I hate rain. And black outs. And losing internet. And school. But, then again, who doesn't?
I have to say, I didn't really like this chapter. It just didn't agree with me. It was just battling against me until I gave up and now you're stuck with this crap. Eh, whatever, you might even like it.
Super big thanks to ToothlessTheMightyNightFury for reminding me how much my fans love this story and encouraging me to keep on writing.
Chapter Nine
Discoveries
Dracen's POV
"Here you go." I say gently, pushing the plump, light green leaves towards the half conscious Nightmare, "I made it as soft as possible. It's called Lamb's Ear. It'll give you strength, but you have to eat it first."
Flynn laps it up and winces as he chews. I turn around, grab some large green leaves, and nudge three to him, "These are ragwort leaves. They'll also give you strength. You'll be living off these two herbs, maybe even some honey, if I can get any, for a while. At least until you have enough strength to eat real food."
After eating the leaves, Flynn groans and mumbles, "Why does my body hurt so much?"
"Er…" I pause, "After you attacked Frostbite, Skurge and Larksong beat you up. You're... um… you're in our camp, now. On Berk. We captured it. You're our prisoner now."
His eyes, although blind and dull, widen and he perks up a little. "Are you a Wild Dragon?" he rasps, fear-scent rolling off him. I nod and move to grab some comfrey root. "Yes," I reply, chewing it up into a pulp, "I'm the healer. I'll be taking care of you until you're better. After that, however, you'll be in the paws of Frostbite. Whatever happens to you then is up to her. I'm sorry."
Leaning down, I lick the poultice onto the gouges Skurge inflicted, which are covered in dressing and starting to scab.
"But…" Flynn starts, "Why are you so… nice? Why are you healing me when I'm your prisoner?"
"Not all of us are evil, you know." I reply, "Most of us are good dragons. We just believe in different things than you and your friends do. And we're lead by two dragons that particularly hate pets. And… we needed more territory. Our clan is getting bigger, and our camp was too small. Our old island is pretty big, but it only had one good place for a camp, and Frostbite didn't want us to split up."
He doesn't reply and I finish applying the comfrey. A few moments later, he mutters, his voice quiet, "I'm going to be blind forever, aren't I?"
Sighing, I turn towards the Nightmare, "Yes. I'm sorry."
"How long have I been here?"
"A day or two."
"And…" he hesitates, and then asks, "And there's been no sight of any… pets?"
I stare at him, and then shake my head, "No. Our Fangs mangled them pretty well."
"Hey, Dracen!"
I turn around, blinking in surprise as I see Misty trotting towards me. Pulling me aside, she purrs, "I think I'm carrying Fireflight's eggs."
I pause, staring, and then jerk my head, "Oh. Great. Does he know?"
Misty shakes her head, "No. Nobody knows. I just came to you to make sure."
"Alright. Settle down here."
The Nadder lies down on her side, exposing her belly. I sniff it, and then put a paw on it. Her stomach seems way more swollen than it used to be. I nod, "Yeah, you definitely have eggs."
Misty purrs, her eyes sparkling, "How many?"
I press my paw harder, and use my other to shift her belly. I feel a lump under my paw, and I continue to move across her belly, counting the number of lumps I feel. After a few minutes, I pull away, feeling my breath catch.
"Six. You're only a week or two away 'till they're ready to lay."
Misty's eyes widen, "Six? Six eggs?! And with Badger and Silverhawk that would make eight…."
I nod and help her up. "Don't worry, they've only got two more months 'till they're apprentices. Wildfang, Adder, and Brook should be starting the next step of their training soon."
"What about Poppyseed?" she asks, "Are you going to make her a full healer soon?"
Shaking my head, I reply, "She's got a lot more to learn. And she needs more confidence. Why don't you go tell Fireflight about the eggs while I tell Frostbite?"
