreed readily.

“I’ll ask for time off and write when I get an answer. We can make plans around that.”

“That’d be nice.”

“I… may stay here a bit,” Sandrunner said a bit guiltily. “Not like I have a choice, actually. Queen Thorn will doubtlessly have something for me to do.”

“Alright.” Moon pulled away gently. “I should probably go find something to eat. I kinda… forgot because I was looking for you two.”

“Uh, yeah, go eat.” Qibli stared blankly. “Be a shame to see you lose those muscles.”

Moon merely rolled her eyes. She had no idea if he was being platonic or not. She supposed she’d learn over time. Still, he had a point…

“I should exercise, too. I hadn’t had the chance since Winter showed up,” Moon said thoughtfully. “I’ll catch you both later.”

***

Winter finally had a moment to do work, and as boring as it was, it made him happy. What did that say about him as a dragon? No wonder why he was single. Yet, he was making a huge difference in the world. How could he not be happy, even if it was boring work involving regulations. Integration of lawyers for humans and dragons alike.

Busywork, but if it succeeded, things would be a lot more self-sufficient. The council would finally get a break from hearing all sorts of non-issues. Granted, trials would still take place before them, but if they could get someone to handle the lower level cases… well, things would operate much smoother. The Ice Kingdom wasn’t built in a day, after all.

The Stronghold library did offer some respite from his work, though. He found himself digging into history, such as the War of Sandwing Succession from different points of views. Most of which he knew, but it was still entertaining. There were tales of relics found beneath the shifting sands, too. That might be fun to look into at some point if the heat didn’t kill him.

Qibli, as far as Winter remembered, was into all of that too. Maybe if Winter enjoyed being around him again, he would join. Thoughts for the future. Now, it was about just getting used to being around his former friends.

Turtle and Peril wouldn’t be too bad. Peril and he did get along, surprisingly. Mostly because of their stances on how Peacemaker was made.

The issue was Kinkajou. Everyone avoided talking about her. That was either out of respect for his own feelings, or something bad happened to her. As much as he hated her actions, Winter ultimately didn’t want her to suffer. She did visit him when the rest didn’t after he was exiled. She always checked up on him until he left.

Sandrunner was right, though. What could he have expected a four year old to do at that moment? Especially one as impulsive yet kind as Kinkajou? Any of them, really. It wasn't like she knew about Pyrite, either, being unconscious and all.

Sighing, Winter placed the scroll back on the rack as the sound of something striking a training dummy came from below. Strange, the training wasn’t until later.

Glancing down, he saw it to be Moon of all dragons. She was practicing combat technique, and once again Winter found himself to be intimidated by her. Gone was the meek, quiet little dragon. No, this Moon had the ferocity of a hunter and mother bear. Winter saw a bit of that when she was nesting and shortly after Sandrunner hatched.

To see it grow that much in five years was… something.

Although, Winter thought grimly, it may have been accelerated by the divorce.

Winter saw no evidence of fighting or how terrible it was. But, he was also painfully aware that they all were in the ‘I missed you’ phase. Give it a few weeks, and they may go right back to each other’s throats.

Admittedly, watching Moon was… mesmerizing. Qibli had trained her back when they first got together, as she didn’t want to be completely helpless. But this was a form on its own. Perhaps Hope helped? Made sense. Winter was reminded of his own soldier training.

And how much he had slacked on it. He was never unfit, in fact still in prime shape for his age, but he was most certainly rusty. Being in Sanctuary didn’t really call for any fighting. Plus, no wars. The only real threat was Vulture, and he’s gone now. Chameleon was somewhere, but hadn’t been sighted for years. Fierceteeth and trying to usurp the Rain and Night tribes? Didn’t really go far.

No excuse to not keep up with it, though. Although, the thought of going down there and sparring with Moon was… unappealing.

She’d win, claws down, with him out of practice.

“You just going to stare all day?” Moon shouted up to him. Winter blinked. “You’re impossible to miss in the Sand Kingdom.”

“The sun and I do not agree.” Winter leaned out the window.

“Why, because it brings out your sparkling personality?” Moon giggled. How strange it was, seeing her giggle when she was… well, destroying a training dummy.

Winter glanced at his scales. Sure enough, the sunlight was causing them to sparkle.

“You going to come down or are you going to stay up there?” Moon asked. “I could use a sparring partner if you’re up for that, too.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Moon?” Winter finally asked. “Because the Moon I knew would avoid fighting like the plague.”

“I hate fighting.” Moon averted her gaze. “But, if I was going to protect my family, I needed to learn how. Especially at Jade Mountain. You remember what happened literally the first two days we were there?”

Winter did. How could he not? The moment he arrived, Icicle plotted to kill one of the Dragons of Destiny at the goading of Queen Scarlet. And then Sora, Clay’s sibling, blew up one of the classrooms and killed two students. Sora and Umber were eventually apprehended, but Winter was a bit hazy on the details this time.

“That will never happen under my watch.” Moon declared. “So, I keep myself sharp to protect my students and my friends. It might be training for nothing, but I don’t consider it time wasted.”

“That’s… noble.” Winter nodded slowly.

“Qibli taught me that, and we both taught Sandrunner,” Moon continued, eyes glazed in memory. “With any luck, I’ll never have to lift a talon in harm. Yet, I must prepare for the worst. Especially when we spent so much time in the Sand Kingdom.”

“That’s fair enough.” Winter once again nodded. “Unfortunately, I’ll have to pass on the sparring. I need to get this work done before we head back.”

It was a lie. A complete lie. Truthfully, Winter was just about done. Ten more minutes, and he’d be able to do whatever he wanted. In the past, he would have chastised himself for lying to Moon. In fact, he felt a tiny bit guilty now lying to her. But, that quickly faded as he recalled the big lie kept from him .

And that, right there, was why he really declined. He did not trust himself to not hurt her. Those few weeks of not being at each other’s throats may just vanish the instant he went down there. Winter did not want to risk it. Not now. Not here.

In fact, the more he pressed on that nerve, he felt irate. He meant what he said about not having the right to be angry. But it didn’t help . If anything, it shifted to five years of being alone. Five years that could have been avoided.

“You alright?” Moon had flown up to him, concern dancing along her features.

Winter blinked a few times, snapping himself out of his thoughts. “I think the heat is finally getting to me.”

“Well, stop hanging out the window like a fairy tale princess.” Moon playfully poked him on the forehead, tongue out slightly. Admittedly, it was an adorable look. Winter felt his face darken at the sight of it.

Winter pulled himself back in, and to his surprise, Moon followed. He raised a brow.

“I was about done, anyway. The training dummy was the last thing I needed to do,” Moon explained. Winter doubted her words, but didn’t argue.

“I should probably head back tomorrow, honestly.” Winter decided to just come out and say it. “Faster I can get everything on track, the faster everything can move along.”

“I’ll probably end up going with you.” Moon shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t think I can stay here much longer, honestly.”

“Qibli?” Winter frowned.

“Yeah, I need to distance myself. And he needs distance from me.” Moon nodded quietly. “I can tell he still loves me just as much as I love him. And that’s… well, I won’t repeat myself.”

“Love sucks,” Winter managed to say, even if it was rather blunt.

“It does. But it’s also the best feeling in the world.” Moon smiled wistfully. “I wish you could have experienced it. Preferably without the heartbreak.”

“Yeah… that… doesn’t sound quite appealing.” Winter frowned. “I don’t know. I’m happy as is.”

“I hope you are, Winter. Truly.” Moon gave him an unreadable expression. “But I also know you put on a front for your emotions. I know you may not trust me enough to lower it, but I just hope for your sake, you aren’t keeping it up.”

Was he? The first dragon he ever loved was her. And the moment she went out of reach, he just gave up. Standing here, looking at her now… there it was again. Deep down, in the graveyard where he buried his emotions, it stirred like a zombie. Not enough to break the casket, but he felt the wiggle.

And yet, going for it was completely unappealing. He was stuck at a crossroads. He could let this play out. He could let her in again. Not now, but soon. Or he could keep the front up forever. Truthfully, he didn’t trust his emotions once they were let out.

Not after five years ago.

“Winter…” Moon let out a deep sigh, but not of exasperation. “Why do you do that to yourself?”

“I don’t know, Moon.” Winter admitted.

“I want you to figure it out.” Moon approached, but not too close. “I don’t know if you’re punishing yourself, but if you are, stop. We’ve all done enough of that. It’s time to try and heal.”

“What would I be punishing myself for?”

“I don’t know.” Moon repeated his words. “But I know you beat yourself up over things not your fault. This past week has been a perfect example of that. You helped me with this, Winter. Let me help you.”

She reached out to grab his claw, and this time Winter let her. He shut his eyes at her touch. It was… nice. He could allow himself to be comforted by the action.

He looked into her eyes and saw the genuine compassion behind them. All his anger – anger he didn’t know he felt – slowly ebbed away, being replaced by nothing. He felt nothing.

But it was better than constant anger and depression.

Chapter Text

The morning came, and Winter was ready to leave the Sand Kingdom. The emotional drain coupled with the sun really crippled his drive to function. Moon largely felt the same, especially after last night when he heard her crying again. He did want to comfort her, but again, he had to keep his distance.

Her eyes were tired, and if he squinted, he thought he saw shadows around them. But, she forced out a smile and greeting when they met at the den. Their meal was largely silent, as Winter was typically not one for conversation until he had his fill.

And then, it was time to head off. Of course, they weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye to Qibli. Winter, truthfully, felt a bit better about him after this time. He mentioned the honest mistake of – somehow – forgetting about Pyrite and Clearsight. Just the acknowledgement was enough, for now.

However, when Winter separated to have a quick moment to himself to prepare, he found himself being approached by a dragon he didn’t quite expect to see. His posture was one of defeat, and while anger still simmered in his eyes, he wasn’t hostile. No, Winter recognized this type of walk, having done it multiple times.

“Look, I don’t think you and I are ever going to be friends,” Sandrunner started off rather bluntly. “But, I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Not like that. And it was wrong to tell you to leave when both of my parents are clearly happy to have you around.”

“I understand.” Winter nodded slowly. “You and I are alike. We rage, and then we regret.”

The smallest twinge of a smile appeared at the corner of Sandrunner’s mouth. “Yeah, I guess that’s true.”

“But, there is more to the story than what you heard. A lot of animus trickery that is too horrifying to go into without set up.” Winter shook his head. “All I’ll say, for now, is that everyone was horrified by it happening to another and then when it was convenient, they applied the same horror. I’m not sure what I am to expect from a bunch of dumb dragonets, but…”

“That kind of explains a lot, if what you’re saying is true.” Sandrunner shuffled his wings uncomfortably. “They knew you’d freak out, basically?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I guess if that’s more of the truth, I can understand it. I was mad when my mother kept the secret of not getting back together with dad. She knew I’d freak out. I did and took it out on you.”

“I knew you were projecting. I didn’t take it too personally.” Winter chuckled. “But, if you want my advice, you need to have someone in your life to ground you. Before the explosion, the Winglet was mine. Now, I have Sanctuary. You’re clearly someone who needs that. I know I did.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Sandrunner shifted slightly. “I have some friends, but well, y’know how it is, keeping in contact. My winglet and I weren’t exactly close, either.”

“Let me guess, you shoved them away with anger?”

“Yep.” Sandrunner grumbled loudly. “Despite all my rage, I’m still in a cage.”

Winter squinted at his words. “Reach out to them. Or, at least, find someone .”

“Yeah, well, Queen Thorn wants me to head to the Night settlement with dad and Sunny tomorrow. So, maybe I’ll meet someone there.”

“One way to find out, I suppose.”

“Oh, good, I was afraid you two were going to explode again.” Came a familiar voice as Qibli approached. He was much lighter today, although he still had apprehension behind his black eyes. He seemed to be handling it better than Moon, but not by much if Winter were to hazard a guess.

“Not today.” Sandrunner smiled slightly.

“Oh, so should I schedule a time for tomorrow?” Qibli patted his son’s head. Sandrunner’s sail flattened in annoyance. “How’s noon?”

“Really?” Sandrunner glared.

“Seriously! I’m free at that time.”

“And now you see where my rage issues come from.” Sandrunner turned with Winter.

“And you kept it remarkably in check! I don't see a single bite mark from Blaze!” Qibli elbowed him.

“Blaze?” Winter raised a brow.

“Oh, yeah, she finally approached him. So, now it’s time for mercilessly teasing.” Qibli grinned wickedly as Sandrunner continued to turn darker and darker until he nearly resembled Moon. “Ooooh, wait a minute… did you actually ?”

“Go away…” Sandrunner mumbled.

“Oh my stars, you did.” Qibli stared with disbelief. “You know I was messing around, right? I didn’t expect you to actually… oh stars, this is… well, I really don’t know how to react.”

“Isn’t the age difference massive?” Winter couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

“When you grow up in the Sand Kingdom – especially the Scorpion Den – you see far worse. They’re consenting adults. If he'd just turned seven I'd be more concerned.” Qibli wrapped a wing around him, the shock of it all slowly crawling onto his face. “But, uh… well, I’m worried. Seriously. This isn't like you."

“Dad, please, stop.” Sandrunner managed to force out. “I’m okay. I swear.”

“Are you sure? Because this isn’t like you at all. You’re not the type to chase tail.”

“It just kind of happened. That’s all. It was one night.” Sandrunner averted his gaze even further.

“Mmm… alright." Qibli's eyes narrowed. Both he and Winter didn't believe him at all. Qibli was about two seconds away from gnawing on one of his talons from anxiety from the looks of it.

“Should I go? This seems like a private matter.” Winter asked awkwardly. Maybe it was his upbringing, but open talk about… this always bothered him. At least, so openly. Anatomy and physiology discussions were fine but this was something else.

“Well, not without saying goodbye, right?” Qibli’s eyes twinkled, amused. Yet, there was genuine concern behind them for both him and Sandrunner.

“Fine, bye,” Winter said with a ‘hmph’. That got a laugh from Qibli. “This is… not the last time we’ll see each other.”

“Well, I certainly hope so. I’d help you settle back in at Jade Mountain if Queen Thorn wasn’t having us go to the Night settlement. So, instead, all I can say is good luck. I miss that place dearly.”

“Feels like a lifetime ago when we first went there, huh?”

“No kidding.” Qibli scoffed with disbelief. “Sometimes, I wish we could go back to those days… but if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to harass Sandrunner and really, that’s what’s important in life.”

“Love you too.” Sandrunner managed to squeeze away from Qibli.

“Please, as if you didn’t intentionally make things difficult for us in return.” Qibli gave him a knowing look.

“I invoke the Sand Kingdom’s right to silence.” Sandrunner puffed his chest out slightly.

Winter, once again, realized that they were indeed father and son.

“Well, we won’t keep you,” Qibli said to Winter. “Just… y’know, don’t be afraid to write. Queen Thorn, as I said, has us running around a lot. I’d love to at least look forward to letters again.”

“I think I can do that.” Winter offered a small smile.

With that, they all went to find Moon, who was getting ready to take off soon. Having the three of them – plus Sandrunner – in the same room again was… well, as comforting as it was uncomfortable. A weird paradox that Winter couldn’t figure out where he stood on. He chose to lean into the comforting part, however. It was time to try and move past his insecurities.

“We still need to talk to Tsunami about you taking over for Cricket.” Moon reminded Winter. “I mean, it shouldn’t be an issue whatsoever. You’ve taught there before.”

“Sky will probably be my assistant. It’ll be a good excuse for him to see Peril again, too.” Winter chuckled. “Despite Sky being… well, Sky, he is devoted to his work.”

“Good luck is all I’ll say.” Qibli gave a half-hearted salute with his wing. “And, Moon… I told Winter I hoped to get letters from him. I… wouldn’t mind some from you, either.”

“I think that’s reasonable.” Moon smiled warmly. “No need to have Sandrunner be our messenger anymore, huh?”

“Well, I can still deliver them…” Sandrunner said. “That is kind of my job.”

“You know what I mean.” Moon gave him a pointed look that held no malice.

“I’ll probably be checking in within the next two weeks if Queen Thorn lets me.” Sandrunner added on.

“Tell Cricket I said congratulations on the eggs, by the way.” Qibli addressed Winter. “I’ll try and make time to visit you all.”

“I look forward to it.” Winter meant every word he said.

With all their goodbyes done, Winter and Moon made their way out of the stronghold and with one last wave, took off to the skies.

Winter wasn’t sure what the future held for him now. But, for the first time in a long while, he felt far more optimistic.

***

Qibli returned to Queen Thorn after the two departed, Sandrunner beside him. His heart felt heavy after watching Moon fly away from him once more, but he was… okay. He would be, anyway. Time healed all wounds, or so he hoped.

Queen Thorn was discussing the visit to the new - old? - Night Kingdom with both Stonemover and Sunny, as the latter would be joining them. Stonemover wanted to go, but he couldn’t keep up with their flights. He looked almost twenty years older and with heavy scar tissue, he very well couldn’t defend himself. Still, Qibli would’ve insisted on Stonemover stay, seeing the way Thorn leaned on him with her remaining shoulder.

“Really, I’m not sure what we expected.” Thorn continued speaking as Qibli and Sandrunner stepped in. “I just want to make sure they won’t encroach on our land. The desert is already a place without a lot of food.”

“I’m sure once we draw up the border clearer, it’ll work out.” Stonemover spoke in a slow, rumbling voice. “Hope isn’t the type to act aggressively.”

“No, she’s not. Which is why I don’t feel the need to go down there myself.” Thorn chuckled lowly. “But, I don’t want – or need – a border dispute. We’re at peace, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“To be fair, these maps haven’t been updated in a while, and the circulation of the new ones wouldn’t get far for a few years most likely.” Sunny brought up. “We just need to bring the updated map drafted by the queens. Hope may as well be one at this point.”

“Has Glory decided to make it official?” Stonemover inquired.

“Not yet.” Sandrunner interjected. “But, from what I understand, things are moving that way. They already call her queen there.”

“Well, I for one would welcome that.” Sunny beamed. “They really did a fantastic job with the old kingdom and once trade routes are properly established, it can thrive. We just, y’know, need to make sure everyone gets the space they need.”

“I wouldn’t mind trading this area,” Thorn pointed to a location on the map, “for something, but I’ve yet to hear a reasonable offer.”

“I can bring it up?” Sunny offered.

“If you find a way to do so. I’m not bothered either way.” Thorn gave a critical look to Qibli after. “Make sure my daughter comes back safe. I’m not expecting anything, mind you, but I know you were questioning why you were going.”

That was a weird saying. Thorn never addressed him that way. Did he do something wrong? Shifting a glance to Sunny, she merely smiled. A brow raised, he nodded his understanding to Thorn, who visibly relaxed. Even Sandrunner appeared confused by Thorn’s attitude.

With that, all of them were dismissed, and Sunny walked out with them.

“Uh, so, what just happened?” Qibli asked Sunny.

“Oh, nothing. Mother’s just on edge. You know how it is at times.” Sunny waved him off. “I think she had a nightmare of my egg being stolen again. She still gets those.”

“Really? Thought that ended a while back.”

“She hides them well. But, she can’t hide from me. Nobody can,” Sunny added the last part with an ominous tone before giggling. “Honestly, I don’t need the escort, but I appreciate it.”

“So, what’s this about a border dispute? I thought it was something else.” Sandrunner asked.

“Oh, well, the Night Kingdom isn’t exactly in a great place food wise. So, some NightWings were found poaching the desert. Nothing happened, but it came back to my mother. As such, I’m being sent to make sure things are okay.”

“They have an ocean with a bunch of fish. I don’t understand.” Sandrunner stared blankly. “Only the Sea Kingdom rivals them now. Plus, they can always go to the Sky Kingdom, since that also borders, so why the desert?”

“See, we thought the same thing. That’s why I’m trying to figure it out.” Sunny frowned with contemplation. “You’re going to be taking notes and returning to the Queen if I need to stay. Which is why she insisted Qibli join us.”

“I kind of figured that would be my role.” Sandrunner patted the satchel that hung around his neck.

“Still feels strange. But, y’know, if it makes Thorn feel better, I’ll do it,” Qibli said warmly. Sunny smiled at his words.

“I gotta make sure I restock on everything, though.” Sandrunner suddenly spoke. Strange, he never forgot to. First Thorn, now Sandrunner? Just what was going on?

“Alright. Just… be careful." Qibli perhaps let the mask slip a little more than he intended. Sandrunner sighed loudly before departing, leaving Qibli with a giant grin on his face before it faded into worry.

“Do I want to know?” Sunny eyed him.

“He slept with Blaze.” Qibli didn’t see the point in hiding it. Sunny would find out on her own. She always did.

She responded by slapping a claw to her face with a deep huff of… well, not disappointment, but certainly not acceptance. “I don’t like where this is going, Qibli. Not one bit.”

“Truthfully, I don’t see the harm in it in terms of consent . But, y’know…”

“Yeah, but… he’s got emotional problems. Do you really want that level of attachment to someone who shows him positive affection in the state he's in?” Sunny pressed, worry dancing on her face.

And now Qibli realized just what a disaster this all may become. He was worried, yes, but didn't know which part to focus on until now. What a failure of a father he was to not notice this, especially looking back at Sandrunner's subtle change in demeanor.

But, with Moon and the past few days throwing his entire mind out of sync, it just… slipped out. He had to get better. He had to sit and talk with his son. Chasing him down wouldn’t be a good idea – Sandrunner could really be anywhere at this point – so he’d have to wait until tonight or tomorrow.

“Moon and I really screwed him up, didn’t we?” Qibli couldn’t help but let that slip out. “What kind of parents are we to damage our son so badly that he crawls into bed with the first dragon to show interest? Did this happen before in the past? Was he that desperate for affection and we just never noticed?”

“Stop.” Sunny snapped him back to reality. “It’s still really early. You can guide him. Don’t beat yourself up over something you don’t know the answers to.”

“Ugh, this week has been something, I’ll tell you what.” Qibli shook his head. “I want to clear my head, but I have no idea how at this point. Kind of feels like back in the day when I was so insecure of myself and… well, I’ll stop there.”

“I think that getting you away from here may help, too.” Sunny’s optimism came off in droves, and he couldn’t help but feel a tugging smile. “I know you like exploring.”

“You think they’ll just let us roam around?” Qibli raised a brow.

“I don’t see why not.” Sunny shrugged. “It’s not like we’re at war. Hope likes you, too.”

“Who doesn’t like me?” Qibli placed his palm on his chest, posing majestically with false pride. Such a motion would've been easy, but now it felt stilted. Awkward. He hoped Sunny didn't notice.

“Such a golden personality you have.” Sunny poked him in the side teasingly. If she noticed, she didn't say. “It’s no wonder why you win the hearts of so many.”

“But of course. My devotion to the Queen and the Princess are known through the kingdom. I am the royal knight, complete with shining armor!”

“You’re not wearing it now. And besides, a knight in shining armor hasn’t had his metal tested.” Sunny winked mischievously.

“Wow, that’s rude.” Qibli recoiled, faking hurt. “I may just take really good care of my armor.”

“Mmm, I guess that’s a possibility.” Sunny walked past him, grinning. “Don’t disappoint me on our trip, though.”

“Disappoint? When have I ever disappointed you?” Qibli tsked. He meant it as a joke, but now he felt his anxiety spike. Was she judging his parenting? Did he do something else? Could he have done more? Was that what she was getting at?"

“You haven’t… yet.” Sunny looked over her shoulder before growing serious. “How are you, by the way?”

“Other than the Sandrunner issue? Managing.” Qibli’s smile grew taut. “I think I got everything out the other night. Well, for now. Never know when it’ll stab at me again.”

“Like I said, I think this trip will be good for you. Sight seeing always makes me feel better. Especially with friends.”

“Yeah… yeah, that’ll do it.” Qibli nodded slowly.

“I’ll see you later, mister ‘knight in shining armor’.” Sunny stuck out her tongue playfully, winking again. “If you need me, though, you know where to find me.”

That Qibli did. He didn’t need her right now, but when night fell, that may change. He always had his moments of weakness at night. And if he was slipping up this badly now...

Still, this was all very strange. Sunny was always playful around him, but this felt… different. Between Thorn and Sandrunner’s reactions, it felt like something else was at play. If anything, it made him anxious about any form of… deeper emotions. Especially so soon after Moon left.

Qibli couldn’t help but think that this trip was more than anyone was telling him.

***

His father was blind, and Sandrunner wasn’t sure if he wanted to remove the blindfold.

Frustration and anger had consumed Sandrunner this whole week, and now that a new one was starting, he just felt… drained. Now, guilt had started to eat away at what was left of his soul. Guilt over his actions, guilt over where he directed his rage. Guilt for not letting his father know that Sunny was completely into him.

Sandrunner saw it. It was obvious. This trip was doubtlessly a way for the two of them to be alone, and from Thorn’s reaction, Sunny had told her. Sunny was a crafty one, but this trip was simply ill timed. She likely planned it all in advance and then suddenly his mother and Winter came flying in. He couldn’t help but feel a little bad over it.

But only a little. Despite his mother throwing his hope into the quicksand, Sandrunner couldn’t help but feel it pulsating. He wanted nothing more than to shove them in the same room again, but knew it wouldn’t work deep down. Plus, he didn’t want to ruin what could be his father’s happiness. Sunny would be good for him.

Sandrunner let out a sigh, taking a walk around the perimeter of the Stronghold. He enjoyed the sensation of sand between his toes, feeling their warmth as chills ran up and down his body.

Winter was right. He needed to find someone who would listen to him. He stayed away from others, and that had bitten him so hard on the tail that it may as well have fallen off. And then he slept with Princess Blaze! Someone who was almost five times his age!

Ugh, what was he thinking!? It just seemed like the best idea at the time! He was lost, confused, and oops there’s an offer for something other than misery.

He wanted to wait until he found someone for that and he betrayed himself for release. Granted, it did calm him down. He could think much clearer now. Yet, it still felt wrong. He felt none of the euphoria he hoped it'd bring. If anything there was just a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction that only grew.

Not that it was any of Blaze’s fault. It was his decision. It was his choice. He didn’t regret it, but at the same time, he couldn’t condone it.

“How is it that whenever I find you, you’re still a grouch?” Came the voice that he wished he didn’t want to hear right now. Not that it wasn’t lovely or its owner unpleasant. It just… well…

“Lot of things are happening.” Sandrunner looked up to see Blaze basking on her pavilion, which he had walked right under.

“I suspected after last night.” Blaze snaked herself to the edge, looking down with those wonderful black eyes of hers. “Most of my suitors are a bubbling mess after their time, but you were quiet. I wondered if I did something wrong.”

“No, not at all!” Sandrunner quickly corrected her, flying up to the edge. “This isn’t your fault or anything.”

“I wasn’t done.” Blaze shushed him by reaching down to press a talon to his lips. “Sleeping with you did, however, confirm that we shouldn’t do so again. Not for a while, anyway.”

“Why?” Sandrunner did his best to not sound whiny or demanding or anything else to make himself look pathetic.

“Because you need emotional connection, and I am not good for that.” Blaze shook her head, her scales glittering off the sun. “The physical, oh yes, I am quite skilled. Most of my suitors are one-nighters, and while I don’t mind repeats, we both know its physical only. With you… you clearly need someone to be with you, and I can’t do that.”

“Winter said the same thing.” Sandrunner averted his gaze.

“Such a shame he wasn’t available. I didn’t dare try again. So prudish, IceWings are. Well, Glacier wasn’t… but that’s in the past.” Blaze’s face fell at the mention of the former Queen. “Regardless, he is right. I have no real dating advice for you, nor any real ways of suggesting bonds, but until you find yourself, you and I can’t share another night.”

“I wasn’t really sure if we should, truthfully.” Sandrunner shifted uncomfortably. “I mean, it was fantastic. Physically. But emotionally, yeah, it… didn’t do much.”

“You remind me so much of your father, you know?” Blaze let out a low chuckle. “I feel a kinship with him, truthfully. The runt of the litter, always bullied by older siblings, a mother who didn’t care if you lived or died. Hard not to see a connection. While you don’t have any siblings, you most certainly act the same as he did all those years ago.”

“I suppose now that you point that out, I can see the connection.” Sandrunner let out a small ‘huh’.

“Dragons may think me of being a dumb socialite – and it is somewhat true, as I will never succeed in any form of real backbreaking work – but I learned how to read others over the years. You wouldn't believe the things I got out of dragons for Queen Thorn. The would-be empires I've helped topple." She grinned almost devilishly. "But you, you are young and inexperienced, and I won’t lie that I have taken some sort of not pity, but interest.”

Sandrunner didn’t know how to feel about that.

“I’m no future reader, but I think that there is someone out there for you. Doubtlessly, it is someone you overlooked in the past, knowing your situation.” Blaze smirked deviously. “I hope you find them. Now, run along. I took too much time out of my beauty rest for you.”

“Thank you, Blaze.” Sandrunner nodded gratefully. She responded by waving her wing and turning over.

Maybe sleeping with her wasn’t such a bad thing. She read him like a book, which the mental image of made Sandrunner laugh a bit. He wondered if she, too, was lonely. All physical relationships, no emotional. But maybe she preferred that? Her face did fall at the mention of the late Queen Glacier...

Either way, he wondered if she was right. Was there someone in his life he overlooked? It’d been a year since he graduated Jade Mountain.

Perhaps he really should reach out…

***

Sanctuary loomed once more, but this time, Winter didn’t feel the same amount of trepidation about taking Moon here. It was a simple stop to let Cricket know he had to go to Jade Mountain before departing in the morning.

Their cave was decorated with more ‘dragonet-proof’ augmentations, such as cushions on sharp corners and the like. Despite the eggs not ready to hatch for a few months, Cricket had all but fussed over them like a mother hen, roosting on them to get work done. It was almost hysterical. Winter couldn’t wait for them to hatch, as he had the mental image of her still laying on them.

However, when Winter told Cricket the news, she did not take it as excitedly as he thought.

“Okay, what’s really happening?” Cricket questioned. “Because in the span of a week, everything has been flipped on its head.”

“You’re roosting.” Winter pointed at the eggs under her. She followed his gaze, sighing slightly. “Don’t sigh at me. You would never leave them for a second. Not even to get lunch. All this standing around and teaching, too? You’ll tear out your own scales.”

“You got a point. I hate it, but you do.” Cricket shook her head. “But that doesn’t change the fact that I am very worried about you. You’re throwing yourself back into this Winglet business without a look back, and that’s how you got hurt last time.”

Her words stung, but she was right. “I’m taking over for you . Not anyone else. You have a family now, and I don’t. It’s as simple as that.”

“I really want to believe you, Winter.” Cricket clicked her beak-like jaw, worried. “Look, if you really want to do this, I can’t stop you. But I never want a repeat of what happened five years ago.”

“I’m being careful.” Winter assured her.

“Alright. But the instant you feel uncomfortable, I want you to tell me. None of this IceWing pride nonsense; I’ll melt you into a SeaWing if you try it.”

Winter barked out a laugh and, after seeing to Cricket’s needs, went back to Moon. She was chatting with Blue about something serious from their expression.

“… haven’t told him yet. I… really just don’t know how to. It doesn’t feel like the right time, but when is the right time?” Moon held a face of depression and guilt.

“Lying started this whole mess,” Blue responded. “He needs to know before it’s dropped on him again.”

Moon slid a glance to Winter, who gave her a visible look of confusion. “You’re right. There’s no avoiding the subject.”

“What subject?” Winter felt anger stew deep within his soul. Another lie , or at least truth kept hidden!?

“Kinkajou.” Moon let out a deep sigh. “I know you’ve been wondering about her.”

“What happened?” Winter’s anger subsided a bit.

Moon averted her gaze. “I… really don’t know how to tell you this, Winter. But whatever you do, do not blame yourself.”

“What happened ?” Winter demanded this time.

“She overheard the argument we had.” Moon didn’t look at him. “We didn’t know she was there. In fact, a few days went by before we heard anything, which was strange considering that she was supposed to be at JMA. I remember seeing her before it exploded.”

Moon gestured for him to sit down, and Winter’s heart thumped so fast he thought it may burst out of his chest. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? No, Winter vividly remembered Moon mentioning Kinkajou being alive.

“She’d been keeping a lot of her own guilt hidden. You know Kinkajou; she’ll never admit when she’s upset. And after hearing your outburst, she flew off. She wasn’t watching where she was going and…” A tear slid down Moon’s face. “She hit a tree full speed.”

Winter said nothing at first. In any other context, Kinkajou slamming into a tree was just another day in the Rainforest. But from the way Moon was shaking, the damage was bad .

“Webs found her on one of his flights. Turtle’s rock mitigated a lot of the damage but… she’ll never fly again. Maybe if we’d found her sooner, but she was hidden in brush.” Moon shuddered, wings wrapping around herself. “She can walk but running is hard for her. She has difficulty changing the scales around the serious injuries.”

“...This is why you didn’t want me flying off back in the Sand Kingdom, right?” Winter recalled the brief moment of panic on Moon’s face and her reaction in general. She only nodded slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me then?”

“Winter, I had just gotten you back. I’m not going to throw that at you.” Moon narrowed her gaze.

Winter looked down at the ground. Because of his outburst, someone he considered a friend was now permanently crippled. How could he not blame himself?

“Winter…” Blue said, not Moon. “You couldn’t have known.”

“I should have restrained myself.” Winter stood up. “Every time I lose my temper, something breaks or someone gets hurt.”

“Winter, stop it, this isn’t your fault.” Moon interjected crossly.

“Isn’t it?” Winter gave her a sullen, defeated look. “If I hadn’t had that argument, the winglet wouldn’t have exploded. Maybe you and Qibli still would’ve split, but it wouldn’t have been as bad. Kinkajou wouldn’t be crippled. What else happened? Don’t hold anything back.”

“Nothing to that extreme,” Moon answered honestly. “Fighting and disillusionment mainly. But as I said before, I still maintain a good relationship with Turtle and, by proxy, Peril.  This is all us.”

“Set off by me.” Winter growled, his voice low. “Qibli said that I may have lit the dragonflame cactus, but I wasn’t the explosion. I’m beginning to think you all are just trying to placate me.”

“What!?” Moon cried out in disbelief. “No! Stop this, Winter!”

Winter regretted the words that left his mouth at that time. They weren’t trying to placate them. Yet, that was all his mind set.

We rage, and then we regret.

Twenty years later, and here Winter ways, living up to his own words to Sandrunner. How could he ever give advice to someone when he didn’t heed it? It was a cycle. The moment he got better, his own insecurities and self-loathing ripped it apart. In truth, he knew he couldn’t control Kinkajou’s actions.

But if he didn’t explode the way he did, she’d be okay. Despite everything, he didn’t want her to be injured. She may have made Peacemaker, but she did it from Hope’s guidance. She was trying her best in a desperate situation.

And yet…

And yet, a part of Winter was happy . A tiny, wriggling tendril in the darker parts of his mind. He was happy that she finally got what was coming to her. And when he felt that there, he realized that he was happy about a lot of things he shouldn’t be. That everyone had gotten exactly what was coming to them.

Moon and Qibli’s divorce. Their fractured relationship with the winglet. Kinkajou’s injury. All things that had some sort of cosmic karma coming right back to bite them.

Such thoughts rattled the ice around his heart and he felt them clink gently into the void.

“I need to be alone for a bit.” Winter made his way to the exit. “I’ll be back.”

“Alright… but don’t do anything stupid.” Blue’s antennae flattened against his head.

“You’ve known me for how many years, Blue?” Winter forced a taut smile before departing.

***

Moon watched Winter go, devastated. She knew that he’d react this way when she told him the truth about Kinkajou, but it didn’t make it any less heart wrenching. Part of her wished that she could just take it back and make up another story about what really happened, but lying is why she lost him in the first place.

No, no matter how hurtful the truth was, she had to tell it. It didn’t make it any easier.

“What happened?” Cricket poked her head out. “I heard Winter leaving.”

“You heard that but not the conversation?” Blue raised a brow.

“Listen, I was talking to our eggs. You know that dragonets are conscious in them, right?” Cricket frowned.

“Pretty sure it was you who wrote that they only develop it later, Mrs. Scientist.” Blue responded teasingly.

“I… listen, it’s different now!” Cricket’s face darkened. Blue only chuckled. “Okay, before I kill my husband, what happened?”

Moon recounted in detail what she told Winter. Cricket’s face grew a grimace that Moon wasn’t sure was directed at her or the situation.

“That’s awful.” Cricket murmured at the end.

“It’s not his fault. I need you to help convince him.” Moon pleaded with the HiveWing.

“What a disaster this week has been.” Cricket groaned. “But, I appreciate you not lying. The thing with Winter is that you have to let him go and brood. He’ll be back as he said. It’s just a matter of being there once he is.”

“I shouldn’t have talked about it at all.” Moon fretted, her wings flapping out of distress. “I just… I needed to prepare him in case Kinkajou blurted it out.”

“It’s better you did.” Blue placed his claw on her in an attempt to calm.

“I know, I know, but he’s already so damaged and I screwed up once before over this. My marriage is over, my son is in turmoil. It just feels like every time I tell the truth, something explodes!” Moon forced herself to sit, feeling tears well up.

“I’d rather be hurt by the truth than live a lie.” Cricket walked into the room, a sad smile on her face. “Winter is the same. He’s not mad at you for telling him. If anything, he’s grateful.”

“I just got him back…” Moon lowered her gaze.

“Look, unless you do something drastic, you’re not in any danger of losing him.” Cricket sat down in front of her, holding Moon’s claws. “And that means rebounding onto him.”

Moon jerked her head back, blinking with surprise. “W-what?”

“Look, when you first walked in, I saw it in the way you looked at him,” Cricket said bluntly. “We both did. I don’t know if you’re doing it consciously, but you’re sending all kinds of signals.”

“No, I’m not doing that!” Moon snapped back. “I would never! It’s been two years, if I had any rebound instinct or whatever, it would’ve happened right after Qibli left!”

“Yeah, but you didn’t have a love triangle with anyone else.” Cricket gave her a knowing look. “I’m not going to guess at what you’re feeling, but it’s not hard to see that you’re in the same position he is.”

“I’m not going to hurt him,” Moon responded adamantly. “Never again.”

“We believe you.” Blue smiled comfortingly. “But this all started out of not wanting to do that. So, you need to be careful is all. Time will heal these wounds, but I can’t say how long.”

Moon didn’t say anything for a moment. They were right. Moon’s instinct to not hurt anyone was to never tell them anything out of fear of pain. And yet, that was what caused all of this. She had to keep telling the truth and watch her actions. Three moons, they’d only started talking again last week!

“I will say, he’s a lot happier now, all things considered.” Cricket laughed silently. “It’s like he has a drive back. I was very skeptical when you walked in with him, but hearing all of this… yeah, you reconnecting is a good thing. If you need any help, you know where to find us.”

“Happy? He just flew off upset!” Moon stared with disbelief.

“Okay, but before that, he had a wide smile on his face and was excited to go back to Jade Mountain.” Cricket countered. “Do you know how long it’s been since we saw that?”

“Five years?” Moon hazarded a guess.

“Five years.” Cricket nodded. “But, like I said, you just need to let him brood. He’ll come back. He always does.”

Moon could only sigh and accept Cricket’s words. In a way, she found it kind of funny that not much had changed with Winter. But, this was one of the few times where she had caused the hurt. She needed to relax and just wait for him to come back.

But… the talk about how Kinkajou flew off emotional made Moon unable to rest. She had to let him go, and fretting over him would only make him more irate. She had to trust in his instincts.

***

That was four lives Winter had screwed up.

He had hoped that a flight around Sanctuary would clear his mind, but it only made it worse. He never meant for any of this.

Winter had to accept it, though. Just like everything life threw at him, it was out of his control. Winter felt like at the center of a blizzard, just waiting for the snow to bury him alive. Maybe then he wouldn’t be able to hurt anybody else.

Yet, that was the darker side of himself.

With a sigh, he landed before the cave again. Cricket and Blue were still awake; he could hear them discussing something indistinct. Whatever it was, though, it was light hearted because he could hear them laughing.

But, Moon had passed out in the den. Winter frowned. He couldn’t leave her like this. Yet, he doubted he could lift her, especially when she was basically dead weight. But, he could do something.

Scrounging around the room and in Riptide’s old dorm, he found a few pillows and blankets. Sanctuary tended to get cold at night. He wondered why Cricket and Blue didn’t help her, but they probably didn’t know Moon had passed out.

Gently, Winter placed the blankets on her, lifting her head to slide in a pillow or two. At his touch, she shivered slightly, but didn’t wake. After he was done, she curled up more. What sounded like a pleasurable growl emitted from her, and Winter smiled slightly. He had to admit, she was kind of cute underneath thick blankets with only her head out and stuffed between pillows.

Before he could dwell further on that, he decided to head to bed himself. Tomorrow, he’d have to speak about taking over for Cricket.

And, probably, confronting the rest of the Winglet.

Chapter Text

Jade Mountain Academy loomed like a judge and Winter the one on trial. Its shadow was inescapable as they flew toward its entrance, where large doors barred entrance. No guards went out to greet them, but Winter knew that they really only needed one . She was nearby, of that he was certain. Turtle lived at the academy as far as Winter recalled, and there was no way Peril would leave him alone.

“Right, well, we have about a week before the semester starts.” Moon told Winter as they landed before the doors. “It’ll take a bit for everything to process, but considering it’s Tsunami it’ll either take five seconds, or five days.”

“What do you mean?” Winter questioned.

“Oh, right, you don’t know.” Moon looked like she wanted to slap herself. “Four years ago, we had a minor incident at the academy involving a teacher and a student. Nothing like that happened before you question it, but it happened to be when Queen Coral was here. You know how she is.”

“I do.” Winter cringed.

“Anyway, the queens all decided it was a good idea after she raised the idea in a queen’s council to have better background checks and so on. The teacher wasn’t fired, mind you, but that was because Tsunami threw a fit about it. So, despite you teaching here, you’re going to have to go through that. However, Tsunami may just toss it out the window because she knows you. Really, everyone in human studies does.”

“I mean, I could be a dangerous criminal now. Maybe she should follow through.” Winter chuckled lowly.

“I think if you were, you would’ve done something far worse than put blankets and pillows on me.” Moon giggled. Winter simply shrugged. “Wait, was that some devious plan of yours to throw off suspicion?”

“Could be.”

Moon opened the doors, and once again, Winter found himself in the Great Hall. He remembered walking in here the first time, where the Dragons of Destiny greeted them all and said what winglet they were in. Qibli had all but run up to him at that point, and immediately started chatting. Little blabbermouth, he was.

Still is, for that matter.

Winter noted the paintings of previous Winglets hanging from the walls. He saw his former winglet in the first painting, and spied Sandrunner a few generations down. Part of him was annoyed that he never finished his time at Jade Mountain, but at the same time, the human-dragon relations would’ve been severely limited if he did.

No decorations welcoming back the students this time.

“This winglet doesn’t graduate until spring.” Moon said to him when he asked.

“How many angry letters do you get for your tenures?” Winter couldn’t help but ask.

“You have no idea. Tsunami tends to just shred them. ‘No point in reading them, they’ll just make me throw a table out the window again’ was what she said.”

“Again?”

“Oh, right, you weren’t here for that…”

The Headmistress’ office was located near the back of the Academy, so it was just a matter of winding down familiar pathways – and some unfamiliar, as there was apparently an expansion – to get there. A sense of nostalgic melancholy washed over Winter with each step as he remembered the night he exploded, but the nights before where he’d had the best time of his life.

It was uncomfortable being here. Yet, at the same time, it was a home. A home he had not been to in a long, long time. He wasn’t the only one to feel this way, either, from the way Moon moved. She was apprehensive, looking down corridors as if expecting someone to come rushing at her. Winter wondered how they ever taught together after his incident.

The door to the Headmistress’ office was before them now, and Moon knocked gently. A SeaWing head that Winter didn’t expect poked out.

“Winter?” Riptide questioned, rubbing his eyes as if trying to awaken. “Am I… dreaming? Is this a prank?” Winter responded by lightly pinching Riptide’s light blue nose. “Okay, no, this is not a dream. Then it must be a prank. I really advise not doing this right now. Tsunami is dealing with stuff.”

“Then should we come back later? Because we need to talk to her about Winter teaching here,” Moon said politely.

Riptide stared with his ocean blue eyes at her. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you the story later.” Winter promised Riptide.

“Right… okay, well, you can come in and all but just give me a moment to tell Tsunami.”

The door was opened, and the receptionist’s office greeted them. Riptide acted as Tsunami’s vice headmaster, taking care of the smaller priorities and organizing. His desk was immaculate, much like Winter’s. Winter didn’t read the covers of any of the paperwork, though. He surmised they were largely about students, anyway.

The place sure had changed. It was actually official now, instead of the haphazard way the first week of Jade Mountain went. Then, it was a bunch of barely adult dragons trying to make the world a better place. Now? Well, IceWings were hard to please, but clearly they were doing something right if they kept getting more and more students.

“WHAT!?” Tsunami roared from behind a wooden door. Winter and Moon exchanged looks, the latter shrugging. This must be normal.

Seconds later, the large, battle scarred SeaWing came bursting out and stared directly at Winter. Moon could be intimidating with how fit and muscular she was, but Tsunami was in a league of her own. This, combined with the heavy and loud steps, caused Winter to nearly jump to his claws.

“Oh no, no, no, no.” Tsunami’s green eyes slitted at the sight of Winter. “This is not happening.”

“Um…?” Winter raised a brow.

“Do you have any idea the amount of carnage you left in your wake!?” Tsunami snapped at him. “You destabilized years of progress! And now you just come marching in to replace Cricket?!” She looked at Moon, disbelief on her face. “Are you serious!? After what you went through, you’re bringing him back !?”

“Five years is a long time, Tsunami,” Moon said calmly.

“Yeah, well, it’s not long enough to fix the tidal wave this sent into the Academy. Do you even know what I had to do to keep his fate from getting out!? The whole Academy heard you three! You’re lucky it was during a break period and the students didn’t catch wind!”

It took Winter a second to realize she was talking about Darkstalker. In a way, he felt somewhat vindicated that Tsunami was roaring about Darkstalker, as she didn’t seem to know.

“Cricket has eggs now, Tsunami.” Moon stood up and met the Headmistress’ gaze. “Winter offered to take her place. If he didn’t, you would have no human studies, and that might violate an agreement wouldn’t it?”

“Wait, she finally popped?” Riptide butted in. “When?”

“Barely a week ago,” Winter answered.

“I can find another!” Tsunami snapped. “I’m glad you two sorted out whatever differences you two had, but I am not having an explosion waiting to happen teaching my students!”

“I don’t think that will happen again.” Moon defended Winter. “We aired everything out.”

“Did he with the others?” Tsunami asked pointedly. “Because the only way I will even consider letting him teach is if you can get everyone off to sign off on it.”

“We just arrived, so no.” Moon shook her head.

“Well, you got two days.” Tsunami simmered down slightly, although she still wore a scowl on her face. “Kinkajou is going to be the hardest one, you know that, right?”

“I know.” Moon smiled sadly. “I’ll speak with her first before she has to see Winter.”

Tsunami let out a long, drawn out sigh. “You really are too nice, Moon.”

“And you worry, so that’s why you’re yelling.” Moon’s smile turned sweet.

“Honestly, I expected her to pick Winter up and throw him out the window.” Riptide indicated to said window next to him. “Guess my influence rubbed off after all.”

“I can throw you out the window instead, Squid Brain.” Tsunami grumbled.

“I have wings, I’ll be okay.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“I love you too, Tsunami.” Riptide nuzzled her gently, earning a glare from Tsunami, but otherwise she didn’t protest against the affection.

“Look, you can stay for these two days.” Tsunami addressed Winter. “But, if you can’t convince all of them, then I’ll have no choice but to ask you to leave. It ain’t because I agree with what happened or whatever, but I cannot have that risk again. Moon told you about the whole background thing, right?”

“She did.” Winter nodded slowly.

“Any incident could bring my mother down here, and for all our sakes, I’d like to prevent that.” Tsunami held her head with annoyance. “She’s gotten a lot better over the years, but I’d like to prevent anyone’s fangs from being pulled out.”

“And demanding you have an egg already.” Riptide muttered under his breath.

“And that.” Tsunami huffed.

They were dismissed afterward, and Winter couldn’t help but feel so much whiplash from that conversation. It went from Tsunami raging that he was there, to her calming and actually explaining her motivations. More guilt crawled into Winter’s veins; he very well could’ve brought down Jade Mountain Academy itself had this gotten out.

“I’m sure if Tsunami actually did kick you out immediately, Sunny would’ve flown right up here.” Moon laughed quietly. “Tsunami may be the leader of the Dragons of Destiny and Headmistress, but even she knows better than to upset Sunny.”

“I’m more surprised you didn’t back down. I’m not used to this side of you,” Winter admitted.

“After some of the things that happened, arguing with Tsunami is simply another day of life.” Moon shrugged. “I know it comes from a desire to protect her academy. So, you just need to wiggle around that.”

“You’ve changed a lot.” Winter couldn’t help but say. Moon raised a brow. “I mean it. Even five years ago, I never would’ve expected you to be… well, like you are now.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Moon asked with a small smile.

“Not at all. It… better fits your stature.” Winter averted his gaze and gesturing to her physique.

“Ha! Well, yes, that was a paradox. Strong but shy.” Moon laughed, her voice bouncing off the walls. “Then again, I had to be fit to survive in the Rainforest. Didn’t exactly lend itself to social skills.”

“I suppose not.” Winter responded, bemused. “Truthfully, you could have knocked me out when I yelled at you over Bandit.”

“Yes, well, between being petrified at the sudden noise and holding a human, I couldn’t do that. I can do it now if you’d like.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Did you ever meet Bandit again?” Moon asked as they made their way down the halls. Winter had no idea where they were going, but it was nice to just walk alongside her.

“Yes, actually.” Winter nodded. “He’s in Sanctuary. Honestly liked the name I picked out for him, so he lets me call him that.”

“Aww, that’s adorable.” Moon teased. Winter felt his face grow warm slightly.

“What!?” Came a sharp, loud voice that Winter recognized far too well.

Standing at the end of the hall, a dumb look on her fiery orange face, was Peril. Her bright blue eyes seemed to glow from the distance she stood, which made Winter feel all the more scrutinized when she looked at him. The SkyWing then punched the wall, wincing and shaking her claw.

“Okay, this is real.” Peril slowly made her way over to them. “What happened? What did I miss? Because this is something I never expected in, like, a million years.”

“Chance encounter while in the Rainforest, basically,” Winter responded.

“That’s… so mundane.” Peril blinked blankly. “I was expecting some sort of team up but I guess that makes way more sense. What are you doing here, then? Because this is literally the last place I ever expected to see you again.”

“Well, hopefully, I’ll be taking over for Cricket while she roosts on her eggs.”

“Oh, she had eggs? That’s so cute! Sky didn’t tell me, so I guess this just happened. I wonder what would happen if I had eggs. Turtle keeps avoiding the subject,” Peril added as an aside, a faint look of annoyance on her face. “He’s so nervous. It’s sweet when he turns into a puddle but when I want answers like that it’s a little irritating.”

Winter had the mental image of Turtle literally turning into a puddle when she spoke. Given how intense her scales could be once the golden band around her arm was removed, him melting made sense.

“But anyway, I’m surprised you offered. I heard shouting, so I’m guessing Tsunami went off again. I was actually on my way to investigate.” Peril returned focus to Winter and Moon.

“She said that I need the okay from the rest of the Winglet.” Winter responded.

“Sure, you have my vote.” Peril immediately answered. “You and I never had an issue. I’m sure Turtle wouldn’t mind it either. But the only issue is… Moon, did you tell him?” She turned her gaze to Moon as if expecting a ‘no’.

“I told him about Kinkajou, yes.” Moon nodded slowly.

“Oh.” Peril seemed surprised by the answer. “Well, you’re going to have to tell her that he’s here. We don’t want her running off again now, do we?”

“Do you know where she is?” Moon inquired.

“Heck if I know. She’s usually invisible ever since the accident, remember? She could literally be right next to us and we’d never know.”

“Well, there is one place I know she often is…” Moon slid her gaze to Winter. “I’ll go find her. Winter, if I leave you here with Peril, are you going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” Winter affirmed. “Like she said, her and I didn’t exactly fall out.”

“I promise not to burn him again.” Peril pledged with a claw on her chest. Winter’s mind whipped back to outside Possibility and he involuntarily shuddered.

“But you won’t bite or stab him?” Moon asked teasingly.

“… I won’t burn him,” Peril answered with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

With that, Moon left, leaving Winter with Peril. Almost immediately after she turned the corner, Peril swiveled to Winter.

“Did you two fuck?” Peril asked point blank. Winter had no time to prepare for it and could only open his jaw slightly. “You two are walking around like you did and are trying to avoid the subject.”

“No!” Winter finally found his voice. “We just met and are trying to sort out where we stand is all.”

“Uh huh.” Peril responded disbelievingly. “It’s okay if you did. I don’t judge.” 

“Peril, please, no…”

Peril grinned wickedly, her fangs showing. “It’s nice to be able to tease you again.”

“I am beginning to regret coming here.” Winter grumbled under his breath. “Sky would never do such a thing to me.”

“Sky is pure and innocent. I am not.” Peril’s grin grew wider. “Ask Turtle.”

“I’ll pass on that.” Winter frowned slightly. “This place is a tad emptier than I expected it to be, even with it being break.”

“Oh, well, Clay is off with his sibs until the semester starts again. Fatespeaker took Starflight exploring for new scrolls.” Peril tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Webs is… somewhere. He was around earlier. Sunny is in the Sand Kingdom. Did Moon tell you she quit?”

“I met her, yeah. I escorted Moon to talk to Qibli there. I didn’t know she planned on not getting back together with him before you ask.” Winter shook his head. “I ended up clearing the air for now with Qibli. And now I guess I’m just stuck with Moon.”

“Moon tries. I respect that about her. I’m not going to forgive her for her actions just yet, but if you’re willing to try and make it past… well, I guess I can simmer down a bit.” Peril ruffled her wings, tapping her talons against the rock floor. “I mean, more than I have already. We were patching things up before you came along anyway.”

Peril stopped before a door, clearing her throat before rapidly banging on it. “KNOCK, KNOCK TURTY WURTY!”

Winter’s own heart jumped into his throat from how loud Peril became. He wondered how Turtle didn’t have a heart attack if this was a daily occurrence.

Said SeaWing opened the door, looking not at all surprised or even bothered by Peril. If anything, there was just this passiveness on his green scaled face that Winter couldn’t quite read. It was as if he was so used to her that he could no longer be taken aback by the SkyWing.

Said lack of surprise changed when he lay his green eyes on Winter. He adjusted his spectacles – Winter wasn’t aware he had gotten them - as the fins on his back raised with shock.

“Winter?” Turtle spoke with disbelief. “How… Why…?” He turned to Peril. “What happened?”

“He and Moon ran into each other in the Rainforest and I guess he wants to teach here now cuz Cricket finally got the pregnog.” Peril explained nonchalantly. Winter had to doubletake at the last word she spoke whereas Turtle reacted with a quiet sigh. She cackled wickedly at their reactions.

“Welcome back to Jade Mountain, Winter. You’ll be hearing stuff like this daily,” Turtle said to Winter.

“You’re dating her,” Winter responded flatly.

“Not anymore.” Turtle shook his head. Before Winter had a chance to respond, he flashed a beautiful gold and silver ring on his horn. Looking back at Peril, he noted she had one as well. “We’re engaged now.”

“Did you bully him into this?” Winter asked Peril, who pulled Turtle into a tight hug with her wing. Winter noticed that he was much thinner these days. No longer this plump, round dragon, he looked much happier too.

“Oh yes I did.” Peril nuzzled Turtle affectionately. “He’s my little twink to bully for the rest of time.”

“… What’s a twink?”

“Do not answer.” Turtle cut off Peril. “Please. He’s already out of his depth. No need to scare him away after he just came back.”

“Okay, just for you, I won’t. Today.” Peril winked. Turtle let out another sigh.

“Seriously though, it is nice to see you again.” Turtle smiled as he returned his attention back to Winter. “Peril kept me apprised of your exploits whenever she visited Sky. I’d like to see Sanctuary again.”

“That’d be fine,” Winter said.

“Tsunami needs all of us to consent to Winter being back, by the way,” Peril said to Turtle. “I gave mine.”

Turtle frowned slightly. “I want to say yes. But…” He shifted uncomfortably. “It’s going to be really hard to get things done when Kinkajou runs scared of him because she thinks he’s going to kill her.”

Winter could only stare incredulously. Moon had neglected to mention that aspect! From the scowl on Peril’s face, she was evidently just as pleased as he was.

“She didn’t tell you.” Peril growled.

“She was probably just trying to give it over time so he didn’t get overwhelmed.” Turtle placed his claw over hers comfortingly. Smoke billowed from Peril’s nostrils but otherwise she stayed calm. “You know how she is.”

“I know exactly how she is and this is what caused the problem in the first place!” Peril snapped.

“She thinks I want to kill her?” Winter asked quietly, his voice barely a whisper.

“Kinkajou was the one who wrote the spell.” Turtle winced. “She genuinely is terrified of you now.”

“No!” Winter shook his head. “I don’t want to kill or hurt her! Yes, I’m mad and angry about it, but not to that level!”

“I wasn’t there, but from what I heard, you spooked the scales off her.” Turtle tried to be gentle with his words, but Winter could tell he was holding back. Turtle should really just spit it out. “I believe you when you say you won’t harm her. But I think, at the time, if you saw her…”

Winter stayed silent for a moment. He didn’t remember how he felt then. He barely remembered what he shouted. Was he really as cruel and nasty as implied? Would he consciously hurt someone he considered a friend? He just… didn’t know.

“Well, no matter what happened in the past, I will not harm a scale on her now,” Winter responded reassuringly. “I’m here to reconnect. Or, at least, try to.”

“If that’s the case, then I don’t mind reconnecting. You certainly seem calmer than you were back in the day.” Turtle tilted his head, eying him up and down. “Remorseful, even.”

“I’ll tell you the story of what happened if you want.” Winter offered. “Both of you. May as well kill some time until Moon finds us.”

***

The Night Kingdom was like stepping into the past. Certainly better than it was twenty years ago, but it wasn’t up to the standards of the other Kingdoms just yet. Only about half of the former illustrious City of Night was filled, and even then, some of the buildings were in severe disrepair. Most of the material used to make them – obsidian and other dark stone – were much harder to find these days.

For some reason, Qibli thought the place would look good under snow. It would occasionally sweep in during the cold days of winter, but being so close to the Sand and Rain Kingdoms, it wasn’t too often. Maybe he was too used to IceWings, because before meeting Winter, the very idea of snow was enough to make him shiver.

NightWing guards flew up to them as they approached the border, none that Qibli recognized. Once Qibli identified himself and the others, they were allowed in via an escort. Strange, they never really had to deal with this before. Even Sunny was a tad confused, exchanging a look with him and Sandrunner.

The castle loomed in the distance like a dark fortress, all fixed up and no longer in a state of decay. It was grand and majestic as it could be given the resources. Qibli had been here a few times, and he likened it to some sort of horror place at times. Only, the last time he was here, it had been a place of mirth and welcome. Not doom and gloom as it seemed now.

Maybe it was his anxiety spiking. Nothing really felt right for the past few days. His heart still ached for Moon, Sunny and Thorn acted weird, Sandrunner slept with Blaze. It felt like things were just falling apart.

“Wait here, please,” one of the guards said to them. At least they were pleasant. Nothing nefarious about them at all, actually. So, perhaps it was Qibli’s anxiety.

“Okay, so, is it me or is it kinda… ominous here?” Qibli whispered to Sandrunner and Sunny.

“Not just you.” Sandrunner shook his head. “I can’t help but feel like something’s happening.”

“Mmm, I’m worried.” Sunny agreed. “I don’t think we’re in danger, but something is certainly going on.”

The guards came back, allowing them into the throne room. It was very extravagant, with restored dark curtains and carpets. Statues of important NightWings – both old and new – were placed near the walls, some of which were a tad confusing. For example, Morrowseer was there. Although the plaque mentioned his unsavory methods and condemned them, he could not be ignored for being pivotal to the NightWing’s current state. Sunny grimaced at the sight of the statue but said nothing.

Some of the former Queens, including Battlewinner, were also carved. Qibli remembered Hope explaining that all of their history, including the bad parts, must be put on display for them to move forward. He saw the logic, but he wasn’t sure about it still.

No Darkstalker, though. Some things were better left unseen, Qibli supposed.

Hope lay upon her throne, a smile on her face. Admittedly, seeing the great and powerful dragon was refreshing and calmed Qibli. Over the years, Hope had been a powerful friend to him and Moon. They didn’t talk as much these days, but every visit was always pleasant.

“It is good to see you three again,” Hope greeted warmly. “Even if it is not on the best of circumstances.”

“Well, I hardly think this is anything major. We just wanted to make sure things are okay here.” Sunny stepped forward.

“Ah. Well, that is just the thing.” Hope frowned slightly. “It is minor now, but I fear it may escalate.” She sighed. “Tell me, do you remember Fierceteeth?”

Qibli immediately slapped a claw to his face whilst Sunny simply shook her head. Sandrunner looked between them with some confusion.

“It appears we are not rebuilding quick enough for her.” Hope chuckled at their reactions. “She has decided to take matters into her own claw. Hence the hunting in the Sand Kingdom. When I heard what was happening, I sent out to find her. So far, nothing.”

“There’s not many places she could hide.” Qibli frowned. “Unless there’s some sort of underground tunnel system.”

“The ruins hold many secrets still to this day. It has only been a few years since we reclaimed this land.” Hope reminded him. “Our population is still far behind other kingdoms, too. So, we lack the numbers to properly search, especially since half our population still resides in the Rain Kingdom.”

“That’s a fair point. I didn’t mean it to sound accusatory.” Qibli felt heat rise to his face from embarrassment.

“I figured.” Hope nodded. “Regardless, I fear we may have a rebellion if Fierceteeth gains more traction. Rest assured, so long as I am the Queen of the NightWings, you will not have to fear us. However…”

“If the situation gets worse, you may not be able to control it.” Sunny finished her statement.

“Indeed. Now, I will not saddle this upon you three. You are not of my Kingdom, but if you would lend any assistance, I would be thankful.” Hope leaned forward, her dark green/black scaled face neutral. “I do not think Fierceteeth would get very far even if she starts a rebellion – again – but I’d like to kill it before it starts.”

“Should I go back and tell Queen Thorn?” Sandrunner asked Sunny.

“Rest your wings.” Hope instead answered. “I will not have you fly out so soon.”

“Head back in the morning.” Sunny added on. “We’ll stay here and get a better idea of what’s happening so when you return with my mother’s response, we can go from there.”

“Alright.” Sandrunner nodded.

“Plus, it gives me a chance to draft a letter.” A smile curled at Hope’s lips.

They were shown guest rooms, which were much more extravagant than the Sand or Rain Kingdom’s. It rivaled the Ice Kingdom’s, actually, only with maroon and other dark colors to the icy whites and blues. There was something about here that shrieked romantic, though, especially if candles were lit.

Maybe he was just thinking of Moon again. Lonely is a dragon without love… well, in his case anyway. Clay, for example, was never lonely. Winter didn't seem that way either.

His gaze slid back to Sunny, who was poking her head into her room. He didn’t want to act. Not yet. It was too soon after Moon had left, and he didn’t want her to feel like the replacement. She was far, far more than that.

Still, Qibli didn’t want her to wait forever if the feeling was mutual. He just didn’t want her to change for him. He liked traveling, seeing the world and being the hero. Did Sunny feel the same? He just didn’t know. She never seemed into anyone. Maybe he was reading romantic intentions when it was purely platonic.

Tomorrow night, depending on what happened, he’d feel out the situation.

Chapter Text

Sandrunner didn’t feel like he belonged in the Night Kingdom despite being half NightWing.

There was something about it that rubbed him the wrong way. It wasn’t the tribe itself, as he had no bad experiences with them. Maybe it was the gloomy architecture that hit too close to his general mindset these days. Or maybe it was because they were mostly nocturnal. Sandrunner was no stranger to odd hours, but it was weird seeing a completely nocturnal tribe.

Oh well. Just another quirk to a tribe. SandWings radiated heat through their scales, NightWings were nocturnal. He inherited none of those traits. Although, dragons did say he was warm, so maybe he did radiate a little bit?

These random thoughts kept Sandrunner busy as he walked through the castle. He couldn’t sleep, so a nice stroll or fly was in order. Reading? Nah. He hated it in most cases. Although, he did have good memories of his mother reading him stories to go to bed. Either way, exploring was the only option.

Especially since he couldn’t bother his dad. He didn’t want to walk in on him and Sunny if that actually went anywhere. His heart still felt a stab at the thought as his hope of his parents getting back together tried to survive. No matter what Sandrunner did, he just couldn’t kill it. Maybe it was the dragonet side of him.

Sandrunner let out a small sigh. He really was screwed up. He had no real friends anymore due to his job and overall attitude back then. No home to return to. Or, rather, he had to choose between them. Maybe he should find a place in the dead center between the two so the travel wouldn’t be so bad.

Then again, he was pretty much bound to the Sand Kingdom…

“Sandrunner?”

A voice he didn’t recognize snapped him from his thoughts. Turning, he felt a faint degree of panic. It wasn’t at her specifically, but rather her father.

The approaching dragon looked NightWing, but fins on the side of her head showed her to be a hybrid like himself. Her blue-black scales glittered in the moonlight, and admittedly, she looked gorgeous in it. It’d been a year since he saw her last, but upon sight, he remembered everything.

Duskweaver, the NightWing of his Winglet.

And Peacemaker’s daughter.

“Oh wow, it is you,” she approached. Her form was quite dainty for a NightWing, and coupled with icy white and black ribbons in her horns, she looked like a princess. Which… honestly, she may as well be, given that she was Hope’s granddaughter.

“Surprised you remember me.” Sandrunner chuckled awkwardly. He sucked at small talk.

“Well, how could I forget my wingmate?” Duskweaver flashed him a smile, her piercing blue eyes seeming to stare into his soul. How did he ever forget them?

“Honestly, given how antisocial I acted, I wouldn’t blame you.” Sandrunner shook his head.

“We all knew something was up. Broken homes are not easily worked through.” Duskweaver stood next to him, overlooking the Night Kingdom. 

“Yeah uh… sorry about that.” Sandrunner scratched at the back of his head apologetically. “I’m kind of accepting it now.”

“Growing older tends to fit things into place.” Duskweaver giggled. “What brings you here?”

“Oh, I’m a messenger for Queen Thorn. I’m here with my father on some business, so I’ll be staying the night.”

“A messenger for your all-but grandmother, huh?” Duskweaver regarded him with interest. “Kinda forget that we’re both basically royalty now.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Sandrunner mused. “What do you do here?”

“Oh, me? I serve as a representative between the Rain and Night Kingdom with my father.” She ran a claw over her blue fins. They were starry, just like her wings. “Fitting, am I right?”

“We might’ve just missed each other. I was in the Rain Kingdom last week delivering a message.”

“Oh, no, I haven’t been there in a bit. For now, I’ve been keeping busy with crafting. I, for some reason, really like hourglasses.” Duskweaver pulled out an hourglass, watching the black sand slowly fall to the other side. “I can’t describe it. Something about watching the sand fall is… mesmerizing.”

“I mean, they are good uses of time…” Sandrunner watched the sand fall.

“Yeah, I know, but bending the glass too? I don’t know. Something about creating things just speaks to me.” Duskweaver sighed happily. “What about you? Did you end up getting any hobbies?”

“Erm… no, not really.” Sandrunner admitted with a wince.

“Oh, that’s a shame. There must be something you are into.” Duskweaver frowned.

“Honestly, not much. Kinda boring, I guess.”

“Maybe you just haven’t found anything yet.” Duskweaver smiled brightly. “You are half NightWing. You may like NightWing things more than Sand.”

“It is coarse and rough. Gets everywhere, too.” Sandrunner returned her smile.

“Now, where have I heard that before?” Duskweaver gave him a knowing look. “Oh, I know, every non-SandWing.”

“Does that include hybrids?”

“Most of them.”

“So uh… what are NightWing things to do, then? My mother wasn’t raised by them.”

“Oh, I know all about your parents. Hard not to.” Duskweaver winked. “As for NightWing things… well, we’re still trying to figure that out. From what I heard, we were a pretty aristocratic society. Not unlike IceWings, really, but minus the whole circle system. Lots of board games, though. Scales and Squares is very popular. Some are being found after all this time, although nobody really knows how to play them.”

“Board games, huh?” Sandrunner didn’t really find them fun. He guessed he had his father’s spirit in that he didn’t like sitting around.

“What I like to do, though, is go down to the beach and make sand sculptures.” Duskweaver seemed to catch on to his thoughts. That’s when he noted the silvery markings next to her eyes, and he felt embarrassment for not realizing them sooner. “Don’t feel too bad. Just about everything about me is shiny, so they aren’t super noticeable.”

“Do you have future sight as well? I forgot.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Just the mind reading. It’s okay, though. Some of the dragons born with it tend to drive themselves crazy.”

“Tell me about it.” Sandrunner vividly remembered his mother fretting over certain things. “I’m glad I didn’t inherit any of that.”

“Really? Most would love to have at least the mind reading. Certainly makes interactions a bit easier.”

“Mmm… no, not even that,” Sandrunner answered almost immediately. “Where’s the fun? If you have a cheat sheet to life, then it gets kinda boring. I guess it’s my scoundrel blood loving the thrill of the challenge.”

“Scoundrel blood?” Duskweaver raised a brow.

“Well, my father’s an Outclaw. I kind of got influenced by him.”

“Ah, right, yes.” She nodded slowly. “Well, I have to go prepare for a future meeting. But, it was really nice to see you again, Sandrunner. If you’re ever in the kingdom again, don’t be afraid to reach out. Or even send a letter.”

“I will.” Sandrunner promised. She smiled and walked away, turning the corner and leaving Sandrunner alone with his thoughts.

Someone actually wanted to speak to him? From his winglet, no less! Maybe he did overthink his reactions. Maybe others did care about him and he was just so lost in his misery that he never could see it. How convenient it was for her to show, but at the same time… well, he certainly wasn’t complaining.

It really would be nice to have a friend.

***

“That is one heck of a story, Winter.” Turtle blinked once Winter finished recounting the past week.

“Like I said, most of it is simple mundane nonsense, but reality is stranger than any fiction I’ve read.” Winter shrugged. “With fiction, you have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Reality? You’re lucky to hit the middle with things before it veers off into a snowbank.”

“Yeppers, I know that for a fact.” Peril looked over at Turtle. “I pined after Clay for years and then oops, I have a SeaWing. Fire and water. Never saw it coming but here we are.”

“I didn’t either.” Turtle smiled slightly.

“How does that even work? You two are almost polar opposites.” Winter couldn’t help but ask. He guessed all this relationship drama made him seek something that was positive.

“I dunno,” Peril answered bluntly. “It just does.”

“Truthfully, I’m not sure how we got to this point either. It was kind of a lot of things leading to each other and I guess we decided to take the romantic route.” Turtle clarified. “I remember our first date very well, though.”

“Ugh, I was a nervous wreck.” Peril shuddered. “I kept messing things up and somehow this one was patient with me the entire time.”

“You didn’t mess things up.” Turtle gave a comforting look. “You were nervous, and I understood that. Lest we forget, I have anxiety too.”

“Keep that talk and I’ll get another crush on you.” Peril stuck her tongue out playfully.

“We’re going to be married.”

“Yeah, and? I can have a crush on my intended.”

“… Yeah, okay, that makes sense.”

“I think I remember that.” Winter searched through the depths of his mind. “It was at the Solace, right?”

“Yeah. Queen Snowfall had invited us up there. I remember watching the auroras with Peril.” Turtle smiled at the memory. “It was cold, but she was warm enough for the both of us. Even without her Firescales, she’s still a heater.”

“Mmm, that night was one of the best, and it didn’t even involve fighting!” Peril sighed dreamily. “But, yeah, dunno how this worked out but I’m not complaining. Even when we argue, it’s kinda like, oooh I can’t stay mad at such a squishable face!”

“My face is not that squishable…” Turtle grumbled.

“Talk like that and I’ll prove it in front of Winter.”

“No need, I can see it.” Winter waved his claw, sparing poor Turtle from Peril’s affection. Well, it was more to spare himself truthfully. Public display of affection always rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was because he never had it?

“Oh, there you are.” Came Moon’s voice as she poked her head in Turtle’s dorm, where they had been sitting.

Winter’s mood immediately plummeted, mostly because he remembered how Kinkajou thought he was going to murder her in cold blood. His blood may be cool, but not that cold.

“So Moon, you got anything to share for Winter?” Peril immediately spoke. “Something about Kinkajou?”

Moon visibly winced. “You told him?”

“Of course I did! I thought you did.”

“I didn’t know how…” Moon averted her gaze. “It wasn’t because I wanted to keep that a secret, I just… well, how do you explain that?”

“Bluntly,” Peril said in deadpan.

“Not everyone is you, dear.” Turtle rubbed her shoulder again.

“World would be a much more honest place.” Peril leaned into his touch.

