Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Perhaps Albatross had been foolish. His body was bloody and had been impaled several times. He laid dying on the floor staring at his grandson.

Fathom…

He spat up a little more blood. He stared at Fathom, but Fathom did not return his gaze. Fathom was hunched over his little Girlfriend’s bleeding body whispering words into her ears soothing her into the afterlife. He had set out that day to make an example. No Animus should be degraded like him. Forced to do petty tricks wasting his soul for entertainment for a debt his sister held over his head like a guillotine about to drop. Maybe it was for the best that he had died here in his grandson's place. This would serve as an example whether he lived or not and he has saved his grandson the pain of being used like a jester. Maybe he finally lost it, or maybe it’s the clearest he has been thinking for a long time. He looked over at his grandson again, the blood spilling out of the girl from Albatross’s knife seemed to pour out by the gallons. But, then all at once her blood stopped spilling out. It still flowed, but it was moving in reverse. Her blood was returning to her body and her wounds were closing.

Clever boy

Fathom had used his magic in a way that Albatross had never had the thought to. Fathom had just used his power to save a life. Maybe if Albatross had been a bit more compassionate or made better decisions he could’ve healed Sapphire of the wounds he caused her. His blood moved so far from his body it spilled into the ocean beside the dock he was on. Albatross could heal himself, but that might just be one more selfish action from a dragon who had just been so selfish. Albatross watched as his blood diluted into the water disappearing into its depths. His blood will forever haunt the ocean. 

Haunt…

That word gave Albatross an idea. This wouldn’t be the end for him. He wouldn’t heal himself however. 

I will return to prevent anyone from being used like me.

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Fathom was incredibly content with his life. His life wasn’t full of excitement or thrill. He had enough of that in his younger years. He was content with the calm and cozy life he lived with his family. Eventually Clearpool and Ripple moved out, but they always came to visit. Cowrie stayed close however, choosing to raise his family nearby. Fathom had many grandchildren. Some might say too many. Ripple had found a wife and brought his children over all the time. Clearpool was… promiscuous and Fathom had many different grandchildren from many different fathers. Cowrie had found a husband and they both really wanted children, but both being male it was going to be impossible. It was the only time Cowrie had ever asked for Fathom to use his magic. It was one of the only times Fathom had ever cast a spell. A bracelet that would when worn temporarily swap a dragon biological sex. They had five children together. The second time Cowrie had made his husband bear the eggs because he had to the first time.

“Are you going to come inside dad?” Cowrie asked, coming up besides Fathom. “It’s getting late.”

Fathom had been outside looking over the sea while sitting on a cliff.

“No I don’t think I will.” He answered, his old bone creaking as he turned to his son.

The same cliff where Indigo was buried.

“Oh,” Cowrie spoke, his voice cracking. “Are you going to ever come back inside?”

“Not unless you put me there.” He joked.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s been a long time coming Cowrie.” He said, pulling his son in for a hug. “I want you to know I’m so very proud of you and your siblings and all seventeen of my grandchildren.”

Cowrie began to cry. His tears falling onto Fathom. “It's going to be so hard without you dad.”

“I know, but you’re very clever. I’m sure you’ll manage.”

“Can I stay out here with you?”

“Of course.” They sat there in silence for a long time. Fathom had considered his life. His long dead family members, Clearsight is out there somewhere, and Darkstalker…

Darkstalker isn’t gone. He’s asleep somewhere.

Fathom looked down at his son who’d fallen asleep by his side. Then he looked back at the houses behind him. One was awash with light that one contained his son-in-law and grandchildren. He was suddenly overwhelmed with a protective feeling.

Darkstalker will return.

He was suddenly filled with fear. Fear for his family .

Darkstalker will return and I won’t be there to protect my family.

Fathom felt sick. He can’t protect anyone from beyond the grave. He had to act.

I will return to defeat Darkstalker.

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Orca slashed at her mothers wings. She fought and fought, but she was losing ground. Coral was an equal size to her but carried an overwhelming strength. She had underestimated her mother. She loved her kooky author of a mother but she wasn’t fit to be queen. Orca had thought there was no way Coral would be able to best her. 

Perhaps I should’ve used magic…

Orca quickly dispelled the thought. If she used magic then she didn’t deserve the throne in the first place. She ducked, avoiding a slash from her mother. She had been so confident she could best her mother and reign forever. But now she had realized that her mother was no incompetent fool. Coral looked at her like she was a prey that was hard to catch. With mild annoyance and disdain. Coral lunged at her, pinning her to the ground. 

“Please Orca,” She begged, her eyes returning to their usual state. “Stop this madness. You’re my only daughter. It’s not too late to surrender. We’re family.”

Oh, I get it.

Orca cackled maniacally.

Coral doesn’t care about anyone. Orca realized. She doesn’t want to go through the trouble of having another daughter to be heir.

“I did this all wrong.” She said, staring up at her mother. “You’re going to rule forever, aren’t you, ‘Mother’?” she said mockingly. “You should thank me. No one can stop you now.”

Coral raised her talons and pierced Orca’s throat.

I suppose I should be more upset.

Her talons gripped around something in Orca’s throat.

I’m too petty to just die.

And ripped it out.

Farewell, Coral. Until we meet again when I return with the next animus.

Chapter Text

Turtle always wanted to be a hero of some scroll. One titled like Prince Turtle fights off invading hordes of Skywings all by himself. Something silly and impressive like that. But, with the way his life was heading it seemed closer to a horror story. Occasionally he would see in the corner of his eye or behind him in the mirror something that would disappear as soon as he turned towards it. He had gained a reputation among his brothers as the crazy one. There were only three ghosts he ever saw. He only knows the name of one of them however, Orca. Statues of her are littered around the palace and it’d be impossible to not recognize her. Whenever he saw her she always looked pleased like something Turtle had done had impressed her. The next one appears in his reflection. He takes Turtle’s place in the mirror. He looks a lot like Turtle so he didn’t even notice at first until it started moving separately from him. The last ghost always sits across from him whenever he sits down. Sometimes their mouths move but no noise comes out. They don’t ever seem aggressive. At most they look mildly annoyed that he can’t hear them.

‘Turtle you absolute mollusk. We’re going to be late because of you.’ Octopus flashed, complaining while walking back into their shared room. 

‘You guys just go already.’ He replied. ‘ I’ll join when I'm ready.’ Octopus swam out of their room muttering some nonsense about manners and insanity. Turtle was struggling with his earrings, struggling to fit it in his ear properly. His talons fumbled the earring and dropped it.

Dammit you earring, why won’t you just get in my ear!

The earring floated up from the carpet and attached itself to his ear. He paused for a moment and reached to his ear. The earring was really in his ear.

I’m an animus!

A voice rang out through his head. I enchant Prince Turtle of the Seawings to be able to hear my voice. 

What?

“So sorry for hijacking your magic.” The voice spoke within his mind. “ You just weren’t responding to any attempts to communicate with you otherwise.”

Who are you? He flashed, spinning around trying to see where the voice was coming from. The apparition of Orca appeared behind him. 

“Hello little brother. You’re an animus dragon, and so was I. When I died while fighting our mother I enchanted myself to partially possess you. I hope you don’t mind.”

I do mind! He flashed. You and the other two are the reason everyone thinks I’m crazy.

“What do you mean ‘the other two’?”

The other two ghosts.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She confirmed. “ The point is, I’d like to use you to enact my magical revenge.”

What if I refuse?

She cackled. “ What makes you think you can refuse? I have access to your magic and no one can see me or believe you about me. You’re the crazy prince.”

