Chapter Text
The world of Pyrrhia was a world filled with dragons and they were divided into seven tribes. Mudwings of the Mud Kingdom, Skywings of the Sky Kingdom, Seawings of the Sea Kingdom, Sandwings of the Sand Kingdom, Icewings of the Ice Kingdom, Rainwings of the Rainforest, Nightwing currently unknown.
These seven tribes have lived in peace under the light of the sun, the three moons, and the stars. But one day the Queen of the Sandwings, Queen Oasis was killed by the hands of a scavenger, leaving her three daughters, Burn, Blister, and Blaze in line for the throne of the Sand Kingdom and rule over the Sandwings.
Unfortunately all three daughters sought the throne thinking they were much more fitted to be queen than the other two, and none of the daughters could come to an agreement. Due to this disagreement, Pyrrhia was forced into an era of war with the three daughters allied with a tribe of Pyrrhia.
Burn the strongest between the three allied herself with the Mudwing tribe and Skywing tribe. Blister, the smartest between the three allied herself with the Seawing tribe.
Blaze the most attractive but also dumbest, she’s allied with the Icewing tribe and had most of the Sandwings.
The Nightwing tribe are excluded from the war due to no one knowing where the tribe was. The Rainwing tribe were also excluded due to them being known as lazy and useless, none of the daughters really wanted to be allied with them.
Due to these decisions and events, Pyrrhia was now in a great war dubbed the Sandwings succession as the war raged on for thirteen years, but in those thirteen years the Nightwing tribe worked in the shadows and created a prophecy from their power.
A prophecy called the Dragonets of Destiny foretold: When the war has lasted twenty years the Dragonets will come. When the land is soaked in blood the Dragonets will come. Find the Seawing egg of the deepest blue, wings of night shall come to you. The largest egg in mountain high will give to you the wings of sky. For wings of earth, search through mud for an egg the color of blood. And hidden alone from the rival Queens,the Sandwing egg awaits unseen. Of three Queens who Blister and Blaze and Burn two shall die and one shall learn. If she bows to a fate that is stronger and higher. She'll have the power of Wings of Fire. Five eggs to hatch on the Brightest night. Five Dragons born to end the fight. Darkness will rise to bring the light. The Dragonets are coming…
Orin the last Edenwing stared at the scroll she held tightly, she lifted her gaze to Kestrel who stared off at nothing, Orin coughed and Kestrel looked at her “What?” Kestrel growled, Orin pushed the scroll towards her “Do you believe it?” Orin asked hopefully.
Kestrel looked down at the scroll and scoffed, “No, not really, you can’t expect me to believe that a bunch of Dragonets are gonna stop a war,” Kestrel replied in disbelief pushing the scroll back. Orin grabbed the scroll and rolled it back, placing it in her satchel. “Why not, there’s a chance that this war could finally end,” Orin replied back with hope in her voice.
Kestrel rolled her eyes “Why would you listen to a bunch of dragons who are hidden from the world and barely interact with it” Kestrel argued,leaning on the stone wall behind her.
Orin shrugged and leaned back as well “It's good to have hope in these dark times is it not, Plus Morrowseer has been nice. He is even allowing us to take the dragonets out of the cave. Plus he is not really big on the idea of… using innocent dragonets to stop this war.”
Kestrel rolled her eyes “Whatever I still don’t trust him, he’s a Nightwing, they're known for their secrets.” “I just hope the others are going to be ok. Like Webs and Dune are betraying dragons who trust them…it doesn't feel… right.”
Kestrel pinched her nose “Why are you worried for those two? It's their decision, just worry about yourself,” Kestrel advised looking away. Orin frowned and slid a claw near her but Kestrel yanked hers away glaring at her.
Orin sighed "Cause we're gonna be a team now. It's gonna take all of us to teach these dragonets and train them to stop this war. so…” Orin then took Kestrel’s claw with care. Kestrel looked at her, “So that means we're gonna have to trust each other and open up about what troubles us,” Orin suggested with a caring smile.
Kestrel took in her words and looked away, deciding not to answer her. Orin sighed but smiled at the upside she was still holding Kestrel’s claw. The two then heard voices entering the cave, as Dune the Sandwing, Webs the Seawing, Asha the Mudwing and Hvitur the Icewing entered the main room.
Webs was the first to see them. He smiled and waved over to them. “Hey Orin. Hey Kestrel,” Webs said the last part quietly. Orin waved back, “Hey guys. Are we ready to decide who gets which eggs?”
Dune nodded and motioned everyone to sit in a circle. Orin and Kestrel came closer as everyone sat in a circle. Dune was the first to speak "Obviously me and Webs will get our respective tribe’s egg. I know exactly where Thorn keeps it and Webs is close to Queen Coral’s royal hatchery,” Dune presented.
Webs nodded to his words “Yeah I know the in’s and out’s of the deep sea palace. I'm the only one who could do it even though I don't like it,” Webs finished off with a frown. Dune gave him a pat on the shoulder and Webs smiled up at him gratefully.
Asha went next, “I’ll get the Mudwing egg, I’ve already spoken to my sister about the egg and what she wants. So don’t worry I'll get it,” Asha reassured everyone. The other nodded and Kestrel spoke, "Obviously I'll get the Skywing egg,” Kestrel pointed out the obvious.
But everyone looked at each other and had a silent conversation between them. Kestrel growled “What. Why are you all looking at each other? Is something wrong?” She demanded.
Everyone looked at Orin who sighed. She stood up and so did Kestrel, the two stared at one another. Orin took a step forward, “Kestrel me and the others have been talking. And we decided you get the Skywing egg,” Orin confessed.
Kestrel's eyes narrowed. She looked at everyone, only Dune and Hvitur met her gaze and nodded, making Orin's words true. While Webs and Asha could not meet her gaze as they looked away not wanting to face her.
Kestrel held back her growl. She looked at her comrades and asked one simple question, “Why?” Orin looked away ashamed but faced her again "I told them about your situation with Queen Scarlet.”
Kestrel's eyes widened and she looked at the others for confirmation. Everyone nodded to Orin’s words, making Kestrel growl. She looked at Orin at everyone, “So you all have just been talking behind my back! Keeping secrets huh!?” Kestrel accused.
Webs stood up and shook his head “No, no. We just don’t want you getting hurt. You could be seen. Be recognized. You could be caught and we don’t want that” Webs explained. Kestrel scoffed.
“Oh really and who would get the egg?! I know the kingdom better than all of you! Are you all underestimating me!?” Kestrel accused again. Asha stood up now “No, no. We don’t underestimate you. We just want to protect you.” Asha tried reassuring her.
But Kestrel wasn't hearing it. Instead she looked at Orin, “Is it you. Are you going instead of me?!” Kestrel accused her. But Orin shook her head and looked at Hvitur and so did Kestrel. Hvitur sighed and stood up and stood in front of Kestrel who glared at him.
Hvitur licked his lips and began speaking trying to sound convincingly. “Kestrel. Me and the others decided I'll go in your stead while you and Orin stay here. But please don’t take this the wrong way. It's just to secure your safety, we don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
Kestrel looked at him and scoffed as she walked away. Hvitur's ears dropped, he looked at the others and shrugged, “I tried my best guys” Hvitur said. Asha came near him and gave him a kiss on the cheek “You tried your best.” Asha encouraged.
Hvitur smiled and kissed her back. Asha smiled back and looked at Orin “Could you talk to Kestrel. You're the only one, she listens too.” Orin nodded, “Don’t worry. You all go and get the eggs I’ll talk to Kestrel.”
Everyone nodded and broke off. Orin waved the other goodbye and entered back into the cave. Orin went into the backrest part of the cave and found Kestrel laying down and staring at the wall. Orin frowned and laid down beside her.
Kestrel's gaze fell on her, “You doing ok?” Orin asked. Kestrel frowned, “No!” Kestrel sharply replied. “Can I ask why?” Kestrel growled and stood up, she looked at Orin like she was stupid.
“What do you mean why?” “You know why! You stopped me from getting the Skywing egg!” Kestrel spelled it out. Now Orin stood looking frustrated, “Cause I wanted to protect. We all wanted to protect you! Why is getting this egg so important to you?!” Orin demanded.
Kestrel stayed quiet and instead looked away. Orin frowned, “Kestrel answer me! Why is getting this egg so important to you?” Orin asked again, but Kestrel shook her head “Drop it, it's not important!” Kestrel requested softly.
Orin shook her head, “No I won't. Something is bothering you. And I want to know, why won't you open up to me!?” Orin begged. Kestrel gulped as her lips quivered "Cause It’s not important!” Kestrel insisted.
