Author's notes: Again, I apologise for such a long wait. I seem to keep forgetting about updating the fanfic, plus I was finishing off chapter 18. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 11:
Prophetic Dreams
The scene outside their sleeping caves is tense and foreboding. Six of the dragonets of the Diamond Winglet are staring at Moonwatcher and Kinkajou with wide and curious eyes, while Silverlight goes to cover his head with his wings trying to hide again, comprehending something will be explained somewhere. He wishes nothing is described. Hating that he can read minds and knowing his nightmare is the reason Moonwatcher came here in the first place, because he asked for her to save him. Now Darkmatter has a new target he most likely will want to kill. Just because she is one of my best friends, he thinks in awe, laying himself down, looking away from everyone.
"A prophecy, like, words that can come true sort of prophecy?" Yucca says.
Moonwatcher nods at her. "Exactly that," she says softly, knowing Silverlight is trying to avoid all gazes and company as much as he can. "I'm sorry Silverlight. I may have to tell them."
"I don't care! I'm going back to mine and Serac's cave!" Silverlight begins to head away.
"Silver! Wait!" Yucca pleads. "Please don't go away like this!"
"Like I have a choice! Wherever I go I won't escape this!" He raises his voice so suddenly, surprising them all. "Just, leave me alone, all of you!"
What the hell Silverlight? It's not our fault you have this problem! Quit acting like you're all special! He knows Serac's eyes are boring into the back of his skull with his cold glare. Serac is known for his coldness whenever he is disturbed, for Silverlight has witnessed it countless times before. "Stop crying like a baby and grow up, for moon's sake Silverlight!"
Shut up Serac! Silverlight thinks glaring back at him, before clambering into his sleeping cave trying to hide away.
That was unfair Serac, Yucca complains.
I hate him when he goes all cold, Jet states.
Seriously Serac! Start showing your concern for others instead of these heartless remarks of yours. Tera accentuates.
He doesn't even care, does he? Dart accuses.
This is torture! Why Shadestar? Why did you want me to learn all this?! I can't STAND IT ANYMORE! He then hears all of them discussing between each other.
"I should tell you why I arrived here," Moonwatcher begins, knowing Silverlight is suffering in his mind right now with all the constant thoughts of his Winglet, as he can quite easily tell.
"Yes. I was wondering that too," Jet continues.
"I'm a mind reader."
"Moon! You shouldn't be telling them anything. You promised only our Winglet will know," Kinkajou moans.
"I'm sorry Kinkajou. But Silverlight is very close to us. If I don't tell his Winglet why he's avoiding them, he'll never forgive me. They need to know what is happening, and only I can understand the trauma Silverlight is going through."
Moon. You don't have to be so kind to me. I should tell them, but I just can't.
That's why I will tell them for you Silver. Please don't worry. I care about you as much as I do all my friends, and Qibli. They need to understand how you are feeling now that, this is happening.
I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I need to apologise.
Don't worry. I understand.
I'm coming back out now. Thanks for talking with me.
You don't need to Silver.
I'm going to. He starts to head back out again. When my mind's made up, it never changes. Moments later, he reveals himself to all his friends once again, ready to listen to what Moonwatcher has to say to them. He just hopes they understand and accept why his actions tonight have been the way they are. Stopping by Yucca, she rests her head on his shoulder telling him she is there for him.
"So. What exactly, is a mind reader?" River questions, much to everyone else's surprise. They have never seen her this interested in something for a long time.
"A mind reader is a dragon who can read minds. It only happens with us NightWings, when we hatch under a certain full moon. I'm a twice moon-born, so I also have this, ability to speak prophecies quite simply known as precognition. Kinkajou has witnessed it before, and it really scared her, but I never remember it happening. I just seem to remember the prophecy that was spoken word for word."
"Is this why Silverlight woke up in horror, because of the prophecy?" Yucca questions next.
"I'm afraid so. He had a nightmare, that contained this prophecy and pictures I really don't want to discuss with you. They were dark, murderous and heartless, that is all I will say. They traumatised him."
"It's true." All seven of them look to him. "Everything that happened. It frightened me," Silverlight admits, not wanting to go any further than that. Everything that happened he just wanted to forget.
"So I have decided. You all need to hear this prophecy."
"All the images from my, nightmare, may also need to be spoken Moon. If it's alright with you, I'd rather explain them."
"But, the trauma you suffered. Are you sure?"
"I'll never forget it, if I don't braven up and tell them myself."
"Silverlight I ... I'm sorry, for treating you the way I did just now," Serac contrites, before heading towards him to rest a talon on his shoulder. "I didn't realise it had scared you that much."
"It's fine, Serac. I'm used to acts of shunning. I've had it all my life, so I know how to handle them, most of the time."
"I never knew that happened to you. You never told me."
"I never really wanted to, to be honest."
Serac kindly hugs him, before heading back to where he had once been. "So, what is this prophecy he suffered?"
"Please no." Kinkajou lowers her head in fright.
"Don't worry Kina. My eyes aren't going to roll into the back of my head this time." Silverlight sees her watch Kinkajou seem to accept what is about to be spoken. "I'll speak the whole prophecy Silver, then you can discuss what each verse means from what you remember."
"I'll, try," he reluctantly agrees, knowing it will possibly break him down.
"Then I shall begin." Without issue, she begins to remember everything from the prophecy she spoke much to Silverlight's surprise. "Despite what has already happened to him, the rest is what will happen if none of us stop it."