“I know you were trying to protect me, Moon, but… I feel more hurt by omitting stuff.” Winter stood up and spoke as calmly as he could. He knew she meant no malicious intent. He knew she was just trying to be a good friend and not lose him again.

But this was what drove him away. It was like Moon was trapped in a cycle.

“I know. I keep doing it. I just… no, I won’t make excuses.” Moon shook her head. Peril seemed to relax at her words. “I told Kinkajou you were here. She’ll find you when she’s ready.”

“You told her I have two days, right?” Winter asked.

“I did. She said she’d speak to you before that time. Or, at least, try.”

Winter nodded slowly. “What can I expect?”

“From her? Oh, um… well, she’ll be very skittish. Try not to make any form of fast movements.”

“Her wings are gone.” Peril added on, and Winter felt his heart stop. “Something called necrosis? I dunno, but Turtle’s rock couldn’t heal it.”

“I’ve been trying to find an animus object to restore them,” Turtle said gloomily. “No luck.”

“Have any animus dragons been born?” Winter focused on that rather than processing the fact that Kinkajou lost her wings .

“Uh, not that we know of. They’re probably keeping hidden after everything.” Turtle shook his head. “Even if there was, I don’t exactly feel comfortable tracking them down and asking for them to impart part of their soul.”

“I am.” Peril scoffed. “Is the world really going to be that bad of a place if we ask them to make an object that can restore lost limbs?”

“Depends on who cast it,” Turtle replied quietly. Peril’s face fell before she grumbled something under her breath.

“Moon, can I talk to you?” Winter decided it was better to speak of this in private. He didn’t want to have an argument and maybe butcher any progress between Moon and them.

She nodded, and they stepped out into the hall and shut the door. She didn’t make any defense, simply waiting on what Winter would say. Guilt was etched onto her face, and he thought she may just shrink down in size. It made it hard to remain angry.

“Moon, if you want me to stay, you can’t hide the truth anymore.” Winter came out and said. No point in mincing words. “I know you’re trying to protect me. I know you don’t mean any harm. But honesty is the best way to keep me around.”

“I know.” Moon responded quietly. “But, it’s like every time I want to… I get afraid.”

“Of me?”

Moon nodded again, slower this time. Winter took a deep breath, having suspected this for the longest time deep down from the reactions he got. Gently, he reached out and grabbed Moon’s claws, holding them.

“For so long, you’ve looked too far into the future. And now, you’re looking to the past the same way.” Winter met her gaze. “Stay in the present. See me as I am now, not who I was that night.”

“I do see you now. And I see the hurt and betrayal that you’re hiding,” Moon whispered back. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you hesitating to spar with me. I saw in your eyes that you wouldn’t hold back, and you were afraid of yourself. You say you’ve changed, but you’re still so angry . Hurt. And while it’s our fault for not trusting you, it’s wracking your mind. You’ll have to forgive me if I am hesitant.”

Winter grimaced. “I would have liked to have been told this sooner.”

“I know. But when I’m trying to get you back into my life, to make you feel happier , how can I ruin that?” Moon shook her head, wings flaring with frustration. “I keep expecting you to run off the moment you learn something new and blame me for not telling you. How was I going to know that you wanted to teach here? How could I possibly prepare for that when I’m not even over it!?”

Her tail slapped loudly on the ground as she finished speaking, voice akin to a roar at this point. Winter was taken aback, eyes widened.

“You want me to tell you these things, Winter, but you’re so focused on yourself that you can’t even see that I can’t handle it!” Moon snapped, tears welling in her eyes. “I want you in my life like you wouldn’t believe, but you being here… it ripped open all those wounds! My friends, my family … the moment you knocked on my door, it all came back like a knife in my heart. Just looking at you is hard, and I am tired of everyone judging me for hiding things when I can barely say it to myself!”

Moon shuddered, the tears now flowing as she took deep breaths before continuing.

“My life is ruined, Winter. I lost my mate, I broke my son’s heart, and I have to look at my friends who can barely meet my eyes. So maybe, instead of everyone getting pissed off at me, they can take a second to put themselves in my scales! All I ever wanted to do was to protect everyone, but how can I do that if I can’t even save my marriage? If I couldn’t find Kinkajou before she lost her wings! Hell, I didn’t! My best friend, and I couldn’t find her ! Maybe I don’t tell anyone anything because I’m trying to, for once , protect myself!”

She pulled away from him. “I don’t know what more you want from me, but that’s the truth, Winter. Now, if you’re going to leave, just go .”

Winter was stunned into silence. He felt angry at himself for not realizing just how badly this had affected her despite acknowledging the situation. He was so annoyed and mad that she was still keeping secrets that he neglected to ask why . He thought he knew the reasons.

He was so, so wrong.

“Moon… I’m glad you told me this.” Winter found his voice after a moment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t… I just…”

“And now you know.” Moon responded with a hint of bitterness.

“I’m not leaving.”

Moon paused, looking at him with confusion and, deep within her tear-sparkling eyes, a hint of hope.

“I knew things fell apart. But I didn’t realize that it was still falling.” Winter tried to make his voice sound as calm and soothing as possible. “I can’t leave you like this. I should’ve looked more into the reasonings. I should’ve trusted your judgment.”

“Are you staying out of obligation or guilt? Because I don’t want your pity, Winter.” Moon’s eyes seemed to search every scale of his body, and he felt scrutinized under their gaze.

“Just trying to be a friend again.” Winter smiled slightly.

Moon shook her head, muttering something under her breath. He couldn’t quite catch it, but by reading her lips, he could make out something akin to ‘not deserving you’. Winter didn’t say anything in case he misread her.

“I need a bit to collect myself.” Moon glanced to the door, and Winter once again remembered they were standing in front of Peril and Turtle’s dorm. Probably had their ears pressed to it. The mental image was enough to almost make him laugh. “I think that was the first time I went off since Qibli and I fought.”

“I’ll be in a guest room or something,” Winter said. Moon smiled at him before shuffling off to recuperate.

Out of the corner of his eye, Winter spotted a shadow under the door. With a quiet chuckle, he knocked really loudly on it, earning what sounded like a squawk from Peril before he too departed.

***

It was dawn when Qibli awoke. The sky was painted orange from the rising sun, casting a strange glow over the Night Kingdom. It was like the stone itself shimmered under the morning rays. Did they do that normally? Or maybe his eyes were still bleary from waking. He didn’t exactly get the best night of sleep.

It wasn’t night terrors that kept him up. No, it was still the pain of the past week. It wasn’t sharp or jagged like it was before, but it was like an infection. Everything inside felt swollen and tender, as if the tiniest prick could let it all pus out.

This faded as he began to get ready for the day. Stepping out of his room, he heard Sandrunner sleeping across from him. He was usually up around the same time as him. Must’ve had a rough night, too. Although, as a soldier and guard, Qibli should awaken him to be alert and ready at a moment’s notice.

But as a parent … nah, Sandrunner could sleep for a bit. They still needed to speak to Hope and get everything situated before Sandrunner had to fly off.

At least he got to wake someone up. Knocking on Sunny’s door, he heard a small groan. A small laugh escaped him.

“Your namesake is here, so it’s time to get up.”

“Must you say that every time?” Sunny grumbled through the door. “It’s not funny.”

“It is to me.”

“I am beginning to regret having you come with me.” There was the sound of shuffling as Sunny started to get ready.

“Aw, you wanted me to come?” Qibli spoke before he could stop himself. He was gonna wait until tonight but, well, when a chance like that comes up…

“Ack.” Sunny let out a small squeak. “What I meant was that I didn’t have you stay back and take someone else.”

“Uh huh. You sound like you don’t believe that.”

A low sigh escaped her as the door opened, revealing an abashed Sunny. “Look, is it so wrong to want a friend to come with you?”

“Not at all. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mercilessly tease someone.” Qibli grinned wickedly. Sunny shut the door in his face, letting out a quiet giggle a second later. “Hey! You could’ve really hurt my nose!”

“Or maybe it wouldn’t have. Who nose?” Sunny cackled from behind the door. Qibli couldn’t stop the groan from escaping. “Ha! Revenge.”

“Yeah, yeah…”

“Oh, by the way, after this meeting with Hope I gotta talk to you about something.” Sunny opened the door again, this time stepping out. “Nothing bad! I just wanna ask you something.”

“Could ask me now.”

Sunny’s brow furrowed as if she were really considering it. “Mmm… I could, but I think it’ll be better after. Besides, it’ll keep you on your talons.”

“That is very cruel of you.” Qibli tsked.

“Well, didn’t you know, I am very cruel. And sneaky.” Sunny winked as she strode past him, her tail poking his nose. “Now come along, before we wake up Sandrunner. If we didn’t already.”

“Are you kidding me? He can sleep through a sandstorm if he’s tired enough.” Qibli chuckled. “And I mean that literally! Did I ever tell you about that?”

“Wasn’t that the one five years ago?”

“Yeah, that one. We huddled down in the stronghold and he slept right through the whole thing!”

Sunny shook her head. “Should be named Sandsleeper now.”

“I agree. I’m ashamed I never thought to call him that.” Qibli scowled with annoyance. It was such an easy nickname!

“It seems like you need me around, then. I can come up with many names. Part of my specialty.”

“Do tell.”

“Nah. Surprising is much more fun.” She grinned deviously. “Now come on, we don’t want to keep Hope waiting.”

Poor Hope had to get used to the old NightWing schedule of sleeping during the day and being awake during the day. As such, while they were getting ready for the day, Hope was doubtlessly exhausted.

Sure enough, she was still on the throne, this time not alone. No, the dragon next to her made Qibli’s heart skip a beat as it did these days. He’d gotten used to seeing him, and then five years ago ripped that all away.

“Hi Qibli!” Peacemaker greeted warmly, a bright smile on his face. The Rain/Night hybrid had inherited his mother’s height, standing tall over most dragons. Not unlike his… former self, too. But unlike Darkstalker, there was pure kindness and elation written in his eyes. Heck, his ears did a cute little wiggle of happiness upon sight of Qibli. No wonder why he was able to settle down with a look like that.

“Hey Peace.” Qibli waved with his wing.

“Don’t mind me, I’ll be out of your scales shortly,” Peacemaker responded apologetically. “I just needed to speak to mom real quick.”

“When I am on the throne, it is ‘Queen’.” Hope shot him a half annoyed, half amused glance.

“Queen Mom.” Peacemaker amended. Hope let out a defeated groan. “Anyway, I think once this issue is resolved, we can put out another call for those willing to come here. I think we can handle another twenty to forty dragons if we plan it out accordingly. Duskweaver came up with it herself, and I really can’t see any faults in it.”

Hope held up a draft that Peacemaker had given her, skimming it intently. “On initial reading, I agree. I will have to look at it more at dusk, but you’ve taught her well.”

“Well, I learned from you. So technically, you taught her too.” Peacemaker winked, the scales under his wings shimmering all sorts of happy RainWing colors. Hope rolled her eyes. “Alright, alright, I’m leaving. Bye, Queen Mom.”

“Absolutely insufferable.” Hope scoffed as he left, shaking her head. “I feel for Silentsketch and Duskweaver. He certainly did not get that personality from me.”

“He might’ve. Never know.” Qibli shrugged. Hope squinted at him. “Kidding. Maybe.”

“Uh huh.” Hope clicked her tongue, but she didn’t sound disapproving. “Now, I have been up all night, so I will cut straight to the point about Fierceteeth.” She cleared her throat. “She does not have the numbers to launch a full rebellion. However , swift and surgical strikes are not feasible with our numbers. To that end, I cannot reasonably discern who is with her. I have a team that I have assembled, but our reach is stretched.”

“So, you’d like us to step in?” Sunny questioned.

“Indeed. I would not ask that you join my team, but rather go together. It would draw far less suspicion if two SandWing diplomats were wandering around exploring the city. You can poke your heads anywhere and have the excuse be ‘oh, we didn’t know.’ Even Fierceteeth knows better than to try and take you two out. Especially you, Sunny.”

“You’d think she wouldn't have a grudge after all this time, but if she wants to slip up again…” Sunny let her comment trail off.

“Now, I have a letter detailing the exact specifics for Queen Thorn. She need not send any help, but I would like to keep her in the loop.” Hope pulled out a short letter. “Once Sandrunner is ready, I would have him leave as soon as possible.”

“I’ll go wake him up after this.” Qibli couldn’t help but smile slightly. He did love banging on his son’s door at times. But not often.

“I don’t know where she is hiding, but you two have the run of the city. Even if you find nothing, your help is appreciated.” Hope nodded curtly as Qibli took the letter. “In most cases, I would never ask, but given the reputation of both of you… well, it feels illogical not to.”

“I mean, the Dragons of Destiny may have disbanded, but we’re still always here to help.” Sunny stood proudly. “Wait, maybe inactive is a better term. Disbanded suggests we all broke apart…” She added quickly, frowning.

“I’m surprised you haven’t made a surrogate group to replace you,” Hope commented dryly.

Sunny suddenly shot right back up to her proudful stance. “That’s a great idea! I remember toying with it before but… well, I don’t want my students to be warriors… but maybe diplomats? That could be something. Thanks, Hope!”

“Don’t thank me, thank Duskweaver for randomly mentioning the other day.” Hope chuckled lowly. “I swear she has future sight as well.”

“Well, either way, we’ll get right on it.” Qibli promised. “Have a good night, Queen Hope.”

“Oh, now you bring out the formalities?” Hope raised a brow, but a smile had curved along her face as she watched them both leave.

“So… new Dragons of Destiny?” Qibli asked Sunny, who was practically trotting with excitement.

“Well, hopefully. I don’t think they’ll go by the same name. But it’d be the next stage for Jade Mountain. Already we have students from all tribes, so why not take it to the next level?” Sunny bounced excitedly. “Granted, we would need to find a way to do it. I don’t think a lot of the tribes would take too kindly to changing how Jade Mountain is taught. So, maybe an after program? But then, the others are so busy at the academy, plus Glory is a queen …”

“Glory’s daughter probably wouldn’t mind taking over for a bit. Glory actually would take any chance to be free of the role.”

“That is… painfully accurate.” Sunny laughed. “She never wanted the role to begin with and oops, she’s stuck with it.” Sunny then shuddered. “I’m next in line for the Sand Kingdom, most likely. The eye already doesn’t zap me when I touch it and all.”

“That would make sense. And it'll probably be a peaceful transition.”

“Indeed…” Sunny suddenly became nervous, glancing up to Qibli. “But, that talk of the future… It makes me wonder what will come. And who it’ll be with.”

Qibli raised a brow. Was she… saying what he thought she was saying…?

“Like, as a king? Or queen, if you go that way?” Qibli tried to play it off lightly.

“Yeah, something like that.” Sunny averted her gaze. “Like, I’m not one to care about being in a relationship. I’m happy being single. But if I had the choice, and I liked that someone… I don’t mind trying.”

“I… wouldn’t mind trying again, either.” Qibli admitted quietly. “It just… well, I don’t want them to feel like the rebound after what just happened.”

“I like to think that they would’ve had an attraction long before this.” Sunny pressed a claw onto his. “But, let’s not dance around this.”

“Are you…?” Qibli felt his throat dry up with anticipation.

Sunny seemed to read this and stood up on her hind legs to press her muzzle to his. Qibli’s dark eyes shot wide open, thunderstruck by the raw emotion and feeling that tingled his lips. It was not a passionate, desperate one that he was used to in the later stages of his marriage. No, this one was quick, light, and had that feathery touch that sent him back twenty years to his first kiss.

It wasn’t the exact same, as Sunny was much more confident, but it elicited a similar response. That inability to do anything followed by a crushing sense of unworthiness that slowly ebbed to give way to rekindled emotions. Everything flowed through him in that brief few seconds, and he almost begged her to come back when she pulled away.

“I was right.” Sunny’s eyes danced with devious energy. “I pushed it off for a while, but don’t think I haven’t caught you sometimes looking at my flank when I go by.”

Qibli immediately turned bright red.

“Who knows, maybe you’ll see it up close and personal? But not right now, we got a rogue NightWing to find.” Sunny flashed a knowing smile, the tip of her tail bouncing back and forth with a hypnotizing sway.

Qibli just stared, unable to form a single thought. All that worry, all that planning… and Sunny just nicked it right out of his claws.

That clever little imp… Qibli finally found his internal voice, a laugh escaping him.

Today was going to be a good day.

Chapter Text

“Soo… how long were you planning on doing that?”

“Not now, Qibli. We need to focus.”

“Hard to focus when you planted one on me.”

“Yeah, and now I’m regretting it.”

Sunny was clearly joking when she said that, yet Qibli couldn’t help but feel anxiety at the thought she was serious. They’d just left the palace after awakening Sandrunner, largely quiet around each other. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but it was more of a ‘we’ll talk when we’re alone’ one.

And now they were, even if the streets of the Night Kingdom weren’t exactly empty. Despite it being daytime, some NightWings were still closing up. Other tribes wandered the streets, so they didn’t exactly stick out. But, they were nobodies that probably wouldn’t recognize them in passing. Perfect time to ask Sunny about what just happened.

“All the girls say that, so it’s no biggie.” Qibli shrugged. Sunny rolled her eyes.

“You only had one before this and it was a marriage.” She paused. “Wait, no, that makes sense. Thorn says the same thing about Stonemover even after everything.”

“Yep, that’s how it goes.” Qibli kept one eye focused on his task, the other on Sunny. He just couldn’t help it! He was paying attention to anything out of the ordinary, peaking into alleys and uninhabited homes. Yet his mind had not processed what just happened. He was giddy, happy, and incredibly nervous.

“I’ll speak at lengths with you about this when we rest, but seriously, we gotta keep an eye out,” Sunny responded pointedly. “I did what I did because I couldn’t take the ‘will we, won’t we’ thing we both had going on. Figured I’d pop it now and not have you be distracted. At least now, you’re distracted, but not in a gloomy way.”

“I’m not gloomy. I’m depressed. There’s a difference,” Qibli responded indignantly but had a wide smile on his face.

Sunny stopped and stared, blinking. “Yep, regretting it.” Then, she sighed. “Okay, seriously, if you are depressed, I’ll talk to you when we’re done here. I would say now, but well…”

“Business before pleasure, I know it well.” Qibli nodded slowly. Sunny ruffled her wings, annoyed. “One last thing, because it’s bugging me. Did you… plan this?”

“Plan what?” Sunny eyed him.

“This whole trip. You could’ve went solo or with any other escort, but you chose me specifically.”

“Oh, yeah, I did.” Sunny nodded, snaking her way under a porch and into a home effortlessly. Her small frame allowed her to go just about anywhere without any notice. Qibli wasn’t the tallest dragon, but if he tried half the stuff she did, he wouldn’t have the same luck.

“I knew it,” Qibli responded proudly when she landed back next to him, having crawled out of a tiny window two buildings from where he stood.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t be too proud of yourself.” Sunny shook some of the dust and soot off her. “I had to tell mom to let her let me take you. Which was why she was… direct the other day.”

“Oh. I expected her to bring out the old guillotine if I told her.”

“I can tell she debated it. But, ultimately, she consented because it was you. Any other dragon would probably not be so lucky.”

“She actually debated it? Over me? After everything?” Qibli frowned.

“Well, you know my story. I wasn’t lying about her still having nightmares about losing me.” Sunny glanced away. “I’m still her little Beetle.”

“I dread the conversation when we go back.” Qibli paled slightly. “I never dread talking to her.”

Sunny giggled quietly. “It’ll be okay. She just needs to come to terms with it.”

“Gonna be real awkward being an honor guard and looking her in the eye.”

“She's not going to kill you, Qibbles.” Sunny teased him. Qibli raised a brow at the nickname. “I said I had names for everyone, didn’t I? Figured I’d tell you mine for you.”

“Ah. Well, if you don’t refer to me as that in front of Thorn, is it really a good nickname?”

“Even I’m not that brave, Qibbles…”

They focused after that, trying to find any lead. So far, zilch. Then again, they were starting near the center of the kingdom and working their way out. Made more sense from a NightWing’s point of view if they just happened to wander to the outskirts.

Said outskirts were much more ramshackle. If Qibli had to compare, it was like living in the Scorpion Den. Dragonets along their path, up far past their bedtime, quickly stopped doing obvious stealing and looting as they walked past. Some other NightWings kept to the shadows, and Qibli wondered if they were going to attack. However, NightWings seemed far too prideful to do such things to actual dragons. Picking up remains? That was fine. Mugging? Suddenly that was too far.

At least the SandWings were honest in that they usually kept one claw behind their back.

“This is definitely a place where a rebellion would take place.” Sunny whispered to Qibli. “There isn’t a guard in sight.”

“Mmm… just a matter of where to start.” Qibli lowered his head to her level. “I know with the Sand Kingdom, we usually had underground tunnels and whatnot. Sand’s easy to move and all compared to rock and dirt.”

“You think that may have something?” Sunny pointed at what used to be an inn from the looks of it. Two floored, multiple rooms, and rotted furnishing were big tells.

“Bout a good place as any to start.”

Inside was musty and cold. Qibli nearly gagged when a puff of dust was disturbed. He did not miss this part of the job. But, at least it told him that this was not lived in. If it was indeed a base of operations, or led to one, it would be in a back room or upstairs.

Upstairs lent itself to nothing except worn scrolls and desiccated beds. Qibli would’ve preferred sleeping on the sands for some of them.

Downstairs, where the kitchen resided, had significantly less dust. Still a lot, but it wasn’t coming at his face. Same with cobwebs for that matter.

“Look.” Sunny whispered, pointing ahead. Qibli followed her gaze, seeing a trap door. Recently installed, too. Standing behind it, Qibli pried it open gently, revealing a tunnel system. He almost laughed.

The tunnels themselves looked old, and if he had to guess, it was a way for assassins or guards to travel undetected. Or maybe it was for a den of thieves? A lot of the culture from back then was lost, so anything was possible.

Either way, it looked like they found a good lead.

“Should we go down the spooky tunnel?” Qibli asked Sunny.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I did it,” Sunny responded quietly.

“Let’s hope for no death traps.” Qibli grunted as he dropped down into the hole, Sunny following a moment later.

Grabbing a stick, Qibli lit it with a tiny jet of flame. Sunny did the same. It wouldn’t last long, so they needed to get going. With a nod to each other, they set off to the left.

The tunnel had definitely been used recently. Qibli noted tracks in the damp, dank mud that seemed to be flooding from somewhere up ahead. Then again, this tavern was by the sea. Although, that added a new layer of fear.

Qibli wanted to say that traversing an ancient pathway was interesting. He wanted to say that being alone, in the dark, with someone whom he had a major crush on was romantic. The things they could do down here… if it wasn’t a soggy nightmare. 

“You’re miserable.” Sunny whispered to him. Her voice, somehow, did not reverberate off the walls.

“Aren’t you?” Qibli kept his voice low. The walls didn’t carry his voice, either.

“I grew up in a dank, miserable cave.” Sunny reminded him. “I have a much higher tolerance.”

“Doesn’t answer my question.”

“… Okay, yes, I’m miserable. The sooner we get out of here, the better.”

“I’m surprised you initiated conversation.” Qibli stopped at a corner, peaking around it. Nothing but more tunnels. “Rule number one is never talk.”

“Didn’t stop you from talking,” Sunny responded. Qibli didn’t have an answer for that. “ And I noticed that our clawsteps aren’t making any sound. So, I tried talking. It’s not echoing at all.”

Qibli paused, putting a wing in front of Sunny. He was an idiot. They both were. Slowly, he glanced back, and sure enough his intuition proved right.

Stalking toward them were two NightWings, blending in with the darkness. Qibli could see the reflection of flame in their eyes, the starry patterns in their wings. He’d caught them before they could ambush, but he wasn’t too sure if that would do much down here.

“You lost, strangers?” The first NightWing questioned. His voice was pleasant enough, but there was something hidden in his eyes.

“Kinda. You wouldn’t happen to have a map, would you?” Qibli immediately responded, searching for a way for them to run if need be. No one was coming up from behind, nor were there any more. Sunny didn’t seem to notice anything either.

“Oh, yeah!” The other nodded his head. “Problem is, I left it back home. You could follow us for… safe passage. Wouldn’t want two diplomats to get hurt, right?”

Yep, they were hostile. Nobody spoke like that. Individually, each sentence wasn’t too bad. Together? Well, they were either going to get pulled into an ambush, or be taken to Fierceteeth. Probably the former.

Either way, Qibli did not fancy being stabbed again. A quick glance to Sunny showed that she thought the same.

“I mean, we can wait here for you to bring it. Or just go back the way we came,” Sunny spoke calmly.

“Could do. But this place may flood at any moment,” One of them said.

“Then we better go back the way we know isn’t flooded.” Qibli eyed the NightWings. They weren’t physically imposing, but Qibli knew not to let that deceive him.

Qibli noted one of them pulling out a chakram in the darkness. If he weren’t trained for this, he may have never noticed. Yet, the subtle flicker of flame against silver was enough to confirm it.

No time to coordinate with Sunny. He had to trust that she’d be okay.

Throwing his torch, it bounced off the scales of the nearest NightWing, but the cloth around his neck caught flame. Breathing fire, Qibli charged. The stunned NightWing dropped his chakram, allowing Qibli to toss it to the side with his claw as he ran. Horn hit jaw, and he heard his foe’s mouth pop from the impact.

Another shot of flame from Sunny took the other NightWing by surprise. She wiggled under his legs and kicked upward, talons striking at the softer underbelly. As her foe leaped back, Sunny’s tail grabbed the back leg, yanking it out. The NightWing was on the ground a second later.

Qibli’s target was in no better condition. They were untrained thugs, and he was an honor guard. As such, it took little effort to maneuver and use the weight of his foe to slam the NightWing into the wall. A lash to the back of the head knocked the rogue right out.

Qibli turned to Sunny, only to see her sitting on her Nightwing’s back as he was face down on ground, her tongue sticking out tauntingly. The NightWing was too dazed and confused to throw her off. As he refocused, he quickly realized he was outnumbered.

“So, about that home of yours…” Qibli bent his head down to the NightWing’s level. “It wouldn’t happen to house Fierceteeth, would it?”

***

Morning brought with it a sense to wander the halls of Jade Mountain. Although not really having the chance to do so as a student, stepping down the rocky corridors and rooms left Winter with a sense of nostalgia. He could almost see younger versions of himself stepping by like ghosts. The same went for just about everyone he knew.

A lot of expansions have been made over the years. The library in particular was now multi-floored. Prey center, expanded. Most of the underground areas had been excavated and now had a pool for SeaWings to rehydrate as well as for students to relax. Stonemover’s cave was renovated into something else Winter couldn’t remember off the top of his head.

Winter found a few of the teachers setting up for the semester. None that he recognized or, at the very least, knew very well. A HiveWing teaching Pantalan history. Two IceWings, one for tribal mythology and the other for debate lessons. Given how IceWings were, Winter felt sorry for any non IceWing who took part.

The IceWings recognized him, and thankfully they didn’t greet him as prince. He’d long forsaken that role, even after Queen Snowfall honorarily restored his princedom. It just never sat right with him, especially after the torment he went through growing up. His siblings still wore the titles proudly. At least on the surface. Underneath, things were much more in flux.

Some of the newer rooms had a place for Suntime, a cold area for IceWings, and so on. It was interesting to see how Jade Mountain itself could accommodate such rooms. A sauna for Mud and Sand was reasonably accomplished. But how did they make a freezing chamber? Frostbreath didn’t last that long.

Questions for later.

“So, you are back.”

A familiar, yet much more pointed, voice came from behind Winter. He grimaced. He thought he’d have more preparation before this conversation.

Turning back, he looked to the one dragon he felt the most wrath yet the most sympathy for. A beautiful RainWing whose scales had changed to suspicion and fear, yet held a face of determination. She looked older, face somewhat gaunt. Her fins had drooped considerably, and she had notable shadows under her eyes. Despite this, she stood her ground.

Winter could not help, however, but stare at the stumps where her wings should’ve been. They were horribly scarred, and the only way anyone would be able to pick her out of any hiding place. The flesh was a bit uneven around that area, almost worn away to the bone in some locations.

“Kinkajou…” Winter spoke quietly, unconsciously stepping forward a bit.

“Stay where you are.” Kinkajou narrowed her green eyes when he moved slightly. “Please.”

“Alright.” Winter did as requested.

She breathed a bit easier after that. “You have a lot of nerve showing up here. It’s only because Moon talked me out of it that I didn’t spray venom in your eye.”

“She did tell you that I have no intentions of harming you, right?”

“Yes, she did. But tell that to me five years ago.” Kinkajou growled lowly. “You may not remember anything from that night, but I sure do. You were a monster that night. And while you had a right to be mad, you were nothing like the Winter I knew and cared about. One wrong twitch and Qibli’s head would be gone.”

Winter vaguely recalled being so angry he debated on attacking. But it was foggy, and even if he wanted to, he doubted he could fully draw out the memory.

“If you were gonna do that to Qibli and Moon , what chance did I have?” Kinkajou scoffed angrily. “Soon as you found out that Hope and I wrote that spell, it was game over for me. I had to run before you found me. Do you realize how distraught I was? I loved you, but you were so stuck on Moon and then Sanctuary that you never noticed.”

“You… really did?” Winter remembered thinking she had a crush on him, but not loved .

“Of course I did. How could I not? Tall, dark, and broody. What growing girl wouldn’t love that?” She shook her head sadly. “And then I ran with both heartbreak and fear. I hit a tree. You know the rest.”

“I’m sorry, Kinkajou.” Winter averted his gaze. “I…”

“Stop.” Kinkajou cut him off. “You had a right to be mad. We should have told you. I should have told you. But Winter… your true colors showed that night. You were destructive . You want to teach here again? Well, how can I be sure that you won’t kill a student?”

“I would never,” Winter responded adamantly.

“I believe you in your current mindset. But what happens when you get that angry again? Who’s safe?” Kinkajou shook her head. “You’ve changed. You’re remorseful. I get it. But I just….”

“What can I do to convince you?”

Kinkajou gave him a sad smile. “I don’t know. I really, really don’t know.”

Winter could only nod slowly. “I won’t ask you to forgive me for whatever distress I caused you.”

Kinkajou gave him a long, unreadable look before a sigh escaped her. “I just… can’t be around you. Not after everything. I’m the reason why you blew up. If I didn’t do what I did, then I wouldn’t have lost my wings, and you wouldn’t have broken everything. I guess it’s fitting punishment for our actions, huh?”

“Our?” Winter raised a brow.

“You got mad and angry at Moon, who was clearly having some sort of prisoner love. She told me what happened, remember? Again, I get it, Darkstalker was killing your tribe. And then you left us. You chose the family who tried to kill you over us . Which, sure, we didn’t know each other for that long of a time. But you were prolonging the problem. Moon, who you loved , is a NightWing. And what did you do? Went and fought against her tribe . Maybe that’s why she didn’t want to tell you?”

Winter growled internally. He should’ve realized that much sooner. No wonder why she felt so uneasy around him for a while. Why she and Qibli didn’t write often for the first few months.

“I didn’t leave, you know,” Winter responded calmly. “When the spell was written, I was not excluded.”

“Yeah… that’s true, but as you said, you left us. We should have brought you back anyway, but I guess we were so dead on about it. And my punishment for my role was my wings. I clipped Darkstalker’s the way I did, so makes sense life would clip mine.” She shifted gloomily. “At least I still have my identity. That was kind.”

“You did what you thought was right.” Winter surprised himself by saying. Kinkajou looked taken aback too. “I don’t know what Moon told you, but you were trying to be kind. I don’t know Foeslayer’s motivations, but you were – are – one of the kindest dragons I know. You were also four and naïve. What more could I have really expected?”

Kinkajou peered at him curiously, a spark of hope in her eyes. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I understand . It’s the fact nobody trusted me that made me explode, not the intentions. If you all had come out and told me, I’d be mad, but I would’ve understood in time, just as I do now.”

“Yeah, well… that’s what regrets are for, huh?” Kinkajou chuckled emptily. “You really have changed, haven’t you?”

“I’m going to be twenty-six soon. I like to think I have.”

“Are we really getting that old?” Kinkajou questioned with that familiar, infectiously optimistic voice of hers. “Look, I know you don’t have a lot of time before Tsunami tosses you out, but… I’ll have a decision tonight.”

“Thank you, Kinkajou.”

“Who knows, maybe in another life, I could’ve been brave enough to tell you how I felt back then. We coulda went anywhere.” She mused, turning to leave.

“If we ever do have a second life, I’ll look forward to it.” Winter smiled softly.

Kinkajou rolled her eyes before disappearing, the sound of her claws walking away being the only way of knowing she was there.

Learning that Kinkajou loved him, that was a hard pill to swallow. He really had the chance to be happy. To have a life. Maybe a family. Instead, he squandered it like everything else. That life was long, long gone now, and he couldn’t help but mourn it in a way.

But maybe here at Jade Mountain a new life could spring.

***

Moon rummaged through her desk, trying to organize everything before the new semester started. A task easier said than done, as she moved quite sluggishly and felt like every scale had been sapped of energy. Ever since she finally let out everything in an outburst, it was like whatever was driving her was gone.

She only had two motivations in her life now: Her students, and trying to fix what she could. Winter seemed to understand that, but part of her was still so bitter and cold that she doubted it. Yet, consciously, she knew he had changed.

They all had…

She sat down, looking at the classroom, wishing for a way to go back to simpler times. Maybe not when she sat in this very classroom, listening to Webs rattle off about history. If she did that, though, Sandrunner wouldn’t exist. She couldn’t just… erase him. But maybe right after he was born? Maybe then she wouldn’t screw up as bad. Maybe she could have told Winter.

Maybe she would still be married to Qibli and they would have a happy, wholesome life like those stories she read growing up. Yet, life moved on. She had to, too.

Slap! A loud noise snapped Moon from her thoughts. Looking to the source, she saw that it was her own tail lashing out in anger and frustration. Everything she tried to keep to herself was pooling over like an infected wound. It stabbed and bled and swelled until it threatened to consume her.

There wasn’t any way she could teach literature like this. It all seemed so… meaningless. Sure, she had a future generation to teach how to read and write. But Moon felt like she had no future. She was just watching everyone else live out their best lives or grow into them while she remained in the past.

Tears flooded down her face – not for the first time today – as she tried to process everything. She wanted nothing more than to fall into Qibli’s embrace again, to read to her son as he fell asleep. She stayed out of Sandrunner’s mind, but maybe she should’ve intruded more. Perhaps she could’ve stopped him from being so hurt and damaged.

But how could she fix him if she couldn’t even repair herself? She was a crumbling mountain being rocked by earthquakes. She had no real friends here at Jade Mountain. At least, none that she could confide in. Turtle was really the only one, and he was going to be married to Peril, so that door was closing and closing fast.

Kinkajou? Ugh. Moon daren’t lay her problems to her. Kinkajou had enough going on trying to survive with no wings.

Peril? Peril was not one for comfort. It wasn’t her fault, but this was where Moon would turn to Qibli or Winter. She had neither.

Moon was alone.

Knock, knock .

Or perhaps not?

Moon opened the door, finding both Peril and Turtle awaiting her. She wasn’t too surprised; last night happened right outside their door. It was impossible for them not to hear.

“Hey.” Moon greeted quietly.

“You alright?” Turtle undoubtedly noticed her puffy eyes.

“No.” Moon saw no reason to lie to them. “You heard.”

“Uh, yeah, of course we did. That’s why we’re here,” Peril said. “I wanted to come sooner, but Turtle said ‘noooo, let her have some space’.”

“Thank you. I was in no mood to speak.” Moon chuckled hollowly.

“Look, I know you and I haven’t been on the right footing for years now, but I just kind of assumed it was because you kept hiding things. You know me and my inability to understand secrets like that. But after last night… jeez. I didn’t know.” Peril tried to be sympathetic. She really did. Moon could hear her chaotic thoughts and see it in her bright blue eyes.

“You could’ve asked.” Moon couldn’t stop herself. Peril flinched before nodding slowly. “I’m just so, so tired of losing things. Of being the bad guy.”

“You’re not.” Turtle interjected, his voice soft and soothing. “You did what you thought was right. And we’re sorry for not checking up on you more. It’s just, with you and Qibli, it didn’t feel like our place. And after it… I don’t know.”

“It’s an awkward position to be in, I get it.” Moon nodded slowly. “I didn’t want anyone to choose sides.”

“Point is, we’re sorry for not trying harder.” Turtle gave her a warm smile. “You don’t deserve to go through this alone. We may not have been there as much as we could’ve, but we’ll help you stick the landing. If you want.”

Moon paused for a moment. And then the flood gates opened. Tears flowed down her face at the realization as to what was happening.

Her Winglet… it was repairing itself. Slowly, but surely.

Before she could stop herself, she pulled both of them into a hug, sobbing. They said nothing, comforting her with soothing touches and their wings. It’d been so long since she hugged them or anyone freely. Before, it was always with an air of hesitation. Not anymore.

For the first time in a long, long time, Moon felt free.

Chapter Text

“She’s an idiot.”

Out of all the things to escape from Queen Thorn’s mouth, Sandrunner did not expect it to be that. In fact, he blinked blankly, a dumb look on his face. Sometimes, he forgot just how blunt his ‘grandmother’ – she pretty much was, as Cobra wasn't in the picture most of the time – was at times.

“She seems confident.” Sandrunner continued his report as Queen Thorn placed down the letter. “Plus, father and Sunny are there.”

“And that is why she is an idiot.” Queen Thorn let out an exasperated sigh, holding her head. “Don’t help! But actually help. We’re at peace , we have alliances . If there is a threat of insurrection, that threatens all of us. Imagine if Fierceteeth actually got the jump on her!”

“I suppose she feels that if she cannot handle it alone, she is not fit for being a queen.” Stonemover rumbled, having been laying beside her. “I know someone just like that.”

Thorn shot him a scathing glare, whereas Stonemover replied with a gentle smile. She let out a small huff.

“Fine.” Thorn grumbled under her breath. “But, if anything happens to my daughter and Qibli because she didn’t accept my help…”

“With all due respect, I think they will be fine.” Sandrunner attempted to cheer up what may be his future grandmother in law. That was an… interesting thought.

Thorn eyed him critically before letting out another sigh. “I know. She’s a Dragon of Destiny, and he’s an honor guard. But, if you ever become a father, you’ll know what I mean.”

“My mother fretted over me all the time. I understand.” Sandrunner chuckled.

“Yeah she did,” Thorn answered slyly. “Tell me, though, did Sunny finally make her move?” Sandrunner stared. “Oh, don’t give me that look. I already know you know.”

“Um… yes?” Sandrunner didn’t know if he were honest. But, reading the body language of the two dragons pretty much confirmed it for him. His father was very critical on that growing up.

“And you are okay with that?”

That was a loaded question that Sandrunner wasn’t expecting to be asked. He could only stare for a moment as his brain tried to dislodge the wrench that was thrown into the gears.

“Erm, no,” Sandrunner answered truthfully. It didn’t feel right to lie to the queen. “Nothing against Sunny at all! I just… well…”

“I understand.” Thorn nodded sympathetically. “I ask because you are clearly conflicted in the same way I saw in Sunny a long time ago. This would only add more to it.”

“What do you mean?”

“She means that you are being torn in half by both sides of your heritage.” Stonemover lowered his head to look at Sandrunner more closely. “Sunny went through the same thing. She did not fit in with the SandWings, nor the NightWings. It took her a long time to come to terms with who she is. I see that journey is now upon you, as it is with most hybrids.”

Sandrunner glanced between the two dragons. He knew they were right, thinking back to that conversation he had with Duskweaver. Yet, in a way, it wasn’t entirely it. No, as he looked between Stonemover and Thorn, another feeling hit, and he knew what it was.

If he swapped the genders, it was his parents. Thorn and Stonemover had many ups and downs, and yet in the end, it worked. Stonemover was able to move here. Thorn accepted him back, and before all that, they had a hybrid just like him. If they could make it work, why couldn’t his parents? It was foolish to compare. Yet, his dragonet side couldn’t help but do so.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Sandrunner spoke quietly. “Queen Thorn, may I request a leave of absence to uh… embark on that journey?”

“Granted,” Thorn answered immediately. “I have been meaning to give you a break for a while now. From what I’ve heard over the past week, it only solidified the need.”

“Erm… what exactly have you heard?” Sandrunner briefly panicked.

“That you enjoy older ladies.” Thorn gave him a knowing look. Sandrunner paled. “Yes, Blaze and I talk, and I had many things to say about that. She’s remarkably perceptive when it comes to reading dragons, too." Thorn's mouth thinned as she chose her next words. "I am very worry worried about you, as is Sunny and Qibli.” Thorn’s face relaxed slightly. “That journey I mentioned may help a lot. That, and it’s clear to me that you did not truly fit in with the Sand Kingdom.”

“But this is my home.” Sandrunner couldn’t stop himself from protesting a bit. He couldn't meet Thorn's eyes, either.

“It is, and it always will be,” Thorn said. “However, you are half NightWing . Qibli has mentioned in the past that you never got a chance to explore that. And, I see how different you are from returning there. I see you wanting to go back, and not just to spend time with your father.”

“I do want to get to know my mother’s side a bit more. She never had the chance, either.” Sandrunner averted his gaze. “I wish she could join me. Maybe I can teach her after I learn. I don’t know.”

“To be fair, my son didn’t exactly fit in with the normal SandWings, either.”

Sandrunner felt a hint of fear run down his spine as a SandWing silently approached the throne. She was beautiful and deadly, with snake-like markings running down her spine. The same type Sandrunner had. There was a resemblance to Qibli, namely in body type, although she was much larger. That, and she lacked the warmth in her eyes that Qibli did. No, the black eyes she held were all but soulless from years as an assassin.

“Cobra.” Thorn eyed her critically.

“My queen.” Cobra bowed slightly. “Six-Claws and I did as you asked.” She added, giving a report to Thorn.

“They’re like rats.” Thorn hissed. “Each time we snap them up, three more show themselves.” She shook her head. “At least this was one of the bigger cartels.”

“Indeed,” Cobra answered, her voice dripping with boredom. “They have scattered, and it will be a while before we can track them properly.”

“Very well.” Thorn nodded curtly. “Keep me informed.”

“But of course.” Cobra turned to leave, and Sandrunner finally found his will to move. What Cobra said about his father, though, did stick out in his mind. Maybe it was because of his own fragile state right now, but he had to ask his grandmother a question.

He chased after him after bowing respectfully to Thorn, seeing Cobra slither away down the hall. He caught up to her easily, and she shot him a ‘what do you want’ look.

“What did you mean about him not fitting in?” Sandrunner questioned.

“Have you met him?” Cobra responded dryly. “He’s too goodie for his own good. To be a real SandWing, one must have guile and tact. He had neither, replaced with a bleeding heart.” Cobra shook her head. “I am amazed he survived as long as he did.”

“Maybe he has more than you give him credit for.” Sandrunner tried to keep his voice neutral.

“He’s smart, I’ll give him that.” Cobra shrugged. “But, as I said, his bleeding heart got him more into trouble than not.”

“You must have seen something, because you switched sides.”

“Ha!” Cobra barked out an echoing laugh. “Oh dear, how naïve are you? I switched sides because it was more profitable long term. Sure, the pay is less, but I’m not hunted down like a criminal.” She looked wistfully at the palace walls. “This is a much nicer place than the Scorpion Den, anyway.”

“And that’s really it?” Sandrunner scowled. “ Nothing else?”

“I don’t know what your father told you, but I am not one for affection.” Cobra eyed him with a hint of disappointment. “It was pragmatic that I did what I did. I killed Sirocco, do you think I wouldn’t do the same to Qibli if it was more beneficial?”

“I think you’re a liar,” Sandrunner responded bluntly, surprising himself and Cobra. “Dad told me what happened that day. Sirocco was attacking you and dad. You stabbed him when you could have simply fled and gone after Vulture.”

“Yes, and had to deal with Vulture alone. Despite his age, he was still a formidable foe, and it was foolish to take him on by myself.” Cobra rolled her eyes. “You’re seeing fool’s gold, grandson . I’m not as deep as you think I am. I want gold, and I want thrills. Anything else is replaceable.”

“If you say so.” Sandrunner didn’t know why he was bothering talking to his biological grandmother. She’d made it perfectly clear that the only thing stopping her from stabbing him in the back was the weight of the Sand Kingdom.

“If you are so certain of me, then tell me what you think you see.” Cobra stepped before him, spreading her wings. “Go on.”

Sandrunner eyed her up and down for a moment. “I see someone who doesn’t know how to love.”

“Pardon?” Cobra raised a brow.

“You were born into a criminal life. Affection was never there. Vulture raised you to be an assassin, but you didn’t do that for your own dragonets. Yeah, sure, you let them do what they want, but you didn’t force them.”

“I also gave Qibli his scar.” Cobra pointed out.

“Yeah, you did. You did a lot of horrible things. But I dunno… you aren’t a black and white as you position yourself to be.” Sandrunner frowned contemplatively. “Either way, your definition of a SandWing is quickly becoming outdated.”

“And you would know?”

“It’s been twenty years since the war. Outside of cartels and traffickers, there’s nothing left.” Sandrunner turned to leave. “I know you don’t believe everything you say because if you were as heartless as you say you are, you wouldn’t bother giving me the time of day. You didn’t for your actual dragonets.”

“You would be surprised what boredom makes you do.”

Sandrunner didn’t say anything more. Before all of this, he would’ve. He felt confident in his words, even if he may be off the mark in a few areas. He didn’t expect – or really want – Cobra to start hanging around them more, but it bothered him to see a member of his family like that.

Truthfully, he didn’t know why. Cobra was barely there. He’d seen her hovering ever so often, but there was no bond. She wasn’t there at his hatching, she wasn’t there when he was growing up outside the aforementioned random hovering. Whenever he needed to be watched, either Sunny or Thorn or Secretkeeper did.

Maybe he was just being an idiot. But after his confrontation with Winter, it was possible he started to read a lot of dragons wrong.

***

Moon was motivated for the first time in a long, long time.

Turtle and Peril approaching her lifted such a weight from her shoulders. She didn’t ask them to stay or anything, but just knowing that they were around made a world of difference. And now, she could plan her lessons with a freer mind. Was better able to see where her students were at. Some were lacking, but that wasn’t a big deal. They had plenty of time.

This semester, it was reading scrolls about the SandWing Succession War. Ever since the war ended, many soldiers and higher ups had elected to tell their accounts of battles. It was critical, in Moon’s eye, that her students learn how to pick up points of view and discrepancies. Writing about the differences taught them critical thinking.

The IceWing students were by far the most astute in their work. She rarely needed to check on them. RainWings, however… oh, they were trying. They were really, really trying. But, despite Glory’s efforts to whip them into shape, some habits were generational. Most of them were brilliant, but lazy. The correct motivator had to be found, and most of them had different motivations.

Nightmare scenario. But, that was where Moon’s mind reading came in if she really needed it. Only surface level thoughts, of course. Nothing personal. Just trying to understand them. For the most part, she spoke to Fatespeaker about students, as she was the academy’s psychologist. Fatespeaker, like Moon, had powers, although much weaker. Yet, she was much better at detecting emotion than Moon.

“Did you speak to Winter?” Moon suddenly asked the air. Seconds later, Kinkajou shimmered into view, a scowl on her face. “Gotta try something new, Kinkajou.”

“One day I'll get you.” Kinkajou’s scowl intensified, although Moon could tell she was playing it up.

“Maybe if you catch me reading a very, very enthralling book or scroll.” Moon giggled, facing Kinkajou fully.

“To answer your question, yes I did.” Kinkajou sat opposite Moon, head laying on the table. Her fins had drooped, scales turning to a dark blue. “I don’t know what to think.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can see him changing. He’s not the same Winter I knew. In a way, it reminds me of how he was before the blow up.” Kinkajou averted her eyes. “I don’t know. I saw his real face that day. How can I trust him to keep his cool whenever Darkstalker is brought up now? Moons help us if a student keeps pestering him…”

“I think that’s largely unfair.” Moon placed down her scroll, getting to Kinkajou’s level. “He was mad at us about keeping secrets, not about Darkstalker himself.”

“Yeah, well, like I told him, he chose his tribe over us.” Kinkajou gave her a sideways glance.

“I know. I can tell he regrets it. But, IceWing culture is ‘family above all’. No matter your relationship.” Moon sighed. “No matter if they tried to kill you…”

“Yeah, I don’t get it. I don’t even know if I have parents or siblings.” Kinkajou shrugged smally. “But, truthfully, I think my answer is going to be ‘no’.”

Moon felt her veins freeze briefly. “Why?”

“Like I said, I can’t trust him to not blow up at a student. Or any of us if he gets irate enough. How’s that going to look for the Academy?”

“That hasn’t happened.” Moon slanted her eyes. “He had every chance to do so.”

“You’re right, it hasn’t. But how can you be sure it won’t?” Kinkajou tilted her head. “Actually, you can be sure.”

“No.” Moon answered quickly. “I’m not looking ahead. The future took too much from me.”

“Then my answer will be no. I can’t be certain, Moon. I don’t want to take the risk again,” Kinkajou said sadly. Her talons tapped on the desk, guilt crossing her muzzle. “I don’t want to be hurt again. I don’t want you to be hurt again.”

“There’s no way I can be hurt any more, Kinkajou.” Moon averted her gaze.

Silence.

“Why?” Kinkajou suddenly asked. “Why are you so dead set on giving him another chance? What do you see that I don’t?”

“I can’t explain it.” Moon shook her head. “It’s a feeling, not something I see.”

“Last time I got a feeling about him, it blew up in my face,” Kinkajou responded with a hint of bitterness. “I don’t want you to lose your wings, either…”

“I won’t, I promise.” Moon took Kinkajou’s claws in hers. How small they were compared to hers. Dainty and delicate, it was like the slightest bit of force may break them. Of course, this wasn’t true, but it sure felt that way.

Kinkajou remained quiet for another moment, lost in thought, before she spoke again. “The Winglet back together does sound like a good thing but Moon, I’m scared .”

“I am, too.” Moon admitted. Kinkajou’s fins perked up. “But, Peril and Turtle just came to me. Winter walked back into my life. Qibli and I are talking again. I don’t want to lose this, Kinkajou.”

“… Alright.” Kinkajou said after a moment. “I’ll give him a chance, for your sake. Moons know you need a break, and if he’s really helping I guess I can grow used to him again.”

Moon stood up and approached Kinkajou, wrapping her wings around the smaller RainWing. “If he tries to hurt anyone again, I can break his spine over my knee.”

That got a laugh out of Kinkajou. “Yeah, yeah you can.”

“So, don’t worry. I can take care of myself and you. Tsunami isn’t going to let anything happen to you either.”

“You’re too good for this world, you know that, right?” Kinkajou shook her head. “I’ll work up the courage to talk to him again. But, for right now, I’m going to avoid him unless I have to speak to him.”

“Take the steps you need.” Moon reassured her.

Kinkajou nodded before changing the subject to Moon’s lessons. Moon happily obliged her topic change, as she needed to second opinion something anyway. Plus, at this point, she just wanted to keep Kinkajou happy. Her support meant the world.

But what, exactly, did she see in Winter that she didn’t before? It was something new, that was for sure. She remembered Cricket’s words about rebounding, but that couldn’t be it, could it? No, she refused to think about it. She couldn’t hop into another relationship.

Right?

***

Sunny really didn’t expect to be on another adventure this week.

Not counting Vulture a few years back, there was no real threat these days. At least, ones that she could help with. Between Jade Mountain and then taking care of her mother, it was more than enough on her claws. The Sand Kingdom itself was all consuming like a sinkhole, and she really only found herself having time to speak to Qibli consistantly. 

Truthfully, she didn’t know how – or why – she fell for Qibli, either. There was no pinpointing the time. It felt like just one morning, she woke up, and saw him in a different light. Maybe it was his personality. Maybe it was his closeness with her mother. She just didn’t know.

But Sunny sure as heck wasn’t complaining… well, about that. No, if she was going to complain, it was going to be about their first date, if one could call it that. Crawling through damp and cold tunnels while pushing a NightWing to their leader wasn't exactly romantic to her.

Still, It was all so exciting and tense at the same time. Although, she did wish that Tsunami was here at least. She’d thrash everyone here easily. Clay had that big intimidation factor, too.

Starflight, sadly, may make Fierceteeth angrier.

“Plan?” Sunny had to jump up to Qibli’s level to whisper.

“Hey bucko, you got a hidden entrance somewhere?” Qibli nudged the NightWing. “Because I feel like if we walk through the front door, we’re gonna be burnt.”

“Ain’t wise to step in at all.” The NightWing grunted. “Got a good number in there.”

“And if they’re anything like you and your pal, I’m not too worried.”

Sunny rolled her eyes. She could tell he was playing himself up. Did Moon have to go through this?

“True, you got the jump on us, but I think you an’ her are a bit outmatched.” The NightWing specifically looked at Sunny. “Bigger than a dragonet, but I know one or two who’d step on her.”

“I took you out easily,” Sunny responded bluntly. “Dragons always underestimate the short ones, I swear!” She jolted as an idea flowed through her. “Actually…”

“No.” Qibli immediately shot it down, following her drift.

“I can take care of myself, Qibli. Let’s not forget, I can get in more places than you.” Sunny squinted. “They’ll never see me coming.”

“Yeah, and if anything happens to you, Thorn will use the guillotine.” Qibli argued back.

“I’ve been in far worse danger.”

“Yeah, and I’ve seen OutClaws die to silly mistakes! I’m not taking it with anyone else I care about.” Qibli shook his head, wrapping his tail around the NightWing’s foot as he tried to escape in their argument.

“I didn’t say we should go in ,” Sunny quickly amended. Both dragons raised a brow. “Look, I’ll just go in and scout around. You keep him here and see what information you can gather.”

“Look, at this point, I ain’t getting paid for this.” The NightWing grumbled. “Honestly think Fierceteeth is off her medication, but sunk cost fallacy and all.”

“Is that so?” Qibli raised a brow.

“Said somethin’ about Darkstalker being back. Now, while I seen a dragon that looks like him, I have my doubts. Why now, and why her, and all that?” The NightWing shrugged. “If he was real, he’d animus us all under his will again.”

Sunny and Qibli glanced at each other. Darkstalker was well, technically, still here. But, this dragon was right. Darkstalker was not one for subtly, and if he really wanted something, he wouldn’t go out of his way to do all this. It’d be done, and it’d be done right away.

“Does she uh… know what he did to her?” Qibli asked vaguely. It was Sunny’s turn to raise a brow. There was a lot about that whole adventure she didn’t know about.

“I have no idea what you’re talkin’ about, ‘less you mean the Majordomo thing. Makes sense it’d go to her head.” The NightWing shrugged again.

“So, that’s a no.” Qibli muttered under his breath. “Okay. You’re gonna have to start at the beginning with this.”

“I’m going to see what’s inside.” Sunny gestured her head back. “I think I see the entrance.”

Before Qibli could stop her, she was already darting to a small hole in the wall. It looked more like a ventilation shaft than an actual entrance, but she could see light at the end of the tunnel. She couldn’t help but snicker at the imagery. As she approached, however, her movements started making noise.

Shuffling came from above. Sunny heard talking, too. Nothing she could make out, and so she crawled to the end of the shaft.

“No idea where she went, but she should be back soon.” A NightWing said.

“The Queen’s starting to crack down.” Another responded. “Only a matter of time before she finds this base.”

“She’s pressed thin. Don’t think we have too much to worry about.”

“Yeah, well, she just enlisted Queen Thorn’s daughter and her honor guard. Y’know, a Dragonet of Destiny and one of the ones responsible for Darkstalker’s first death.”

The other NightWing swore loudly. “We gotta tell her, then.”

“Go to the Western Side. That’s where she said she was heading. Could be anywhere over there, though.”

“Fantastic.” Another piped up. “But, she probably knows those two are coming. And, really, it’s only two of them.”

“Yeah, well, like I said, Dragonet of Destiny, Honor guard. I know for a fact I’m not trained in real combat. You aren’t either.”

“We have numbers.” The third responded indignantly.

“You really think that’s going to matter?” The first brought up. “Best we can do is fortify the place so it’ll be harder to get at us.”

More shuffling, and Sunny crept closer. So, the NightWing was right. Someone was masquerading as Darkstalker. She didn’t know how that was possible, as the NiceWing – as Qibli called it – was gigantic. Perhaps reborn into another body? A shadow of someone’s mind? Ugh, this was all so confusing and kind of ridiculous.

Luckily, there was a box blocking her from view. Poking her head above it, she was able to see that this was a supply base. Several NightWings, all of which were counting inventory or doing other tasks. She couldn’t see exactly what everyone was doing, but she did see the exit. It was hidden behind a slab that blended in with the walls. She had to wonder if this was all fairly recent or it was here from all the way back when.

Either way, Sunny could hear the ocean above and beside her. It made her feel claustrophobic. She never felt claustrophobic!

Still, she didn’t want to stay around here long. It was best to tell Qibli and Queen Hope what she found. If these dragons can be made to talk, all of Fierceteeth’s plans may unfold. She may become desperate to impress this Darkstalker imposter and be irrational.

Crawling back through the tunnel, she found Qibli and the NightWing still here. Without hesitation, she told Qibli what she found.

“Are they stocking up for a siege or something?” Qibli shook his head. “Hey, are you guys actually doing that?”

“Best to be on the safe side.” The NightWing said.

“Right… well, either way, you’re coming with us to the Queen.” Qibli pointed upward. “Your unconscious friend, too. You think you can carry him?”

Climbing out of the tunnel was easier said than done with an unconscious NightWing weighing everyone down. It took both Sunny and Qibli to lift them out, and this new NightWing – Shadowchaser – to carry him otherwise. Sunny found some rope to bind the claws just in case their captive woke up, and then it was a slow flight to the Palace.

Queen Hope did not seem enthused to be awoken, but she strode in with her imposing figure and stared down at the two NightWings. The unconscious one had awoken, fear in his eyes. Shadowchaser seemed rather neutral about the whole thing.

“Darkstalker being back?” Hope shook her head with a scoff. “I can guarantee that did not happen. I was there when he fell.”

“He’s a powerful animus, do you really think that anyone could kill him forever?” The newly awoken NightWing hissed. “I seen him.”

All eyes turned to the NightWing. “Speak.” Hope demanded.

“Was from a distance, but I know what I saw.” The NightWing responded adamantly. “Same scale and eye color and everything!”

“That is not proof at all.” Hope narrowed her gaze. “Many dragons have similar scale and eye color. It may have been a simple trick of the light.”

“You just don’t want to think he’s back.” The NightWing tsked. “I don’t want him back, but I’d much rather be on his side than against him.”

“And how does Fierceteeth factor into this?” Hope demanded.

“I’m not high enough rank for that, but I know she’s got something planned to impress him.”

“And you?” Hope turned to Shadowchaser.

“Not high enough rank either, but if you ask me, somethin’ big will draw her out,” Shadowchaser said simply.

“Whenever Thorn wants to draw out someone, she tends to throw a big gathering.” Qibli suggested. “Seriously, you have no idea how many cartel leaders just saunter in as if they weren’t being investigated.”

“But that’s also how we had to deal with that assassin.” Sunny reminded him.

“Which one?”

It was a fair question.

“Hmm…” Hope paced back and forth, brow furrowed in thought. “I may have an idea. But, I will need some assistance in coordinating.”

“Do tell.” Qibli leaned in curiously.

“Not in front of them.” Hope eyed the two NightWings coldly. “Guards!” She called for them, and they stepped from the shadows. Sunny hadn’t noticed them being there. “Take them below. I will interrogate them later myself.”

If she were younger, Sunny wouldn’t have liked the sound of that. However, years of being around her mother and seeing the kind of criminals that were dealt with in the Sand Kingdom had sort of made her numb to it. Was it good? No. Not at all. She hated that she was losing her compassionate side, or so it felt.

But she couldn’t just undermine the queen right now, either.

The two NightWings were led away, and then Hope turned to another guard. “Get Peacemaker and Duskweaver. I have a job for both of them.”

Chapter Text

“Sanctuary really took off, huh?” Riptide asked Winter, who was hanging out in the former’s office.

“You have no idea.” Winter shook his head. “It’s completely different from the last time you were there.”

“Yeah, I would’ve loved to visit, but you know how it is.” Riptide chuckled, taking a swig of his mug. “The instant I get a break, oops, something is happening. It’s not even a fun something, it’s just dealing with parent concerns and making sure Tsunami doesn’t fly off the hinges.”

“I do not fly off the hinges.” Tsunami growled from behind them, reading through a report. Next to her, an empty mug that she taloned absently, as if preparing to throw it at Riptide. He only grinned, and she sighed with exasperation. “Okay, maybe I do.”

“That’s the interesting part.” Riptide smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

“What about humans? Do they feel safe here?” Winter couldn’t help but ask. “I, admittedly, haven’t gotten a chance to ask any outside Wren.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s never a concern.” Riptide bobbed his head. “Kinda feels like a rite of passage for some to see what the dragons are up to. Most of the dragonets love them. The most negative is indifference.”

“I don’t like them around only because I am terrified of squishing them.” Tsunami shook her head. “Like, they’re not too small, but if you’re in a hurry or running in the dark, oops there’s a cherry stain on the floor.”

Winter barked out a laugh. “They’re a lot more resilient than you think.”

“I’m bigger than you. I’ll hurt a lot worse.”

“And my scales are sharper.” Winter held up his claw, where sure enough, there were some protrusions. They grew as he got older, appearing like icicles.

“That’s weird.” Riptide poked one of them. Winter unintentionally reacted by pulling back his claw. “Sorry. But is that a nobility thing? The IceWings here typically don’t have them.”

“Glacier’s line has the gene. Hailstorm doesn’t have it, but Icicle and Snowfall do.” Winter nodded. “No idea where it came from.”

“Huh. Guess it’s kind of like the royal pattern?” Tsunami lit up her wings, revealing the stars and swirls that showed her status as royalty. “Although, since some don’t have it in IceWings…”

“I imagine it’ll be a thing a few generations down the line.” Winter shrugged.

“You hoping your dragonet will have that?” Riptide elbowed him.

Winter coughed on his drink and he felt like he genuinely was about to die then and there. It took a moment for him to catch his breath as both SeaWings howled with laughter.

“First, I’m single and will likely be that way for a very long time.” Winter wheezed out. “Second, I have zero desire for a dragonet.”

“Well, with an attitude like that, you’ll be single forever.” Riptide winked. “If Peril and Turtle can get together, you have a very fair shot if you’re into that.”

“It’s been years and I’m still wrapping my head around that one.” Tsunami muttered through her work. “Winter, what do you usually do when you get a letter like this?”

Tsunami gave him a letter, and Winter immediately recognized it as a guilt trip in disguise. Something about a sick dragonet who really wants to go in the next opening. Winter recognized the manipulation from a mile away and felt disgusted that a parent would ever use their dragonet this way. Even with the best of intentions, from what was described, the dragonet may not survive even being in the building for long without proper medication.

“I can’t say I get many letters like this.” Winter read it over again. “Sanctuary tends to just have checkered past individuals and those who don’t belong anywhere else. Deserters, criminals, anyone who wants a new beginning. So long as we have the space and they’re not gonna kill someone, it’s usually a non-issue.”

“Well, what’s your take?” She asked. Winter had a dim feeling she was testing him.

“Softscales is a very serious disease to get at a young age.” Winter folded the letter and gave it back. “Even if the body fought it off, the way the dragonet is being described… I don’t know if they can handle any form of illness. Even if they could, I worry about the other dragonets picking on them for missing half their scales. Not to mention physical limitations.”

“Well, we have at least one semester with these students. Would it be possible for this dragonet to be able to attend when we open, do you thnk?”

“Moon’s the only one who can read the future and she closed that door after what happened to her.” Winter let out a small sigh. “Best I can say is to reply with your concerns and tell the parent to write again right before the new winglets are made.”

“Yeah, that’s about right.” Tsunami sighed.

“Why did you ask my opinion?” Winter couldn’t help himself.

“Why are you asking?” Tsunami raised a brow.

“Because I feel like you still don’t trust me and are trying to see where my mindset is.”

Riptide glanced to Tsunami, remaining quiet. Tsunami grumbled something under her breath before fully facing the IceWing.

“Yes, I was.” Tsunami admitted bluntly. “There’s going to be a lot of students and parents who will attempt to guilt trip you. I needed to get an idea of where you were at.”

“Did the other teachers have to go through this?” Winter asked neutrally.

“Yes,” Tsunami responded with the same level of bluntness. Winter didn’t detect a lie from her. “Look, if you’re serious about this, I am going to be doing this a lot. This is basically like a private school and everyone wants their student to do well and pass. Big honor and all that. I’ve even had dragonets and parents try to seduce teachers for better grades. I don’t see you ever doing that, but I’m laying the groundwork.”

“Trust me, I remember.” Winter groaned. “I had hoped that it would die away. But it appears not.”

“Just don’t blow up on them, especially the dragonets. Moment you suspect something, go to Fatespeaker.”

“I’m not going to blow up at anyone. And you know why I blew up before.” Winter couldn’t help but frown. “Wouldn’t you react the same if Riptide kept something as crucial as that from you?”

“To play defense, you did kinda explode on me for not telling you Webs was my dad.” Riptide jumped in, shooting her a knowing look.

“Nowhere near as bad. And I wasn’t an adult.” Tsunami shook her head.

“Yeah, you’re stronger now. You can actually hurt me.”

“Aren’t you into that?” Tsunami smirked. Riptide shrugged.

“I turn my back, and you’re getting Winter drunk.” The clicking of talons from the entrance indicated the arrival of Moon. She was noticeably happier, the iridescence in her scales much more illustrious. Something clearly happened last night after their talk.

“It’s not the first time I’ve done that.” Riptide shrugged. “You want to join?”

Moon looked at the half empty keg, glanced at Winter, and shrugged before filling a canister and downing it in a single swig. All three of them stared.

“All that time in the Sand Kingdom builds your tolerance.” Moon gave them a smug look. Yep, she was happy about something. “Seriously, half the drinks have alcohol in them.”

“Wow.” Tsunami blinked. “Never knew you had it in you.”

“You never invited me.” Moon winked deviously. Winter exchanged a glance with Riptide. This was the old Moon, someone Winter hadn’t seen in five years.

“Well, I know to do that now.” Tsunami shook her head. “Still not inviting Peril, though. Even without her Firescales, she’s a destructive drunk. At least Turtle is invincible.”

“Be a nice end of the semester party…” Moon turned to Winter. “By the way, before I get too distracted, I’m here because Kinkajou has agreed to let you stay. That means everyone here has given their consent.”

Winter blinked. He honestly didn’t expect her to say yes. Kinkajou was conflicted and it was clear she wanted nothing to do with him after that conversation. She was being kind, as she always was.

“She actually came around?” Riptide asked, surprised. “I was honestly expecting a no.”

“I convinced her.” Moon averted her gaze. “The Winglet is healing. Peril and Turtle came to me last night, too. It’s a chance for all of us to have a new start. I’m talking to Qibli again, after all.”

“Huh.” Tsunami leaned back before turning to Winter. “Guess you do have a job.”

“Honestly, I’m shocked.” Winter admitted quietly. “I was ready to leave in the morning.”

“Kinkajou is still going to be a while before she is comfortable being in the same room.” Moon told all of them. “But, she agreed to give it all a chance.”

“Where does she frequent? Just so I don’t intrude on her.” Winter asked.

“She’s the gardener, so I wouldn’t go there unless you are starving.” Moon smiled sadly. “I don’t think she’ll mind too much if you go by there, but if you’re not looking to startle her, best to play it safe.”

“Alright.” Winter got up and stretched. “I’ll have to Dreamvisit Cricket and Sky, let them know what’s going on. I know the latter will want to help out.”

“Oh, Peril will be happy.” Riptide finished his drink.

“How many students will be attending the class?” Winter questioned. “I’ll need a bit of time to set things up. I don’t know if I’ll be ready by the time the semester starts.”

“You got until the week after bare minimum.” Tsunami surprised him. “It’s not a class that would be done every week, I think. Gotta coordinate with the humans and all. But, I’m sure you can start teaching biology and whatnot.”

“Yeah, that was what I planned.” Winter turned to Moon. “Thank you, Moon, for trusting me enough to bring me here.”

“Lack of trust is what caused this mess. I’m not doing it again.” Moon murmured back.

The two simply looked at each other for a moment. Winter wasn’t sure why he continued to stare. But, something moved within him. Something ancient. He had a good idea he knew what it was, but he quickly dismissed it. It wouldn’t be proper. Not yet, anyway.

But… well, when he was ready, maybe he wouldn’t wait this time.

***

Sandrunner didn’t even make it out of the Sand Kingdom before he had a visitor. He stayed the night, as his wings were tired, but he was ready to head back to the City of Night. Only, when he went to go get breakfast, he found himself staring at a familiar hybrid waiting for him.

It was almost eerie how she stood there, as if she expected him down to the exact time. Sandrunner didn’t remember Duskweaver acting like this during his time at Jade Mountain, but it was a tad… disconcerting. Yet, at the same time, she was a very welcome face. He brushed it off as him still waking up.

“What are you doing here?” Sandrunner asked awkwardly before smacking himself internally.

“My grandmother sent me here for Queen Thorn.” Duskweaver gestured for him to follow her. “I just arrived, actually.”

“Did something happen?” Sandrunner felt his heart thump in his chest.

“Of a sort. Your dad is fine as of a few hours ago, before you panic.” Duskweaver held up her wing to reassure him. “No, we just found out that Fierceteeth’s entire operation has… expanded.”

“So, Queen Hope reconsidered asking for help?”

“Again, sort of.” Duskweaver shook her claw in a ‘so-so’ manner. “See, she more needs help selling an image. A few days from now is the founding of the new Kingdom, and Hope hopes – get it? – to draw her out with a party. So, she’ll need at least Queen Glory to be there, and I am here to reach out to Queen Thorn.”

“I’m sure grandma will take the chance to do something exciting.” Sandrunner mused. “Still, a party?”

“Not just any party. A masquerade party.” Duskweaver’s eyes almost glittered with excitement. “Apparently, NightWings of old were very into that. Something about the late queen Vigilance especially loving it.”

“Oh, that’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Sandrunner said blankly.

“Well, again, the plan is to draw out Fierceteeth. Even with all the more important dragons being there, being able to mask yourself will give her some confidence. In fact, I am almost positive she will strike at that time.” Duskweaver continued on as they turned the corner.

“And if she does strike? Are there any defining features?”

“Large. Has fierce teeth.”

Sandrunner rolled his eyes at her statement and ruffled his wings. She giggled at him.

“Sounds fun, though. Outside of the danger.” Sandrunner stopped and looked at himself in one of the many decorative mirrors in the hall. His patch of black-purple scales across his face made it look like he was already wearing a mask.

Yet, he stared for a few seconds longer than he normally did. His father’s face stared back, yet he met his mother’s eyes. He looked like a paradox, and he felt himself being torn in two the longer he stared. He’d never fit in with NightWings looking as he did. He was too much of a SandWing. Yet, his conversation with Cobra only illustrated that he didn’t quite fit in here.

He didn’t know where he belonged. The past two weeks were absolute torment for his mind. He was a lot calmer after sleeping with Blaze, but it –

“Hold on, what !?” Duskweaver interjected, and right then and there Sandrunner remembered that she could read his mind.

“Um.” Sandrunner shifted very uncomfortably. “Can you… not read my mind?”

“I normally stay out, but surface thoughts get through at times, and that one was so big I couldn’t help but notice.” Duskweaver stared, gobsmacked. “Um… well, I see…”

“It was a very low moment and I was desperate for affection.” Sandrunner saw no point in hiding it if she was going to read his mind. “Everyone keeps bringing it up and, truthfully, I’m getting a little sick of it. It happened, I don’t regret it, but I’ll never do it again.”

“I’m not judging you.” Duskweaver quickly adjusted herself. “I’m just surprised. You had no interest in anyone back then.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’ll do better to stay out of your mind. But, if you ever need a friend, I’m literally right here.”

“Thank you.” Sandrunner nodded, genuinely grateful. Still, he had no intentions of dumping his trauma onto her. They just reconnected, and he hid it for this long.

“And if you need affection…”

“You’re teasing me. And if you aren’t, Peacemaker is going to break his namesake. Along with Hope.”

Duskweaver winked knowingly, giggling.

They approached the throne, only to find Thorn was out and about in the Oasis. So, a quick flight was in order, and sure enough they found the queen hobbling along. Sandrunner could tell she was cursing up a storm from how awkward it was to move in sand. The former Prince, Smolder, was near her, speaking with her about something indistinct.

“…I simply think that a port for the Pantalans may be a bit more of an issue than we think,” Smolder said, his voice lower than Sandrunner expected. “Sandstorms have been ravaging the coast for a while now. It’s simply not feasible this season, I fear.”

“How long do you think the season will last?” Thorn smacked a claw to her head with exasperation.

“Truthfully, I don’t know.” Smolder shrugged. “Seasons are a changin’. Sea Kingdom has a lot more Monsoons, Ice Kingdom has had record high temperatures. Not sure what it is, but according to the humans, things like this have happened before. Something about ‘still being in an ice age’.”

“What in the stars is an Ice Age?” Thorn raised a brow.