But Orin didn’t believe that. She kept going, “No, I see your lips quivering. It's bothering you and I want to know!” Kestrel's body shook with fear as Orin kept pushing. Kestrel felt something resurface in her mind. The day she lost somethings very important. She clenched her claws.
“Kestrel answer me!” Orin screamed, grabbing Kestrel's shoulder but it was slapped away as Kestrel turned to face her with tears going down her cheek, "Cause I can save her!” Kestrel's strained voice answered.
Orin stopped and stared at her. Kestrel touched her cheek where a burn mark resembling a young Dragonets claw stood "Cause I can save her!!” Kestrel whispered as she hiccupped. Orin gasped and grabbed Kestrel as she fell.
Orin frowned and grabbed Kestrel’s cheek, who sniffled. Orin caressed Kestrel’s cheek “Save who Kestrel, save who?” Orin whispered. But Kestrel shook her, not wanting to answer. Orin stared at her friend in sadness, whatever happened to her in the past left a deep scar.
Orin caressed Kestrel’s back and shushed her, “I’ll be here for you Kestrel. I’ll always be here, you can always tell me what troubles you and I’ll listen,” Orin promised. Kestrel sniffed and looked at her with tear stained eyes “really?” Kestrel asked with hope.
Orin nodded “Yes. But you need to let me in, let others into your heart, please…” Orin asked. Kestrel looked away and shook her head “I'm sorry, it’s too much to remember.” Kestrel broke down again. Orin brought her close and let Kestrel lean on her shoulder “Then I’ll wait, for when you're ready and I will be here to help you.” Orin promised as she stayed with her friend for the rest of the day.
Meanwhile on Island of the Night…
Morrowseer made his way through the fortress to Mastermind’s lab. As he entered the room he saw his best friend holding his egg. “Hey Mind. What are you doing?” Morrowseer walked up behind him, his large form casting a shadow. Mastermind held his egg close, “Are they going to take good care of them?”
Morrowseer couldn’t bring himself to lie, he hated lying. “I cannot say. But I do trust two of them to take good care of them. Remember this is… for the good for the tribes survival”
Mastermind frowned, he knew the prophecy was fake, and he couldn’t believe out of all the eggs it had to be his. “Morrow… is this right using a prophecy like this? If dragons find out the Nightwings will be on everyone's kill list.”
Morrowseer sighed, he knew that this whole prophecy was a gamble created by their Queen and some adviser. Morrowseer knew there were Nightwings who were against this but were too afraid to speak up thanks to Phasma. Morrowseer let out a small growl at the thought of Phasma; he knew she was a good soldier but she was heartless.
Morrowseer shook himself out of his thoughts and focused back on his friend who still looked unsure about all of this. He came over and wrapped a wing around Mastermind.
Mastermind looked up at him with clear worry evident in his eyes “Mind I'm sorry that it had to be you. But I'll make sure to tell them to take good care of your egg,” Morrowseer promised.
Mastermind looked down at his egg and ran a claw over it, he sighed and gave it a kiss and handed it to Morrowseer who cradled it gently “Please make sure they grow up well,” He requested/begged.
Morrowseer gave him a nod and turned around leaving his friend but when he exited the lab he found Phasma standing to the side. The two locked eyes “Phasma, what brings you here?”
Phasma didn’t answer him, instead she looked at the egg he was carrying “Good work Morrowseer. Now take it and bring it to those Talons of Peace Dragons,” Phasma ordered.
Morrowseer nodded and tried walking past her but she stopped him with a claw on the shoulder, “And Morrowseer please remember. Do not speak of what we’re doing to anyone. Is that understood?” Phasma warned, looking a little up at him.
Morrowseer looked down at her and nodded “Of course Phasma. Now am I allowed to go?” Morrowseer asked and Phasma let him as he walked off. Once he was out of her eyesight, he let out a sigh of relief “Geez that dragon really knows when to appear at the worst time…” He mumbled under his breath.
He looked down at his friend's egg and brought it closer to his chest “Let's go little one, it's time to bring you to the others,” Morrowseer told it as he exited the fortress and took to the sky making sure to hold the egg securely.
Phasma watched the large Nightwing leaves and headed to the Queen's secret chamber. As she walked she saw many starving and sick Nightwings and dragonets. It was… a pathetic sight to her, there was weakness all around her. Unlike them, Phasma was perfect and healthy thanks to the Queen wanting her champion to be at her best.
Phasma made it to the queen and bowed. Phasma watched as the lava pool bubbled as her queen broke through the surface, her giant form was just a bit bigger then Phasma in comparison. Queen Battlewinner's eyes blinked open, her eyes zeroed on her champion.
Battlewinner smiled when she saw her champion, “Rise my Champion. What brings you here?” Battlewinner’s commanding voice asked. Phasma lifted her head and fixed her posture and stood at attention.
Phasma rolled out a scroll "I've come to report my Queen. Mastermind’s egg has been taken and Morrowseer is delivering it as we speak. Status on Skywing and others are still not in yet,” Phasma reported placing the scroll in her satchel.
Battlewinner hummed and smiled “Good. Make sure this operation gets pulled off without errors. Is that understood Phasma?” Phasma saluted and nodded. “Good, now onto stage two of our plan. Taking over the Rainforest.” “And how shall we proceed my Queen?” Battlewinner smiled, “We eradicate them!”
Phasma nodded, “Sounds like a plan my Queen no one will miss a bunch of lazy and weak dragons like the Rainwings. How shall we proceed?" “I want you to send our best hunters to capture them and you'll give them to Mastermind for experimentation, is that clear?”
Phasma smirked, “Yes my queen it will be done without delay.” “Good. Now go, I must rest, this curse in my body weakens me…” Battlewinner ordered as she started lowering herself into the lava.
Phasma saluted again and left her Queen to her healing? Phasma walked past every Nightwing until she made it to the tunnel. A draft of hot air rushed past her. Phasma smirked as she stared into the dark tunnel.
“Now who to take?” Phasma wondered thoughtfully. She then smirked to a certain Nightwing “I'm sure Vengeance would like to eradicate some lazy Rainwings” Phasma laughed leaving the weird tunnel behind to gather a squad for the next step of the plan.
Meanwhile near the deep palace…
Webs swam cautiously through the water. He waved at passing Seawings, ‘Ok Webs, calm down. You got this. It's not like betraying your queen and leaving everything for this,’ Webs laughed.
Webs neared his home but stopped when he spotted commander Shark. Shark seemed to be talking to his mate Aquamarine. Webs gulped, but then he panicked when Shark saw him and waved at him.
Webs quickly calmed his nerves and swam closer. Web's body lit up, “Hey Commander Shark. Hey honey, what's the reason for the visit?" Webs wondered. Both dragons looked at each other. Aquamarine looked at her mate with a frown “Honey you know it's rude to ask that,” she reprimanded softly.
Shark held back his laughter while Webs blushed. Webs came over to Aquamarine and gave her a kiss on the cheek, “Sorry my starfish, just this war. It makes me nervous,” Webs apologized. Aquamarine sighed and nuzzled her snout against him, “It's alright. But shouldn't you greet someone?" she hinted.
Webs nodded and looked at Shark who smirked at him. Webs blushed. “Hello Shark. Do you wanna come inside?” Webs invited.
Shark readjusted his armor and smiled “Oh no sorry.” Shark said. Aquamarine looked at Shark, “Awwww.” Shark gave a small chuckle, “Yeah sorry but I have one last patrol for nine to
night then I have to head home.” Aquamarine lays her face in her talon in disappointment, “Awwww but I wouldn't mind sharing Webs for a night.” Webs was blushing so much his scales looked like they were going red, he quickly buried his face in his talons.
Shark laughed seeing his friend's reaction while Aquamarin giggled nuzzling her mate softly. Once Shark calmed down he shot Aquamarine a smirk “Sorry Aqua, but I promised Moray and Stingray that I would finish as quickly as possible, they wanted to do some family bonding,” Shark denied their invitation.
Aquamarine let out a sigh but shrugged “Oh well, have a nice night Shark, tell Moray and Stingray I said hello,” Aquamarine said her goodbye and gave Shark a hug which he gave back.
“I’ll start on dinner honey, Riptide’s excited to tell you about his day” Aquamarine informed Webs as she went inside. Webs nodded and looked at Shark who opened his arms for a hug.
“Come on you seaweed, don’t leave me hanging” Shark teased, Webs rolled his eyes and gave his friend a hug. Webs groaned when Shark squeezed hard “Really you big brute” wheezed Webs playfully glared
Shark chuckled and let Webs go bopping him on the noise making Webs blush. Shark had one last chuckle before swimming off.
Webs watched him go. He gulped remembering what will happen tonight. Webs placed a claw on his chest and breathed in and out ‘Calm down, you agree to this, you can’t back out now, just enjoy your last moments with them,’ Webs reminded himself as he entered his house.