Misty nods, gives me a thankful flick of her tail, and walks away. I turn around and make my way towards Frostbite's new den, which is in a crevice underneath the plateau where she makes her announcements. Skurge's den is in another crevice, much to my pleasure.
Pausing outside the den, I call out, "Frostbite, are you in there?"
No reply.
"Dracen?"
I jump in surprise, whirling around to see Frostbite eating a fat black-and-yellow striped eel, Ash gnawing on a pollock beside her. Trotting over, I dip my head and say, "Misty's expecting Fireflight's eggs. There are six of them."
Her eyes widen, and she purrs, "Fantastic! I'll tell the clan as soon as I'm done eating."
Turning around, I quickly snatch a gull off of the prey pile and settle down next to her. "And," I add, leaning closer, "I've been noticing Whiplash and Skyflame. There're going to be a lot of new hatchlings here."
Frostbite nods and states, "We must be constantly vigilant in case the pets decide to attack."
Ash sighs, ripping a piece of flesh from her pollock, "I hope not. This is a good home."
Suddenly, someone huffs and I see my cousin, Amber, walking towards us, boar leg in her jaws. Plopping it down next to us, she grumpily lies down and starts tearing into the meat. Frostbite and I glance at each other as Swiftstrike appears over her shoulder.
The Gronckle/Changewing mutt settles down gently beside Amber and starts eating the turkey she brought.
"Er…" Ash starts awkwardly, "Are you alright guys? You seem a little grumpy."
"Skyflame never hangs out with us anymore!" Amber bursts immediately, "She's always too busy hanging out with Whiplash."
Swiftstrike nods and comments, "I never would've guessed that they… I mean, she and him would… you know… be together. Whiplash only seems to care about battle, and Skyflame is all fun loving and caring."
Frostbite purrs, "We were just talking about them. Dracen here thinks they're going to have eggs soon. By the way, Misty's carrying six."
"Six?" Swiftstrike gaps, "Wow, she's going to be busy."
"Especially with Badger and Silverhawk." Amber comments. I nod and take a bite out of my prey, tired from fussing over Flynn constantly. I can't say I'm not mad about Larksong and Skurge hurting so badly, but I'm glad that Frostbite didn't get injured, or worse.
Just then, Skurge appears over the forest with Zylah, Swiftstrike's brother, Snapper, and Larksong behind him. I stifle a groan of annoyance as he lands and makes his way over to us.
"Still no sign of any Vikings or their pets." The Whispering Death reports, stopping in front of Frostbite. Zylah laughs and walks up beside him, "I don't think we have to worry about them for a while. They're probably still mourning over the ones that died, or just whining about their injuries."
Frostbite nods, purring, but it seems half-hearted. The Wild Queen says, "Yes, but we can't let our guard down. Misty's going to lay six eggs soon, and Skyflame-"
Suddenly, there's a yowl of amusement and we all look up to see Wildfang chasing Skyflame in the sky. They look like they're heading towards us, but seem to be paying more attention to each other. Soon, however, Skyflame lands sloppily next to Ash with a thud, and Whiplash lands behind her before darting up to Frostbite.
"No trouble on the eastern side!" he reports, looking out of breath. There's a light of amusement in his eyes, and I wonder if they were actually patrolling or just playing. Skyflame nods, also looking a little mischievous and panting a little.
Then, she seems to notice our positions, and asks, "Oh! Were we interrupting something?"
"No, no." Frostbite flicks her tail, "Now go take a break and have some prey. You've deserved it."
She nods, and then skips towards the prey pile, Whiplash darting after her.
Frostbite looks back at Skurge and waves her paw towards them, "See?"