“Apparently, a long time ago, the world was covered in frost. We’re still in it, as ice isn’t… natural? I don’t know. It’s a lot to keep track of. I have no idea how Rose did it.” He let out a quiet, sad sigh. “It’s been two years, and I miss her more every day.”

“Fifty-two was a long time for humans.” Thorn patted his shoulder. “She lived a good life.”

“Oh, I know, but I’ve had her for half my life.” Smolder shook his head. “Sometimes, I still ring that bell, hoping she’d come. But, I digress, as we have company.”

Sandrunner and Duskweaver landed next to the Queen as she eyed them with curiosity. “Apologies for the interruption,” Sandrunner said, “but Duskweaver has a message from Queen Hope.”

“Oh?” Thorn turned her full attention to Duskweaver. “Nothing bad, I presume?”

“Not at all!” Duskweaver responded with a shake of her head. “Sandrunner told you about the situation back home, yes?” Thorn confirmed her question. “Well, as I said to Sandrunner, two days from now, we are having a celebration party for the NightWing’s separation. Queen Glory is expected to attend, and since you have been most helpful, my grandmother has extended an invitation to you.”

“There’s more to the story, isn’t there?” Thorn asked flatly.

“Of course! We also plan to draw out Fierceteeth and her larger than expected rebellion. It’s a masquerade party, too.” Duskweaver frowned slightly. “I fear Fierceteeth may have gone insane, though. She appears to be speaking to a ghost of Darkstalker, or at least someone pretending to be him.”

“Perfect, just what we need.” Thorn grumbled under her breath. “Okay, if that’s what’s really going on, I’ll be there with Stonemover. I know he wanted to go back. He totally doesn’t deserve it after leaving me for a mountain, but I suppose he has earned some time outside the kingdom.”

Duskweaver snickered at her words while Sandrunner chuckled. It reminded him of the old, playful griping that his parents had with each other.

Actually… would his mother want to go there? She never did get a chance to live among the NightWings. Would this entice her? It was a tad early for both his parents being in the same room and the reaction to Qibli dating Sunny now – it was painfully obvious – may not be good.

Yet, Hope and Peacemaker were very good friends of Moon. So, maybe? Either way, it’d be a good idea to ask. He hadn’t been able to spend a lot of time with his mother these days.

“What are you thinking about?” Duskweaver asked him.

“Do you think we can stop by Jade Mountain before we go back?” Sandrunner asked. “Well, actually, you may have to go back. But I’m probably going to go and ask my mother if she wants to go.”

“So long as we’re back before the party, grandma won’t care.”

“I do question how the mask party is going to work with this.” Thorn held up her prosthetic leg. “Ah well, it’ll be fun to not be a queen for one night. Haven’t had a break like that in years.”

“Really, I don’t understand why she didn’t just wait six months.” Duskweaver shook her head. “Blackest Night supposedly blocks out any and all NightWing powers. Meaning my mind reading won’t work. No idea about animus, but I know I’m not the only one my grandmother has who can read minds.”

Sandrunner forced himself to not think of her father, storing that little bit of information away for later. “Guess she’s impatient.”

“That sounds about right from what I heard of her.”

“Her loss.” Thorn shrugged. “I’ll get things squared away here and head off.”

“Alright, we’ll meet you there then.” Sandrunner spread his wings. “Actually… uh… don’t kill my dad. Please?”

“Depends on if he mated her already.”

Blocking that mental image out of his head, Sandrunner leaped into the sky with Duskweaver. As he did, he realized that Winter would be with his mother. Although he didn’t fancy meeting the IceWing again, he had to make peace with the fact that Winter would be around. He just hoped that his mother wouldn’t be dating him.

Sandrunner wasn't sure if he was ready for that.

***

A gentle knock on Qibli’s door alerted him to the presence of Sunny. He was catching a light nap, as all the excitement of earlier wiped him out. It was a perfect capstone to this week. Qibli felt the hurt flow from Moon’s departure, but even the moon faded to sunny days.

“I hope you didn’t forget our talk earlier.” Sunny poked her head in. Qibli tilted his head, confused. “You said you were depressed. I wanted to check on you.”

“Oh.” Qibli now remembered. “Uh, well… can you blame me for being that way?”

“Nope.” Sunny fully stepped in, gently shutting the door behind her. “Especially since this isn’t a blame game.”

“Figure of speech.” Qibli chuckled. She gave him a scowl. “I know, I know… but, look, of course I’m depressed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m moving forward – with you especially – but… well…”

“You still want her.” Sunny nodded understandingly.

“I don’t want you to feel second place, though.” Qibli sat up to look her in the eye. They were like an ocean he could get lost in, and in that too brief second, he felt like he was floating. “I just… it’s going to take a while.”

“I’m not threatened.” Sunny shook her head, sitting before him. “I knew the risks when I did what I did. Like I said, there was affection before all of this. It’s not you rebounding.”

“I’m more worried about Sandrunner, truthfully.” Qibli averted his gaze. “I feel like it may be too soon for him . This was hardest on him. Imagine waking up, seeing that your father is gone, and you have no idea why. Your mother is a depressed wreck, and having to explain that some dragons just don’t work out. I think something broke in him that day, and I don’t know how to fix it. His night with Blaze was the end point, not the start, I'm realizing.”

“That’s not something you can fix, Qibli.” Sunny took his claws in hers. How small and delicate they were. Soft, too. “He needs to do it himself.”

“I know, I know, but It is the worst feeling in the world seeing your dragonet struggle and being unable to help them.” He sighed. “And really, that’s the crux of my depression. Just seeing everyone fall apart and being unable to help them.”

“You and I are the same way.” Sunny chuckled quietly. “It’s why I decided to let my feelings grow. Empathic to a fault at times.”

“No kidding. Worst fault ever. If I was like my mother, then at least I wouldn’t be upset.” Qibli shook his head.

“If you were like your mother, you wouldn’t be happy, either.”

“It’s a joke, don’t worry.” Qibli smiled reassuringly. “Although, I do see her hovering around lately. I sincerely doubt she’ll ever change her ways, and it’s definitely more curiosity than anything maternal, but it’s strange seeing her try and be more involved.”

“You consider that being involved?” Sunny asked skeptically.

“Uh, well, considering how she was when I was a dragonet…” Qibli ran a talon along his nose scar. Sunny’s expression darkened at the action. “Yeah, exactly. Literally gave me away for basically nothing. Killed Sicciro without any remorse. Even I hesitated before I killed Rattlesnake.”

“If you’re worried about screwing up Sandrunner like she did for them, don’t,” Sunny said firmly. “He’s troubled, but he’s kind deep down.” She paused. “He just needs to find himself like I had to.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was a SandWing born with no barb. A deformity. I didn’t know who I was, or why I was born without it.” Sunny flicked her tail, emphasizing the lack of barb. “Plus, my eyes aren’t SandWing. Same with my face. Then, I found my mother and my father, and everything just kinda clicked together. I embrace both sides of me.” She paused again. “Actually, it would be really fun to dress in NightWing style for the party! I never really got a chance to.”

“What, you gonna paint your scales black, too?” Qibli nudged her teasingly.

“Maybe.” Sunny smiled impishly. “It’d be fun to wear moons. I’m all bright and sunny – ha ha – so it’d be a nice contrast.”

“I’m gonna stick out. Still, maybe I can do something to make it less obvious I’m a SandWing…” Qibli trailed off as a thought entered his mind. “Oh. Right. Your mother is coming.”

“Don’t worry about her.” Sunny waved off his concern. “She expected this, remember?”

“Yeah, but as you said, you’re still her little Beetle.”

“True.” Sunny shrugged her wings. “I doubt she’ll cause a scene. Like I said, you’re kinda the only one she would approve of. I remember hearing some expecting me to get with Smolder. Like, ew .”

“Who would…?” Qibli stared blankly.

“Higher ups who want to make sure the old royal bloodline doesn’t die out. Guess I’m SandWing enough for them.” Sunny shook her head. “Never mind the fact that the Eye of Onyx doesn’t care about bloodline.”

“Speaking of that, I haven’t seen Onyx around lately. Was told to keep an eye on her, but she straight up disappeared.” Qibli was suddenly reminded of her after the talk of Smolder. “Still can’t believe you guys let her attend JMA when she was like… 20?”

“It didn’t have an age restriction at the time.” Sunny glanced away sheepishly. “Kinda what I need to talk to the others about if we’re going to have a successor to the Dragons of Destiny.”

“Well, Glory is going to be here…”

“Exactly.” Sunny grinned. “If I can whisper in her ear, the others will likely fall in line. Tsunami is going to be the only one who will be hard to convince. There isn’t a successor to JMA right now.”

“Ah, yeah, that’ll be an issue.” Qibli’s brow furrowed. “Turtle or Riptide would honestly be my best bets.”

“Was kinda thinking the same. But, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Sunny said brightly. “Not sure what we’ll call it though. Dragons of Destiny will be a weird one.”

“I’m really bad at names, so I can’t help you there.”

“Guess we’ll come up with it if we get that far.” Sunny stood up and stretched. “But, are you doing okay now?”

“Hard to remain dark and broody with your sunny personality.” Qibli winked, forked tongue sticking out slightly. "Tell me, am I more than you bargained for yet?"

"Bold of you to assume I bargained for anything. But, if you like my sunny personality, then I guess I’ll have to sleep in your bed tonight.” Sunny grinned back deviously. Qibli coughed at her forwardness. “Not like that, Qibbles.”

“Damn.” Qibli pretended to pout as Sunny curled up next to him. “Ah well, always tomorrow night.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

Qibli let out a quiet laugh as he lay next to her, wing extending over her. She snuggled up closer. Her warmth, indeed, did burn away at the darkness that consumed his mind. In that moment, he had nothing but sunshine in his head.

Chapter Text

“We’re baaaaaaaaaaaack!” Came a loud, perky voice that admittedly caused Moon to jump. She had just gotten used to the silence, and now Fatespeaker was back from her trip with Starflight. Ah well, who needed peace and quiet anyway? Someone had to fill in for Kinkajou until she got better…

The two NightWings trotted into the Great Hall side-by-side, a wide smile on Fatespeaker’s face. Starflight was much more subdued, but no less happy. Especially since he can now see everything around him. Turtle’s rock healed all muscle and flesh damage, and since most of his issues were that… well, it worked. He still had some vision problems and sensitivity to light, but it was much better than being blind forever.

“All that noise is going to wake up your dragonet.” Moon greeted them as they stepped toward the back, indicating to the egg in a swaddle around Fatespeaker’s neck. “He’s sleeping.”

“Are his thoughts fully formed already?” Starflight extended his neck over, peering at the dark blue and black egg.

“He’s due to hatch in the next month or so, right?” Moon questioned. Both nodded. “Then, yes. When Sandrunner was around a month away, I heard his. It’s more instinct at this point, but you get the idea.”

“It’s so cool, honestly.” Fatespeaker looked down at their egg. “It makes babbling to the egg that much less insane.”

“Have you been practicing with your powers?”

“I have, but they’re not as strong as yours. So, I can’t really read his mind yet.” Fatespeaker returned her attention to Moon. “It’s not like sensing emotions. Speaking of,” She smiled. “ Somebody’s happy.”

“Winter’s here to teach for Cricket.” Moon saw no point in hiding it. Both NightWings blinked. “Yeah, surprised me too. Ran into him in the Rainforest and we’ve been reconnecting.”

“Huh. Well, I’m happy for you,” Starflight said. “Seems a lot of things happened while we were out.”

“You have no idea.” Moon shook her head. “I spoke to Qibli again, too.”

“Okay, yeah, what happened?” Fatespeaker made her way toward the library, the other two following. They lived in an offshoot of the library, in a smaller cave that had everything they needed. It was really cozy the few times Moon had been there.

“Long story. I’ll tell you when you rest.” Moon promised. Fatespeaker seemed pleased with that, humming to herself as Starflight walked alongside her silently. “Where did you two end up going?”

“Oh, where didn’t we go?” Starflight mused quietly. “Mostly, we stayed at the Sky Kingdom. Apparently, Scarlet hid a lot of important documents in stashes and we were helping Queen Ruby recover them. Like, more than we found the last time we looked for Peril’s firescales. Apparently, there are records dating back three thousand years that Scarlet tried to simply erase.”

“Such as?”

“Well, they didn’t always drop animus off cliffs, like we found out before. Scarlet had hidden away a whole stash of old enchanted items that we found. Unfortunately, most had broken.” Fatespeaker sighed disappointedly. “Still, there was one that would give you an accurate forecast of the weather. That was cool. Same with the one that allows you to douse all candles in a room. I can tell Queen Ruby is seriously considering letting animus live if they happen to be born these days.”

“That’s a bit surprising, really.” Moon frowned in thought. The last time animus was brought up to the SkyWing queen, she seemed almost fearful of it. But, times changed. Moon knew that all too well.

“That’s really the most exciting thing.” Starflight said. “Most of it was just spending time with each other.”

“Oh, spending time with me isn’t exciting, Bright Eyes?” Fatespeaker scowled playfully.

“Every day is exciting with you, dear. I meant outside of that.”

“Uh huh…” Fatespeaker rolled her eyes before addressing Moon. “I think we’re gonna catch a quick power nap. You better tell us everything when we wake up, though. Or, at least me. Starflight will probably be enthralled with some of the scrolls we brought back.”

“Ah, so nothing different from the last time we spoke.” Moon winked slyly.

“I just like reading…” Starflight frowned slightly. “I listen. I care, too.”

“I know you do, but teasing is very fun. Lest you forget, you signed up for it.” Fatespeaker jabbed him lightly with her wing.

“You badgered me a lot.”

“And it worked, didn’t it?”

Moon left the two of them, returning to her own cave for a moment before finding Kinkajou. She tentatively taloned one of the boxes in her room containing jewelry from her mother. Next to it, studded bracers and a choker that she wore on her wedding to Qibli and removed after the divorce. Maybe it was time to wear them again. They were a painful reminder of Qibli, but she loved how she looked with them.

They were earrings of moons and stars, with a necklace of the three moons. Also in the box was silvery eyeliner that really brought out the teardrop markings behind her eyes. The fact that she was happy enough to consider wearing this again had finally started to sink in. Although, as much as she wanted to wear the purple-black sleeves, that was a bit much for now.

Turning to the mirror to try the jewelery on, Moon let out a hellish shriek of terror as she looked into it. Behind her, not five feet away, was a familiar dark scaled face that she could never forget. Piercing dark eyes, teardrop markings. He was right behind her, staring into the mirror with a face-splitting grin.

Darkstalker. Darkstalker was right behind her.

Whirling around, Moon found nothing. Her heart thumped in her chest, and when she glanced back to the mirror, there was nothing. She was alone.

She wanted to say it was a trick of the light. She wanted to say that it was her mind playing tricks on her from such a traumatic and exhausting ordeal these past few weeks had been. But there was no mistaking that face. No mistaking that stare.

Especially since it was no longer that affable arrogance she had come to know at the time. It was dark, sinister, and maddened. Like the past twenty years were filled with nothing but torment and had broken the powerful animus’ mind.

She exhaled with a bit of relief as her mind began to rationalize it. If Darkstalker was here, she would be dead. There was nothing beyond his grasp outside of his own imagination. If he was as mad as he appeared in her mind…

“Moon?” Turtle’s head poked into her room, concern dancing along his eyes. “Are you okay? I heard you shriek.”

“Fine.” Moon breathed easier. “I just… thought I saw something. I think I’m exhausted.”

“Are you sure? Because that was genuine terror.” Turtle pressed lightly.

“Just a ghost of our past that is impossible to be real.” Moon shook her head. “Seriously, I’m okay. If it happens again, though, I’ll tell you.”

“All right…” Turtle did not sound convinced. He was going to speak to Peril about this, she could tell. And then both of them would confront her and really, it’d be easier to just tell him now. But, Moon was stubborn. She didn’t want them to think she was losing her mind.

“Your son is here, by the way.” Turtle changed the subject. Moon blinked. She hadn’t expected to see Sandrunner for some time. “Yeah, he has Duskweaver with him. I said I’d find you.”

“Oh. Where are they now?” Moon questioned.

“He’s in the Prey Center with Duskweaver last I checked.”

Moon stepped out with Turtle to the Prey Center, hoping to get there before Winter realized they were here. She didn’t expect the two to come to blows, but Moon wanted to be there just in case something happened. Winter seemed positive that Sandrunner wouldn’t do anything, and while Moon believed him, it was better to be safe in this situation.

And then she chastised herself for thinking this way about her own son . Duskweaver was here, and if she was anything like Moon remembered, then she would be able to be the voice of reason.

“… they really did accept you?” Sandrunner’s voice was confused. Moon could imagine his head tilted almost ninety degrees when he asked that, just like how he did when he was younger.

“They did,” Winter’s voice answered. Moon briefly had ice flow in her very veins at the sound of his voice, but it wasn’t hostile.

“Not gonna lie, I was surprised. But then again, I also thought that you and Moon slept together, so what do I know?” Peril’s voice also came echoing from the Prey Center.

“PERIL!” Winter almost roared as Peril cackled loudly.

“Oh boy, I hoped she wouldn’t bring that up again…” Turtle shot Moon a sheepish glance. “Guess we should announce our presence, huh?”

“You thought what !?” Moon burst into the Prey Center, nearly knocking the doors of the hinges. Poor Sandrunner was sitting between the two larger adults, trying to shrink into a tiny ball before Winter inevitably reacted. Winter, to his credit, was more stunned and embarrassed than angry. Peril had a knowing look in her eyes, though.

“No other way you brought him here.” Peril shrugged unapologetically. “I don’t think that now.”

“Can you at least not do this in front of my son?” Moon groaned, slapping a claw to her face. “I don’t want this to be the first thing he hears when he comes here…”

“Technically, it wasn’t.” Peril pointed out. Moon glared. “Okay, fine.”

“Duskweaver’s here,” Sandrunner immediately changed the subject. “She went exploring, saying something about being nostalgic.”

“Yeah, Turtle told me she was.” Moon sat at the same table as them. “What brings you here?”

“Well…”

Sandrunner explained just about everything going on. How Fierceteeth was amassing a rebellion – again – and that this time, it was much bigger than the last. Moon was worried about Qibli and Sandrunner especially being caught in the middle of a rebellion, but that fear didn’t jump into her throat until he mentioned Darkstalker.

“Yes, she seems under the impression that Darkstalker is back.” Duskweaver had returned, sitting next to Sandrunner. Moon noted how comfortable Sandrunner seemed to be around her. “And she’s not the only one, it seems.”

“That’s impossible,” Moon answered flatly, eyes narrowed. Maybe it was her own projection, but she had to quash this and quash it now.

“I’m not arguing that fact.” Duskweaver shrugged her wings. “You’d know, you were there when he died. But…”

“But?” Winter eyed her critically.

“Is it really so strange that a powerful animus like him wouldn’t leave something behind to be discovered? Maybe a consciousness transfer?”

“I think he’d do whatever he wanted to do much sooner if that’s the case.” Peril rested her head on her palms. “He’s not an idiot. He’d come back, start cackling manically, and then enchant the world to turn into a pickle.”

“Why a pickle?” Turtle muttered under his breath.

“Either way, Fierceteeth is a bigger threat than we realized.” Sandrunner ruffled his wings. “Dad and Sunny are helping Queen Hope set everything up, and Queens Glory and Thorn will be there for a masquerade party.”

“Ooooh, I like that!” Peril immediately lit up.

“You’d be found out immediately, and not because you’re a SkyWing amongst NightWings,” Winter replied flatly to her.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t look pretty. I like doing that every so often.”

Winter bought that, pursing his lips and tilting his head with agreement.

“I actually wanted to talk to you in private, mom.” Sandrunner looked at her.

“Of course.” Moon nodded quickly, and together the two of them made their way out of the Prey Center. Almost immediately after they left, she heard Peril starting to tease Winter again as evidenced by the loud sigh the IceWing made.

“The real reason why I wanted to come here was… I wanted to know if you wanted to go to the party.” Sandrunner shuffled nervously. “You and I both never really got to experience NightWing culture on its own. And, well… I’m trying to figure out who I am now. And I just thought of inviting you.”

Moon smiled at her son warmly. She suspected this journey of his would come soon, as many hybrids Moon had encountered embarked on it once they came into maturity. Hearing it from Sandrunner… it meant he was starting to heal from all of this. Having another hybrid like Duskweaver must really be helping, too.

But…

“I don’t know.” Moon admitted. “It’s tempting. But, I just don’t know if I can be in the same room as your father right this very second. The wounds are still tender, and I don’t want to say or do something that will rip them right open again. Especially if Sunny is there. You and I both know he’s had eyes on her.”

“They’re together.” Sandrunner just came out and said it.

Moon felt her heart metaphorically being stabbed at his words. She wanted to shriek out in rage at how quickly Qibli seemed to have moved on. But… it wasn’t quick. She knew it. They’d been separated for two years, and it only felt recent because of their conversation.

“Then, it’s a really bad idea for me to be there.” Moon averted her gaze. “I don’t know how I’ll react to that. I still love him, Sandrunner, even if we’re not good for each other.”

“I’m the same way.” Sandrunner reminded her. “But… I guess we both got to get used to this. I don’t exactly want to be seeing them by myself, either. I’m happy for them, but it hurts.”

And now Moon knew what he was really asking. It wasn’t just a party invitation.

“Alright,” Moon answered after a moment. “I’ll ask Tsunami. Cutting it kind of close with the semester starting and all.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand. Kind of important to make sure NightWing students can attend and all.”

True that.

Together, they made their way back to the Prey Center, finding the four other dragons seemingly waiting for them. Moon glanced between them, confused.

“We’re going.” Winter announced to both her and Sandrunner’s surprise. “Even if it's not Darkstalker, his influence needs to be crushed.”

“Won’t having the Jade Winglet be there kinda turn her off from attacking?” Sandrunner brought up an excellent point.

“Mmm… I dunno.” Duskweaver frowned in thought. “She’s fanatical enough, I feel. Take out my grandmother in front of the Winglet and other queens? Well, that’s enough to show incompetence. High risk and reward.”

Moon couldn’t help but question how Duskweaver knew that for a moment. This was all news to everyone as far as Moon was understanding. So how did Duskweaver know so much about the motivations. Her eyes drifted to the teardrop markings. Even mind reading couldn’t help if they weren’t near the target.

But, something strange happened when Moon wanted to test a theory. Namely, she couldn’t detect Duskweaver’s thoughts at all . It wasn’t like the way the Skyfire worked, where there was a blank nothingness. No, they were hidden, and hidden well. Moon did remember helping her with that during her tenure at JMA, but something was new.

Duskweaver was not this strong last they met.

Pushing it off for now, Moon returned her attention back to the others. “Are all of you sure?”

“Of course.” Peril nodded her head adamantly. “I’m sure if Kinkajou was able to, she’d be halfway there.”

“That’s true.” Moon mused. “Alright. We should all talk to Tsunami, fill her in what’s going on. I’m sure she’ll understand once she learns the danger. She won’t be happy , but the students will be if they get more free periods.”

“Ha!” Peril snickered. “We’ll just make it up for when they get back.”

“That’s mean.” Turtle frowned at her.

“Please, like you wouldn’t have them use five hundred new words to keep their creativity sharp.”

“Yes, but you bully them physically dragons physically.”

“Keep it up and I’ll bully you physically.”

***

Queen Glory arrived much sooner than Sunny expected. It was almost funny to see how she seemed to fly at breakneck speeds to escape her own kingdom. She never wanted the throne, and while she’d grown into the role, that rebellious spirit of hers never simmered.

It’d been such a long time since Sunny had seen her sister and fellow Dragon of Destiny. Age had been kind to Glory, growing into a long and lithe RainWing that oozed fierce confidence. Her scales were pristine, their leaf green hue glimmering in the sunlight.

“Glory!” Sunny rushed up and hugged the RainWing queen. Despite all this time, Glory was averse to being touched, but she allowed it from Sunny. Plus, the smaller dragon could see the edges of Glory’s lips tilt upward at the action.

“One time I’d like to see you without being tackled.” Glory grumbled under her breath, adjusting the flowers in her horns and crown. Vines with more flowers embedded in them wrapped around her ankles and wrists. She had really become regal over the past twenty years.

“Never going to happen.” Sunny winked mischievously. “Especially since you haven’t written in a while!” Sunny playfully swatted her.

“I’ve been busy!” Glory squinted back with her ocean blue eyes. “Seriously, this separation is going a lot slower than you think it is! Plus trading. Queen Coral is a nightmare to work with sometimes.”

“Nooo, you think?” Sunny nudged her. Glory ruffled her wings, rolling her eyes. “Seriously, how have you been?”

“Not much has changed. Deathbringer is still irritating as poison ivy, but Firefly is taking more after me than him thankfully,” Glory said proudly, scanning the skies. “I’ll be his Deathbringer if he’s not here in a minute.”

“Don’t be too mocking of him. His injury doesn’t allow fast flights.”

“Ugh, must you suck out the fun and make me feel guilty?” Glory narrowed her gaze as a dark shape approached the castle. “Ah, there he is. He’s faster than he’s flying now, so he probably got distracted.”

The large, black NightWing landed on the balcony next to them, carrying a few supplies. He was dressed in a starlit cloak with a three-moon necklace, and dare Sunny say, looked quite dashing. The scars on the underside of his wings sold the look, a ‘gift’ from one of Vulture’s attacks. It was doubtful he’d fly again, but Deathbringer proved them wrong.

“Hello, my lovely ladies,” Deathbringer spoke in a confident, almost winking voice. Glory immediately rolled her eyes while Sunny giggled. “Oh, don’t be so sour! It’s only Sunny, you can stop pretending.”

Glory, still glaring, leaned over and pecked him lightly on the cheek. He grinned wickedly.

“Don’t say a word.” Glory muttered to him.

“How can I not when I feel your lips? It helped me recover and gives me strength to this day!”

“Keep it up and you’ll feel venom.”

“Such harsh words you spew! I daresay I find those to wound much more than your… oh, what’s it called… magical death spit?”

Glory immediately turned to Sunny, who shrugged innocently. “He was there when we recounted our adventures, remember?” Sunny said. “And besides, Tsunami came up with it.”

“You shouted it.” Glory grumbled under her breath. “Alright, well, let’s hope Fierceteeth shows up soon. I need the excitement.”

“Am I not good enough for you?” Deathbringer pouted playfully.

“You’re exhausting these days. Plus, you peaked about ten years ago.”

“As if you did not enjoy that night. And we have a beautiful daughter now as a result!”

“I swear to whatever moon gods your tribe has…” Glory’s face briefly turned pink from embarrassment as Sunny snickered. “How’s your life been, then?” She quickly changed the subject to Sunny, who expected that a lot sooner.

“Oh, nothing really changed. I’m in a relationship, no big deal, and wanted to talk to you and the others about a new Dragons of Destiny program.”

Both the RainWing queen and her consort stared at Sunny.

“I’m not sure which one of these is the most shocking.” Deathbringer glanced to Glory. “I’m ninety five percent certain she’s joking about the relationship part, though.”

“Same. She’s never shown interest in anyone.” Glory met her mate’s glance.

“I’m serious.” Sunny puffed her cheeks out, annoyed. “I’m dating Qibli.”

“That’s a funny joke, Sunny. But really, what’s…” Glory tilted her head when she saw Sunny’s eyes narrow. “You’re not joking?”

“Nope.” Sunny deflated slightly. “You’ve missed a lot.”

“Clearly, I have, because you’ve managed to pull one over on me in a way I never would’ve seen coming.” Glory shook her head with disbelief. “When did this development happen?”

“Never knew you to be interested in the dating life of other dragons, Glory.” Deathbringer teased.

“Shut up you winged rat, this is Sunny . You know, the one who's never been interested in anyone except, oops, right now!?” Glory hissed back.

Sunny couldn’t help but laugh louder at the bickering. This was another side of the coin that she was so, so looking forward to. For so long, Sunny never really cared about relationships. And she kept her change quite hidden. Not that she’d ever spill it in a letter. Face-to-face was another story, and she’d been hard pressed to see her old family again these days.

“Alright, alright, how did this all happen?” Glory shook her head with disbelief. “I know Qibli was married to Moon but I haven’t heard from him since he left, what was it, two or three years ago?”

“Came to the Sand Kingdom after I moved there to help mom. He was kinda the only one I really knew there around my age and, well…”

“Well, at least he didn’t badger you to death until you agreed to a date.” Glory tilted her head to Deathbringer, who whistled innocently.

“Could’ve happened,” Deathbringer said.

“It didn’t.” Sunny winked.

“Told you it was abnormal.” Glory stuck her tongue out.

“It worked, didn’t it?”

Glory didn’t have an answer to that, and so changed the subject. “So, what’s this about a new Dragons of Destiny thing?”

“Right, so, Hope made an offhand comment about us not having a replacement squad cuz we still have a big influence. Truthfully, I wanted to do that for a while, but we were all just so busy! But with this uh… event ,” Sunny indicated around them, “I think it’s a good idea to be able to step in when we can. Or, have someone we can trust to do so.”

“Ain’t that what the Talons of Peace were said to be before that completely collapsed or turned into Sanctuary?” Deathbringer questioned.

“We could reform that!” Sunny lit up. Why didn’t she think of that before!? “Something tells me this isn’t going to be the last time something happens.”

“Uh huh, and how are we planning to do that?” Glory didn’t sound as enthused as Sunny hoped. But, she was listening, even if she was making her way to her guest room hurriedly. Deathbringer also looked quite tired; the flight must’ve been taxing for him.

“Not entirely sure yet. But, I imagine it to be a postgraduate thing for Jade Mountain.” Sunny suggested. Glory’s ear perked at that. “Dragons there already know how to work together. We can be an entirely neutral faction that can settle disputes and whatnot. Diplomats instead of fighters.”

“Ugh, diplomacy…” Glory groaned loudly as she opened the door to her guest room. Deathbringer poked his head in, grinning at the decoration. “I’d much rather be back adventuring and doing things rather than listening to yacking all day.”

“Well, if this gets off the ground, we’ll need you to be there helping us. Now, I understand that you’re a queen and all, but…” Sunny smiled knowingly.

“Firefly’s old enough to watch the tribe,” Glory answered immediately . “She actually wants to.”

“Are you projecting that onto her so she doesn’t kill you in tribal combat?” Deathbringer prodded Glory teasingly.

“As if I’d allow that barbaric ritual.” Glory spat out. “RainWings don’t do that, anyway.”

“Well, now all we gotta do is figure out what to do with Tsunami. Clay and Starflight will be all for it, I can tell.” Sunny grinned internally. It was working!

“We’ll swing off that branch when we get to it.” Glory cricked her neck and yawned. “Right now, it’s suntime. I’ll find you later. Tell Queen Hope I’m sorry I went right to suntime.”

“She’ll understand.” Sunny chuckled. “I just hope it isn’t slang.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Sunny?” Glory stared incredulously.

Sunny said nothing, grinning mischievously and shutting the door on the two dragons.

***

Being in the old Night Kingdom drew back unpleasant memories for Winter.

The last time he was here, it was when Darkstalker was trying to make it the new capital of their tribe. It was a time of great uncertainty and regret for Winter, one he’d tried to repress. While he was able to keep a tight lid on his emotions, there was another reason why it was beginning to boil over.

And that reason was the queen and her son.

Winter slid an eye to Duskweaver, who flew a bit further ahead with Sandrunner and Peril. Despite technically being Darkstalker’s daughter, he held no ire against her. She was innocent of the sins her father – fathers? – and grandmother had cast. He felt something off about the hybrid, but couldn’t tell if it was his own internalized grudge or not. As such, he chose to treat her as he would any dragon while keeping an eye on her. Was it paranoia? Probably.

“Are you sure you want to come?” Moon drifted closer to him. It was disorienting seeing her all dressed up again, and it drew his attention more than once.

“You’ve asked me that before. I’m fine,” Winter responded neutrally.

“No, you’re not, and I don’t need to read your mind.” Moon narrowed her gaze. He still wasn’t used to this assertive version of her and was taken aback slightly. “It’s about Hope, isn’t it?”

“What she did… is unforgivable.” Winter did his best to keep his voice even. “Rather than own up to her mistakes, she hit the reset button by exploiting Kinkajou.”

“Yeah, she did.” Moon didn’t try to defend her as he thought she might. “It took a long time for everything to really hit us.”

“Does she show any guilt?”

“I don’t know. I think even if she did, it’s too late,” Moon answered quietly.

“Yes, it is.” Winter’s face hardened. “I’m not doing this for her, before you ask. I’m doing this because I will not let her do it again.”

I won’t let any of you do that again , he added in his mind.

Admittedly, the renovations done to the kingdom were nice. It was a bit too dark for Winter’s taste, but he couldn’t help but admire the black and red hues of the palace. It reminded him of a gothic setting in a fantasy story he heard Moon and Kinkajou giggling about years ago. Something about a creature known as a ‘vampire’. Such a silly concept.

“Oh, now this is lovely.” Moon, as if on cue, murmured as they drew closer.

“By lovely, you mean depressing, right?” Peril turned her head back. “Ugh. I feel like I’m going to go to sleep and never wake up here.”

“That’s my home you’re talking about.” Duskweaver called back.

“I’m not gonna hold back my opinion. I don’t do it to Turtle, I won’t do it to you.”

“Y’know what? I can respect that.” Duskweaver shrugged with a small ‘huh’.

“Oh good, someone appreciates me and my mouth. Well, more than Turtle.” Peril nudged the SeaWing, who had been largely silent. He averted his gaze at her touch. “Ha, after all this time, you still get so flustered…”

“Are they like this in front of the students?” Winter leaned in to ask Moon.

“No, Peril keeps her comments restrained somehow. After that… well, Peril ’s not shy, as you found out. They don’t do anything like that in public though.” Moon shook her head, smiling.

“So, they’re not running off into a supply closet and locking the door?”

“Moons, no . Not that I’m aware of, anyway.” Moon coughed out a laugh. “Honestly, I’m more worried about the students doing that. We had an… incident a few years back and since then we’ve made sure to double check where our keys are.”

“No eggs, at least?”

“Oh, no, it was between two girls. Thank the stars that we haven’t had an egg incident, though…”

“Dragonets are getting bolder these days,” Winter said blankly.

“You have no idea…” Moon stared directly at Sandrunner when she said that. Winter allowed a small smile to crack the ice around his jaws.

They landed, greeted by some guards who took their identification. They recognized Duskweaver immediately, but they still had to take names for everyone else. Reminded Winter of home in that way.

Hope, Winter begrudgingly had to admit, had done a wonderful job with everything. All the obsidian and stone had been replaced and repaired to the best of their ability. Apparently, Starflight’s father had been involved in the reconstruction. Made sense, given everything he heard about the former head scientist of Queen Battlewinner.

Just like the guards, everything reminded Winter of the Ice Kingdom, but opposite color wise. NightWings held a noble stance, there was fine furnishing, so on. The velvet tapestries and floor carpets were finely tailored. Some of them were so tightly woven that Winter wondered if humans were involved with it. Heck, he swore he saw a few of them bustling about, but never got a good look.

Something he took heavy note of, however, was that some of the NightWing guards held seemingly unwieldy contraptions for weapons. If anything, it looked like a claw-held ballista. Some were as big as a dragon’s upper body. That wasn’t getting to the long bolts that would be loaded.

“Crossbows,” Duskweaver answered his unasked question. Winter whipped his head to her, unconsciously feeling for the skyfire band. “Relax, I can read your face, not your mind. They’re new weapons that Mastermind cooked up a few years back. Neat, aren’t they?”

“Neat is a word.” Winter eyed the crossbows with suspicion. Those things were not natural. They were more like something a human would use. Human and dragon blending was normally a great thing, but this one felt… wrong.

This was especially compounded when Winter caught a glimpse of the courtyard, where there were targets for dragons to practice on. The weapon was powerful , and worst of all, silent . There was no warning whatsoever that it had been fired.  Assassinations were that much easier to do. Same with flame spreading, as the tips could be alit with fire and launched.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Duskweaver eyed him. “They could be used to kill my grandmother. Or any of us, really. But honestly, so could a chakram or any weapon. They’re silent, too.”

“I’ve gotta side with Winter on this one.” Sandrunner grimaced. “They seem too powerful.”

“Well, why do you think we have them as defense?” Duskweaver nudged him playfully.

“ I don’t see what they have to offer that flame and claw can’t do.” Peril scowled at a guard carrying one.

“You aren’t looking at it the right way, then.”

“She’s enthusiastic about those weapons.” Moon commented to Winter.

“I don’t like it,” Winter answered flatly.

“They’re interesting, but I’m more worried that Starflight’s dad is making weapons again.” Turtle suddenly spoke, having somehow moved between them. “Hope knows that he’s not allowed to do that.”

“Something’s off.” Moon agreed. “But, I don’t think we can say anything until after this party.”

“Agreed.” Winter nodded curtly.

Soon, they entered the throne room, where Queen Hope awaited them. Winter felt himself grow colder, averting his gaze slightly so he didn’t have to look directly at her. Instead, he focused on the others in the room.

Sunny and Qibli stood side-by-side, and opposite them were Queen Glory and Deathbringer. It seemed that Queen Thorn hadn’t arrived yet, which made sense. Both she and her mate were not in the best shape, after all. Unfortunately, by looking around, Winter accidentally made eye contact with Peacemaker.

Oh, it took every ounce of his willpower not to react. He didn’t want to leap and kill the animus engendered dragon, but he certainly didn’t want to be around him. Through no fault of Peacemaker’s own, he was responsible for everything miserable that happened to the winglet these past five years. Well, that was perhaps an overstatement, but it certainly felt that way.

“I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to see all of you here.” Hope spoke with mild amusement. “Although, I should have expected it given the circumstances.”

“Indeed.” Moon nodded slowly. Her eyes kept unconsciously drifting to Qibli. “What is the plan?”

“The plan is to make sure nothing suspicious can tip off our foes. Admittedly, the whole Jade Winglet showing up is going to raise a brow… well, the whole winglet minus one, if Kinkajou is not being invisible right now.” Hope scanned their environment. “Nevertheless, it can work. It is known that you are often around the kingdom.”

“Is there anything we should look out for specifically?” Turtle questioned. “I’m not much of a fighter, but I can alert someone if I see something.”

“Admittedly, no. They don’t wear anything specific. However, I would pay mind to the shadows.” Hope sat up straighter. “The moment you see a gathering, I would keep an eye on it. We don’t know how big this operation is, and Fierceteeth herself is going to be trying extra hard to blend in.”

“How, exactly, did this happen?” Winter couldn’t help but butt in at this point. “I thought her last attempt killed any and all movement.”

“So didn’t I.” Hope admitted through a sigh. “But, she and others genuinely believe that they encountered Darkstalker.”

“I don’t see how that’s possible.” Winter resisted the urge to glance to Peacemaker. “You made sure of that yourself.”

“Winter…” Moon whispered to him.

“Am I wrong?” Winter ignored her.

“I was there, yes. I ensured his demise.” Hope narrowed made direct eye contact. It was as if she was daring him to continue. And he was almost ready to rise to that challenge.

But, this was bigger than the two of them. He’d solve this issue, and never come back.

“Then we need to figure out how she could have seen him. Someone is clearly able to pull off a convincing Darkstalker appearance. I don’t know how, given his size and all…” Qibli interjected, ending with a small joke and scanning for any reaction.

“Reincarnation?” Duskweaver shrugged. “Could be someone being like ‘ooooh, I’m Darkstalker’s sooouuulll, coming baaaaaaaack’.”

“How would they prove that?” Peacemaker asked his daughter.

“Uh… I didn’t get that far.” Duskweaver admitted. “It was more of a joke.”

Winter’s mind flicked back to the animus trove that they found a few years back. Could something from there have done it? According to Moon and Turtle on the way here, Starflight and Fatespeaker had found more, but they hadn't had the chance to ask more before leaving.

His mind also flashed to Chameleon, Peril’s father. Could someone have found him? As far as he knew, though, the scrolls he used were destroyed. But, perhaps he’d kept some hidden?

The next hour was spent planning ahead with contingencies. Winter paid astute attention, but didn’t jot down any notes. He didn’t want anyone to accidentally discover the plans.

Queen Glory suggested keeping a few RainWing guards invisible to patrol, which was a great idea. Deathbringer was also a trained assassin, so he’d be able to disappear and reappear as needed. The Winglet and Sunny would stick to the dance floor and the balconies above. Queen Glory and Hope would drift around, as they had to make many public appearances. Sandrunner would stick to the outskirts, which Qibli and Moon both found funny.

Peacemaker and Duskweaver would both float around, too. Winter had multiple reservations about the former, but kept his mouth shut. If Fierceteeth were to somehow learn about Peacemaker, that would be disastrous for the entire kingdom.

Unless… Peacemaker was already swallowed up by Darkstalker’s growing strength? Was Peacemaker nothing more than a shell ready to be cracked open? Winter couldn’t tell. He’d have to keep an eye on him.

Then, it was time to prepare. As Winter turned to leave, however, he was surprised to hear Hope ask him to stay. He did, and when the others left, she spoke:

“I am surprised to see you, most of all.”

“Lot of things happened.” Winter kept his tone neutral.

“I can see. And I know you know about Peacemaker’s… condition,” Hope said lowly.

“I do.”

“So, how do I know you won’t simply slit his throat?”

Winter narrowed his eyes. “I will not jeopardize anyone I am close to do such an act.”

“But if you had no consequence? If nobody would ever know?”

“Do you want me to answer that question, Hope?” Winter’s claw curled on the floor.

“No, I suppose not. The answer is obvious.” Hope let out a small sigh. “I can see the hatred in your eyes.”

“Peacemaker himself is not at fault. You are.” Winter couldn’t keep it in any longer. “Rather than own up to your mistakes, you gave your son a fate worse than death and manipulated Kinkajou into being your accomplice.”

“Perhaps I did.” Hope admitted to Winter’s surprise. “I’ve had a lot of time to grow over the past twenty years. Do I regret it? No. Do I wish I had done it differently? Yes, especially when it came to Kinkajou’s involvement. However, what’s done is done.”

“Then as long as we are being honest, I’m not here to save your hide,” Winter answered coldly. “I’m here to make sure you never do the same thing again.”

“I don’t think I could.” Hope averted her gaze. “No, I’ll do what I should have done.”

“As long as we’re on the same page, you have nothing to fear from me.” Winter met her gaze when she flicked her eyes back. “Is that all?”

“That is all.”

Chapter Text

It took a day for everything to get started.

Winter, admittedly, felt very out of place here. He was the only IceWing in a sea of Night, Sand, and Rain. The theme of the party would not work for him. Not unless he dressed very heavily, and he did not fancy himself doing so. Perhaps if he was younger, but heavy decoration would encumber him.

Instead, he settled on IceWing jewelry that he had in Sanctuary. It was weird, wearing his princedom attire. A wintery cloak, a crown, a pair of bracers. And, of course, a blue expressionless mask to fit the theme. He supposed that it worked to mask who he was, not the tribe.

A lot of the RainWings, he noted, did not dress up. No, they simply changed their scales to what they needed. They were by far the most active of the lot, getting right into the festivities. This included, but were not limited to, flinging themselves from pillars and dancing in the air. It reminded Winter of howler monkeys, but without wanton destruction. No, they were very careful in their behavior.

The Nightwings were a lot slower and methodical. Admittedly, Winter felt more at home with most of them. Their society here was very aristocratic, but much less stuck up than the inner circles of the Ice Kingdom. They slowly danced with each other in the air as the bands began to play music. Soft instrumentals to start off, as the night hadn’t fully set in.

Some HiveWings were also in the crowd, as they had moved over to see ‘the land of their ancestor’. They buzzed about, having a lot of the same mannerisms as Nightwings. 

It was so very weird having a party like this during the day . But, for NightWings… well, it made sense. At least it was closer to dusk, as the sun had begun to set.

Queen Thorn and Stonemover were among the slow dancers. They beat their wings in the air softly to the rhythm of the music, and for the first time in a long while, it seemed Thorn was genuinely enjoying herself. Her muzzle was hidden by a white veil, and she wore exotic drapes. It was so… unbecoming of her that Winter wasn’t sure he was staring at the same dragon.

There was a wide, almost loving, smile on her face as Stonemover took both her prosthetic and real claws in his. He wore a starry mask and some bangles to cover up his scars, but not everything was hidden. They moved as if they were twenty years younger, lost in their own little world for that moment.

Nearby was Turtle and Peril, also dressed up. There was a quiet peace between them, and for the first time in a long time, Winter saw the softer side of Peril. She nuzzled him affectionately, rubbing her face against his as if she’d never been touched. Turtle held her tightly, their claws and tails entwined as if they were terrified one of them would just up and disappear.

Winter couldn’t help but envy them. He felt a tug in his own heart at the sight. Although, it was quickly dashed as he kept his eyes peeled for any suspicious activity. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, but he knew what to look for. This wasn’t his first party crashing event, after all.

“This is all very exciting, isn’t it?” Qibli approached, wearing an almost roguish attire bedazzled with gold trimming and jewels. “When was the last time we all hung out together?”

“Five years ago,” Winter answered, a bit flatter than he intended.

“It was rhetorical, buddy.” Qibli shook his head. Winter noted more earrings in his ears, too. “I’m surprised you came. Not that I’m complaining.”

“If what we expect to happen is going to happen, I’m not going to stand idle.” Winter’s gaze drifted to the large Night/Rain hybrid that was currently dancing with his NightWing consort. Peacemaker didn’t seem to show any signs of his older life, but looks could be deceiving. “Just hoping that she isn’t scared off by all of us being here. It would be a hassle to comb the city dressed like this.”

“I dunno, it’d be kinda fun.” Qibli patted the leather ‘coat’ around his arms and back. There were sockets on the back for his wings to easily slip through, and it slid over the head to initially put on. “This doubles as armor. Never can go too unprepared, y’know?”

“Kind of flashy for armor, isn’t it?”

“If you can’t outdress your foe, is it really worth fighting them?” Qibli tsked with another shake of his head. “You IceWings should dress down , I feel. Unless you like being a snowflake in the sky.”

“The light of the sun and moons will bounce off us to blind our foes.” Winter recounted a very old military scroll he’d read when he was younger. There was a general who had his soldiers dress in the most reflective, sparkly armor that blinded foes and led to countless victories. Winter was surprised nobody was blinded by their own allies.

“I believe it.” Qibli chuckled. “I haven’t noticed anything, since you asked. I imagine as night comes along, she’ll make her move.”

“That was my thought.” Winter nodded curtly before sliding an eye to the SandWing. “I thought you would be joining in with the festivities with Sunny.”

Qibli shuffled a bit uncomfortably. “Well, I would, but…” he gestured to Queen Thorn. “We haven’t told her.”

“I can guarantee you that she knows.”

“I know she knows but it’s still like… I don’t want to make her upset.” Qibli glanced sideways at Winter. “She’s pretty much my guardian still. I don’t want to lose that.”

“I think that her not hovering over you and yanking Sunny away is proof enough.” Winter looked him straight in the eye. “Either dance with her or don’t. But if I were you, I would be leading her to the floor right now. Show her exactly how much you care.”

“Wow. You’ve gotten very bold over the past few years.” Qibli laughed quietly. “Winter I knew back then was so shy about the public eye.”

“The Winter you knew back then changed quite a bit.” Winter flashed a small smile.

“I’m also just worried about… y’know… Moon. I know she’s here.”

“Will you hide your affection for Sunny forever?” Winter asked dryly. “It will hurt. But you both made it clear that your marriage is over. If you don’t do this now , you may lose your chance.” Winter scanned the crowd again. “Actually, where is Sunny?”

“She’s around. I saw her earlier. Probably getting some place she isn’t supposed to. I swear, she’s a little imp.” Qibli snickered. “Still, thanks. I missed your blunt force trauma approach to things.”

“That has not, nor will it ever, change.”

Qibli departed after that, sinking into the crowd. Winter watched him go, feeling a small sense of satisfaction from both sides of himself. The darker side was happy to tell off the SandWing, while the more rational and optimistic part was enthused to see his friend finally be happy again. The hurt of kept secrets still stung, but nobody danced around it. Nobody made excuses. So long as it kept that way, Winter would grow more used to hanging around his old Winglet again.

Moving to an upper level, Winter noted a few NightWings skulking around the corners. They weren’t doing much, and he very well couldn’t make his way there without alerting them. However, Sandrunner was nearby, and he caught the hybrid also looking at the NightWings. Wasn’t much he could do, either. Still, Winter slowly began to make his way over to above them.

“You noticed them too?” Asked a welcome voice as Moon found him.

Winter turned to reply, only to have his words die in his mouth. He almost didn’t recognize her with the dazzling mask, banded horns, and moon jewelry that hung from her ears. Her scales were polished, reflecting most lights. She was… gorgeous . Winter temporarily forgot himself and simply stared.

“Winter?” Moon prompted, a slow smile forming.

“Y-yes, I noticed them.” Winter quickly found his voice again. “Has Hope?”

“She did. That’s why I was on my way.” Moon nodded slowly. “I’m just hoping it’s not a small gathering and we’re overreacting.”

“We’re here to overreact.” Winter reminded her, walking side-by-side to the other side of the dance hall.

“Well, not that much. But I digress.” Moon’s smile grew a tiny bit. “I’ll admit, it’s fun to be able to express myself again. I know it’s not the objective, but…”

“Do you think you’ll go back to wearing some of them once this is over?” Winter asked.

Moon played with her necklace for a moment. “Y’know, I think I just might.”

“They… look good on you.” Winter spoke before he could stop himself.

“Why Winter, thank you.” Moon gave him a semi-seductive look, winking. She was playing around, but oh, if something didn’t stir at that glance. “That just about seals it for me, I think.” She looked him up and down. “I think you should keep some of those, too. They compliment you well.”

“Flashiness never really went with me.” Winter held up one of his wing-talon rings. “Funny, because I’m an IceWing. I guess repressed trauma made me hate them.”

“It’s why I didn’t wear mine for so long.”

“Perhaps I can learn to appreciate them in a new light.” Winter lowered his wing again. “We’ll see how I feel after tonight.”

“Tonight’s going to be a lot of that.” Moon sighed quietly. “I haven’t seen Qibli with Sunny. That’ll hurt.”

“I spoke to Qibli earlier. He’s hesitant to dance with her because of you.”

“That idiot…” Moon shook her head slowly, wings ruffling. “This is why I fell in love with him. He’s so considerate and… ugh. He needs to stop thinking of me, though.” Moon gripped one of the railings looking to the party below. Her eyes glistened as tears threatened to fall. “I’ll be okay. I hope.”

Winter could only nod, sitting beside her as they scanned the crowd. Moon calmed at his presence, he noted. And, admittedly, he began to calm at hers. It felt almost like old times. He kept his distance respectful, and he knew for certain he wasn’t ready for anything more.

But… well, he may not exactly resist any more either.

***

Qibli made his way through the crowd. It was an ocean of bodies, and in a way, reminded him of the parties Thorn would throw to lure out cartel members. In fact, it was exactly like it, minus the masks. He was amazed that they still came to such parties after the rest of the operations were busted shortly after them. But, getting on the queen’s good side was too tempting a prize, he supposed.

He noted Thorn with Stonemover still, but the queen had one eye opened, so to speak. He knew she saw him looking, but she didn’t react. She saw a lot of things, and it amazed him that age had not slowed her in the slightest.

Nearby was Blaze, who was impossible to miss from how elegant she dressed and her impressive height. The socialite was a perfect decoy and ‘spy’ for Queen Thorn, as she could get along with just about anyone. Out of curiosity, Qibli looked for Sandrunner and found his son on the opposite side of the floor. They weren’t avoiding each other, it was more like Sandrunner hadn’t realized she was there it seemed.

He still hadn’t spoken to Blaze about what happened. He didn’t know if he should. Sandrunner was an adult, and he seemed pretty adamant on keeping it a one time. Blaze didn’t seem interested in pursuing him again, either.

Still, he worried.

Before he had any chance to find Sunny, however, someone grabbed his horn and yanked his head down to their level.

“If you hurt her, I’ll make what I did to Scarlet look like a sunburn.” A voice hissed in his ear as Queen Glory all but glared daggers at him.

“Oh right, Sunny spoke to you.” Qibli cricked his neck as he was released. He wanted to make a joke, but one look at the fierce queen and he knew that would be a mistake. “Trust me, I’m treating her like a precious stone.”

“If you had said glass, I would’ve spit on you anyway,” Glory responded sardonically.

“From any other tribe, it just sounds rude that you’d say that.” Qibli flashed a grin. “But, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I should date her. If I was um… ready. But I think I am. She seems to think I am, anyway. And I want to be the dragon she sees me to be.”

Glory’s face softened somewhat. “That is so stupidly sappy that I wonder if you and Deathbringer are pen pals.”

“Sunny isn’t a romantic, but I’ve learned that some lines work.” Qibli winked teasingly. Glory rolled her eyes with a ‘hmph’. “Did Tsunami threaten Deathbringer like this? I’d if Sunny considered doing the same, but…”

“Sunny, when we started dating, snuck into where he was on patrol and said ‘I know where you live’ without any prompting or warning. Then, she just left. I didn’t find out until the next day.” Glory let out a small laugh. “Tsunami did her usual, which only seemed to excite Deathbringer. Sunny creeped him right out.”

“That’s about right.” 

“But, I worry about her. This is the first time she’s shown interest in anyone that way.” Glory averted her gaze. “I know you aren’t anyone to worry about. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t get up in your face regardless.”

“Honestly, if you and Tsunami didn’t double team me – not that way please don’t tell Sunny I said it that way – I’d be disappointed.”

“Should I tell her? Decisions, decisions…” Glory mused, her mouth curving up sinisterly. “Although, we both are married. If that were to happen, they’d have to be involved… but from what I hear, that’s alright with you.”

“You’re worse than Thorn.” Qibli chuckled nervously.

“Sunny said she hasn’t told her yet. Have you?”

“Nope. But… I may as well get that over with now.” Qibli looked to the SandWing queen. “How cowardly am I? I can’t even face someone I love out of fear of rejection.”

“From what I hear, you’re more afraid of them getting hurt. That’s kindness.” Glory, of all dragons, spoke reassuringly. “You would not have been able to attract Sunny if you didn’t have that.”

“I guess that’s one way of putting it,” Qibli said. He didn’t think it was right. It was the dragon pleasing side of him that hadn’t fully died out. A part of him that spoke but said nothing of substance to get others to stop asking.

“Stop talking down on yourself and take charge.” Glory’s eyes narrowed. “Show me what Sunny sees in you.”

“Well, when you put it like that…”

He didn’t like being almost scolded for not doing anything. First Winter, now Glory. Yet, they were completely right. He had to stop being a coward and be the dragon Sunny saw. He had to confront her mother and then find Sunny and take her claw in his publicly.

Upon approach, Thorn turned to him. She wasn’t hostile or even acting like she did before. She was much calmer and happier, although he could feel her judgmental gaze. He expected such a thing, but it still hurt.

“I already know,” Thorn immediately spoke. “Sunny spoke to me before you left, and Sandrunner confirmed it.”

“I know you know, but I just… well, you both are important dragons in my life. You saved me, and I feel like I’m just stealing away your daughter and moons I cannot stop talking when I’m nervous.” Qibli began to speak very quickly, laughing uncomfortably by the end of it.

“I’ll admit, I could have handled it better. But, Sunny had to grow up at some point, and you are by far the dragon I’d trust the most to take care of her. Not that she needs taking care of.” Thorn placed a claw on his shoulder. “The shock got to me. But, now that I have had time to settle, I give you my blessing to bed her.”

“THORN!” Qibli shouted as Stonemover let out a roaring laugh.

“Please, we’re SandWings. We may differ in many ways, but we are always crude and to the point.” Thorn grinned, her fangs seemingly much more threatening than normal.

“Is this going to be a common thing?” The voice of Sunny came from behind Qibli. “If so, I’d like at least a month before you start antagonizing him.”

Qibli turned around and felt his jaw drop slightly. He hadn’t seen Sunny all dressed up, as she ‘wanted to keep it a surprise’. And boy, did it ever work.

She wore a mask with one side depicting a golden sun, the other the three moons against a starry sky. Solar earrings on the moon side, lunar on the sun. The clash and opposites worked in tandem and allured as it did confuse Qibli. Her eyes sparkled through the mask, and Qibli found himself immobile.

She was just so, so beautiful in that moment.

“Well, are you going to stare, or are you going to ask me to dance?” Sunny gave him a wide grin.

Qibli coughed and shook his head, a confident smirk slowly forming. “But of course, my lady.” He held out a wing talon for her, which she grabbed.

“I’ll be watching you!” Thorn called after them as Qibli felt his blood run cold. Sunny instead burst out laughing.

“I noticed a lot of NightWings starting to gather in corners,” Sunny whispered as the two of them took to the skies. Qibli wasn’t sure where exactly to… hold her. She was quite small, and he didn’t want to accidentally touch somewhere he wasn’t supposed to. Not that he thought Sunny would mind, but uh… well...

Sunny did not have this issue, and their wings beat in unison as they slowly began to spin in the air. Her eyes darted in all directions before returning to meet Qibli’s.

“I’ve noticed.” Qibli whispered back, eventually finding a place for his claws as his tail entwined with hers. His tail was bigger than hers, and so the barbed tip kind of hung limply.

“I don’t know if we should do anything. But, from my creeping around, they are speaking quite hushedly. It’s hard to overhear.” Sunny grimaced. “I can’t tell if one is Fierceteeth, either. I’d recognize her horn structure anywhere, but with all the jewelry on some, it can mask it.”

“Shoulda had Starflight come. He’d be able to sense her via sibling telekinesis.” Qibli grinned teasingly. Sunny rolled her eyes. “What? You signed up for dumb jokes.”

“I didn’t sign anything.” Sunny stuck out her tongue. “Unless you got a contract somewhere. And if you do… well, that says quite a bit.”

“No contract. But maybe I’ll get one. How’s about one back rub every other day? Some of my war wounds ache to this day.”

“I’d like one from all the heavy lifting I had to do for you on our scouting job.” Sunny cricked her neck. “Once this is over, you’ll have to show me how dexterous those claws really are.”

Qibli couldn’t tell if she meant for a back rub or… something else. He decided to play it safe. “I’ll give you the best you can get.”

“Guess I can’t complain if it’s bad then, cuz I’m not paying.”

They drifted over to one of the corners that some NightWings gathered at. They played it as if they were simply heading that way, staring at each other. But, their ears were perked. They knew what to listen to. Sure enough, it was quite difficult to hear over the music and commotion, but Qibli had learned to read lips.

Unfortunately, masks made that quite hard. Still, he was able to make out a few words to get a good idea of a sentence. Nothing alarming, but certainly suspicious. They spoke of the Darkest Night, which was due to occur six months from now. All three moons would vanish from the sky, leaving it in perpetual darkness.

It was as rare as the Brightest Night, of which Sunny herself was born under. And… Darkstalker. What would the opposite do for NightWings? Completely nullify any and all abilities they had?

Including… animus?

Qibli immediately darted his gaze to Peacemaker. He was as oblivious as ever, speaking to his consort and Duskweaver indistinctly. Duskweaver left shortly after, making her way over to where Sandrunner was.

“Hmmm…” Sunny frowned slightly.

“What?” Qibli asked.

“Probably nothing… but something seems off about Duskweaver.” Sunny narrowed her gaze.

“Do you think she’s involved?” Qibli’s mouth thinned, a feeling of dread overcoming him.

“I don’t think so.” Sunny shook her head slowly. “But, you know how empathic I am. I just feel a lot of… anticipation.”

“She’s aware of what’s going to happen tonight.” Qibli spun her in the air, unlocking their wings to perform the maneuver.

“True as that may be, I’m going to keep an eye on her.”

“If you’re keeping an eye on her and another on the crowd, what about me?” Qibli playfully pouted.

“I’ll be having you every other night. I think you can handle one night alone.” She pressed her face closer to his, the tip of her tongue poking out as her eyes became devious again. “Don’t tell me you can’t last.”

Qibli responded by giving her a light peck on the lips, which caught her by surprise. He saw her turn red underneath the mask.

“Moons, I am going to regret this…” Sunny muttered under her breath. “I keep forgetting you can keep up with me on this, Qibbles.”

“Oh trust me, you pulled the biggest one over me the other day.” Qibli grinned as their foreheads touched. “I’m just playing catch up.”

“Well, if that’s the case, you have a lot to make up for.” Sunny held his talons tighter. “So, let’s get this over with, and you can finally start working on it.”

“As you say, princess.” Qibli’s grin grew wider as Sunny sighed.

***

CRACK!

The wineglass in Moon’s wingtalon shattered from how hard she was squeezing it. It jolted her from her almost spiteful glare as she watched Qibli and Sunny dance in the air.  Her hard scales prevented any damage, but the action was enough to make her heart race.

Internally, she swore up a storm as she tried to pick up the pieces.

“Are you okay?” Winter asked her. She’d forgotten he was there.

“Dance with me.” Moon demanded, giving him a fierce glare.

“Pardon?” Winter raised a brow.

“Shut up and dance with me.” Moon stood over him.

“… No.” Winter met her gaze. Moon recoiled from the rejection, fangs bared slightly. “I know why you’re asking. I won’t dance with you to spite Qibli.”

“As if you’re not taking the slightest bit of glee that everything was broken apart.” Moon snorted and shook her head. “I don’t need to read your mind to notice when your expression darkens, Winter.”

“I’m trying to move past it, just as you should,” Winter spoke calmly. It only made Moon get angrier.

“They’re doing it in front of everyone! How could I not see that as a slight against me!?” Moon spat, looking at the two as they danced away from them. “It’s like they’re… they’re flaunting!”

“Did you forget earlier? He was so hesitant to dance with Sunny because of how you’d react. And you’re proving him right.”

And like that, all of her anger evaporated. Instead, it was replaced with shame and guilt. She knew he was right. She knew and wanted Qibli to move on. And yet, a part of her clung to him so tightly as if they were never divorced. Moon was well aware that he and Sunny were together, but seeing it in the scales it just…

It broke her. She stepped out of the ballroom, onto a balcony to get some air. She leaned over the railing, gripping it tightly. Her eyes shut, and she tried to calm herself.

“I don’t have a lot of experience with love, but you’re a good dragon, Moon.” Winter stepped out after her. “Spite is unbecoming of you.”

“You don’t know what these five years did to me.” Moon averted her gaze.

“I don’t need to.” Winter said. “You’re lashing out. I did the same when I was younger, remember?”

“Yeah… I remember.” Moon tried to smile. She half succeeded.

“Take a minute to calm yourself. I’ll go get you another drink.” Winter spread his wings. Then, he stopped and looked at Moon. His piercing eyes met hers, and a low chuckle escaped him. “But… you’re welcome to ask me to dance again once you heal.”

Moon’s eyes lit up at his words and, before she had a chance to reply, he jumped down to the lower levels. She felt an old emotion awaken at his words, and couldn’t help but smile. How long ago the days of their love triangle were.

She didn’t regret her choice at the time. She still didn’t. But maybe… maybe, there really was a chance for a NightWing and IceWing to get along without having a disaster.

“Being with an IceWing isn’t easy.”

As if on cue, Queen Hope herself approached Moon as she made her way back to the ballroom. She had a wistful look on her face, watching as Winter – impossibly – disappeared into the crowd.

“They’re very hard on the surface. You have to crack the ice – so to speak – to get to who they really are.” Hope continued, standing next to Moon. “You should’ve heard the arguments Arctic and I had. Granted, I could have been a much better mate, but I was young and stupid. I wanted a perfect life, a perfect family, and I ignored his issues to sate my own desires.”

“I remember you saying that.” Moon nodded slowly.

“Don’t be me.” Hope gave her a critical glare. “Be better.”

“I’m too much of an empath to really put myself first anyway.” Moon chuckled, the tip of her tail curling around itself in thought. “Part of the reason why the Winglet imploded was because I kept trying to protect everyone.”

“And that is a selfish desire. You need to let others know the truth. Don’t be me.” Hope repeated her words. “If there’s one thing I know about Winter, it’s that he values honesty.”

“Trust me, I know.” Moon tried to scan the crowd again, but couldn’t find anything yet. Then again, her mind was a complete blur and trying to read others only gave her a pounding headache. It was like she forgot all of her training with this many dragons around.

She refocused, though. She put them into tiny raindrops, only peering into one at a time. It was slow, but methodical. Moon didn’t detect anything from a lot of the main party goers, but some of the dragons that skittered off to the sides… a lot of them kept thinking of the phrase ‘Blackest Night’. It was a mantra for some of them.

Like they were prepared for someone to read their mind…

“What are you seeing?” Hope questioned. Moon relayed what she read from others' minds. “Blackest Night, that’s six months from now.” Her eyes drifted to Peacemaker. “I don’t know if it takes away animus powers, but if NightWings are completely powerless during that time…”

“What are we going to do?” Moon questioned. “This was going to happen with or without Fierceteeth.”

“I don’t know. I really, really don’t know.” Hope shook her head slowly. “If that enchantment breaks, there’s reason to believe that Darkstalker himself will be powerless. But, given that he is half IceWing…”

“Starflight and Fatespeaker found another trove of SkyWing animus objects. Maybe I can ask them?”

“Please do. This will be a disaster if we cannot contain my son.”

Moon returned to her task as Queen Hope went to entertain some guests. It was strange to read minds a bit more in depth. She hadn’t done it in years. Here, she found herself being forced to read a bit past surface level thoughts. Moon found some… colorful takes and ideas in the minds of those she spied upon, but she learned full well that intrusive thoughts were normal.

Still, she identified a few to keep an eye on. It was coming up to the point where it’d be impossible to keep track of all of them. Narrowing it down would be difficult.

But, Moon felt something tickling the back of her mind. It felt like a vision, but it wasn’t strong enough. It was a very strange sensation to have, but the more she heard about the Blackest Night, the stronger it became. Her eyes narrowed. It was as if something was stopping her vision.

Troubled, but unable to do anything about it, Moon continued to scan the crowd.

***

Sandrunner hated the crowd.

He was much better hanging off to the sidelines, waiting for something to happen. Even in the Jade Mountain balls, he usually never attended or simply kept off to the side. He had fun maybe once , and that was in his first year there before everything went straight to hell at home.

Now, he found himself dressed in both Sand and Night attire. Sun and moon pendants, black and yellow mask. Sunny had helped him with the attire, and they both agreed it’d be a cool idea to go representing both of their heritage. Sandrunner couldn’t bring himself to ask about her and his father, and so the conversations were mostly about what to expect tonight.

She was nice, though. Very nice. If there was anyone he’d want to be with his father outside of his mother, it’d be her. They were a good fit.

It just… well, sucked.

Not sure if mind reading would be a good idea or not in a crowd like this , Sandrunner thought to himself as he glanced up to see his mother with her eyes shut. He knew that look; she was using her abilities. Strain crossed her face for a moment, but she seemed to be keeping a good lid on it.

“Standing all by yourself, handsome?” Came a familiar voice as Duskweaver came sauntering toward him. She wore more ribbons on her horns, a black and white mask split evenly down the center, and had a tail bangle of icy blue metal. That wasn’t getting to the normal NightWing jewelry.

“Better view of the crowd.” Sandrunner dipped his head in greeting.

“A better view would be in the crowd, socializing. Instead, you’re standing here like an outcast.” Duskweaver got up in his face, her voice almost purring. “You’re drawing suspicion.”

“Am I?” Sandrunner tilted his gaze. “I thought I was being normal. I’m not the only one standing off awkwardly.”

“True, but you are very noticeable.” She gave him a sly look. “You’re not just avoiding Blaze, are you?”

“No.” Sandrunner let out a small chuckle. “I can tell Thorn has her on job.” He jerked his head toward the taller SandWing. “See how her tail is coiled and motionless? That’s a tell. If she was, as many say, ‘on the prowl’, she’d be much more animated.”

“Interesting.” Duskweaver blinked, surprised. “She’s a great distraction, that’s for sure.” She slid an eye to him, grinning. “Actually… if we really wanna create a distraction for our foes to try and make a move from, I have a great idea.”

“And that is?”

“Oh dear, you forgot about my little ability, didn’t you?” Duskweaver frowned slightly. Sandrunner raised a brow. “It’s like you forgot everything about me the moment you left Jade Mountain. I wonder why that is? Oh well, I get the treat of seeing your jaw drop once more.”

Duskweaver removed her mask to reveal that her scales were an exact replica. Then, the mask grew, splitting her evenly as a black and white dragon. Sure enough, Sandrunner’s jaw dropped as memories began flooding back in.

“I’m part RainWing.” Duskweaver’s face was inches from his as her body and eyes began to change like a rainbow. “Or did you forget?”

So mesmerized by the shifting colors, Sandrunner didn’t object as she grabbed his talons and lifted him in the air. It took him a minute before he realized they were dancing in the skies, and Duskweaver was still shimmering. Sandrunner couldn’t rip his eyes away as she changed hues and different combinations of color. It was only when she mimicked him that he finally began to snap out of it.

“Your father can’t do this. How can you?” Sandrunner asked blankly.

“Dunno. I inherited a lot of what he missed, I guess. Guess I was truly blessed.” Duskweaver shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t like to show it off, though. But, this is a special occasion.”

“It’s… enthralling, I’ll say that.” Sandrunner stared into her eyes. She gave him a devilish grin, and he noted her long fangs. Venom spewing fangs. They weren’t as long as a RainWing’s, but they were certainly noticeable.

How did he ever forget her? It’s like part of his memory was blocked and then a fog lifted the more she showed up. He didn’t remember her causing anything traumatic, or even being involved. Well, that was the point of repressed memories, but that was beside the point. If she was the cause, nobody would allow them to be together. Moon would literally tear her to shreds.

“I used to do this to animals whenever I hunted,” Duskweaver said. “All the colors would mesmerize them. Easy prey.”

“Not a vegetarian like your father?”

“Nope. Although, his strawberries are fantastic. Have you had them? Oh, I’m sure you have, your mother is Moon!”

“That I have.” Sandrunner smiled slightly.

“Oh my, that’s a suspicious looking fellow.” Duskweaver looked over Sandrunner’s shoulder. “He’s not even looking at me. Am I not colorful enough for him?”

Sandrunner followed her gaze. Sure enough, there was a NightWing approaching a pavilion near where a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling. Before Sandrunner could question what was going on, all the lights went out, plunging the ballroom into total darkness.

Chapter Text

A chill that pierced even Winter’s icy hide filled the room as all the candles were snuffed out. Confusion echoed loudly, and Winter had to fly into the air to escape it. Only the stars and moonlight filtered in through windows.

And that’s when he saw it, a gathering of darkness above them. It looked like a swirling of black clouds that took a draconic shape, and Winter knew immediately who this was. Yet, he did not attack, as he did not want to provoke the ire of this dragon. No, he had to figure out what was the source of the manifestation.

“Well, well, it seems much has changed in my absence.” A familiar deep baritone reverberated off the walls. “A ball? It’s been such a long time since I attended one, and I am quite offended I was not sent an invitation!”

There was no doubt the dragon in question was Darkstalker. There was a smokey haze around the large dragon, but the eyes were visible as if glowing in the darkness. Twisted horns, a great pair of wings. Winter narrowed his gaze, and he immediately realized that any attack would be negligible, as most of the body was transparent.

This was an apparition. Dare he even say… a ghost.

“I like the improvements, even if it is a tad drab.” Darkstalker nodded his head before scanning the crowd. “What a show! How I wish I could partake. Alas, my feet are horribly out of practice, and I may crush my subjects. Horrible first impression for a king, wouldn’t you say?”

Winter finally found Peacemaker in the crowd. He was visibly distressed, unsure of what was going on. Most of the crowd was the same, kept in place either by sheer curiosity or fear. Although, a few bolted right out, and Winter could not blame them in the slightest.

“Now, I can only manifest myself temporarily. But, rest assured, I am coming back. Oh yes, you have yet to be rid of me.” Darkstalker winked at Hope, who glared back. “Why do you look at me with such contempt, mother? Ooops, was I supposed to say that?”

Half the crowd immediately turned to Hope, confusion in their eyes.

“Don’t worry, I won’t reveal your little secret. I’ll need it.” Darkstalker waved her off before turning to Moon. “Moon! My dear friend, how nice it is to see you all grown up. Oooh, I cannot wait to reunite with you. We have so much catching up to do…”

“How are you back?” Moon shouted back.

“I’d tell you, but considering you and the Sandwing – Hi Qibli, I see you over there. Sleeping with a direct descendant of me, but not willing to be around me? Ouch – betrayed me, I am not inclined to. You’ll both find out soon enough. Now, where is that Fathom wannabe? Oh, there you are!”

Turtle and Peril stood next to each other on the upper balcony, the latter standing protectively over the former. Turtle’s eyes were wide with fear, whereas Peril had only hatred in hers.

“A SkyWing? Quite the fiery one at that, too. I’m surprised you didn’t just evaporate. I’m not one to judge, though.” A sigh escaped the massive dragon before he turned right to Winter, his face inches away. “As for you… surprisingly, I have no grudge against you. Other than you being, y’know, an IceWing.”

“What?” Winter couldn’t help but react.