Webs sat at the kitchen table, he could hear his mate catching fish behind their house. Webs tapped the table in a rhythm trying to distract himself.
“Dad!!” Webs jumped and turned around to see his son. Riptide cut through water and slammed himself into Webs. Webs lost his breath as he groaned, he looked down to see his son hugging him.
Webs let a pained laugh but hugged back “Hey there kiddo, your getting stronger, almost knocked your old man out,” Webs complained softly.
Riptide giggled and floated backwards “That’s because you don’t train with Mr. Shark, dad,” Riptide pointed out with a smirk. Webs scoffed and flexed his arm “What are you talking about?! Your old man is still in his prime!” Webs boasted a little.
Riptide watched his father's face turn into a focus as he tried flexing. Riptide wasn’t impressed, his father wasn't as great as Mr. Shark or other Seawings.
Webs gasped, seeming tired after doing that. He smirked at his son “See your old man still got it,” Webs insisted with a smile.
Riptide raised a brow and the two heard Aquamarine giggled as she entered back “Your super strong honey, you don’t need to impress our son,” Aquamarine praised.
Webs blushed and looked away embarrassed as his mate barraged him with kisses. Riptide gagged seeing it “Mom that’s gross, can’t you guys kiss elsewhere?” Riptide complained sitting down.
Aquamarine smirked and booped her son on the nose, “You won’t find it so gross when you get a girlfriend yourself,” she teased, making Riptide huff.
Riptide scoffed “No way, girls are gross, so no kissing for me!” Riptide declared with a smirk clearly thinking about how smart he is.
Aquamarine hummed and nudged Webs who looked at her. She nodded to Riptide and made her claws kiss, giving him a wink.
Webs sighed but cleared his throat while his mate passed them the fish. “So you don’t like girls, huh?” Webs repeatedly. Riptide nodded as he smirked, taking a bite of his fish.
Webs hummed, he took a bite out his fish “So what about boys, you wanna kiss them?” Webs suggested smirking when his son coughed, seeming shocked.
Riptide blushed while his mother laughed and snorted. Riptide pouted and looked away “No, kissing is gross any way, So no boys or girls!!” Riptide declared again pouting.
Webs chuckled and ruffled his head, making Riptide blush “Dad stop!” Riptide whined as he slapped his father’s claw away.
Webs chuckled “Alright, alright, i’ll stop. Why don't you tell me about school today?” Webs changed the subject as he started feasting on his fish.
Riptide smiled and got excited. “Well we did math, history, we also did a hunting party and Dad you won’t believe this….” Riptide went on about his day.
Webs couldn't help but smile. He was so proud of his son and dreamed of the fine young Seawing he would become.
(Time skip The Brightest Night)
Asha was flying back home to the Mudwing Kingdom with the cows to give to Cattail. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t looking forward to being a guardian for these dragonets.
She had always wanted dragonets of her own, but her and Hvitur haven't got the time to do it. Her mind wandered to Hvitur, he treated her like a dragon and wouldn't just be a one-night deal. She started thinking about her and Hvitur together, his cold powerful breath, his muscles, his big blue… she shook her head with a blush on her face.
Asha landed near the outskirts of the Mudwing tribe and entered. “Asha, you're back! Where did you go?” a Mudwing guard asked. “Oh, I just went to meet with some friends who are from other tribes.” They nodded, and then one of them eyed the cows.
“Hey, Asha, can I get one of those cows? Please, I'm really hungry!” Asha shook her head. “Sorry, but no. This is for Cattail, and you know how cranky she gets when she doesn't get her food she is promised.” They huffed, “Fine! I guess I’ll starve.”
The other smacked them on the back of the head. “Dude, chill. You’re not going to die.” Asha couldn’t help but giggled as she left the two bickering males to visit her sister. She walked around and saw a ton of Mudwings in the mud.
Their natural habitat, and she also saw some spicy things going on between Mudwings as she made it home. “Cattail, I’m here!” Asha called out, setting down the cows beside her. Asha waited while she heard something crash and yelling from inside.
Asha started tapping the ground and started whistling while she waited. From inside, Cattail woke by some crashes and yelled, “Yo Cattail wake up, Asha outside waiting for you,” one of her sisters informed her from the other room.
Cattail groaned “Come on Asha,” Cattail complained quietly. She got up and stretched letting out a loud yawn, she smacked her lips and got out. Cattail spotted two of her brothers arguing over a broken clay pot.
Cattail rolled her eyes and walked up to the door. Cattail poked her head out spotting Asha watching two Mudwings as they did the deed. Cattail smirked and tiptoed over as she quickly covered her sister's eyes.
“Guess who?” Cattail teased, Asha hummed and scratched her chin “Is it Bog?” Asha guessed smirking as well. Cattail laughed “Motherwing please no, I'm not that lazy and fat!” Cattail laughed, taking her claws off.
Asha chuckled as well and turned around smiling at her sister “Whoops sorry wrong sib, its Cattail,” Asha corrected sticking out her tongue. Cattail scoffed and gave her sister a nuggie, Asha whined while Cattail laughed.
“Alright, alright stop, I learned my lesson,” Asha conceded, Cattil snorted and let her sister go “Good, now?” Cattail opened her arms. Asha gasped and jumped into her as the two hugged “I'm gonna miss you so much Cattail all of you,” Asha whispered.
Cattail sighed "Yeah me too, but are you sure you wanna do this, why not stay here with us?” Cattail suggested instead showing clear worry in her eyes. Asha shook her head “Sorry sis, but i wanna do this, this could be it, the war could finally end with this Prophecy,” Asha assured with a hopeful smile.
Cattail frowned but dropped it, she knew that Asha wasn’t gonna leave “Fine, then let's get down to business, got the cows?” Cattail got straight to the point already eying the two cows. Asha raised a brow “Oh I don’t know, do you see them, they must have disappeared?” Asha teased with a smirk.
Cattail rolled her eyes and turned around. “Yeah, yeah I'm not blind sis, let me get the egg, ” Cattail said as she went inside and grabbed the egg. Asha gazed in awe as the blood red egg of the Prophecy was in front of her.
Cattail outstretched the egg towards her sister “Well here you go, one red blood egg for two cows,” Cattail offered, Asha nodded as the two exchanged the cows and egg. When Asha got hold of the egg, she held it with care.
Cattail placed the cows inside and turned around to see her sister caressing her egg with care and love. Cattail stared at her own egg “Is it gonna be ok at this Guardian place?” Cattail asked, looking away.
Asha looked up at her “Having second thoughts about this?” Asha brought up. But Cattail shook her head “No no, just making sure it has a good place to go too,” Cattail wondered. Asha smiled and came over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, your egg will be raised in a good place I’ll make sure of it,” Asha assured with a smile, Cattail smiled “With you i bet, you always told me how you wanted to have a family with that Icewing guy,” Cattail recalled, remembering how her sister gushed over an Icewing when she visited.
“It's Hvitur, sister and yes me and him wanted to start a family we just didn’t have time,” Asha explained. “Well just be safe” Asha nodded to her sister’s words and flew off.
As she flew across the land, she saw something in the distance. She squinted to get a better look, and then she dodged a spire. She looked forward.
She saw four Skywings but the leader looked very different. Most of his scales were rotten and coming off they had purple eyes and blood on their back and under some of the rotten scales were purple scales. She wasted no time and booked it as fast as she could. The Rotten Skywing pointed at her, “Kill her!”
The Skywings charged at her. Asha flew into the forest to try and lose them. She flew over vines, under branches, and around trees, but nothing worked especially on the Rotting Skywing. She dodged arrows and grabbed it when it got stuck in a tree. She kept confusing them with turns until she heard the words she was waiting for. “Split up and find her!” Asha hid behind a tree as she heard them split up and search for her.
She waited until she saw one in front of her. She quickly grabbed the dragon by their head and stabbed the arrow in their eye until it reached the brain which was easy for her for being a Mudwing.
Asha went low to the ground and placed the egg in a tree hole, and went to search for the other three.. “Sir, she has already killed one of us!!” one Skywing screamed. The Rotten Skywing snapped the Screaming Skywings neck and ripped it out.
“Tear this forest apart until you find her. And bring me the egg I want it intake!” The Rotten Skywing ordered. Asha stayed low to the ground until she saw the feet of one of them. She jumped up. “Si…” He didn’t get the chance to finish.
Asha held them down as she snapped their neck as quietly as she could. Asha kept her breathing low, she raised her head and looked around while staying hidden. She spotted the rotten Skywing walking around while carrying their comrades' heads.
“Come out Mudwing, I’ll make your death quick and painless or…” Asha barely heard the rest with the Skywing walking farther away. Asha went back down, she started debating herself, should she make a run for it?.