Skurge purrs, which sounds more like claws scraping on stone to me, and rumbles, "There's going to be more Claws and Fangs soon." He gazes after Whiplash and Skyflame, "They're both strong dragons. I hope I can mentor one of their children. It's always interesting to see how crossbreeds turn out." The deputy looks back at Frostbite, "They tend to have different abilities than most dragons. Combine two strong breeds like them and there'll be an even stronger brood. Little hatchlings with four legs, horns, and snake-like tails, like Whiplash, but covered with spines and spitting fire as hot as the sun, like Skyflame. I'm happy for Misty and Fireflight, but their hatchlings will fight like Deadly Nadders. Crossbreeds, well, they're as wild as Wild Dragons get. They're interesting."
"I know what you mean." Ash says, "I mean, look at Swiftstrike." The crossbreed Fang looks up from her turkey. Ash continues, "You've got the agility of a Changewing, and yet the strong hide of a Gronckle. You're practically a mix between the strengths of your parents' species. Changewings have soft skin, and Gronckles aren't nimble at all."
But Skurge barely acknowledges her. He's still gazing deeply in Frostbite's eyes, and it looks as if he's trying to send her a silent message.
My eyes widen, and I can feel my lip curling back in a snarl. Jealously tears at my heart, and it takes all of my willpower to not pounce on him in a flurry of teeth and claws. Instead, I try to change the subject.
Frostbite's POV
The way Skurge is looking at me so intensely is slightly disturbing. I meet his gaze, peering strongly into his white eyes. It seems like he's trying to tell me something. But, why won't he just say it aloud? And that whole thing with crossbreeds-
Suddenly, realization crashes down on me and my eyes widen. Skurge's gaze softens as he sees that I understand. My mind whirls. Does that mean…. Did he just hint that he-
"Soooo, uh," I blink away the shock and look at Dracen as he speaks, "The prisoner is slowly healing."
"Really?" Skurge growls lightly, tearing his gaze away from me and looking at Dracen, who looks uncomfortable, "I thought Larksong and I had battered him pretty well."
"You did." There's an edge in the Healer's reply, "And now he's blind."
"Good."
Suddenly, I jump to my paws and spin around. "I'm gonna go to my den." I mutter, my mind still reeling. Behind me, I hear Amber murmur, "Is she okay?"
Ash replies, "Of course. She's probably just planning the announcement of Misty's eggs. This does mean she'll need extra protection, what with…."
Her voice fades away as I enter my den. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, I sit down and try to organize my thoughts.
If I'm correct, Skurge, my beta and former mentor, just hinted that he… loves me. "Love." I mutter numbly. That word sounds strange on my tongue. I've never 'loved' anyone.
Of course, I love my friends and my clan, but I don't think that's the same kind of love. I rule them. And yet, while they go and find mates, settle down and raise a brood, I'm still doing what I've always done. Leading a clan, plotting revenge on my family.
I've never really thought of what I'll do after I've settled my scores with Nate, Irria, and Raven. Just… keep on ruling, and never settle down.
Maybe…maybe after all of this I could. Skurge is one of the strongest, fiercest dragons I know- like he said, our children would be…. Interesting. If we ever have any, that is.
I just don't think I will ever have time. Especially not now. And who will lead the clan while I'm in the nursery? Well, I guess Skurge, but he's going to get old sometime. He'll slow down. By the time I'm too old to lead, he'll be dead. I actually don't think he'll ever be able to become leader.
Zylah will, though. At least for a little while. She's young and could make a great leader one day. I wonder who she'll chose as her deputy? I hope Larksong- she deserves it. Or Crag, if he's still alive.
But… just thinking that Skurge loves me makes me shudder. It's like, some wild, untamed thing that makes my hide prick. I just-
"Frostbite?"
I startle at the sound of Skurge's voice. Turning around, I see my deputy slowly slithering in my den. He stops a few feet away from me and for a moment we simply stare at each other.
Then, "Do you mean it?" my voice sounds cold, but not intimidating, "Do you really love me?"
"Yes." he rasps, looking directly into my eyes.
Suddenly, I feel an emotion that confuses me. I get angry.