“Oh, yes, you and the Skywing weren’t involved with my demise. Yeah, sure, you fought against my tribe, but you were just doing a normal IceWing thing. As such, I’ll give you one warning to stay out of my way .” Darkstalker’s voice darkened with each word. “Now, where’s the RainWing… oh, right, she has no wings. I guess her punishment is suitable enough.”

How did he know she had no wings? Winter frowned. Something was off here. Not to mention he knew about Qibli and Sunny. That only just happened. Was this a slip up? He’d have to investigate later.

“As for you, my – hopefully – loyal subjects… The Blackest Night is upon us soon. I hope to see you in the scales then. You’ll know where to go when the time comes.” Darkstalker grinned sinisterly. “However, I’ll need a Kingdom to return to, and I don’t need a queen sitting on my throne...”

Darkstalker clapped his great wings together, disappearing into the shadows as dozens of masked NightWings burst from where he once was.

***

Moon knew this day would come, although prayed it did not.

Not for Darkstalker, but the day where she’d have to use her training to actively maim and potentially kill other dragons. She remembered what she learned over the years, and was able to calm her mind before the dragons reached her and Hope. The latter was already spurred into action, grabbing a decorative javelin off the walls and throwing it with pinpoint accuracy. The first foe dropped, but three more remained.

Moon grappled the closest, spinning in the air and using the momentum to throw them into the balcony. Their back struck the railing, and a sickening crack echoed as they slouched off and onto the floor.

Two more.

They went right for Hope, who was more than capable of taking them on. Moon rammed one with her horns, tackling the dragon to the ground. She breathed flame, causing the armor to sear into their flesh. Whilst they shrieked in agony, Moon delivered a powerful blow to knock them unconscious.

And that’s when she saw her .

Fierceteeth dove like a crossbolt at Hope so quickly and silently that Moon almost didn’t see her. However, she had the loudest mind. With one blow, she could’ve killed the queen.

Not if Moon had anything to say about it.

With a roar, Moon leaped up and tackled Fierceteeth to the ground. They fell together, slamming into the balcony flooring. Fierceteeth immediately kicked off the ground and smoke filled the air. Moon coughed and spat out the choking smog, only to feel her side be split open by something sharp and small.

A chakram.

Fighting against the pain, Moon was able to hear Fierceteeth’s thoughts. They were chaotic and incoherent, as if she were fighting against something. Moon’s eyes narrowed. Something wasn’t right, but this wasn’t the time to investigate.

Another roar and a chill in the air announced the presence of Winter. Moon couldn’t help but smile slightly. Forcing herself through the pain, she launched upward and out of the smoke. More NightWings had gone for the queen, but Winter was giving them a nasty case of Frostbreath.

Fierceteeth ignored him and went right for the queen. They grappled, Hope flipping Fierceteeth over her head and onto the ground. Yet, the smaller dragon caught herself, throwing a chakram that nearly split Hope’s neck.

“What do you hope to gain from this?” Hope demanded of Fierceteeth. “You are no ruler.”

Fierceteeth didn’t respond. Moon, however, noted something strange. Her mind surged up angrily, but not at Hope. Moon’s gaze narrowed as she inspected every inch of the rebellion leader before she noted a glint of metal around Fierceteeth’s neck.

A necklace. It was unwieldy in battle. So why would she…?

Oh.

“She’s being controlled!” Moon shouted to Winter and Hope. “Remove that necklace!”

Moon heard Hope’s mind piece everything together, and she threw herself at Fierceteeth. Both Winter and Moon joined her. Fierceteeth kept her distance, spitting flame and throwing chakram. It was a battle to just keep up with her.

That was until Qibli showed up from behind and kicked the back of her head. Her momentum stopped, and she fell face first to the ground. Winter caught and pinned her to the ground, freezing the necklace and ripping it off.

Immediately, Fierceteeth had a change of demeanor. She groaned, holding her head, before eying all of them and the environment. Her mind was buzzing with a dozen questions and confusion.

“What the…?” Fierceteeth asked in a daze. “Why am I at the palace?”

“Uh, you had a massive rebellion going on. Did you miss that part?” Qibli stood over her, brow raised. “Also, Sunny got Peacemaker out.” He announced to Hope, who visibly relaxed. “I saw Sandrunner take Duskweaver to safety, too.”

“WHAT!?” Fierceteeth’s eyes snapped wide open. “How did… what day is it!?”

“She’s not faking.” Winter had cracked open the necklace, revealing a piece of parchment. “Enchant the wearer of this necklace to do exactly as I, the writer of this enchantment, order and truly believe in Darkstalker’s rebirth.” He read off the enchantment.

“We’ll deal with that later.” Hope looked out to the ballroom. Most of the guests had fled, and there were still a few hostile NightWings. “We need to handle this, first. Don’t kill them, they may be controlled.”

“We need to find Sandrunner,” Moon said as a sinking feeling in her gut gave way to a roaring vision the likes she hadn’t seen in years .

It depicted fire, and Sandrunner at the center. He was facing off against NightWings, and on the verge of death from multiple crossbolts. Then, the vision ended, as if someone had closed the book on her face. Still, she was able to get an idea of where he was, seeing the horizon in the distance.

“Sandrunner’s going to die.” Moon spread her wings, voice trembling. Qibli immediately leapt into the air. “I know where he is. We have to hurry!”

***

A few moments ago

“We need to go, now.” Sandrunner jerked Duskweaver away from the chaos that erupted around them.

Darkstalker was back. Darkstalker was back . How was this possible? Peacemaker was still around, this shouldn’t be possible! But, he caught the great dragon looking their way a couple times despite not saying a word. Specifically, right at Duskweaver.

He knew who she was .

And that meant Sandrunner had to get her out of the castle now .

“But my parents! Grandma!” Duskweaver protested, her face paled with fear.

“They can take care of themselves. I need to get you far away from here. He knows who you are.” Sandrunner pulled her away as crossbolts flew over his head. It was too dangerous to fly, and so he was forced to land on the upper balcony as two NightWings descended.

They were clad in armor, smoke billowing from their maws. They didn’t use crossbows, but sharp blades from their gauntlets were more than enough. Fierceteeth had amassed an army. A well equipped army. Where did she get the funding!?

No time to question. Right now, Sandrunner had to protect Duskweaver and pray that his parents would be okay. They were trained fighters. And so was he.

They attacked first, seeking to strike him down. Sandrunner leaped back, spitting out a jet of flame. A NightWing leaped through it, the armor absorbing most of the attack. With a snarl, Sandrunner threw out his barbed tail. It rebounded off the armor, but the fear of being stabbed kept them at bay.

Sandrunner was limited in his options. He had to get them away from Duskweaver, but he was being backed up the staircase to a tower. The narrow passageway should’ve been a great opportunity to funnel them, but that initial bout told him just how outmatched he was with a ward.

“Come with me, I know where we can go.” Duskweaver whispered to him.

Nodding, Sandrunner spat another jet of flame, this time at the ground. The carpet immediately lit up, choking smoke filling the air. He just hoped that he wouldn’t get billed for that.

Up the stairs they clambered, the NightWings right behind. Sandrunner used the staircase to his advantage, poling off objects to kick them back. He succeeded in knocking one downstairs in a heap, but the other proved to be more difficult. Nothing he did would deter them for long.

Soon, they reached the top of the stairs, and Duskweaver opened the door. Once Sandrunner was in, she slammed it shut and used her venom to melt the lock. Sandrunner didn't have time to question it.

Inside the tower didn’t lend itself to a lot of options. The door that protected them wouldn’t last. The ceiling was low, and the windows were too small for them to climb out of. All that they had to defend themselves were talon and fang and a few supply crates.

“Up here!” Duskweaver pulled a latch down from the ceiling. They flew up, and Sandrunner recognized this tower to be a supply tower. Meaning that they could fly out of here and to safety, as couriers would often come in and out of here.

Could being the operative word, as just as they were getting ready to fly, three NightWings wielding crossbows circled above them like vultures. Wind whipped in Sandrunner’s ears, but the most disturbing part was how silent the NightWings were. It was as if they were possessed.

“What do we do?” Duskweaver turned to Sandrunner, terror in her eyes.

“They’re after you.” Sandrunner backed into the center of the tower.

“Then you need to flee.” Duskweaver hissed. “I’ll distract them so you can go.”

“No.” Sandrunner shook his head. “I’m not letting them take you for whatever plans they have.”

“And if you stay, you’ll die.”

Yeah, he would. There wasn’t any getting out of this. Not with Duskweaver behind him. Glancing around the top of the watchtower, he noted that the crates were flammable. A good amount of them had oil. One going off would be bad, but not enough to stop them.

But if all of them went off at once… well, that would be disastrous, wouldn’t it?

“No.” Duskweaver hissed at him as the NightWing from downstairs finally burst through the door. “It’s a stupid plan.”

“Only one we got.” Sandrunner eyed the NightWings, who stopped flying and pointed their crossbows at him. “If I surrender, I’m dead. If I’m going to die…”

Sandrunner blew out flame, lighting the oil crates. A ferocious fire roared to life, reaching skyward and disorientating two of the NightWings. Sandrunner launched himself at the closest one, stinging with his barb as the last fired. It struck his side, penetrating deep. Sandrunner nearly missed his mark from the force, but was able to stab in the thigh with his venom.

Duskweaver, thankfully, took off as he attacked. With a bolt in his side, attacking proved difficult. He spat flame and threw his barb around, but the NightWings kept their distance. Their own flame matched his, exploding in the sky as another bolt struck his shoulder.  Another pinned his claw to the ground.

Blood leaked from Sandrunner’s wounds and mouth as he tried to free himself. There was no way he was tearing it out. But… yes, that could work.

As one of the NightWings went to fire again, Sandrunner ripped the bolt out of the ground. With it still piercing his claw, he lunged and grabbed at the eye socket, impaling. The NightWing howled in agony before Sandrunner shoved the bolt further in, killing the black dragon.

THWIP! Another bolt struck Sandrunner’s back, and he fell. As he did, he lashed out with his tail and knocked over more flammable objects. Half the tower floor went up in flames, consuming the other NightWing, who fell out of view.

Pushing himself up, Sandrunner crawled over to the trap door. He had to escape the flames if he had any hope of surviving this. The fall may kill him, but it was better than being burned to death.

SHUNK!

As Sandrunner opened the trap door, a sharp pair of metal claws impaled his chest. The NightWing from before, who Sandrunner had forgotten about in the chaos, stood there. Sandrunner spat blood as his throat clogged with the iron tasting liquid.

With the last of his strength, Sandrunner forced himself onto the NightWing, pushing them both down and using the latter’s body as a cushion. It didn’t really help much, as it was still like landing on metal. But, again, better than being burned to death.

Sandrunner was kicked off, where he landed on his side. One of the bolts broke from the impact. He tried to stand back up, but his claw slipped from all the blood that now flowed from his wounds. Another slash killed all fight left in him.

His vision darkened. Everything was fading. He couldn’t think straight anymore. The crackle of flame faded into oblivion as his eyes began to close. He felt intense heat, heard a shriek…

… and then there was silence.

***

Qibli’s heart was in his throat when Moon had that vision. Her face was stricken and pale, and he knew they didn’t have a lot of time. Winter stayed behind with Hope to clean up the mess, leaving the two to rush up to where Moon said Sandrunner went.

Oh, it was a blaze of disaster. It looked like Peril had removed her firescale blocker and went full ham on everything. And from a burnt hole in the floor, that’s exactly what happened. He heard her voice and Turtle’s, as well as Duskweaver’s.

They did not sound hopeful.

Qibli beat Moon in, and the moment he did, he stopped. Every part of his body locked up. His eyes widened, and everything went quiet and numb.

Sandrunner, his son , was on the floor with bolts sticking out of him as if he were a pincushion. Blood pooled, and he wasn’t breathing . Sandrunner wasn’t breathing . Turtle sat next to him, using his rock to heal what he could as he and Peril spoke indistinctly.

A heart wrenching, guttural wail from Moon snapped him back to reality as she all but knocked Peril and Turtle to the side and scooped up Sandrunner in her arms.

“Sandrunner, no…” she cried, tears streaming from her face. “No, no, no… please wake up, my little SightWing. Please wake up!”

“Moon…” Turtle went to reach for her, pausing.

“What happened?” Moon snarled not at Turtle, but at Duskweaver, who was standing off to the side. Her eyes were wide, and she was visibly shaken. “WHAT HAPPENED!?” Moon roared with such ferocity that it scared Qibli.

“He - he was trying to protect me. The NightWings were after me because of who I am,” Duskweaver spoke in a shaky voice, averting her gaze. “I knew a way to the tower and we could fly out to safety from it. But, we were ambushed. He bought me enough time to get help. I found Peril and Turtle, and…”

“I was too late.” Peril snarled, pointing at the charred remains of a dragon. His smoldering jaw was across the room, and his insides were charcoal. “I arrived just as that bastard struck him one last time.”

“Moon,” Turtle spoke again in a clearer, authoritative voice. Moon finally snapped her attention to him. “I can heal the surface wounds. That doesn’t happen in dead bodies.”

Hope flowed through Qibli as he finally landed next to Moon, standing over their son’s body. Now that he was closer, he could see the slightest rise and fall of his chest. It was ragged, and slowing.

“However… there’s internal damage, and I can’t do anything about that.” Turtle quickly dashed the hope that allowed Qibli to move. “He’s alive, but by the thinnest of a thread. I don’t want to move him. We need to get a surgeon up here now .”

“I’ll go find one.” Duskweaver immediately volunteered. “I know exactly who to get. Just… just keep him alive, okay?”

Duskweaver departed right after, and Qibli pressed a talon to Sandrunner’s bloodied neck. There was a pulse, but it was so weak and slow. Tears of his own slid down his muzzle and onto Sandrunner’s body. The pulse was slowing.

And there was nothing he could do.

“I’m stabilizing him the best I can.” Turtle kept them distracted by talking. “I can’t remove the bolts because I don’t know what organs they’re piercing. And, anything we do may weaken him.”

“I’m so sorry.” Peril averted her gaze, cusping both Qibli and Moon’s claws in hers. “If I wasn’t too slow, if I…”

“You did everything you could.” Qibli finally choked out words. “This is not your fault.”

The minutes ticked by slowly. Moon began to rant and rave about where Duskweaver was between trying to urge Sandrunner to awaken. The entire time, Sandrunner’s breathing slowed and slowed as his pulse became weaker.

And there was nothing they could do but watch him slowly die.

Guilt over unsaid things flowed through Qibli like an infection. He could’ve been there more for Sandrunner. Spent more time with him. Maybe tried harder and fixed the situation with Moon. He should’ve given up everything with Thorn and stayed. Nothing was more important to him than Moon and Sandrunner back then and he should have stayed .

But, he didn’t. He didn’t out of a sense of duty and loyalty. Thorn would’ve understood. Everyone would’ve understood. Heck, he had her blessing to do so! And yet… he didn’t.

And now that missed time was coming back to bite him. Maybe Qibli couldn’t have avoided what happened here, but he could’ve made the time count. Instead, he split Sandrunner’s time almost selfishly.

He should have tried harder.

“You’re right, you should have.” Moon spat at Qibli. There was a cold glare in her eyes, and in that moment, Qibli realized that he wasn’t wearing his Skyfire. He’d taken it off because he didn’t want it to get stolen and to mentally communicate if he found something.

“You left us time and time again. And you had her blessing !?” Moon stood up and faced him. Her front was splattered with blood. Their son’s blood. “YOU, AFTER ALL THIS TIME, COULD HAVE STAYED!? WE COULD’VE WORKED IT OUT!?”

“Moon…” Qibli tried to fight back, but his voice died.

“WE COULD’VE MOVED PAST PEACEMAKER! WE COULD’VE MOVED PAST EVERYTHING, BUT NO, YOU WERE GONE TIME AND TIME AGAIN! AND YOU COULD HAVE STAYED!?” Moon shrieked in his face. “Do you know what it was like!?”

“Moon, you and I both knew that this was going to happen. Especially after what happened to Thorn. Are you seriously blaming me for not staying when all you did was cling to me?” Qibli shot back.

Moon’s eyes went wide and he thought she might strike him. But, she didn’t.

“Don’t turn this around on me. We both screwed up,” Qibli responded calmly. “You’re angry. You’re distressed. Moons, I am too. But we can’t fight… not here. Not now.”

He didn’t know how he was able to keep a level head. Maybe it was how he was raised. Maybe it was his own way of protecting himself. Whatever it was, it seemed to work, as Moon instead threw her arms around him and began sobbing into his chest. Qibli held her, wrapping his wings around her comfortingly.

Duskweaver returned a moment later with three NightWings. They had medical equipment, and demanded they leave the room. Qibli and Peril had to pull Moon out of the room as she fought them to stay. Her shouts were insulting and biting, but it came from distress and not malice.

Once outside and down the stairs, they found Winter, Hope, and Sunny waiting for them. Moon yanked herself free of Qibli and marched off to stare out the window. Qibli could only sit down and stare at the floor and his now bloodsoaked talons. Sunny embraced him, saying not a word, but stroking his back comfortingly.

The others slowly found them. Duskweaver was forced to repeat the story multiple times and looked like she was about to break by the end of it. Thorn sat beside Qibli, wrapping her wing around him and Sunny. She, too, said nothing. There was nothing to say.

What felt like hours passed before the sound of someone coming downstairs alerted them all.

“We did everything we could and moved him to the medical wing,” The NightWing surgeon said. His talons were drenched in blood, and he had a grim look on his face. “The wounds are grave. He’s stabilized, but… I don’t know if he’ll make it through the night. I’m sorry, I wish there was more we could do.”

“Can we see him?” Moon’s voice was small and barely audible.

“I wouldn’t advise it in your state,” The NightWing answered not unkindly, but firmly. “You need to get whatever rest you can… and prepare yourself.”

With that, the surgeon went back up the stairs. Thorn goaded Qibli into standing, leading him away with Sunny to the guest rooms. Qibli was barely aware of what was happening until he found himself laying in a bed with the two of them holding him tightly. Apparently, he’d cleaned off the blood and removed his clothing. When did that happen?

There was nothing he could do.

Nothing to do but wait.

Chapter Text

“What are you going to do now?”

Winter didn’t have an answer to Cricket’s question. Not immediately. His mind was still frazzled with the night’s events, and he hadn’t had a moment to rest. Moon didn’t want to talk right now, and Qibli was off with Thorn and Sunny. He couldn’t just wait around, so he instead decided to get Cricket up to speed with the situation. She was always a source of logic to him, and right now, he needed it.

“I genuinely don’t know.” Winter found his voice. They were in a dream version of Sanctuary, overlooking the town from their shared cave. Both he and Cricket tended to frequent here when they needed a moment to think.

“I will, however, likely bring Sandrunner to Sanctuary for him to recover if I can,” Winter continued. “It’s close to Jade Mountain, and we can use it as a meeting ground to figure out our next move. As soon as he’s ready to be brought there, anyway.”

“How bad is it again?”

“Moon asked me to look at him. It’s…”

Winter described the image in his mind. He’d been allowed to visit, as he was very stoic in nature and wouldn’t try and touch him. Truth be told, Winter thought he was looking at a corpse. His scales were so pale that even the darker splotches seemed a light purple rather than nearly black. Bandages covered a good portion of his body.

According to the doctors, he suffered a massive amount of internal damage. Turtle’s rock healed the surface wounds, but his organs were pierced. His lungs in particular were in rough shape. His heart was nicked, same with his spine. They expressed doubts of being able to walk again. Winter hadn’t told Moon this, instead going to Cricket.

He had no idea how he was going to tell her.

“You have to tell her the truth,” Cricket said through a sad smile.

“I know I do.” Winter ruffled his wings. “It’s just… how do you do that?” A hollow laugh escaped him. “Now I know what Moon went through.”

“It sucks, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah, it does.” Winter flicked a pebble off the outcrop. “What’s your take on all of this?”

“Ghosts aren’t real,” Cricket answered flatly. “Everything can be explained, including this apparition.” She tapped her chin in thought. “Granted, I would have had to have been there to really know. But, going off what you tell me, it seems more like an illusion of sorts. I haven’t the faintest of how it was done, but I’ll hit the books.”

“The illusion knew about Kinkajou.” Winter pointed out.

“True, but someone would be wearing Darkstalker’s face, so to speak. Your kind has animus, yes? It’s entirely possible an enchanted object did this.”

“But what?” Winter asked not her, but in general.

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” Cricket frowned. “Regardless, ghosts aren’t real. The dead stay dead.”

“Darkstalker wasn’t killed.”

“My point remains, Winter.” Cricket shot him a critical glare. “As I said, I’ll take a look through what I have for any explanations. You need to get some rest… and tell Moon what the situation is.”

“Yeah, I’ll tell her right now.” Winter stood up, stretching. He didn’t need to, but it still felt nice to do. “I’ll be back in Sanctuary as soon as I can.”

“Take your time. I mean it.”

With that, Winter awoke, holding the Dreamvisitor in his claws. He grimaced, running his talons along the surface. The best way to tell Moon would be to be direct, but she was in such a distressed state. He didn’t want to say ‘he may not walk again’ and set her off.

Yet, he spouted nonstop about telling the truth. He had to own up to that, even if it came back to bite him hard right now. With a sigh, he stood up and exited, trying to find Moon in the palace. She was instructed not to leave it, as they were still rounding up insurrectionists. Winter wasn’t completely apprised of the whole situation with them, but from what he gathered, not all of them were controlled.

As he passed the throne room, however, he quickly became aware of shouting. As he drew closer, he recognized the arguing to be between Glory and Hope.

“… not part of the agreement!” Glory spat out. “I lent you Mastermind to help rebuild the kingdom, not make weapons!”

“And it is foolish to waste such talents!” Hope snapped back. “You can shout all you want, Queen Glory, but we NightWings needed crossbows to keep up with everyone else.”

“What in the world do you mean by that!?”

“In my time, RainWings were feared .” Hope’s voice returned to a more neutral, but grave, tone. “If they really wanted to, they could wipe out entire tribes. Nobody would be able to fight them with their camouflage and venom. And they knew it . They leveraged that over everyone.”

“The RainWings aren’t like that now,” Glory responded hotly.

Winter took the chance to peek into the room, seeing that Glory had marched right up to Hope’s throne and was looking her dead in the eye. The body language between the two suggested they may come to blows if it got any more heated.

“They could be. You won’t be alive forever,” Hope said with deathly calm. “The SandWings have venom and flame. SeaWings can turn the very seas against us if they so tried. IceWings? One chill from a Frostbreath and that limb may as well be gone. Do you know how many I had to chop off to prevent a soldier from dying? SkyWings have the advantage over the skies, and that’s not getting to what one with Firescales can do. If the MudWings sent fireproof dragons at us, we’d be hard pressed to win claw-to-claw. So, tell me again I was foolish for using Mastermind.”

“You should have told me. That was part of our agreement.” Glory did not refute her claims.

“If I did, you would have stopped me.”

“I would have helped you find a better way to defend yourself. We just saw first-claw how destructive those bows are.” Glory groaned, claw clasped to her face. “Three RainWing deaths. Five NightWing. Dozens more wounded. I tell you right now, Moon and Qibli will probably strike you if you dare say that it was a good idea to their faces.”

“I did what I thought was right for my kingdom. I won’t apologize for that. As for Sandrunner… he was attacked by well trained assassins. The situation would not have gone much better even without crossbows.” Hope tapped her talon on her throne. “Fierceteeth knows nothing. That enchantment on her must have had a hidden part to erase her memory.”

“What a disaster…”

Winter left them at that point, not wanting to risk getting caught. The situation was, as Glory aptly put, a disaster. They had no leads if Fierceteeth didn’t know anything. Well, there was perhaps her underlings, but Fierceteeth was directly the one in contact with the Darkstalker apparition.

He passed the medical wing again, seeing Turtle inside trying to help the doctors with surface wounds. Peril was with him, a rare grim and serious look on her face. There was no joking, no innuendos. She was straightforward and direct with her actions like her to-be husband.

Thorn was in the ballroom with Stonemover, speaking indistinctly. Blaze was with them and like with Peril, held a rare look of seriousness on her face too. Reading lips, Winter saw Thorn mention ‘Cobra’. As much as Qibli would probably dislike it, his mother would be an invaluable asset.

As expected, though, Winter found Moon in the one place she’d be after such a traumatic event; right where it happened.

She sat in the now cleaned, but ruined, tower. Moonlight poured through the burnt hole Peril made, basking her in its glow. Moon looked almost ethereal where she sat, and Winter said not a word at first. Her back faced him, wings drooped, and head held low. Before her was Sandrunner’s bloodstains, unable to be fully cleaned.

“Where did it all go wrong, Winter?” Moon asked him after a moment. “Was it when we made Peacemaker? Is that when I was cursed? One final revenge from Darkstalker?”

“You’re not cursed, Moon,” Winter spoke softly.

“It feels that way. I lost you, I lost Qibli, I lost my winglet… and right as things started going right again, I lost my son.”

“He’s not dead.” Winter tried to reassure her.

“I read the thoughts of the doctors.” She turned her head back slightly to meet his gaze. “I’ve had vision after vision of me standing over his grave. Only two showed him recovering. So, tell me again that I’m not cursed.”

“He’s not dead.” Winter repeated in a firmer voice. “Don’t give up on him now.”

“I’m not. I’m just… accepting it.” Moon fiddled with some of the jewelry on her. “I have to. Because if I allow myself to hope, and he dies … I won’t make it through your namesake.”

Winter stepped forward, a hard look on his face. “Please don’t talk like that, Moon.” He spoke as softly as he could.

“Mothers should not have to bury their dragonets, Winter.” Moon shook her head. “It means I failed.”

“You did not fail.” Winter snarled. “You did everything in your power. Tonight would’ve happened no matter what.”

“Maybe.” Moon nodded. “But Sandrunner didn’t have to be here.”

“He wouldn’t want you to kill yourself, Moon.” Winter circled around in front of her, keeping mindful of the bloodstain. With him now taking up most of her vision, she was forced to look at him. “Qibli wouldn’t want it. He’s suffering just as much as you are.”

“I know, but I’m not as strong as he is.” Moon turned away. “He has Sunny. He’ll be okay without me. You all will. I’ve already lingered like a ghost around my former friends. Maybe it’s time I passed on. It’s not the first time I considered it. Sandrunner was the only thing keeping me around, and if he’s gone…”

Winter moved closer and wrapped his wings and arms around her, pulling her into a gentle – but firm – embrace. “I wouldn’t be okay.”

Moon sat there for a moment, immobile. Then, he felt tears on his chest as she slowly returned the hug. She shuddered as more and more tears flowed through her. Open sobbing came next as she cried into his chest. He stroked her back gently, feeling her tense and relax at the touch. Winter rested his head over hers as she cried, remaining the stoic shoulder for her to cry on.

“I’m going to kill him.” Moon suddenly spoke. Winter glanced down at her. “I hope he comes back because I’ll beat him to death with my own claws. Sandrunner’s blood is on his talons.”

“Shh.” Winter held her tighter. “He won’t come back at all. We’ll make sure of that.”

“He always finds a way out. No matter what. We were idiots to think that he’d stay down forever.” Moon shook her head, her scales scraping against his. “What… is Sandrunner’s condition?”

“I’ll tell you once we get to your room. You need to sleep.”

“Tell me now .” Moon’s talons dug into him. Not enough to break the scales, but it was enough to show she meant business.

“No.” Winter remained unflinching. “Hurt me all you want, but I am going to bring you to your bed. Staying here will only make you perseverate over it.”

Moon didn’t seem to be receptive at first, but eventually caved. Winter helped her stand, and together they slowly walked to the guest rooms. Her head was bowed low the entire time as if in a trance. He couldn’t even begin to understand what she was feeling.

Once inside, Winter sat her down on the bed. She didn’t let go of him once. Part of him wanted to pull away from the amount of touching, but he didn’t. She needed him.

As predicted, she did not take the news well. She went almost catatonic, barely processing his words. She held on tighter and tighter with each passing word.

Silence fell over them. He heard her breathing slow as she finally started to relax. He stroked her back again, holding her in his arms. She felt so… warm under his claws.

“Winter?” Moon murmured, half asleep.

“Yes?” Winter asked softly.

“Don’t leave me again.” She pressed herself further into his chest.

“I won’t, Moon.” Winter lay down in her bed. He clearly wasn’t going anywhere tonight. “I promise.”

***

The gentle rapping of knuckles on her door stirred Moon from her sleep. Her ears flicked and she tried to go back to that sweet oblivion where no pain awaited her. Yet, the sunlight was in her face. There was no going back right now.

Especially since she quickly found herself atop the chilly glacier that was Winter. She immediately lifted her upper body, heat crawling to her face. She looked down at herself, and breathed a small sigh of relief. Nothing had happened. They just… slept together, not slept together. Truthfully, Moon barely remembered anything from last night.

It was a blur of pain and misery ever since she held Sandrunner’s body. She was aware of returning to where he previously lay and Winter finding her, but otherwise nothing. She didn’t remember a word outside of him getting increasingly distressed. Something stupid must’ve flowed from her mouth.

Another knock drew her attention, and this time she finally removed herself from Winter, who had begun to awaken. Moon answered the door, mildly surprised to see Queen Glory standing there.

“Hey,” Glory spoke in an uncharacteristically sympathetic voice.

“Hey,” Moon answered quietly.

“I spoke to Tsunami via the Dreamvisitor last night.” Glory told her gently. “Told her what happened. You don’t have to worry about teaching; she said to take all the time you need.”

“Thank you.” Moon nodded gratefully. “I was going to contact her myself but… I couldn’t. Not yet.”

“I figured. That’s why I took the initiative.” Glory offered a small smile. “You’ll be pleased to know that Sandrunner survived the night, too.”

Moon just about collapsed at that news. It was only by leaning on the doorframe did she manage to stay standing. Winter came into view at her movement, keeping her steady. Glory’s eyes shifted between them, but she said not a word.

“The doctors say he’s stabilized enough for you to visit. Deathbringer is watching over him. Said something about working out a theory. I have no idea what it is yet, as I’ve been running around trying to do damage control.” Glory bristled as she continued speaking.

“Thank you again.” Moon spoke hurriedly before making her way to the medical wing. Winter followed right behind. She was grateful for his presence; he’d keep her from doing something emotional. Like if Qibli walked in with Sunny and she lashed out as she did the night before.

Walking into the medical wing, she honestly thought Glory had lied to her. Sandrunner was so, so pale. He barely looked like himself. Bruising under the scales made it seem like more black splotches had grown on him. His eyes were closed, and there was no emotion on his face. No peace, no pain. There was just… nothingness.

She couldn’t even hear his thoughts.

Moon stood over his bed, having slowly approached. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch him. Yet, she kept herself from doing so. Instead, all she could do was sit next to him and hope he woke up. She knew he wouldn’t. It didn’t stop her from clinging to that thread of hope.

“Your dragonet’s strong.” Deathbringer’s voice came from above as he glided down from the rafters. “Wounds like that would’ve killed most dragons.”

“He’s always been stubborn.” Moon chuckled emptily.

“Stubborn enough to defy death itself.” Deathbringer glanced to Sandrunner. For now . She heard his mind add.

“Glory said you had a theory?” Moon decided to get right down to it. Anything to help focus her mind.

“Are you sure you want to hear this now?” Deathbringer questioned. It was so strange seeing the affable NightWing be so serious. Moon gave him a steely look as she squared her shoulders. “Alright.” He breathed out. “Well… I really don’t know how to put this any other way than bluntly, but I think he was the target.”

Moon stared.

“What?” Winter spoke, just as confused.

“I had Turtle mark where the wounds were after he healed them.” Deathbringer pointed at small, almost unnoticeable dots on Sandrunner’s body. “There are several crossbolt wounds. Nobody else, even those who fought back, had so many. After hearing Duskweaver’s story, I realized just how clever this was.”

“What do you mean?” Moon demanded, fangs bared slightly.

“He was near Duskweaver. Darkstalker undoubtedly knew who she was, just as he knew who Sandrunner was.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “He’s clearly out for revenge. He wants to hurt the ones who killed him. Who was there?”

“Myself, Turtle, Qibli, Kinkajou, and Anemone. Hope was, too.” Moon recounted as her face hardened. “He promised to never hurt me and my friends… but that doesn’t apply to my son, does it?”

“No.” Deathbringer shook his head. “He wanted to make you suffer, and if he can’t harm you, what better way to emotionally devastate you than this?” He raised his wing to indicate to Sandrunner. “The fact that they didn’t chase after Duskweaver sealed it for me. Darkstalker wanted to kill Sandrunner.”

“So this entire ambush was a gambit to kill him?” Winter pointed at Sandrunner.

“I think it was a major part of it. Perhaps even the end goal. But I don’t think it’s the sole reason.” Deathbringer scratched his head, frowning. “We all heard what he said about Hope. I think once things settle down and everyone processes what’s happening, that’ll cause a complete destabilization.”

Right… Darkstalker had called out Hope as his mother. There were at least a hundred in the crowd. The information would spread and spread fast.

“Most I can do is stand over Sandrunner and make sure nobody comes in to finish the job.” Deathbringer continued. “He’s had visitors, namely from Duskweaver, but nobody’s made a move. All it would take is one little nick or a drop of poison and he wouldn’t be able to fight it. Darkstalker’s not one for failure. He’s going to try again. I just don’t know how.”

Moon returned her gaze to Sandrunner. She felt like hovering over him, fanning him with her wings in case someone dared try and approach. But, that was unrealistic.

“What can we do?” Winter asked Deathbringer. “We can’t just sit around.”

“No, we can’t. But first thing’s first, getting Sandrunner out of the Night Kingdom.” Deathbringer jerked his head at her son. “However, he’s not able to be moved. Flight will cause strain. But keeping him here, each day brings with it so many risks. I need sleep, and while I trust my RainGuards with my life, nothing is for certain.” He gave her a steely look. “You have to decide if it’s worth the risk.”

“I… I can’t just decide that…” Moon paled immediately. Her son’s life was literally in her claws right now. If she made the wrong choice, he was dead.

“Tell Qibli what I said. Take the time you need, but I wouldn’t advise waiting too long.” Deathbringer winced as he looked back at Sandrunner. “Things can go from bad to worse at any moment.”

“Let’s go see if Qibli is awake.” Winter gently placed a claw on her shoulder. Nodding, she summoned every inch of her willpower and pulled away from Sandrunner, departing with Winter from the medical wing.

***

Qibli stood in a void.

There was nothingness as far as he could see. The only color was a gloomy gray that stretched as far as he could see. He walked on air. It felt like he was going nowhere. With each step, he felt his hope sink even further.

He knew using the Dreamvisitor to visit Sandrunner was going to end like this. Yet, he had to try. He had to see if there was anything inside that he could latch onto. Some way to express his undying love and wish for Sandrunner to wake up. Yet… there was nothing.

Sandrunner, for all intents and purposes, was gone. All that was left was a comatose shell. And with this, Qibli wasn’t sure if he would wake up.

After what felt like an eternity, Qibli willed himself to leave. Once he did, a sunny day greeted him. Not a cloud in the sky. He stretched, and found a familiar small golden dragon next to him. She stirred as he did, and they locked eyes.

“Hey.” Sunny greeted him through a yawn.

“Hey.” Qibli forced a smile. It didn’t really work.

Sunny went to respond, only to see the Dreamvisitor in Qibli’s claw. “Did you see anything?”

“Just a void.” Qibli slowly shook his head. “There’s no consciousness. No dreams. It’s like he’s not even there.” He finished, jaw trembling. “Sandrunner’s gone.”

“That’s not true.” Sunny stroked his back, snuggling close. “You weren’t awake, but Glory visited earlier. She said Sandrunner made it through the night.”

That did steady Qibli a tiny bit, but it didn’t stop the tears from glistening in his eyes.

“He just may be so injured his mind is blanked.” Sunny continued to reassure him. “I’m sure as he recovers more, he’ll start to have sparks of consciousness. I’ve never used the dreamvisitor on comatose dragons, so I have no idea what to expect. But, Sandrunner definitely has your resilience. He’ll make it.”

“Yeah…” Qibli nodded slowly. Sunny reached up with her wing and wiped his tears away before they fell.

“It’s okay to grieve either way. I was the same when we weren’t sure my mother would make it.” Sunny held his claw tightly. “Don’t be afraid to cry. Don’t be afraid to break down. Everyone understands.”

“I want to.” Qibli admitted. “I want to. But I… can’t. Something’s stopping me.”

“Don’t force yourself, then.” Sunny nestled her head under his chin. “Everyone copes differently. Know that I’ll be right here with you whenever you need me.”

“I… need you now.” Qibli forced himself to say.

“Then you have me.”

Together they lay, Qibli holding her tightly. He focused on her scales, how she felt against his body. Their lips met, and in the passionate despair he felt, he found himself atop her. She didn’t resist. But, her eyes were questioning if this was what he really wanted. He didn’t know.

He didn’t know if he wanted this right now or if he was just so desperate to feel anything positive.  He lay atop her, their chests connecting. Their breathing accelerated. He brushed himself against her neck, breathing heavily into the crook. She squirmed underneath him, letting out a small ‘oh’. Retracting his head, she gave him a half smile that said ‘go ahead’.

But her eyes asked ‘is this what you really want?’

That broke him. Their first time shouldn’t be mired with grief and misery. Instead, Qibli curled his head and neck into her. She held him tight, saying not a word. Tears flowed from his face as visions of Sandrunner’s bloodied body flowed like poison in his mind.

There was a knock at the door, and Qibli pulled himself off Sunny. She stood by him as he answered, mildly surprised to see Moon and Winter awaiting him.

“How are you doing?” Moon asked him quietly.

“About the same as you,,” Qibli answered without humor. One look at her and he knew she was about ready to curl into a ball and never wake up.

“Yeah…” Moon shuffled uncomfortably. “Look… we need to make a decision. And I wanted you to be included.”

“What decision?”

Moon and Winter told him everything. From Deathbringer’s theory – which sounded a lot more plausible by the second – to the decision they had to make regarding Sandrunner. Given what Qibli just experienced, he was almost ready to say no. Once he told Moon about the Void in Sandrunner’s mind, he saw her falter too.

“I don’t know what to do,” Moon admitted after a moment. “My visions… they are all murky. I can’t tell what chance we have either way.”

“You’ve been looking at the future again?” Qibli asked not unkindly. He expected her to do so.

“They’ve been compounding on me ever since last night. I’ve been too weak to fight them.” Moon averted her gaze, as if expecting him to yell at her.

“I understand,” he said instead. Moon instinctively flinched, which caused him to feel worse, before relaxing.

“Do we know if he’s getting stronger or if he’s just stabilized?” Sunny asked them.

“It’s too early to tell,” Winter answered her. “I overheard some of the doctors when Deathbringer was explaining this. I would personally hesitate to move him.”

“Mmm… but if we don’t, he’s open for assassination.” Sunny followed his thoughts. “I just can’t believe that Sandrunner was the target.”

“I believe it.” Qibli muttered darkly. “He’s petty and out for revenge. Sandrunner has no idea what to expect from Darkstalker, making him the best bet at it.”

“About that…” Moon shuffled again. “I… saw an apparition of Darkstalker at Jade Mountain.”

Silence.

“What?” Winter broke the quietness first, disbelief on his face.

“He was behind me in a mirror. I thought I was going insane, because when I turned around, he was gone. I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t really sleep that night.” Moon folded her wings around herself, bracing for all of them to yell at her. Qibli recognized the look. “But after what we just saw…”

“Mmm…” Qibli furrowed his brow. “This is all sounding like a horror story now.”

“It is one.” Moon reaffirmed, tail slapping against the ground. 

“Yeah… that’s true.” Qibli started pacing around the room. “We need to make a decision, though. I say we move him.”

“What?” Moon asked incredulously. “We can’t!” 

“You just said we need to make a decision, Moon.

“I… I… I know but…” Moon shook, indecision clear as day along her face. “I can’t! I can’t do anything to hurt him!”

“He’s in too much danger here. The Rain Kingdom has the best medicine-dragons this side of Pyrrhia, too,” Qibli responded as gently as possible. “Either that or Sanctuary. I’d say the Sand Kingdom, but… well, we all know what that place is like on a good day.”

“He won’t survive the journey.” Moon stood up, biting at her talon. “You didn’t see him yet, did you?”

“No, I just woke up.”

“It’s bad , Qibli. He looks little more than a corpse.”

Qibli stopped his pacing. He was afraid of that. His claws gripped tighter on the floor. He was going to kill Darkstalker the moment he showed his phantom muzzle again. Ghost or not, he’d find a way to make death permanent.

“I still say leaving him here is worse,” Qibli said after a moment. Moon’s face visibly fell. “Not all of the insurrectionists have been caught as far as I know. All it takes is one explosive and there goes Sandrunner and half the medical wing.”

“Deathbringer is watching over him.” Moon rebuffed.

“And he told us to get him out.” Qibli reminded her. “He’s skilled, but even he’d be hard pressed to stop an explosive from going off without dying himself.”

“Maybe Turtle and Peril can weigh in on this.” Moon fretted, panic in her voice.

“They were up all night trying to help Hope. They’re still asleep.” Winter interjected.

“We can’t move him!” Moon finally snapped. “We just… can’t! He’s so weak, Qibli! And you said yourself that there is nothing in his mind! One stir from a wingbeat and he could rip open something else!”

“Does the Night Kingdom not have stretchers?” Winter raised a brow. “We can bind him tightly with that.”

“That’s a great idea!” Sunny exclaimed optimistically. “That solves the jostling problem.”

“Right… that does make me feel better but…” Moon shook her head. “I just don’t know.”

“This is the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make,” Qibli said sympathetically. “But, it’s the best bet.”

“I’ll carry him myself with it.” Moon paced this time, wings extended as she tried to expend energy. “That way he won’t fall.”

“Moon, no, you need to let the professionals do it,” Sunny said soothingly. “You’re strong, yes, but you’re also a keg waiting to explode. He needs someone calm and knows exactly what to do to carry him.”

“She’s right.” Winter nodded slowly. “You can fly next to them, but you must let them do their jobs if we go through with this.”

“Where will we take him, then?” Moon stopped pacing, wings slumping. “I’m worried about disease in the Rain Kingdom. One mosquito bite and…”

“Sanctuary it is, then,” Qibli answered her quickly. “It’s close to Jade Mountain, too.”

“The humans may have something that can help with this, too.” Winter took Moon’s claws into his own. Qibli watched him do so, a faint twinge in the back of his mind. It wasn’t jealousy; no, it was something else. Hurt? That would be it, but he felt so much of it right now that it barely registered.

The darker part of his mind began to wonder if Winter was the reason why Moon called it all off. But, as quickly as that thought came in, he dismissed it. Right now, Sandrunner was the priority. He’d figure all this other stuff out later.

“I’m going to go speak to the staff and Deathbringer.” Qibli announced to them. “I… also want to see Sandrunner for myself.”

“Prepare yourself.” Moon had sat down now. She looked exhausted , as if the conversation had sapped every ounce of energy. “Even though nothing will prepare you for it.”

“I’ll go with you.” Sunny didn’t offer. No, she flat out told Qibli she was coming. He couldn’t help but smile a bit at that.

They departed and made their way to the medical wing. Qibli immediately spotted Sandrunner, and… yeah, Moon was right. There was no amount of preparation for this. He’d seen corpses with more color than his son. Sunny visibly shuddered looking at him.

He understood Moon’s hesitation completely now and almost wanted to backtrack on his statements. But, he kept himself firm. He was absolutely certain this was the best move. Out of instinct, Qibli reached out and touched Sandrunner’s claw, finding it rather cool. There was still warmth, yes, but it wasn’t enough.

“Moon tell you what I said?” Deathbringer flew down to them.

“She did.” Qibli nodded. “We’re moving him away from here.”

“Good. Don’t say where until you’re seconds away from flight.” Deathbringer frowned. “Once he’s out, I’m going to have a little chat with Fierceteeth myself. Something’s not right there, either. She shouldn’t have lost her memory.”

“Sometimes, I forget that you’re actually competent at your job.” Sunny broke the tension with a quiet laugh.

“I am excellent at my job.” Deathbringer boasted, puffing his chest out. “But… yeah. Something’s really off. With Glory trying to figure out how to handle this mess with Hope, I’ll be sticking to the shadows. In case I somehow miss your departure, though… good luck.”

“Thanks.” Qibli forced a smile. “Something tells me we’re going to need it.”

Chapter Text

“I don’t believe you.”

Fierceteeth glared up at Qibli as she sat within her confinement. It wasn’t a prison cell, as she clearly was suffering some sort of amnesia. But, she couldn’t be let loose. So, Hope had put her in a guest room and had guards on the door. A barred window to prevent escape. If she needed to leave, she would be escorted.

Although it was against the better judgment of Peacemaker, Qibli managed to convince him to allow entry. Qibli had no intentions of creating a scene, but something was fishy about all of this. He didn’t tell anyone where he was going except Peacemaker, as he needed his permission with Hope being tied up with Glory.

Once he entered the room and the door shut, Qibli said what he did.

“I think having an animus object ripped off me reinforces my alibi.” Fierceteeth hissed back. She had a resemblance to Starflight, although was much fiercer looking and almost wild. The rebellious nature she held had been subdued, but there was still a fire of defiance that burned bright.

“Oh, no, I agree that you were being controlled.” Qibli nodded curtly. “What I don’t believe is that you don’t remember anything.”

“I remember fragments at best now. Believe me, I want to know who dared put me under another spell.” Fierceteeth’s namesake bared. “I don’t remember much of what Darkstalker did to me twenty years ago, but I remember losing my sense of self. I never wanted to experience that again.”

Qibli frowned. It was impossible to forget what that monster had done to Fierceteeth. They never told her, or at least he didn’t. It was for the best, truthfully. How could you explain to someone that they were perverted in such a way?

“Fragments are not nothing.” Qibli instead pressed. “What fragments do you remember?”

“The odd flash. A sensation of being in the dark. Ordering dragons. They last as quick as a blink and I know nothing more.” Fierceteeth walked around her room, tail lashing out aggressively.

“Fierceteeth, don’t lie to me. I recognize your body language,” Qibli responded darkly. “You’re hiding something.”

“That is a dangerous accusation. I have done nothing but tell the truth.”

“A lie by omission is not the truth.” Qibli took one step forward. “One way or the other, I’m going to find out. If you tell me now, I’ll be sure that you are cleared soon. If you lie … well, did they tell you that my son is on death’s door?”

“You bred?” Fierceteeth raised a brow. “Hmph. No, I have not heard anything.”

“My son is dying. If he dies, and you held anything back that could’ve helped us… there is nowhere you can hide that I won’t find you.” Qibli flashed his tail barb for emphasis.

Fierceteeth stared at the barb, a dark look on her face. “Look, I don’t remember anything. The enchantment said that I had to obey everything, right? Who’s to say that I wasn’t ordered to forget?”

The thought had crossed Qibli’s mind but found it rather implausible. The mind wasn’t that easily susceptible to memory loss. Still, it was a possibility.

“Then tell me what fragments you do remember in detail.”

Fierceteeth obliged without any coercion. The sensation of being in the dark came from being enveloped in a thick veil of shadow. The more Qibli prodded her, though, she did come out and say something strange:

“There’s a voice in that darkness.”

Qibli couldn’t get anything else out of her on that front. The odd flash was bits of random moments. She remembered being on a rooftop and then a balcony. Getting armor. She couldn’t remember from where, and Qibli did believe her on that front. However, the descriptions did help. For example, the balcony overlooked the castle from the left. The armor was from underground.

As for ordering soldiers, as expected, there was an underground army. However, Fierceteeth paused when she began to describe it.

“… Oh, that’s clever.” She hissed out.

“What?” Qibli pressed.

“My lieutenants also had necklaces.” Fierceteeth spat. “The same exact ones. There is no difference between them.”

Qibli raised a brow. “That would imply that they have the same enchantment in them.”

“Exactly. And animus is dead, yes?” Fierceteeth hissed out. “So… how’d they get duplicated?”

Qibli had only one answer to that. But, it was an impossibility. There was no way.

“Well, it seems you came for what you were looking for.” Fierceteeth grinned, showing off her fangs. “Are we done here?”

“You’re still hiding something.” Qibli frowned.

“I hide a lot of things. But not about this. I’m allowed to keep secrets, you know. But, I’m done with rebellions.” Fierceteeth examined her claw as if uninterested. “No, I want to be left alone. Much like you, I have a dragonet now. I don’t even know how I was found.”

“You? With a dragonet?” Qibli blinked a few times to make sure he was processing this.

“Strongwings and I finally settled down. Is that so shocking?” Fierceteeth shook her head. “Once this is over, I will return to them, and I will never see your faces again I hope.” She glanced out the window, a faint hint of worry on her face. Qibli recognized that look to say ‘I hope they’re alright’.

“Do you think Strongwings knows about this?” Qibli asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t even know how I’ll explain this to him.” Fierceteeth sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to lead Hope – or, really, should I call her Foeslayer these days? – to where we hid out, huh? She’s not gonna let this go.”

“I’d keep the Foeslayer part on the downlow.”

“I figured.” Fierceteeth cricked her neck and stretched. “Now, are we done for real? Because I’d like to have a moment alone without a guard or the queen barging in my room.”

“Yeah, we’re done.”

Qibli left the NightWing, concern brewing in his mind. There was a way to mass produce those necklaces, and he wasn’t sure how to feel about how . But, he knew who to talk to about this.

He found Turtle resting in the ocean. Peril wasn’t nearby, which was a tad surprising. They were usually glued at the hip… in more ways than one. This worked out, though. He didn’t exactly want this to get out that quickly.

“Oh, hey Qibli.” Turtle swamp up to the beach. “How are you doing?”

“About as well as I can be.” Qibli forced a smile. Turtle saw right through it. “We’re moving Sandrunner soon.”

“I have some reservations about it but… it may be the best bet.” Turtle winced. “I’m glad he made it through the night, though. Peril was so stressed that she offered to destroy some old homes so they could be rebuilt.”

That mental image made Qibli laugh, however briefly.

“Turtle, where’s your bowl?” Qibli decided to just ask directly.

“Jade Mountain. Why?” Turtle tilted his head, confused.

“Because someone used your bowl to duplicate the necklace on Fierceteeth.”

Turtle blinked, trying to register what Qibli had said. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Fierceteeth told me that the same necklace was placed on some lieutenants. Which means the same animus enchantment was on them.” Qibli hissed lowly. “The only piece of parchment that we know is animus enchanted is Darkstalker’s scroll. There’s nowhere near enough for anyone to rip off tiny pieces.”

“… How?” Turtle asked blankly. “I keep that under lock and key. Nobody could get in and out without me noticing.” He pulled out a key from his satchel, which had been placed on the ground nearby. “See?”

“Turtle, you just explained how someone could have gotten it.” Qibli did his best not to get annoyed. “You left it unattended. I’m sure you don’t sleep with the satchel, either.”

“But, where I put it is always next to me when I sleep…” Turtle’s brow furrowed. Qibli saw panic begin to crawl on his face. “I have it next to my bed. I’d know if someone was rummaging through it. Or, at least, Peril would.”

“I’m not blaming you for this.” Qibli quickly assured the nervous SeaWing. “What I’m saying is that the mastermind behind this is crafty .”

“So, they know about the bowl. They can do this without anyone noticing. And they know about Darkstalker’s scroll.” Turtle flapped his wings to shake off energy. “Qibli… you know what this looks like, right?”

“I don’t think any of us are traitors.” Qibli shook his head.

“Not what I meant. What I meant is that someone has been studying our exploits .” Turtle shifted uncomfortably. “Somebody figured out about the scroll. How could they have ever done that? We’re facing someone who was either there … or that ghost of Darkstalker was actually real .”

Qibli was afraid of that. He’d pushed the apparition into the back of his mind, focused on Sandrunner. But, now that Turtle laid it all out… yeah, it came across as if Darkstalker was actually back. 

It was stupid to consider. It was even stupider to start believing in ghosts. But, if there’s a giant plant monster that had enslaved almost all of Pantala… well, this wouldn’t be that far of a stretch.

“Well, we had a good twenty year run of peace.” Qibli groaned, cricking his neck and stretching. He was all wound up from the night’s events. “What’s life without a bit of excitement?”

“Easy. Livable. Comfortable, even.”

“I’m being sarcastic.” Qibli sighed quietly. “You ready to move out when night falls, by the way?”

“Yeah.” Turtle nodded. “Where are we bringing him to?”

“Winter’s,” Qibli answered vaguely. Turtle seemed to understand, at least. “Figured it’d be a good neutral place to reconvene, too. You’ll need to teach at JMA too, so it isn’t that far.”

“Yeah, Tsunami will throw a fit if all of us just exit…” Turtle fidgeted with a small laugh. “That sounds good, though. I’ll be sure to find a new place for the bowl, too. Never can be too careful…”

“Good idea. Again, I’m not blaming you for this. Nobody could’ve ever seen this coming.” Qibli patted Turtle’s shoulder. “See you in a few… and seriously, don’t beat yourself up, or I’ll tell Peril to bind you.”

“Please don’t, she’ll like that way too much.”

“Exactly why I’m threatening it.” Qibli spread his wings with a wink, departing into the air.

***

Moon was awoken by the sound of someone approaching. She blinked blearily before realizing that it was Duskweaver. She didn’t seem to realize that Moon had awoken, instead looking down at Sandrunner with an unreadable expression.

Perhaps it was paranoia, but Moon instinctively tried to read her mind to gauge Duskweaver’s intentions. All she got was some surface level thoughts along the lines of ‘not supposed to happen’. There was frustration and anger drenched in a light coating of guilt.

“Oh.” Duskweaver turned her attention to Moon. “I didn’t mean to wake you, sorry.”

“You’re fine.” Moon grumbled as she shook herself awake. “How are you doing?”

“About as well as I can.” Duskweaver grimaced. “I’m more concerned about Sandrunner. If he didn’t do what he did… we both wouldn’t be in this wing.”

Moon paused. Should she tell her about what Deathbringer suggested? She was, after all, directly involved. And they were close friends since the time of Jade Mountain, even if Sandrunner didn’t reach out afterward. Whatever funk he was in seemed to have faded and the two reconnected.

“He was the target.” Moon decided to tell her. “There’s no way you could have known.”

“That… explains a lot, actually.” Duskweaver’s mouth thinned as her lips pursed together tightly. “Why they didn’t follow me and seemed to attack him more than make a grab for me.”

“He was the target because of me.” Moon returned her attention to Sandrunner. He looked a bit healthier, but maybe it was her projecting. She still heard no unconscious thoughts in his mind. “We’re moving him tonight.”

“Where to?” Duskweaver asked.

“Can’t say. Never know who will be listening.”

Duskweaver nodded understandingly. “Truth be told… I may have to go myself.”

“Why?” Moon raised a brow.

“Well, you heard Darkstalker’s declaration about my grandmother. That’s… well, the kingdom is not quite enthused to learn this information. She fears that they may try and take it out on me. My father’s really big, whereas I’m rather dainty.” She placed a claw on her chest to emphasize her point. Sure enough, she was delicate and while not small , was considerably shorter than her father.

“Where will you go?” Moon asked her.

“I don’t know. I really don’t.” Duskweaver glanced about, notably frustrated. “There’s the Rain Kingdom, but some fled there already. I really have nowhere to go. It’s why I was asking where you were taking him, cuz I may as well follow and take care of him. I know all of you are going to have your claws full dealing with this.”

“Do you have nursing practice?” Moon eyed her critically. She normally wouldn’t be this strict, but… well…

“Yes, actually.” Duskweaver nodded. Moon raised a brow. “I’m sure my father told you that I used to help out in the medical wing when I was younger. I started doing it again in my spare time, which hasn’t been a lot truthfully. But I know a lot about it.”

“Mmm… alright.” Moon didn’t see an issue with it. “Just as long as you’re okay with me hovering over you for a while. And my mother, because the moment she hears about this, there’s no getting rid of her.”

“I expected it. Parents and loved ones tend to do that.” Duskweaver laughed quietly.

“By the way, have you been practicing your powers?” Moon decided to come out and ask. “Because your shield is incredibly strong.”

“Oh, yes. There’s actually a small ‘coven’ of mind readers that gathers every other week.” Duskweaver chuckled. “We help hone each other’s mind. That means shielding it, too. Nice group, really. Just overwhelmed, as you may imagine.”

“Coven, huh?” Moon couldn’t help but snort at the name. “Did you come up with it yourselves or was it something branded.”

“Oh, a little of both. Our youngest, a three year old, loves it. Says she feels like a witch.” Duskweaver snickered back. “She keeps things lively. Really, it’s a matter of trying to get her not to react whenever her crush starts thinking about her.”

“Ah, to be that age again… I remember being so scared of it. If I had a coven, maybe I wouldn’t be.” Moon said wistfully. “I think I turned out alright, though.”

“I’d say so. You’re still welcome to sit in on a session if you’re here, though. I’m sure the rest of the coven would love to have a dragon born under two moons.”

“It’s not as glamorous as you may think it is.” Moon shook her head.

“No, I didn’t expect so. Imagine if you were born under three, though.”

“Ugh… don’t remind me.” Moon rolled her eyes, glancing to Sandrunner. “Makes me glad that this one didn’t care at all about the moons.”

“I did find that strange, really.” Duskweaver admitted after a moment. “It’d be so helpful for him. His surface thoughts were usually so… I don’t know… anxious? Uncertain? It would’ve helped assure him that nobody hated him.”

“He’s a complicated one.” Moon stroked Sandrunner’s arm. He was a tad warmer, and his scales had the slightest bit of color to them now. Still, anything could change, and Moon was doing her best to ignore the bombarding visions. “Never took the easy route, even when it’d save him so much pain.”

“Yeah… I don’t get it, but I can respect it.” Duskweaver shook her head.

Movement attracted Moon’s eye as a tall SandWing stepped into the room: Blaze. That was strange. Moon didn’t think that the two had any connection. Unless… no, he couldn’t have. Sandrunner never had an interest that way.

“I heard he was in terrible condition.” Blaze had an unusually serious look on her face. It threw Moon right off. “I didn’t realize you were in here.”

“No, you’re fine.” Moon quickly answered. “But, yes… I’m sure whatever it was you heard, it’s true.”

“I’ll admit, I am not one for emotional or even serious words.” Blaze stood over Sandrunner’s body. “I may as well admit that he and I did have a night together. It was one night, and nothing more. But, even I felt the loneliness and isolation in him. I gave him advice to explore himself. I didn’t realize that his path would end here, though. This is a first.”

Moon felt herself twitch at Blaze’s words. “His path hasn’t ended yet.”

“What I meant was ‘ended up’, my mistake.” Blaze nodded quickly. “He’s a lot more resilient than we give him credit for. I’ve seen many wounds during my time in the war. Soldiers have died from less. I just wanted to give my regards. It may have only been a one night stand, but I can tell he left a changed dragon. Not in the way you think, though.”

“I sensed a shift in him, but I wasn’t sure what from.” Moon wanted to be angry that Sandrunner did end up following Blaze to the bedroom. The age difference was massive, but he was an adult. He could make his own decisions.

It just made Moon loathe herself more, though. She couldn’t give him affection with her own misery, and he crawled to someone who showed it. What kind of mother would do that to her own dragonet? That would change the moment he woke up. She’d be more active in his life, she swore it.

“I think you may wish to know, but Cobra has been enlisted to aid. I think she will take great joy in tracking down the real mastermind behind this.” Blaze added after a moment.

“Why?” Moon raised a brow. “She’s never taken an interest in him.”

“Someone in her family was struck down. That is bad for business and most certainly reflects on her. I’ve spoken to dragons like her many times. Even if they don’t like each other, family is family, and makes it personal.” Blaze’s black eyes drifted down to Sandrunner again. “I don’t pretend to understand it.”

“You’re a lot smarter than dragons give you credit for.” Moon couldn’t help but comment.

Blaze smiled, chuckling. “Oh, I don’t know about that. I couldn’t tell you anything about history or math or whatever. But reading dragons… yes, I suppose I am quite good at that.”

“Where’s Thorn now?” Moon decided to ask. “I haven’t seen her since everything happened.”

“Oh, she’s been locked in conversations with Glory and Hope. She was in here last night, I believe, but couldn’t stay long.” Blaze shrugged. “No idea what they’re talking about. Thorn doesn’t tell me, and I don’t like politics anyway. No, I’m doing what I do best… which I should get back to.”

With that, Blaze took her leave.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Moon slid her eye to Duskweaver, who had been suspiciously quiet ever since Blaze walked in.

“Erm… yes, I did. I accidentally read his mind when he thought about it.” Duskweaver had an embarrassed look on her face. “I promised I wouldn’t bring it up again and, truthfully, thought you were aware.”

“No. But… well, it’s done. Maybe if this didn’t happen, I’d have more to say, but all I’m concerned about is his recovery.” Moon touched Sandrunner’s face. She felt his breathing, however ragged and shallow it was. “You don’t have to stay. I’ll be here a while.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I feel responsible for this, so I don’t mind sitting here.” Duskweaver offered a small smile. “And besides, I think you need a friend. Deathbringer doesn’t lend himself to conversations when he’s up in the rafters.” She glanced up. “Yes, I can hear your thoughts.”

Moon saw Deathbringer shift from up above, but otherwise he didn’t reply. At least, not verbally. His mind was full of swears, however. It got Moon to snicker at least.

Moons knew she needed that.

***

“In one fell swoop, my son has completely undermined everything we tried to accomplish.” Hope mused as she looked out the window, wine goblet in her wingtalon. “Really, I should have expected this.”

Sunny, Glory, Thorn, and Winter were all in Queen Hope’s private chambers, where she had relocated to discuss the previous night’s events. It was very gothic, like the rest of the castle, with red satin bedding and a dark – almost dreary – environment. The candles burned dimly, but that was hardly an issue for Sunny.

“Why?” Glory raised a brow. “It wasn’t like we expected him to come back. As far as we know, Peacemaker’s enchantment hasn’t broken.”

“Killing him would’ve been more permanent. There was always a chance the enchantment would wane or not quite give us what we wanted.” Hope shook her head. “I was so desperate for a family, for a restart, that I didn’t plan for the future. Darkstalker could’ve countered the enchantment, and I think he did. Just… not in the way we expected. His soul is still active, as we all saw.”

“And there’s no chance that this is trickery?” Thorn didn’t sound convinced. “I’ll admit, I know very little of this nonsense, but I know deception. This reeks of it. I mean, all of this to kill Sandrunner? I’ve seen some dragons do crazy things for assassination, but not this.”

Sunny had not kept Deathbringer’s observation hidden. It was crucial to figuring this all out. Needless to say, the others were completely baffled before it made sense. Killing the dragonet of the two Darkstalker hated the most would devastate them.

“It’s good misdirection.” Winter commented, his voice completely neutral. “Had Deathbringer not made the observation, we would’ve assumed Duskweaver to be the target. There’s no way that someone random would target Sandrunner. No, whoever it is either thinks they are Darkstalker, or part of his soul indeed burst through.”

“I talked to Peacemaker. He has no signs of breaking.” Hope faced them. “I can’t just outright tell him who he really is in case it crumbles. Nor will I take away Duskweaver’s father.”

“Has anyone directly confronted you?” Sunny questioned. “Really, there’s no proof to Darkstalker’s words. He was insane, and everyone agreed he was after everything.”

“Some have been giving me strange looks.” Hope admitted. “Yet, true as that is about unfounded claims, you know how rumors go. This kingdom may crumble if we don’t get this under control and stop Darkstalker.”

“No animus enchantments.” Winter immediately spoke up. Sunny grimaced. He’d all but invited himself in, which was allowed because he was the leader of a neutral hub. “We’re doing this the way it should have gone.”

“Yes, I agree.” Hope let out a defeated sigh. “Loathe as I am to kill my own dragonet, this is the only way we can ensure his true demise.”

“Are you sure you won’t have second thoughts?” Winter asked pointedly.

“You don’t have to like me, but trust that I didn’t want any of this to happen.” Hope growled back.

“You have not given me any reason to trust you. I freed you from the Diamond Trial, and the moment I got injured, you abandoned me. Time and time again you did questionable actions, and this is no different.”

“I was tortured for two thousand years by IceWings, how did I know you had no ulterior motives? And besides, you tackled a firescales dragon. You should be dead. I did not wish to stick around and die along with you.” Hope narrowed her gaze.

“Okay, enough!” Sunny jumped between them, hovering in the air to keep them apart. “We’re all high strung right now, but we can’t take it out on each other! We have to get ahead of this!”

“She’s right.” Thorn agreed. “The past is the past. Unless any of you has an animus object to rewrite reality, we need to focus on getting rid of this cult.”

“Fierceteeth yielded nothing.” Hope shook her head, turning away from Winter. “She has no memories. She’s not lying, either.”

“Interesting.” Glory murmured. “I remember being under Darkstalker’s spell. It was like I was in a haze the entire time. Yet, all it did was make it so we liked and trusted him. I can hardly recall myself during that time period.”

“Same.” Sunny landed next to her fellow Dragon of Destiny. “I felt like someone other than myself and was on auto-flight. So, her not remembering anything makes perfect sense to me.”

“Right, I was under the same spell. It was not… pleasant.” Winter shuddered. “But, we can skirt around this all day. What I want to know is how Darkstalker plans on coming back on the Darkest Night, and where.”

“Animus won’t work at that time, I assume.” Sunny’s brow furrowed. “Meaning that anything cast by any NightWing animus is defunct. The tunnels, anything Darkstalker cast… which includes Peacemaker.”

“Shoulda just waited until this Blackest Night to yank your father out of his cave.” Thorn muttered under her breath. Sunny cracked a smile at that.

“I can’t simply keep Peacemaker locked away.” Hope hissed out. “I refuse to do so. I don’t care if he’s an enchantment, he is real to me. I won’t treat him like he’s a soulless husk.”

“I’m not suggesting that.” Sunny reassured her. “But, when the time comes, we do need a contingency plan. He’s not going to like being involved in it and not told why.”

“How do you tell someone that they are the vessel of one of the most powerful, destructive dragons that ever existed?” Hope tapped her talons on the floor with agitation. “He’s already asking me about Darkstalker. I fear he may learn the truth on his own, and I don’t want that. But… how do you tell anyone that?”

“Tell them the truth,” Winter said bluntly. Sunny glared at him. “He’s the reincarnation of Darkstalker. I concede that revealing that he is just an animus enchantment may be… damaging, but he needs to know enough.”

“If he’s the reincarnation, how did his soul get out?” Thorn immediately shot a hole in Winter’s words. “Reincarnation suggests a renewal of soul and body. His soul is separated, it seems. It’s also why I think there is some smoke and mirrors. Such as the candles. They all went out at once.”

“I’ll admit, that’s the part that’s throwing me off, too.” Glory grumbled. “Deathbringer swears up and down that nobody could’ve done it that fast, and that there were no dragons near at least half of them. I’m inclined to believe him. The coordination would be astronomical.”

“Or it’s an animus object.”

Everyone turned around to see Moon entering the room. She had shadows under her eyes, and looked miserable . Sunny went to question how she got in, but given everything, it made sense that she’d be allowed. The timing was a bit… convenient, but Moon probably had a vision of some sort.

“Pardon?” Hope questioned.

“I didn’t think of it until a few moments ago.” Moon’s face grew grim. “Starflight and Fatespeaker found more of Scarlet’s troves. One of the objects in there allowed the user to snuff out any candle in a room. They didn’t say there was a limit.”

“What else did they uncover?” Hope marched up to Moon, a look of desperation on her face.

“I don’t know. Most were broken. I didn’t get a chance to speak to them that much before we came here.”

“That is top priority.” Hope moved away, a steely look on her face.

“So, trickery was involved.” Thorn mused, wing talon tapping her chin. “I can write to Queen Ruby.”

“I think Peril will just go and ask her.” Sunny shook her head. “The two of them are close.”

“Ah, fair enough.”

There was a knocking on the window as a shadow fell over them. Everyone looked to see Qibli hovering outside, and he was allowed in after some grumbling about ‘just knocking on the door like a normal dragon’.

“You’re lucky the guards didn’t attack.” Hope shook her head.

“Nah, I got a recognizable scar. Hard to mistake me.” Qibli ran a talon across it. Thorn let out a deep sigh at that. “Anyway uh, I would’ve went the normal way, but I just spoke to Fierceteeth and then Turtle -”

“Qibli.” Hope cut him off, her voice calm. “Did you just admit to speaking to the prisoner without permission?”

“I had permission.” Qibli defended himself. “Peacemaker allowed me. Given what happened, I think he felt bad.”

“I…” Hope slapped a claw to her forehead. “Just once, I’d like dragons to do what I tell them . Fine. Go on.”

“So, the necklace on Fierceteeth. That’s been replicated. She had flashes of memory that confirmed it.” Qibli continued, his face grim. Sunny froze. She knew where this was going. From the stiffening in both Winter and Moon’s postures, they did too. “If it’s the same necklace, there’s reason to believe the enchantment was also in it. There’s no enchanted parchment outside of Darkstalker’s scroll that we know of. Which, at most, may have a few scraps.”

“And that means?” Glory motioned for him to keep talking.

“The only object of duplication that we know of is Turtle’s bowl. Which is at Jade Mountain quite literally under lock and key.” Qibli eyed all of them. “Someone knew about the scraps, knew about the bowl, and was able to get in without anyone noticing .”

“Traitor?” Thorn’s face darkened.

“No, I don’t think it was any of us. We all know what a disaster it’d be to bring him back.” Qibli shook his head vigorously. “Someone knows what happened, or at least has a good idea. They’ve been watching us, and now they’re acting.”

“And we have no idea who they are.” Hope grumbled.

That’s… not entirely true… Sunny grimaced. She didn’t want to say what she was thinking. Not yet. But she’d noticed a number of things that were odd.

The time of the attack. The feelings she was getting. She wanted to let the thoughts flow but caught Moon glance her way.

Sorry Moon, but I can’t let you read my thoughts on this one. Sunny thought at her. I have to investigate this further and I don’t want you to jump to conclusions.

Moon gave her a small snarl as Sunny went over to Qibli, fastening her claw around his Skyfire. Qibli glanced down, noticing her action. To anyone else, she might’ve just been holding his claw.

There was only one dragon who could’ve done all of this. Sunny saw everything on that dance floor and remembered her own feelings. She couldn’t shake them.

And then Duskweaver revealed that her scales could change.

Duskweaver easily could’ve found out everything if she could make herself invisible. She could’ve transformed herself to look like Darkstalker and scared Moon. She knew a lot due to her connections.

But then it didn’t make any sense! Duskweaver couldn’t have known about Peacemaker’s true origins. Even if she did, why would she ever want Darkstalker back? To meet her ‘real’ father? Not to mention that Duskweaver could’ve left Sandrunner to die, but it was thanks to her that he lived for now.

Unless Duskweaver was the best actor on the planet , that look of guilt was genuine. There was a post traumatic expression on her and in her mannerisms when she had to explain everything. Nobody could fake that.

Maybe Duskweaver was involved, but she sure wasn’t the mastermind. And whatever involvement she had, it didn’t seem to plan for Sandrunner’s demise. What she did plan, Sunny didn’t know. It was entirely possible that she may be under the control of the mastermind, too. There were too many questions.

But she sure was going to find an answer to all of them.

Chapter Text

“Duskweaver?” Qibli questioned, confusion on his face. “Duskweaver’s involved in this? How would that happen?”

“Think about it, Qibli,” Sunny spoke in a hushed voice. They were alone in their room, Sunny all but dragging him there after the meeting. Qibli knew something was off when she went and grabbed his Skyfire and refused to let go of it. He figured she was trying to hide something from Moon and so didn’t say anything.

He just didn’t expect this.

“I am thinking about it and I don’t understand how it’d happen.” Qibli shook his head. “Duskweaver’s a weird one but she isn’t actively malicious.”

“No, she’s not.” Sunny conceded. “But she might be controlled. She seemed genuinely shocked when Sandrunner nearly died. There’s no faking that reaction unless she is the best actor known to dragonkind.”

Now that sounded much more likely. “Alright… well, I guess that makes sense. Get to Peacemaker through his daughter.” His eyes narrowed. “Her ribbons.”

“ Exactly .” Sunny grinned. “They aren’t new, I remember her wearing them in JMA. So they’d be the best place to hide any enchanted scrolls.”

“How we gonna go about this then? Can’t exactly just walk up and accuse her or rip them off.” Qibli let out a frown. “Mind reading wouldn’t pick up on it, either.”

“Mmm… well, given everything that happened, everyone is due for a bit of scrutiny.” Sunny didn’t sound like she enjoyed what she said. “We can play it off as us double checking everything. Run it past Hope and all.”

“Do you really think she’d go for that?”

“I think she would.” Sunny affirmed. “The thing is we can’t let Moon know just yet. If she finds out Duskweaver was controlled, she’ll probably go mama bear mode. It’s why I hid it from her. It’s not that I don’t trust her, but…”

“She can panic and grow impulsive. Good luck stopping her if she does.” Qibli instinctively rubbed his shoulder. There were multiple times when Moon went into ‘protection’ mode and completely bulldozed anyone who dared get in her way. Qibli tried to stop her before learning it was better to not get in her way most of the time.