She has a head start, but the way the Skywing looked unnerved her and confused her? What was it, was that Skywing sick? and what if she led them to the other’s.
snap Asha flinched, her ears focused that Rotten Skywings claw steps got closer. Asha stilled her breathing and laid flat on the ground.
Asha could hear the Skywing's its ragged breathing, it growled and threw its comrades head beside her “I’ll find you… you can't hide forever, you know that.” the thing warned with a sneer.
Asha gulped but it was right, she couldn’t stay here, that thing could find the egg. Asha took a deep breath and made a decision, she waited for the thing to walk away.
And when it did, she acted, Asha got up quickly and went to the egg making sure to not make any noise. Asha looked inside the tree and took out the egg.
Her heart hammered with fear but she spotted something beside her that made her smirk. The rotter Skywing stalked through the forest.
They growled, how could they have lost a dumb Mudwing, they looked to their side and spotted another dead comrade of theirs.
“Utterly useless” they sneered, their ears twitched when they heard heavy footsteps behind him. They quickly turned around and saw a shrinking silhouette.
They growled and began running after them. Asha breathed heavily as she ran, she could hear that thing behind her. Asha spotted the cave and made a sharp left turn when she got close to the stone wall.
She quickly dropped something on the bush and kept running. The rotten Skywing burst through a bush and spotted the disappearing tail of the Mudwing and followed. “Found you!!!”
The dragon jumped on her and slit her throat with his claws.
She threw him off, as she coughed up blood. She knew she needed to finish this and deliver the egg before she died. She rammed the dragon into a tree which they got impaled on but were still alive.
He got the side of her face cutting out an eye and her lips, but she ended it by pummeling their face in with her talons as the dragon flopped while laughing. She pulled him off the branch and held him in a locked neck potion, “I won't let you hurt anyone else!” “Ha everything is going according to my design!”
Asha was confused, “What?!” "The inviable is coming Asha gets ready to snap his neck.
“I ALWAYS COME BACK!!” She slammed his face into a rock multiple times while he laughed. Eventually she scammed it one final time and then head broke into pieces.
Asha breathed heavily, she started feeling the pain of her wound catching up to her. She knew she did have a lot of time left…
Asha breathed heavily as they swayed back and forth. Her vision warped a little with one side completely gone, Asha walked away, she needed to deliver the egg. Asha coughed up blood when she made it to the egg.
She touched her neck, blood was seeping faster. Asha leaned on the wall for support, her vision was blurring but she smiled when she spotted the boulder. Asha dragged her body to the boulder, She groaned while trying to move the boulder but couldn't.
Instead she fell down, breathing slower, more shallow, she spotted her blood seeping into grass. Asha narrowed her eyes and stood up ignoring how her body shook from pain, she gathered all her strength in her claws and body, she then gave a mighty push moving the boulder slightly but enough for her too slip in
Asha crawled inside, propping herself up with the wall. She cradled the egg closer, Asha could hear clawsteps coming towards her. Orin gasped when she spotted Asha and quickly ran up to her.
“Kestrel get some healing supplies!” Orin cried while checking Asha over. Kestrel ran into the back of the caves to gather the supplies and came back crouched near Asha as well. Both Dragons looked her over while Asha could barely hear them
Kestrel saw the massive wound on her neck, Kestrel grabbed her claw and barely felt a pulse, this wasn’t good. Orin shook Asha gently “Stay with me Asha, don’t close your eyes, Kest-” “Orin… tell… Hvitur I… I…” Asha breathed heavily, Orin held her friend close. “I… love him and… I am sorry we couldn’t have that family we talked about…” Orin nodded, “I promise.” “And take care of my nephew… Please name him… Clay.” Orin tries to hold back the tears, “I promise…”.
Asha smiled and handed her the egg, “Thank… you…” Asha gave her final breath, before closing her eyes. Orin hiccuped trying to hold back tears, Kestrel stood turning away. Orin looked at her with tears running down her face. Kestrel wrapped a wing around Orin who held her friend close. Orin prayed that her other friends would make it back safe.
Meanwhile in the Sand Kingdom.
Dune narrowed his eyes at the blazing sun beating down on him “Just in and out…” Dune whispered to himself. He walked carefully through the dessert to Scorpion ben.
Dune stood up a giant sand Mountain looking over the vast sea of sand, he could spot the Scorpion den a few miles away. ‘You got this you got this…’ Dune thought, making a plan and began his trek for the Scorpion den, hoping not to be spotted.
Once he was close he could spot the many tents and could hear many other Sandwings trying to make trade or bargain. And as soon as he stepped a claw inside, a random Sandwing came up to him.
“Good evening sir, may I interest you in my service?” the Sandwing offered. Dune walked away from them “uh no thanks…” Dune called back, as he zigzagged through the streets and crowd of Sandwings.
He slithered into an alleyway and moved through it making quick turns but stopped when he heard a terrified scream. Dune looked the way that the scream came from and debated going to it.
‘Focus on the mission you dummy, you can't get distracted and you can't let them spot you’ Dune berated himself but another scream made curious and worried. He followed the screams to the backest parts of the alleyway.
He found two male Sandwings cornering a female Sandwing, “Please let me go, I don't have anything else to give you..” pleaded the Dragoness. One of the thugs scoffed and grabbed her arm and yanked her towards them.
“You sure little lady? I know some other ways you could repay me and my buddy here,” the Thug purred, running a claw down the Dragoness' face with his buddy laughing moving closer behind her.
“Please let me go, I'll pay you in another,” she pleaded, the thug scoffed “Come on baby, me and my buddie won’t rough you up that bad” The thug purred into her ears taking out a dagger, she whimpered as the closed in on her but a gruff voice stopped them.
“I recommend you step away from her!” All three looked at the entrance to see Dune staring them down with a glare. Both thugs growled at him but began laughing when they saw his missing arm.
The first one walked up to him wagging the dagger in his face “Or what you go-” the thug was cut off by Dune grabbing his face and standing on his hind legs as he slammed the thug into the wall.
Dune did repeatedly till he felt satisfied and let the thug fall to ground, he twitched and groaned on the ground. Dune looked and narrowed his eyes at the other “You want what he had?” Dune threatened walking on his hind legs towering over the thug.
He gulped and shook his head “Then get out or else!” Dune suggested cracking the wall beside him with a punch. The thug jumped and grabbed his friend quickly running, Dune scoffed and helped the Dragoness up who was thrown down.
“Thank you, mr.” She thanked taking his claw as she was lifted. Dune cleaned her shoulder still standing on his hind legs “No problem Ma’am, can i ask what's happening?” Dune wondered. She rubbed her shoulder but opened her mouth.
But she couldn't say anything because another voice spoke before her, a voice that made Dune freeze "What's happening over here?!” a voice demanded.
Dune slowly turned around and his eyes widened when he spotted a familiar Sandwing with oddly six fingers instead of five on both front legs.
“Six-claw!” Dune whispered, staring at his long time best friend, Six-claw narrowed his eyes but a big smile came over his face “Dune is that you, your back” Six-claw asked surprised, running over and hugging his best friend.
“Where have you been?” Six-claw asked, stepping back, while Dune panicked inside his mind, his cover was blown. “Just hanging out with some… friends.” Dune said. They started walking together, Six-Claws was talking about things and life, but Dune was only half paying attention. Dune hated what he was planning to do, he would be betraying his friend Throne, someone who took them both in when they ran away from Burn’s army, but he would be betraying his best friend and someone he had feelings for and he hated.
“Anyway I have a petrol, I have to go do. see you around.” Dune smiled and nodded as Six-Claws walked off. Dune quickly snuck into Thorn's tent, “Come on come on where did she put you?” He snuck out the back and dug in the sand. As he dug then he found it, “There you are!” Dune picked up the egg and was about to leave until he saw Six-Claws. “Dune?! What are you doing? Why do you have Thorn’s egg?" Dune started to stutter, “I ummm… Six, this isn't what it looks like.” “Dune were you going to… steal it?!”
Dune quickly shook his head, “No, no, I was just taking it somewhere more… safe, you know?” Six-Claws looked into Dune’s eyes and body language, he could see he was hiding something.
“Really now? Well, you wouldn’t mind if I tagged along?” Six-Claws ask, tilting his head. Dune started panicking, he didn’t and couldn’t ever lie to Six-Claws, he was to figure it out. “ummm , you don’t have to. I’m just going to put it in a new spot.”
Six-Claws narrowed his eyes a little “I don’t have too but I want too, I want to know where you put it” Six-Claws insisted with a smile. Dune gulped, he stared into his friend's eye, who stared at him expectedly.