"Why?" I hiss, "What makes you think that this was a good time to tell me that? There are going to be many new hatchlings on this island that we just captured. What, do you think the Berks won't attack and try to take their home back? They will- I can feel it. We need to keep our clan safe until I'm sure that they won't come back."
"And we can." Skurge says, slithering closer, "We can rule this clan. We'll be King and Queen. Our children will be the most powerful Fangs in the history of Infernious." He starts circling me, making dramatic jerks with his head and tail as he speaks, "And when we're too old to lead, the strongest of them will rule this clan. We'll watch their victories and see our grandchildren become Fangs, and then become rulers. And once we're long gone, our blood will still flow through Infernious and through its future leaders."
He comes to a stop and looks at me, still caught up in the moment, "You- no, we- will be immortal!"
I inhale sharply. He's right. We will be immortal. But, our family doesn't have to be leaders. If I've ever learned something from Raven, it's that your children don't always turn out the way you expect them to. And when I'm in battle, I'll be worrying about them, or Skurge, and my enemy will have the upper paw.
Taking a step back, I shake my head. Skurge looks surprised, and a little hurt.
"No." I say blankly, "This isn't a good idea. As much as it tempts me, I can't. I won't."
I start towards the entrance of my den. Skurge gazes after me, and I stop at his snarl, "Why not?"
Sighing, I look over my shoulder, sorrow in my eyes, and reply, "You'll just be a distraction from what's really important: making this clan the best it can be. I will lead Infernious to greatness- even if I have to do it alone." Shaking myself, I straighten up and state, my tone regaining its authority, "Now, come, beta. We must announce Misty's good news."
Dracen's POV
"Dragons of Infernious! Gather to hear my words!" I look up from the remains of my gull as Frostbite leaps on top of the rock plateau that she makes her announcements from. I stand up, quickly bury the rest of my prey, and lead Ash, Swiftstrike, and Amber to the base of the plateau. Amber sits down next to me as we gaze up at Frostbite.
I sigh, staring at the strong form of my best friend. It's moments like these when she really looks like a leader. It's moments like these when I can no longer see any of the small runt that I once knew in her. It's moments like these where Phoenix is gone. And when she's diving into battle, Frostbite takes over and wreaks havoc.
But, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, I don't exactly approve of her violence, but I'm happy that she fulfilled her desires and became a leader. She brought these former Outcasts into a clan, and lead them to greatness.
Even when she was little, when she was still Phoenix, I could see that she was going to be great. I was, and guess I still am, kind of like her brother. Like how Nate might've been, if she hadn't been abandoned.
But, now that I think about it, she still would've been an Outcast, even if Raven had brought her to Berk. She would've looked and seemed so different than all the other dragons. And she would have never have grown as much as she has now because there would be no true rage in her soul to encourage her to. Dragons would still be teasing her or putting her down, even now at her age, if she had grown up on Berk.
So, if Frostbite is what we have to deal with to make her happy, then so be it.
I glance to my right as Misty settles down beside me. She gives me a wink, and then looks up as our leader begins talking.
It's a quick meeting. Misty ducks her head in joyful embarrassment when Frostbite gives the news, whilst Fireflight puffs up his chest, looking like the happiest dragon alive. Eventually, I see Skurge come out of Frostbite's den and stand besides her, but he doesn't look very happy. They announce the new precautions and guarding that the Fangs will take, and then the meeting is dismissed.
Turning around, I walk back to Flynn, whose head is raised and pointed towards the plateau. He must've been listening. I'm not concerned, though; as far as I know, Skurge and the rest of the Fangs won't ever let him go back to his family.
As I draw closer, he lowers his head and rasps, "Six eggs. Wow."
I purr and flick my tail, "Told ya Infernious is getting bigger."
I dunno. Did you guys like it? There wasn't any Berk stuff, and it was kinda short. We'll be getting back to Berk and Sparrow (remember him?) soon, though. Maybe in the next chapter.
R&R
PS: Did anybody notice the new story cover?