“I fully plan on telling her after. It’s just, if we’re wrong , I don’t want to explain why Duskweaver has broken horns,” Sunny said more as a joke. Only, Qibli could imagine it quite clearly. He saw Moon fight in the ballroom, and many times in the past.

The duo went back to where Hope was, which was her private quarters. She’d retired for the day, but upon their approach, was awoken by one of her guards. She did not look too pleased to see them, but that was more from exhaustion it seemed. She said not a word, waiting for them to speak.

“We think Duskweaver may be controlled.” Qibli just came out and said it.

“You too?” Hope grimaced. Both Sunny and Qibli blinked before exchanging looks. “I had my suspicions the moment Darkstalker showed up and started looking at her. I know my granddaughter knows better than to run up a narrow passageway into a dead end. Especially when flying out the window was a viable option.”

“So, you think that she allowed Sandrunner to lead her up the tower?” Sunny asked for clarification. Hope gave a curt nod. 

“He didn’t know the architecture either and was in a panic. Explains why he went that way. In the Sand Kingdom, that’s a much more viable option.” Qibli tapped his chin with a wingclaw. “Everything’s open, there.”

“I think she may have still tried to save him despite the control, too,” Sunny said as if something hit her. “It’s a dead end. If she was leading Sandrunner to his death, she would never have opened the passage. The attackers would’ve simply flooded in.”

Qibli didn’t consider that. Once again, he was in awe at how Sunny’s mind worked. It was like being around a mini-Thorn at times. Only much, much more optimistic.

And less crass.

“So, what, do we just rip the ribbons off her?” Qibli suggested half jokingly. 

“No, you ask her. If she refuses, then she has something to hide.” Hope gave him a ‘seriously?’ look. “I have no idea where she is right now. But, if I were to hazard a guess, either with Sandrunner or working with her father. He’s usually in the library or in his damn garden. I swear if he plants another strawberry in an inconspicuous place…” She added in a grumble.

“He still does that?” Sunny let out a small giggle. 

“Big as my head and yet he hides them everywhere I’m going to be. I look for a scroll, strawberry. Cabinet? Strawberry. In my pillowcase, you guessed it, strawberry .” She shook her head. “Regardless, if he’s not there, he’s in the palace somewhere .”

The library was closest, and so they ventured off there. No Peacemaker or Duskweaver here. Didn’t really surprise them. They weren’t with Sandrunner, either. Surprisingly, Moon wasn’t hovering over him. Deathbringer had finally left to get some rest, but Qibli spotted two camouflaged RainWings in the rafters above. 

Sandrunner himself had a tiny bit more color to his scales. He was breathing easier, too. There was still no telling when he’d wake up, but it was a positive sign.

The garden outside was a lush area of multiple fruits and vegetables. The soil here wasn’t that great for growth, but apparently Peacemaker had some sort of animus enchantment going on here. Wherever he went, life grew. Maybe some of the more positive aspects of Darkstalker’s personality leaked out but it was impossible to tell.

Well, until the other night.

The large hybrid was indeed in the garden. He looked lost in his own little world, a contemplative expression on his face. Still, his ears flicked on their arrival, and he turned to face them.

“Oh, hello.” Peacemaker greeted warmly. “I didn’t expect you to be here. Strawberry?” He offered one to each of them. They accepted, and Qibli couldn’t help but laugh quietly at Hope’s previous statements.

“How are you holding up?” Sunny asked kindly.

“About as well as I can.” Peacemaker averted his gaze. “Darkstalker showing up really put a lot into perspective, I’ll say that much.” He let out a small chuckle. “I can’t go anywhere without a guard. They’re trying to be clever and hiding, but mother taught me well.” 

Qibli had indeed noticed them hiding in the shadows and vines. At Peacemaker’s words, one seemed to shuffle uncomfortably. 

“What did Hope tell you?” Sunny continued to question. It sounded so conversational, so relaxed, that Qibli had forgotten that she was here to find answers instead of just conversation.

“Not really much. She did admit to being, y’know…” Peacemaker gestured into the air vaguely. “It’s disheartening to know who my half brother is. But, I can’t blame my mother for wanting a restart and I love her regardless. I only want to know more , not distance myself from her.”

“Give her time.” Qibli reassured him. “I’m sure she needs a bit to process all of this, too.”

“Oh, I understand completely. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating.”

“Yeah… I think you and Sandrunner can have a conversation ‘bout that when he wakes up. I know I’ve been distant…” Qibli admitted somberly. Sunny’s claw touched his briefly. “Speaking of, have you seen Duskweaver?”

“She was just here ten minutes ago. If I were to hazard a guess, she’s taking a flight to relieve stress or she’s with her mother.” Peacemaker suddenly grew anxious. “Why, is she in danger? I know she spoke to myself and Silentsketch about going with you guys.”

Qibli and Sunny glanced to each other. It was best they came out and said it.

“We think she may have been controlled.” Qibli explained the thought process behind it. Peacemaker did not look enthused. Then, he grew even more worried. 

“I’ll go with you,” Peacemaker said. It wasn’t a request.

With that, they flew off to where his and Silentsketch’s room was. Sure enough, there were two voices coming from inside; Qibli immediately recognized Duskweaver’s. 

“... not quite right. I’m not sure if you’re going to be safe even if you leave,” Silentsketch said. “I don’t want to keep you here, but I am not sure if leaving will protect you.”

“I’m not going to be safe no matter where I go,” Duskweaver responded calmly. “I just know I won’t be able to rest if I stay here.”

“... All right.”

Peacemaker opened the door, revealing Duskweaver with her mother. Silentsketch was a very dark looking NightWing, but she had the same look on her face Qibli had seen on Moon countless times. In fact, she kinda looked similar if he squinted. Not as tall, though.

“Peace?” Silentsketch tilted her head with some confusion. “Is everything okay?”

“Duskweaver, can you do me a favor and remove your ribbons?” Peacemaker requested as gently as possible but was unable to hide the concern.

“... Why?” Duskweaver asked suspiciously. 

“Please, we need to confirm something.” Peacemaker requested a bit more firmly.

“You don’t think she…?” Silentsketch regarded her daughter with apprehension.

“You think I’m controlled?” Duskweaver asked lowly. “I’m not wearing a necklace!”

“I know, dear, but they may have hidden it in your ribbons.” Peacemaker took one step closer. Duskweaver took one step back. That, to Qibli, was a confirmation. From the way Sunny’s brow furrowed, it was for her, too.

“Peace, I think she is.” Qibli announced his suspicion. “If she wasn’t, she wouldn’t be fighting against the notion.”

“It’s a pain to get them to stay on! So I don’t want to remove them!” Duskweaver snapped back uncharacteristically.

“I will help you put them back on. It’s not a big deal at all.” Silentsketch’s eyes slanted. 

“Why are you coming after me?” Duskweaver fought back instead. “Didn’t I prove myself!? Or are you thinking I led Sandrunner to his fate!?” She shook her head. “That’s what you think, don’t you? That I purposely decided to get him killed! But if that was the case, why didn’t I just stab him? Or spew venom into his eyes!? I could’ve easily done that!”

It was a fair point. However, it also would have been too obvious. No, something else was going on, but he wasn’t sure what.

“She’s controlled.” Qibli was now certain. “I’ve seen this before.”

“Are you certain?” Peacemaker tilted his head back slightly.

“Absolutely.”

At his word, it was Sunny who dashed forward, leaping off Peacemaker’s back and grabbing Duskweaver’s ribbons faster than she could react. With a strong tug, they unraveled, revealing a piece of parchment that Sunny caught. 

“Enchant this dragon to befriend Sandrunner once again and listen to my, the writer of this enchantment, exact wording. Forget the wording consciously once the orders are placed. Enchant this dragon to never remove her ribbons as if under threat of death.” Sunny read the enchantment aloud.

“Vague.” Qibli grimaced as Duskweaver held her head. 

“Ugh…” Duskweaver groaned, sitting down. “That was… unpleasant.”

“What do you mean?” Sunny questioned. “Do you remember being enchanted?”

“I remember something forcing me to do certain things.” Duskweaver squinted as if suffering from the worst migraine. “But, I was able to fight partially against it.” She averted her gaze. “I think I was supposed to let Sandrunner die.”

“We figured that.” Sunny placed a comforting claw on her shoulders. “It wasn’t you, though.”

“Certainly felt that way.” Duskweaver bristled as her parents pulled her into a hug. “But… how was I enchanted? I don’t remember anyone approaching me.”

“Could’ve been when you were sleeping or you were ordered to forget.” Qibli hypothesized. “Either way, you’re free now.”

“Yeah, I am.” Duskweaver still held a look of guilt. “Sandrunner’s still under, isn’t he?”

“He is.” Qibli confirmed, feeling a tightness in his chest.

“I don’t know who did this, but I won’t stop until I find the culprit.” She averted her eyes. “Maybe that’s why I wanted to come with you. To finish the job on him. But I won’t do that now.”

“Well, I would hope not. Be kinda rude to do that, not to mention you’ll be torn limb from limb by Moon,” Sunny said lightly, but Qibli knew all too well that it was the truth.

“No, I don’t fancy that.” Duskweaver let out a laugh. “How’d you figure out that I was under control, though?”

“You kept showing up whenever something happened. Always seemed to know more than you let on, and you were the only plausible explanation for certain things. It makes me think you were under thrall for quite some time.” Sunny grimaced at the last part. “Plus, your scales. You can unknowingly spy on things.”

Duskweaver looked to her scales, which looked a lot more pale and blue than before. Reminded Qibli of Kinkjaou, and was once more a reminder that she had RainWing in her. Although… she did have a lot of the benefits , but none of the offsets. Qibli stored that piece of information for later.

“Well, she’s no longer under control, and that’s what I care about.” Peacemaker smiled down at Duskweaver. 

“Did you still want to go with them, or was that you being controlled?” Silentsketch asked her.

“... I think part of it was being controlled, but I think it may be a good idea.” Duskweaver sighed and tied her ribbons back on. “It’s pretty clear I was gotten here. And right now, we know I am not under a spell.”

Qibli had a small reservation about this. But, she was right. “We’ll have to tell Moon. Depending what she says, I think it’ll be alright.”

***

Sandrunner was lost.

He was in a void, surrounded by fragments of himself. Each fragment held a memory, and no matter what he did, they would not get back together. From his time at Jade Mountain to just the other day, they lay scattered as if blown apart by a bomb. No matter how many he fused together, more would show or they’d simply repel each other.

He barely knew who he was. He had a name. He knew who his parents were. Basic information and all that. Yet, the smaller things did not come.

Yet, as Sandrunner tried to put himself together… part of him resisted. He felt death’s embrace crawling up his spine, whispering for him to simply let go. The crossbolts piercing his body should have killed him, and he was trapped in a state of limbo.

If he lurched forward, he may be able to live. But if he leaned back… well, nothingness awaited. He wouldn’t have to worry about his frustrations and anger hurting those he loved. Yet, if he did give in, they would be sad.

How many days passed? It felt like mere hours at best. He thought he heard his parents calling for him but couldn’t tell if it was real or not. Everything was just so… foggy. 

“Are you really so surprised?” A deep, rumbling voice spoke. The first voice that wasn’t from his own memory. “You’re right, you absolutely should have died. I haven’t any idea why you didn’t. Still, you could do my job for me and let go.”

Sandrunner recognized it. “How are you here?”

“Am I? Or is this just another hallucination?” A phantom showed itself before him. He recognized it to be Darkstalker bearing down upon him. “Your mind is so broken that anything is possible.”

That was true. Mustering whatever strength he could, Sandrunner went to expel the phantom… only to have nothing change.

“It’s not that easy.” Darkstalker let out a laugh. “If I was real, it’d take a lot more than that. If I was a figment of your dying mind, well, you don’t exactly have the strength for that either.”

“Then what do you want?” Sandrunner hissed out.

“Me? I want to see where this goes. You are the dragonet of my former very best friend and enemy.” Darkstalker shrugged. “I can’t do much other than watch, but we both know how effective words are. So, your choice.”

“I won’t be something you can get off to.” Sandrunner stood on wobbly legs.

“I don’t have a body to get off with .” Darkstalker tsked. “Even if I did… well, actually, I did remake Clearsight. Enjoy that mental image.”

Sandrunner did not.

“So, what’s the plan? You gonna keep trying to put yourself together? Do you even want to be that dragon again?” Darkstalker lowered his head to look Sandrunner in the eye. “Miserable, you are. You’re a lot like me, you know. Broken home, smothering mother, distant father. All you were missing was a sister.”

“That’s not going to work.” Sandrunner snarled. “Whatever similarities we have, I didn’t want to genocide an entire tribe!”

“True, I may have gone a bit overboard there. But, hey, we all make mistakes. I tried to wipe out a tribe, you slept with a dragon seven times your age… I know that hardly compares but, eh, I gotta work with what I got.” Darkstalker floated around him. “But, let’s be honest… if you had my powers, you’d fix all the bad things that happened to you. Every dragonet would.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” Sandrunner glared coldly. “I don’t agree with animus.”

“Now you don’t. But you were a young, desperate little dragon who didn’t understand why mommy and daddy were fighting. I’m sure you remember the day he walked out that door and never came back. You had to track him down! He could barely look at you!”

Some of the fragments sealed together without Sandrunner touching them. It detailed a picture of Sandrunner - having used the tunnel and flying into the desert heat - standing in front of his father. Sure enough, Qibli had a look of guilt and could barely look at him. He’d left when Sandrunner was out, and while he knew it was inevitable, it hurt to know Qibli had just… left.

He’d apologized profusely. He more than made up for that. But it still burned.

And then there was his mother not even bothering to give him straight answers on why he’d left. It was like neither could meet his eye. Sandrunner felt nothing but a burden at the time

He still did as a constant reminder of their dead romance.

“If you feel that way, why don’t you just die?” Darkstalker questioned. “You’d be sparing them your masked face.”

“Because if I did, I’d ensure they’d never talk again.” Sandrunner averted his gaze. “My mother is barely holding it together. I can see it in her face. It wasn’t until Winter showed up again that she seemed so much happier . If I die… all of that will vanish. My dad will be okay, he has Sunny, but he’d be shattered in his own way.”

“Well now, a father that will be okay with the death of his son. Mine was the same, you know.” Darkstalker added nonchalantly. “He still loved my mother, but seeing Whiteout and I - me, especially - reminded him of where he was and how stuck he was. He couldn’t just leave. So, he took it out on us. I don’t regret his death.”

“And how much of that was your own ego being popped?” Sandrunner shot back.

“Say that again when you have a sister about to be whored out and become an ‘Honorary IceWing!” Darkstalker roared back with enough force to deafen.

“And that’s when you killed him?” Sandrunner guessed. Darkstalker let out a confirming hiss. “What about before? Did you try?”

“I did not. But the instant I hatched, I knew my father was trouble. I did not kill him only because of his love for mother.” Darkstalker regained his former composure. “He should thank me for seven extra years. Or was it six? Hard to recall.”

“So you judged him by his thoughts rather than his actions.” Sandrunner remembered his mother having this conversation with him. “ My mother and father instilled in me that everyone has dark thoughts. It’s dependent on if we act on them.”

“And if you saw murder in their mind?”

“Did you?”

Darkstalker didn’t reply at first. “Y’know, I think I am beginning to like you. I’m not so sure if I want you dead just yet.”

“And I want nothing to do with you.” Sandrunner bared his fangs, standing up straighter. As he did, blood began to leak from where the crossbolts struck. The wound in his chest opened up, too.“We’re both burdens on our parents, but there is one key difference.”

“Let me guess, you love yours, and I hated mine? Wrong, I loved my mother. I still do, despite everything.” Darkstalker shook his head, smiling. “May want to sit down. You’re getting blood all over the void.”

“No, the difference is that I don’t have powers. I could see them as they were, not what their mind says.” Sandrunner stood up as the fragments of himself swirled in the air. 

“Poetic. But are you so certain that these are the real them, and not a form of manipulation?” Darkstalker countered. “Ah, what does it matter? You’re trying to wake up. You know that it won’t go as well as you think, what with your mind so scattered?”

“Better than staying here with you.” With a roar, Sandrunner unleashed a gout of flame that enveloped Darkstalker as a bright light erupted around them.

***

Moon recoiled with surprise as an explosion of emotion erupted from Sandrunner. She wasn’t the only one; Duskweaver, who had her palm on him, retracted her appendage as Sandrunner’s eyes fluttered open.

“Sandrunner?” Moon whispered hopefully. Yet, the burst of emotion slowly faded, and she was only able to detect fragmented thoughts. His eyes were vacant and unfocused.

“It worked.” Duskweaver murmured, turning to Moon. “Our combined powers must have been enough.”

Moon wasn’t so sure about letting Duskweaver close to Sandrunner after it was revealed she was controlled. But, really, there wasn’t anything to hold over her. She’d seen her friends under his control before, and she didn’t even begrudge Fierceteeth.

Besides, both Sunny and Qibli seemed to think she was fine. And, really, Moon was so desperate to get any sign of life from her son. So, when Duskweaver came up with the suggestion to both reach out into his mind, it was better than nothing.

“Is he okay? He doesn’t seem focused…” Qibli flared his wings anxiously.

Sandrunner briefly glanced to him, meeting his eyes, but there was something broken in their son’s gaze. He wasn’t fully there yet. Sandrunner recognized them, but nothing else.

It had to be good enough for now.

“But, why did he have so much anger?” Moon questioned more to herself than Duskweaver. 

“Good question.” Duskweaver shook her head. “Knowing your son, he probably got angry he was still under.”

“That… would fit.” Moon stroked Sandrunner’s face. 

“You really did it.” Qibli approached from the other side, laughing breathlessly. “He’s awake. Not there, but he’s conscious .”

“Guess we’ll have to see what happens next.” Duskweaver smiled tiredly. “Still, this is good. Most dragons who wake up have a good chance of recovering.”

“Does this mean we can move him?” Moon asked hopefully.

“Personally, I’d give him a little bit to stabilize,” Deathbringer said from up above. “That awakening looked traumatic.”

It felt it, too . Moon thought grimly. She didn’t know what happened in there, but it wasn’t just frustration. No, there was genuine hatred that came swinging at her. 

Now that his mind was settling, Moon was able to pick up the pain Sandrunner was in. His surface wounds closed, but the internal remained. Melding her mind with his briefly, she was able to feel… numbness in his lower extremities. Right below where the arrow clipped his spine.

Alarm made her swing over to his legs, where she ran a talon down it. At first, she felt nothing. Panic overcame her again and she did it a little harder. This time, there was something . His claws twitched ever so slightly.

“Moon?” Qibli asked, concerned.

“I can feel what he feels.” Moon managed to speak. “And I felt nothing down here at first.”

Qibli paled. “Oh no…”

“He twitched. So, he can feel something . But, I had to apply pressure on it.” Moon tried on the other leg to the same effect. “See? I’m putting pressure on one of the more sensitive nerves and it’s barely getting a reaction. It’s better than nothing , but…”

“And there’s nothing we can do about that.” Qibli followed her thoughts. “What about his arms?”

Thankfully, his arms were not in anywhere near the same condition. His wings, however, told a similar story to his legs. Tail was not in great shape, either. Everything below the spine where he was clipped was at risk of never recovering.

“How’d you feel his pain, by the way?” Duskweaver asked her. “I don’t think I could have done that with anyone.”

“Well, one, I’m his mother .” Moon smiled thinly. “Don’t take that the wrong way. It’s just, I’ll have a connection with him that not many will. Secondly, I hatched under two moons. I think that has something to do with it, too.”

“I see.” Duskweaver didn’t appear offended. Good. “Well, I’m just glad he’s alright for now.”

Moon couldn’t help but steal a look at Qibli as she finally relaxed. Qibli was the other one who Moon had that bond with. Yet, whenever they touched these days… she couldn’t do it anymore. It hurt. It hurt in ways she didn’t know she could hurt. Especially when she saw how close he and Sunny clearly were.

What was she to do, though? She was the one who gave him no hope. And now, Moon had to live with it.

“We should get ready to move him,” Qibli spoke after a moment. “Deathbringer’s right about waiting, but I want to be in the skies the moment we get the okay.”

“I agree.” Moon nodded swiftly. “I’ll go tell Winter. And probably dreamvisit my mother; she’ll be in Sanctuary faster than us once she knows we’re heading there.”

“Have you told her?”

“Yeah… it was all I could do to convince her to not barge into the palace.” Moon chuckled at the mental imagery.

“I’ll tell my mother, on that note.” Sunny piped up.

“Am I… still allowed to go? I’ll understand if you say no.” Duskweaver asked with some trepidation.

Moon’s ‘mama bear’ instincts almost told her no. But, again, Duskweaver was controlled. This was not her fault. And, she was good to Sandrunner.

“Yeah.” Moon consented. Duskweaver let out a relieved sigh at that.

Sandrunner was awake. The worst was, for now, over. But now came the next problem:

Waiting.

Chapter Text

The trip to Sanctuary was, thankfully, uneventful.

Winter kept close to the others as Sandrunner was carried from the Night Kingdom back to the town, where he was immediately placed in the infirmary center. He was out for most of the trip, and Moon all but scrutinized the dragons carrying her son, but they made it.

Moon was a frazzled mess by the end of it all. She flicked between calm and resolute to snippy as exhaustion began to claim her. But, by the end of it all, she had allowed herself to relax in a nearby lodge.

Turtle had gone to JMA while Peril flew to the Sky Kingdom. Queen Thorn went back to the Sand Kingdom to send out Cobra, which Qibli was not thrilled about. Winter wasn’t either. But, the sooner this ended, the better. Queen Glory and Deathbringer remained in the Night Kingdom for the time being, and this left Winter with Moon, Qibli, and Sunny to discuss future plans in the cave Winter called home.

“We need to get ahead of this, that’s for certain.” Sunny frowned slightly, tail coiling around itself on the ground. “Winter, you should warn the IceWings about Darkstalker coming back. Don’t be surprised if there are some sort of ritualistic deaths in his name.”

Winter bristled. Snowfall hadn’t said anything about that, but then again, IceWings tended to keep things close to the chest. He’d have to dreamvisit her at some point.

“I’m not sure if we have anything to worry about from Pantala at least.” Cricket walked into the room, a tired expression on her face. “HiveWings know a lot about Clearsight, not Darkstalker.”

“Doesn’t hurt to check, I suppose.” Qibli stifled a yawn. “I’m sure the new queen will be more than happy to prove herself.”

“New queen?” Moon raised a brow.

“Jewel died last year from old age. Scarab a few years before that. So, one of Jewel’s daughters took over.” Cricket explained with a hint of sadness. “I miss both of them,” She added as an aside.

“Oh. I hadn’t realized there was a new one,” Moon said guiltily. Winter began to wonder how often she got out of her routine to miss that .

“Well, this just reinforces our need to make the Jade Initiative!” Sunny exclaimed as everyone but Qibli looked at her. “I told Qibli that we should make a new Dragons of Destiny group because, let's face it, we won’t be around forever. But I think if we make a post graduation program at Jade Mountain, we can make ambassadors to each tribe! Like, kinda what we all did, and work toward keeping the peace!”

“How would that work?” Winter questioned. “Because I know for a fact the IceWings won’t enjoy other tribes poking into their business.”

“Admittedly, we need to figure that out, but I imagine that there would be like a council of sorts that can sort matters of dispute before war gets declared or something.” Sunny continued to rattle on. “Like, it could be a neutral place kinda like here! But it has a dragon from each tribe who is experienced with the other tribes. Like a winglet!”

“So an actual neutral ground for queens to speak, for example?” Winter motioned for her to continue.

“Yes! And since the Dragons of Destiny – and the Jade Winglet, for that matter – are rather respected, I think this has a good chance of getting off the ground! Of course, we would need to solve some issues. Mainly, getting Glory and Tsunami at the grounds for a while.” Sunny tapped her tail tip on the ground in thought. “But I know the others will be for it! This Darkstalker threat is kinda going to affect more than just the Night and Ice Kingdoms if it gets any bigger. We all know he’s not going to be satisfied ruling just one kingdom.”

“No, he won’t.” Moon hissed lowly. “He’ll conquer everything his ego wants. And once Pyrrhia is under his wing, he’ll move to Pantala.”

“All the more reason for us to stop him before he comes back,” Sunny said.

“Well, I am not opposed to the idea of a ‘Jade Initiative.” Moon calmed down slightly. “It’d give us something to strive for even after all this is over.”

“We should come up with a more immediate plan.” Winter interjected. He was also not opposed to the idea, but Darkstalker’s return was far more important. “I’m going to go to the Ice Kingdom within the next day or two. I’d dreamvisit, but something is telling me that Darkstalker would not leave the Ice Kingdom alone.”

“What do you think he’d do?” Qibli questioned.

“Set up the war again,” Winter said bluntly. “Get the IceWings all riled up and scared. Then take them over once he kicks out his mother.”

“Do you really think he’d do a war again when he can take them by surprise?” Sunny was skeptical.

“… Perhaps not, but he likely would create chaos to divert attention.”

“Now that I can believe,” Sunny said. “It’s just a matter of what type of chaos. There aren’t a lot of NightWings that can go to war, for example.”

“All the more reason for me to head back to the Ice Kingdom and make sure mother doesn’t pitch a fit about this.” Winter grumbled under his breath. “She stopped trying to undermine Snowfall, but this may spur too much of a panic. There is no possible outcome where word of what happened doesn’t reach her ears.”

“You said that the current NightWing queen is Darkstalker’s mother, right?” Cricket inquired. Winter nodded in affirmation. “That raises a lot of questions, so I can understand them not being happy. Like, you explained it to me, but not everyone is as rational as us.”

“Honestly, if I wasn’t there for that revelation, I don’t think I would’ve bought it either.” Qibli chuckled quietly.

“I barely did, and I freed her.” Winter admitted under his breath.

“I’m going to stay with Sandrunner,” Moon announced to them. Winter grimaced slightly at this. “What?” She noticed.

“You’re hovering over him. Your mother is already here, as are some of the best doctors Sanctuary has to offer.” Winter decided to just come out and say it. “You’re worrying yourself sick. I completely understand why, but festering over every breath is going to drive you insane.”

“Of course I’m festering over every breath, I’m his mother !” Moon snapped back, eyes slanted. Winter felt like he made a grave mistake by speaking.

“I didn’t mean that you shouldn’t worry. I just don’t know if - ”

“You’re right, you don’t know.” Moon huffed out. “If you ever become a parent, you’ll understand.”

“He’s right, Moon,” Qibli said, to Winter’s mild surprise. “There’s nothing we can do for him. So, we gotta make the world around him safer for when he does come back to us.”

“But what if he needs me? What if I can help him with my powers?” Moon protested.

“Duskweaver can do that, too.” Qibli reminded her. “She’s not controlled anymore. And Sandrunner is close to the surface so I think she can reach him. She was his best friend growing up.”

“You will be helping him by making sure the world he comes back to is safer, like Qibli said.” Sunny smiled warmly.

“But where do I go?” Moon then questioned. “I don’t really have anywhere I can help.”

“Come with me.” Winter suddenly had an idea. “If there’s a NightWing that will help quell the IceWings, it’ll be you.”

“That’s a great idea!” Sunny perked right up. “You already have an established relationship with the queen!”

“Don’t worry either, Moon, I’ll be checking in on Sandrunner too.” Cricket reassured her. “I can’t leave my eggs for too long, but Blue and I can easily check on him. Sky, too, whenever he’s not doing Sky things.”

“Where is he, anyway?” Winter asked her.

“Went to Jade Mountain. Naïve as he is, he’s a really good teacher about human studies. Loves rambling about them, and I think his enthusiasm will rub off on the students.”

Winter suddenly felt really bad for the students but also felt a tightness in his chest from stifling a laugh.

“Plus, he’s got Wren to keep him in line,” Cricket added on.

“True, that…” Winter mused quietly.

“… I suppose I can try.” Moon stared down at the ground. “If I can keep my son out of a war, it’ll be worth it.”

There wasn’t much else to talk about after. Qibli and Sunny decided to head back to JMA in the morning to get the rest of the Dragons of Destiny on board, as apparently Glory was open to it. Winter and Moon would head out in the morning, too. With Secretkeeper and Cricket looking after Sandrunner, Winter felt confident that nothing would happen.

“Hey.” Qibli pulled him aside before he left. “Look, I dunno if you mean what I think you mean, but just… be easy on her, alright? Moon’s been through a lot, and I dunno if you’re still acting on how you felt all those years ago but… she may not reprecipitate. Especially after what just happened to Sandrunner.”

“I was not going for that, no,” Winter answered honestly. “I’m surprised you’re being open to the possibility, though. I expected a fight when she and I first showed up.”

“What, my estranged best friend showing up with my former wife? Yeah, what could I think there?” Qibli rolled his eyes sarcastically. “But, no, I know you. You wouldn’t just… leap right into that.” He let out a small sigh. “And it’s over between us, anyway. I’m with Sunny, but I still care for and love Moon. So, I’m telling you dragon to dragon, don’t screw this up if you decide to go for it.” He looked him dead in the eye.

Winter contemplated telling him what happened the other night but decided against it. It felt too personal.

“I know. And really… I’m not sure if I can form a relationship with her.” Winter didn’t want to bring back the negativity of how he felt five years ago, but it still ached. “I would have to trust her completely.”

Qibli smiled sadly at that. “Yeah… I figured. But if that day does come, I wouldn’t wait, either.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Alright buddy.” Qibli patted his shoulder comfortingly. “Best of luck to you. If you need us, don’t be afraid to reach out.”

“The same goes to you,” Winter answered with a curt nod.

“Oh, by the way, did you ever tell her what I said?” Qibli stopped himself from leaving, turning back with a devious look on his face.

“You say a lot of things.”

“I meant about the sussy.” Qibli winked. “You didn’t, did you? I can see it on your face. Damn, I was hoping to hear her reaction… oh well, bring up ‘mussy’, will you? She’ll love it, guarantee.”

“She will not,” Winter responded with a grumble, having a good feeling what Qibli was getting at now.

Qibli just laughed and left. Truthfully, Winter did feel a tad reassured from this. It wasn’t a ‘go ahead and take her into the bedroom’ type of situation that he’d expected from the SandWing, but it was… nice to see that Qibli regarded him that highly. He missed being appreciated in that way. Loved, if one could call it that.

But, he meant what he said. There would be no relationship between him and Moon if he couldn’t trust her completely.

Time would tell.

***

“You want to what now?” Tsunami looked up from her desk and looked both Qibli and Sunny in the eye. “Did you forget that I have a whole academy to run? Where would I get the time? I’m not saddling this on Riptide, before you say anything.”

“I know, but think about it!” Sunny responded with enthusiasm. “Glory’s on board!”

“She just wants to stop being queen.” Tsunami shook her head. “Never wanted it in the first place.”

“Well, yes, that’s part of it.” Sunny conceded. “I mean, this can still work out with the Academy. All you’d have to do is bring it up and maybe have a special program?”

Tsunami tapped her talons on her desk thoughtfully. “That does seem more reasonable.”

“See!” Sunny beamed at her. “It’ll all work out!”

“Speak to Clay and Starflight. I know Fatespeaker will want to be involved, too.” Tsunami shifted her gaze between them. “By the way, when did this happen?” She gestured between them. “I was pretty sure you were like Clay.”

“So did I.” Sunny shrugged and looked at Qibli, who had paled slightly. Glory had apparently spoken to him before, and now Tsunami was confronting him. “Things change, I guess.”

“Yeah they do. First Winter shows up and somehow manages to convince Kinkajou to allow him to stay. Now you’re sleeping with Qibli.” Tsunami let out a devilish grin as both Sunny and Qibli stiffened.

“Hello, what?” A high pitched voice announced the presence of Kinkajou, who had jumped on Qibli’s back and stared down at him. She was only a little bit bigger than Sunny, so she was able to do this without issue. Especially with a lack of wings, Sunny realized grimly.

“You and Sunny? Wow. Talk about unexpected!” Kinkajou met Qibli’s eyes upside-down. “I’m soooo happy for you! You deserve happiness just as much as Moonie!”

“Yeah, something’s actually going right for a change…” Qibli laughed, but he grew more strained as he did.

“Yeah…” Kinkajou flinched at his words. “How’s Sandrunner doing, by the way? Tsunami told me what happened.”

“Sandrunner woke up, but he’s not all there yet. Plus, the possibility of spinal damage…” Qibli’s face grew taut and Sunny entwined her tail with his.

“Have Clay look at him.” Tsunami suggested. “He’s a wizard at that stuff. Good physical therapy, too.”

“That’s a good idea, actually.” Sunny perked up at that. “Can he actually do that? I mean, classes are starting soon.”

“I think with everything going on a bit of a chaotic schedule will be fine. He’s been training an assistant anyway, so it's a perfect chance for her to take over.” Tsunami flashed a reassuring smile. “Speaking of, when the Blackest Night comes, you better tell me where we’re meeting. I’ll help Moon break Darkstalker’s neck.”

“Speaking of, anything unusual here? Moon said she saw an apparition of Darkstalker before we left here.” Qibli grew more serious.

“Is that why she shrieked?” Kinkajou hopped off Qibli, making the motion of her wings ruffling. Yet, it looked like she simply was flexing her shoulders. “Ugh, I should be mad she hid that, but I totally understand.” She grew quiet for a second. “Winter didn’t yell at her for that, did he?”

“No, he’s been good. He actually is on his way to the Ice Kingdom with her.” Qibli shook his head. “After what happened to Sandrunner, he’s been nothing but supportive and kind with her.”

“ ALONE !?” Kinkajou snapped. “You let them fly off alone !?”

“Kinkajou, it’s okay.” Sunny placed both her claws over the RainWing’s, looking her in the eye. “Moon is more than capable of taking care of herself.”

Kinkajou caught her breath before swallowing. “Y-yeah, that’s true, but… ugh. I know he’s making an attempt to change, but…” She looked mournfully at her wing stumps.

“It’s okay.” Sunny repeated. “You can’t rush to change your mindset.”

“I know, I know… but I mean, if you guys can, why can’t I?” Kinkajou’s hues darked. “Ugh. I’ll go, I don’t want to bring down the mood.”

“You’re fine.” Qibli stopped her from camouflaging. “Oh, by the way, did you ever outgrow Peacemaker’s garden?”

Kinkajou perked right up at that. “No, not yet, but I did grow a bigger melon! Did you want to see?”

“Yeah, sure!” Qibli grinned. Sunny could tell he really didn’t, but that was one of the reasons she fell in love with him. Kinkajou’s mood had visibly brightened, and she led him out of the room.

“Yep, I see why you went for him.” Tsunami refocused on Sunny. “Only reason why I didn’t give him ‘the talk’ is because I’m assuming Glory did it.”

“She did.”

“Good. Don’t need to scare off the lad, do we?” Tsunami chuckled. “Starflight’s in the library, by the way. Clay’s… I don’t know where he is. I’m sure if you shout loud enough he’ll come running.”

Sunny decided to go to the library first. May as well go to where she knew someone was as opposed to wandering around and have Starflight leave.

Oh how Sunny missed JMA, though. She wished she could stay in the past, before everything went downhill. Yet time marched forward and Sunny was not one to linger behind. And besides, Starflight was certainly happier, with him writing a paper with unblinded eyes. Next to him, in a basket, was his and Fatespeaker’s egg.

“Oh, hey Sunny!” Starflight greeted warmly. “Didn’t expect you back here so soon.”

“Am I unwelcome?” Sunny pouted playfully.

“Not at all. Just, well…” Starflight gestured vaguely. “I heard what happened. We all did.”

“Yeah it’s… well, part of the reason why I’m here, actually.”

Sunny spoke to him about her plan of a Jade Initiative, which he was surprised about. Yet, the more she talked, the more he seemed to go along with it. She caught him glancing to his egg, too.

“Yeah, I’m for it.” Starflight agreed when Sunny finished. “Fatespeaker will be, too. It’ll take a while for it to get off the ground, I hope you know. I’ll be busy chasing after this one.” He indicated to the egg with a chuckle. “I already feel him squirming around in there whenever I hold him. Moon says she can read his mind.”

“When’s he due to hatch?”

“Within the next three to five weeks.”

“Oh. Well, I’ll be there!” Sunny promised. “Also, uh, when you went to find the SkyWing animus troves… what exactly did you find again?”

“Not much. Just a projector and a… candle extinguisher…” Starflight’s brow furrowed intensely. “You don’t think…?”

“That seals it for me. Moon brought up you two finding the latter.” Sunny could help but smirk at this revelation. “It’s all smoke and mirrors! This mastermind is clever, but once we find those artifacts, we’ll be one step closer to uncovering them!”

“Please don’t say mastermind around me, I keep thinking of my father.” Starflight groaned.

“Hope had him make crossbows.”

“And that’s what nearly killed Sandrunner. Great.” The lines on Starflight’s face from years of reading grew more intense with his grimace. “He promised me he was done with weaponry.”

“To be fair, it was a defensive weapon. And as I said, Hope had him do it. I understand her reasoning, and honestly, I think it’s unfair to lay this squarely on their claws.” Sunny said. “This was someone else’s doing.”

“Mmm… and to think Fierceteeth finally got away from it all only to be dragged back.” Starflight sighed quietly. “I was actually looking forward to meeting her dragonets. We’ll never be proper brother and sister for a long while, but it was healing…”

“I think she’d want to have a say in all this, really.” Fatespeaker stepped from behind a bookshelf. “Hi, sorry for evesdropping, literally just swooped in and heard the past minute.”

“It’s fine with me.” Starflight butted his horns with hers affectionately.

“I kinda expected you to be around anyway.” Sunny shrugged. “But what do you mean?”

“What I mean is that her livelihood is threatened now. She’ll want revenge against Darkstalker. Who are we to deny her?” Fatespeaker leaned against the desk, drumming lightly on the eggshell. “And besides, it may bring the two of them closer.”

“I’m not so sure she’d be a good diplomat for the initiative.”

“What initiative?” Fatespeaker glanced to Starflight, who filled her in. “Oh, that’s a great idea! But, yes, you’re completely right. Yet who knows? Her dragonets may want to take part in it and if she sees for herself what we’re doing…”

“Provided Hope lets her go.” Starflight reminded her.

“Well… gives us time to get it off the ground!” Fatespeaker spoke with the same level of enthusiasm as Sunny as she lowered her head to the egg. “We’re gonna make the world such a good place for you, Bookwyrm! Yes, we are!”

“Bookwyrm?” Sunny asked as Fatespeaker continued to coo the egg.

“Best we came up with. If he doesn’t like it, he can change it.” Starflight shrugged sheepishly.

“Oh, right, NightWings do that. All the ones I know haven’t done that ever or in so long…” Sunny felt a tad silly for forgetting.

“Yeah, it’s just for identification. Like, ‘what’s your birth name’ kinda thing so we can keep track.” Starflight explained. “Like, my father’s first name was Tinkerer.”

“Oh? Makes sense…”

After a little while, Sunny departed from the library to find Clay. As cute as it was to have Fatespeaker doting all over the egg, it did get a little exhausting. Starflight was either used to it or learned how to tune it out.

Still, two more down! All that was left was Clay and then they could set things up! Well, Kinkajou too. But Sunny didn’t want to put that on her just yet. Turtle and Peril were on board… she thought. She’d have to double check.

With a slight skip to her step, Sunny set off down the halls for hopefully not the last time any time soon.

***

The Ice Kingdom did not seem as cold as last time Winter was here.

Maybe it was his mood. Maybe it was Snowfall’s changes that made it feel much more relaxed. Winter didn’t care either way. Really, the only ice cold thing here was his mother. Snowfall couldn’t get rid of her, alas, but at least Tundra stopped giving her grief.

“I don’t remember it being so sparkly.” Moon murmured as they landed in front of the gates. Sure enough, it was as if an extra sheet of frost covered the buildings. Not to mention there being many more IceWings about. With the destruction of the circle, more IceWings ended up drifting toward the palace.

Large sections of the royal library had been opened to the public, for example. The only parts still walled off had critical documents of the Ice Kingdom that were too valuable for anyone’s talons. Snowfall had also given the ‘lower caste’ a few representatives to speak of troubles that may plague the more rural settlements. With that came some dragons who came and went to speak with said representatives.

Honestly, it reminded Winter a tad of Sanctuary. He and Snowfall were quite the dreamvisitor pals for a time until he slunk into his own depression.

“Snowfall does like sparkly things deep down.” Winter chuckled. “Don’t tell her I said that. She has ‘an image to maintain’.”

“I’m a NightWing in the Ice Kingdom, I think I’ll not risk aggravating.”

“The war ended. Most IceWings are, for lack of better term, ‘chill’ with the notion of your tribe being here.” Winter couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. A pun, really?

“Well, let's go and keep it that way.” Moon bristled, following Winter into the palace.

The guards recognized him immediately and allowed entry, one going off to alert the queen. Although Winter no longer cared about his prince title any longer, there were certain benefits to it.

“Surprised how much warmer it is in here.” Moon commented as she ran a talon along the walls. “Like I know insulation and all, but the blue and whites suggest cold.”

“You’ve been here before.” Winter reminded her.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t be surprised still.” Moon gave him a sardonic look. “I did miss the auroras, though. Last time I was here was what, eight years ago? I just remember Peril and Turtle getting together.”

“At least they didn’t break the bed. I’ll never forget Tsunami’s reaction about costing her gold.” Winter chuckled quietly. “Still a tamer reaction than most IceWings, given their prudish nature.”

“That sounds incredibly boring.” Moon frowned. “Don’t give me that look, I’m not advocating for promiscuousness, but well… boring. It’s natural and… wait, why are we having this conversation?” Moon stopped herself, face darkening.

“I was wondering the same thing as well as where you were going with that.” Winter commented dryly. “One thing to know about IceWings is that they are very closed off and private about their lives.”

“Noo… say it isn’t so…” Moon pretended to be shocked while staring directly at him.

“Winter!” A voice that Winter hadn’t heard in a long while shouted for him. Turning round, Winter spotted a blue-freckled IceWing all but prancing toward him. She was gorgeous, dressed in royal IceWing jewelry. A part of Winter felt frustrated at his own lack of action, as he couldn’t help but stare.

“What are you doing here!?” Lynx continued to greet, wrapping her wings around him. “Oh, hi Moon!” Then, she glanced between them. “Oookay, what happened? Because last I heard…”

“Life has forced us back together again. It’s why we’re here.” Winter responded vaguely.

“Ack, I knew this wasn’t just a friendly visit.” Lynx sighed quietly. “Snowfall’s in a meeting, hence why I’m here. You mind telling me what’s going on?”

Lynx led them somewhere private, where Winter and Moon explained what transpired. To say Lynx was upset at the news was an understatement. She, much like many IceWings, had hoped that the Darkstalker was long gone. Especially as the Jade Winglet had repeated over and over again that he was gone and never coming back.

Winter had honestly forgotten about that until Moon brought it up. It lent less credibility to their words should it come to it. He didn’t know how much about their falling out was public, but it also hurt their truth.

“I’m so sorry about what happened to Sandrunner.” Lynx gave Moon a reassuring smile. “I hope he recovers.”

“Thank you,” Moon said a bit distantly.

“As for the rest of this… okay, yeah, we need to get ahead of this. But, that may be a bit harder than you may think.” Lynx lowered her voice. “There’s been a death and one on death’s bed right now. First one was killed in a knife attack. The second one has symptoms like Darkstalker’s plague.”

“A knife?” Moon questioned. “Why would…?”

“He did that two thousand years ago for a year after he was gone. Enchanted a knife to kill IceWings and carve his name into them.” Winter explained to her.

“That’s… distinctly horrifying. I thought that was just another legend.” Moon ruffled her wings uncomfortably.

“Unfortunately not.” Winter shook his head. “But the plague… that was a magical one. How did someone recreate it?”

“No idea. It’s all we can do to keep it on the down low and provide treatment.” Lynx snarled with frustration. “We suspected something was up, and your story only confirms it.”

“Did you find any scrolls? Parchment? Jewelry?” Moon pressed. “Because that’s how the mastermind behind this is getting around animus being gone.”

“I’d have to check. I don’t know off the top of my head.” Lynx admitted with more frustration.

“I’ll speak with the queen about the murder.” Winter announced. “Lynx, lead Moon to the sick dragon. She’ll know what to look for.”

Chapter Text

Sandrunner growled in frustration as he fused two shards together, recreating a piece of his fractured mind. He was frustrated not because of a completed memory, but that it was taking so long.

Looking around, the shards had all come together on one side of his mind. The one in his palms flew off, joining with the rest. Soon, the walls would be erected, and he'd be whole. He knew as much from his talks with his mother. She’d helped him erect ‘barriers’ to keep certain things out made of his own memories. As a result, it was only natural that they’d reform in a similar place.

But, doing this also meant delving into… unpleasantness. Things he wanted to forget. Awkward interactions with friends and strangers that kept him up at night from sheer embarrassment. He almost preferred the shouting matches he’d overheard between his parents over them. At least then he wasn’t in control…

Sandrunner could wake up. He knew that he could. But he’d barely be able to recognize the world around him. Although, that did come with the possibility of remembering things on his own. Grandma was here; he heard her. Duskweaver, too. Where was his mother and father? Probably off doing something important.

“Ah, so you did hear me!”

Sandrunner spun around, seeing Duskweaver standing behind him. Her face was close to his, staring into his eyes as she grinned widely.

“Are you another hallucination?” Sandrunner asked warily.

“Nope, I’m using a dreamvisitor. Plus my own powers.” Duskweaver tapped her reflective markings. “Your grandmother suggested it and I’m ashamed I didn’t think of it earlier!”

“… How does that work?” Sandrunner questioned, brow raised.

“That is a fantastic question that I have no answer to.” Duskweaver shook her head before her fins drooped. “I… I’m sorry, by the way. I’m the reason you’re not awake yet. I was controlled and led you up the tower.”

“You were… controlled?” Sandrunner tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, right, you’ve… missed quite a lot.”

Duskweaver filled him in on everything he missed in his coma. From finding out Fierceteeth was controlled, to Duskweaver herself. All sorts of hypothesis and where his parents had presently gone to. Duskweaver wasn’t too privy to major details, but it was enough for Sandrunner to get a general idea.

“So, I’m in Sanctuary?” Sandrunner asked for clarification. She nodded. “Alright, that works.” He looked around the scattered pieces of his mind. “I’m… really not sure how to make this faster, by the way.”

“Hmm… I have an idea. Part of my coven teaches us memory restoration for dragons.” Duskweaver tapped his chin with a wing talon. Sandrunner gave her another questioning look. “Oh, right. I’m not the only one with mind reader powers, as you know. So a few others and I got together and called it a ‘coven’ because why not.”

“That’s neat, actually.” Sandrunner suddenly imagined a group of witches around a cauldron. And then Duskweaver with a witches hat.

Unfortunately, his mind created this as visuals in front of them.

“Is that what I’d look like?” Duskweaver burst out laughing before giving him a mischievous look. “Oh, this is fun. Tell me, do you have any other thoughts?”

Sandrunner muted his mind as quickly as possible.

“That’s cute. I’ll take that as a yes. But, you know…” She leaned closer, whispering in his ear. “I wouldn’t mind.”

“Stop!” Sandrunner flapped his wings with a burst of energy, walking around to keep his mind from wandering while Duskweaver rolled on the floor laughing. “I don’t think like… that !”

“Uh huh.” Duskweaver caught her breath as Sandrunner’s face darkened. “You don’t have to be shy. Trust me, I’ve read so many minds that seeing myself in those positions is… well, normal. Just a matter of acting on it.”

“Neat, let’s talk about this again never.” Sandrunner shook his head and managed to quell his mind. “Uhh, okay, so we learned that my mind can actually manifest itself things. I wonder…”

“Hm?”

“Well, I remember reading some scrolls about creating something called a ‘mind palace’. My mother taught me a bit about it, too.” Sandrunner glanced at the wall of memories beside him and the fragments to the other side.

“Oh, right! It’s a ‘safe space’ for the mind, where you can keep things under lock and key.” Duskweaver nodded understandingly. “It could be something new, or a place you feel safe.”

Somewhere safe, huh? Well… there was really only one consistent place where he wasn’t dealing with domestic or other life issues. The world around them began to warp as a result, and soon he found himself standing in a recreation of Jade Mountain Academy.

But, there were dragons around him, too. He recoiled when one walked by, seeing that they had no face. They also had no tribe distinction outside of the odd ‘dragon’. It freaked him right out and he tried to dismiss them to no avail.

“Ah, I know what’s happening.” Duskweaver looked a bit worried. “Your brain is filling in the students and staff. But, that’s not all it’s doing… see, some dragons with a strong mind have enough willpower to block mind readers. Usually, it manifests as a wall. But since yours is shattered, well… they’re playing the part of students.”

“And that means?” Sandrunner glanced at her.

“That means that your subconscious is guiding them. The moment you feel threatened by any amount of invasiveness, they’re going to react. Meaning if you don’t want me seeing things, they will come for me to either block entry or throw me out.”

“They won’t hurt you, right?” Sandrunner instinctively held her claw in his protectively. He didn’t know why he did that.

“I have no idea. I’ve never done this. They may throw me out, but if I am attacked physically, it may damage my mind.” Duskweaver admitted with apprehension. “So, let’s take it slow. See? Your memories are all gone and hidden away.”

Sure enough, the fragments had disappeared. Glancing down the hall, Sandrunner noted that it ended into a blank space. Strange, as he knew the art room was down that way. Wandering down it, he found himself with various locked doors to his left and right.

“Makes sense that they’d be behind doors.” Duskweaver commented as some of the blank dragons followed behind them. They didn’t do anything outside watch, some ‘simulating’ day to day life.

“Any way to tell which are good memories and uh… not so good ones?” Sandrunner questioned. “I don’t want to open a door and oops there’s mom and dad fighting again.”

“I genuinely have no idea.” Duskweaver shrugged. “Guess we’ll have to open and find out, huh?”

Sandrunner nodded and tentatively reached for a door. Apprehension made him pause, but he shoved forward anyway.

The door opened to a memory of him sitting in the rain kingdom. This was a few years back, as he was still a dragonet. He didn’t look too uncomfortable, but the darkened expression on his younger self’s face said all.

“Did you run away?” Duskweaver asked him.

“Not for the first time I left when things got too stressful.” Sandrunner remembered the fight in question. It was over something stupid and neither of them meant anything. It was just so much tension in the relationship. So, while they snapped at each other, Sandrunner had crawled out the window and sat on a pavilion usually reserved for RainWings during suntime.

Sandrunnner shut the door to the memory. As he did, he noted that more of the hall had appeared. He recognized the door to Turtle’s room, and strangely, it was very slightly ajar.

Yet, he did not approach. Instead, he was stiff, eyes widening. His heart thumped rapidly as something beat against his mind. Fear controlled him for that moment.

Something… something was behind that door. Something that scared him beyond anything else. But what could possibly be lurking in Turtle and Peril’s room? It wasn’t the two of them in any intimate position; he’d certainly repress that, but it wouldn’t be a PTSD – level repression.

“Sandrunner?” Duskweaver’s voice broke his wide-eyed trance. “Sandrunner, snap out of it!”

At her voice, he shook his head and realized that the blank dragons were all looking at them now. Some had converged near the door as if blocking his entry. Whatever was beyond there… his subconsciousness didn’t want to remember, it seemed.

“I’m here.” Sandrunner shook the rest of himself, feeling a tingle run down his spine.

“What happened?” Duskweaver asked gently.

“I don’t know. Whatever memory’s behind that door… it scares me more than anything.” Sandrunner explained while pointing at Turtle and Peril’s dorm. “It’s like the longer I look at it, the more I want to run away.”

“Let’s avoid it, then.” Duskweaver entwined her tail with his comfortingly. “We’ll work on the smaller ones. Then, we should probably have you wake up so you can work on physical therapy.”

“Physical therapy?” Sandrunner raised a brow.

“Um… yeah, see… a crossbolt clipped your spine. You have very limited function below the chest. But it’s not the end of the world!” She added quickly as Sandrunner’s face fell. “It’ll be hard, but you may be able to regain a lot of function!”

“I’m really screwed up, aren’t I? And not just mentally, now.” Sandrunner let out a depressed sigh. “Alright. Let’s start small. Then begins the long hell that is physical therapy…”

“See, that positive mindset will make this all go quicker.” Duskweaver nudged him playfully. “Pick the next door. I’ll be right here.”

Sandrunner nodded and approached another door. Before he entered, he gave her a grateful smile. Someone standing by him… he never really had that. Mostly due to his own standoffish nature. But he had to grow and mature… and that meant fixing himself.

Literally, in this case.

***

Winter opened the doors to the throne, not caring if Snowfall was in a meeting or not. This was urgent, and he needed to know exactly what was going on. The guards didn’t have a chance to stop him from how quickly he moved.

Inside was extravagant, filled with crystalline statues that reflected and refracted light orbs like auroras. It was a dazzling display and Winter wished he still had the youthful inquisitiveness to look into it more. Instead, he focused directly on the throne.

The throne itself was made of icy material. Sculpted to perfection, it radiated a sense of awesome power to anyone who found themselves beneath it. Behind it, a painting of the former queen Glacier looked down upon the current. Snowfall had made it this way, and it was as if Glacier herself were looking over them. His own heart ached from missing his aunt and he felt more rage at Darkstalker at the thought.

Queen Snowfall sat upon the throne. She was dazzling, with icy blue jewelry and a cape that shimmered like an aurora. The tiara she wore sparkled in the light, and while some may question why she did not wear a crown, Winter knew the truth. His cousin had grown into a natural leader, her former anxieties and dragonet-like nature all but gone.

And with her was none other than her aunt, and his mother: Tundra. She, too, was beautiful in her own way. Perhaps too much so, come across as superficial at certain angles. The necklace of SkyWing fangs still remained after all this time of peace, and she held a critical look in her eyes. Winter had a resemblance to her that was fairly uncanny, too, sharing the same scale color and similar facial features.

Perhaps that was why she hated him so much…

“Prince Winter, I am in a meeting.” Queen Snowfall said not impolitely, but she was clearly not pleased. “I wish you had sent a letter about your arrival, however.”

“Couldn’t risk it,” Winter said sharply. “Same with dream visiting. I don’t know how much the Ice Kingdom knows.”

“Knows about what ?” Snowfall’s eyes narrowed.

“Is it true, then?” Tundra’s voice was icy cold. “The Darkstalker has returned.”

Snowfall slowly turned her head to Tundra, rage beginning to bubble to the surface. “ Excuse me?”

“I doubt it is him,” Winter explained quickly. He had to get ahead of his own mother. “Someone is trying to bring him back, however.”

“Details. Now .” Snowfall snapped, fangs bared.

Winter explained what he could in detail. However, he kept the identity of Foeslayer a secret, as he did not want his mother running off with that information. He’d bring it up with Snowfall later. Both IceWings were not enthused by anything he said, growing more and more worried and irate with each sentence.

“And you knew about this?” Snowfall demanded of Tundra.

“I had been told, but only recently so.” Tundra responded calmly. “I could not verify the accuracy of the claims, but now that Winter has arrived…”

“I see.” Snowfall shut her eyes, mulling over the information.

“I know someone died to knife wounds.” Winter continued. One of Snowfall’s eyes opened. “Lynx told me. She’s with Moon checking on the sick.”

“She’s here, too? I suppose if there is one NightWing that could get everyone to trust her…” Snowfall trailed off. “But, yes, you are correct. The knife attack was recent; we haven’t the chance to bury the body yet. The attack lines up with the attack on the Night Kingdom, though.”

So, Darkstalker himself was not behind the attacks then. There was no way he could be, being a ghost and distracted by the party. So, either someone else was taking advantage of it, or he had forces in the Ice Kingdom. Yet, why would he do so? All it would do was make the Ice Kingdom increasingly suspicious of the few NightWings that did live here.

Unless… that was the point. Get them all paranoid, kick out the NightWings, and potentially start a war.

“May I see the body?” Winter requested.

“Of course,” Snowfall answered with a curt nod. “Tundra, do not speak of this to anyone yet. It will cause mass panic.”

“I shall not, my queen.” Tundra bowed slightly. Winter did not trust her words at all.

“Thank you. You are dismissed.”

Tundra left without a word, which surprised Winter. He expected her to put up a fight. Perhaps she already saw the corpse?

“Now, tell me the thing you are hiding.” Snowfall rose from her throne and approached Winter. He was a tall dragon, but Snowfall was half a head taller than him. “I know you’re not speaking the full truth.”

“I did not want mother to hear it, because I don’t know the political atmosphere here.” Winter stood a bit straighter. “Queen Hope is Foeslayer… Darkstalker’s mother.”

That revelation caused the IceWing queen’s eyes to fly open with shock and surprise. “What!?”

“I freed her from the Diamond Trials all those years back.” Winter explained. Snowfall’s eyes narrowed. “I could not condemn a dragon who had suffered two thousand years to anything more. So, I freed her.”

“You and your bleeding heart.” Snowfall grumbled under her breath. “… Was she really tortured for two thousand years?”

“Indeed. She was frozen in ice, only free to kill other dragons. She died over and over again.” Winter averted his eyes. “No matter my issues with her, that is an action I do not regret.”

“Right, well, she is Darkstalker’s mother. Say I accept this… where does she stand on it?” Snowfall gestured for him to follow her out the back of the throne room.

“She’s mortified.” Winter decided to keep Peacemaker’s real identity a secret for now. “And that’s putting it lightly.”

“So, no love lost. Good.” Snowfall sighed slowly. “I was afraid of having to fight her. I do not want war again.”

“No, she agrees he needs to be put down for good.” Winter confirmed. “I’m not sure how she plans to address it on her end, however.”

“And you said Sandrunner was his target?” Snowfall tilted her head back. Winter confirmed this as well. “Strange how he said he moved on, then, given these events. Perhaps he meant only you? Either way, I don’t believe a single word.”

“I don’t either.” Winter looked at his cousin and against his better judgment, spoke again. “By the way… are you okay? You’re a lot more… frigid.”

Snowfall stopped in the middle of the hall, slowly facing Winter. “Can you blame me?”

“No. But even when we had a crisis in the past, you weren’t this snappy.” Winter had a dim idea as to what was on her mind. “It’s Lynx, isn’t it?”

“I dislike how observant you are sometimes.” Snowfall didn’t bother to hide it, speaking quietly. “Of course it is her. You know exactly what happened.”

“And how you never told her.”

“How could I have?” Snowfall growled lowly. “It’s bad enough that I have the old, traditional IceWings breathing down my neck. Taking a queen as my consort would only make things worse and put her at risk.” She looked at the floor dejectedly. “That was ten years ago, and I still feel that ache. Sky’s a fun distraction , but emotionally, he’s not for me.”

“I understand.” Winter thought back of his infatuation with Moon, watching her take Qibli as her mate. “More than you know.”

“Then do not make my mistake.” She glowered at him. “Tell whoever it is exactly how you feel and damn the consequences. Do not wait, either.” Snowfall shook her head. “Regardless, there is nothing I can do about it, so let’s go and address the problem we can fix.”

Winter didn’t say anything more, following her into the morgue. Much like the rest of the palace, it was cold. Only, the wonder of winter that the palace radiated was replaced by the cold reality of death. Thankfully, not a lot of dragons were here; outside of the victim, it was all elderly dragons. They’d be frozen in ice under the crypt where it’ll always look like they are deep sleep.

The victim of this crime, however, would have special treatment to cover up the cause of death. Snowfall pulled out a gurney from the wall and Winter grimaced. He was no stranger to death, especially violent ones. But this was a whole new level.

“I have no culprit,” Snowfall said to him. “But look there on the side. The writing appears NightWing.”

Sure enough, what looked like a ‘D’ was carved into the side. The next letter was interrupted, but Winter knew it to be an ‘A’. True to Snowfall’s word, there was a distinct way of writing the letter D that NightWings had; a small line through the front. Either one of the NightWings here did it, or someone was framing them.

The victim was a young female, too. The cause of death was a laceration to the neck; she died quickly, at least.

“Where’s the knife?” Winter questioned.

“Don’t know. It vanished with the killer,” Snowfall answered, annoyed. “But, I have not specified this detail, as you can see. The family is demanding reasons as to why they can’t visit or make burial plans.”

“How long has it been, again?”

“Approximately two days.”

“So, not long after the party.”

“Winter.” Snowfall looked him dead in the eye. “How did Darkstalker die?”

“His own magic rebounded against him,” Winter answered truthfully.

“And then?”

“And then he ceased to exist. Or, should have.” Winter wanted to tell her about Peacemaker, but the queen was incredibly high strung as it was. And then he realized he was doing exactly what the others did to him. He promised to never do the same, no matter what. “Snowfall, I am going to trust you with something. Please, whatever you do, do not react like I did.”

“What?” Snowfall eyed him with interest.

“Peacemaker is what remains of Darkstalker.” Winter told her the truth. Alarm caused her body to stiffen. “He has no memory of his time as Darkstalker. He is, for all intents and purposes, harmless. The rebound onto Darkstalker prevented him from breaking the spell.”

“… You knew ?” Snowfall all but hissed out. “All this time, and you knew !?”

“I found out five years ago. It’s why I broke ties with the Winglet,” Winter spoke calmly. “I did not tell you because it should have been impossible for him to break out. Now that this threat is here, the time is right.”

“Do you think I’d start a war over this!?” Snowfall snapped. “Knowing was absolutely critical! If Darkstalker himself still lived in a way, the IceWings needed to know!”

“It’s not you I did not trust.” Winter raised a wing to placate her. “It’s others finding out.”

“I could have kept a secret, Winter.” Snowfall gave him a withering look before sighing. “That explains a lot, though.”

“It was… also difficult to talk about,” Winter admitted with downcast eyes.

“That, I believe. You were so angry and depressed for months on end. All you would say was that you felt betrayed and I assumed it was a romantic drama.” Snowfall placed the body back in storage. “This, however, makes much more sense. I was about ready to kill you myself for keeping this hidden from me, but I am grateful you told me rather than me finding out on my own and discovering you kept it from me. I cannot imagine your betrayal.” She shook her head. “I assume circumstances forced you and the others back together, then?”

“Circumstances that didn’t involve Darkstalker, yes. For better or worse, I am with them now.”

“Don’t tell Hailstorm.” Snowfall ordered. One look at her face and Winter knew she’d have his head if he disobeyed. “I do not want to see him fall again. Lynx does not deserve that, either.”

“I dislike secrets,” Winter said more as a general statement than a counter argument.

Luckily, Snowfall caught onto his meaning. “I dislike this, too. Yet, we do what we must to protect the ones we love. Even if it is lying to their face,” She added with a hint of remorse.

“Take your own advice, Snowfall,” Winter said after a moment. “Don’t wait this time.”

“Ha, as if there is anyone who could possibly come close to her…” Snowfall smiled sadly. “But, yes, if that miraculous dragon does come along… I won’t wait this time.” A pause. “What about the body? What do you think is our next move?”

“Next? Checking in with Moon and Lynx.” Winter gestured for them to leave. “We suspect that there is a piece of animus enchanted paper. If that’s found, it just points to this being a giant act of trickery.”

“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”

***

Moon heard about the plague from second-claw experience. It started slow and then ramped up. Queen Glacier was the first one struck and then it went further down the chain of command. Seventeen – give or take a few – perished under Darkstalker’s attack.

But seeing it in the scales… this was mortifying. The already pale scales of an IceWing were ghostly white, with blue underneath the surface. Moon was no doctor, but even she knew that this dragon was on death’s door. He’d been quarantined away from others, and any IceWing that entered must wear protective gear.

Moon did not have to worry about this, heading in and immediately checking the IceWing for any signs of a scrap.

“It came on suddenly,” Lynx explained as Moon removed jewelry. Even in this illness, it seemed that adornments were not a priority for removal. “He was normal and then collapsed. Some other dragons are showing symptoms, but I don’t know if it's their brain tricking them or not.”

“Did anyone see him wander off? What was he like an hour before this?” Moon questioned.

“I don’t know but nobody noticed anything. It just happened.”

“Remove that jewelry and I will kill everyone nearby.” A deep baritone erupted from the body as Moon went to remove a horn ring. It nearly floored her.

Rising from the body was the specter of Darkstalker once more, only this time smaller than his appearance on stage. His piercing eyes were the only thing solid, as everything else was covered in shadows. 

“You!” Moon roared back as she went to swipe at him, only to have her claw pass through.

“If it makes you feel any better, I don’t want Sandrunner dead anymore,” Darkstalker replied nonchalantly. “However, you are poking your nose into something that doesn’t really involve you. This is between myself, Peacemaker, and mother dearest. Your blood debt was paid with your own suffering. Don’t make me reopen it. Lynx, I wouldn’t move if I were you. I may be unable to touch you, but I have ways of punishment.”

Moon glanced back to see Lynx about to run out the door, only to freeze like a statue at Darkstalker’s words. She had fear in her eyes but also a determination. Moon had no doubts she was running to tell the Queen. Moon felt a little betrayed that the IceWing would just leave, but Lynx probably figured out Darkstalker was just a projection and couldn’t actually harm Moon.

“I will rip you apart with my own claws.” Moon snarled, returning attention to Darkstalker.

“You can try, old friend. But, I meant what I said. Remove my enchantment, and it will spread to nearby IceWings. Unfortunately, that dragon there will die. So, you have a nice little choice to keep yourself occupied.”

“And the knife killing?!”

“… I don’t know what you’re talking about, Moon. Truly, I don’t,” Darkstalker responded after a moment. “I certainly did not do it. Perhaps someone got a wee bit too uppity? Oooh, I see who did it now. Tsk, tsk… really, the IceWing before you was the only death I planned. But tell me, would you really want such a vile dragon to live, anyway? He hated your tribe. Planned some… unsavory things. Really, I’m doing the IceWings a favor by getting rid of him.”

“And why should I believe anything you have to say?”

“Top left drawer on his desk. Have fun.”

With that, the Darkstalker apparition disappeared. Moon lashed her tail on the ground before attempting to calm herself.

“He’s real…” Lynx murmured. “He’s really back.” 

“We don’t know if he is.” Moon turned to Lynx. “But I’ll admit, I am beginning to think it’s real.”

“I don’t believe him for a second about the knife killings.” Lynx regained her posture and confidence after a deep breath. “Not for one second. But the other thing…” Lynx’s eyes narrowed. “That bastard was really going to do it, was he?”

“Do what?”

“I’ve heard rumors that Glace,” she indicated to him, “wanted to kick out the NightWings here. And he had plausible reasons for doing so under the guise of ‘harsh conditions’. He got the more sympathetic IceWings to start backing him, as the plan was to make a place closer to the Sand Kingdom. However, by doing that, food supply would be much more scarce. They’d effectively starve to death, not that he told his supporters.”

“I expected that from Winter’s mother, really.” Moon couldn’t help but comment.

“She may very well be involved.” Lynx gestured out the door. “We don’t have a choice but to follow this lead. Quicker we get this done, the better.”

Chapter Text

Moon all but barreled through everyone on the way to Glace’s office. She didn’t know if Darkstalker was lying or not, but she sure was going to find out. Anger consumed her, not just at what Glace was supposedly doing, but at the memory of Sandrunner’s bloody and broken body. His nerve damage. That Darkstalker showed himself again as if that didn’t happen with a ‘oh I don’t want him dead now’ infuriated her.

Nobody touched her son that way and got away with it. She didn’t care who they were.

Lynx was right beside her. She held the same determination, and when they came to Glace’s room, unlocked it without care of the nearby guards or nobles. Some were questioning why a NightWing was with her. Both ignored them.

Moon barely focused on the room itself. All she did was focus on the drawer that supposedly had the plans.

Sure enough, there was a draft. And sure enough, Darkstalker spoke the truth.

“What is this?” Moon snapped in general. She read it, but couldn’t exactly believe her eyes. On paper, the plan sounded good. Get the NightWings away from the much colder north and to the south. There, they could grow crops and so on. According to a census, there were forty NightWings, and that wasn’t getting to hybrid offspring.

But, Moon knew the territory from her time with Winter and speaking to Snowfall. The area they were designated was rather barren. It’d be very hard to grow anything there. Plus, there was little game. Once the brutal solstice season is here, they may not survive. Even if they endured, flying to a nearby territory could spark an incident. Plus, their mates will likely follow, which meant that even IceWings may not tolerate the harsher conditions.

Yet, as much as it seemed to be a ‘death to the NightWings’, Moon also saw that it was just an attempt in general to get them out. Death was an option, sure, but making it difficult to live was an outcome.

And it was written so eloquently. To be on the NightWing’s side. It was true that some of her tribe was suffering near the capital. But Moon knew what this was from her father’s old plans.

It was segregation. It was all made with ‘kindness’. Her father was more direct in the method, and some of the parallels didn’t quite line up, but Moon was immediately reminded of the NightWing’s plan for the Rain Kingdom.

“I don’t know how IceWings couldn’t see through it.” Moon all but spat out.

“The newer generation wants to do good but isn’t sure how.” Lynx responded with a grimace. “They see suffering NightWings and, unaffected by war-time prejudice, think this is a good idea. But that lack of war-time experience means they rarely have to leave the capital if they don’t want to. So, they never really explored the area in depth.”

“They’re signing off on something they have no idea about?” Moon gave her a deadpan look. “All in the name of trying to do the right thing?”

“Sometimes good intentions lead to bad outcomes, especially when someone corrupt is leading it.” Lynx took the document and folded it neatly. “I’ll need to bring this to the queen. She can decide what we do next.”

“Are we going to let him die?” Moon asked the question on both their minds.

“I… don’t know.” Lynx admitted.

“I can’t leave someone to suffer, no matter how vile they may be.” Moon growled out. Then, a thought crossed her mind. “We’ll have to deal with that in a moment. I think I know what caused the killing.”

“And what’s that?”

“Someone found out about this.” Moon pointed at the document. “The killer is either a disgruntled NightWing or an IceWing trying to drive a wedge between the tribes. Either way, that document is the center.”

“I think you’re right.” Lynx grimaced as dragons began to poke their head in the door. Moon immediately reached out to them with her powers. Confusion and annoyance, but none of them seemed guilty of any crime. “I’ll find Hailstorm. He’ll know where to start, as he’s the lead on this case.”

***

It didn’t take long for Winter to run into Moon. She was agitated beyond belief and when she explained why, Winter got as ruffled.

“I suspected, but I did not think him to be so bold,” Snowfall muttered under her breath. “Still, the Darkstalker phantom... are you certain it is real?"

"Lynx saw it." Moon snapped her head to Snowfall. Winter was slightly put off with how aggressive Moon was, but couldn’t blame her. If his son was in Sandrunner’s position and his attacker casually showed up, Winter would be a blizzard of destruction.

“I see.” Snowfall shut her eyes in thought. “The document is proof of treason against our citizens, however. The sentence for treasonous acts is death.”

“Is that still the case?” Winter frowned. “Would he not stand trial?”

“I did not finish. He would indeed stand trial.” Snowfall opened her eyes again. “Provided he is not killed by the plague. Darkstalker seems to want him dead, and him alone. He will not stop with one dragon, though.”

“No, he won’t.” Winter agreed. “Someone had to get this enchantment on him. Perhaps it is the same dragon as our killer?”

“He didn’t seem to think so.” Moon pointed out.

“Darkstalker lies,” Winter responded flatly. “He may not have sent the assassin but he could have easily shown up as a specter to manipulate.”

“Mmh… Lynx said Hailstorm was the head investigator. So, if anyone knows anything, it’ll be him.”

Winter caught Snowfall’s very subtle reaction. It was dismayed anticipation. If Moon caught it, she didn’t say anything.

“There may be someone else that can help.” Snowfall stated after a moment. “Hailstorm is the lead, yes, but if Darkstalker shows again, we’ll need someone who will be able to think rationally.” Snowfall looked to Winter. “Icicle.”

“Icicle?” Moon raised a brow. “Didn’t she get punished specifically for acting rash?”

“Indeed, but the past few years have greatly calmed her mind. It has… gone to extreme lengths, admittedly.” Snowfall frowned slightly. “She is not what you remember,” She said to both of them.

“May as well get anyone we can.” Winter nodded curtly.

With the plan set, the trio made their way back to the throne room. Once there, Winter was surprised to see how much his brother had changed. He was still the jolly, smiling IceWing that Winter remembered from so long ago. Yet, there was a shadow behind his eyes. A void that could never be filled. Much like Snowfall, he hid it very well. For IceWings, weakness was death politically, if not literally.

No matter what Snowfall did, that would not change for some time.

In the past twenty years, Hailstorm had become Queen Snowfall’s official bodyguard. Her executor and majordomo for situations like this. Lynx was her reagent queen. Winter did question what Snowfall meant about Icicle, though. He’d, admittedly, not cared about his former kingdom in his depression.

“You didn’t tell me Winter was back!” Hailstorm swiveled his head to Lynx, who shrugged innocently.

“Things got complicated, I had to prioritize,” she said.

“And from the look on their faces, things are just going to get more complex.” Hailstorm didn’t hide a small frown. “Lynx didn’t tell me much, just to meet you all here. Assuming it’s important, though.”

His statement proved to be right. Hailstorm knew about Glace’s proposal, but not the details. He wasn’t happy. This came double when Moon and Lynx both mentioned Darkstalker’s ghost.