Before Orca could say anything else another voice rang through Turtle’s head. I enchant Prince Turtle of the Seawings to be able to hear my voice. 

What?

“What?” Orca mimicked, also similarly confused.

“Ah ha! I am also here.” Said the second ghost, who manifested into view. “ Apologies for using your magic without your permission. Although I suspect I paid the price for it.” He said lifting up his talons to reveal he was missing a claw. “ You have the same issue I suspect.” He said turning to Orca who similarly looked at her talons to notice one was missing.

“Who are you?” Orca demanded. “ Why are you here?”

“I am also a past Seawing animus.” The pale Seawing said. “ I’m here to make sure you don’t manipulate or take advantage of this poor boy.” He came up and moved in front of Turtle. “ No animus will be forced to use their gift. Not while I’m around.”

I’m so confused. Turtle exclaimed.

“Me too!” The second ghost exclaimed. “ What year is it? Who are you? Why do you look like my grandson? Who is she?”

“Well I’m Princess Orca of the Seawings. His older sister. Last time I checked it was 5,003, but I suspect some time has passed since I was alive.”

It’s 5,009

“Well that explains it.” He exclaimed. “You’re both my descendants! Isn’t that wonderful?” 

“Who are you?” Orca exclaimed.

Their ancestor paused for a moment, considering his answer. “My name is Prince Fathom.”

Wasn’t Fathom supposed to be Green?

“They changed my depictions in portraits because I looked too much like my grandfather Albatross. I’m essentially here to prevent another Seawing massacre. Anyways, Turtle, ignore her. She can’t control your magic while I’m here preventing her from using it. Turtle you must hurry. You have a party to go to! Don’t kill everyone there and have a good time.”

Turtle began to hurry down the hallway leaving the two ghosts behind in his room. 

“There’s not a chance that you’re Fathom.” Orca said, turning towards Albatross. 

“You’re right. I’m Albatross.” 

“I don’t care about that. Why are you getting in my way?”

“Because when an animus gets exploited they end up like me.” He explained. “Do you think the world needs another Seawing Massacre?”

“Well neither of us can cast spells while the other is around. I suppose I will just have to try to convince Turtle to do my bidding.”

“And I’ll have to convince him to not.”

Chapter Text

“Roll out Turtle. Roll out!” Cheered Orca as Turtle got tackled by his brother Octopus. Turtle thrashed under his brother, but was unable to get out. “Bite him! Go for the eyes!” Turtle reached up and pushed Octopus’s head away from him.

‘Why are you even attacking me?’ Turtle asked, still pinned under his brother. 

‘You ate that squid I was saving.’ Octopus answered. ‘So now I’m going to beat you up.'

‘I didn’t eat your squid. I didn’t even know you had one you were saving.’ Turtle yelped as Octopus’s claw came down and pressed down on Turtle’s head.

‘Yuh-huh you did. Cerulean said he saw you.’

Turtle paused. ‘Cerulean lied.’

‘Why would Cerulean lie?’

‘I think it’s rather obvious why he would lie.’

Octopus tilted his head in confusion for a moment. Before his head snapped up and he bolted out the room. ‘Cerulean you piece of dried seaweed!’ He flashed out far into the hallway. 

“See how quickly they turn on you.” Orca whispered. “They will leave you to the sharks once they find out about your magic.”

I don’t think so. Turtle answered, picking a piece of squid out of his teeth. Fathom says your fearmongering. And that I shouldn’t listen to you.

“He’s probably right, but one day you’ll see things the way I do.” She claimed, putting a talon to her chest. “But now that you mention him, where is he? I haven’t seen him yet today.”

He said something about having not been in the Sea Kingdom for a long time and exploring the palace. 

“I see. So little prince, what's on the schedule for today?” 

Well my teacher is taking me and my brothers to an old moment to give us an ancient history lesson. It’s somewhere on the edge of the kingdom. 

“Oh?” Orca said surprised. “I never received such a lesson.”

It was rediscovered recently. Turtle explained . I suspect my teacher really wanted to see it, but couldn’t get time off so she had no choice but to make it a field trip. It should prove interesting. He picked up a bag he was packing earlier before his brother attacked. Are you going to follow? Orca doesn’t usually follow Turtle to his classes. She says it’s redundant for her since she’d already learned it.

“I’ve got better things to be doing.” She answered walking up next to Turtle. “I’ll just be watching the guards train again, like a pervert.”

What’s a pervert? 

Orca looked flustered. “I’ll tell you when you’re older. Get going, your teacher is going to be mad if you’re late!” Turtle scurried out the door running down the hallway. He arrived at the class room where River waited. River was one of the princes’ many caretakers and teachers. She specifically taught history to the royals. 

“Are you ready?” River asked, turning towards Turtle.

“I am.” He answered. “Where are my brothers?”

“They’ve both been grounded for getting into a petty squabble.” She explained. “Your father explained that I should still take you.” She sighed deeply, clearly hoping she wouldn’t have to take any of the princes. They began to swim away from the palace and began to glide on the currents. Their destination was an hour's swim away. They arrived at the monument. It was a quaint little ivory temple covered in moss. Several researchers surrounded the building. They all held tablets scribbling notes down. One of the researchers noticed them and swam up.

‘Hello Doctor River it’s nice to see you. I’m assuming that you’ve brought a prince with you.’ The researcher flashed, glancing at Turtle confused. ‘Did you lose some?’

‘Only this one came.’ His teacher explained. ‘Would you show us the inside of the monument?’

‘Please follow me.’ He turned and swam back towards the building. River and Turtle followed close behind.

‘I didn’t know you were a doctor.’ Turtle said, turning towards River. 

‘I have a doctorate in linguistics and world history.’ 

‘Why are you a private tutor then?’

‘We’re in the middle of a war. It was either this or joining the army.’ They made their way inside the ancient building. It was old and covered in flora. In the center there was a statue depicting two dragons. One much larger. He was laid on the ground, his head impaled. The other is smaller. Rising over him her spear stabbed into him. The statue was covered in a highly reflective gold. The dragon in Turtle’s reflection. The one that had no name and had not spoken yet looked distraught. 

Who are you? What is your name? Are you depicted here? Why are you upset?

There was a plaque on the side of the statue written in old Pyrrhian. The only word he recognized was ‘Animus’.

‘Do you want me to translate?’ River asked and Turtle nodded. ‘It’s about Indigo. She’s an old folk hero. She appears in certain tablets that tell of The Seawing Massacre. But after a certain point she disappeared from records of the event. She’s apparently the one who killed Albatross. This statue is even titled “Animus Killer”’ She explained, pointing at the plaque. ‘It’s a debate among historians. Why was she wiped from history? Perhaps she angered the Queen? But if she did, why was she only being no longer mentioned? Why not just destroy all records of her? Perhaps she was an Animus herself and her story no longer held meaning. We investigate places like this to discover missing pieces of our history. This is an amazing opportunity!’ 

Turtle certainly thought it was interesting of course. But River had begun droning and Turtle didn’t know how much longer he could pay attention. ‘River,’ He flashed. ‘I’m very hungry and while this is very interesting it is not filling my stomach. Can we go hunting now?’

‘Oh! Of course!’ She replied, leaving the monument and beckoning Turtle to follow. ‘On the outskirts of the Kingdom there are many different fish than closer to the capital. So hunting will be interesting.’ Turtle swam away from her and began to chase a fish. It was one he’d never seen before. It was strangely oblong and orange. It was surprisingly quick for its size and it was evading Turtle. It started swimming deeper and deeper into the depths of the water. Eventually Turtle had it cornered and snatched it up. Turtle then realized how deep he had gone.