Dune looked down at the egg and nodded “Sure, sure let’s do it” Dune agreed with a smile. Six-claws smiled as well and held the tent open for him “good but you wanna visit Thorn, tell her what we're doing yeah” Six-Claws suggested with a smirk.
Dune took a deep breath and steeled himself “yeah let’s do it, its been sometime since i've seen her” Dune agreed following behind him.
Dune and Six-Claws walked between the row of tents, many stared at Dune, surprised that he was here and some greeted him, welcoming him back.
Dune kept up a smile to sell this facade, while inside he was crying “So Dune, have you been seeing anyone,” Dune looked up to see Six-Claws staring back at him with a smile.
Dune stuttered a little “Well… no… I mean… no, no i haven’t been looking for anyone in the time I've been gone” Dune looked away from Six-Claws he couldn’t face him after being asked that.
Six-Claws frowned and slowed his pace matching Dune’s “Well, you could start now, I'm sure there are some guys or galls, looking to have a partner” Six-Claws suggested with a smirk.
Dune snorted “Really like, you can’t convince me some dragons would like a handicapped defected soldier, like myself?” Dune doubted staring at his stump of an arm.
Six-Claws and flicked his ears “What the hey!” Dune exclaimed. Six-Claws stared at him disapprovingly “Dude don’t talk about yourself like that, you're plenty useful and besides who can resist a handsome and strong drake as yourself,” Six-Claws pointed out with a smirk giving his arms a squeeze.
Dune blushed and looked away, trying to calm his beating heart. Dune stared at the ground avoiding his friend's gaze “How have you and Kindle been doing?” Dune inquired.
Six-Claws stared at the sky “Well it's been going great, me and Kindle are talking about having a Dragonet,” Six-Claws told his friend brimming with excitement.
Dune smiled for his friends, even though he was a little bitter about Kindle stealing him away. He was still happy for them and he wouldn’t ruin it, “I'm happy for you Six, just don’t forget to inform me when you have one, i wouldn’t want to miss it for the world,” Dune congratulated.
Six-Claws scoffed as he gave his friend a jab “you better be there I want my dragonet to meet their godfather” Six-Claws ordered. Dune chuckled and nodded “ok ok, i’ll try and be there” Dune let out a happy sigh staring at the ground “you’ll really make me their godparent” Dune wondered looking at his friend.
Six-Claws smiled, giving his friend an affirmative nod “of course, your my best friend, i want you to be there” Six-Claws assured. Dune looked away as he hid his tears of joy and pain, he just needed to keep going, he couldn’t fail now.
Six-Claws patted him on the back “there there, cry all you want, i know” Six-Claws comforted. Dune nodded and calmed his emotions and looked forward as the two entered a busy marketplace.
Six-Claws pointed “there she is” Dune looked to where he was pointing, he saw Thorn to a weapons dealer as they bargained. “40 gold, that's it im not going higher you hear me” Thorn slammed the counter.
The sandwing in front of her scoffed “fine Thorn, but next time, the prices are going up, im trying to run a business not a charity” the Sandwing advised, Thorn scoffed “Please, i should be getting a discount, i protect you and other dragons from criminal” Thorn reminded huffing out smoke.
The Sandwing rolled his eyes and rummaged through his stuff while Thorn stood back “Thorn you won’t believe who’s here” Thorn raised a brow at Six-Claw's voice “Six what are doing here, i sent you on patr-” Thorn stopped talking when she spotted Dune.
Dune gave a small wave and immediately braced himself when Thorn pounced on him, he was then brought into a bone-breaking hug “Dune you’re back, where have you been, why haven’t you sent a letter, have you been eating well, are you in trou-” “Thorn im fine” Dune quickly stopped her from going into a rant.
Thorn chuckled “sorry it’s just been a while, but it's nice that your back” Thorn finished softly. Dune smiled and bumped his head softly against her "I've missed you too Thorn” Dune replied back.
An irritated knock and huff grabbed the three’s attention, they turned around to see the Sandwing holding up a sack and looking at Thorn annoyed “forgetting something” he reminded, Thorn rolled her eyes and snatched the sack from his claws “thank you lets go guys” Thorn huffed walking away with the two following her.
The trio walked down a much more calm street, Thorn looked back at Dune “so what you been doing in the time you’ve been gone” Thorn asked. Dune shrugged and fixed his satchel “just been exploring, hanging out with friends and other stuff” Dune spoke quietly.
Thorn hummed while Six-Claws elbowed his friend and pointed to the egg in the satchel, Dune gulped “so Dune why do you have my egg” Thorn pointed out. Dune jumped and let out a nervous laugh sweating a little while his friend gave him the ‘I told you so’ look.
Dune gave Thorn a nervous smile “i just wanted to find a safer place for it” Dune reassured. Thorn narrowed her eyes but smiled “thanks Dune, i know keeping it here wouldn't be safe with the whole criminals walking around” Thorn thanked.
Dune nodded and quickened his lace “great, so i’ll go find it a safe spot, then i’ll go, i’ll send you a scroll on where it is” Dune spoke quickly trying to leave.
But a claw on his shoulder stopped him, he sighed and turned around to bummed out looks on both Thorn and Six-Claws. “Why leave so soon, you’ve barely been here an hour,” Thorn whined.
Dune but in the inside of his mouth "Cause i have important things to do guys” Dune told them. Six-Claws then grabbed his arm “come on man, we haven’t seen you in a while, stay a while” Six-Claws pleaded.
Dune shook his head “Guys sorry but i can’t u have like su-” the words died in his mouth seeing his friends get increasingly sadder by the second.
Dune looked at the time and back at the egg, Dune let out a sigh and smiled “Fine i guess we could hangout just a bit” Dune finally relented.
The two gasped and smiled at each other, they then grabbed his shoulder and arm and dragged him for a day of fun.
The two dragged Dune through a market where they tried finding a present for him as a farewell gift, They then dragged him into a jewelry store.
“Guys you know i don’t wear that stuff” Dune groaned, but Thorn shushed him as he tried some out. They dragged him all around the scorpion den while Dune kept checking the time.
The sun was almost down signifying the evening, the trio sat down in a bar, Dune stared at his drink while also looking at the two bags of stuff his friends bought him.
“You guys didn’t really have to do all of this,” Dune mumbled, Thorn shrugged as she took a sip of her wine. “We wanted to, we don’t know the next time we will see you,” Thorn reminded him.
Six-Claws nodded “yeah we just want to make sure give a fun time off” Six-Claws agreed while scarfing down a plate of roasted scorpions.
Dune laughed but then frowned “yeah, that's nice” Dune agreed as well, the two saw his frown, Thorn sat her glass down “is something bothering you done” Thorn asked.
Dune tapped the table not looking her in the eye “something like that yeah” Six-Claws smiled and set down his plate “well you can tell us, we can help you, you know” Six-Claws offered.
Dune took a big gulp of his drink, licking his lips. He didn’t know if alcohol was doing something to him, but he really didn’t care.
Dune grabbed Thorn’s egg and sat it down on the table “Thorn, I'm sorry, but I was gonna steal your egg” Dune confessed looking down.
Thorn stared at him, while Six-Claws frowned “so you were stealing it huh” Dune nodded but didn’t raise his head. “Why?” Thorn asked a simple question.
“For the Prophecy, you egg fits its description, i was tasked to get it” Dune explained, Thorn stayed silent which made Dune afraid.
Six-Claws looked at her and back at his friend “I have to go get another plate” Six-Claws left the table leaving the two with the egg between them.
“So you were just gonna leave with my egg as soon as you stepped out of the walls” Thorn accused. Dune nodded “yes, but I got stopped by Six” Dune answered not even trying to deny.
Thorn stared at her friend with an uncertain gaze, many thoughts ran through her mind. Dune lifted his head and looked her in the eye “I'm sorry Thorn, but this could stop the war, Pyrrhia could know peace again” Dune preached.
Thorn frowned and scratched the table “But with my egg, you're asking me to give up my egg, my Dragonet, my connection to him” Thorn pointed out frustratingly, glaring at him. Dune winced looking away but steeled himself and looked into her eyes.
Dune took Thorn Claw with both of his, Thorn frowned and looked straight at him “Thorn please I know im asking a lot, but i promise your Dragonet will be safe, I know this is the last thing you have of him, but don’t you want your Dragonet to live a peaceful life, one without bloodshed, I promise I look after them” Dune promised with all his heart.
Thorn stared at him and looked down at her egg, Thorn pushed her egg towards him and looked away. Dune smiled “Thank you Thorn, I pro-” “shut up, take it, make sure it's raised well, and never come back i don’t wanna see you or I’ll do something that I’ll regret ” Thorn threatened hiding her face.
Dune frowned, his head fell down and grabbed the egg, placing it in the satchel and standing up “Of course Thorn, goodbye, I love you and tell Six-Claws I loved him as well, and I'm sorry” Dune said his final words and then walked out without looking back.