“He could’ve easily attempted genocide again,” Hailstorm said to the evidence. “Yet, he’s protecting the NightWings. That feels… subdued. Neutered, even.”

“He’s always been a NightWing first dragon.” Winter countered.

“Well, yes, I know. But look at the facts; he targeted someone actively harming them. He didn’t go for the followers. If he was afraid of all the NightWings dying, he’d spread the plague more. He wouldn’t just… threaten it.” Hailstorm tapped his chin thoughtfully.

That was true. “What, are you saying that he is trying to be kinder ?”

“I think he has a twisted sense of justice. Having been in these situations before, I’ve seen what happens when someone takes matters into their own claws.” Hailstorm shook his head. “I’m not defending him. I’m just saying that his motives are different now.”

“He almost murdered my son for petty revenge. Don’t you dare say that he’s growing softer.” Moon hissed out venomously.

“I’m not. I’m saying that he’s focusing his obviously limited power.” Hailstorm quickly assured her. “If he were at full strength, he would’ve decimated us again.”

Moon seemed to accept this answer, her stance growing laxer.

“I suppose the question is… what do we do?” Lynx asked the question nobody wanted to answer. “Do we just let Glace die without facing our justice? If we remove it, then Darkstalker may indeed spread the plague. We have absolutely no way of knowing.”

“I wonder…” Hailstorm slid an eye to Moon. “No, never mind.”

“What?” Moon demanded.

“It’s too dangerous.” Hailstorm quickly dismissed whatever he was thinking. Winter had a good idea, however.

“Tell me.” Moon’s eyes slanted.

“I was wondering if you could summon his specter.” Hailstorm relented after Moon all but stared him down. Hailstorm wasn’t intimidated but knew better than to argue with a furious mother. “If that was the case, then potentially we can glean some answers. Provided he doesn’t run us in circles.”

Moon mulled it over. “I’m not sure if I can. I can’t sense his mind. We discussed it being a projection before, and I truly believe that it is. It’s finding the one making them.”

“You spoke to him as if he was the real thing.” Lynx raised a brow, confused.

“I also believe that it really is him, but that he is speaking through the projection. He doesn’t have a body. He’s either directly possessing someone, or he can’t manifest himself without help.”

“But then that doesn’t make sense unless…” Snowfall growled lowly, cutting herself off. “Unless our mastermind is an animus or has some sort of foresight.”

“Should we bring in Jerboa, then?” Moon questioned.

“I can reach out to her, yes. If anyone is going to have any idea as to what is going on, it’s her.”

“In the meantime, we’ll need to find the knife-wielding maniac.” Hailstorm recentered their focus. “Moon, you can mind read, right?”

Moon tapped the markings on her face. “Yes.”

“Then if I were to get a list of suspects, would you be able to read their mind?”

Moon hesitated for a second. “I don’t like to enter dragon’s minds anymore. Not after…” She trailed off before shaking her head. “But like in the Night Kingdom, I’ll make an exception.”

“Alright. Well, it’ll take me a few hours to round everyone up.” Hailstorm let out a small sigh. “Everyone is so spread out and you kinda have to catch them in the middle of transit.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because if we’re wrong it’s going to look very bad on their political career and trust me, that’s a headache none of us need.” Hailstorm flexed his wings. “I’ll have to bring Icicle out. You’re okay with that, right?” He asked Queen Snowfall, who nodded.

“Why is that suddenly so bad? You’ve alluded before, and now Hailstorm?” Winter couldn’t help but ask Snowfall.

“It’s better that you see for yourself when the time comes.” Snowfall said. “Let’s just say that she has… completely turned around. And is by far one of the deadliest dragons we have now.”

“… How?” Moon narrowed her gaze. “Because I haven’t forgotten what happened at JMA.”

“She decided that if she can’t be queen, she will protect the queen.” Hailstorm explained a bit further. “I’m her head guard. Icicle is the executor in both meanings.”

“Oh.” Winter now knew why everyone was so quiet about it. “And this was recent?”

“Few years ago. And naturally, talking about this is… well, a security risk, but we’re here alone.”

So, once again, I missed a life changing event because I isolated myself . Winter’s thoughts reprimanded him.

Everyone was dismissed. Moon didn’t seem too bothered by that. If anything, she seemed far more exhausted than Winter had ever seen her. Well, maybe since they met again. She was downright depressed and isolated there, and she had a similar look now. Just so… defeated . Yet, unlike before, there was a fire burning in her eyes that could not be quenched.

Five years. Five years, and it was like Winter was only looking at shadows of his former friends at times.

“Are you alright?” Winter felt like he had to ask once they got to her dorm.

“Do I look it?” Moon gave him a glare before sighing. “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that. It’s just…”

“Sandrunner.” Winter stepped in after her.

“Among other things.” Moon nodded sadly. “I shouldn’t have had to worry about his safety like this. I shouldn’t have had to deal with divorce. I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t help but feel punished .”

“Why punished?”

She went quiet for a moment. “Because of what we did to you.”

“We’ve been over that.” Winter wasn’t entirely sure if they did, but didn’t want to talk about it right now.

“Maybe, but it doesn’t change that I still didn’t trust you after all this time.” Moon chuckled emptily. “We started off bad. You wanted to slice my face off.”

“Don’t remind me…”

“Point is, you changed. I know you changed. And yet, I still didn’t trust you despite everything .” Moon sighed. “… We have a lot of unresolved tension. Don’t give me that look. I know you look at me and still see a glimpse of what could have been.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” Winter’s eyes narrowed. “What happened, happened. We can’t change the past.”

“I’m not done.” Moon placed a talon to his lips. “I think that part of me… returned your affection. It always did. Because sometimes, when you looked at me… I had the same thought. I wondered ‘what if’. And we never talked about it, did we?”

“What was there to say?” Winter questioned. “We can talk in circles about what ifs and glimpses of what could’ve been. It doesn’t change what is .”

“No, it doesn’t.” Moon agreed quietly. “I don’t know. It just feels like I’m being left behind. Everyone is happy and with someone… and I’m left to be miserable alone.”

“I know what you mean.” Winter couldn’t help but admit. “I was in your position. I shut myself off, only to find that every girl I wanted was either taken or I’d overlooked. I did this to myself.”

“Yeah… I did, too.” Moon averted her gaze.

Silence.

“But I guess… we can be miserable together?” Moon continued slowly. “I… can’t be alone, Winter. Not after getting that taste of affection.”

“I can’t be with you,” Winter responded almost on instinct. His heart closed upon hearing those words. Yet, it thumped against the walls he’d erected.

“Because you don’t trust me.” Moon didn’t seem as hurt as he expected.

“Because I don’t trust you not to lie to me.” Winter clarified. “Everyone tells white lies. That’s natural. But the big things… I know why you do it. You made that perfectly clear. But it’s not something that I can go through again.”

“What if I promised not to do that again?”

“Actions speak louder than words.”

“I know, but how can I ever prove it?”

“This is another thing…” Winter’s tail tapped on the door, as if trying to pull him out before he got too sucked in. “You’re hurting. I’m hurting. You’re pulling yourself to me because of it… and if I pull myself to you, to act on feelings I’d repressed… where would that leave us? Miserable, in a broken relationship just like you left.”

“I feel like it’d hurt more if we didn’t act on it. We both admitted we looked at each other with the ‘what if’ in our mind,” Moon responded. She stepped closer. Winter didn’t retreat.

“Then what?”

“I don’t know.” She let out a small sigh. “I just don’t know. But what I need is something positive… and right now, you’re the only positive thing here. I don’t want to be alone… and you’ve wanted me for twenty years. So why don’t we just get it over with and see where it leaves us?”

“What if I hurt you?” Winter blurted out before he could stop himself.

“Then hurt me, because I know I may do the same to you,” Moon said simply. He gave her a questioning look. “Just because Qibli and I realized we weren’t good together doesn’t mean I’m not angry that you shot a hole in our relationship. It was fine. Then you said what you said.” Her voice was much sharper by the end. Another sigh escaped her. “We’re two dragons, alone, and have had nothing but depression clouding our mind. Maybe… maybe together, we can lift the clouds. Or maybe it’ll suffocate us.”

“Is it wise, when Darkstalker is around?”

“If anything, being alone with you, an IceWing, will infuriate him. If nothing else, I’ll get the satisfaction of watching him lose it.”

Admittedly, that was appealing. As was Moon herself at that moment. Snowfall’s words echoed in his mind. If he passed this up now… he’d never get another chance, of that he was certain.

It was all he wanted, deep down, for years. Yet as he looked at her now, anger rose to the surface. He saw it in her, too. They had so, so much toxicity flowing through their veins from their scars and from each other.

But maybe Moon was right. Maybe they’d cancel each other out.

Or maybe he was about to make a very big mistake.

Either way, he didn’t stop as her muzzle pressed against his. He tasted her for the first time. Winter couldn’t describe it. His heart didn’t flutter as he expected. It sped up, but he felt no warmth. It was like he was getting what he wanted all those years… and now that he was…

There was an emptiness. Twenty years of repression came surging forth and he gripped her shoulders with a newfound emotion. Moon’s eyes widened but she didn’t resist as both fell onto the bed.

“I’ve wanted you.” Winter growled out as he lay atop her, staring down.

“I know you did,” she responded.

“And I shouldn’t have.”

“You couldn't help it.”

“But from what you’ve said… you’ve wanted me, too.”

“I have. Especially in my marriage’s death throes.”

“Why?” Winter asked her. “Why me?”

“Why did you want me?” Moon instead turned it around on him.

“I… don’t know.” Winter spoke after a moment.

“And there is my answer. All I know is that right now, all we have is each other. As you said, words are meaningless. Actions speak louder.” She gave him a determined look, a small smirk forming. “Show me how much you wanted me.”

Chapter Text

Qibli didn’t know what to do with himself.

Everything was in transit or otherwise slowed. He couldn’t very well go and bother the queens, as envoys had been sent. Sure, he could bother Thorn, but she had her claw full with sending out his mother. He felt like he had to be there with her, but Sunny had talked him out of it. All he’d do was get in Cobra’s way and create unnecessary tension for Thorn.

So, that left finding Darkstalker leads. Well, there weren’t any that Hope and Glory weren’t taking care of. Honestly, he'd be in the way if he just went back to the Night and Rain Kingdoms. Winter and Moon were pursuing leads in the Ice Kingdom. Peril was speaking to Queen Ruby about the animus troves. Nothing suggested the Mud, Sea, or any of the Pantalan tribes were involved.

And that left festering over Sandrunner, which also wouldn’t help.

“Do you want to help him, or do you want to loom over his shoulder?” Clay had asked him. The big, burly MudWing himself had followed them to Sanctuary with Kinkajou on his back. She decided that since Sandrunner’s wing movements were damaged, she’d help him get used to not having any.

“Can’t I do both?” Qibli asked in jest.

“Well, I suppose, but it’d make therapy that much more difficult.” Clay let out a hearty laugh. “I’ve been doing this for years, Qibli. Sometimes having a loved one there can create stress. If he decides he wants you there, by all means, loom. But I think it’s important to not have you stressing over him. Trust in me.”

Trusting in him was never the issue. It was just, well… being a parent meant festering and fussing. Cricket was in for the time of her life, as was Blue.

Secretkeeper was in the same boat as him. His former mother in law was so tired, yet despite the shadows under her eyes, kept watch over Sandrunner. She smiled happily when Qibli walked in with Clay, although he had a slight suspicion it might be because she could go nap.

“He’s recovering,” Secretkeeper whispered upon their arrival. She indicated to Duskweaver, who held a dreamvisitor in her claw. “She’s in direct communication with him. I wouldn’t interrupt.”

“How much longer?” Clay asked. “It’ll take me some time to get an assessment and re-read the medical reports so it’s no rush.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure Duskweaver can hear us.” Secretkeeper indicated to Duskweaver’s flicking ears. “So, she may encourage him to wake up. According to her, he can , he just hasn’t yet because he’s trying to repair his memory.”

“He has memory loss?” Qibli’s mouth thinned at this information.

“Well, not lost so much as scattered. All the pieces are there but he needs help putting them together.” Secretkeeper shook her head. “I’ll admit, I don’t know much about this. All I can do is make sure he’s taken care of.”

“The mind is just as important as the body.” Clay stated as he pulled out copies of Sandrunner’s injuries. “Hence the whole stress conversation we had.”

“Not used to you being so professional.” Qibli joked more as a way to relieve his own stress.

“I take medicine very seriously. More than food, because food can be replaced. Dragons, not so much.”  Clay went along with it. “You both should rest. In fact, I will pull out the doctor card and insist.”

Qibli barked out a laugh at that before departing with Secretkeeper. As he did, she pulled him aside.

“You had no excuse to leave my daughter alone and not even visit.” She looked him dead in the eye. “I didn’t expect you to fix everything. Moons, you know who my husband was. But if there was one thing that I trusted Morrowseer to do, it was to be there for Moon. I wouldn’t have liked what he taught her – it was why I left her in the forest – but if he knew she existed… he would have done everything to ensure her safety. Which is why I am sorely disappointed you never came to pick Sandrunner up and left him to deal with this on his own.”

Qibli couldn’t help but recoil at her words. Sure, he expected some friction, but this was like getting stabbed by a stinger.

“You aren't a bad father.” Secretkeeper added on. “But I will never forget the look on Sandrunner’s face when he found out you just left .” She sighed. “But the look on yours tells me you’re trying to be better.”

“I made a lot of mistakes. I don’t want to repeat them.” Qibli averted his gaze.

She smiled a bit at that. “I know. But I’ve been holding onto that for two years now. Don’t mess it up again, and we will be fine. You’re still his father, and I still consider you part of the family. I am just hoping that one day, Sandrunner won’t feel like he has to choose . And before you say anything, I’ve had this conversation with Moon multiple times, so it’s not me picking on you.”

“Well, good, because it kinda felt out of nowhere.” Qibli scratched at the back of his head.

“True as that may be, you both are talking now. You two are going your separate ways, but don’t do what you did before and run.” Secretkeeper’s eyes narrowed. “I ran with Moon because I feared for her environment. You both ran because you were afraid of each other. It’s too late to mitigate the damage…” She looked back inside. “But you can be there to help the healing.”

“Yeah… I already planned on that.” Qibli offered a small smile. “Trust me, this conversation is one I've had with myself so, so many times.”

“I suspected. But, as I said, I told Moon the same thing before. It wouldn’t be fair to leave you out of it.”

“I’ll probably be around for a little while longer before something inevitably blows up.” Qibli chuckled. “So, no need to worry about me running away. And if I did… well, Sunny would kill me.”

“Ah, yes, I saw you two together. She’s quite energetic. I do wish you luck with her, especially as she does seem the type to ram you into shape.” Secretkeeper laughed before yawning. “Hate to cut this short but I’m exhausted . You get some rest, too.”

Qibli waved her off before looking up at the starry sky. A huff escaped him as the cold began to crawl into his scales. How did anyone live here for so long? Was it because his scales were thinner and not as insulated? Had to be. Bulky Ice and NightWings were perfect for this environment. SkyWings, too, even if they were much thinner.

He remembered when he used to call this place ‘home away from home’. Now, it was just… cold. All the differences, minor as they were, stacked up since the last time he visited. And now that he wasn’t flustering over Sandrunner, he had time to take it in.

Maybe he should take a walk. Clear his head. Go for a flight.

Sunny would probably like that, too.

Finding her was not hard. She was nearby, helping Kinkajou settle into a spare cave. It wasn’t high off the ground and had places Kinkajou could easily reach. It was more a matter of setting up things so she wouldn’t have to hop around so much. Even if the past five years made her incredibly agile with her limbs, accidents could still happen.

“Being small sucks.” Sunny laughed as Qibli showed up.

“It sooooooo does!” Kinkajou agreed readily. “Like, at least you still have wings. Me? Oh, I’m long, but that doesn’t really help when I can’t stand up to full height! Plus I’m all wobbly without wings.” Kinkajou shook her head. “That's why I have this cane thing.” She held up a sturdy staff with her tail. “Place it behind me with my tail and it straightens my back.”

“Did you make that recently? I don’t remember you having that.”

“Clay made it after you left when I complained for the umpteenth time.”

“The loudest does get the most attention.” Qibli mused as he stepped into the cave. Kinkajou responded by throwing a small rock at him. “Hey!”

“I’m not loud. I’m just persistent!” Kinkajou responded with a ‘hmph’. But, she had a wide smile on her face. “How’s Sandy?” She asked in a more serious tone.

“Still under. Duskweaver’s helping him in his mind.”

“Alright. I’ll see if I can’t make another staff for him. Clay showed me how in case it broke. Luckily , it hasn’t, but y’know…”

“He won’t be up for a bit, and Clay will need to assess him away.” Qibli reassured her.

“Big guy takes his duties seriously.” Sunny laughed quietly. “You look like you just got your tail stepped on, though. You alright?” She asked Qibli.

“Secretkeeper laid into me,” Qibli answered flatly. “I was gonna go clear my head with a walk or fly around. Did you want to join?”

Sunny immediately looked back at Kinkajou, and Qibli felt the tiniest bit of guilt for asking right in front of her.

“Please, don’t look at me like that. It’s way, way more depressing than remembering.” Kinkajou gave them a sardonic look. “I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine so long as Winter doesn’t walk in the cave suddenly, and since he’s in the Ice Kingdom…”

“Alright, if you’re sure.” Qibli nodded slowly. As much as he wanted to worry about her, he also knew that Kinkajou would actually step on his tail, if not bite it, if he hovered.

“Soo… talking with the ex mother-in-law. That couldn’t have been fun.” Sunny spread her wings and jumped into the sky with Qibli.

“She cares a lot about Sandrunner and me. She’s just making sure we don’t run away again.” Qibli answered honestly.

“You won’t, right?”

“No. Not after everything.” Qibli brushed his wings against hers. “I couldn’t do that ever again to anyone.”

“I thought so.” Sunny smirked. “But I suppose you should start thinking of the future. We both should, really.”

“Planning ahead? Me? Ha!” Qibli shook his head. “You know I live in the moment.”

“Yeah and that’s cute and all, but everything’s changed now.” Sunny pointed out as they flew over the middle of Sanctuary. Both humans and dragons walked among each other, the former sometimes riding the latter. The lights of the town were bright, and it was almost hard to see the stars from the dead center.

“It really has, hasn’t it?” Qibli murmured more to himself. Sunny’s ears flicked, indicating she heard. “Ugh, I feel nothing but depression thinking about it. I mean, the fact we’re setting up a Jade Initiative to replace the great Dragons of Destiny. Makes me feel old!”

“I’m older than you. Don’t you dare complain.” Sunny stared directly at him.

“I can feel old.”

“Still, I guess you’re right. Twenty years ago this place was just another cliffside.” Sunny ignored him. “Can’t wait to see where the world’ll be in another twenty.”

“You’ll probably be queen after Thorn retires.” Qibli followed Sunny away from the center. “You just know she’s gonna get cranky at sixty and have a mid-life crisis.”

“Well, so long as the Eye of Onyx doesn’t zap me – and I just held it the other week – I think I won’t have a choice. Not that I’d mind. I’ve already been practicing.”

“Have you?”

“Great observation skills, honor guard.” Sunny rolled her eyes. “But, yes, mother has been asking me to do more duties. She’ll never show it, but her body is a lot weaker than she’s letting on. No threat of dying anytime soon, mind you, but venom does a lot of nasty things.”

“Yeah it does.” Qibli shuddered. “Vulture got me good, too. Was lucky to get cactus juice when I did.” A pause. “Hey wait, does this mean I can be king?”

“If you’re good.”

“I’m always good! I’ve got the heart of gold, valor, and so on.” Qibli postured in the air for her. She rolled her eyes again. “Don’t act like you’re not impressed!”

“It was never about being impressed. I said if you’re good.” She smirked at him.

“And what, exactly, does that mean?”

“Hmm…” Sunny pondered his question. Qibli couldn’t tell if it was in jest or not. “Well, that’s for you to find out, I guess.”

“Do you mean ‘making an heir’?” Qibli grinned wickedly. Sunny coughed at the suddenness. “Oh, was that it? Well, I’m down to get started at any moment! Simply ring my bell, and I shall arrive.”

“Qibbles.” Sunny stopped her flight.

“Yes, my dearest darling?”

“We don’t need heirs for the Sand Kingdom.”

“Ah, such a sad point you make.” Qibli shook his head with false sorrow. He frowned. “Does beg the question of how we’d choose a successor after this. Just throw the eye at random dragons?”

“Honestly, mother had considered using it as a weapon.” Sunny started to fly again, laughing. “Like some sort of flail.”

“Moons, that would be an amazing sight.” Qibli cackled. “Imagine! No one would be able to stop her.”

“I’d use it if I had to.”

“That… is a joke, and I know you’re joking because you don’t like killing.”

“Hmmm…” Sunny said non committedly. And now Qibli was a tiny bit scared of his tiny girlfriend. “Y’know, I had another thought.”

“Is it about the eye as a flail again?”

“Not yet.” Sunny grinned cheekily. “But, there is a way to get another piece of animus paper.”

Qibli went to ask before it hit him too. “Chameleon.”

“He still has his other scrolls. Someone could have nabbed a piece and used it.” Sunny stated, looking off in the direction the Sky Kingdom. “But, we should wait until Peril gets back. I think she’d want to see her father.”

“She might kill him.”

“She’d kill us if we went off to find him and didn’t invite her.” Sunny pointed out. Qibli had no arguments there. “One of us should dream visit. But… I doubt she’s asleep.” Sunny looked over Sanctuary again before extending her claw for Qibli to grasp. “What do you say, one last lap before we get back to business?”

“How could I ever refuse?” Qibli took her claw in his, feeling her delicate scales against his palm. He hadn’t gotten used to the touch.

Something told him he never would.

***

“What’s your name?”

“Sandrunner.”

“Who are your parents?”

“Moonwatcher and Qibli.”

“Where are you?”

“I… I don’t…”

“You are in Sanctuary, Sandrunner. Do you remember what happened?”

“I… there was an attack… I remember crossbolts.”

“Good, that’s a start.” A pause. “It seems that your memory works in your mind, but when you are on the brink of consciousness, it becomes scrambled. We’ll work on that. But right now, it’s time to return to us.”

A lantern hung nearby. It was the first thing Sandrunner saw in moons knew how long. He was aware of being under for a while. The crossbolt attack… he remembered being impaled by half a dozen bolts. Mostly because the instant his eyes began to refocus, he instinctively moved his arm, only to have shooting pain lance through his system. He became acutely aware of the places he was struck after.

It was like he had arrowheads still stuck in his body, restricting movement as they sliced and tore at his muscles. His upper body was fine. Lower… not so much. Same with his wings. Panic began to overwhelm him before a set of strong, firm claws held him down.

“Easy now,” A deep, comforting voice said. Sandrunner shifted his attention, seeing a giant MudWing with a kind smile. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you try and flail about.”

“… Clay?” The name popped into Sandrunner’s mind as he coughed it out.

“Yup, that’s me.” Clay grinned widely. “Your father came to Jade Mountain and told us all what happened. I offered to help you. Kinkajou’s around, too.”

“How’d she get down?” Sandrunner mumbled as a claw wrapped around his. He looked over to see Duskweaver, also with a smile. In her claw was a dreamvisitor. Right… she was helping him. Had to be the one talking to him as he regained consciousness, too.

“I carried her! She’s going to be helping you learn how to function without wing movement.” Clay wrote down something in his notebook.

“What?” Sandrunner immediately lifted his head, only to see that his wings were indeed intact. Flexing them was quite difficult, though.

“You have damage,” Duskweaver said gently. “A bolt clipped your spine. You still have function , but well… it’s a long flight to recovery.”

“My legs… the same?” Sandrunner forced out between breaths.

“Yeah.” Clay nodded solemnly. “But, don’t get discouraged! I’m confident we’ll get you back into shape.”

Sandrunner really wished he shared the MudWing’s optimism.

“But, we’re going to see what you can feel. Moon was able to sync herself to you and feel what you did. I don’t know how.” Clay sounded more and more confused as he spoke. Sandrunner joined him in that confusion. “It’s how we learned about the extent of your damage.”

Clay spent the next few moments poking at areas of Sandrunner’s body. Sure enough, his upper body was fine. No slow reactions outside of them awakening. The moment it got below his chest, however, that’s when the problems predictably showed. Clay had to apply more pressure to his legs and tail in order for Sandrunner to feel it.

Which was a good thing, all things considered. Sandrunner tried to move them himself to limited success. The tip of his tail and toes were easy to move. The moment he tried to move the rest, however, it was significantly more difficult. Not unlike wearing weights on them.

“Easy now.” Clay stopped Sandrunner from flapping his wings. “You don’t want to overdo it. Healing means taking it slow. If you try and force yourself to move, you may re-open your wounds. As far as I know, you still have a bit of internal bleeding.”

“Well, I hope so, because my blood is supposed to be on the inside.” Sandrunner mumbled in what felt like a state of delirium.

“I… yes, that is true, but you know what I mean.” Clay chuckled. “But, this is good progress! It doesn’t seem like a lot, but you awoke and started moving. It’ll keep your muscles from atrophying.”

“So, what, are we done for today?” Sandrunner asked.

“It’s the middle of the night! I am strong, but I need sleep. We’ll resume in the morning.” Clay laughed loudly before making for the exit. “If I see your father, do you want me to tell him you’re awake?”

“Sure. Although, I may pass out by the time he shows up.”

Clay nodded, leaving Sandrunner and Duskweaver alone. The moment he did, Duskweaver slowly approached.

“Y’know… I never did thank you for trying to save me,” She spoke with a wide grin. “At least, not properly.”

Slowly, gently, she pressed her lips to his. Sandrunner’s eyes widened at the sudden – but by no means unwelcome – affection. It was so tender, so emotional, that it sent a shock right to his system. She tasted like fruit; apples, oranges, and of course strawberries.

She pulled away slowly, an impish grin on her face. “There would be more, but I’m afraid of hurting you. I guess you’ll just have to get better if you want part two…” Duskweaver winked as she made for the door. “I’ll be right back, though; you’re out of water and I get the impression you are quite thirsty.”

Duskweaver departed, the tip of her tail swishing back and forth as she disappeared. Sandrunner felt his face, the warmth radiating from it making it hard to see. He couldn’t tell if that was genuine affection or a ‘friends with benefits’ situation he was in, but… well, he couldn’t deny that either or would be a nice change of pace.

But was he ready for a relationship? Maybe not. Maybe he was, though.

Either way, he had a new incentive to get better.

***

Winter didn’t know what he expected to feel after this.

Physically, he was in bliss. He felt something he never knew he could, pleasures that blinded all of his senses. And it was all caused by sleeping with the object of his affection for twenty years. Well, fifteen, but he supposed deep down it still burned within him.

Moon was so warm against his body. It made him shudder and quake, even with her simply snuggled next to him now. Both of them breathed heavily, and hearing her’s in his ear was… exhilarating. He caused her to do that. He caused her to stare at him with those lidded, almost loving eyes.

Winter got what he wanted.

So why did he feel so empty?

“I needed that.” Moon murmured. “Moons, you have no idea how much.”

“You… needed sex?” Winter eyed her with confusion.

“Not that in itself, but the rush and pleasure. It was the quickest way.” Moon shook her head with a smile. “I’ve been miserable for years. That was the first overwhelmingly positive experience I had since.”

“I see.”

“Why do you look like someone stepped on Bandit?” Moon propped her head up on her claw. “Is everything okay? I… didn’t actually hurt you, did I?” Her voice grew increasingly worried.

“Nothing that I haven’t handled before.” Winter smiled thinly. He had some scrapes and markings from when she held on tight. None that bled much or were all too noticeable, thankfully.

“Then, what?”

“I… feel like I broke something.” Winter spoke with near monotone. Moon tilted her head, confused. “Mating is only for procreation in IceWing culture, or it was anyway. I did it out of lust.”

“Do you regret it?”

“No. But I feel like I shouldn’t have done that.” Winter admitted. “I just… don’t know.”

“Hm. Well, we don’t have to do that again. Admittedly, it did seem a bit like a bad idea, but I needed to clear my mind somehow.” Moon shook her head. “And if it makes you feel better, for the first time, you did quite well.”

“I uh… yeah, I guess that… does.” Winter felt his face darken slightly before sighing. “Your son will not be happy with this.”

“No, he won’t, but he’s an adult and we don’t have to tell him everything. He didn’t tell me about Blaze, for example.”

“Ah, you found out.”

“You knew!?” Moon propped herself up with both arms. “How did you know when I didn’t!?”

“Qibli teased Sandrunner in front of me and he admitted it from there. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to get involved at the time.” Winter averted his gaze.

A loud, huffing sigh emanated from Moon. “Fair enough, I suppose. Anything else you want to share, though?”

“Uh… I guess since we did all this, and I think I know the answer now, but what’s… a mussy?”

Moon’s eyes narrowed into thin slits and she looked like Darkstalker had appeared right in front of them. “ Qibli….”

“He also said he was pining for the Sussy, which I can also piece together now.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Moon said flatly. “I’m going to strangle him with my tail and beat him senseless. He knows I hate that word. He knows I feel my life wither away whenever he says it. And now he’s made you say it.” She shook her head, groaning. “If you say it again, I’ll do the same to you.”

“I’ll endeavor not to.” Winter glanced at her tail. He just had first claw experience how strong she was with it. He did not want that around his neck.

“Right, well, I think we should get cleaned up before someone walks in on us. I am not explaining it to Snowfall.” Moon stretched and stood up. “But… seriously, thank you. Don’t feel bad about it. Little bit of roughness goes a long way, too.” She winked and departed, leaving Winter alone for a moment.

She was teasing him. He knew it. But he still felt guilty that he was a bit… stronger than he intended to be. As much as he loved hearing her sing, the other parts were… well, just as good.

Was he a monster? He certainly didn’t feel any negative emotions towards her right now. Did that release them? He hated it if so.

He’d hurt her, Winter was certain.

Getting himself cleaned up, Winter looked as presentable as he was going to be. He found some more scratches, but nothing that couldn’t be cleverly hidden by positioning.

“Well, aren’t we the lucky IceWing?”

Winter froze as he looked in the mirror. There, behind him, was the apparition of Darkstalker.

“Moon completely used you to draw me out, you know that, right?” Darkstalker tsked. “Well, I can say that it worked. Mostly because I was wondering why in the world she was trying to be my mother. Seriously, her romance is legend, and here Moon is reenacting it.”

“Why come to me, then, if it worked?” Winter didn’t turn around. He kept his eyes focused on the apparition through the mirror.

“Because if I appeared to her, I’d hear nothing but how much of a monster I am. Really, I could be so much worse. I almost enchanted it so every IceWing who died to the plague became zombies. But I was like, eh, that’s a little too extra, even for me.” Darkstalker proceeded to ramble in a way that seemed perfectly designed to piss Winter right off. “Anyway, I came to you because I really gotta know… how was it? See, I considered making Moon my consort, but well… size difference is great and all, but I think I’d actually kill her. Plus, I’m not keen on someone that young. Granted, I was six at the time, but good luck explaining that when you have a two-thousand-year-old body.”

“Get to the point.” Winter growled.

“Okay, fine.” Darkstalker floated closer, turning his head around almost comically as if searching for anyone overhearing them. “The killer ain’t a NightWing.”

“… Why would you tell me this?” Winter narrowed his gaze again.

“One, because it’s true. Two, because good luck proving it without saying you spoke to me.” Darkstalker shrugged. “Moon wanted to draw me out, though. So, I guess that can work? But oh boy, you’re on the cusp of something interesting. You like politics? Nah, don’t answer that, you don’t. Really, I don’t either.”

“Why didn’t you just kill us all again?” Winter grew agitated by Darkstalker’s constant ramblings.

“Because, really… what do I have to gain? I’ve had twenty years to stew on what I learned.” Darkstalker let out a quiet sigh. “Yeah, IceWings would be dead. Big whoop. What then? Nah, it’s way more fun to haunt them like I’m doing now. Always looking over their shoulders as paranoia rips apart your whole tribe? Now that’s something I can get behind like you got behind Moon.”

Winter felt his brow twitch. Was this really how it was going to be now?

“Yeah, it is.” Darkstalker laughed. “Anywho, I think I hear Moon looking for you, and it isn’t for round three. Feel free to tell her what I said. Or don’t.”

The apparition vanished into smoke, and Winter stepped out from the washroom. Sure enough, Moon was a bit further down the hall, looking for him. When she saw him, her eyes lit up before she noticed the expression on his face.

“What happened?” She asked.

“Darkstalker showed up to me.” Winter explained everything. Including how he knew about their time together. Moon had a small smile at that, and it shed a bit of doubt onto Winter’s mind.

Was she really using him to hurt Darkstalker?

“We should tell Snowfall.” Moon said when Winter finished speaking. “I don’t know if he’s lying or not, but if it is an IceWing… well, she should have that few moments to prepare.”

“I can’t fathom why an IceWing would do that.” Winter shook his head. “IceWings are never so direct unless in times of war and never against our own tribe.”

“You’re telling me that your tribe doesn’t have outliers?” Moon raised a brow as she eyed him up and down.

“I… fair point.” Winter conceded with a frown. “Still, you’re right. This needs to be told to Snowfall. Let’s go.”

Chapter Text

Moon couldn’t help but notice that Winter was incredibly stiff around her.

It wasn’t that Darkstalker showed up to him. Winter could handle the phantom easily. If what Winter relayed was true as well, then Winter was fine on that front. Was it really them sleeping together? Had she really hurt him? She hadn’t intended to do it… at least, not that way.

Moon didn’t want him to feel used. Like he betrayed his tribal traditions. He was an emotional dragon and he’d given into lust. Did she break him? She didn’t intend to.

Whatever it was, Winter wouldn’t tell her until it inevitably exploded. And she had to be ready for that.

It was at that moment that Cricket’s words barged into her head like a battering ram. She stopped mid walk, paling slightly. She didn’t rebound onto him… did she? No, it was a one off! It had to be. It must be. She didn’t see Winter as another mate or… oh moons, this was a mistake.

No time to dwell on it now. They had a ghost to stop.

Snowfall awaited them in the throne room, speaking to Lynx about something indistinct. But, they weren’t the only ones in the room. No, standing before the throne, was a dragon Moon could barely read the mind of. Not because of lower intelligence or baser instincts, but because of sheer focus .

“Icicle?” Winter spoke with surprise.

Icicle had indeed changed over the years. She was stronger and covered in icy blue/black armor. Strangely, the helm she donned also covered her eyes. Was she blind? If so, how?

Blades covered her wing talons and claws. Really, every appendage ended in one. It was frightening and a tad over the top at the same time. Regardless, Icicle would not be one someone Moon wanted to tangle with again. Perhaps if she were similarly armored, but even then…

“The lovers are here,” Icicle spoke with mild amusement.

“Pardon?” Snowfall directed her attention to Icicle.

“I can smell them. They can hide it with their actions and washing up, but hearing and scent don’t lie.” Icicle shook her head. “Always knew you’d side with the NightWings one day, Winter.”

“… Right, well, what they do in private is their business, Icicle. No need to shout it to the Great Ice Dragon himself.” Snowfall gave her a scowl. Icicle merely shrugged. “From the look on both of your faces, though, you’re here to give news, and not what Icicle said.”

“Darkstalker showed up to me,” Winter said. That drew everyone’s attention. “Said that the killer wasn’t a NightWing.”

“And you believe him?” Snowfall was dubious at best.

“I don’t think he has a reason to lie, honestly. He wants to watch us tear each other apart politically rather than just killing us straight up.” Winter grimaced at his own words. “He’s a lot less powerful than before. It makes sense he’d use an unrelated event to catapult his own plans.”

“If that’s the case, that’s devious.” Lynx murmured with a wingclaw under his chin in thought. “The problem is who would gain the most by ripping the kingdom to shreds?”

“Mother dearest?” Icicle asked dryly.

“I doubt it’s her,” Winter spoke before anyone else could add on. “She’d tip scales, but getting her own claws dirty? No, that’s not her style.”

“How many nobles are still stuck in the old ways?” Moon decided to ask. “Generational war is something you may be looking at. The Rain and Night Kingdoms are still dealing with something similar.”

“There’s still enough to hold a significant presence.” Snowfall admitted. “They won’t go away until the Ice Kingdom itself melts, I fear.” A pause. “But that would imply that they’d resort to murder . If they were going to do it, it’d be an ‘accident’ or poisoning.”

Moon was going to reply, but she heard multiple minds approaching the throne room. Leading them was Hailstorm and Tundra. Seven minds in total. Everyone except Hailstorm and Tundra had confusion and a hint of fear in their minds. Moon wondered if they were told what was going on.

The IceWings were led in, and Moon reached out to their minds. Nothing on the surface was noticeable. Digging deeper would feel like an invasion of privacy. Everyone had intrusive thoughts, after all, and it was going to be hard to decern fact from fiction here. Especially if they had any idea as to how NightWings with tear drops worked.

“My queen?” A younger female asked with confusion. “What is going on?”

“There’s been a murder.” Queen Snowfall stated.

“And we are suspects?” The IceWing paled. “My queen, I would never do such a thing!”

“That remains to be determined,” Queen Snowfall responded neutrally as Icicle slowly approached. “As you know, crimes against our tribe are taken seriously. If inflicted by another IceWing, it is counted as treason if done without cause. I am willing to hear out defenses.”

“Fear.” Icicle mused as she circled around them. “But is it fear of being found out?” She turned to Moon. “Read their minds.”

“That is… quite the invasion of privacy.” Moon grimaced at that.

“If they have nothing to hide there is nothing to fear,” Tundra said matter-of-factly.

“Yeah, how often has that ever worked in history?” Lynx muttered under her breath.

Now the suspects were on edge. Their minds were racing. Some even began to think random thoughts to distract Moon. Whether this was an admission of guilt or not remained to be seen.

“Perhaps focus is needed.” Icicle stopped in front of the female IceWing who spoke before. “What do you know about the murder?”

“N-nothing,” She responded. Moon saw her mind flashing with all sorts of panic, but nothing concrete.

“Lying is not advisable.” Icicle continued to press.

“I don’t think she is,” Moon spoke after a moment. “She’s genuinely terrified and has no idea what’s happening.”

“And you’re certain?” Queen Snowfall asked her.

“Nobody can act that well.”

“Very well. Stand over there.” The queen ordered the IceWing.

As Moon’s eyes followed the IceWing, she noted that Winter had been strangely quiet. He watched Icicle with an unreadable expression, yet his eyes kept darting between everyone involved. Including her. When their eyes met, he softened a bit, but otherwise remained in his stoic stance.

This went on until the fourth one. At this point, Moon thought all of them might be innocent. Yet, when interrogated, a name flashed in this IceWing’s mind:

Darkstalker. And not just news of him returning, but also hatred of NightWings.

Moon also noted a chip on the talons of his IceWing. Like it had rended something recently.

“You found something.” Icicle stopped in front of Moon. Despite not meeting Moon’s gaze, the princess’ eyes bored into hers.

“Potentially. It’s not an admission of guilt.” Moon quickly stated.

“The chip on the talon is quite telling though, no?” Icicle questioned. Moon blinked with surprise. “I heard her steps. IceWings are immaculate. The only way something gets damaged is through battle or an accident.”

“I stumbled the other day.” The IceWing in question replied indignantly.

“On what?” Icicle turned around.

“Does it matter?”

“Well, yes, it does if you value living.”

“I hardly think that rending scale and flesh would cause damage. Bone at most.”

“That’s really funny, because some of the bone was damaged in the attack.”

Moon shot Icicle a questioning look before turning to Snowfall. Lynx was a tad surprised, too. Hailstorm was not. Neither Moon or Winter were privy to this vital piece of information. All they knew was that the name Darkstalker was starting to be carved.

“You didn’t tell them?” Icicle asked Snowfall.

“I didn’t realize, either.” Queen Snowfall narrowed her eyes at Hailstorm.

“It was a very recent development that the bone had been scratched. Like, right before I walked in.” Hailstorm admitted with a hint of guilt. “I have no idea how Icicle knew.”

“I know a lot of things, brother.” Icicle smirked before returning attention to the IceWing, who was strangely calm. “No fear? You know you’ve been caught, don’t you.”

“Honestly, yes.” The IceWing just came out and confessed. Moon was surprised.

“Why?” Queen Snowfall demanded.

“Why?” The IceWing looked at her queen. “Because someone needed to get the NightWings out of here. The proposal was already written. It only needed a little push.”

“… That’s it? You killed a member of your tribe just to point the talon at another?” Lynx snapped with horror. “We’re IceWings! We don’t do that!”

“I expect nothing less from a commoner.” Tundra tsked. Moon honestly forgot she was there.

“Darkstalker’s back. We all know it. It’s just a matter of getting rid of any assets he has, and that includes any and all NightWings.” The IceWing stared at Moon. “I have no regrets for doing what needed to be done to protect this tribe.”

“Darkstalker is not as powerful as he was. He cannot rise again to what he was.” Moon declared with certainty.

“Ah yes, because you were there when he fell the first time. How’d he die?” The IceWing looked at her expectantly.

“His own magic defeated him.” Winter interjected for the first time in a while.

“Clearly, it didn’t.” The IceWing shook her head. “Execute me, then. I die with pride.”

“Not yet.” Snowfall narrowed her gaze. “This cannot be an individual act.”

“No, I thought the same.” Icicle chuckled. “May I?”

“Not here.”

“Of course.” Icicle bowed before grabbing the suspect by the neck with her bladed tail. Blood leaked from the sharp edges of her armor. “With me, deary. We’ll be spending some time with each other, and you’ll be telling me everything.”

“Torture!?” Moon whirled on Snowfall. “You’re condoning torture!?”

“I cannot let any more IceWings or NightWings die.” Snowfall gave her a steely look. “I must get information through any means necessary. If information pans out, then time in the prison will be her punishment. It is this, or be executed by tomorrow evening. IceWing laws must be upheld.”

“Indeed they must.” Tundra let out a cold smile.

“There must be a better way.” Moon protested regardless.

“I would use your mind reading, but you aren’t going to be here all the time. Unless you move to the Ice Kingdom full time, this is what I am forced to do with extremists,” Snowfall responded as calmly as possible. Moon could tell in her mind that she didn’t like this either, and that did calm her slightly.

Once again, however, Moon was forced to realize that not everything in the world was nice. Good dragons had to do bad things. Sometimes, bad dragons did what they thought was right. There was no black and white morality. She herself had done some… regrettable things. Moon stole a glance to Winter at that thought.

Moon couldn’t be there to prevent everything. And, like it or not, she had to stop Darkstalker.

“Truthfully, I expected more.” Snowfall commented as the prisoner was led away. “But this feels… anti-climactic. Just a random act of violence that should’ve never happened.”

“That’s what Darkstalker wants,” Winter said as the other suspects were let go. “For us to attack each other.”

“Which came first?” Moon asked. “Glace’s illness or the murder?”

“The illness,” Lynx answered. Her mind indicated that she followed Moon’s thought process. “Are you suggesting that the plague spurred the violence?”

“It’s possible. Dragons react differently to ugly events.”

“Which reminds me,” Tundra approached them, staring directly at her niece. “Glace should not be saved. He is a traitor, and traitors are given death.”

“I’m surprised to hear you say that.” Winter couldn’t help but speak.

“I value my tribe above all. If… NightWings agree to our traditions and do not seek issues, then they are a part of the tribe.” Tundra hissed out icily. “I will agree with the other traitor’s convictions, but the actions are dishonorable.”

“This is shocking, given how you are about the old ways,” Snowfall responded in deadpan, agreeing with her cousin.

“I believe in rules and a hierarchy. NightWings can never be nobles, so I do not feel threatened.” Moon rolled her eyes internally at Tundra’s words. “I believe in identity. Our tribe’s power. We are strengthened by every tribe member we have. Killing one under the IceWing’s protection is abhorrent and I will not stand for it just as I will not stand for many other ‘suggestions’ the new generation puts out. I imagine we will find common ground on this part, however.”

“Tribalism aside at the start, yes.” Lynx gave her a disapproving look. “We need to protect everyone here.”

“He shouldn’t die.” Moon once again protested. “That’s what Darkstalker wants. If he gets his way, then he’ll get bolder. And there should be a trial and example made of Glace, not a painful death, as much as he may deserve it.”

“You’re certainly a lot less kindhearted than before.” Snowfall observed neutrally. Moon averted her gaze at that. “Given what happened, however, I can understand. However, the question remains that even if we decide to save him… how? There is no cure.”

At that, Moon had no answer.

***

“You’re seriously going to hunt down dear old dad?” Peril gave Qibli and Sunny a questioning look. “Jeez, I haven’t seen him in years. Not that I want to. He tried to rope Sky into some sort of scheme last time. Takes a lot to make him mad, but he actually got flustered!”

“Do we want to know?” Sunny raised a brow.

“It was something dumb about treasure. No matter how many forms he takes, that’s the one thing on his mind.” Peril grumbled, ruffling her wings with irritation.

They were at Jade Mountain, as Peril had finally come back from the Sky Kingdom with a list of items. Turtle was currently going through them, and it’d take some time for him to catalog. As a result, Qibli and Sunny had pulled Peril aside to ask about her father. They’d lost track of him over the years, and since he hadn’t made himself known or done anything egregious, hadn’t been a priority.

“Do you know where he is now?” Qibli asked Peril.

“Sea Kingdom last I heard. Probably lives deep down trying to find hidden treasure from pirates.” Peril let out a small huff. “Getting to him is going to be almost impossible if that’s the case. JMA is opening soon, and Turtle can’t come with us.”

“We could ask Anemone while there.” Sunny suggested. “She’s still there, right?”

“We could.” Peril mused thoughtfully. “The idea of having him be grabbed by the royal guard and brought back is appealing to me.”

“Provided he hasn’t figured out how to make himself an animus.” Qibli chuckled.

“You give my father too much credit.” Peril snorted. “Only way he’d do that is if someone possessed his brain.”

“Right…” Qibli shook his head. “Anyway, do you think Coral will listen to us without Turtle or Tsunami?”

“Anemone will,” Sunny said optimistically. “We’d just need to dreamvisit her. Heck, maybe she’d beat us to the punch and have him all ready for us!”

“It would be nice to see her again, if I’m honest.” Qibli added on. “She’s pretty much a member of the Jade Winglet and yet it’s so rare we get to meet.”

“Coral wants someone to take over from her and since Tsunami has the academy and Auklet can’t have heirs, guess Anemone’s it.” Sunny sighed with sympathy. “But, yeah, if you wanted to come, Peril, you’re more than welcome to.”

“Uh, duh, of course I do. Antagonizing him is always fun.” Peril’s face split into a many fanged smile. Pure malice radiated from her at that moment. “And the quicker we get to the bottom of this, the quicker I can go back to bothering Turtle.”

“You’d do that anyway.” Sunny pointed out in deadpan.

“Yeah, but I can do it without a nagging sense of ‘well what’s going to explode next’. Outside of me, of course.”

And like that, the plan was set. All they had to do now was contact Anemone and wait for Turtle to finish cross referencing. Peril, for once, left him alone to do that. Said something about going to hit a training dummy for a while. Qibli could  hear her blows connecting all the way down the halls.

“Anemone says it’s okay, by the way.” Tsunami found them after a moment, Sunny having told her what was going on. “She’ll begin a search for him. He’s apparently run across some of the guards there before. By the time you get there, he’ll be in custody. Or, at least, should be so long as he hasn’t gotten himself killed.”

“Why do you say that?” Sunny questioned.

“Because he’s been known to make shady deals. With Vulture gone, he needs someone hang around.” Tsunami grumbled under her breath. Qibli nodded in affirmation. “But, if he is gone… what’s the plan next?”

“Raid his home.” Sunny said to the surprise of both. “He’s gotta have a scroll somewhere. Even if it’s on him in the grave.”

“That is not something I’d ever expect you to suggest.” Tsunami stared.

“How do you think I found the Eye of Onyx?” Sunny gave her a sardonic look.

“I have no idea, I was too busy stopping Clay from dying.” Tsunami grumbled back. Sunny let out a small smirk at that. “I keep forgetting that you’re not our dragonet sister anymore.”

“Haven’t been for twenty years, Tsunami.”

“Ugh, I know . Twenty years, though! Hard to believe how fast time flies.” Tsunami slapped a claw to her face. “I’m going to be old and wrinkly before I know it. I’ll look like Webs!”

“Rude.” Sunny snickered. “I mean, your mother is in her fifties I think, and she still looks young.”

“Yeah, until you look close and you can see the wrinkles around her eyes. Never tell her I said that.” Tsunami quickly added on. “You either, Qibli. Not a word about her appearance. She’ll rip your tongue right out.”

“I had no intentions of doing that.” Qibli responded calmly. “I’ve met her before.”

“Alright, good, because none of us are going to be able to protect you. If you think what that pirate or whoever did to Auklet got it bad, oh boy…” Tsunami shook her head.

“How is she, by the way?” Qibli decided to change the subject and ask.

“Oh, she’s fine as she can be given her state. Still some issues with certain movements, but I wouldn’t count her out of anything.” Tsunami grinned proudly. “Really, the one I’m worried about is Anemone. Mother knows that talking to me about dragonets is a brick wall, but she doesn’t get that Anemone likes girls more than boys. Loves and accepts her, but y’know how it is with older dragons sometimes.”

“Not really.” Qibli frowned. “Same sex relationships are normal in the Sand Kingdom.”

“Oh, it’s normal for the Sea Kingdom too, but when you have someone like Coral as your mother…”

“Ah.” Qibli nodded with understanding. “Guessing Tamarin likes it as much as Anemone.”

“She can whether it better than Anemone but, well… yeah. I can tell it’s causing friction.” Tsunami grimaced before turning to Sunny. “You, somehow, manage to get through to dragons way better than anyone I know. If you can – subtly – take the heat off them, I’d appreciate it.”

“Not sure how I’d be able to do that without directly getting in the line of fire, but I’ll try.” Sunny chuckled nervously. It was the first time Qibli saw her outright nervous in a long time.

“Thanks. If she does anything I’ll fly over there myself .” Tsunami shook her head as Turtle came around the corner, Peril in tow. “Oh, are you done?”

“Yes,” Turtle said grimly. “Starflight and Fatespeaker are already waiting in the library.”

With that element of forboding lingering over them, Qibli followed to the library. Fatespeaker held their egg, stroking it as a comfort. Starflight kept a wing around her, muttering something indistinct. Whatever it was got a small laugh out of Fatespeaker.

“So, after cross referencing with these two about what was broken or not, I came up with a list of the animus objects that work .” Turtle lay out a small parchment on the table. “Most of it doesn’t quite fit, such as the flask of infinite water.”

“That’ll be useful.” Qibli observed.

“Provided there’s no hidden enchantment, absolutely.” Turtle nodded with a faint smile. “But, two hit our list.” He pointed to the two in question. “A projector, meant to make someone’s form larger. Like, for a queen to address all her subjects.”

“Why didn’t Scarlet keep that one?” Fatespeaker questioned, blinking with confusion. “She’d use it for the most mundane things!”

“No idea.” Turtle shrugged. “And, the other lets you extinguish all candles in a room.”

Qibli frowned deeply. He knew exactly where this was going.

“So, someone is using trickery!” Sunny exclaimed brightly. All looked at her. “That’s a good thing! That means that whoever is behind this isn’t as powerful as we thought!”

“Means we should tell Winter and Moon, too.” Turtle smiled again. “Sunny’s right, though. But… there’s another issue.”

“Oh great, what now?” Tsunami huffed out an irritated sigh.

“How did someone get to them?” Turtle asked nobody in particular. “They were under lock and key that not even Peril could get in. They made the vault specifically against someone like her.”

“Made the metal really hot, though.” Peril grinned proudly.

“There’s one way.” Qibli grimaced. Oh, he hated what he was about to say, especially because it wasn’t even their fault. “A RainWing could. Or, half one.”

“Duskweaver.” Turtle followed his thoughts. Qibli nodded. “She was controlled, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“But how would she know about the candles? We just found it.” Starflight popped a hole in that theory. “She couldn’t have gotten there and back without someone noticing. Peacemaker had to have, same with Hope. They aren’t controlled.”

“Alright, that’s a mystery, but at least we solved one too.” Sunny quickly put a positive spin on it. “I imagine that the projector object can make someone look differently. Not a stretch, anyway. So both objects can be used to explain it!”

“Remember, Chameleon,” Peril responded pointedly. “Someone got a scroll piece. He’s the only one to have it.”

“Still means that our animus is weaker than we think.”

“I’m not disagreeing. Turtle tried to explain the whole willpower thing to me.”

“Yes, animus powers are built on willpower, as described by a book made by Orca we found some time back.” Turtle added on to his consort’s statement. “According to her, the more willpower an animus has, the stronger the spell. It can overpower enchantments, too. It’s a whole mess of calculations and theories, but it’s the best source of knowledge we have.”

“Oh. That would’ve been nice to know in the past.” Qibli frowned in thought.

“Well, we know now, so that’s a good thing.” Fatespeaker grinned. “But um, I have a question for the class.” Everyone looked at her. “Why are we ignoring the possibility that this is actually Darkstalker?”

“Because that’s impossible,” Peril said as if it were obvious.

“Are we really that certain? Because if a giant, mega powerful NightWing that can split mountains could be defeated by a simple rebound, I really have to question my sense of reality.” Fatespeaker gave Peril a sardonic look. “I’m no Moon, but I certainly felt his mind. He’s not the type to ever go into anything without five different backup plans. He didn’t plan for a magical strawberry, and sure he may not have been able to stop its effects, but he may have been able to send off his soul.”

“… To where?” Starflight didn’t dismiss the idea. His forehead, however, scrunched right up in such a way that it reminded Qibli of Moon.

“Ack, well… that’s the tricky part. But ghosts exist! They have to!” Fatespeaker protested. “There’s just too much of a coincidence to ignore all of this. Giant plant monsters are fine and dandy, but this is where we’re drawing the line? Seriously?”

“Do you think he reincarnated himself and has been working behind the scenes?” Sunny questioned. “Set all this up and everything? Cuz I remember some of the followers saying they saw him. Remember?” Sunny poked Qibli with her tail.

“Yeah, but after the whole phantom thing, I kinda dismissed it. They coulda said whatever they were programmed to say.” Qibli replied, but didn’t quite dismiss it.

“True. But, who could even look like him?” Her brow furrowed before her face lit up like flame. “The projector. That’s how. But then why wouldn’t… ah, well, I suppose we’ll cross that bridge when we find Chameleon.”

“Suppose we should get on that, shouldn’t we?” Qibli faked a stretch. “I’ll contact Moon on the way.”

“Yeah, keeping Anemone waiting isn’t gonna be a good time for any of us.” Tsunami snorted with amusement.

“You’ve been quiet.” Turtle smirked at her.

“What am I supposed to say? I literally know nothing outside Foeslayer randomly kidnapping me and I have no idea why she did that.”

“It was a spur of the moment thing, apparently, that she didn’t think out.” Sunny told her.

“No kidding…”

“When's the semester starting, again?” Qibli asked Tsunami.

“Later this week. Provided nothing awful happens.” Tsunami glared at the list of animus objects.

“Alright, we’ll try and have Peril back by then.” Qibli promised with a grin.

“Seriously, take the time you need.” Tsunami gave him a serious look. “If Dickstalker – yes, I’m calling him that, because he’s a giant dick. No, Peril, do not go to that thought I know you are going to – comes back, he’s going to destroy this place out of pettiness.”

“Alright, fair enough.” Qibli snorted out a laugh at the name. “Still, you need to keep things running. Can’t ruin a whole new generation. At least, not like this.”

“Get out before I throw you out.”

Chapter Text

Winter did not at all like what he was seeing in the Ice Kingdom.

Worse and worse it got with each passing moment. Snowfall had turned quite cold and jaded. IceWings killing each other to get NightWings kicked out? What was even happening? The final straw that snapped his restraint was Icicle.

And so, he took off after her as she led the prisoner down to the dungeons. Hailstorm was with her, and he did not seem pleased either. Yet, he seemed to accept Icicle as she was right now. How long had this been going on for this to be common ?

“Ah, earlier than I expected.” Icicle’s voice came before Winter turned the corner to confront her. “I could tell by your stance you weren’t happy.”

“Have you looked yourself in the mirror, or am I to presume that you plucked out your own eyes to get such strong senses?” Winter didn’t bother to hide his concern. It did, however, come out a bit more accusingly and angry than he wanted.

Icicle responded by removing the helm. Her identity was not a secret, it seemed. But, to Winter’s relief, her piercing blue eyes met his. She didn’t do anything drastic. But, they did seem a bit unfocused, the pupils dilated. Her expression was also… muted despite the sarcastic tone she spoke in.

“I’m not so reckless, brother.” Icicle tutted. “I simply have learned that my eyes deceive me. I am perfectly capable of sight, as you can see.”

“When did this happen?” Winter asked not Icicle, but Hailstorm. “And why are you so okay with it?”

“Who said I was?” Hailstorm locked the prisoner away in a cell. “But, she’s her own dragon. I can’t exactly stop her.”

“Nor can you complain about my methods, as I have made this kingdom much safer.” Icicle chuckled. “It allows you to go home to your beloved every night, too. I don’t see the issue.”

“The issue is you losing yourself. You were never like this.” Winter protested. “Even in war, you had your sense of self. This is, for lack of a better term… edgy.” He specifically looked at her armor with that word.

“That dread you feel when you look upon it, that is the point.” Icicle smirked back. “The kingdom fears it. Nobody dares touch the queen so long as I am around.”

“I hate to complain about this, but didn’t you want to be queen?”

“Mother wanted me queen. I wanted to be myself, just like you.” Icicle showed the slightest bit of anger at his words. “Yet everyone forgot about me and left me to die in that cellar until the queen decided to grace me. When was the last time either of you visited me in that cell? The Icicle you knew died there, alone and forgotten.”

“I visited you often.” Hailstorm countered.

“Until you didn’t.” Icicle glared at him coldly. “One day, you simply stopped. Was it mother, ashamed of me being the lowest dragon in the circle before the queen shattered it? Or did you feel your own shame?” She shook her head. “Winter was too busy chasing after a NightWing and humans to visit. I expected it.”

“You weren’t like this last we met, though. You were fine. We were patching things up!” Winter fired back.

“You were talking to a mask. This is the real me, now.” She placed back on her helm. “Call it whatever you want, I keep my tribe safe. Nobody like Scarlet will ever trick me again, either.”

“No, I don’t believe that for a second.” Winter squared his shoulders and blocked her from getting in the cell. “You were brutal on the battlefield, but never at home. You’re in that constant state of war, yet your words here… they show me you’re still you, deep down.”

“And who are you to talk about who someone is deep down?” Icicle demanded coldly. “You left the kingdom. You went into isolation for five years. Nobody could contact you, and it was over the dragon you just ravaged so lovingly.” She shook her head. “I’m happy you’re alive and to see you again. Really, I am. But you don’t get to judge for something you aren’t a part of anymore.”

“There must be a better way than torture.” Winter protested regardless.

“Don’t you think that if there was, I would have found it? Snowfall tried being the good queen. Hailstorm, the good guard. But when it came to threats like this, against someone who would so willingly spill blood of their tribe… well, there’s only one answer to that.”

“IceWings are supposed to be above that.”

“Do you think you can get a better answer? By all means, go for it. But if you can’t, well…” Icicle idly examined her talons, but the threat was there.

“Hailstorm?” Winter looked to his older brother.

“I think the prisoner made their position quite clear. The issue if there are any others.” Hailstorm stated.

“Um, there aren’t, as far as I know. I kinda hoped this would spark a rebellion.” The IceWing prisoner placed her muzzle through the door. “Or do a slow and methodical spooking method. Whatever was more effective.”

“You’re rather up and honest about this.” Hailstorm mused.

“I’d like to stay in one piece.” She gestured to Icicle, who snorted. “And really, your family drama was enough torture. You really need to see a therapist, all of you.”

Icicle responded by slamming the bars of the prison with a loud CLANK , forcing her back with a yelp.

“Well, I think that solved the issue.” Hailstorm grinned. “I suppose we could have Moon read her mind, but honestly, I think enough IceWing blood has been shed.”

“Hmph.” Icicle began to stalk away, but she didn’t seem too displeased. “I suppose I should spill how to save Glace, shouldn’t I?”

“What?” Winter caught up to her. “What do you mean?”

“I suppose the whole event was traumatic enough for you to blot it out. But, the twink SandWing you hung around with… Qibli, was it? His earring?” She tapped her own ear for emphasis. “It nullified the plague here. Would work for Glace.”

Winter slapped his head with a wingclaw so loudly that it echoed. Of course! How was he so blind to it!? Maybe, deep down, he didn’t want to acknowledge it. But, Icicle was right, there was a way to save Glace and make him stand trial.

Problem was, where was the earring?

“Somewhere in the vaults,” Hailstorm said when asked.

“I’ll join you.” Winter stated. Hailstorm gave him a confused look before shrugging. Icicle didn’t seem bothered by it, stalking away to parts unknown. As Hailstorm went to lead Winter to the vaults, the latter held up a wing. “That’s not the story at all. She’s lying right to my face.”

“Saw right through it, didn’t you?” Hailstorm smiled sadly. Winter nodded curtly. “Yeah… the real story is a lot more depressing. I can’t blame her for not wanting to remember it. She barely told the queen and Lynx what happened.”

“Tell me.”

“Along the way.” Hailstorm gestured for Winter to follow. After a few more paces, he began to speak again. “Icicle joined my task force few years back. Right before you went into seclusion, I think.”

“Aye, I remember that.” Winter confirmed.

“Well… she found a nice member of my force that she fancied. And he fancied her back.” Hailstorm spoke quietly. Winter felt his stomach drop, already knowing where this was going. “The two of them liked to flirt and rib each other a lot. I allowed it, because Icicle deserves some happiness in her life and it wasn’t affecting performance.”

Hailstorm let out a small sigh.

“One day, we were investigating rumors of a crime cartel on the IceWing-SandWing border. Vulture’s operations didn’t completely cease despite his death, as you probably expected. That power vacuum left many scrambling to be the new kingpin. Well, we got a tip, and were about to ambush… only for us to be the victims of one ourselves.”

“Icicle was the lead scout. She couldn’t have seen it coming, as they’d used the environment damn near perfectly. Our only alert was the sound of cracking ice right before frostbreath and barbs came right at us.” Hailstorm shook his head. “Lost a few good soldiers that day. It’s a miracle that Icicle and I came crawling back. But, as you can tell… the IceWing she had fallen for didn’t make it.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was expecting.” Winter grimaced, eyes shutting as he digested the information.

“Icicle shattered that day. Her body made it back to the kingdom, but her mind didn’t. She blamed herself for not seeing the ambush coming, and became what you saw today. She never trusts her eyes anymore.” Hailstorm stopped and shook his head. “I kept telling her it’s not her fault. Not even I was prepared. Everyone tried to tell her that. She didn’t listen.”

Winter went quiet. What could he really say to that? Icicle was living in denial of what really happened while accepting it. He had no idea how such a contradiction could cause her to function but… well, as much as he hated to think it, the prisoner was right. Maybe some sort of therapy would benefit them all.

Fat chance on Icicle doing so, though.

“Soo, to change the subject to potentially something nicer…” Hailstorm sensed Winter’s brooding. “Moon, huh?”

“Shut up.” Winter grumbled.

“Oh come now, there’s something about NightWings that must be alluring. Arctic certainly found it.”

“Hailstorm…”

“I’ve even heard some of the IceWing youths say something like ‘once you go black…’”

“I’m going to go back into isolation if you do not stop this.” Winter growled lowly. Hailstorm burst out laughing. “I’m serious.”

“Mhm, I’m sure. But, I’m happy for you. About time you found someone. Even if, as Icicle said, it was the one who supposedly caused whatever mess it was. One heck of a way to patch it up.”

“It’s… not like that. I… shouldn’t have done it.” Winter averted his gaze as they made their way into the treasury. It was guarded by two honor guards, who nodded at Hailstorm’s approach and stood aside.

“Why?” Hailstorm’s face grew worried.

“Because I don’t love her. Not right now, anyway. And yet, I gave into baser instincts and…” Winter sighed and ruffled his wings. “I shouldn’t have. I’m supposed to be better than that. To waste my first time on lust rather than consummation is not the IceWing way.”

“Not really anymore.” Hailstorm patted his shoulder. “With the ranks gone, well… no real need to have status like that. So, you aren’t disappointing mother or any other nobles that matter.”

Winter ignored his brother for a moment, focusing on his surroundings. The vault held many valuable objects, such as gold and other treasures. But, it seemed, it also held emergency rations and medicine for times of war and plague. The circular room was muti-leveled too, with the more priceless objects near the bottom.

As such, Qibli’s earrings were located fairly high up. There was a whole pile of them, enough for each IceWing no doubt. Luckily, they only needed one.

“Seriously, don’t beat yourself up.” Hailstorm smiled at Winter. “We all have moments of weakness. You’ve seen me at my worst.” He added with a bit of bitterness, instinctively raising a claw to his neck.

“You had control taken from you. I didn’t have that.” Winter took one of the earrings, putting it in his ear. He took one for Moon, too. Hailstorm grabbed a few, too. “I simply gave in. Everything that made me an IceWing went away in that moment.”

He didn’t say that he wanted to hurt Moon there. That he felt pleasure from his talons sinking into her shoulders. Nothing permanent, of course, but… well, that was a side of him that he never wanted to let out. And now that it was, he felt nothing but wracking guilt over himself and what he could have done to her.

But, she did seem to enjoy that part… no, it was still a bad thing.

“You’re still an IceWing, perhaps more IceWing than a lot of us.” Hailstorm stood before Winter. “You remind me a lot of Lynx. You’ve seen how she is, and is she less IceWing for being who she is? No, it is disgraceful dragons like Glace that give us shame. It is something mother will never understand, but we do. I’ve even met a few of the SkyWings I ‘served’ with as Pyrite. After the whole Darkstalker and Scarlet situations, explaining it was a bit easier and, well, made some great friends out of it.”

“Did you sleep with a SkyWing?” Winter asked dryly.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Some of my unit certainly did, though. The SkyWing girls are quite graceful…” Hailstorm lightly jabbed Winter with his wing. “Point is, mingling with other tribes and uh… bonding aren’t bad things. We’re dragons. It happens. I don’t look at you any differently, and nobody that matters will either.”

“Lynx hear you talk like that about SkyWings?”

“This was before we got together, and yes, she does. Think she even agrees with me about them.”

Winter thought back to Snowfall’s confession. So, there was a chance that Lynx could’ve returned the feelings. Just another subject for the hypothetical therapy session. Imagining a queen in that scenario was somewhat funny, if only because the therapist would be even more bound to patient confidentiality.

Still, it was a good idea. Fatespeaker was a good therapist for Jade Mountain, but Winter didn’t see any of them opening up to her. IceWings in general hadn’t quite gotten there emotionally.

Keep it bottled in, let it explode out, and never speak of it again. That was the IceWing way… at least, it was for so long.

Returning to the throne room, Winter saw that the three girls were still there. Moon was caught up in her thoughts while Lynx and Snowfall chatted about something indistinct. Snowfall looked… happy to be speaking to Lynx, but there was still that very subtle element of sadness that briefly intensified when Lynx turned to Hailstorm.

It was amusing in an ironic, depressing way that the queen of his very tribe was now in the same position he was in for fifteen years.

“Oh, right, the earrings.” Snowfall frowned. “I don’t know how I forgot about them.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised if Darkstalker cast a forget spell over it.” Lynx shrugged. “Seems petty enough.”

“Icicle remembered it. Maybe she resisted it.” Winter gave an earring to Moon as Hailstorm gave a pair to the queen and Lynx.

“After this, I need to talk to you about something.” Moon whispered to Winter. His heart immediately sank. “Nothing bad, I promise! I just noticed something and uh… well, I’m sure you noticed Snowfall’s demeanor around Lynx.”

“Mhm. Hard not to.” Winter whispered back.

“Well… fine, I may as well say it now then.” Moon leaned in and spoke very quietly. “I hear two minds in Lynx. The other is very, very faint and basic. But, well… I’m sure you get where I am going.”

“And you’re worried it’ll cause Snowfall to react?”

“Yeah. But, it’s not really my business. I don’t even think Lynx knows.”

“I think telling her would be okay. Just not in earshot of Snowfall.”

Moon flashed him a small smile and oh, Winter’s heart nearly melted. But, it froze right back up a second later. He may indeed need to talk to her about what happened earlier. Not now, though.

They had a corrupt politician to save.

***

Sandrunner felt incredibly uncomfortable and almost embarrassed as the last stilt was applied to him. He couldn’t bend his arms – not that he could anyway – and movement consisted of stiffness and pain in his pits from the stilts. Padding did not do much when it was quite literally smothering a vein for a good while. The tingling feeling, as if his shoulders and pelvis were asleep, still lingered.

“Stonemover didn’t walk in a week, you know.” Clay reassured him as the final one was put on. “He spent some time in something similar. If someone like him, who hadn’t moved in over ten years, can do it, you can too.”

“Did he have crossbolt wounds?” Sandrunner grumbled under his breath.

“No, but he had severe muscle damage from the surgery as well as atrophy. You woke up before the latter could set in, so you’re already ahead!” Clay beamed at him. It was hard to remain negative with a look like that. “Plus, Queen Thorn needed to get used to her prosthetic. Kinkajou needed to adjust her life, too. Trust me, you’ll be without these in no time!”

Right, both of them lost appendages. Sandrunner really should count himself lucky that he wasn’t that bad off. Even if it still felt like he had giant pins stuck in him where he was shot.

“Yeah, it sucked!” Kinkajou grumbled from nearby. “I still have stiffness in my back over it. Scar tissue is no joke, especially internal.”

“You’d think that Turtle’s rock would heal muscle damage.” Sandrunner mused.

“It does not heal nerve damage, annoyingly.” Kinkajou glanced back to her stumps. “Yeah sure, my muscles in that area are mostly fine, but it also can’t replace what isn’t there.” She pointed at Sandrunner’s back. “Your spine was clipped, too. Can’t fix that.”

“ Thankfully , the damage is healable.” Clay interjected before Sandrunner could feel any form of misery from it. “It’ll just take some time to get back on your claws. Nerves take a while to regrow and repair themselves. Just keep at it.”

Keeping at it meant walking around the hut he stayed at. His movements were jerky and unstable, and he nearly fell with each step. His upper body was better outside the aforementioned pin feeling, but his legs sort of… dragged. He barely lifted them to get them to move. His tail barb also kept getting caught on the flood seams.

As a result, falling was a frequent outcome. At this point, Sandrunner was numb to the impacts. Still, it was better than laying in that bed all day.

“Yep, been there.” Kinkajou helped him back up. “I used my wings for balance a lot more than I realized. Suddenly without them, whoops, tripping hazard.”

“At least they aren’t dead weight.” Sandrunner glared at his limp wings.

“At least you have them.” Kinkajou shot back.

“… Right, sorry.”

“Same.” Kinkajou sighed and forced a smile. “I know it’s hard. But like Clay keeps saying, you’ll be back in the sky soon.”

“Have you considered asking the humans for prosthetic wings? They’re capable of those balloon things and engineering.” Sandrunner jerked his head to indicate out the window. The humans had indeed made the place quite a wonderland of steam based technology over the past few years.

“Hmm…” Kinkajou used her cane to prop herself up. “Maybe.” She chuckled nervously. “Admittedly, I have no idea how to try and um… well, I ended flight on a rather bad note and uh…”

“It was just a suggestion.”

“I know, I know. Maybe I’ll ask around while I’m here.” She flashed him a smile. “Gotta keep that positive spark going, y’know?”

Sandrunner eventually couldn’t take it anymore and simply collapsed on the floor. He felt out of breath and tired from all of this when this would be nothing just last month. He already missed the sky. And moving properly. His back flared, too. He hoped that’d go away eventually.

“Good progress for today!” Clay helped him up, grinning with that infectious positivity of his. “You did much better than Stonemover did in a week! We just need to get your lower half to cooperate more.”

“I just hope I’ll be ready for the Darkest Night.” Sandrunner sighed with relief as the stilts were removed and he was placed back on the bed.

“That’s what Darkstalker was talking about, right?” Kinkajou questioned. Sandrunner nodded. “Well, I hope he likes strawberries, because you better believe I always keep a few nearby. Even if it won’t do much, seeing that fear… ooh, that’d be so nice.”

Sandrunner didn’t say anything. He still strongly objected to what was done to Darkstalker. But, it did end the great dragon. After saying those words, he noted Kinkajou’s frills fell, too. Maybe she was trying to put on a brave face to hide her own guilt.

“I think that you shouldn’t worry about that. Your parents and my siblings are heroes. Defeating dragons like him is what we do.” Clay tried to reassure him. “Focus on getting better, not planning on your next battle.”

“He’s right, you know!” Came Duskweaver’s voice as she showed up with a basket of food. “Sorry, took longer than expected. Lot of flying around to get everything and all.”

“Just in time!” Clay exclaimed happily as Duskweaver gave him a seared haunch of goat. “Oooh, my favorite. How’d you know?” Duskweaver merely tapped her markings. “Ah, right.”