I can’t even see the sun anymore. He realized. He looked around, his Seawing night vision helping him see in the dark. He hadn’t even realized that he started relying on it instead of light. He felt a shift in the water around him.

Something’s moving. 

He whipped around looking for some kind of shark or maybe another dragon, but he saw nothing. Then suddenly he felt the ground under him move as a chunk of the ground opened for a creature with giant pitch black eyes much larger than Turtle's entire body stared at him. All he felt was a giant tentacle grab his ankle and then yank him. His head slammed against a rock and everything went dark.

Chapter Text

Turtle was terrified. No light reached this deep into the ocean, so he only saw with his Seawing Nightvision. The being that had grappled him was large, impossibly so. Its tentacles reached so far they escaped Turtle’s sight. The creature stared at Turtle two large beady eyes. Its tendrils were wrapped around Turtle’s torso. Its rough flesh scraped him as it coiled him more, squeezing him tight. One of these arms was much bigger than his entire body. 

Is this thing going to eat me? He thought, incredibly frightened. Its tentacles brought Turtle up close against it.

Is it… snuggling me? 

The creature had wrapped him up tight and Turtle could barely move, but it wasn’t violent, in fact it was almost gentle. Upon further inspection its flesh looked and felt like it was made of wood. He could see the dragon that haunted his reflection looking back at him through the creature’s eye. 

‘Be not afraid.’ The dragon flashed. ‘He means you no harm. He is merely confused.’

‘What do you mean he’s confused?’ Turtle flashed back, trying to escape the creature’s tentacles with no success.

‘He thinks you are me so he’s trying to greet an old friend. He will realize his mistake soon enough and release you. So please don’t panic.’

‘Who are you even?’ He asked.

‘My name is Depth, assumedly I am one of your ancestors and I too am an Animus.’ He explained. ‘Our mutual friend here’s name is–’ he then flashed something unintelligible.

‘I’m sorry, can you repeat that?’

Depth flashed it again to no avail.

‘Amorphous shape?’ Turtle responded, assuming the closest words to what Depth said. ‘Who would name him “amorphous shape”?’

‘Someone quite silly.’ He answered. ‘He was a gift and one of the first and only things I ever created and enchanted. Other than you I suppose.

‘What!’ Turtle exclaimed, eyes widening in surprise. ‘You created me?’

‘Well I suppose 'create' isn't the right term. I cast a poorly made enchantment at the very end of my life with no prior planning and I did it from a place of fear.’ Depth explained. ‘You are essentially me, but also you are yourself. In every sense you are my clone except for your spirit. An animus Seawing born to the royal family with scales the colors of deepest emeralds. I suppose something got lost in translation between my intent and the wording of the spell, because I exist only in your reflection.’

Before Turtle could ask anymore questions he noticed a light flashing towards him from above. 

‘Looks like your teacher has finally noticed you were missing.’ Depth turned away from Turtle. ‘You should probably go to her.’ He flashed as the tentacles loosened around his waist. ‘Toodles.’

Amorphous Shape descended back into the depths as Turtle’s reflection disappeared along with it.

‘Great Blue,’ River exclaimed as she finally spotted Turtle. ‘Where have you been?!’ 

‘I saw a fish I didn’t recognize and I chased it and got lost.’ Turtle flashed back, very clearly lying, but River believed him. 

‘Well I’m not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the trip.’ River proclaimed, pointing her claws at her eyes and then back at Turtle. ‘If I lose you at the edge of the Kingdom the Queen will probably have me executed.’

‘I don’t think she would care enough to.’

River paused and put a claw on his shoulder. ‘What would make you think that? You’re a prince.’

‘That’s all I am.’ Turtle explained. ‘One of twenty-seven princes. I can’t inherit the throne, and the Queen doesn’t have a single heir right now. She’s too busy to care about us.’

‘Oh Turtle,’ River said, melancholy filling her voice. ‘I’m sure that’s not true. She’s very busy running a Kingdom and you have many brothers, but I’m sure she cares about you.’

Turtle knew that wasn’t true. But River’s words comforted him a little. River and Turtle returned to the monument and Turtle paid a little more attention to her lessons. Eventually the sun set in the sky a bit more and Turtle and River made their way back to the Deep Palace. Turtle moved to set his bag down back in his room, but then he looked back up at the mirror, only to notice Depth wasn’t looking back at him. 

Weird.

“What’s weird?” Orca asked, poking her head through the wall.

I forgot you can hear my thoughts. Remember the dragon in the reflection?

“Yeah.”

Well he spoke to me earlier after a real life Kraken named Amorphous Shape kidnapped me.

“Truly that is both too much and too little information.” Fathom said, also popping out from behind the wall, his light blue scales contrasting the deep blue walls.

What were you guys doing that required you both to be floating right outside my room. 

“Palace gossip.” Fathom answered. “The life of royalty is so much more interesting when you aren’t the one stressing about it.” 

“My twin brother Fin is in an arranged marriage,” Orca explained. “But he also has a secret lover among the palace staff and no one has figured it out. We only learned about it when we found them kissing in a closet. Fin is so close to running away with him, but I think the staff member might leave before Fin gets the chance so he stays in the palace and doesn’t abandon his family.”

Is Fin gay? 

“Maybe.” Orca answered, shrugging. “Have you considered my plans for World Domination yet?”

I think I’m good, but I’ll let you know if I change my mind.

Chapter Text

Turtle had woken up alone in his room. Neither of his brothers in sight.

Oh no! Turtle realized in horror. I must be late for class.

He bounded out of his bed, quickly grabbing his scrolls for class and bolting out of the room. He swiftly swam through the halls, turning corners and surprising several staff with his rush. He had almost made it to the classrooms before he got tackled to the ground.

Turtle was experiencing something his brothers would refer to as “violent affection”. Said “violent affection” included things such as pulling at his horns, throwing him around, and lastly, piling on top of him. Currently Turtle was entering the final stage of “violent affection” as Octopus jumped on him and Cerulean.

‘Ow! Octopus, you traitor!’ Cerulean began to struggle. ‘Get off me you whale!’

‘You both get off me!’ Turtle flashed angrily in aquatic, reaching for his scrolls with which he had lost grip of in the tumble. ‘We’re going to be late for class!’

‘It’s the weekend you goof.’ Octopus corrected from the top of the pile. ‘No class.’

‘Ah,’ Turtle signed, still struggling beneath his clutchmates. ‘Then, you both get off me because I want to go back to bed.’

‘I refuse’ flashed Octopus in defiance.

“I must admit, I regret never playing with my brothers more. This is a riot!” Orca exclaimed, watching the bundle of limbs that were her little brothers. She then paused and turned towards the door, looking confused. “Turtle, someone’s swimming this way very fast.”

‘Get off me! Someone’s coming.’ Turtle finally slipped away from under his brothers and watched as Octopus and Cerulean scrambled away from each other as their father entered the hall. Gill flashed his scales very brightly and grabbed all their attention.

‘I need help.’ Gill exclaimed, ‘Who’s going to help me?’

‘Me!’ Turtle flashed. ‘I’ll help’

‘Good, thank you…’ Gill paused.

‘Turtle, I’m Turtle.’