Six-Claws sat in front of Thorn and placed a drink in front of her “You ok” Six-Claws asked, outstretching his claw. Thorn shook her head, a few tears dropped on the table as Thorn sniffed “No im not” Thorn cried trying to wipe her tears.
Meanwhile in the Sky Kingdom.
The sun was almost setting, Hvitur sat inside a tree, watching many Skywing guards pass over him, he could even see civilians pass by him carrying their egg, and that made him curious. Why were so many Skywings bringing their eggs to the palace?.
Was Scarlet planning something with them or was there an event going on? Hvitur shook his head, whatever it was it didn’t matter, he jumped down and took out a bowl of mud and started covering his body with mud.
Hvitur waited till the sun fully set and night began. He started to move, he made sure he was going the right direction by recalling Kestrel words of advice. He broke through the forest line and now was in the open.
But he was covered by night and the coloring of his scales. Hvitur flew close to the ground till he made it to the side of the cliff which held Scarlet’s arena. Hvitur used his serrated claws to get a good grip into the cliff side and start climbing.
Hvitur huffed and groaned when climbing, but he pushed through it making sure to choose the right places to grab. He whimpered when he heard a little crack but pushed forward, Hvitur smiled when he could see the top but his smile quickly fell when he heard wing flaps.
Hvitur completely stopped moving and tried blending into the cliff side. He could hear a conversation above him “Hey did you hear what Queen Scarlet announced?” one asked “No why should I? She’s not my queen.” the other scoffed, clearly a Mudwing.
The other which Hvitur deduced is also a Mudwing spoke “Well I heard she ordered all her subjects to bring any Skywing egg that might hatch on the brightest night,” that caught Hvitur’s attention and he listened closely.
“I don’t like the idea of Scarlet requesting eggs…” and neither did Hvitur, ‘so there was a reason the eggs were going to the palace,’ he thought. “You’re telling me, I heard she’s gonna put her psycho son and monster burn all the eggs, so the Prophecy can’t happen,” exclaimed the Mudwing.
Hvitur let out a gasp and quickly but went quiet and so did the Mudwings “Did you hear that?!” Hvitur gulped but kept silent “yeah I did but could just be nothing.” Hvitur prayed they would leave. “But what if it isn’t and we get in trouble I don't wanna get punished?!” Hvitur felt the wall cracking a little and his heart started racing.
The voices above him disappeared as he started panicking, ‘Please don’t break, please don’t break, oh great Motherwing and Ice Dragon, please let luck be on my side,’ Hvitur prayed closing his eyes. And luck was on his side cause he couldn’t hear the wall cracking anymore or the voices either.
Hivtur looked up and let out a sigh of relief, the Mudwings were gone and Hvitur quickly climbed up and pulled himself up to see the arena. Hvitur catched his breath and kept moving, he made to stick close to the arena outer wall.
Hvitur didn’t want any of the prisoners alerting the guard of a mysterious Dragon. He shuffled slowly till he made it to where the Queen usually sat. Hvitur jumped and punctured the wall with his claws and climbed slowly so as to not make any sound.
Hvitur pulled himself up to Queen’s balcony and tried recalling the route kestrel gave him, he stared up at the palace ‘I only have one shot at this, I can’t mess this up,’ reiterated in his mind before going.
Hvitur walked down into the prison cells where they keep the deranged. He made sure to tip toe while searching the walls ‘Come on, come on, where is it Kestrel said it be here’ Hvitur growled but then his claw hit a rough texture different then the rest of the wall.
Hvitur smirked and pushed down seeing the wall move, he looked around and quickly got in. Hvitur pressed the switch from the inside and began moving. But while the wall was closing it stopped and started opening again.
As a dark silhouette stood at the entrance smirking “whats this a new plaything enters the kingdom” the figure laughed walking in. Hvitur stepped out into familiar halls, he looked around but heard nothing.
‘Now was it left or right?’ Hvitur wondered trying to remember the directions, but his ears picked up something, it was laughter, a familiar laughter. Hvitur quietly followed the sound of laughter making sure to hide whenever guards were close.
But finally he made it to the source of the laughter. He leaned around the corner to see hundreds of Skywing eggs and Scarlet standing in front of them “Are these all I thought there were more” complained Scarlet while she yanked a chain.
Hvitur followed the chain to see a poor dragonet stumbling and failing to the ground, “We're just double checking my Queen if you could just be patient,” one of the guards fearfully asked. Scarlet gave them a piercing glare making them jump.
But she sighed and smiled “Fine but let's destroy one now, do it Peril!” Hvitur watched the poor dragonet walk up to one of the Skywing eggs and gasped in horror as he watched the dragonet burn the egg to dust.
Hvitur took one step back in horror and disgust, who could kill a dragonet before they were born. Hvitur could never believe that cruel dragons like that exist but here they are right before his eyes.
Hvitur needed to save one before its too la- “Hey there” Hvitur eyes widened as he quickly turned around only to be met with a fist straight to the face as everything starting going dark “I’m gonna have so much fun with-” was the last thing Hvitur heard before blacking out.
Hvitur woke up on the side of a cliff, he turned around to see a Skywing but his scales a reddish purple and his eyes were purple. Hvitur felt a burn on his arms; he looked over to see he was pinned down with hot metal chains. “I was worried you won’t wake up.”
Hvitur through his pain did his best to speak up, “Look kid you seem nice maybe you could-” “Set you free? HA no I want to have some fun with you.” The dragonet takes out some kind of hammer and smashes Hvitur's right talon. The Icewing screamed out in agony, “Who the hell are you?!” “Names Prince Daybreak.”
Hvitur eyes widened with fear. He heard about Daybreak from Kestrel and other dragons but to see him and find out he was so young sent a dark chill down his body.
Daybreak sees this and smiles. He brought out an egg, “Tell me why were you trying to steal a skywing egg? Is it for Talons of Peace?” Hvitur stayed silent as he glared at the two year old dragonet. Daybreak just for kicks and giggles he tightened the chains cursing the scales to burn more, and popped a wing out of place. Hvitur screams. “Not answering was all I needed.” “Then why did you-” "Because I CAN! HAHAHAHAAA!”
Just then Burn and two sandwings came down. “Are you still playing with that Icewing?!” Burn hissed, Daybreak rolled his eyes. Burn snatched the egg but Daybreak snatched it back and hissed. “Why you little-” "Careful Burn. My mother could-" "Watch you mouth boy. Keep mouthing off like that your jaw may come off.”
Daybreak rolled his eyes and started to try and balance the egg on his claw, this caused Hvitur to panic. “You wouldn’t kill a hatchling would you!?” Hvitur struggled harder despite the pain. Daybreak smiled and dropped the egg off the cliff, “oops” Hvitur on pure instinct jumped after it despite his wing being popped out of place. Hvitur reached for the egg but couldn’t reach it, hit the ground and smashed. In his last seconds he thought of Asha apologizing for not living long enough to be with her and then ‘SPLAT.’ Hvitur’s blue blood was splattered on the ground and the egg was cracked open with a small dead dragonet body beside it. They stayed there until both Kestrel and Orin came and saw them.
Broken and dead, Orin dropped to the ground with tears running down her face. “We can’t stay here,” Orin looked at Kestrel and nodded. Orin took Hvitur’s body while Kestrel got the young dragonet. Orin buried Hvitur’s body with Asha’s so they could be together, while saying her prayers, while Kestrel gave the skywing dragonet a skywing funeral.
Dune came out of the cave. “What do we do now?” Dune asked. “We wait for Webs, and then we will talk about it. Let’s go back inside.” Dune nodded as Kestrel walked Orin back inside after she was done burying two dragons she considered her friends. While over in the Skywing kingdom, families cried as their eggs were destroyed. On this day, no Skywing egg will hatch, there will be no Skywing dragonet for the prophecy.
Meanwhile in the Sea Kingdom.
Webs stared at the three Moon’s, today was the day and he needed to get the egg. He gripped his spear a little stronger than usual “So why did you want to change to the night positions?” Webs turned back to Shark who was scarfing down a shark.
Webs shrugged, poking his octopus “Eh got bored I guess, wanted to see how the night goes,” Webs answered him ripping one the tentacles, Shark hummed and scratched his chin, getting an idea.
“Why don’t you join me on the field?” Shark suggested and Webs looked at him surprised. “Shark you can’t be serious, I'm not built for the field,” Webs pointed out finding the idea terrible. Shark raised his claws and placed it on Web's shoulder.
“Wait just listen, sure you're not that great at fighting but I can train you, just imagine the both of us out the fighting setting an example for our dragonets!” Shark gave his reasons, he then pulled Webs closer “We could even hang out more, we barely do these days and Coral would appreciate it,” Shark finished shooting Webs with a small smile.