“I don’t read your minds, I promise, but sometimes it’s difficult to ignore surface level thoughts like hunger pangs.” Duskweaver reassured them. “Makes hatchday gifts much easier to get, too.”

“Well, at least you aren’t malicious. Moony uses it for good, too.” Kinkajou happily took her fruits from the basket.

“Not yet, anyway.” Duskweaver winked. Kinkajou rolled her eyes. “And for you, Sandy, fried lizard. Figured it’d be small enough but still not mushy.”

“Sandy?” Sandrunner took the fried lizard. Well, at least he didn’t need to be force fed.

“Don’t you remember me calling you that back in JMA?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Hmm, I wonder if that’s related to your memory issues.” Duskweaver frowned. “Starting to wonder if this all started before you got injured, really. You don’t remember a lot about our time there.”

“It wasn’t exactly a happy time.” Sandrunner mumbled through the lizard.

“True, true, but it’s weird is all I’m saying. Plus, that one door…” Duskweaver looked at him with concern.

Right, the door. Or, rather, the memory it represented. Did it really all start there? It must’ve been right before graduation. Did others of his winglet feel the same? Maybe he should reach out to them.

Provided he didn’t burn the bridge and poison the well.

“Hmm, well, I keep in contact with a few…” Duskweaver placed a talon under her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose I could try reaching out to them, but really, what do I say? ‘Oh, Sandrunner nearly died and is having memory issues. Do you know why Peril and Turtle’s door was half open and what possible things were in there?’”

“You do not want to know!” Kinkajou piped up.

“Exactly.” Duskweaver giggled.

“Honestly, I don’t blame him for blocking that out. I know I do.” Kinkajou shook her head. “Nah, but in all seriousness, I know nothing usual that coulda went on there.”

“Suppose I could ask mom or dad. They may know.” Sandrunner shrugged. “What time is it?” He peered out the window. Sun had barely set. “Ah, they’re still awake. I can guarantee it.”

“Be a nice information share session.” Clay suggested. “I’m very out of the loop on all this, but even I know what’s going on is bad.” He frowned. “I haven’t heard from Glory in a few days, either.”

“Probably still busy.” Duskweaver shrugged. “I haven’t heard much from my parents, either.”

“That’s what I think, but y’know, I worry.”

“And that’s why we all love you.” Kinkajou patted his shoulder affectionately. “But nah, Glory’s got Deathbringer, and the two of them can take care of anything! Plus, Firefly would make the RainWings a warrior tribe again if anything were to happen.”

The thought of an army of invisible warriors that could melt the flesh off any dragon before they even knew what was happening was a horrifying thought.

“I like to imagine Darkstalker learned not to underestimate RainWings.” Sandrunner mused.

“Oh, if he’s anything like my grandmother, he did.” Duskweaver tapped her tail on the floor and shook her head. “Hard to believe I’m technically related to him. It doesn’t mean anything but, well, imagine waking up one day and suddenly your long-lost uncle Darkstalker is killing your friend.”

“Well, my grandmother is Cobra, so I can kind of relate. And on my mother’s side, my grandfather is Morrowseer.” Sandrunner thought about it for a moment.

“Huh, I suppose you can relate.” A light seemed to flick on in Duskweaver’s mind. “At least they haven’t tried to attack. Granted, one’s dead and all, but y’know…”

“Hard to believe sweet little – well, not little anymore – Moony is related to Morrowseer.” Kinkajou finished her meal. Her lips were coated in fruity juices now that her long tongue licked right up. Kind of disgusting yet impressive at the same time.

“Just goes to show that you aren’t defined by your family, for good or bad.” Clay agreed with her. “My mother sold me for two cows. I’d never do that to my dragonet if I ever had one.”

“Thought you didn’t like that stuff.” Kinkajou eyed him.

“Don’t, but hey, dragons change. Maybe I will want to nurture a sib squad of my own. I’m only twenty seven, and dragons live well past a hundred these days.” He beamed back. “I mean, I thought Sunny was like me. If she changed, heck, maybe I will too. But if I don’t, I’m very happy where I am.”

Thought I was the same way too. Guess affection goes a long way… Sandrunner glanced at Duskweaver at that thought before remembering she could read his mind. A slow, devious smile – almost teasingly sinister, even – crawled on her lips.

Despite the looming Blackest Night and his physical condition, Sandrunner couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the first time in years.

Chapter Text

Moon didn’t know what she expected to happen once the earring was placed upon Glace’s ear. Would Darkstalker pop out of the body? Would the disease spread? If so, they had more than enough earrings. Or, at least, hoped they did.

Immediately, symptoms vanished. Glace did not awaken immediately. Darkstalker’s phantom did not appear, either. Too many dragons here? No, that wasn’t like him at all. He’d show right up anyway.

“A tad anticlimactic, I agree.” Snowfall agreed with Moon’s musing. “Yet, at the same time, I am glad that is the case. I don’t want the kingdom up in arms about Darkstalker’s return. We can easily keep this under wraps. I also believe the trial to be a distraction.”

At that, Moon couldn’t disagree.

“I think the big question is now what?” Moon spoke up as guards began to watch over Glace’s body. “We stopped this plan of his. But what happens when the trial sheds light on his actions? I’m not sure if I can stay here with Phantomstalker running around. Plus, I need to see Sandrunner again…” She added as an aside.

“I’m queen, I can handle this. He will be made an example of. As will our other prisoner.” Snowfall let out a confident smirk.

“Actually, there is something else that I wanted to bring up while we were here.” Winter spoke as Snowfall instructed the guards to alert her upon Glace’s awakening. “Sunny – Queen Thorn’s daughter – wants to create something called a Jade Initiative. And, with the cult running around, has suggested a neutral ground for all the queens to meet about this.”

“Ah yes, all the queens in one location, brilliant idea.” Snowfall grumbled sarcastically. “Just where does she suggest this to take place?”

“The cave where the DoD were imprisoned for most of their life.”

“… Is that not in the SkyWing territory?” Snowfall frowned.

“It’s close enough to Jade Mountain. Maybe an hour or two away by flight.” Winter shrugged. Moon wasn’t sure if that was true, but decided not to speak on it just in case.

“If you get the other queens to sign on, then I will consider it.” Snowfall answered neutrally. “I suspect Queen Thorn will be an easy one to convince. Good luck with Queen Coral, however.”

“Sunny and Qibli are on their way there now.” Moon reminded them. “We’ll need to Dreamvisit when we can.”

“Are they?” Snowfall let out a small ‘hmm’. “Well, on that note, you two may stay as long as you like. I do not know if you wish to see the trial, or go back to Jade Mountain, but you both are always welcome here.”

Moon nodded gratefully as the Queen departed, leaving her alone with Winter. She found it very difficult to meet the stoic IceWing’s eyes. But, she also could not ignore what they did.

“Should we… talk about what happened?” Moon asked tentatively.

“What’s there to talk about?” Winter regarded her with uncertainty.

“It’s clearly affecting you.” Moon pressed gently. “When I said I wanted to hurt you, and have you hurt me, I… I didn’t mean like this. You look like you don’t even know who you are right now.”

Winter shifted uncomfortably. “Then what did you mean?”

Moon went quiet for a moment. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Maybe I wanted to be punished.” Moon admitted after a moment. “But at the same time, loved .” She sighed before offering a sad smile.

“I hurt you, and I should never have given in.” Winter also admitted. “I wanted you for years, just not like this. I… I never want to hurt you like that again.”

“Physically?” Moon raised a brow. “That’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Emotionally, doubtlessly, too.”

“Um… no, I think that helped clear my mind, actually.” Moon cocked her head. “If anything, it’s me that should be apologizing to you for what happened.”

“No, it’s my fault for giving in.”

“Winter, no it’s not.” Moon scowled slightly as he turned away. Another sigh escaped her. “But it’s just like you to blame yourself for something that wasn’t your fault, isn’t it? We’re the same like that.”

“You don’t understand. It’s not the IceWing thing to do.” Winter continued to avert his gaze.

“You’ve mentioned that. But you’re as much of an IceWing as I am NightWing.” Moon pointed out gently. He tilted his head, ear flicked with confusion. “I didn’t grow up on the island. I wasn’t considered a true NightWing for the longest time, just as you weren’t an IceWing. I think you noticed that all those years ago, even if you didn’t know the reasoning.”

Winter frowned contemplatively. “That is… true. There was always something off about you that attracted my attention.”

“That’s my point. I know you still hold onto your IceWing pride, and you should – it’s part of your personality and heritage. But I think that times are changing, and what IceWings are too.” Moon stepped closer to him, looking down. He didn’t balk under her height like most tended to when she got this close. “If I didn’t say it before, I’ll say it again; that time cleared my mind. I was able to get rid of that negativity for just long enough to pull myself together. So no, while I said I wanted you to hurt me… you didn’t. You helped me.”

Winter didn’t reply, instead looking at some of the scratches on her body.

“Okay, maybe you did, but think of it like bloodletting? Little bit of pain to cause relief.” Moon clarified with a chuckle.

“Shouldn’t have happened in the first place.” Winter responded still.

Moon went to reassure him again, only to pause. There was a strange look in his eyes. And if she followed their direction…

“Sandrunner’s not getting a sibling.” Moon bumped her nose against his forehead teasingly. Immediately, the weight on his shoulders subsided. “I’m outside my cycle. I wouldn’t dare risk that or parent trap you, Winter.”

“Alright. I believe you.” Winter nodded slowly.

“As for what happened… well, I don’t regret it, but I also don’t think it should be the basis for anything.” Moon gestured for him to walk with her. Where they were going, she didn’t know, but moving her claws helped her anxiety. “It was a one and done. I’m not saying we start over, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for a relationship.” She paused. “But if this happens naturally, I’m not opposed.”

“Alright.” Winter repeated. Moon took that as ‘thanks for talking to me about this. I feel like I can be myself again’, as it was often the case with him.

“As for our other situation… do we tell Lynx?” Moon asked Winter for a change of subject.

“Hmm… I’m not sure if it is our place. But, I can’t see it hurting.” Winter shrugged. “Lynx isn’t the type to be mad at any of that.”

“Surprised you didn’t pursue her when you had the chance.”

“I didn’t know she was interested until after Hailstorm made his move. Truthfully, I thought she had eyes for Snowfall.”

“That makes sense.”

Lynx wasn’t hard to find after all this was over. She was humming to herself, doing some menial task that seemed second nature to her. Moon couldn’t quite figure out what it was, but it had to do with sorting in a closed room. Once they knocked, Lynx answered happily.

“Oh, hello!” Lynx greeted warmly. “I’m guessing things went well? I’m just trying to gather documentation if you’re wondering. Quicker we get this going, the quicker we can all rest easily.”

“Are you finding yourself drained easily?” Moon asked as a joke, but in truth, she was trying to gauge Lynx’s awareness.

“Yes!” Lynx practically shouted. “I wonder if I’m sick. It started so suddenly last week.”

“I think you may have a parasite, actually.” Moon placed a wingtalon under her chin in thought.

“… What?” Lynx raised a brow.

“She’s saying you’re pregnant.” Winter decided it was time to ruin Moon’s fun. She pouted, but really, it probably was better not to drag it out.

“Um… what?” Lynx repeated.

“I hear two minds in you.” Moon pointed toward Lynx’s stomach. “Very instinctual and basic. Trust me, I know exactly what I’m looking at.”

“I suppose you would know, huh… also, WHAT!?” Lynx shouted, putting extra emphasis on her third ‘what’. “I am?! I… wow. That’s… well, obviously, that makes sense but I didn’t plan on it! Oooh, I’m so excited!” She started squirming with excitement. “I need to tell Hailstorm! And - ” The excitement faded slightly. “And… Snowfall.”

“Why is that a bad thing?” Moon questioned.

“Because she’s in love with me and gave me up so the nobility wouldn’t attack us.” Lynx stated as if it were obvious. “I… well, I loved her, too.” She let out a small sigh. “It’s too late now, but I am afraid of hurting her. She has difficulty letting things go, as you might imagine. I’m honestly surprised she hasn’t come to me in the past and confessed.”

“She wouldn’t.” Winter stated matter-of-factly. “You know her well enough to know she never lets anyone in on anything like that unless prompted.”

“True, but I like to think I’m her closest confidant. I guess that’s why she didn’t.” Lynx sighed before shaking her head. “Still, this is happy news!” Lynx squirmed with bursting energy. “Can you tell if it’s a clutch? Twins? Or just one?”

“I only hear one right now.” Moon confirmed. “That doesn’t mean that there isn’t another, of course. They simply may not have strong urges yet. It happens.”

“I have to tell Hailstorm.” Lynx bounced up and down. “I’ll tell Snowfall later, though. Do you want to come with for Hailstorm? I swear his face will be priceless .”

“Absolutely. It’s very funny to see drake reactions.” Moon turned to Winter. “How about you?”

“Passes the time.” Winter smiled thinly.

“Oh, word of advice before you get too excited.” Moon nudged Lynx as they made their way to the barracks, located right outside the Ice Palace. “Dragonets want three things: Mommy, meat, and to be held. If you don’t do all of those things… they will ruin your life until they grow out of it.”

“Rain and SilkWings included on that meat part?” Lynx giggled.

“Well, no, but you have an IceWing brewing. Sandrunner didn’t care for the last part too much, but when he did, oh I had to drop everything.” Moon snickered back.

Hailstorm was in the back of the barracks, filling out a report on his elegantly carved desk. With him was Icicle, who was already standing up as if expecting them. Winter let out a small grimace at the notion. Moon didn’t know what happened with Winter’s sister, and didn’t want to pry, but it must be serious for him to act this way.

“Should I be concerned?” Hailstorm glanced up from his report.

“Oh, yes, most definitely.” Icicle grinned widely. With that helmet of hers on, it gave an uncomfortable eeriness.

“Depends. Do you like parasites?” Lynx strode up to his desk, leaning over it with her claws. Hailstorm glanced right at Winter as if he knew what was going on. He merely shrugged.

“Uh…” Hailstorm shifted. “No?”

“Well, you’ll love this one, because you’re the father.”

Silence. Hailstorm gently put down his quill, stood up, and just stared. Moon heard his thoughts sputter and stall multiple times as he tried to grasp what Lynx was saying. She felt a pang of hurt at watching this, as it reminded her of how Qibli reacted. The motormouth was completely shocked for an hour and walked around as if enchanted.

“… Parasite?” Hailstorm asked slowly. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“Moon called it that and it’s funny.”

“Oh. Okay. That makes sense.” Hailstorm sat back down.

“Does it?” Lynx raised a brow.

“Yeah.”

“And do you have any other reaction…?”

“No. Not yet.” Hailstorm continued to blink and stare off into space. “I’m still processing. Come back later.”

Lynx responded by bursting out laughing. “You’re going to be a father, no delays!”

“Hm, so we’re to be aunt and uncle,” Icicle said to Winter. “I do wonder how our dear cousin will take this. It’s not my place to tell her, though.”

“I think she’ll be happy.” Hailstorm didn’t seem to realize the unrequited love between Lynx and Snowfall, or he was optimistic. Icicle didn’t reply.

“Icicle,” Winter instead said. “Can we talk later?”

“Am I in trouble again?” Icicle frowned. “Disapproving of my actions?”

“I understand them now. I simply wanted to discuss it in detail.”

Icicle immediately whirled her head to Hailstorm, who was too busy staring at Lynx to notice. His tail was starting to tap on the floor with growing excitement, however.

“Very well. I will find you later, provided you are not with Moon.” Icicle responded neutrally. “I daresay that if I find myself to be aunt to two new parasites…” She trailed off, but Moon could tell that it wasn’t serious.

“I think we should leave them be.” Moon nudged Winter. “Hailstorm’s having a delayed reaction. And really, I think Lynx should savor the moment he comes to.”

No sooner did she, Icicle, and Winter leave did a loud yelp of joy erupt from Hailstorm. Moon looked back, a wide smile on her face that not even Darkstalker – should he appear – could wipe off.

***

The Sea Kingdom was nice this time of year, but really, that was to be expected. Anywhere was better than the biting cold of half the places Qibli ventured to. Jade Mountain was in the middle of winter, as was Sanctuary. Going through the Sky Kingdom and in the Mud on their way to the Sea wasn’t entirely pleasant either, but at least it was quick.

“No, Sunny, I’m not letting you cook on me!” Peril shouted as they approached the borders. “I have firescales but that doesn’t mean I’m a portable fireplace!”

“Aw, but why not? I’m sure you’d let Turtle if he asked nicely,” Sunny responded teasingly, tongue out and all.

“Difference is that I’m engaged to him and not you.” Peril narrowed her eyes back before they shifted to Qibli. “Would you let Qibli cook on you?”

“If I had firescales? Maybe. If he’s good.”

“I’m always good.” Qibli frowned, playing along with the teasing.

“Mhm.” Sunny winked back.

“What’s your definition of good, then?” Peril drifted closer as they approached a border patrol. A quick identification was all that was needed, as Anemone had apparently already let the guards know of their arrival.

“That’s a secret.” Sunny shrugged.

“Uh huh. Word of advice, males like straight-fowardness.” Peril stated.

“Oh, I’m very much aware, I’m just playing hard-to-get because it’s funny. And Qibli knows that I am.” Sunny shot him a wink.

“She’s having a bit too much fun for my liking, though.” Qibli tsked. “We’re supposed to be boring adults according to dragonets these days.”

“Ah yes, I remember now.” Sunny coughed and all of her joy faded into a blank stare. “Look at the rocks. They’re shiny. I must add them to my collection of stones. And only stones. No gems.” She spoke in complete monotone.

“Stones? Why not stuffy books and scrolls? Pull a Starflight.” Peril grinned widely.

“Ooo! How about history only? Driest materials.” Sunny returned the grin. “You didn’t grow up with him in a cave, but I swear if I hear any of those texts again, I’m going to rip my ears out.”

“Well… we are approaching the author of ‘The Lost Princess’.” Qibli flew above Sunny, fangs bared in a ‘cruel’ smile. “I could request Queen Coral to recite the story in a private session.”

“Absolutely not.” Sunny paled at the notion. “That’s not good behavior, Qibbles. That’s downright villainous!”

“I have no criteria for good behavior.”

“Fine, I’ll draft an outline later. Will that satisfy you?”

“Absolutely. I shall read it in fine detail and follow it to the letter!”

“Okay, Deathbringer.” Sunny rolled her eyes.

“It’s not my fault you’re acting like Glory.” Qibli retorted with a light elbow to her ribs.

“Is this what I was like with Turtle?” Peril eyed them as they crossed into the crystal clear waters. In the distance, they spied the Summer Palace reaching for the skies like a beautiful mountaintop. Below, Qibli noted SeaWings swimming around the warm waters. Some other tribes had joined them in the shallower shores.

Maybe it was his SandWing nature, but being around open bodies of water gave Qibli a tiny bit of anxiety.

“No, you were far worse.” Sunny scowled. “The only saving grace was that you kept the worst bits to your room.”

“Coulda been your desk.”

“If you had done that, I would have pulled a Tsunami and don’t you dare give me that look. I may not be as strong as her, but I have ways to make up for it.” Sunny’s face was deathly calm and Qibli found himself just a wee bit frightened. He’d seen how she was. Peril had to have before, but instead of being scared, only grinned wider.

“Okay, but seriously, I know it was… much , but consider that I went most of my life without touch and then you have a chance to do all of that romantic stuff.” Peril admitted with a small sigh.

“Oh, we all knew. Didn’t mean it wasn’t awkward for everyone.”

“I am the queen of awkward encounters. Just ask Turtle how we got together.”

“I was there, I know.” Qibli reminded her. “Who do you think encouraged him?”

“I was talking to Sunny you goob.” Peril eyed him.

“Goob? I’ve never heard you say that.”

“Turtle wrote it recently in one of his stories and it became my new favorite insult.”

They landed in the Summer Palace, and Qibli felt much better after flying over the open ocean. No thermals to keep him aloft there. Here? Well, it wasn’t home, but it was a place for him to put his claws on the ground.

The Summer Palace went under some renovations of late, it seemed. It partially expanded, with a whole new garden area of exotic plants. More guest rooms, too. Statues depicting historical SeaWings were erected, too. Qibli spied one of Tsunami, the ‘Lost Princess’. He strongly suspected that Anemone and Auklet were next in the construction, as Tsunami’s was very recent it seemed.

No Orca, though. After last time, nobody wanted to risk it. Made sense to omit her due to her controversial nature, too.

“Over here!” Someone called them. It wasn’t Anemone, but rather Auklet.

Auklet really took after Tsunami, with a more athletic build, but her face was much cheerier and less ‘I’m going to throw the next thing at someone in a berserker rage’. Her scales were meticulously kept, too, outside the scarring. Especially the one on her stomach. Qibli winced a bit internally, seeing that it was the reason why Auklet was… well, unable to meet Coral’s expectations.

The pirate that did this to her suffered the most painful death Coral ever inflicted that Qibli knew about.

“Hi Auklet!” Sunny greeted warmly.

“Anemone told me you all were coming, so I figured I’d be the one to greet you.” Auklet said happily. “She’s in the Underwater Palace, and I finished my training for the day.”

“We should spar.” Peril stood over the comparatively smaller SeaWing. “I need a good training partner because classes are starting soon and Tsunami won’t have time.”

“Clay?” Auklet raised a brow.

“Clay doesn’t like violence and I won’t force him to.”

“I guess if you can convince mother to let me leave the Sea Kingdom again I’ll swing by for a round or two.” Auklet patted her stomach. “Ever since that incident, I’ve only really been allowed to leave so long as I’m accompanied. I miss Tsunami and Turtle.”

“Well, I was asked to also let Anemone off the leash again. You know why, I’m certain,” Sunny whispered to Auklet.

“Ugh, don’t even get me started . It feels like every other day now that mother’s getting older.” Auklet shook her head with a heavy huff. “Never mind that she’s a grandma at least five times over, it’s only her daughters that matter. And Turtle, but, well…” Auklet gestured to Peril.

“Turtle doesn’t want any,” Peril said in such a way that Qibli caught a small inflection to her voice. He couldn’t tell if it was sorrowful or not.

“He doesn’t? Hm. Do you?” Auklet questioned. She had Tsunami’s bluntness, too, it seemed.

“Oh, look over there! Something to get me out of this conversation!” Peril completely avoided the question and ventured over to a garden. “A red shelled snail. Sky will love them.”

“I’m not getting involved.” Sunny nudged Qibli. “You don’t, either, unless you are asked.”

“Something tells us one of us will be.” Qibli muttered back.

“Most definitely, but this is something we can’t help with.”

“Do you want any?” Qibli asked in jest.

Sunny gave him furrowed glare. “I think Sandrunner will explode if you or Moon has another in his current mindset.”

“That’s not a nooooo…”

Sunny – rightfully – ignored him and followed Auklet into the inner palace. Peril trotted up after them after a moment, a contemplative look on her face that vanished as quickly as it came. Then, it turned to anticipation.

“Excited?” Qibli decided to make short conversation with her.

“To knock Chameleon’s head around a bit? Absolutely.” Peril grinned devilishly. “Part of me is happy that Turtle stayed back because he would so not approve of what I want to do.”

“I’m not sure Sunny would, either.”

“I can lock Sunny in a drawer with her size.”

Qibli snorted out a laugh but kept quiet.

The throne room was absolutely beautiful in its renovations. Coral had really made an effort to impress the other tribes, with an elegant throne carved from pearls. The floors shimmered like water and proved to be quite reflective, too. It was to the point where Qibli thought he was underwater from the way the reflections bounced off each other. Not to mention blue lamps that he had no idea could work.

This was nothing compared to the queen herself, of course. Coupled with the reflections, she was nearly blinding from how her ocean blue scales glimmered in its light. Oh, and how could he forget the jewels and pearls! Intimidating and beautiful were the words that Qibli would use to describe her, especially since she stood much taller than anyone else in the room. Strong enough to yank fangs from drakes and tear them limb from limb, Qibli had no desire to ever slight her.

In fact the only way he knew how to – outside the obvious – was to say anything negative about her stories. Only a SeaWing named Tuna was able to get away with it as far as Qibli knew and he hadn’t the faintest idea how.

“Oh, I didn’t realize we had guests.” Queen Coral looked up from her scroll.

“Did Anemone not tell you?” Auklet frowned.

Queen Coral also frowned but in thought. “Ah, yes, I recall now. Something about what happened in the Night Kingdom. She was rather vague about it.” Queen Coral’s eyes stared down at Qibli and Sunny. “I trust you have the details?”

It didn’t take long to get through the explanation. The only hiccup was Qibli recounting what happened to Sandrunner. The queen’s face softened at that and he caught her glancing at Auklet.

“This does explain Anemone’s haste to gather some guards,” Queen Coral said after they finished. “I understand the need to find someone responsible, and if what you are saying is true… well, I have heard many things about this Darkstalker. He groomed my daughter.” She snarled.

Qibli almost mentioned Whirlpool but Sunny stepped on his foot to stop him. Probably a good move.

“He did that to a lot.” Peril grumbled under her breath.

“Hard to believe he was technically six.” Qibli muttered back.

“I thought he was over two thousand.” Coral somehow heard them.

“Physically, yes. Mentally, no. Apparently he fell asleep at six so his mind never developed past that.”

“That certainly explains his poor planning.” Coral mused. “Regardless of his age, he corrupted my daughter, and I will never forgive him for that.” She looked at Qibli. “Just as I imagine you never will.”

“You got that right.” Qibli hissed out. Although Sandrunner was going to be fine – he hoped – the mental image of Moon cradling his bloodied body would never fade.

“Regardless, Anemone is in the Underwater Palace.” Coral gestured below. “Unless the other tribes learned to breathe, you will have to wait.”

“I’ll go fetch her.” Auklet volunteered.

“No, I’ll send a guard.” Coral immediately shot that down.

“I’m sure I can handle this on my own, mother.” Auklet scowled.

However, the order had been sent, and Auklet was left to do nothing. Qibli felt a large amount of sympathy for her. He didn’t dare say a thing in front of the queen, especially after she had given them permission to roam the Summer Palace, but he knew all too well what happens when you have so much training and nothing to use it on.

For now, it was decided to visit Tamarin, as doubtlessly Anemone would venture there at some point. From what Qibli heard, the blue and gold RainWing could smell a dragon from a mile away. He admittedly did not keep up much with Anemone since leaving the Rain Kingdom, and so had no idea if Tamarin’s abilities had grown.

From how Tamarin stood waiting in a field of flowers as if expecting them, Qibli was inclined to say they did.

Qibli could absolutely see what Anemone did in her, being lithe and snake-like these days. A tiara of flowers crowned her head and she wore traditional SeaWing jewelry in her fins. A necklace of pearls – likely from the queen’s personal stash – hung from her neck.

“It’s nice to hear you all again.” Tamarin greeted warmly. “Anemone kept me in the loop with what was going on. She’ll be back soon.”

“I have no idea how you can detect us over this ocean.” Peril crinkled her nose.

“You get used to it. And besides, I would recognize you anywhere, Peril. Fire and brimstone is hardly a normal scent here.”

Peril lifted a claw and smelled it then shrugged. “Matches me well.”

“Yes, I agree.” Tamarin giggled before sighing. “Peril, actually… I need to prepare you for something regarding Chameleon. We did find him, and Anemone is in the process of searching his home. Chameleon himself is under the guise of a SeaWing named Cyanea. It’s a type of octopus, before you ask.”

“Fitting.” Peril growled.

“But, when we discovered him, he was not doing shady dealings.” Tamarin let out a sigh. “No he’s… gone straight.” Tamarin gave her a sympathetic look. “He’s got a wife and a dragonet on the way. We didn’t find him as quickly as we expected due to that.”

Peril stiffened. Her colors paled to the point where she resembled Sky more than usual. “What?” She asked in a small voice.

“I wanted to prepare you rather than you being jumped by it.” Tamarin spoke soothingly.

“He thinks he can just… settle down!? No, no way, he’s corrupting his mate and his dragonet!” Peril snapped, face contorted into pure rage. “I won’t let him. She needs to know who he is! What he’s done!”

Before anyone could stop her, she flew off to the lower levels. With a glance to each other, the rest followed suit, if only to keep the damage minimal.

Chapter Text

“So, what have you learned?” Icicle asked Winter a few hours later.

Winter had taken a restful nap and was now wandering the halls of the Ice Palace, taking in the new sights. Many things remained unchanged, but more sculptures had decorated the hallways. Without an immediate crisis on his claws, he was better able to take in the sights and sounds of his old home.

He was just about to check the library when Icicle seemingly stepped from the shadows.

“Hailstorm told me everything.” Winter saw no point in beating around the bush. “I know why you are as you are.”

“And?” Icicle questioned.

“And take off that helmet so I can talk to you as you are rather than the dragon you are trying to be,” Winter said softly.

Icicle hesitated for a moment before obliging. Her face was hardened and emotionless yet her eyes conveyed a much different story. He did not know what she was feeling – not exactly. Yet he suspected part of her was relieved he knew the truth.

It was just a matter of getting her to stop acting like himself and be honest.

“I won’t tell you to stop this. You’ve clearly found a new purpose and I don’t want to dissuade you.” Winter continued after she removed the helmet. “I just… worry. I don’t want you to be so absorbed in your work that you neglect everyone around you.”

“Like you?” Icicle’s voice wasn’t pointed, which surprised him.

“Like me.” Winter nodded slowly. “I missed out on living because I was so absorbed in my world and occupation.”

“You didn’t watch the one you loved die.” Icicle stated bluntly. “I can never, ever let that happen again.”

“By sealing yourself off?”

“It’s worked so far.” Icicle shrugged. “Clearly, I’m to be punished for doing things out of love or compassion. So, I’ll stick to this.”

“What do you mean, punished?” Winter raised a brow.

“Everything I did at Jade Mountain was to rescue Hailstorm. Yes, I should have known better, and I was officially the lowest ranking IceWing when Snowfall shattered it.” Icicle bristled at her own words. “I recovered. I worked my way back. I loved someone… and he was ripped away. I’ll not risk a third time.”

“If that’s the case, you would not be doing what you are.” Winter decided to go for it. She shot him a questioning look. “You’re doing this to protect the queen, your cousin. Your actions contradict your words. If you did not feel compassion, you wouldn’t have become what you are now.”

“That is not what I meant.” Icicle’s fangs bared slightly.

“No, that is exactly what you meant. You just are afraid of admitting it.” Winter shook his head. “I’m not here to break this role of yours. I just want you to be honest with yourself. I get the need to be intimidating and powerful, but lying to yourself is not healthy. As you pointed out, I did it for years, and look where that got me.”

“No. This is different. I am protecting a queen, and I am administering justice to those who seek to harm.” Icicle’s fangs were fully bared now.

“And that requires a level of compassion.”

“How would you know?” Icicle asked pointedly. “For all you know, I could be doing this to get into fights and unleashing my own vengeance?”

“That’s entirely possible.” Winter conceded. Icicle regarded him with mild shock. “Yet, again, you did not become a vigilante or bounty hunter. You decided to stay close to someone you care about.” He let out a small chuckle. “Icicle, you are so much more than what you see yourself as. Put down the helmet and look in the mirror.”

Icicle said not a word, instead turning and marching away. Winter watched her go, knowing full well this was not the last time they’d discuss this. It may not be soon, but she’d come around. Much like he, she needed to figure herself out, and he was more than willing to give her the space.

For now, Winter made his way back to the entrance hall. Maybe he should wake Moon up so they could return to Sanctuary, as he wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay and watch the trial. Politics and whatnot never interested him. At least, not to this degree. Besides, every moment he waited, Darkstalker slipped away. He wasn’t entirely sure if him being here would draw the ghost’s attention, but did not want to risk it.

However, the arrival of someone else prevented him from approaching Moon over the idea.

The newcomer was a SandWing with a long, skinny neck and a youthful appearance that Winter knew betrayed her real age. If that wasn’t an identifiable enough appearance, it was most certainly the clamshell necklace around her neck. He did not expect to see the SandWing here, but now that he lay eyes upon here, did recall his cousin mentioning reaching out.

“Jerboa.” Winter approached the SandWing.

“Winter.” Jerboa nodded curtly. “Where’s Snowfall?”

“Unsure. But, she won’t be hard to find.”

“Good. I got her message and came as quickly as I could.” Jerboa went to move past Winter. “It’s good that you’re here, too. I needed to speak with you after the Night Kingdom fiasco.”

“You heard about that?” Winter followed Jerboa into the courtyard toward the throne room.

“I have.” Jerboa confirmed. “I have an object that detects animus spells and a scroll that answers whatever I ask. Imagine my surprise when I asked who cast the animus spells and it came back with Darkstalker.”

“So, animus was cast there.” Winter’s eyes narrowed.

“It was also cast here. I was coming whether or not Snowfall told me to at this point.” Jerboa stepped before the doors to the throne room. “From the lack of death and chaos, the plague was taken care of.”

“We still had a hoard of enchanted earrings.”

“Good.”

“What spells were cast at the Night Kingdom?”

“Well, isn’t that the funny little thing.” Jerboa opened the doors. Snowfall was on her throne, looking like she expected to see them. From the more neutral expression on her face, she hadn’t been told about Lynx’s pregnancy yet. Either that or she was really good at masking her emotions.

“You got my message.” Snowfall perked up.

“As I told Winter, I was coming anyway.” Jerboa glanced about. “Is this room secure?”

“Follow me.”

Snowfall led them to a chamber outside the throne room, where the three could talk more comfortably. Winter had half a mind to awaken Moon, but given everything she’d gone through, she needed the rest. He’d tell her after she woke up.

“Glad that you bothered to keep the earrings.” Jerboa told Snowfall.

“It wasn’t me who wanted to get rid of them,” Snowfall responded with a small huff.

“I’m aware. I’m saying I’m glad you didn’t follow that mindset.” Jerboa responded. “Now, on to more pressing matters. Darkstalker created the plague here, but interestingly, he did not attack anyone other than this Glace. Why?”

“He wanted to kick the NightWings out of the Ice Kingdom.” Snowfall explained with brevity.

“Right. That plague would have indeed spread if certain conditions were met. Here’s the interesting part.” Jerboa put down a scroll on the table. “The spell was not powerful compared to the previous plague. Yes, it is deadly. Yes, it would have ravaged the kingdom. However, dragons died immediately from the plague. Glace did not. There was no specification.”

“Makes sense.” Winter frowned in thought. “If he was as powerful as he was back then, the Night Kingdom would have went much differently.”

“Yes, about that.” Jerboa said as writing scrawled itself on her scroll. “Look here. The spell that was cast there did not call for a phantom to emerge. No, it summoned two animus objects. One to create projections, another to snuff out candles.”

“Yes, we suspected that,” Winter spoke again.

“Then you are missing the obvious.” Jerboa gave him a deadpan look. “Look at who cast the spell.” Winter did so, noting that Darkstalker was the one who cast it. Made sense. He shot her a questioning look. “By the moons, you cannot be this thick.”

“You’re awfully snappy today, Boa.” Snowfall mused.

“I’m snappy because the situation is far worse than anyone is thinking.” Jerboa sucked in a deep breath and shook her head. “Darkstalker is hiding right in front of us. He’s in the body of a dragon, via reincarnation or possession, and we don’t know what one .”

Winter paled. “Wait, he’s potentially any random dragon?”

“Yes!” Jerboa sounded very relieved. “He’s not in his main body; it’s impossible. But his soul is still locked to this world, and I have absolutely no idea who it is because the clever bastard warded himself.”

“… How’d he do that?” Snowfall questioned before Winter could.

“A flaw of this scroll is that if an animus object is used as a conduit or does what it is supposed to do, it won’t show up. Meaning he very well could have used said object or parchment to ward himself.” Jerboa glared at the scroll. “Now, there’s something else I wanted to bring up while we’re on this subject.”

Jerboa cleared her throat and asked the scroll something Winter did not expect:

“Show me spells cast at Jade Mountain Academy in the past three years.”

To Winter’s great surprise – and horror – one did show. A memory altering one. The specifics were not written, and the caster had their name scratched out.

“It’s Darkstalker.” Snowfall murmured. “It has to be.”

“Yes, I am beginning to think so as well. I ventured to Jade Mountain immediately after, and I indeed felt animus magic. It is an unnatural chill in the air, and I pinpointed it to Turtle and Peril’s room.” Jerboa nodded curtly. “Turtle was an animus. I thought it to be him regaining his powers initially. Yet, he did not. I could not ask around because I did not wish to tip off the caster. So, I waited until something similar showed itself. It never did, and then Darkstalker shows up again.”

“But why memory altering?” Winter questioned. “Wouldn’t he just… kill Turtle? I remember him describing the unbridled rage he felt toward the SeaWing.”

“I have no idea.” Jerboa hissed out. “Regardless, this is the information I have.”

“Sandrunner.”

Moon’s voice was barely a whisper. All eyes turned to her as she stood, stricken and mortified. She must have had another vision to find them so easily.

“He acted so differently the last few days of the Academy. Didn’t seem to recognize his own friends or anyone outside the staff. Something was off in his mind and I didn’t know what.” She continued. “He saw it. He saw what was happening in that room and was hit by the spell.”

“Was Sandrunner, Moonwatcher’s son, enchanted to lose his memory?” Jerboa asked the scroll. To their horror, a large ‘YES’ scrawled itself upon the page.“Who caused him to lose his memory?” Jerboa demanded of the scroll.

The same scratched out name appeared on the scroll. It was all the confirmation they needed.

“Darkstalker enchanted my son all the way back then.” Moon’s fangs bared. “I’m going back to Sanctuary. Thanks for the hospitality, Queen Snowfall.”

“Go.” Snowfall ushered them out. “I’ll handle things here.

“I’ll be joining you after I head home. I may have an object that could restore memories. If not, something else may be useful.” Jerboa told them. There was no room for saying ‘no’, even if Winter wanted to.

With that, she vanished with a small ‘Pop!’

“That’s why he wanted to kill Sandrunner.” Moon hissed out, eyes slitted. “Sandrunner saw who he was hiding as.”

“Yes, it does seem the case.” Winter agreed readily. “We should be there in two days if we leave now. Do you want to contact him via Dreamvisitor?”

“No. I’m not giving any chance that Darkstalker may be listening in on his dreams. I will, however, contact Qibli tonight.” Moon spread her starry wings. “Let’s go.”

***

Sunny expected Peril to fly off the handle. Anyone who knew Peril could tell she would. What Sunny did not anticipate, however, was what Auklet revealed. Chameleon, settling down? Well, anyone could change, that was true.

“Peril!” Sunny attempted to catch up to the streaking fireball before her. “Stop!”

“No!” Peril shouted back. “I have to see this for myself!”

“You’re not going there to see, you’re going there to burn his life down!” Qibli shouted after her. Sunny winced. Wrong thing to say, no matter how true it was.

“So what if I am!?” Peril spat back and accelerated her pace.

Peril swooped and landed on the platform, skidding loudly on her talons as some of the guards leaped up in surprise. Steam all but exuded from her scales despite the enchanted bracer keeping her firescales at bay. It was only when Auklet and Tamarin landed a moment later did they calm, but by that point, Peril was up in their face demanding to be let in.

“Peril, calm yourself.” Auklet did not shout, but her voice carried enough weight to give pause. “You are an honored guest, but if you do not act accordingly, this will be rescinded until you do.”

Peril glared but did not continue her advances.

“If I give the guards permission to let you in, can I trust you to restrain yourself?” Auklet asked her.

“Yes,” Peril answered begrudgingly.

Sunny couldn’t help but wonder if she’d react this way if Turtle was here. If not, this was going to be a massive problem. It was a trend she noted where half of the dragons she knew were unstable – abet in different ways – without someone there. Peril, Moon, and yes even Qibli was a part of that.

Really, the only ones who weren’t were herself and Winter. Perhaps she was reading too far into it, but it was a tad worrisome in the codependency department. She had no doubts Qibli could handle himself, and right now he had every right to be unstable, but Sunny worried what would happen if she had to separate.

That wasn’t even getting to his son… and potentially her future stepson.

Where did that thought come from?

Inside the holding area was a bright blue SeaWing that, dare Sunny admit, was quite handsome. Yet those ocean blue eyes of his were most certainly Chameleon’s. They held wariness and a hint of deception. But as Sunny looked more, she noted something else; bravery and conviction. Something he never had.

Even when face to face with his smoldering daughter, his stance barely shifted. Before, he would cower and beg for forgiveness.

Maybe it had something to do with a rare, lightly purple SeaWing right outside his holding cell. She was gorgeous as well. Not royalty, but Sunny did wonder if she was a descendant of Indigo. Nobody knew where the coloration came from, but her line did have the purple trait.

“So, this is where you ended up.” Peril all but sneered as she approached the bars. “A fitting place, Cyanea .”

“Peril, whatever you may think of me, I am not the same dragon as I was before.” Chameleon responded. His voice wavered, but he sounded much calmer than ever before. “I really have reformed my life.”

“I don’t believe you.” Peril said flatly. “You said that so many times in the past. And now you conned an unsuspecting dragon into mating with you again .”

“I didn’t con her.” Chameleon frowned.

“I know his real name is Chameleon.” The dragon in question spoke up. Peril whipped her head away from her father to stare. “And my name is Morgana.”

“Oh, another illusion name, fitting.” Peril grumbled. Sunny nudged her at that while gesturing to the others that she had everything under control. Using force or demands for Peril would not work. No, a more gentle - yet firm - nature was needed, and Sunny had ample amounts of that.

“Leave her out of it!” Chameleon snapped. He seemed to astound himself from this action. “She knows, Peril. I didn’t lie to her. I told her everything. Yet, she stayed with me anyway. I don’t deserve her, and I won’t let you belittle her.”

“Everything?” Peril snarled.

“Everything.” Morgana repeated as she moved to stand as close as she could to Chameleon. “Including you and Sky.”

“Then why !?” Peril refocused on her. “Why would you ever want to be associated with him!?”

“Because deep down, there was a dragon who wanted to be accepted and loved. Once he was shown that, he transformed himself literally and figuratively.” Morgana did not raise her voice. “I saw it the moment I met him wandering the Sea Kingdom like a lost dragonet.”

“Then you are a naïve fool.”

“And that is why he never reached out to you and Sky.” Morgana stated simply. “He wanted to. Yet he was afraid you’d do exactly what you are doing now.”

“Do you blame me?!” Peril hissed out.

“No. But I’m also not going to let you near him in this state.”

“You can’t stop me.” Peril chuckled lowly.

“Peril!” Sunny hopped on her back and gently wrapped her claws around her neck. “Why don’t we take a small break? Let Qibli take over, huh?”

“No. Not until I’m done.” Peril spat back.

“You are done.” Sunny stated firmly before leaning in to whisper. “Look at where I’m standing.”

Peril’s eyes drifted back, noting that Sunny’s feet were placed perfectly between her shoulders on the spine. A dragon’s weak point was right there, or at least one. It took strength or skill – usually both – to incapacitate a dragon by putting pressure on the area, but Sunny had learned that her small frame allowed her to wiggle right in. Meaning if she snapped her claws outward and brought her tail down, she could temporarily take out the arms and wings.

“ Fine .” Peril hissed hotly. “I need a drink.”

“Not a great idea either.” Sunny did not hop off her as the SkyWing stalked out. “Now, you want to tell me what’s really bothering you?” She asked once they cleared the guards.

“What do you mean?” Peril glared.

“You’re usually cocky and snarky around your father. Putting him down, yes, but you were downright cruel. Taking it out on Morgana, too.” Sunny adjusted her body so she was more laying atop the SkyWing rather than holding her hostage. It was still enough to tell Peril she wasn’t going anywhere. “This isn’t like you at all.”

“She deserves to see him for what he is.” Peril hissed again. “Now, get off my back. Figuratively and literally.”

“Either I stay on your back or I get someone who will restrain you. I like to think I’m the much nicer option.” Sunny half bluffed. Truthfully, she really wouldn’t get someone to restrain her. Peril was not someone she liked to threaten, but sometimes, it was the only way to get anything out of the SkyWing. Besides, Sunny and her were good friends… as far as she knew, anyway.

“ Fine .” Peril grumped loudly. “Why does he get to have a family and I don’t!?”

“What?” Sunny raised a brow.

“He gets to get married and have a dragonet that he’ll love and cherish and I am stuck having lived hell from Scarlet and don’t get anyone to dote on!” Peril nearly shouted. “Why does he get a happy ending!?”

“You… want a dragonet?” Sunny decided to pick this apart by chunks, starting with the most surprising part.

“Yes!” Peril snapped back. “I want a long, happy life with Turtle and dragonets make that happen!”

Oh . That’s what this was about.

“You don’t need dragonets to make yourself happy,” Sunny spoke softly. “I don’t have any, and I am very content with my life. Look at Tsunami and Riptide, too.”

“But everyone has them or is talking about it!” Peril lay down in a secluded corner. Sunny hopped off her at this point, sitting beside her. “I can’t even talk with Turtle about it before he goes pufferfish mode and floats away from the conversation!”

Sunny had no idea what pufferfish mode was but had an idea now. “Did you jump him with it like this or… ?”

“Well, yes, I have to.” Peril nodded.

“Turtle’s a nervous dragon and dragonets are a huge responsibility. He probably doesn’t know how to respond.”

“I get that! I know him more than he thinks I do. I know I’m not the most subtle or understanding emotionally, but I know him.” Her eyes lidded with downcast emotion. “Our relationship is great. I would never trade it. But I just want him to talk to me about it rather than running.”

“Did you explain to him what you just told me?”

“Yes!”

“And did you ever listen to him when he tried to respond?” Sunny asked without any hostility. Peril went quiet when she tried to speak. “Maybe that’s why he drifts away.”

“… Maybe. I have a hard time being told no.” Peril admitted. “I’m trying to be better, I swear.”

“We all know.” Sunny patted her shoulder comfortingly. “But, other than thinking it’s how happy families are… do you want dragonets?”

“… No,” Peril answered smally. “I just… that’s what relationships are, right? You get a consort and there’s an egg somewhere in it, adopted or not.”

“No, Peril, that’s not how it works. Not all the time.” Sunny let out a deep sigh, hating herself for what she was going to say next. “Qibli and Moon split up, and they had Sandrunner.”

That gave Peril a small pause. “I guess.”

“I don’t plan on having any. Honestly, I think if I was with egg, it’d probably make my stomach touch the ground.” Sunny tried to joke. Peril smiled tautly.  “Did you speak with Fatespeaker about this? She is a professional therapist.”

“I wanted to, but she was pregnant and well, kinda reinforced my whole perception.”

“Speak to her when you go back. Yank Turtle along. You two need to clear the air about this.”

“… But that doesn’t really explain why Chameleon gets to have a happy ending. He left Sky and I.” Tears glimmered in her eyes. “I never knew what it was like to have any real parents. So why does my now half sibling get this? What did Sky and I do wrong to deserve this? It’s not fair, Sunny. It’s not fair .”

“You didn’t do anything. But like you, he turned from a monster into someone who found someone to love. Morgana even said he wanted to reach out to you.” Sunny pointed out. “I’m not going to tell you what to do. That’s all up to you. But if he’s genuine, it may be worth hearing him out. It will never fix what he did, but dragons change every day. Maybe it’s me wanting to see the best in them, but if I didn’t, I never would’ve befriended you.”

“You’re right, it won’t fix what he did.” Peril slowly stood up. “I need to be alone.”

“Alright. You know where to find us.”

“I do.” Peril nodded. “And… thank you. I have a lot to think about now.”

“Anytime, Peril.”

Chapter Text

Once more Sandrunner was back in the dream version of Jade Mountain. Things had not changed since the last time he was here. Featureless dragons, half formed hallways, locked doors as far as the eye could see. The particular repulsion coming from Turtle and Peril’s room remained, too

And so, Sandrunner avoided it. It’d have to be the last thing he encountered.

“You’re still missing half your memories,” Duskweaver said from next to him. “It’s like someone took your brain and scrambled it!”

“Which is strange, as my head was the one thing that wasn’t hit in the ambush.” Sandrunner muttered, walking down the other side of Jade Mountain than last time. Here, things had become more hazy and, dare he say, sinister. Like a thick fog had rolled in and began to blur the paths.

“Traumatic injuries can still affect the brain,” Duskweaver said. “I’m no doctor, but I have enough experience in the healer huts to become one.”

“You’re tending to me.”

“Well… this is a special occasion,” She answered slyly. Before Sandrunner could respond, she held up a starry wing. “But, I… don’t know if going this way right now would be a good idea. I’m not getting a good feeling from what’s up ahead.”

“What do you mean?” Sandrunner was suddenly on edge.

“They’re looking at you. Not at me, at you .” Duskweaver pointed at the featureless dragons that now stood eerily still. Like statues or marionettes.

“They’re not blocking us like last time.” Sandrunner continued on. It made his scales crawl with how they seemed to rotate without moving any part of their body to keep an eye on him.

“No.. I’m not sure why. But they’re not happy. Lest we forget, this is the unconscious part of your mind. You may think you’re in control, but they will kick you out to protect itself.”

“All the more reason why I have to face what’s in there.” Sandrunner stood up straighter. “I can’t run anymore.”

“Alright. I’m with you.” Duskweaver squeezed his wingtalon with her own. She didn’t let go, and he didn’t tell her to. Locked together, they ventured further into the thick fog.

With each passing step, the hallways grew longer and twisted into a maze. A maze that no matter how much they turned around, they could not exit. And around each corner, one of the featureless dragons waited. They did nothing to stop their passing, but the sensation of being watched never left.

No doors or anything to break the monotony of straight passages. He wasn’t sure where he was. If he could find his way back. Yet, Duskweaver never let him go. She was worried but didn’t stop him.

A savage roar followed by another bellowed through the halls. All of the statue-like dragons instead faced the direction from which it came. The roars shook Sandrunner’s very ribs as terror crawled through them. There was something very familiar about the roars…

“I think we should leave.” Duskweaver suggested, squeezing his wing talon tighter.

“How do we get out?” Sandrunner asked her.

“I… well, I have an anchor. However, this maze and fog… I don’t know how to get back. I can feel it. But, we’re a distance.” Duskweaver looked behind them. “If we go back the way we came I should be able to pull us back.”

“Do you remember the way?” Sandrunner questioned.

“Well, someone has to be the smart one here.” Duskweaver winked as she pulled him away from where the roar came from. “See those tiny nicks in the wall? Tail spines.”

“That… won’t cause any damage to my mind, right?”

“Nope! It’s simply bookmarking.”

Another roar. It was closer this time. Sandrunner all but yanked Duskweaver’s wing out of her socket from how fast he bolted.

He felt like a dragonet. A scared, frightened little dragonet who was cowering from a terrible monster. He should have been ashamed. This was his mind and not real . Yet the creeping terror that followed them as they bolted through the fog and past the statue-like dragons continued to climb into his heart.

“Why here?” Sandrunner asked her. “What is happening here? Why is my mind like this?”

“When we get out, I’ll share my theory.” Duskweaver reassured him.

Nodding, Sandrunner continued to follow. The fog began to lift. The dragons began walking around normally even if some continued to stare.

And then another roar, this time from right behind them, shook the very walls. Sandrunner turned to look. He shouldn’t have. But, he had to. He had to see the creature that was tormenting him.

It was a malformed, disgusting mess of a dragon that looked like two had fused together. Two heads trying to separate from each other, biting and roaring at each other in a vicious display. Both sides were contrasting colors of sand and night. The creature’s very legs were far apart as if also trying to crawl away from the other side.

In the center, a massive split that spilled blackened fluid that intensified from their splitting. Yet, sinew and organ kept mashing them together.

And then, just as the creature continued to creep into view, Sandrunner was awake.

He didn’t realize it at first, of course. One moment, he was staring at a monstrosity, the next at the ceiling. He thought it to be a dream within a dream, but Duskweaver’s face came into view seconds later. The rapid thumping in his chest from terror felt too real to be a dream, too.

“Are you okay?” She asked him worriedly.

“No!” Sandrunner snapped lowly, forcing himself out of the bed. He’d forgotten that he had no stilts on and smashed into the floor. The physical pain was the final part of proving this was reality, at least.

He was able to push himself upright, but his legs dragged. He couldn’t walk as he did in the dream.

“That creature…” Duskweaver assisted him in standing. “I think it was -”

“It’s painfully obvious what it represents.” Sandrunner snarled. “It’s my parents. It’s everything I saw them as growing up.”

“… Yes, I suppose it was obvious.” Duskweaver nodded slowly. “But no less dangerous. That’s every bit of trauma amalgamated into one and if it overwhelms you, I may not be able to pull you out.” A pause. “We shouldn’t go back for a while. You’re thinking about it consciousnessly, which means that creature will be invading the ‘safe’ parts of your mind.”

“You seem to know a lot about this.” Sandrunner eyed her.

“I really don’t. But I am observant when it comes to mental problems. You started thinking about it unconsciously, and it followed you out.”

Sandrunner went quiet. The roar of the beast was just like how his parents sounded. The viciousness of their worst fights all encapsulated into one horrible noise.

“Deep breaths, Sandrunner.” Duskweaver, pressed her forehead to his. “Close your eyes and repeat after me.” Sandrunner did as asked, following her breathing until his heart began to slow. “Good. Now, if I go get some water for you, will you be okay?”

“Yes.” Sandrunner nodded slowly. “I’m not that needy.” He added with a small smile.

“It’s not about being needy.” She gave him a pointed look accompanied by a frown. “Anyway, I’ll be right back. You’re as pale as an IceWing right now.”

“… Don’t take too long,” Sandrunner whispered as she left more to himself. Yet, her frills twitched; she heard. Somehow.

Right now, he was glad that his parents weren’t here. He doubted he could look them in the eye. And knowing his mother, she’d want to jump right in to fix his mind. He didn’t want her seeing that.

But… something told him that she’d do it anyway.

And he wasn’t sure if he could handle the fallout.

***

“So uh, you really went straight with all of this?” Qibli asked Chameleon.

It’d been a moment since Sunny guided Peril out, and it was prudent to let things calm down a bit before continuing. Chameleon was on edge, Morgana also in distress. If Qibli was going to get anything done, it wouldn’t be with them like that.

“Yes.” Chameleon snapped.

“Right… okay. Okay. Say I believe you on all of this, why the Sea Kingdom?” Qibli decided to ask. Figure out why he was here instead of the Sand Kingdom.

“Because I have zero desire to ever return to the Sand Kingdom ever again,” Chameleon answered flatly. “That place is a warzone and I have no idea how anything gets done even with Vulture gone. And besides, I couldn’t go back even if I wanted to.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because the Sea Scroll is all I have left.” Chameleon let out a small sigh. “After I settled down, I went to retrieve some of my stuff. When I was there, someone ambushed me. It must have been a RainWing because I had no warning. Before I had any time to react, they took my scroll and vanished. This was about a year and a half ago, give or take a month.”

Qibli squinted slightly. A piece of Darkstalker’s scroll was out in the wind. The culprit was unknown, too. A RainWing, though? Why would a RainWing… no, wait, Chameleon himself was an example of someone who would want that. But that just made everything harder.

“Did you catch a glimpse of anything?” Qibli instead asked. “I know RainWings change their scales and all, but any features? Shape?”

“Small, I know that. Whoever it was, they were careful not to use any breath attacks or venom. I want to say it’s a RainWing, but really, hell if I know.” Chameleon shrugged his wings. “I have no idea how they knew where I was going and what I had. They were waiting, I know that.”

So, not much to go on. But, it was something. They knew how the scroll fragments got into the lockets. And this was a year and a half ago. There must be something there. Or else why wait? Why would the attacker not use the scroll before now?

He’d have to double check with Moon after this. See what she found in the Ice Kingdom.

“He’s innocent.” A new dragon came into the prison. Teal scales accented with pink frills and wings. Jewelry that glinted in the smallest of lights. A noble, regal posture that only SeaWing royalty could pull off. Qibli couldn’t help but smile a bit when he saw her.

“Hey Anemone!” Qibli greeted warmly.

She offered a warm smile in turn before opening the door to Chameleon’s cell. “I would still recommend you cooperate,” Anemone said to Chameleon. “Cyanea may not be on our list, but you still are. I haven’t told my mother about you.”

That was probably one of the biggest threats Qibli had ever heard the SeaWing princess utter.

“And what, if I don’t cooperate, I’ll be sentenced to your mother?” Chameleon went and stood next to Morgana. “I’ve done bad things, but don’t you dare bring in my wife. I could have edited that scroll any time I wanted to.”

And that was another threat. How different Chameleon was when around his wife. Not unlike how Qibli was around Moon and now Sunny.

“Relax.” Qibli interjected. “Maybe it’s my time in the Scorpion Den, but we had a whole bunch of bad people wanting to turn their lives around there. If he’s real and honest, then bullying him may just make it worse for all of us.”

Anemone glanced at him before speaking. “I suppose. Doesn’t mean I’m going to forgive him for everything.”

“Don’t gotta. I work with my mother and I sure won’t ever be forgiving her.”

“I am genuinely surprised she didn’t kill me.” Chameleon chuckled nervously.

“So am I.” Qibli muttered under his breath. “Anemone, they got an egg on the way. Whatever you think of Chameleon, don’t punish Morgana or their dragonet.”

“I just said I wasn’t going to. Stop being annoying and virtuous.” Anemone scowled at him.

“It’s all I have left.” Qibli playfully puffed his chest out. Anemone shook her head with exasperation.

“Don’t go too far that we can’t reach you. Who knows if you’ll be targeted by this cult somehow.” Auklet warned Chameleon, who nodded and left with Morgana. “Still can’t believe we’re just letting him go.”

“He’s paid in blood for his crimes. His original family hates him. He knows that if he turns back into a RainWing, Glory will kill him. There isn’t much more we can do outside of execution, but for Morgana’s sake and their dragonet, I won’t tell mother about him.” Anemone motioned for them to step out of the holding area.

“ Queen Glory.” Qibli interjected playfully.

“By the seas, were you ever this annoying? It’s been two years and I feel like I must build up my resistance again,” Anemone said, but she had a growing smile. Especially after Tamarin bumped her nose with hers.

“Oh I daresay you’ll be seeing quite a bit of me.” Qibli grinned. “Not just because of Darkstalker being back, but we’ve all missed you. You’re an honorary Jade Winglet member!”

“I really should have visited more, huh?” Anemone’s smile fell slightly. “Things haven’t quite calmed here. I won’t bore you with the details.”

“Overbearing mother wants an heir despite having dozens of grand-dragonets from her sons?”

“Yes, that’s part of it.” Anemone notably bristled. “Mostly, though, it’s politics. I’m pretty much going to be the successor to the throne. Especially since Tsunami and Auklet don’t want it.”

“She wouldn’t dare let me on the throne, you mean.” Auklet gave her a sardonic stare. “Tsunami, though… yes, that is a lost cause, I agree.”

“Anyway, can you fill me in on what’s happening?” Anemone asked Qibli. “All I got was ‘Darkstalker’s back, find Chameleon’.”

After a moment, they went someplace private for Qibli to explain. Along the way, they picked up Peril and Sunny again, the former seeming much more calm. Sad and distressed, but no longer threatening to burn down the whole kingdom to kill her father. Sunny whispered that she took care of it, and Qibli didn’t pry.

With no point in hiding it from Tamarin and Auklet, Qibli explained what happened from the start. Winter was back, Sunny was his girlfriend, so on. And then he brought up the Night Kingdom fiasco and how everything went to hell right after. Speaking about Sandrunner still threatened to set him off. He needed to check in on him ASAP.

Sunny offered to take over at that point, and he let her. He needed to clear his mind, and stepped out onto the balcony and felt the cool ocean air. The watery depths were so clear, with not an ink blot in sight. Yet, the further he looked out, the more murky they became.

“I could make him suffer.”

The sentence was the only warning Qibli got before a spectre of Darkstalker rose from the waves and up to him. Time itself seemed to slow around the shadowy dragon, locking Qibli into speaking with him. Despite this, he tried to call for Sunny, only for his words to fall on deaf ears.

He was closed off.

“Come now Qibli, let’s not involve the others.” Darkstalker tutted. “What I have to say is for your ears alone.”

“You tried to kill my son. I don’t care what you have to say.” Qibli snarled back.

“Yes, I did. But I decided to keep him alive. He’s got quite a fascinating mind, before he kicked me out.”  Darkstalker lay on the balcony on his side, head lifted and arms folded. Very much a seductive pose that Qibli wasn’t sure what was being accomplished by.

“Oh, well, thank you for deciding to not kill my son,” Qibli answered with venomous sarcasm. “Clearly, I can’t leave, so what do you want?”

“Like I said, I could make Chameleon suffer. He did do a lot of awful things. Does he really deserve that happy ending you sprouted?” Darkstalker tilted his head questioningly. “Or does he deserve exactly what he inflicted onto others?”

“I think anyone has the right to try and turn things around,” Qibli answered diplomatically. He had to keep his voice neutral. Any inflection and Darkstalker would use it. “Doesn’t mean we have to forgive them, as I said earlier. I know you were listening.”

“Huh. Well, that’s interesting, because none of you were willing to give me that chance.” Darkstalker leaned forward. “You showed me my soul and then put me away in a fate worse than death. That’s not very ‘right to try’ of you.”

“You couldn’t be trusted. You could snap your talons and end the world.”

“Then you should have simply taken my powers. Or killed me.” Darkstalker shook his head. “Didn’t give Vulture that chance, either.”

“He kept shutting them down and at that point there’s only one option left.” Qibli replied.

“Mmm, I suppose there is truth to that. Does not change what you and your winglet did to me.”

“What do you want me to say? I’m sorry?” Qibli couldn’t help but ask. “We both know that you won’t accept it.”

“You’re right. I simply wish for you to be painfully aware of your own hypocrisy.” Darkstalker chuckled lowly. “You’re not heroes. You destroyed your own son’s life when you had the chance to leave any time you wanted to and stay. Honestly, it really could be considered your fault that he’s so screwed up. Then again, his mind wouldn’t be so fascinating if you didn’t…”

That snapped something inside of Qibli. He quivered from rage and almost lashed out at Darkstalker. Yet, even he knew that it wouldn’t do much. And, worst of all, if he did that… he’d be playing right into Darkstalker’s claw.

Yet, that accusation stung.

Because it wasn’t one…

“Maybe I could take care of him. A little mutt in a broken home in a place that he doesn’t belong… he and I have a lot of common ground,” Darkstalker said wistfully. “After I come back, I think I may do just that.”

“Your version of caring is gaslighting until someone is entirely dependent on you. He’d never accept it and if you enchanted him…”

“I did already. He’s seen something he wasn’t supposed to, but you may want to ask Moon about that. Granted, she may be a little busy with your ex bestie and all… he’s been a bit rough with her, if you catch my drift.” Darkstalker’s grin split from ear to ear. Another blade stabbed at Qibli.

“Is this all you’re going to resort to? Taunting?” Qibli didn’t know how he kept himself still. His fangs bared. Claws dug into the balcony. He was coiled up like a spring, ready to lash out at anything near.

“It’s all I have right now. Unless you want to teach me how to be a good little boy.” He gave him wide, almost dragonet-like eyes with a pouty frown. “No? Well, alright. Think about my offer, though, because what I am offering you is a much kinder fate than what I’ll do when I get back. And make no mistake, The Blackest Night is coming. But for now… ta-ta, my little hypocrite.”

Darkstalker vanished and time seemed to flow once more. Either that or Qibli became more aware of his surroundings. Either way, Qibli sagged against the wall from exhaustion, attempting to calm his beating heart.

Darkstalker was trying to hurt him, and dammit, he succeeded. He knew just where to direct his poisonous words, pouring them into his ear until he heard nothing else. If Qibli had stayed in the Rainforest, or moved to Jade Mountain… maybe things would have been better.

But he was loyal.

Yet how could he consider himself loyal when he let his duty come before his own family? Thorn told him multiple times to go. She never forced it, but he could tell that she was trying to shove him to the door. Not as a goodbye, but as a ‘go to your family, idiot’.

And what did Qibli do? Smile and say no way.

And now Moon went right for Winter as he thought she would. Their marriage was over, and he knew she’d find someone else… but it still hurt. Their former best friend? She couldn’t have fallen in love with him so quickly.

Or did she always love him and was looking for a way to be with him all this time?

No, he wouldn’t think that. He wouldn’t think ill of them. Darkstalker was lying. There was absolutely no way that Moon would go for it. It was even truer for Winter.

It was just an attempt to get in his head, and he buried it in the sands of his mind. Besides, he had to get back to it all. He’d tell Sunny about what transpired later. He didn’t want the whole Sea Kingdom on high alert for a ghost dragon.

The faster he finished here, the faster he could contact Moon via dreamvisitor.

***

It was midnight when Moon finally got in contact with Qibli. She and Winter had flown as far as they could before their wings burned for respite. Once they found a cave to take shelter in, Moon immediately reached out to Qibli.

Thankfully, he was already waiting for her in a liminal, hazy landscape.

“We need to talk,” They both said in unison.

“You first.” Qibli gestured for her to start.

“Darkstalker enchanted our son.” Moon came right out and said it. “Jerboa showed up in the Ice Kingdom and confirmed it. She said Darkstalker was hiding in another dragon’s body and there was an enchantment cast upon Sandrunner to make him forget. That’s why he was so weird at the end of his time there.”

“Darkstalker just showed up to me and said he did something. I guess that was it.” Qibli hissed. “He also wants to ‘take care of him’ when he comes back. As in take him under his wing, just like he wanted to do to me.”

“Funny how he changed his mind, considering he just tried to have him assassinated.” Moon glowered at the churning shadows around them. “He’s been busy in the Ice Kingdom, too. He just tried to create a tribe war by using a weaker version of his plague. Luckily, we stopped it, but once things start rumbling…”

“Trust me, I know. Sand Kingdom’s been like that as far as I’ve been alive.” Qibli shook his head, ruffling his wings. “On our end, we figured out that someone mugged Chameleon and took his SandWing scroll. So, he’s stuck as a SeaWing, and we know what was used for the original paper.”

“Chameleon’s not involved?” Moon cocked her head, confused.

“Nope. He’s got hitched and has an egg on the way with a very pretty SeaWing who knows everything about him. I think if he was up to something, she wouldn’t stand for it.” Qibli chuckled quietly. “I’m not sure about him getting a happy ending and all… but he’s out of our scales for now.”

“Then we need to get Sandrunner to remember what he saw. Duskweaver and I managed to awaken him, we could potentially break through.”

“She was doing something with him and the Dreamvisitor from what I gathered. No idea what. Biggest concern is convincing Sandrunner to let you into his mind.”

“Why me?” Moon’s eyes slanted. “Duskweaver can clearly enter.”

“You’re his mother. It’s like walking into his room and finding something embarrassing. It’s more flustering if it’s a girl you like.” Qibli explained with a stifled laugh.

“Whatever thoughts he has, I guarantee you I’ve seen worse.” Moon said flatly.

“Yeah, I know, but tell that to Sandrunner. I know I’d be mortified if Thorn was let in. Love her, but yeesh…”

“Fine. I’ll figure out a way to convince him then. Or you can, since you are both males and seem to share a wavelength on this nonsense.”

“I can try but I won’t force him. We both know how he is.”

“Unfortunately.” Moon paused for a moment. “How are you doing with all of this?” She asked in a more gentle tone.

“Honestly? Not good.” Qibli’s cheer slowly evaporated. “I’m managing, that’s for sure. What about you?”

“Not good, either.” She admitted. “I… acted rash many times. I’m still acting out of anger and resentment.”

Qibli looked like he wanted to ask her something. Whatever it was disappeared as he said something else: “Same here. I’m barely keeping a lid on everything.” A pause. “We’ll get through this. Sandrunner will fly again, and we’ll stop Darkstalker before the Darkest Night. Then we can try and be better parents.”

“I’d like that.” Moon smiled thinly. Oh, how she wished she could just… go back to him when he said that. Him here, alone, was so tempting. But, she thought back to her feelings about what she did with Winter, and Qibli’s own affection for Sunny.

No, she wouldn’t risk ruining everything for her own desperate desires. Be better parents, that’s what Qibli said, and she was going to pledge herself to that.

No more impulsive actions. Or, at least, try.

“I’m going back to Sanctuary. I’ll be there in about two days.” She instead told Qibli. “I think I’ll be staying there for a while.”

“I’ll be on my way back as soon as I’m finished here. Although, something tells me I’ll be heading to the Sand Kingdom to find Chameleon’s old hole in the ground,” Qibli said the last part more as a grumble. “We should check on Hope, too. I haven’t heard a thing from that place since the attack. As far as I know, Glory’s still there, too.”

“It’d be a good place to start. I’ll do what I can with Sandrunner’s mind, you can do things out in the real world.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll tell Sunny and company the plan and swoop in when we’re near Sanctuary.”

With that, Qibli vanished. Moon remained in the void for a moment longer, deep in thought. She meant what she said. No more rash actions. No more reacting out of anger.

The ones she loved needed her. And she wouldn’t fail them.

Chapter Text

“The Jade Initiative, huh?” Anemone questioned. “Surprised you goodie two-talons didn’t come up with that sooner.”

Both her and Sunny still remained in the room as evening set in. Qibli had gone to contact Moon, looking mighty distressed about something he didn’t tell her. That wasn’t like him. Tamarin had gone to check on the garden, Auklet back to training. So, it led Anemone and Sunny to catch up, which the latter absolutely did not mind. Checking in on former students was always great!

“I know.” Sunny chuckled. “But, well, we need a way to start it. Now’s a better time than ever, especially if it keeps an eye on the Darkstalker cult.”

“We need to call it something better than Darkstalker cult because that’s just going to cause a panic.” Anemone sipped from her cup. “I hate to give it something else, but the moment you say Darkstalker, there goes mother.”

“You’ve gotten wise these past twenty years.” Sunny mused happily.

“Had to in order to meet Mother’s demands. She’s gotten less insane, but ugh , I want to strangle her sometimes.” Anemone made a wringing motion with her talons. “I know she’s trying to prepare me but I don’t think she realizes that I don’t care for the throne either.”

“So, a succession crisis.” Sunny leaned on the table.

“Indeed. So, while I want to do this Jade Initiative thing you mentioned, I feel like if I leave she’s going to grow unstable.” Anemone huffed. “How hard is it to just want to live with your girlfriend and not deal with this?”

“Um…”

“Rhetorical question, don’t worry.” Anemone waved her off. “Sometimes, I miss animus. Would make a lot of this easier!”

“I can help.” Sunny offered with a smile. “Tsunami did ask me if I could ask your mother to lay off you with the whole egg thing at least.”

Anemone stared blankly as if she’d grown another head or two. “Did you and Tsunami have a fight?”

“No, why?”

“Because she’s trying to kill you.” Anemone stated bluntly. “Either that or Tsunami is so out of touch that she forgets how mother is.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy but you’re acting like she’d execute me for daring to bring it up.” Sunny winced at the thought.

“Maybe not execute but she’d all but tell you to leave immediately. It doesn’t concern you, et cetera. Better yet, she’d tell you to tell Tsunami to come and tell her herself and that’ll be another mess I have to clean up.”

“Shoulda known Tsunami didn’t think something through fully. I’m surprised she runs JMA as well as she does.” Sunny admitted with a low chuckle. “Pleasantly, mind you.”

“I have a plan, though.” Anemone winked. “I’m her last hope. Sooo… I have sway.”

“And that is?”

“Oh, just a little misdirection and getting the whole family still here involved…” Anemone leaned across the table and dropped her voice. “I’ve been talking to all of my brothers minus Turtle. Especially the ones who have dragonets. We’re all going to storm her throne and force her to listen. And since I’m the mastermind, mother daren’t lift a talon. Especially with Auklet there, too.”

“That’s devious.” Sunny grinned. “It’s something I’d do.”

“Exactly why I knew you’d love it. Despite everything, I paid attention to what was important.” Anemone winked. “I’m tired of my brothers being neglected and I’m not going to mate with some random SeaWing to make her proud. That’d hurt not just me, but Tamarin. I won’t put her through that. So, she’s going to accept the heirs she has, or I’m going to abdicate my claim to the throne. Then she’ll have no one.”

“Please, keep me posted on this. We’re all going to be worried.”

“Trust me, I plan on it. And if this all works, I can probably join this initiative of yours. If not me, then Auklet. One of us will be there either way.”

“What happens if she challenges your claims?” Sunny had to ask.

“Then she’s heirless. All of her daughters are from Gill, whom she still holds dear. So, unless she wants to create a new bloodline, this is all on her.” Anemone shrugged. “It’ll only be a matter of time before the entire kingdom collapses if we leave, anyway.”

“I see that self-importance hasn’t changed.”

“It never will.” Anemone grinned. “I know my worth and mother does too.” She paused. “I will give her credit, she doesn’t care about my preference. I simply think the heir thing has blinded her or she just doesn’t understand it. Probably both if I’m honest.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“Regardless, I’ll keep the Sea Kingdom on high alert.” Anemone stood up and stretched. “It was nice to see you three again. I’ll make more of an effort to visit. By the depths, I need vacations…” The princess mumbled under her breath. “I’d check on your boyfriend, though. Something’s bugging him. Something recent.”