‘I know,’ He answered, but his voice wasn’t convincing. ‘Turtle, this is very important. I need you to go find Snapper and send her to the Royal Hatchery. Tell her to hurry as fast as her wings can swim. Can you do that?’  Orca’s eyes went wide with guilt as Gill made his request.

‘Sure.’ Turtle answered with certainty. 

‘I’m counting on you, Turtle,’ Gill flashed, touching Turtle’s shoulder. ‘It’s really important. I know you can do this. I’ll be waiting. All right?’

‘Yes sir,’ Turtle responded. He had no clue who or where Snapper was, but he had his enchanted coral.

‘Go then hurry!’ Gill ordered. Turtle with a burst of movement sped through the underwater hallways with as much force as his little limbs could generate. He pulled out his coral necklace,

Find Snapper

The coral suddenly lurched him in the opposite direction of where he was originally heading.

“Turtle,” Orca spoke in his head. “I know what’s happening. You won’t be able to find Snapper, the best thing you can do in this situation is to go to the hatchery yourself.”

I can’t stop the coral once it starts. Turtle thought at Orca. 

“Turtle, let it go.” Orca commanded. “You can always make another.” Turtle let go of the necklace, watching it zoom off towards Snapper. 

I don’t know where the hatchery is. 

“Follow me” Orca moved ahead of Turtle guiding him through the hallways and out the main palace corridors to the royal hatchery. He pushed the heavy door open and paddled inside. The room was uncharacteristically warm for how deep underwater they were.

Is that you? Turtle glanced up at the beautifully carved statue in the middle of the room. 

“It is… I carved it myself.”

It’s excellent.

“Thanks, it was my life’s work.” Orca clenched her talons as she spoke. Turtle moved over to examine the eggs. His little siblings were forming inside. Turtle had never been this close to eggs in a very long time. He understood he was small, but these were even smaller.

What happened to the guard? There isn’t one here.

“I don’t know. Probably why father sent you here.” Orca wasn’t facing Turtle, instead she was looking at the statue that carried her likeness. “You should probably call for Fathom.” 

“Already here.” Fathom said, his light blue scales contrasting the dark green walls of the hatchery. “What’s wrong with the eggs?”

New female eggs haven’t hatched since Orca did. They were all destroyed before they could.

“Maybe Coral’s been destroying the eggs herself, or is at least behind it.” Fathom proposed, examining the room. “But why would she still be attempting to have children then? She’s queen and clearly still attempting to. As evident as your absurd amount of your brothers.” Turtle wasn’t sure his head was spinning, who would dare attack royals this consistently?

Why’d you tell me to hurry here? Turtle asked Orca. I feel a three year old isn’t going to dissuade an assassin. 

“Well it doesn’t matter that you’re a three year old, you have magic powers.” Orca reasoned to the duo. 

“Orca, you can’t just risk Turtle’s life. He’s not experienced enough to use his magic safely or efficiently enough, he'd just hurt his soul for nothing.” Fathom scolded. “You’re smarter than this.”

“Maybe I’m not,” Orca yelled at Fathom. Turtle felt ill. “I never had a magic guide. Maybe I’m not careful enough, or experienced enough. I didn’t have a magic ancestor to teach me how to efficiently use magic. You weren’t there for me.” She yelled accusatorily at Fathom.

Fathom snarled, “That’s not fair and you know it!” He shouted back. Turtle felt weird around his throat. “I only appear to Animus at risk of being taken advantage of. My spell’s terms were clear, you didn’t need guidance.”

“Just because I wasn’t going to be taken advantage of didn’t mean I didn’t need guidance.” Turtle felt a strange thickness around his gills. “Something went wrong with me, because I died incredibly young, and I’m here trying to convince a three year old to take over the world. I needed help and I wasn’t worth your time!”

Please stop. I need…

“I can’t appear to every troubled Animus,” Turtle suddenly felt incredibly cold. “I’d have to be split between every Animus. It’d drive me mad again!”

Help… Turtle could barely keep his eyes open. Fathom, Orca, stop. I need help. He thought towards them before sleep took over.

Chapter Text

Help… Fathom, Orca, stop. I need help.

“What Turtle?” Albatross asked, turning towards Turtle who had passed out. Albatross quickly bolted next to Turtle’s side. “Wake up! Turtle, please wake up!” Orca followed quickly behind him, her claws covering her mouth. His gills were a strange whitish color and his breathing was heavy.

“I didn’t know it would affect him.” Orca confessed swimming up besides Turtle and Albatross. 

“You didn't know what would affect him?” Albatross snapped. “What do you know about this?”

“The room, it’s enchanted to implant the idea of leaving or taking a break in guards heads. It’s why Turtle wouldn’t have been able to find Snapper. She is most likely not even in the Deep Palace” Orca explained, fidgeting with her talons. “But it’s also enchanted that if the guard doesn’t leave it’ll make the guard sick. It’ll happen quicker depending on how willing the guard is to stay.”

“Orca, how do you know this?” Albatross’s eyes then went wide with realization. “Orca, what have you done?”

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” She had turned back towards the statue. “If I had won the battle against moth– Coral, this would’ve been a non-issue. No heir crisis, just one eternal benevolent queen.”

“The statue.” Albatross realized. “The statue is the assassin.”

“The last thing I dedicated to the kingdom before I challenged my mother.” Orca turned back towards Albatross. “The perfect assassin, it only moves when no one is in the room.”

“Orca, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to guide you.” Albatross moved towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “My spell was poorly worded and I would’ve helped you if I could have, but now we’re both tied to Turtle and his magic. I can't cast a spell to save him without you. You clearly care about him more than you let on. Help me save him, please.”

Orca sighed. “Of course. What do we need to cast?”

“What was the wording of the spell?” Albatross asked. “I need to know what he’s sick with to cast anything to cure it.”

“I didn’t say anything specific.” Orca realized, swimming beside Turtle. “I just said the guard will be sick if they don’t fall into the urge to leave. I thought they’d get taken away from the eggs if they seemed obviously ill.”

“Turtle could have anything.” Albatross realized, a pale look coming across his already pale face. “How can you magically cure something you don’t know the name of.”

“It didn’t occur to me that I’d need to cure it.” Orca growled. “So what do we do?”

“I don’t know.” Albatross answered. “We’ll just have to start trying to cure him of things he might have.”

“How do we know he won’t just get sick again immediately?”

“I don’t know.”

“I have a suggestion.” Turtle’s voice echoed through Orca’s head. 

“Turtle?” Orca asked.

“No.” answered the voice that sounded like Turtle. A perfect translucent copy of Turtle lifting out of his body. 

“Fathom…” Albatross answered Orca, his voice shaking with guilt. Fathom’s body shifted to be older, even older than Albatross. “What do you suggest?” He said, quickly regaining his composure.

“Make Turtle immune to other Animus magic.” Fathom’s ancient voice rumbled. “It’ll prevent the enchantment on the room from harming him further and allow to cast a spell to cure him. What he’s being affected by is called Fin Rot in its latest stages, a common and easily treatable disease in a late stage.”

“How do you know what it is?” Orca asked Fathom.

“I am old, far older than any other dragon. I did not return with Turtle like you, I had to await his arrival.” Fathom explained. “I have spent almost 2,000 years with no body. I have knowledge that eclipses any library. I’ve watched my name change over time. Aquatic is no longer the same. I’ve seen cities rise and fall. Wars and Peace. I know what Fin Rot looks like. How about we spend less time questioning my capabilities and more time saving our host.”