Webs did like that idea, both him and Shark barely hangout anymore mostly due to him going to the Talons of Peace and it would be nice to see Gill and Coral. But Webs shook his head, he can't, he has a duty to do.
Webs pulled away from Shark giving him a smile “I really do like the idea, but Shark I hate bloodshed, I hate fighting for this stupid war!” Webs voiced his distaste for the war “So no I can’t sorry…” Webs turned down the idea.
Shark sighed and shrugged “Well at least I tried. ” Shark chuckled standing up, giving his back a good stretch “I better start going now, I need to watch Coral’s hatchery,” Shark said, letting out a yawn.
Webs ears perked hearing that, he quickly stood in front of Shark making him jump “Why don’t I watch them while you take the night off, you do seem tired,” Webs suggested hoping Shark takes it.
Shark scratched the back of his head frowning "I don't know. Coral will be pretty mad if I'm not there. She always comes in the morning to see them,” Shark voiced his doubts. Webs cursed inside his mind but got a better idea.
“Then why don’t we surprise her with me being there” Shark cocked his head not understanding, Webs sighed “Why don’t we surprise with her best friend, who doesn’t like seeing their best friend and besides I haven’t talked to Coral in a long time, ” Webs suggested hoping this one would work.
Shark hummed still not onboard with the idea, Webs held his cheek and gave a reassuring smile “Shark trust me nothing bad will happen, you do trust me right?” Shark bit his lip and stared into Web’s eyes.
Shark sighed and smiled “Yeah I trust you fine, we can do your idea but if it backfires, you’re taking the blame alright ” Shark warned, Webs smiled and gave him a hug “You won’t regret it, know why don’t you go take a nap,” Webs reassured him with a smile.
Shark rolled his eyes and jumped into the water with Webs waving him goodbye, once Shark was fully gone, Webs fell to the ground “Finally he left, now it's time to make a big mistake for the greater good,” Webs said to himself as he jumped into the water, a route set for the royal hatchery.
Two guards yawned as they guarded the royal hatchery, Webs breathed in and out, ‘You got this Webs, you have nothing to fear,’ Webs hyped himself up. He swam in making the two guards jump to attention “Webs what are you doing here, where’s Shark?” one of the guards asked.
Webs set his spear aside and took out two fish, “Oh Shark went home, he’s been really tired, so I'm helping him out by taking his shift,” Webs explained handing the two a fish “And I thought you two been working hard, so here’s a fish if you guys are hungry,” Webs gifted them.
The two Seawings smiled “Wow Thanks Webs, we really needed this, we kinda missed our lunch shift.” One thanked while the other teared into their fish. Webs blushed looking away bashful “No problem guys, us Seawings gotta look out for each other," Webs said leaning on the wall.
Webs watched them eat waiting for them to fall asleep “You know Shark talks about you a lot,” Webs looked surprised “Really?” the guard nodded “Yeah he talks a lot about how you guys date, hang out, kinda gets annoying sometimes,” the guard complained.
Webs blinked looking away, “Huh didn’t know that,” Webs mumbled, the guard nodded, finishing off their fish, “Yeah talks a lot about his family, you, Aquamarine,” the guard rambled off. Webs barely paid attention to it, more focused on the other guard.
They yawned more, their eyes could barely stay open and finally they fell down asleep. And not long after the other guard fell asleep as well, Webs swam over to them and dragged them into a corner, he hid their weapons.
Webs swam back to the hatchery and opened the door swimming inside. Webs spotted the weeping statue of Queen Coral's first daughter, Princess Orca and many eggs “Deepest blue… deepest blue… deepest blue…” Webs repeated as he looked around till he found the right one.
He gently grabbed it and realized he had nothing to put it in. He quickly swam out and grabbed a guard's satchel and placed the egg softly inside. Once Webs was sure that the egg was secure, he took out a scroll and a quill and began writing a letter then he left.
A door creaked open with Webs hissing, he entered slowly and slowly closed the door back, hissing when the door creaked again. Webs waited for a few minutes and let out a sigh ‘good nobody’s awake’ Webs thought.
Webs took out a scroll, then sat at the table and began writing a letter for his son and mate “Dear Aqua and Riptide, I love you both so much and it pains me to do this…” while Webs wrote the letter he didn’t hear something swimming towards him.
“Webs” Webs jumped when he felt a claw on his shoulder, he spun around to see a tired Aquamarine yawning. Aquamarine stared at her mate in confusion “What are you doing here, your shift hasn’t…” Aquamarine trailed off spotting the egg in Webs satchel.
Webs followed her eyes and quickly raised his claws “Wait Aqua let me explain!” but Aquamarine didn’t, instead she snatched the egg holding it up “Why do you have an egg?” she asked, staring at him.
“I’ll explain if you just wait…” Webs requested trying to take the egg back but Aquamarine swam back holding the egg close. “No I want an answer now, are you seeing someone behind my back, is that why you’re always away!?” Aquamarine accused frowning.
Webs was taken aback “What no, I would never do that, why would you think that I love you,” Webs denied feeling hurt that his mate would think that. Aquamarine scoffed “Really cause this egg is telling me a different story, what its mother didn’t want it!” Aquamarine insisted her voice raising a little.
Webs shook his head, placing a finger to his mouth “Shh, keep your voice down, you’ll wake Riptide.” Webs warned but Aquamarine didn’t care “No I won’t I want an answer why do you have an egg!” Aquamarine demanded.
“Honey I would never cheat on you, I only love you.” “Then why do you have an egg? I 've always been suspicious of where you go somedays, is this why, seeing other dragons.” “No, if you just calm down, explain, please just be careful with the egg!” the two spoke loudly not even caring to keep their voice down.
But fortunately Riptide wasn't woken up by the loud voices. Aquamarine stood there waiting for her mate's explanation, Webs sighed looking down “Thats Coral’s egg, I stole it from the hatchery” he confessed.
Aquamarine blinked, she looked at the egg back at Webs, she placed the egg on the counter. Aquamarine took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, I must have misheard, could you tell me why?!” Aquamarine asked again, facing away from Webs.
Webs sighed, taking a seat at the table “I stole Carol’s egg…” Webs repeated, Aquamarine pinched her nose turning to her mate with confusion, anger “Webs you better give me a damn good explanation on why you stole Carol’s egg, our friends egg from her hatchery!” Aquamarine begged, hoping that her mate is not an egg stealer.
Webs gulped and tried staring his mate in the eyes but he couldn’t, he was too ashamed “I stole it for the Prophecy,” Webs said, Aquamarine threw her hands up and swam away. Webs quickly stood up following her.
“Aqua please listen to me…” Webs called out but Aqua did not stop, she entered their room and slammed the door locking it. Webs knocked softly on it “Aqua, Aqua please open the door, listen to me please!” Webs begged sliding down the door.
“You're really gonna steal our friend's egg for this Prophecy!?” Aquamarine whispered, still trying to deny that her mate would do this. Webs sighed hating how he made Aquamarine feel “Yes, honey this could stop the war and you know Coral wouldn’t willingly give her egg for this, she cares for them too much!” Webs explained.
“As many mothers should Webs, what mother would want to give their child to a strange group, would you give Riptide to them if the Prophecy said so!?” Aquamarine screamed, making Webs lower his ears.
“No, No i wouldn’t, but honey don’t you want this war to stop?” Webs whispered hoping his mate would understand. The door opened and Webs fell back looking to see Aquamarine crying a little.
“I understand Webs, but there has to be another way, you’ll be branded as a traitor, there has to be another way please…” Aquamarine sniffed as she pleaded. Webs stood up and wrapped his mate into a hug “I'm sorry Aqua but I can’t, the Nightwings will know, they can read minds, ” Webs reminded holding her close.
Aquamarine pulled away “So that's it, you’ll just leave us, me and Riptide for this, leave your life behind for this…” Aquamarine reminded him, hoping her mate could see what grave mistake he would be making.
Webs looked away but gave her a nod as he walked away back into the kitchen where he grabbed the egg and placed it back in the satchel. He then sat down back at the table and began writing in the scroll again.
He heard a stool being pushed and looked to see his mate sit in front of him. She didn’t say anything, just stared at the table, Webs didn’t say anything either and just kept writing, after a few seconds passed she asked a question “Will you be safe where you’re going?”.
Webs looked then nodded “I will, don’t worry about me,” Webs reassured, she hummed then stared at the egg “Who’s gonna raise the egg?” she wondered. Webs pointed to himself “I will, if I'm gonna steal it, I'm gonna make sure I raise it good, it's the least I can do for her” Webs reassured again.