It was hard not to notice. So, with the unofficial dismissal, Sunny ventured off to their shared room. With no need to knock, she opened the door, seeing Qibli leaning over the balcony. His scarred face, lost in thought, golden scales shimmering like the sands under the moon.

“He came to me this time.” Qibli said as Sunny approached. “Darkstalker.”

Sunny tensed. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because I didn’t want the Sea Kingdom to be on constant alert. And what he said was more directed at me than anything. I didn’t want to talk about it in front of the others.” Qibli’s shoulders slumped, tail barb tapping the floor with anxiety. “He offered to hurt Chameleon.”

“Offered?” Sunny raised a brow. “That’s not like him. He’d just do it.”

“He wanted me to inject the venom, so to speak.” Qibli scowled. “And then I said that I believe dragons have the right to try and change. He threw that back in my face.” His face grew sullen. “We should have just taken his powers. Maybe we could have prevented all of this. Maybe Sandrunner wouldn’t have been crippled. Maybe I wouldn’t have lost my friends and family. All because I became a hypocrite. Sure, Kinkajou wrote the scroll, but I didn’t try to stop it. I didn’t object.”

“Could you have?” Sunny questioned. He slid a black eye to her. “By the time you realized, it was done.”

“Maybe. I coulda had them reverse it. I should have tried something .” Qibli ruffled his wings, the lines on his face deepening. “He wants to take Sandrunner and raise him, like he tried to do for me. That’s his plan, at least for him. Sandrunner saw who he was either possessing or was reincarnated as. That’s another reason.” Qibli began to ramble as all of his internal struggles came spilling out.

Sunny said nothing, instead walking up and curling her tail around his, claw over claw in comfort.

“That won’t happen. We’ll find out who he is hiding in. Then, we’ll go from there.” Sunny spoke reassuringly. “But, that does beg the question… would you let him try and change? After everything? He was denied before.”

Qibli went quiet for a long while. “That, I don’t know. He crossed the line so many times. He didn’t hurt me this time, either.” Another pause. “I think… it’d be Sandrunner who would have to accept it.”

“And if he did?”

“I don’t know, Sunny. I just don’t know.” Qibli admitted.

“You don’t have to answer right now.” She reassured him, stealing another look at him. “That’s not all, is it? He said something else.”

Qibli shifted uncomfortably, which meant she was right. “He insulated things about Moon and Winter. I know it’s over. Yet, if that’s true…”

That, Sunny had no idea how to handle. This was way outside her portfolio and probably a job for Fatespeaker more than anything. Yet, what type of support would she be if she didn’t say anything? Do anything?

“He’s trying to get you angry. To turn against each other like before. He knows that united, the Jade Winglet beat him before, and it’ll happen again.” Sunny stated with fierce determination. She didn’t discount the possibility or want to dismiss his concerns. “He’s a ghost now. All he can do is attack you psychologically. He cannot harm you by himself, and he knows this.”

“Do you think he lied?” Qibli asked her in a small voice.

“He’s known to lie and deceive.” Sunny reminded him gently. “Anything he says should be taken with a grain of sand unless proven otherwise.”

Qibli smiled humorlessly. “That’s true.” He let out a small huff. “I won’t think ill of them even if it is true. It’s their choice. But I… no, I won’t fall into that trap, either.”

“I’m here for you, for whatever you need.” Sunny leaned against him, tightening her grip. “Remember that.”

“I’ll never forget.” He leaned down and bumped his snout against the top of her head affectionately. “I’m sorry for not immediately saying something. I meant the reasons, but I also wanted time to think about it.”

“I suspected. I’m just glad you told me.”

“I always will. Just, y’know, sometimes it needs time.” Qibli promised her as he yawned. “Dunno about you, but that took a lot out of me.”

“Then go to bed you goob.” Sunny smirked, remembering Peril’s ‘insult’.

Qibli let out a genuine laugh. “Alright, my mistress, I will. But only if you join me.” He jested, but there was an inflection to his voice that seemed to say 'please don't leave me alone right now'.

“I suppose I can do that…” Sunny let out a haughty, pretend sigh of resignation, following him into the room and shutting the balcony door.

***

Seeing Sanctuary again filled Moon with unease.

She was close to her son again, close to figuring out who Darkstalker was. Yet, her heart beat faster with anxiety like poison in her veins. Knowing the great dragon, this was not going to be as easy as it seemed. Whatever he did, there was a failsafe.

“Do you want me to remain?” Winter asked her as they approached where Sandrunner stayed.

“If you want. I know you probably have things to do here, and I won’t hold you.” Moon smiled reassuringly.

 “I’ll see how he is, and then I will most likely have to make sure things are settled here.” Winter stated after a second of thought.

Moon nodded, happy to have him there. She didn’t know what to expect. Yet, staying before the door would do nothing. Moon gently opened the door…

… and found Sandrunner sleeping comfortably. His face was a tad scrunched, but he was fine. Normal. Stilts nearby indicated that he was up and moving. Reaching out with her mind, she felt no signs of a nightmare. Simply a dreamless sleep.

“Shh,” Secretkeeper shushed them from the other side of the room and ushered them back out, shutting the door behind her. “He just fell asleep about thirty minutes ago.”

“How is he?” Moon asked.

“Physically? Not good. He can walk around on the stilts, but it’s also only been a few days.” Secretkeeper glanced back in. “Mentally? Duskweaver says there are massive memory problems.”

Moon grimaced at that, yet wasn’t entirely surprised. “How so?”

“She said she helped him construct a mind palace, but it’s half made. Which, in her best guess, means half his memory is either gone or buried.”

“Could that be related?” Winter asked Moon.

“It could have been a failsafe, yes.” Moon murmured back as Secretkeeper tilted her head. “Sandrunner saw who Darkstalker was hiding as and enchanted him to forget while at JMA. That’s why he acted strangely.”

“Wait, so he’s been back this entire time?” Secretkeeper demanded. “Not a ghost?”

“Tricks and animus objects were used there.” Moon stated. “All a misdirection to who he really is and right now, the only one who we do know has figured it out,” she pointed at Sandrunner, “is him. I need to enter his mind and figure out what I’m looking at.”

“Duskweaver says it’s a bad idea.” Secretkeeper stated. Moon tilted her head this time. She caught the ends of Winter’s mouth tilt upward at the motion. “She just went in the other day and apparently something traumatic surfaced. She didn’t go into specifics, but it was bad enough for Sandrunner to go mute for a few hours after.” She gave Moon a sad smile. “I’m sure you can guess what it is.”

Moon knew the moment ‘traumatic’ was mentioned. Her heart broke, shattered by the damage she had inflicted upon her son. Yet, she could not help but feel frustrated . They were so close to figuring it out, and while Moon did not expect an easy answer, she needed something .

But in the end, this was all indirectly her and Qibli’s fault. If they had just…

“You must rest anyway.” Secretkeeper said. “You’re exhausted. Both of you.”

“I’ll stay here.” Moon declared.

“I am perfectly capable of watching him. I did it with you, I can do it with him.” Secretkeeper gave her a pointed look. “By rest, I mean sleep.”

“I can sleep here.”

“No, you can’t, because you’re going to fester over this and start losing scales from it.” Secretkeeper shook her head. “I remember the first time he got sick and how you fretted. You need rest just as much as he does.”

“I don’t think I can sleep.” Moon admitted. “I suppose I can see if Kinkajou is up…”

“If you’ll do that, I’ll return to the cave and see what I missed.” Winter said.

“Alright.” Moon nodded.

She wished she could just… help Kinkajou along with her trauma. As Moon flew over to where the RainWing stayed, she began to wonder if the fear wasn’t as direct as she thought. Perhaps she associated the fear with the traumatic crash. Winter didn’t cause any of that. Yes, he caused her to fly out, but he also had no idea she was even there.

It’d be a painful thing to unravel, and Moon did not want to pressure her friend to recover any faster. Yet, with Darkstalker looming, Kinkajou would have to fight alongside the IceWing.

“Moony!” Kinkajou greeted when Moon knocked on the door. The colors of the RainWing shifted all sorts of happy hues, a colorful rainbow that Moon so rarely saw these days.

“Hi Kinkajou,” Moon embraced her friend with a warm embrace. “How are you finding Sanctuary?”

“Honestly? It’s neat. Cold, though, but not as cold as JMA can get.” Kinkajou welcomed the hug. “It’s sooo interesting to see dragons of each tribe and humans mix together. Like, I knew it was happening, but seeing it again is just… wow! I wonder if this will be the future.”

“Give it a hundred years and it may just be.” Moon chuckled and released Kinkajou. “What started here is only just blooming.”

“Yeah, I’ll give Winter that much. His dumb obsession really endeared a lot of dragons… me, too, I suppose.” She admitted with a small flinch. A pause. “How… was the Ice Kingdom?”

“You know?” Moon didn’t tell Kinkajou she was going.

“Qibli mentioned it when he and Sunny stopped by JMA on their way to see Anemone.” She squinted at Moon. “Nothing happened , right? He didn’t hurt you? It was all fine outside whatever crisis inevitably happened there?”

“I’m worried I hurt him more than anything.” Moon let out a small sigh, fully stepping into the room.

It was small, and Moon had to lower her head, but very quaint and homely. Lots of plants, a bedding made of them even, and a trap door she could open to allow sunlight in. The cane Kinkajou used to stand upright hung on the wall, near a tiny selection of scrolls that Moon had convinced Kinkajou to read.

“What do you mean?” Kinkajou tilted her head, fins perked.

“We… settled some things. But I may have been too forceful, and while we talked that part out, we both know Winter won’t tell anyone if it bothers him. You have to coax it out.” Moon sat down. Moons above, she was too big for this place!

“Or he explodes,” Kinkajou said in deadpan.

“Or he explodes. But, I don’t think he will with this.” Moon chuckled. “Regardless, I think things between us are stable. I’m not sure where it’s going to go, but… well, that’s one thing I don’t have to worry too much about.” She shook her head. “But, enough about that. We have a bigger problem.”

Moon told Kinkajou what transpired. Kinkajou, as Moon expected, was not happy to hear about the events.

“I swear I’m going to start hanging strawberries everywhere to act as repellent!” Kinkajou scowled deeply, a deep shade of red crossing her features. “Like, begone ghost!”

“True, we can see if whoever he is hiding as has a reservation against strawberries.” Moon mused.

“I still don’t get the rules of animus, but jeez, it kinda feels like he’s deliberately holding himself back.” Kinkajou pouted, scowl deepening. “Like, he’s focused more on the emotional than the practical. He was always a big dragonet, but there was a mind behind that ego. Now? It’s like his only goal is to screw with us rather than to do anything useful.”

“He’s waiting for the Blackest Night. It’s all to drive us up the wall so we’re too tired to fight him. He wants fear to precede his arrival. Can’t be afraid if we’re all dead.” Moon was, honestly, making assumptions here. She had no idea what his real goal was outside just tormenting them.

“I guess that makes sense…” Kinkajou’s tail slapped on the ground loudly in frustration. “I guess, if there is nothing to be done until he does something again… what now? Are you going to just wait around here?”

“I honestly have no clue.” Moon wasn’t ready for that question, much less from Kinkajou.

“I don’t know if going back to JMA is a good idea, but at the same time… well, Tsunami can’t cancel half the classes without raising suspicion, can she?” Kinkajou questioned.

“True, I do need to protect the dragonets,” Moon mused. “But, at the same time, if I go near there…”

“Yeah, it’s like one of those ‘it’s a bad choice no matter what for different reasons’ things. Pretty sure Turtle’s previous scroll was about that.”

“Ah, no wonder why you’re so versed.” Moon smirked playfully.

“Shush! I can pay attention when it’s friend stuff!” Kinkajou scowled deeply again.

“Uh huh.”

“Seriously, though… I support whatever you do. Maybe it’ll be a good idea to look at the futures? Just a tiny peek?” Kinkajou suggested.

Moon hesitated. Doing that was asking for her to get lost in ‘what if’ rather than the now. Yet, she had a boon. She should use it, especially if it may help against Darkstalker.

“I’ll do that when I’m not exhausted.” Moon said. “Don’t need to start a panic when I’m already frazzled.”

“Uh, yeah, I wasn’t saying right now. Go rest. I’d say to stay here but if you did I’d have no place to move.”

“Such a shame that would be.”

“Get out you big behemoth.” Kinkajou playfully butted her horns against Moon’s side to nudge her out. “And get some sleep! You need it! Can’t crack open Darkstalker’s head if you’re tired, right?”

“I’m going, I’m going…”

***

“That bad, huh?” Cricket asked Winter as she poured some tea for them.

“I wouldn’t say bad , but not good, either.” Winter took the cup and drank a bit from it. It was sweet, with a hint of white leaves. A Pantalan tradition. “Could have been a lot worse.”

“Well, yes, that goes without saying.” Cricket rolled her eyes. “Still, what Jerboa said… I’ll have to stop myself from looking real suspiciously at dragons.”

“He won’t be an IceWing,” Winter said flatly. Cricket snickered at that. “I am being serious.”

“We know.” Blue walked in, having gone to check on the eggs and turn them in the nest. “But, be honest. Do we have to consider hiding our eggs?”

“I don’t think you’re even known to him.” Winter said.

“He could, because we are friends with you.”

“I don’t think there’s anywhere we could hide them.” Cricket shrugged. “If he wants to swat us, he’ll just do it.”

“So, business as usual?” Blue asked wryly.

“No point in changing course if we can’t do anything about it,” Cricket sipped some of her tea. “But, I will say, thank Clearsight that you have a better answer than ghost. All I got was scary stories to tell dragonets and rumors. Nothing to suggest real ghosts.”

“And we do have a motivation.” Blue added on. “He’s after Sandrunner. I don’t know if he’ll Wasp him, but… Cricket and I have another thing we noticed. It became more obvious after you told us what happened.”

“And that is?” Winter raised a brow.

“You’re not involved,” Cricket said as if it were obvious. “He’s never made a direct move on you. He’s given you outs. Don’t you think that’s a little odd that you, the IceWing who was around him the longest, is not at all the directness of his ire? He’s flat out said that he has nothing against you.”

Winter fidgeted a little bit. Unfortunately, Cricket noticed, as she always did.

“What happened in the Ice Kingdom?” Her eyes narrowed. “Did he come to you?”

“He… did,” Winter could not lie to them. “He showed himself to me after I had a… moment with Moon.”

Silence.

“I’m going to kill her.” Cricket said with such bluntness that it took Winter off guard.

“Dear…” Blue motioned for her to stay still.

“I warned her. No, I told her not to rebound!” Cricket snapped at him. “You were there! I said do not rebound onto him, and what does she do?! She rebounds!”

“I am… a tad lost.” Winter’s frown deepened.

“She had ‘I want to jump you’ written all over her.” Cricket told Winter. He blinked. “You didn’t notice, and honestly, I can’t say I’m shocked. So, I warned her, do not mess this up. And what did she do? She messed it up.”

“No, it’s… it’s fine, really.” Winter tried to calm her. “We were both in a dark place and she admitted everything. I was afraid I hurt her .” He flipped over a claw. “We were… not gentle. I gave in.” He paused and sighed. “But, she said I did not. I trust her word.”

Cricket gave him a critical eye. She was not convinced.

“I’ll admit, I don’t know exactly where we are right now. I don’t know if I ever want that again.” Winter turned his claw back over, tail tapping on the ground. “I guess I feel empty . But I’m not upset, either. I don’t know what to feel, and I think given everything, that’s okay. It’s better than being miserable and retreating away from everyone.”

“You’re… serious?” Blue asked.

“I think I am.”

“That’s… not at all what I was expecting from that. I was so afraid you’d regress but I can see you believe what you say, now.” Cricket hugged him. Winter did not object. “This is what I wanted for you. I’m just not sure if I approve the method.”

“Wasn’t it you who said that there were exceptions to every rule?” Winter allowed a taut smile.

“I guess this is proof, yes.” Cricket released him. “Getting back on topic, though… what did Darkstalker do ?”

“Taunt me about what happened with Moon and then reveal the killer wasn’t a NightWing.” Winter recalled the situation, brow furrowing. “He also… told me that he didn’t want to kill them all. He wants fear.”

“I see.”

“He knows we know he’s after Sandrunner.” Winter stood up, starting to pace. “He’s deliberately attacking dragons who have significant worries and fears.” A small smile crossed his face. “Qibli and Moon have Sandrunner. Turtle and Peril have their own family histories for him to exploit. The Ice Kingdom was trying to get at Snowfall by reminding her of what happened there.”

“So why are you smiling?” Cricket didn’t seem to be following.

“Because that’s why he isn’t after me.” Winter chuckled, it all now dawning on him. “I don’t have any attachments he can exploit and I rarely rise to emotion. My family is a disaster, as is my social life. Sanctuary? Well, again, he’s not that powerful. He can’t just wipe out a town anymore. He doesn’t know you two are close to me. As far as he’s concerned about me, I’m someone to strike down to get at the others, and I have been reconnecting with them.”

“You’re the pin keeping them all together now.” Blue stated. Cricket looked at him questioningly. “If he gets rid of you, everything falls apart. For us… and for him. Loss is a powerful motivator. He needs fear and paranoia. Anger? That’ll get everyone at his door.”

“He’ll risk it.” Winter grimaced, realizing the other half of his revelation. “The moment things start turning for the worse, he’ll target me, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I will be killed.”

Winter grabbed a piece of parchment and some ink.

“What are you doing?” Cricket demanded.

“Writing out a list of instructions. I am going to die. That’s inevitable if his plan starts to fall apart or if he wants to twist the knife.” Winter continued to write. “So, I am writing down what we discussed. You cannot show this to the others until after I die. If he knows what I do, he’ll just do it now. We need to get ready.”

“You can’t just start planning your own death!” Cricket all but roared at him. Such ferociousness from the HiveWing momentarily stunned him. “This is all hypothetical! There is no tangible proof!”

“The proof is what happened to everyone who got in Darkstalker’s way. Sandrunner would have died if he didn’t decide to spare him.” Winter smiled again. “But, you’re right. This may be me overthinking it. Regardless, I want us to have a Plan B, so if it does happen, not all hope is lost.”

He finished. It was remarkably shorter than he expected it to be. Then, he sealed up the paper and gave it to Cricket.

“Only read this if it comes to pass,” he said to her. “I am really, really hoping that I am simply overthinking this… but my gut is telling me that this is a very real possibility. I don’t think this will happen in the next days, at least.”

“I really hope it doesn’t, because I swear Winter…” Cricket grumbled under her breath. Nevertheless, she took the paper.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t. Just… don’t.” Cricket huffed and left.

Blue, however, remained. “She doesn’t like talking about that stuff. Give her some time.”

“You’re not going to yell?” Winter asked him.

“I trust that you’re doing what you think you need to. I just also hope we can realize how silly this entire conversation was when Darkstalker inevitably trips over his own ego.”

“If that day comes, you can unleash Cricket on me.”

“Oh, you won’t have to worry about that.” Blue smiled cheerily before exiting the room as well.

Despite feeling overly paranoid, Winter’s mind also felt the clearest it had ever been. Was it resignation? Acceptance? He never feared for his own mortality. No, he simply wished that he had his affairs in order when the time came.

Sanctuary? Cricket was a worthy replacement. Ice Kingdom? Despite some growing pains, it was fine. The Jade Winglet was talking again. They had that Jade Initiative, too, that could get off the ground.

And now with the back up plan, Winter felt a new sense fall over him. One he had never known, or at least had forgotten about:

Peace.

Chapter Text

Out of everything Sandrunner expected to be told, it was not that Darkstalker had enchanted his mind. Oh, yes, it absolutely explained a number of things. Especially how he forgot about Duskweaver and the rest of his winglet. Some of the names he still didn’t remember. There was a faint hint at the back of his head that suggested that he was good friends, but he couldn’t be certain.

Part of him felt relief that his memory issues weren’t natural. Something messed with him. Yet, in a way, he felt violated and guilty . Guilty that he had the answers to solving the crisis right now but it was locked deep in his mind with nobody able to reach. Maybe that’s why monsters lurked in his mind.

A failsafe.

“I know going into your mind isn’t a good idea right now.” Moon placed a claw on his shoulder comfortingly. “But I need to at least see what you perceive it as.”

“I can tell you.” Sandrunner suggested, lifting his upper body to better speak.

“You can, but again, I need to see it. Duskweaver helped you construct a mind palace, and I must understand the rules.” Moon gently pushed him back down. “I know I promised never to read your mind. This is why I am asking you.”

Sandrunner averted his eyes. “There are things that I don’t want you to see.”

“I know about you and Blaze.” Moon stated. She may as well have just fired one of those human muskets right into his face. “And I can surmise that another portion is your own trauma.”

“… I wish you didn’t find out about that.” Sandrunner mumbled.

“She visited you while you were unconscious and told me. I was angry, but more angry at myself for driving you to that.” It was Moon’s turn to avert her gaze. “Again, this is all your choice. I won’t look anywhere you don’t want me to.”

“I don’t really have a choice if we want to stop Darkstalker.” Sandrunner grimaced.

“Yes, you do.” Moon asserted.

“I saw who he was. I don’t know about breaking animus enchantments, but...” Sandrunner’s eyes narrowed. “Why don’t we use part of the parchment to counter the enchantment?”

“That is a possibility.” Moon contemplated his suggestion. “Are you willing to subject yourself to that?”

“Push comes to shove, we can use it to fix my lower body. I don’t want to wear stilts.” Sandrunner leered at the stilts next to his bed.

“I hesitate to use it, though.” His mother gave him a sideways look. Her voice was pained, as if she had a solution but it had been ripped away. “Darkstalker has been one step ahead of us this whole time. He’s probably watching now. I want you to recover naturally so he doesn’t counter that enchantment and you’re paralyzed again.”

Sandrunner growled. There was a logic there. Didn’t mean he liked it.

“Then have it so I recover faster.” Sandrunner suggested. “That way it’s natural and he can’t just take away the enchantment.”

“That may be possible.” Moon murmured. “We can try the memory block, too. Yet, I worry. I glanced into the futures where we did that, and it does not appear to end well. I can’t see why.”

“Convenient.” Sandrunner said flatly. He didn’t mean to come off as bitter, but all this talk of animus and mind powers and future sight being blocked for one reason or another felt contrived. He sincerely doubted that if they tried anything, Darkstalker wouldn’t be that much further ahead of them.

“Specifically, I see myself over your grave.” Moon spoke with resignation. “I see the outcomes, I don’t see the path that leads us to them. Either Darkstalker is messing with me, or even worse, he’s not. He’s already changed his mind about killing you, he’ll do it again if you just tell us.”

That was another point.

“Then how do we find it out?” Sandrunner slammed his head back onto his pillow with a thump .

“You know how.” Moon held his claw and looked into his eyes.

He really didn’t. Not at first. Yet the longer he made eye contact, the more he put it together. It was if she were sending a message right to his mind. Could she do that? It wouldn’t surprise him.

Regardless, he put it together:

He’d kicked Darkstalker out of his mind. As of right now, he could not get in. And if they found out in his mind, he couldn’t catch it. Not until it was too late.

If he’d just blurted it out, or they all saw it, they may risk his ire. No, if they were going to take down an overpowered ancient animus dragon, it had to be done with subtlety. But there was one problem with that, and doubtlessly, his mother knew what it was. Still, he had to voice it.

“What if there is a failsafe?”

Moon winced at that. “I was... afraid of that. It is why I must see what you perceive it as. I will not push against it nor attempt to force the memory open.”

“Tonight, we can do it.” Sandrunner relented. “I’ll inform Duskweaver if you want me to.”

“No,” Moon said, to his surprise. “Two dragons in your mind may destabilize it.”

“Are you guessing or do you know?”

“I don’t, but I do know your mind is shattered. The whole point of this is to recover your memories in general.” Moon did not give him much room for an argument. “Again, I am not reading your mind, but I can feel the cracks and splinters. You may not even know crucial parts you are missing. I trust her with repairing that. But enchantments? I am the better mind reader, so I will investigate. Jerboa is coming here and together we may be able to figure it out.”

“… All right.”

“We’ll need to find some of the parchment for your injuries, which will be in the Night Kingdom no doubt.” Moon added the last part as a grumble. “Your father is going to be heading there soon. I’ll tell him to ask Hope.” She slid an eye back to him. “This does mean you are still going to have to do therapy.”

Sandrunner sighed. “So long as I’m not on stilts when it comes to the Blackest Night.”

“You’ll be fully recovered before that if this works.” Moon patted his side. Then, her face grew worried, as if she wanted to say something more. He prompted her before the thought was lost. “I just don’t know why you. This can’t be a coincidence.”

“What do you mean?”

“ You of all dragons found Darkstalker. There’s over sixty students, twelve staff members, and out of every single one, it was you .” Moon shook her head, laughing emptily. “You become best friends with Peacemaker’s daughter. The real goal was you at the Night Kingdom. And now Darkstalker himself wants you. There’s something happening, and it’s not destiny nor a prophecy.”

“Then what do you think it is?”

Moon shook her head. “I just don’t know, Sandrunner. I just don’t know.”

The day went by uneventfully after that. Duskweaver popped by every now and then during the day to make sure he was all set, but with Moon there, it was like she couldn’t meet his mother’s gaze. It looked an awful lot like guilt. But she was controlled and had no willing part in his injuries. According to her, Moon nearly bit her head off, so he supposed it’d take a little bit.

Clay was as encouraging as usual. Perhaps a bit too much so for Sandrunner’s liking at times. But, the big burly MudWing was not someone Sandrunner ever wanted to see with a frown or upset. He was just too nice for that. Sandrunner couldn’t remember much about him during Jade Mountain, but there was a sensation of warmth whenever he tried to remember.

Kinkajou showed up for a moment but ran off shortly after. Apparently, she’d ‘gotten into it with the botanist’ and ‘now had to prove him wrong’. From the look on her face and tone, it wasn’t anything super serious. Whatever kept her busy.

No Winter, though. Maybe he stayed away because of Kinkajou. From the way his mother talked about him, they didn’t have a fight. No Cricket or Blue on that note, either. They must be really busy with Sanctuary.

Eventually, the night came, and Sandrunner took some relaxant herbs to make himself fall asleep.

“Remember, this is all you. I will follow wherever you go and nowhere else.” Moon reassured him with a smile.

Soon, Sandrunner stood in his mind palace. Those featureless dragons paid him no mind as they moved about. Everything was calm, even as he looked toward the direction of the monster. He didn’t hear it.

Moments later, his mother joined him. All of the featureless dragons stopped and turned to her. They did not react, standing still as statues or maniquens. It was as if they were assessing her.

“This is a lot more sophisticated than I thought.” Moon murmured as she looked around. “Mind palaces are generally one, carefully constructed place. You have the entirety of Jade mountain, while your father has the Scorpion Den.” She paused and ran her eyes over the dragons. “Curious.”

“What is?” Sandrunner asked her.

“Well, from what I know from talking to Fatespeaker and my own research, faces of dragons we see are always in our mind. Humans say that the brain can’t make up new faces, either. That’s why whenever you see dragons in your dreams, they look real; you’ve seen their faces.” She gestured with her wing at the sea of dragons. “If this operates on that same logic, these dragons should be just random ones. They’re all featureless.” She frowned, worried.

“So what does that mean?” Sandrunner touched his mother’s shoulder. The instant he did, it was as if the dragons relaxed and began to resume their normal paths. “So, that does work…”

“That’s…” Moon looked down at him, mild awe on her face. “You don’t have a mental barrier. You have a mental army .”

“And that means…?”

“I don’t know yet. I’d have to double check some scrolls.”

“Are you going to tell me I have powers deep down?” Sandrunner scowled. He did not like where this was going.

“No, you weren’t born under any moons, and there aren’t any SandWing equivalents to mind reading. But, I do wonder if being related to me has had an effect on you.” Moon shook her head and bumped her snout against his shoulder reassuringly. “We’ll worry about that when we leave, same with why they’re all featureless.”

She gestured for him to lead on, and so he did. As they approached Peril and Turtle’s dorm, the featureless dragons began to stand in front of it again. Sandrunner felt a sense of fear and anxiety the longer he stared at the room. Almost like it was subtly warping.

“And you can’t get close to it?” Moon asked him.

“No.” Sandrunner placed one claw forward. The instant he did, every single dragon snapped their head to him. A twitch, and they started to mass before the door. “See?”

Moon slanted her gaze at the door and the dragons. She did not approach as he feared she might. No, she kept true to her word and examined it for what felt like hours.

“I think there’s more going on here than the enchantment,” Moon finally said. He shot her a questioning look. “If it was the enchantment, you’d be able to open the door. It’d be like it was never there; that’s how memory enchantments work according to Stonemover and going off what Jerboa said. Your mind would never know there was a gap missing, so why would it do this? ” She pointed a wing at the door. “Whatever you saw traumatized you.”

“Who could have been there then?” Sandrunner furrowed his brow. “It’s not Peril or Turtle. I can speak with them just fine. If it was related to my friends, wouldn’t it have opened? It can’t be Duskweaver. I think if I saw her there, my mental army or whatever these things are would have reacted.”

“I don’t know if it would have. Trauma is not something I am versed with handling. Fatespeaker would be the one to ask.” Moon shook her head. “It didn’t have to be any one, either.” She let out a humorless laugh. “He removed the memory, but not the emotions. Just like him to not think about what anyone else is feeling.” She added bitterly.

“Then we can break the enchantment.” Sandrunner stated. It was her turn to shoot him a questioning look. “There’s a crack in it now. There’s a part he missed. I don’t know how, but it’s a tether that he left dangling.”

“Yes… yes, I suppose so.” Moon did not sound happy. “But you can’t force yourself to do this. Your grandmother told me what happened when it came to your trauma about… your father and I…”

Sandrunner didn’t say anything. There was nothing he could.

“We should pull out. I don’t want to agitate your mind any further.” Moon said.

Upon exiting his mind, Sandrunner was gently shaken awake by Moon. She gave him a sad smile, as if she wanted to reassure him, but didn’t have the words. He felt a tiny twinge of anger at Secretkeeper for telling her what he experienced. He didn’t expect her to hold that back, especially with going in his mind, but still…

“What do we do now?” He asked her.

“Now? We take it slow, because opening that door is not something I will rush.” Moon shook her head. “I’m also very worried about those dragons. You’ve never seen a dragon you recognize before?”

“No.”

“That’s what is bothering me. If this is all representations of your mind, I fear that you aren’t making new imprints.” Moon squeezed his claw. “I have no way of knowing this, of course, but I am following the patterns I see.”

“Duskweaver said the same thing.” Sandrunner coughed out a chuckle. Moon had to lift his upper body so he could breathe and talk better.

“Maybe I should speak with that coven of hers.” Moon smirked. Sandrunner raised a brow. “Oh, there are other mind readers in the Night Kingdom. They banded together to create a ‘coven’.”

“She never mentioned that. Either that or I forgot.”

“She said it to me when you were unconscious.”

“Ah.”

Moon went to stand up. He heard her bones crick and crack from how stiff she had sit. “I’ll let you rest. Goodnight, Sandrunner.”

“Goodnight, mother.”

***

Sanctuary did not change at all in the week Qibli and Sunny had been gone. Granted, why would it? Maybe he was just being paranoid. Anxiety tore him up the more he drew closer as thoughts of both Sandrunner and Darkstalker entered his mind.

Sailing toward where Sandrunner was, he found that he was in the middle of a session with Clay. He’d come back later, as the SightWing looked like he was really struggling. However, nearby, he did spot Duskweaver simply… staring off into space.

“Oh, hello.” She said when she noticed him. “I didn’t realize you were back. Where’s Sunny?”

“She’s at JMA. Wanted to fill in Tsunami what was going on, yada yada.” Qibli explained with a wave of his wing.

“Did the Sea Kingdom go swimmingly , them?” Duskweaver asked with some mischievousness. Qibli groaned, but also knew that he would make the same exact pun.

“Yes, I’d say so. Can’t exactly say much right now, but I got an idea. I just wanted to check in on Sandy before I go to the Sand Kingdom and then the Night.”

“Could you check in on my parents while you’re there?” Duskweaver requested of him. “I haven’t heard anything since my mother contacted me a few days ago.”

“Oh, yeah, absolutely. I planned on doing that and more.” Qibli nodded. “Was that why you were staring off into space a bit?”

“Was I?” Duskweaver shuffled a bit, embarrassed. “I suppose that isn’t too surprising, given the revelations thrown at me. Imagine finding out you’re… you know… his daughter at the same time.”

Qibli frowned. “You’re not.”

“I know the story now. Sandrunner told me everything.” She turned her head back to Qibli. “My father… he’s not real, but he is at the same time. What does that make me? Will I disappear when the Blackest Night comes around?”

Qibli was not prepared for this conversation. But, he knew it’d come up sooner or later. Just not right now.

“You’re not an enchantment. Peril’s father was a shapeshifter and she’s around. You’re just as real as she is.” Qibli reassured her. It seemed to work, but there was still concern behind her eyes. “You’re not going to disappear.”

“Sorry for throwing that at you.” Duskweaver said after a moment of reflection. “I just… well, I couldn’t bring my worries to your son. He has enough going on. His mother is kind of terrifying when she turns into a mama bear, too.”

“That’s Moon. Docile and sweet until you endanger her friends and family.” Qibli chuckled. “I wouldn’t take anything she says personally, especially what she snapped out that night. If she wanted you gone, you would be. If you’re going to date Sandrunner, well… yeah, I can see her towering over you for a while.”

Duskweaver froze mid breath when he said ‘date’. “Erm…”

“Please, you wouldn’t have followed him here if there wasn’t affection. Taking care of him like you are, too? Sure, it can all be platonic, but I also saw the way you look at him.” Qibli grinned slightly. “I won’t tell him. That’s all on you two to figure it out.”

“I think he knows…” He caught her mumble. He didn’t pry for details, though. “Since I know you’re going to ask, he’s making progress. It’s very slow, but it’s getting there. Same with his mind.”

“Ah, yes, I was going to ask, you’re right. I figured not much would have changed. Took Stonemover like, two years to start moving properly.” Qibli chuckled at the memory of the larger NightWing nearly breaking down doors trying to open them.

“He’s Queen Thorn’s consort, yes?”

“Bingo. Sunny’s dad, too.”

“Yes, I recall now.” Duskweaver nodded slowly. “Anyway, thank you for that reassurance. I really needed it.” She smiled gratefully. “I guess even if I do disappear, not like I’d remember it and probably pop back the next day anyway.”

“Not… quite the message I wanted to get across, but that’s the spirit?”

“I know what you meant. I was attempting a joke.” Duskweaver chuckled nervously. “Oh, actually, on the subject of parents, Moon and Winter are back. I haven’t seen the latter in a bit, though.”

“He does have a town to run.” Qibli gestured up toward the mountain. “I’ll check in on him. Where’s Moon?”

“Not entirely sure. Maybe Winter knows?” Duskweaver shook her head. “Also uhm… well… do you mind if I ask you questions at some point about Darkstalker?”

Qibli almost immediately said no. However, that wouldn’t be fair. This poor girl’s life had been completely upended. He realized then and there he still wasn’t over Darkstalker’s own words. She deserved to know what her ‘real’ father was like, even if Peacemaker was her true one.

“Once things settle down a bit, I’ll sit down with you myself or have Moon do it. Maybe even the whole winglet cuz boy do we all have interesting sides of it all.” Qibli offered her a genuine smile.

“Do you regret what happened?”

And there it was, the question he knew he’d be asked, the one he dreaded. Like before, she had every right to ask. Qibli’s face fell nevertheless. It was one thing being asked by those there. It was another to be asked by a dragon who wouldn’t exist without their actions.

And at that thought, something clicked.

“Twenty years and I still ask myself that question in the mirror,” Qibli eventually said. “And I think the real answer is that it doesn’t matter if I do or don’t.”

“What do you mean?” She tilted her head.

“Exactly what I said. I can’t take back the role I played. I can’t take back how I hurt my friends and family. A lot of suffering may have been avoided. But I think if what happened played out differently, you wouldn’t be here. The Night Kingdom may not have recovered the way it did. So, it doesn’t matter if I do or don’t. No matter what choice I made, it would have been the wrong one, even if not immediately.”

“That’s not the answer I was expecting.” Duskweaver blinked with surprise. “I mean, yes, you’re right. I wouldn’t be here without those choices. I hope I wasn’t being accusatory, I just… well, I want to know more is all.”

“Nah, you weren’t. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that answer either.” Qibli scratched his head with a wing talon, averting his gaze. “But, I think… I needed someone unexpected to ask that question, because now I’m ready to live with my choices. Can’t take ‘em back, may as well keep going.”

“I see. Well, I’m happy to have helped?” Duskweaver looked just as confused as he did.

“I’ll bring it up to Winter and everybody. So don’t be shocked if you’re approached by Moon, because I promise, it won’t be to hurt you.”

“I will hold you to that.”

Qibli simply laughed and took to the skies, heading up to where Winter doubtlessly was.

He meant every word, which surprised him. Saying all of that aloud, it felt like his own soul was getting lighter. Was it because this was technically Darkstalker’s daughter? Someone who would never exist without his actions? Someone that made his son happy.

He lost Moon. He screwed up his son and so much more. There were so many mistakes that he kept beating himself up for, and doubtlessly, he still would. It didn’t matter if he did or not, though; the actions and choices he made couldn’t be changed.

And he was alright with that.

Chapter Text

“Oh, yeah, I guess I should have thought about that.” Tsunami chuckled nervously when Sunny finished recounting the events of the Sea Kingdom. “It really has been some time since I saw mother.”

“Yes, you think?” Sunny rested her head on a wing talon, leaning on Tsunami’s desk. “I’m small and precious. You sent me into a danger zone. How dare you.”

“Maybe I thought she’d take pity on you when you give that big eyed stare of yours. Like you’re a helpless dragonet.” Tsunami grinned back.

Sunny allowed her eyes to grow wide, a frown forming as her lip quivered. Internally, she was giggling, which became that much harder to tame when she saw Tsunami groan.

“Yes, that… thing .” Tsunami made a shooing gesture. Sunny broke the expression with a snicker. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” She sighed. “I’m glad Anemone has a plan, though. Kinda just makes me the one member who can’t do this initiative.”

“There’s nobody who could have taken over?” Sunny questioned.

“You were the closest, but this whole thing was your idea. Can’t pick any of the original Jade Winglet for one reason or another. Not pushing this onto Riptide, as I’ve said.”

“I mean… you are the headmistress. You live here. I planned on having everyone be here .”

Tsunami frowned in thought. “I suppose that makes sense. But I’m not going to be able to go around being a diplomat or whatever.”

“You don’t need to. You just have to make sure this place is a neutral ground. Granted, right now, it’s a matter of getting the queens to our old cave, but if we can’t renovate that, this place will work wonders.”

“Could be secondary headquarters.” Tsunami shrugged. “Not sure how you’ll get that tiny prison into something neat, but hey, if something good ever came from that place…”

“We did!” Sunny grinned brightly.

“ Besides us.” Tsunami amended. “But, going back on topic, I’m surprised that Chameleon had nothing to do with it. Given the role he played several years ago, it feels angering to let him off, but… well, dragons change, don’t they?”

“You’re not trying to fight everything with a pulse.”

“By the seas, I could use a good fight these days…” Tsunami grumbled under her breath. “But, from what you said of the Ice Kingdom… I’m concerned. That feels like a warning, not an attack.”

“Oh, good, you and I are in agreement.” Sunny breathed a small sigh of relief. “I didn’t bring it up yet because I had no idea how to word it. Yet, you’re so right.”

“I always am.” Tsunami flashed a fanged smile. “No point in overspeculation, though.” Her talons curled slightly. “What I am the most angry about, though, is that Darkstalker was in my school. Again. Nobody knew. He’s obviously gone now, but he was there for who knew how long. I still have half a mind to check the staff yet how in the world am I going to find out?”

“Check to see if they have any parchment is my only guess.” Sunny suggested. “Can’t see if it’s Darkstalker, but we can cut off his network.”

“Fair, fair…” Tsunami mused in thought. “I don’t want to start jabbing talons at them, though. I guess the Night Kingdom fiasco can be leveraged…”

“Exactly!”

“By the way, what is up with Peril? She came in earlier looking guilty and depressed. Was it Chameleon?”

“Part of it. I can’t really say the rest; it’s not my place.”

“Will this be a problem going forward? Semester is a day or two from starting.”

“Hopefully not.” Sunny, admittedly, felt a tiny bit of worry. “By the way uh… I may have to request Fatespeaker’s talents. Darkstalker said something that really shook Qibli and I don’t know how to help him. Chances are he rattled just about everyone.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll be happy to be involved. You know how she is. She’s a sweetheart, but so very nosy.”

“Jade Winglet in general needs a therapy session.” Sunny added on. “Winter is probably the most stable of them – outside Turtle that is - and that’s saying something .”

Tsunami was taken aback by that statement. “Okay, yeah, do you… want me to send Fatespeaker back to Sanctuary with you?”

“You’re going to have no staff here.”

“Point taken. Especially since Starflight looks ready to bolt out the door.” Tsunami grumbled under her breath.

“Why?”

“Because his sister was brainwashed and his father made weaponry.” She said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “He’s only staying because of the short staff.”

“Tsunami.” Sunny grimaced.

“What?”

“Is it worth keeping the school open if Darkstalker can just walk in and start terrorizing?”

Tsunami’s expression told Sunny that this was not the first time she’d considered it. “We can’t let life stop.” She eventually said. “That’s what he wants. I won’t give that to him. Besides, he’s a ghost and nowhere near as powerful. If he shows up with a song and dance, that’s about all he can do.”

“Created a plague.”

“Barely.” Tsunami shook her head. “Look, either he’s got the paper to make this place explode, or he doesn’t. He could just as easily write ‘kill every single student who went to JMA’ and there’d be nothing we can do to stop it. I think you realize this, too.”

“True. I just thought I’d bring it up anyway.” Sunny huffed. “But… well, I think we should let Starflight go. I’ll stay here and take over for him.”

“Your boyfriend needs you.”

“Yes, he does, but… ugh.” Sunny buried her face in her claws, frustrated. “I hate being a bleeding heart sometimes.”

“Could ask one of the students to take over. Kind of like an extra credit thing,”  Tsunami said thoughtfully. “It’d be a good way for them to better learn responsibility. I have a few off the top of my head who will love it.”

“How are we going to explain the lack of staff?” Sunny asked.

“Well, I think with everything happening, there’s a reasonable explanation. We’ll just have to take it slower.”

“This job really has changed you for the better.” Sunny grinned at her. Tsunami huffed with annoyance. “Alright, I’ll go grab the wonder couple. If anything changes, dreamvisit me. I’m serious.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

***

Qibli flew into the cave that Winter lived in. His wings felt lighter and he had a very notable smile on his face. One that wasn’t forced. One that was genuine . It wouldn’t last long, he knew it, but for now he relished the freedom he felt about himself.

But perhaps a smile wasn’t the best thing to wear when he flew in, as a grumpy Cricket walked out of her cave.

“Rough morning?” Qibli asked.

“More like a rough night.” Cricket grumbled under her breath. “Between documents – which are more tiring than annoying – and Winter being Winter, I did not get much sleep.”

“Oh boy, what he do now?”

“Ask him about it. I’ll probably tear out my horns if I try to explain it.” Cricket shook her head, wings ruffling. “He’s in his room.”

“Ah, yep, general Winter things. Gotcha.” Qibli bobbed his head understandingly.

Cricket eyed him. “You’re chipper today.”

“I’m always chipper! Just more so now!”

“Uh huh. Guessing Sandrunner’s doing well, then. I hadn’t had time to check on him today.” She said in a softer voice.

“He was in therapy with Clay so I didn’t bother him. Seeing him up and about did make me feel better, though.”

“Good.” Cricket’s grumpy demeanor gave way to a small smile. “Anyway, I’ll have time to chat later. Right now, need to figure out why we need RainWing lawyers specifically. I guess cuz we have one from each tribe here except them…”

With that weird anecdote done, Qibli knocked on Winter’s door. Almost immediately, the IceWing answered. Much like he, Winter was much calmer in appearance. Still had lines under his eyes, but much less notable. Ten years younger would be the best way to describe his appearance.

“You look like you just had an epiphany.” Qibli observed.

“So do you.” Winter mused back.

“Yes, I did. Had quite the eventful past few days. Darkstalker showing up and taunting me, throwing in my face what you already know…” Qibli shook his head. Winter looked more confused that he brought up the Peacemaker subject than angry. “But… came to realize that it doesn’t matter. I can’t take it back. Best I can do is move forward. And besides, Duskweaver wouldn’t be there to help Sandrunner. So, y’know… is what it is.”

“I see.” Winter spoke neutrally. “I suppose that is a good outcome.”

“Are you… okay?”

“I’m quite well. I figured out who Darkstalker is going to go for once things look bad for him.” Winter allowed a taut smile to form before gesturing for Qibli to step inside.

It was very organized, filled with scrolls and books. A book – half read – about ancient ancestors to dragons being recreated scientifically lay on his desk. Funny, he didn’t take Winter to read about fiction. Times change indeed.

Yet, Qibli couldn’t help but notice how drab and boring this room was. It was all utility. Even the bed was bland! How was that possible?! It wasn’t just an IceWing thing, either; Snowfall had many extravagant objects and whatnot. Nothing in this room said ‘Prince Winter’. 

This would not do.

“When this is over, Sunny and I are dragging you shopping.” Qibli said as he shut the door behind them. 

“Pardon?” Winter raised a brow.

“I refuse to let you stay in such blandness. It’s not even stuffy IceWing nobility nonsense!”

“I only need it to sleep and work.” Winter frowned.

“And that is a problem. Where you sleep has an affect on moods and if its just… this , then no wonder why you’re so… you !” Qibli gesutred with his wings for emphasis. 

“... Perhaps.” Winter did not reject the notion as Qibli thought he might. “Because the next target is me.” Winter stated. Qibli shot him a questioning look. “He’s going to target me.”

“… Why?”

“Right now I am the source of logic and can’t be tempted. I have no relationships for him to exploit. I rarely rise to emotion. My being here and reaching out reunited the Winglet. If there’s ever a prime target, it’s me.” Winter explained bluntly. “Not to say he’ll come right for me now. But if he gets desperate… I’m the prime target.”

“Wow, I thought you got rid of that self importance.” Qibli joked. It was more to brunt the revelation, honestly. Winter shook his head, but Qibli caught a tiny smile. “But uh, that kinda makes sense. Is this why Cricket’s so grumpy?”

“Part of it. I can’t tell you the rest of it. Not right now.” Winter tapped his talon on the table. “Are you going to the Night Kingdom anytime soon?”

“Plan on it after Sunny gets here and rests up a bit, actually. Chameleon wasn’t responsible for this, so we’re gonna scope out his old hideout and then head to the Kingdom. Haven’t heard anything from there in a while.”

“If you can, grab me a piece of the scroll.” Winter requested. Qibli raised a brow. “I know, I am asking for an animus object. However, it is of great importance.”

“Wanna tell me why?”

“Like I said, I can’t tell you. It’s not that I do not trust you or your intentions, it is a matter of being listened to and having your mind read.” Winter gestured to the Skyfire on Qibli. “You’ve taken it off before to communicate mentally with Moon and something tells me you’ll need to do it again. He may be able to read your mind. I don’t care if you tell Moon before I do about my hypothesis, though.”

“Mmm… fair point, but what about you?” Qibli pointed at his Skyfire. “Are you never going to take that off?”

“No. I cannot risk what I have learned.”

“Gonna guess that’s what you’re not telling me.”

“Precisely.”

“Alrighty then.” Qibli shook his head, mildly annoyed. He understood the reasons and Winter wouldn’t just hold out on him if he didn’t have a good reason. Didn’t make it any less frustrating. “No guarantees, but I’ll do what I can.”

“That’s all I ask.”

A brief silence fell over them before Qibli spoke again. “Winter, do you really think this is the real Darkstalker or some elaborate scheme?”

“I do think it’s him now. There is no way he wouldn’t have the knowledge he has if it wasn’t.” Winter looked as surprised as Qibli was to hear his words.

“Great.” Qibli ran a wing talon down his face with exasperation. “Just… great. I’m hoping Foeslayer already explained the whole situation to Peacemaker already. Duskweaver’s questioning if she’s even real and that was a difficult conversation to have.”

“Is she?” Winter frowned. “It does make you wonder. Then again, Peril…”

“That’s what I said. That kinda led to the whole ‘it doesn’t matter’ realization.”

“Awfully nihilistic of you.”

“Well, hey, no! Not this time!” Qibli put his wingclaws on his hips disapprovingly. “Just means I’m ready to live with my choices. That’s all.”

“You could have stated that from the start.”

“Yeah, well, when have I ever gotten to the point without theatrics?”

“Hm.”

“What are you going to do in the meantime? Stay here?” Qibli decided to ask.

“I don’t know.” Winter admitted. “Sanctuary needs me and I don’t want to take Cricket away from her eggs. Part of me wants to return to Jade Mountain so I can protect the students. Part of me wants to go back to the Ice Kingdom and help there. But, I can’t be everywhere at once.”

“Hey, I said do what you need to do!” Cricket stuck her head through the door. “Blue is a good dad and he helps a lot. And I dreamvisited to Pantala last night.”

“Were you… listening?” Qibli asked her.

“No, I wasn’t. Honest. I just happened to walk by when you asked him.” Cricket shook her head. Qibli was inclined to believe her… kind of. “Anyway, Darkstalker’s bigger than Sanctuary. Given what you all said, I am inclined to think quite literally.”

“By the moons that’s an image…”

“Why did you dreamvisit someone in Pantala?” Winter’s brow furrowed.

“Because you’ll never ask for help and Sundew has been complaining about how boring things are. Bumblebee will be here soon with Dusky as well; they want to meet the eggs. Which means Swordtail and Luna are probably not far behind because I know Blue told them…” She muttered under her breath. “Point is, Pantalan Pals are on their way.”

“I cannot believe you still call them that.”

“I love it.” Qibli grinned wickedly. “Does that make us the Pyrrhian Pals?”

“Yes.” Blue’s voice came from somewhere outside.

“I’m going to annoy everyone with that, I hope you know.”

“I’ll stay here until everyone arrives then.” Winter got up and cricked his neck. “I’ll make a decision after.”

“Wait, I just remembered why I showed up here.” Qibli stopped Winter from leaving. “You seen Moon? Wanted to speak to her before I took off.”

“Last I saw, she was with Sandrunner.” Winter let out a ‘hm’ of thought.

“Guess I’ll fly around to find her. Not like it’s hard to miss her unless it's dark out.” Qibli turned to Cricket. “Unless you’ve seen her.”

“Can’t say I have.” Cricket shook her head. “Blue?”

“No.” He answered.

“Alright. Also, Duskweaver may want to ask us all about Darkstalker.” Qibli remembered the other thing he was going to bring up. Winter grimaced at that. “She’s technically his daughter. She’s got the right to know who he was. Figured we could all form a campfire and tell stories.”

“I cannot tell if you are serious or not with the last part.” Winter said in deadpan.

“Peril could be the campfire! When’s the last time the Winglet had a get together like that?” Qibli grinned with a wink. “But, y'know… yeah. Don’t be surprised if she approaches you.”

“I will not.”

***

Moon wasn’t sure what to do with herself.

She wanted to get back in with Sandrunner and figure out what was beyond that door. But, Jerboa would have to help with that, and she was still a day or two away. If only someone had enchanted a transport system before animus went away! Maybe in the next twenty years dragons or humans would invent something like that. She’d already caught them making objects that could move.

Sure were loud though.

But, Moon couldn’t hover here forever. She had to be proactive. But how? Nobody knew where Darkstalker was going to pop up.

The Night Kingdom? Maybe. But then she’d be too far from Sandrunner. She supposed working with him would be counting as proactive…

So, for now, she sat on an outcrop looking over Sanctuary. She was still bristling with negativity, but also a strange sense of calm. The town below was filled with lights and activity. It was early night, and so many dragons and humans bustled about. The nearby bar, Your Private Sanctuary, was of particular activity. Apparently there was some sort of trivia night. Moon missed those nights with the winglet.

Maybe she should go in and ask one of those human… oh what were they called… machinests? Mechanics? Something along that line to make Kinkajou a set of gliders. They probably wouldn’t allow her to fly properly, but it’d be better than nothing.

A soft beat of wings announced the presence of another. She looked over her shoulder, seeing Qibli land nearby.

“There you are!” Qibli greeted happily.

“You’re happy today.” Moon observed.

“You are now the third person to notice!” Qibli grinned. “Long story short, came to terms with everything that happened. Ready to move on.”

“Did you?” Moon raised a brow.

“Thank Duskweaver for that. I’ll explain later; I’ve had to do it like twice today and I fear repetition will kill me.” He sat beside her. “More importantly, I’m going to be going to the Night Kingdom. Chameleon’s not behind it and all and we haven’t heard a peep. Something’s happening there.”

“I’m not getting any visions, if that’s why you’re saying that.” Moon stated. “I don’t feel blocked, it just doesn’t feel like anything is extremely wrong… yet.”

“Alrighty.” Qibli nodded slowly. “That’s good. I’ll be heading out probably tomorrow night. But, I wanted to check on you and Sandy first.”

“How sweet.” Moon gave him a sarcastic smile. “I’m okay. Right now, anyway.” She sighed. “Who knows when that’ll change.”

“Mmm… well, for me, it was accepting what happened and moving on. Easier said than done, but if you can…”

“Easier said than done, yes.” Moon side-eyed him.

“Maybe going back to JMA will help?” Qibli suggested. She looked at him questioningly. “Winter’s entertaining the thought. Wants to be there to protect the students, but we both know it's to ramble about humans. It’s adorable the way he tries to hide it.”

“Does he, now?” Moon scoffed with disbelief. “… Maybe not a bad idea. Tsunami’s running out of staff. Kinkajou said the same thing.”

“Did she?”

“Yes. Darkstalker is powerful enough to do what he wants as is, so we need to keep moving forward. I want to make sure Sandrunner is all set before I go, however.” She paused. “Yet, I can’t rush him. JMA is hardly more than a three hour flight at a leisurely pace anyway.”

“Are you going to be able to focus on teaching?” Qibli asked, concerned.

“It’ll distract me. I hope.”

“Push comes to shove, we could move him there once he starts recovering.” Qibli nodded.

“About that…” Moon tapped her talons on the ground in thought. “I need a piece of the scroll to accelerate his healing. I can’t just make him better, because Darkstalker could rip that way, but if I can write an enchantment to slowly heal him…”

Qibli looked down at Sanctuary, brow furrowed. “That might work. That’s two pieces I need to get, then. Unless I stop by JMA and use Turtle’s bowl first.”

“Two?”

“Winter also wants a piece of the animus paper.”

Now that got Moon’s full attention. She turned to him questioningly.

“Won’t say why. Says he doesn’t want our minds being read.” Qibli explained briefly. “I dunno, maybe you can get an answer out of him because it’s not like him to hide something animus related from us.”

“He must have a good reason.”

“… About that…”

Not one minute later, Qibli had to restrain Moon from flying up to the mountain and bashing Winter’s head against a wall. It must have looked amusing for any onlookers to see someone as small as Qibli trying to hold her back. Truthfully, if she wanted to, Moon could have just taken off anyway. The rational side of her mind worked in tandem with the SandWing in trying to approach this logically.

“Anything else?” Moon finally calmed and settled down.

“Duskweaver wants to know about Darkstalker and she may approach you about it… but you terrify her so maybe not.”

“Terrify her?”

“You uh… kinda nearly ripped her head off after Sandrunner nearly died.”

Moon winced at that. She remembered being emotional and shouting and ready to tear into the next dragon who said the wrong thing. Thinking more on it, she indeed recalled demanding answers from the traumatized dragon. Guilt crawled along her spine.

“Maybe I should apologize.” Moon murmured, tail swishing slowly. “She didn’t deserve that.”

“I think it may go a long way, but she understood. I’m still not sure how I kept it together.”

“You always were the more level headed of us. I was the more emotional.” Moon smiled sadly at him. Looking at him now, all she could see was the love lost. It twisted her heart into thousands of little pieces. But she couldn’t have him back. Even if she wanted to try again, he was already taken.

She was too late… and realistically, it’d only last for a few months.

She had to keep reminding herself of that.

“Yeah, well…” Qibli trailed off.

“By the way, I was thinking of persuading Kinkajou into getting prosthetic wings.” Moon changed the subject before it got too heavy. She did not want to cry at night anymore.

“Oh? Is that a good idea? She’s pretty traumatized.”

“Can’t hurt to try. I know she’s really bitter about it and she seemed open when I threw it out there.”

“Mmm… maybe we can do that together? She may be open to it if two dragons reassure her, especially her ‘bestest of friends’.” Qibli mimicked her voice with the last one. It was so high pitched that Moon couldn’t help but snicker. “Still got it.”

“Beats worrying over our son all night and it’ll subdue my need to kill Winter before Darkstalker does.”

“That’s what I thought. If anything, I’m sure Kinkajou will appreciate the company.”

Chapter Text

Sandrunner somehow managed to get down to the stream near the hut. It took some effort, but he was determined to not stay inside and look at the ceiling for another day. No, he needed the air. He needed the feeling of his claws on grass. Maybe even the sensation of throwing his face into water.

Clay was apprehensive to let him go, but the big MudWing could carry him back if needed. For now, he was fishing with a hook on his tail from the stream. He looked at peace, eyes shut and tuning out the world. Apparently, he liked to do this on his time off with his siblings or whoever wanted to join him.

With him was a scroll and a bottle of alcohol, too. Sandrunner recognized the scroll to be one of Turtle’s but couldn’t make out anything on it. He didn’t take the MudWing to be a reader, but life was all about surprises.

“Y’know, I don’t think I really had freshwater fish.” Duskweaver mused as Clay’s tail snapped and hooked a large salmon. “Had to get used to saltwater fish back in the Night Kingdom. Yucky, really.”

“I don’t think I’ve had any either.” Sandrunner chuckled.

“I’ve always been more carnivorous than my parents, but seafood just never works with me.” Duskweaver shook her head. “I remember for a time after I hatched, I would actively bite at my father’s talons over the strawberries he’d offer.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Don’t know why. I love them now, mind you, but apparently I was a strange dragonet.”

“Do tell. Can’t be any worse than me.”

Duskweaver shifted uncomfortably. Sandrunner felt a twinge of guilt at his comment.

“I guess a lot of it makes sense now that I know who my real father is,” Duskweaver spoke quietly. “Do you promise not to repeat what I tell you, not even to your mother?”

“I promise. She stays out of my head unless absolutely needed, too.” Sandrunner pledged.

Duskweaver nodded slowly, tail thumping on the ground softly. “I… didn’t feel anything when I hatched except anger . Emotionally, that is. I learned to mimic other emotions shortly after, but my parents could tell something was wrong. I knew something was wrong with me.”

Sandrunner’s stomach plummeted. He knew exactly what that was.

“It wasn’t until my grandmother came by and started talking to my mother about me that I realized I had to do something.” Duskweaver picked up a small insect from the ground, watching it crawl on her talon. “I tried a lot of things. Playing with other dragonets didn’t make me happy. Reading scrolls didn’t give me any enjoyment. I tried, I really did, but I was so rageful at something that wasn’t there. But it wasn’t until I went into a medical tent and saw a dragon suffering did something… hit. I simply stopped and stared at this suffering dragon as I processed what I was feeling. I still don’t know what it was.”

Duskweaver went quiet for a moment, still watching the insect.

“The dragon died. I vividly remember being upset about it. It was the first time I felt it. I don’t know why it was this one dragon. I didn’t even know their name.” Duskweaver put the insect back down, watching it scuttle away. “I didn’t like watching dragons suffer, I knew that. So, I started going back and offering strawberries. Seeing the dragon’s faces light up as I showed every day made me… happy . It was still a distant emotion, but I knew what it was then. Problem was, I did this on a rigid routine. I had no friends, either. So, I was sent off to JMA and well… rest is history.”

“Well, if you’re wondering if you’re a sociopath, you’re not.” Sandrunner nudged her as best he could with his wing. “I can pick them out pretty easily because I’m not sure if you know this, but my great grandfather is Vulture and my grandmother is Cobra.”

“Grandma threw that word around as speculation. She dropped it when I started showing emotion. Always wondered why she jumped to that conclusion but, again, given her other son…” Duskweaver shook her head.

“You’re not him.” Sandrunner stated bluntly. “You don’t share a single drop of blood from him. You may technically be his daughter, but it’s in the same way Peril is a RainWing.”

“You’re the second to bring that up to me.” Duskweave giggled quietly. “I know, I know, I shouldn’t think of it. You can relate to what I’m saying, too. But you grew up with it; I was just hit in the nose with a door swung upon by someone Clay’s size.”

Sandrunner glanced at Clay. He didn’t seem to be listening. But, flicking his gaze up and down the muscular dragon… Sandrunner could only imagine the injuries.

Snap! Another fish was caught. That was five now.

“Hey, you two ever had MudWing cooking?” Clay asked them. “Traditional MudWing cooking, that is?”

“I think I had some at JMA. Can’t remember, though.” Sandrunner felt a flicker in his mind at the idea.

“Please tell me you have those spices from the Mud Kingdom… ooh, I forget what they’re called. But they’re spicy. I like spicy.” Duskweaver’s eyes widened.

“Ghostpepper, yes. Of course I have that! And even if I didn’t, I know a dragon who sells them near here.” Clay cricked his wings and back, standing up. “Wish Peril was here. We make a dream team for cooking. Oh well. How cooked do you like your fish?”

“Anything other than raw.” Sandrunner stated.

“Pretty much same. Preferably more on the well done side, though.” Duskweaver added. “Please drench it in Ghostpepper, though.”

“… How do you deal with that much?” Sandrunner stared at her blankly. “My tongue would burn right off.”

“Oh, I’m used to all of that from being a hybrid. Seriously, I’m thankful to be immune to my own acid, but it still burns . So, spicy food is nothing.” Duskweaver shrugged. Sandrunner continued to stare. “What?”

“Acid?” He asked.

“Umm… yeah. Night-Rain Hybrids tend to get that. Heated venom, acid, et cetera. How do you think I melted the lock when we were chased?” Duskweaver gave him a look that said ‘really?’. “Hybrids in general get features from both their parents. Sunny didn’t get the venom, but you sure did. It’s a lottery that way.”

“She’s right.” Clay helped Sandrunner to his claws. “Physiology is strange that way. You’d think, for example, Sand and Ice hybrids would cancel out their breaths. Yet, I’ve seen dragons who can breathe exploding ice. It’s rare, but it’s happening.” He chuckled. “Granted, that dragon did not inherit his own immunity to frostbreath.”

“Give it a few more generations and us hybrids will overwhelm you pure-bloods.” Duskweaver grinned teasingly.

“That’d happen anyway. Tribe borders are opening. I’m excited to see what the future brings.” Clay did not rise to any of her teasing.

“Hm. Wonder if there will be more hybrids on the throne waiting list. Sunny’s pretty much next in line for Sand Kingdom, and Queen Glory has Firefly.” Sandrunner hobbled after them. He’d gotten used to the stilts, it was just a matter of not having them dig into his pits again. “What happens then?”

“Hm?”

“Like, is there going to be a Sand Kingdom a hundred years from now? A Rain Kingdom?”

“Hmm… not really for me to say. Guess we’ll have to see when we reach that age.” Clay chuckled as he helped Sandrunner over an annoying rock.

A few moments later, they were back at the lodge or whatever it was called. Clay had set up a small campfire and was doing what MudWings apparently did best; cook.

“Do you still feel that rage?” Sandrunner asked Duskweaver quietly.

“Mh?” Duskweaver’s fin flicked distractedly before his question processed. “Mmm… it’s very distant, if it’s there at all. There are days I wake up so irritable, but that’s usually when I don’t get enough suntime.”

“… You need suntime?”

“Nowhere near as much as a proper RainWing, but yes, I will occasionally need it.” Duskweaver chuckled. “I look a lot like a NightWing – fins excluded – but as you saw at the dance, I inherited more from my RainWing side.”

“Right… you can change your scale color.” Sandrunner stated dumbly.

“It’s not perfect. But as long as you don’t look too closely I can blend in.” Duskweaver changed the color of her claw to blend in with the ground. Her brow furrowed in concentration. “Admittedly, it’s a lot more taxing to retain the color. Moving? Oh moons… I only did what I did at the dance because I wasn’t keeping a single color. Any proper RainWing will have me beat.”

“Wouldn’t compare.” Sandrunner said. Her gaze flickered over to him. “Powers and abilities don’t define a dragon. You could have any power under the moons and be insufferable. Wouldn’t go down the road of ‘oh if I were a proper RainWing, I could do it better’.”

“How is it you have such a simple mindset?” Duskweaver asked wryly.

“It’s not really simple . I just… think dragons can do more than read minds to be whole.” Sandrunner let out a sigh. “Clay’s whole and he’s not got anything ‘special’. I’m not whole, but it’s not because I’m lacking.”

“Hm.” Duskweaver let out a noise of contemplation. “I think… I need to figure things out.” A pause. “That means going back to the Night Kingdom.”

“Go,” Sandrunner said without hesitation. “I’ll be fine here.”

“I know you will.” She nudged him affectionately. “And if anything happens, I’m a dreamvisit away. Even if it - ”

“Food’s done!” Clay announced loudly.

“Finally!” Duskweaver stood up and stretched. “I’ll bring you back some.”

If she ever wanted to finish her sentence, that was flat out not happening after Sandrunner got a taste of Clay’s cooking. Oh, it would have been divine had there not been one little problem:

He had a low tolerance for Ghostpepper. It didn’t kick in immediately, but five seconds after he ate it, Sandrunner’s face was in a water basin and he refused to come up for air until his tongue stopped flaming.

At least it proved that he could drag himself quite quickly if needed.

***

“Erm… I won’t lie, I’m kinda scared.” Kinkajou fidgeted as she and Moon stepped into Sanctuary. Qibli had gone to see Sandrunner, and something was getting him to laugh really hard over there. Something about Ghostpeppers.

Moon would find out real soon what was going on there. For now, Kinkajou had built up confidence to go see someone about new wings, and Moon was not going to tell her to wait. Especially since the RainWing had requested her to go with.

“That’s okay.” Moon brushed her wing against Kinkajou gently. “We’re just going to talk to them. You don’t have to commit.”

Kinkajou swallowed and nodded.

The place wasn’t hard to find. Mostly because a pair of metal and leather wings along with various other appendages of similar design hung outside a stone building. The light inside indicated it to be still open. So, without hesitation, Moon opened and stepped inside.

It was almost like stepping into the future. Moon never, ever would have thought to see anything like this twenty years ago. With peace and dragons free to do what they want, it was amazing what they came up with.

“Ah, I was wondering if you’d show.” A middle-aged iridescent red SilkWing popped up from behind a desk, antennae flicking curiously. He had a crude leg in his claw, binding parts together with strong silk. “What?” He asked in a drawling voice when both dragons blinked. “Were you expecting a human to be doing this?”

“They are usually the ones with this craft.” Moon said.

“Well, they can’t do everything. Pantala’s been doing this for a number of years, so I figured I’d bring my trade here.” He stood the leg up on the desk, testing its bending properties. “Name’s Comet, by the way. And you’re Kinkajou.” He added, smiling at the RainWing.

“How do you know me?” Kinkajou blurted out.

“Well, just the other day, I was approached by Winter. Said something about potentially expecting a wingless RainWing with yellow and pink scales coming in. He already offered to pay for everything.” Comet chuckled quietly before sighing. “Looked like a real personal thing to him. I didn’t pry.”

Moon could only stare in shock. Her heart beat faster, too, as heat flooded her face. She didn’t know why, but it probably had to do with the immense level of respect she felt for Winter at that moment.

Kinkajou, however, had watery eyes.

“Why? Why would he…?” Kinkajou forced out. “This is expensive!”

“Well, I gave him a discount for letting me set up shop here.” Comet grinned. “Still offered to pay full price.”

“Why… why me…? There’s so much…” Kinkajou murmured under her breath.

“I can take your measurements before I wrap up for the night. Can work something out after.” Comet offered, his eyes locked onto the smaller RainWing.

“Kinkajou?” Moon asked her softly.

“Okay.” Kinkajou sniffled. “I can do that.”

“Right, come with me over here and lay down. Will take only a moment.”

Kinkajou did as instructed, laying on a measuring floor. Comet gingerly placed a thumb where Kinkajou’s scars were before attaching a bit of silk and pulling outward.  After a few steps, he placed it on the ground.

“Alright, I think I got an idea.” He said after muttering a few calculations. “However, I want to warn you now that this will not be the same as flying before. Nothing can ever compare to that. However, you will be able to glide long distances and I’ll attach mechanisms you can use to flap.”

Kinkajou nodded and Moon grimaced as a thought crept into her mind.

Why not just use the animus paper to restore her wings? Yet, the moment it entered, Moon dismissed it. It was animus, and animus could be taken away. With Sandrunner, it was healing what was already there. This was regrowing wings. It was too dangerous right now.

But the moment Moon choked out Darkstalker, she’d restore Kinkajou’s wings.

“Right, so, this will take time to make. RainWing wings need to bend so you don’t get caught on tree branches and all.” Comet wrote down more notes. “I can’t offer a timeframe given the complexity; I usually have one wing to replace or part of one. But, I won’t make you wait too long.”

“Thank you.” Kinkajou nodded her head, wiping her eyes.

The two left, and Kinkajou broke down the instant they left the eyesight of others. Moon held her tightly, ushering her away somewhere quiet.

“I can’t do this!” Kinkajou eventually forced out. “I’m so scared of everything around him, and it’s stupid! I hate it! But this?! This is the Winter I knew, not the one I saw. But I saw him mask off. I…”

“You saw a side of him. One brought on by mistakes and hurt.” Moon answered quietly. “Everyone has an ugly side. You’ve seen mine. You’ve seen Qibli’s.”

“It’s not the same, and I don’t know why !”

“Has Fatespeaker brought up something called Post Traumatic Stress?” Moon asked her. Kinkajou nodded slowly. “Do you mind if I offer a potential explanation? I don’t want to hurt you or have you relive it.”

“I relive it every day, so why not?” Kinkajou laughed hollowly.

“I think it’s different because you associate his ugly side with what happened to you. It spurred you into fleeing. You crashed. The whole thing is connected. So when you see Winter, you’re sent back there.”

Kinkajou fell silent. Her colors shifted under the moonlight.

“I think it’s time I be brave again.” Kinkajou breathed out slowly. “I’ll need help.”

“You know I’ll be there.”

“Alright. Cuz I want to see him before he leaves again.” Kinkajou smiled weakly. “There’s not much more I can ask of him realistically.” She paused. “Does… he know that I wrote it?”

“I think he does. I won’t mention it either way.” Moon vowed, squeezing the RainWing’s claws in hers. “I think he’s moved on, anyway. He wouldn’t be around Qibli and I willingly or doing this if he wasn’t.”

“Good point.” Kinkajou pulled away from Moon, stretching like a cat. “I think I’m ready to head back, though.”

“You able to make it back? I can fly you there.”

“I’m not that helpless, Moony.” Kinkajou rolled her eyes. “But… I would like it if you walked with me back.”

“That, I can do.”

***

“Be honest with me Clay, how’s he doing?” Qibli asked after Sandrunner went back into the lodge with Duskweaver.

Clay didn’t answer immediately, cleaning up the mess made by his cooking. Which wasn't a lot.

“I’m hopeful.” Clay finally stated. “However, spinal injuries are fickle. He could recover normally. He could stretch and widen the injury. He may be stuck like this forever. However, these are all ‘coulds’. Not fact.”

So, I am going to have to get that animus scrap. Qibli grimaced. He already felt apprehensive about getting it for Winter, but using it on his son? Moon had to have known the hidden risks. She thought emotionally, yes, but she wasn’t stupid.

“No time estimate, I assume?”

“No.” Clay shook his head. “This is not something I want to rush, either.”

“I wasn’t asking you to. I just… well, yeah.” Qibli fidgeted anxiously.

“Chin up, Qibli.” Clay patted his shoulder. “The fact he’s moving around as is in such a short time is remarkable.”

“Agreed.” Duskweaver stepped back out. “On that note, I have a request.” She asked Qibli. He motioned for her to continue. “I want to go back with you.”

“Are you sure?” Qibli asked. “I’m not going to say no, but you were sent away for a reason.”

“I am very much aware of that. However, I need to make sure my parents are safe. I can’t sleep knowing that every day is a threat. My mother still replies to my dreamvisits, but my father doesn’t. I think we can all know why.” Duskweaver responded pointedly. “You know what I’m going through. Imagine what he is.”

“Ah, well, who am I to deny that? Just promise me you’ll keep yourself safe.” Qibli smiled widely.

“I’m no fighter but I know how to hide quite well.” Duskweaver changed some of her scales with a devious grin.

“I will warn you, though, we plan on stopping at the Sand Kingdom first to check Chameleon’s old place. Shouldn’t take too long, though.”

“That’s fine.” Duskweaver’s eyes drifted slightly to behind Qibli.

It was the only warning he had before something small landed on his back. “Boo.”

“You’re getting better at this.” Qibli turned his head back to see Sunny snickering. “Almost didn’t catch you.”

“Yeah, Duskweaver gave me away. I was proud of myself, though.”