Albatross reached his claw out towards Orca. “We have to agree on the spell.” Orca took his claw in her own and a line of electricity ran along both their arms as one talon disappeared on both their claws. The electricity disappeared into Turtle, his gills returning to their original color and his heavy breathing slowing down.

“It worked!” Orca exclaimed, looking at her little brother as his condition improved. “Thank you Fathom.” She said turning towards where Fathom was, only to find he wasn’t there. “Where’d he go?”

“No time for that!” Albatross shouted, floating back towards Turtle. “Get up, Turtle, we have no idea how long you have until a guard gets here and you shouldn’t be asleep in the royal hatchery.”

Oh? Turtle thought wearily, lifting his head and opening his eyes. You guys aren’t fighting anymore, that’s good. If that’s all sorted out it’s very warm, and I’m going back to bed.

“You aren’t even in bed!” Albatross yelled. “You are in the royal hatchery, be more coherent!” 

I’m in the royal hatchery! Turtle realized, looking around in alarm. I remember now, I felt weird.

“Do you feel better?” Orca asked cautiously.

Yeah!

“That’s great.” She said in a strange tone. “Someone’s coming.” The doors swung open as Gill burst into the room, flanked by two doctors.

‘Turtle?!’ He flashed in surprise. ‘What are you doing here? Where’s Abalone?’

‘I couldn’t find Snapper.’ He explained, fidgeting with his talons and looking to his ghosts for guidance. ‘And you sounded urgent, so I came here myself and Abalone wasn’t here when I got here.’ His explanation, while not the entire truth, seemed to satisfy Gill. Who turned back and addressed the doctors. 

‘You!’ he pointed towards one of the doctors. ‘Abalone wouldn’t have abandoned his duty on purpose, so he might be delirious from his illness, please go try and find him.’ She swam off in search of her patient ‘You.’ He pointed to the other doctor. ‘Stay here, I’ll need you in a second. Turtle, what you did was not well advised. I told you to look for a guard and you swam towards danger. But, if you couldn’t find Snapper, then I’m glad someone was here watching over your little sisters. The last guard who was here was incredibly sick, do you feel well?' 

‘I feel okay.’ He answered truthfully.

‘I believe you, but you are also very young, so you are going to go with this doctor and get checked, okay?’

‘Yes sir.’ Turtle flashed, swimming towards the doctor. As he swam past Gill, he got scooped into his embrace.

‘Thank you Turtle. I’m proud of you.’

Orca watched in silence as her father and brother left together and turned towards Albatross. “Do you trust me?”

“I trust you won’t hurt Turtle.”

“Then please don’t interfere with my next spell. I promise not to do anything to harm or manipulate Turtle.”

“Very well.” He said, turning away from her. “You’re not terrible Orca.” He paused by the door. “And by all means you are a better person than me.” He passed through the door, leaving Orca alone with the statue of herself and eggs containing her siblings. She only had a few moments before the stone assassin would destroy the eggs. 

I enchant you to lose all previous enchantments. She thought of reaching out and touching her statue. Lightning coursing across her arm as another one of her talons disappeared. She paused before continuing. And I enchant you to protect my family. Turtle, Gill, and my sisters. She turned away from the recently repurposed sculpture as it stood in silent vigil against any who would harm the eggs and left the room.

Chapter Text

“Prince Turtle!” A voice boomed behind him. Turtle jumped and dropped the scroll he was reading.

“Whirlpool?” He responded, confused. “What are you doing here?”

“Well your young majesty. It seems that no-one had informed you that today was the Talons of Power ceremony.” Whirlpool said, in his slimy voice. “The ceremony has yet to begin, but the other dragonets have already gathered, except for you.”

Orca? Fathom? Hello?

“Prince Turtle, I must assure you that this ceremony is more important than whatever scroll you were reading.” Whirlpool said, guiding Turtle towards the exit. Whirlpool showed him down to the beach near the Summer palace where all the other dragonets had gathered.

“Turtle!” Cerulean growled under his breath as he found his brother among the group of dragonets. “Where were you?”

“I didn’t know this was today.” Turtle lied. He was panicking. “No one told me.”

“No one told you!” Cerulean snapped. “It’s only the Talons of Power ceremony. Why bother with remembering when it is.”

Depth?

“I’m sorry.” Turtle said, raising his arms up in surrender. “Why is this bothering so much?”

“I’m here Turtle.”

“I’m sorry. We’re in the middle of a war.” He complained. “Wouldn’t suddenly find out you or someone else was an Animus be amazing. All the good you or they could do for the tribe.”

Where are Fathom and Orca?

“Do… do you want to find out if you’re an Animus?” Turtle asked. “Haven’t you tried casting a spell before?”

“I’m not sure.”

“No. You’re supposed to wait for the ceremony. Didn’t you?”

That’s no help.

“I’ve tried before. I think the ceremony is just to find hidden Animus dragons.”

“Albatross was the one who created it. The assumption is that a dragonet that discovers their magic will inform others. The ceremony is to awaken the power peacefully.”

“Whatever!” Cerulean dismissed.

“Even if I was an Animus, I don’t think I’d tell anyone.” Turtle explained, thinking back to the ancient murderer. “I wouldn’t want to end up like Albatross.”

“...”

Depth?

“I wonder sometimes. Did he really change?”

Who?

“Focus. The ceremony is about to begin.”

“A coconut for each dragonet, please.” Whirlpool commanded in his slimy voice. Coconuts were placed in front of each dragonet, brought by attendants who quickly retreated away from the dragonets. 

“Some things never change.”

Did you participate in the ceremony Depth?

“One of the very first ones. Before they started executing any Animus they found.”

What?

“They clearly don’t do that anymore, but after Albatross…”

“We’ll start on this end.” Whirlpool said, pointing his claw at the dragonets. “You three, loud and clear: tell your coconut to float into the air then return to your claws.”

“Well, I guess that’s different. I pelted my instructor with mine. Turtle enchant your coconut before it becomes your turn.”

Turtle sank his claws into his coconut. Coconut, don’t move. No matter what I or anyone else says to you, you are now a completely normal coconut that can never be enchanted.

“That’s good enough. You should slip by.”

“You three.” Whirlpool pointed towards Turtle and the two other dragonets beside him.

Turtle obliged “Coconut, float into the air then return to my claws.” 

The coconut floated. 

“Turtle! Run!”

He ran.

Faster than before.

Faster than with his magic.

He dived into the ocean. Fumbling around with his satchel.

Home.

The world shifted all around him as the open ocean became his room.

“Guards will be after you soon. Pack what you can.”

He opened his satchel collecting his various items from around his shared room.

“Turtle!” Fathom yelled, as he and Orca appeared. “What happened?”

“Where were you?” Depth questioned, pointing a claw accusatorily at Fathom and Orca.

“We don’t know. We called out to Turtle and heard no response.” Orca explained. “What’s wrong?”

“The Talons of Power ceremony.” Depth explained with scorn staring at Fathom. “Turtle was discovered.”

“That’s why we couldn’t find Turtle.” Fathom realized. “It was the ceremony.”

“What do you mean it was the Ceremony?” Depth asked. 

“When I created the ceremony. I enchanted it so that no outside Animus spell could affect it, and that the only spells that could be cast were ones approved by the director.” He explained. “Orca and I must’ve registered as foreign spells.”

What do you mean you created the ceremony? Turtle asked Fathom. I thought Albatross did.

“Because he’s been lying about his identity since the start.” Depth revealed. “I’m Fathom. He’s Albatross. Another life ruined by your actions.”

What?!