Aquamarine nodded and watched Webs push a scroll toward her “Read this when I'm gone and give it to Riptide also.” Webs instructed standing up and walking to the door. He opened it but stopped when Aquamarine ran up behind him, hugging him.
“Please don’t go, please think of something else, we promised to do everything together, please don’t leave me, think of the others, please Webs, please…” she begged, tears falling from her eyes. Webs did think of that, just abandoning this duty and just living his life with his friend and family.
But he could see a future where there was no war, where all his family and friends lived in peaceful times. But Webs already made his decision, he turned around and Aquamarine looked up at him.
“I'm sorry Aqua but I already made my decision, I'm sorry…” Webs gave her one more kiss as the two heard the kingdom’s alarm. Webs bit his lip and looked at Aquamarine “I’m sorry I ha-” he was cut off by Aquamarine kissing him, Webs kissed back pulling her closer.
Once they separated, Aquamarine pushed him out of the house “Go before you get caught, goodbye Webs, I’ll miss you…” Aquamarine said her final words “I’ll miss you too,” Webs also said his final words as he swam away with Aquamarine watching him leave.
She closed the door and sat back at the table waiting for the other to come busting down her door for her mate. She laid her head down on the table while she heard the alarms blaring loud and clear.
She tried to contain her sadness for when the others showed up but she couldn’t “He’s gone, he’s gone and he won’t back” Aquamarine cried, her tears running down profusely.
“Webs please don’t leave, come back, we can think of something else please” Aquamarine begged to herself, hoping by some miracle, her mate would listen to her please from far away and he’ll change his mind, come back to her, but that was wishful thinking.
Instead she heard a voice, she looked to the side and saw her son “Mom, what's going on, why is the kingdom alarm blaring, where’s dad, why are you crying” Riptide asked multiple questions, clearly worried about why his mother was crying.
Aquamarine was quiet as she stared at her son “Riptide… I… Your father… I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” she couldn’t face him, she just kept crying in her claws.
Riptide frowned and came closer holding her side, “Mom, mom what's wrong, what are sorry for? Mom please tell me” Riptide asked, clearly distressed, he doesn't know what is happening.
“Aqua, Aqua are you in there, answer me!” came Coral’s voice, Riptide's head shot up as he quickly went to the door and opened it up to see Queen Coral and King Gill with General Shark by their side.
Coral looked down to see Riptide, she calmed herself down and spoke in a soft voice “Oh hello there Riptide, do you know where your mother or father is?” Riptide nodded and pointed to the table.
“Mom is at the table crying, but I don't know where dad is, she keeps saying she’s sorry…” Coral nodded and gave Riptide to Gill while she and Shark went inside.
Gill lowered himself to Riptide level and had a comforting smile “Hey there Riptide, you know me right?” Riptide nodded “yeah your dad’s friend and king.”
Gill as he called over a guard “Your right, but I'm gonna need you to follow this guard, he’s gonna take you somewhere fun and safe ok,” Gill instructed the dragonet making sure to keep his voice comforting.
Riptide looked at the guard who gave him a smile then looked back at his crying mother, he looked at Gill with worry “Is mom in trouble, is dad in trouble?” Gill sighed as he didn’t know how to answer that.
“We don’t know Riptide, that's why we're gonna talk to your mom ok,” Gill tried to give a good answer. Riptide frowned but nodded as he went with the guard.
Gill sighed and walked in to see Aquamarine crying on Coral’s shoulder “I’m sorry I couldn't stop him, I was so confused, I didn't want to hurt him, I didn’t want to believe he would do this…” she cried into her friend's shoulder.
Coral messaged her back and pulled her closer, “It’s ok Aqua, I didn’t wanna believe it either, everything's gonna be ok, you’ll get through this…” Coral reassured her with Aquamarine crying louder.
Coral met Gill’s gaze and shook her head pointing to Shark, who stared at a portrait of Webs. Gill frowned and moved closer to his brother in law.
Gill stares at the portrait of his friend, a sweet Seawing, a kind Seawing, a Seawing that made Gill question why. Gill held Shark’s shoulder who flinched “It’s ok, you couldn’t have known,” Gill reassured him watching how Shark’s frown grew even more.
“He lied to me, he tricked me…” Shark whispered as he tore the portrait to shreds, he yanked his shoulder away and walked away.
Gill stared at the shredded portrait and turned around walking back to Coral who helped Aquamarine walk outside. Gill stepped outside, closing the door.
Gill stared at his family and friend “What do we do know?” he asked, Aquamarine stayed quiet as did Shark who stood to the side gripping his spear till his knuckles turned wait.
Coral spoke up “We search for him, for the egg, Webs will be branded as a traitor.”
Webs flew for miles and miles. Webs then landed outside the cave. “Hey, it's me. Webs open up!” The boulder moved and Dune ushered the Seawing in. “Come on, Come on!” Webs hurried in fast and saw Kestrel waiting by the nest. “Kestrel… where is Asha and Hvitur?” Webs looked back and forth between the two.
Dune spoke up, “Webs… they're dead.” Webs' eyes widen with horror. “What?! How?!” “They were killed by Skywings, and Queen Scarlet destroyed all the eggs that would hatch tonight.”
Webs looked around and couldn’t find Orin, “Where’s Orin?” Kestrel looked up at him, as Webs puts the egg in the nest, “No idea. She left hours ago said she had one lasted idea” All three stared at each other and stared at the incomplete nest “What do we do now?” Webs asked, just then the Mudwing egg starts to hatch.
They all looked at the egg, “The Mudwing egg is hatching!” “It can't hatch yet we only have four eggs!” Webs and Dune panicked. Kestrel chuckled, “Good luck explaining that to the egg.” Orin then entered with… a Rainwing egg. “I’m back!” Orin screamed, placing the egg in the nest.
“A Rainwing Egg, Orin, are you serious?!" Kestrel screamed, not believing it. Orin threw up her arms “This was the only egg I could get in time Kestrel, the Icewings are too far and Rainwing are the closest” Orin explained her action crossing her arms looking away.
Webs stood between the two “Ok guys lets not fight, we have five dragonets, boom done, now lets just watch” Webs suggested hoping the two dragons would calm down.
Orin sniffed, wiping her eyes which were still bloodshot, nodded and got closer. Kestrel rolled her eyes and got close as well.
Dune patted Webs on the back and got closer as did Webs. Everyone watched as the Mudwing egg fully cracked open with a small Mudwing dragonet popping out.
It looked around “Aww, he's cute and blobby” “So that's what a Mudwing dragonet looks like” both Dune and Webs commented as they heard another crack.
“The seawings hatching” Orin cheered, making Kestrel roll her eyes as she kept her eyes on the Mudwing as he walked over to the Seawing dragonet.
And started breaking the shell, “What's he doing?!” “He's attacking them, stop that!!!” Orin lifted her wing to block them, “No he is not. Asha told me about this. Mudwings have these siblings known as bigwings they help their siblings hatch. Despite not being Mudwings, I guess to Clay, he thinks they are his siblings.” Orin explained.
Webs tilted his head, “Clay?” Orin nodded, “Asha wanted us to name him Clay.” Webs and Dune nodded in understanding. Both of them stood back and watched Clay help the Seawing.
Clay gave it one more good smack, making the whole egg break, freeing the Seawing which Webs quickly grabbed while Clay kept going.
Webs looked the dragonet over and pulled her closer “You look like her so much… Tsunami” Webs whispered cradling Tsunami in his arms.
Dune smiled but focused back when he saw a yellow ball roll out to him and unroll to reveal a Sandwing dragonet that had no stinger and green irises rather than the black beady eyes of Sandwings.
Dune picked her up and looked at the difference, he smiled “You’re perfect, Sunny,” Dune said bringing her closer as well.
Orin smiled at the two and watched Clay help the last two eggs, as a Nightwing and Rainwing dragonets wobbled out of the nest with Orin catching them.
Orin turned to Kestrel “Kestrel, say hi to Starflight and… Glory” Kestrel stared at the two dragonets who stared back at her, she scoffed and turned away from them.
Orin pouted and placed them on the floor, bringing Kestrel back “Kestrel come back, stay with us and watch them play” Orin ordered dragging her back.
Kestrel groaned and stood beside the others watching the dragonets play together “So these little ones are destined to stop the war” Kestrel laughed, finding this whole thing ridiculous.
Webs chuckled and gave her a shrug “I guess they are, if the Nightwings foresaw it, then it must be true” Dune sighed also not believing it either “Can’t believe we're placing our future in them” everyone laughed at the idea.
Orin sighed, staring at them “Yeah it's ridiculous, but it's our job to raise them good, for when they face the world they know what to do,” Orin reminded them.
They all nodded remembering their duties as they watched the future of Pyrrhias hero’s play on the floor.