“Turtle just focus on escaping.” Orca advised, pointing towards the doorway. “We can argue about ancient feuds later.” She then pointed at Fathom. “You make sure Turtle gets out of the palace and away from the Sea Kingdom. You,” She said, moving her claws towards Albatross. “Come with me, I need help with a spell.” She moved through the wall deeper into the palace with Albatross following closely behind. Turtle bolted out of his room with Fathom not far behind.

Where can I even go? Turtle thought with terror. He wouldn’t be safe anywhere in the Sea, and he wasn’t sure many kingdoms would be welcoming to any refugees. 

“I know a place.” Fathom revealed. “But we’ll have to make it out of the palace first. Turn right” He called as Turtle swam sharply around a corner crashing into River. 

‘Turtle?’ Flashed in Aquatic, confused. ‘What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the ceremony?’

‘I…’ 

“Turtle, we don’t have time for this.” Fathom advised. “We have to go.”

‘Oh no…’ River realized, bringing her talons up to her mouth. ‘You’re an Animus aren’t you.’ Turtle nodded. ‘I understand. I’m assuming you’re leaving.’ He nodded again. ‘I’m so sorry you have to do that. I’m sorry you had to leave.’ She flashed, bringing him into a hug. ‘You’ll do great, and if you worry, trust that I’ll always believe in you, and if you need to come back, you’ll always have a place in my home.’ She said in Aquatic as she stepped out of his way. 

‘Bye River.’ Turtle flashed sadly. ‘You were my favorite parent.’ He zipped past her and out the palace gate into the Great Blue.

Chapter Text

Turtle sprinted through the empty streets of the ancient city as several Seawing and Sandwing soldiers chased behind him.

“Dodge right.” Fathom advised, soon after a spear whistled past him. “You could just kill them.” He offered. “They’ve been authorized to use lethal force, you can do the same.”

Well that does bring this great moral issue of I’d be just as bad as them if I did. He said, taking a sharp turn into an abandoned building. Dodging through dusty rooms as the soldiers all funneled in. Turtle burst through an open window. Quickly whipping around holding out his claw with his bracelet and clenching it into a fist as the roof of the house collapsed in on itself.

“I’m not sure Turtle.” Albatross said, squinting his eyes and observing the building. “That seems pretty lethal.”

I held back. They’ll survive. He turned away from the wreckage and began to make his way back towards where he had camped out for the past week. I’m going to need to relocate if they found me this quickly. It won’t be long before they find my camp. Turtle had been guided to the Ancient Night Kingdom by Fathom roughly two years ago, and it had been a year since the Seawing’s had tracked him to the area. He’d been avoiding capture by changing his camp’s location every time he was sighted in a district. The city was large and he could go for days without seeing any soldiers.

“I hate to be the one to suggest it, but maybe we should leave the Night Kingdom entirely. If we sneak out well they’ll continue to look for us here and we’ll have a head start” Albatross reasoned. 

“Well where are we going to go?” Fathom countered, his voice sharp. “In case you’ve forgotten, there is a world war happening and not many places are friendly to Seawings, and Seawings aren’t very friendly towards us.” 

We could go to the Rainforest. Turtle offered, before being quickly shut down.

“No!” They both yelled at the same time.

“I don’t care about whatever propaganda you’ve been fed.” Fathom scolded, as Albatross nodded in agreement. “Rainwings are single handedly the most dangerous tribe on the continent and we will not be getting close to the Rainforest.” Turtle walked through The Great Diamond and towards his camp. 

“Claws up where I can see them!” Yelled a familiar voice from behind Turtle.

“He has a spear, and is prepared to impale you.” Fathom informed. “Comply for now and stall for time.” Turtle lifted his talons in the air in surrender as he turned to see his capture.

“Pike!” He greeted both warmly and with surprise. “It’s nice to see you! What are you doing here?”

“You and I both know the answer to that question, traitor prince.” He snarled as he brandished the spear closer to Turtle’s neck. “If you comply I won’t skewer you.”

“I’m just surprised that you’re a knight.” Turtle teased. “You’re younger than me.”

“I am barely younger than you!” Pike snapped in embarrassment. “But yes I am technically a squire, but seeing as you have collapsed a house on my superiors the duty of capturing you has fallen to me.”

“Capture me?” Turtle asked in surprise. “Recently these soldiers have just been trying to kill me.”

“Our primary orders are still to capture you,” Pike explained. “But since King Gill… Minister Shark told us if we can’t safely capture you we have permission to execute you.”

“Well what are you waiting for?” Turtle asked, lowering his hands and taking a step forward. Causing Pike to flinch back. “Clearly I have no intention of returning.” He took his claw and grabbed the point of Pike’s spear and pointed it towards his heart. “If you execute me maybe you’ll score a promotion.”

“I said to stall him, not to goad him into killing you faster.” Fathom complained.

It’s fine. Turtle explained. The Calvary’s already here. Pike was thrown to the side by a flash of dark green as Orca slammed into him. The statue regarded the crumpled form of Pike for a moment before quickly turning towards Turtle. She began to check him for wounds. Back when they were escaping the Sea Kingdom, Orca had permanently tied herself to her own statue. She grabbed his claw and pointed to the cut he got from grabbing the spear.

‘You fool.’ She signed angrily. ‘You’ve been cut.’ They had found an old scroll on Nightwing Sign Language and through long sessions of study had developed a form of half Aquatic half Nightwing sign language.

‘I’m okay.’ He signed back. ‘It’ll heal.’

‘It better. We’re running out of bandages.’ She explained before turning towards Pike. ‘What do we do with him?’

‘He’s an old acquaintance, the least we can do is patch up any big wounds. Especially since you were the one to slam him into a wall.’ He scolded. He walked up to Pike and began to examine him for wounds. ‘Thankfully you didn’t kill him. He’ll probably have a concussion.’

“We clearly can’t stay here.” Albatross reasoned once again. “There are soldiers lurking everywhere through this place.”

“Blister must be getting desperate.” Fathom concluded. “The sudden appearance of Sandwing soldiers means that a part of her focus is on you.”

Fine then. We’ll leave under the cover of night. We’ll have to find a place in the Sand Kingdom. Traveling far distances would take too long because while Orca was fast, she was too heavy to fly, and they can’t swim through the desert. Where could we go?

“I have a suggestion, but I don’t like it.” Fathom said.

Let’s hear it.

“We could always try the Scorpion Den.”

Chapter Text

The cloak waved around him as Turtle raised his arm to protect from the sand filled winds that scratched at his face. A storm had kicked up soon after he entered The Sand Kingdom, but he had to bear the storm to shake off pursuers. Orca was beside him taking the brunt of the blasting grains, but there was only so much her stone body blocked.

Albatross, add weather manipulation to the list of potential spells. He could hear the ghostly scribble of Albatross’s scroll and quill as his phantom ancestor took notes. 

“It’s just up ahead.” Fathom informed, appearing in front of Turtle. “But it looks totally shut down to outsiders at the moment due to the storm. The gates are closed and the top is covered by a tarp, so there is no regular point of ingress or egress at the moment.”

You’ll have to guide me through then. Turtle decided. We can’t exactly wait out the storm and I doubt they’ll let us inside. Soon enough the form of the Scorpion Den appeared in the distance. Eventually Turtle reached its towering walls and Albatross and Fathom phased through and Fathom reached a claw back through offering it to Turtle. Turtle turned and grasped Orca’s claw in his before taking hold of Fathom’s. The world turned dark as Fathom yanked Turtle into the Ghost Plane. He and Orca walked forward past where the wall was and let go of Fathom’s claw, suddenly appearing in an empty alley. He took his own cloak off and shook out the sand, before throwing it over Orca. As it landed on Orca it changed sizes to fit her hulking form. Inside The Scorpion Den was dark due to the tarp keeping it safe from the sandstorm. Turtle’s night vision quickly adjusted to the dark as he exited the alleyway. Smaller fires littered the streets as vendors were shouting out about deals and products they were selling. 

Maybe we could open a vending business. Turtle offered to the ghosts.

“What would you even sell?” Albatross questioned. “I’m not opposed to the idea, you just need a plan.”

That’s true I suppose. He continued to walk through the street, observing the many exotic foods and products. He was distracted by someone selling roasting alligators and accidentally bumped into a Sandwing.

“Hey! Watch it!” The Sandwing snarled, whipping around and separating from the group he was with. “Spend too much time in the water to be outside with the rest of us, fish-breath?”

Turtle turned to Orca and flashed. ‘Be prepared to fight him.’ Before turning back to the Sandwing. “Your immediate turn to insults seems unnecessary. You probably bump into one dragon everyday, do you do this every time?”

“So what if I do?” The Sandwing growled. “You’re far from the Kingdom of Sea.” He raised his tail, threatening Turtle as his group came to back him up. Soon after the Sandwing raised his tail Orca grabbed it and pulled on it while standing to her full height and picking him up by the tail. She reared her arm back and slammed him into the ground. He tried to get back up but she grabbed his tail again and flung him into a nearby wall that he hit and collapsed onto the floor. His group stood still, surprised by the sudden show of strength.

“I wouldn’t try anything.” Turtle warned. “My sister has quite the temper.” Orca took a step forward and the rest of the Sandwings dispersed.

‘I want his things.’ Orca signed, pointing towards the crumpled dragon. ‘Can I loot him?’

‘Go wild.’ Turtle flashed. He tried to see where the other Sandwings had run off to but they disappeared into the crowd that had formed around him. Guards emerged from the crowd as Orca returned to Turtle’s side with a strange gold medallion.

“You’re going to have to come with us.” Said one of them, raising his spear towards Orca. She snarled at the weapon pointed at her.

“Sorry!” Turtle said quickly. “She’s deaf, we’ll comply.”

“And you are?”

“I’m her brother and translator.” He explained. The guard raised an eyebrow. “You won’t be able to communicate with her without me?”

“You can come as well.” The guard sighed, pinching his brow. They were escorted through the markets by an entourage of guards.

We could fight our way out. There aren’t enough guards to keep us.

“There are more hidden amongst the crowd.” Fathom revealed. “They’ve been extremely cautious with you. Something about Orca is putting them on high alert.”

“Besides, where else would we go if you started a commotion here?” Albatross reasoned as Fathom nodded along. “Just comply and if they don’t believe that was self-defense then maybe this place isn’t a good place to stay.” The guards guided them into a smaller bland building only filled with a few empty cells that they put Orca into.

“We’ll send someone with food soon.” The guard explained. “They’ll also listen to your side of the story and we’ll decide whether to release you. You’ll have to wait an hour, so sorry for the inconvenience.” He said to Turtle, before turning and leaving with most of the other guards only a few staying by the entrance. 

Orca tapped on the bar of her cell for Turtle’s attention. ‘That guy had six claws.’ 

‘Thanks for protecting me.’ Turtle signed. ‘Sorry you got thrown in a cell.’

‘It’s okay Turtle.’ She signed with a stone grin on her face. ‘What are they going to do? Kill me again?’

Chapter Text

Qibli watched as Six-claws walked into the Outclaw’s oasis. His eyes scanned across the room before making eye contact with Qibli. Six-claws beckoned him to come over with a claw. “What do you need?” He asked, approaching Six-claws.

“Someone has just been detained for assault. Now witnesses say it was self defense, and that the victim started it.” He explained as he turned out of the room and pushed Qibli alongside him. “But alongside the dragon we detained is a dragonet around your age. They claim that they are siblings. He looks paranoid, he keeps glancing at the guards before quickly looking away, and he is covered in scars. Now the suspicious part is we don’t have a record of either of them ever entering. Which leads me to believe something very suspicious is happening. That’s why I want you to come with me.”

“Why’d you come to retrieve me?” Qibli questioned.

“You’re observant, and the kid seems wary of adults or guards in general.” He answered, pushing the curtain open and walked through into the dark streets of the Scorpion Den. “I thought as you two are seemingly the same age it’d make him feel more comfortable. Besides, maybe you could chat with him when I’m interrogating the actual dragon who was arrested and see if he opens up at all.” They walked together in silence through the busy streets of the Scorpion Den before eventually arriving at the detention center. Six-claws gave a little wave to the guard at the door before stepping inside with Qibli following closely behind.

“I assume you’re ready to hear our case?” Said the dragonet as soon as they entered the room. He was a brilliant deep green, his emerald scales contrasted by several accessories and the many pink scars that littered him, a sight not too uncommon in war times. Beside him behind prison bars was a giant figure, their form entirely hidden by the giant cloak that covered them.

“You’re free to go if you want.” Six-claws offered, holding up his talons and wiggling his extra. “I speak most sign languages, you don’t need to translate.”

The dragonet considered for a second, his eyes flickering around the room in consideration. “No, I'm going to stay with my sister.” He refused, shaking his head.

“Well either way she needs to take the hood off.” Six-claws sighed. The dragonet turned to his sister and translated. She grabbed her hood and pulled it down revealing her face. She was a similar green to her brother and was covered in a similar plethora of scars. “Before we start questioning, what are your names and where are you from for the record?”

“I’m Turtle and this is Orca.” The green dragon apparently named Turtle shared. “We’re from the Sea Kingdom.”

“Anywhere more specific than just the Sea Kingdom?” Six-claws asked, taking notes on a blank scroll he’d brought. Turtle looked at Six-claws for a moment in consideration before he quickly looked past him then back at him once more. It was a quick and calculated movement that Six-claws probably didn’t notice. 

“Indigo’s Shore.” He answered. “It’s a small coastal town bordering the Rainforest, but you should be able to find it on a map.”

Qibli stole a quick glance behind himself. Did he make that up? He looked for any sort of objects or signs that could lead to that name, but all he saw was a guard and a few bounties on a bulletin board. Clearly Turtle had gotten that answer from somewhere, but Qibli hadn’t figured it out yet.

“What’s your reason for visiting the den?” He continued, dipping his claw in an inkpot to continue writing.

Turtle paused again, once again looking just beyond Six-claws. “We were only passing by then the storm rolled in and we came in to take shelter just before you locked down completely.”

“We don’t have any records on you entering, how’d you get in?” Qibli cut in before Six-claws could say anything else. The sea dragon looked at the wall behind the two Sandwings before turning to Qibli. 

“We came in just before you got the tarp out, we just flew over the wall and no-one stopped us, so we assumed it was fine.” Once Turtle finished he turned back to Six-claws and Qibli took the opportunity to look behind him once more, finding no changes. When he turned back around Orca was staring at him. Her face was stiff and emotionless, almost like a statue. His eyes fell down her body and he noticed something golden gleaming from behind her cloak.

“What were you doing passing by the Den?” Qibli asked, cutting Six-claws off once more. Turtle turned to look at him, repeating that same short awkward silence.

“I thought this was going to be a hearing about whether my sister acted in self-defense or not.” The emerald dragonet all but snapped at Qibli. “Why is our business relevant?”

“You're right it’s not.” Six-claws agreed, turning towards Qibli and giving him a displeased look. “Well now that your personal information is filled. What is your side of the story? Why’d she fling that dragon?”

“I bumped into him and then he threatened me with violence then he raised his tail at me then my sister slammed him into the ground and flung into a wall.” He said, his eyes lifting from their sharp stare against Qibli. 

He didn’t pause so it was truthful. 

Six-claws sighed. “Your story checks out. Witnesses said the same thing. You’re free to go.” He said signaling to the guard who walked over and inserted a key into the cell door. Orca pushed her way out of the cell as she stood up and Qibli finally realized how large she was. She towered over everyone in the room. She was almost four times Qibli’s size. Her cloak brushed against the ground as she followed Turtle out of the cell. “Well Qibli, what did you notice that had you on edge? You got nervous at the end there.”

“Two things of note.” Qibli said as they both stood up. “All of that personal information you have about them is most likely false. Every time he paused, he looked past you like he was reading something. But there wasn’t anything behind us for him to read from, so I don’t know where he was getting that information from, but he didn’t make it up himself.” Qivli explained, fidgeting with his claws. “The second thing which is what bothered me was…”

“Was what?”

“She was wearing a Talons of Power amulet. Those two probably work for my grandfather.”

Chapter Text

Qibli had always been obedient… when it came to Thorn. Even though Six-claws was Qibli’s senior, he was exactly his superior. So when he ordered him to stay put while he reported to Thorn, Qibli had trailed the Seawing siblings.

Why would Seawings be in The Talons of Power? He thought sleuthing far behind the duo, hidden amongst other dragons in the crowd. They’re literally a Sandwing supremacist organization! Does that mean Vulture has thrown in with Blister? Turtle stopped and signed something to Orca. She nodded and then they moved in different directions. Orca moved into a tavern, and Turtle moved into an alleyway. Qibli moved to follow Turtle. The green dragon disappeared around a corner once Qibli reached the alley. He ran to the end of the alley only to find a dead end. He heard a noise and turned around only to find Turtle directly behind him pressing a dagger to his throat. How did he—

“Why were you following me?” Turtle questioned, the blade was ornate and almost looked ceremonial. “What business do the Outclaws have with trailing people they deem not guilty?”

“Let’s be careful here. Neither of us want to do something we’d regret.” He pleaded, trying to back away but only finding himself pinned against a wall, Turtle’s talons briefly brushed his. “I’m not here as an Outclaw anyways, I disobeyed orders to follow you.” He admitted, his tongue moving against his will. Why’d I say that?

“Why didn’t they want you to follow me?” Turtle questioned again, green eyes boring into Qibli's black ones. Qibli felt like he was being examined like a scroll, and one that couldn’t hide its contents from the reader.

“Because we figured out you were Talons of Power, and we had to await instruction from Thorn.” He explained. Turtle’s stare intensified as Qibli spoke. 

“How do you know about—” The Seawing began, before being interrupted by a dagger whirling past his head and impaling itself into the wall next to Qibli. Turtle whirled around and Qibli saw their assailant… Three Moons, not him. Sirocco. 

“Well well well, look who we have here.” Sirocco hissed, flaunting another identical dagger. “Two of my least favorite dragons in the same place.”

“You stay put.” He commanded Qibli before he turned around. “Great Blue, not you again.” Turtle sighed, pinching his brow with his talons, his dagger mysteriously missing. “Was the thrashing you received last time not enough?”

“Your giant friend is nowhere to be seen.” The Sandwing chuckled, using his blade to point at his two skull tattoos. “I might just steal the chance to get two more of these while they’re away—” He hadn’t gotten the chance to finish speaking before his dagger suddenly flew out of his grasp and impaled his other claw. He screamed, and Turtle took the opportunity and lunged at Sirocco, tackling him into the ground and punching him in the face. Sirocco pushed him off and rolled away, pulling the dagger out of his claw and tossing it to the side. He lunged at Turtle, stabbing at him with his barb. Turtle lunged forward as well, barely getting scratched across the face by Sirocco’s tail. The Seawing wrapped his claws around Sirocco’s neck and slammed him into a wall. Sirocco crumpled to the ground. Turtle leaned down and checked Sirocco’s pulse.

“He’s alive, don’t worry.” He said, turning back to Qibli. “How do you know this guy?”

“He’s my brother.” Qibli answered once more. “You’ll need to get that scratch treated—” He said, looking towards Turtle’s checkbone to see it unscathed. “Where’d it go?”

“I don’t really have consistent injuries.” Turtle explained, retrieving his dagger from earlier from somewhere he couldn’t see. “Watch.” Turtle brought the blade across his claws and drew blood, soon after the blood that flowed out returned back into his body and the wound closed. 

“You’re an Animus?” Qibli yelled, surprised.

“You didn’t know?” Turtle yelled back, also surprised. “You said that you knew I was the Talons of Power.”

“No, A Talon of Power. They’re a terrorist organization opposed to the Talons of Peace run by my grandfather that I hate.” Qibli explained. “Three Moons! Why can’t I stop telling my own secrets?” He clamped his own claws around his snout. 

“Sorry yeah, I did that, I’ll fix it.” Turtle said, tapping Qibli on the snout. “You’re good.”

“Is the dagger enchanted too?” Qibli asked, pointing towards the ceremonial blade. 

“Something like that.” Turtle replied, letting go of the dagger as it disappeared. “Sorry about pressing that against your neck. I don’t exactly respect authority, but your stalking was… justified, I guess? What even made you think I was a Talon of Power?”

“Your sister was wearing their signifying amulet, the gold one with the vulture.” He explained, gesturing to his own chest.

“Oh,” The Seawing said, glancing back at the crumpled form of Sirocco. “We stole it from him, after knocking him out. It’s not ours.” He walked over beside Sirocco and frowned. He stared intently at his skull tattoos. “What are these? A kill count?”

“Yeah, my family does that.” Qibli sighed deeply. “I try not to associate with them, ever since I was sold.” He grabbed his snout once more. “Are you sure your spell was deactivated?”

“It’ll have a small lingering effect, but it’ll be gone in a few hours.” Turtle explained. “Spells like this one mess with your mind a little, it also made you a little suggestible. Do you have a canteen?”

“Yeah.” Qibli said, reaching into his bag and handing it over. Turtle opened it and poured some water into his palm.

“May the river of the souls guide you to the eternal ocean.” The Seawing whispered into the water before splashing it onto the tattoos. He waved a hand over it and the skulls disappeared. 

“What was that?” Qibli wondered out loud. “Some form of ritual.”

“That was an exorcism.” Turtle explained, turning around and flicking the water at him. “Fun fact, ghosts are real. I can see them and some of them are trapped in objects or symbols. You can destroy the thing trapping them, but that won’t do anything unless they’re properly guided towards the afterlife.”

“How’d you figure this all out?”

“I could always see ghosts, but once I actually entered the ghost realm, more and more started appearing to me.”

“I’m sorry… you entered the ghost realm?”

“Yeah it’s how I got into The Scorpion Den without being on the records. I walked through the walls in ghost form. Anyways most ghosts can’t do anything to you, but I was in an abandoned ancient city, and one ghost was an insane animus. So he could still use his magic and was incredibly dangerous. I had to learn how to exorcise ghosts in two days.”

“I see. So there’s a ghost in every tattoo on my grandfather.” He realized out loud. “He’s covered in those tattoos.” 

“Oceans preserve us.” He exclaimed. “I have my work cut out for me.”