"The wings of space for all things pure,
has arrived to cleanse this world from blight.
The half breed you protect still remains impure,
so she found and killed his wings of night.
A half soul so weak I could kill you premature."
Silverlight lowers his head in sadness, remembering what exactly was happening to him after that line.
"The fire queen now under my power,
of the flames and all its destructive divinity,
and a cry from a regal guardian Flare.
The half one's love for his desert flower,
will be forced to sever for my own true vanity,
amidst the grasp of a soul who used to care."
By now, Silverlight starts to cry knowing it was Yucca, who he has only just started dating, and liked for an entire year before doing anything, being the one getting strangled.
Shall I stop Silver?
No. They need to, know the final verse. I'll try to be strong.
But you know who it was after the final verse. I know you do. I don't want to torture you.
I understand your concern but please, speak the final verse for them.
Alright.
"And a life from the wood to arrive half dead,
will mark the day your time will end.
But an Eventide Prayer shall cause your dread,
when your heart breaks down to never mend.
As they come for you Silverlight, amidst my stead."
After the final words, Silverlight covers his head with his wings silently crying hoping none of his friends can hear him. He knows they are staring flabbergast as all their minds become scrambled with confusion, but Moonwatcher's voice calms him down again.
Are you okay Silver? Please don't hide your feelings. They need to understand just how badly this has affected you.
I couldn't, be strong. I'm supposed, to be strong!
No one can always be strong. Even the most hardened war veteran wells up with emotion and fear sometimes. You can show them just how upset you really are. It's what makes you a very strong dragon Silver.
Without warning, Silverlight rapidly hugs Yucca and cries in her arms. "I'm sorry!"
"It is okay Silver. We're all here for you. Whenever you need us, we'll be right with you." Yucca promises hugging him back with a tear trickling down her cheek, as Silverlight soon feels it flowing down his neck.
"Silverlight, I..." Serac replies gently but cannot finish his words. How can this be happening to you? Who is this, Darkmatter you speak of?
He wants me dead Serac. He wants me dead! Giving himself time to calm down he slowly walks to be beside Moonwatcher, ready to explain what the prophecy all means to all his Winglet. "I need to, tell you what the verses all mean." He looks to Serac. "Serac. I read in your mind your question. Darkmatter is a SpaceWing who wants me dead."
"A SpaceWing!" they all reply in tandem with each other.
"What does he have against you?" Serac questions.
"I think it's because, I'm a hybrid."
"A hybrid! Of what?"
"A NightWing and something else I don't know."
"But, you look nothing like any of us as well as a NightWing Silverlight," Dart states. "What else could you be a hybrid of?"
"Could it be of one of the newer dragons where Prince Flare came from?" River questions in curiosity.
"I just don't know River. I'm going to ask Flare tomorrow if I don't otherwise know beforetalon. Maybe he'll know." He goes back to the first verse. "The first verse is talking about Darkmatter coming here, to probably kill all hybrids known to dragons. I was being protected in the Spine Jungle by Queen Liona and King Leon at the time, then Darkmatter's forces came to find me. By then I was leaving for here, with my guardian Shadestar and his general's dragons." He pauses, trying to hold back tears. "Nightblade, killed them all. She's a maniac!"
"Nightblade?" Kinkajou suddenly questions.
"She's a NightWing animus," Silverlight answers when he looks towards her, "working for Darkmatter."
"What has Darkmatter got against hybrids?" Jet questions in worry.
"He told me I was a poison needing to be cleansed. He just hates us."
"That means all hybrids known to exist here are in danger as well. If they come here searching for you, they'll find them."
"It doesn't seem to be all that simple, actually." Moonwatcher starts. "Why is he only after Silverlight? There has to be something he knows, that we don't about him."
"Onto the second verse." He recalls the words before discussing, trying to keep the focus on the prophecy. "It explains that the VolcanoWing queen is under his power, so she's his hostage. Prince Flare witnessed it all, including the fatal attack on his father from a SeaWing animus I don't know the name of. The guardian part of it talks about him being my bodyguard I think. They kept him alive because he is royalty, but he nearly died. That SeaWing left him unconscious after the attack, near the edge of a lava lake." He pauses, knowing the next part will shock them all. "The second half talks about, you Yucca." He looks to her a little saddened.
"Me? Why do I come into this equation?"
"Because, you are a target. The second half starts with the, death of you, by someone who used to care. He looked like a NightWing, but it was far too unclear."
"Does Darkmatter know about us, dating? Is he hoping to kill me off or something?"
"He wants our future to be severed by death. He believes our future means, you and me, having dragonets." By his apprehension, everyone stares flabbergast once again after what he said. "He wants to kill you off to stop, our future containing hybrids."
"This Darkmatter fiend deserves to be frozen by my frostbreath then shattered into a million pieces! I will gladly kill him! He belongs in Hell!" Serac angrily acclaims. What am I saying? He'll just kill me before I get a chance! I'm so stupid! Serac thinks in hate for his rash words.
I won't let you Serac. You won't stand a chance against him. "And now the final verse," he continues out of concern for his thoughts. "I think the third verse explains about a new dragon, suddenly appearing here fatally wounded and dying."
"It was a, bloody scene," Moonwatcher avers. "He had injuries all over his body, freshly made and effusing with blood. And it seemed like he had been sliced deeply across his torso. Who could do such a thing?!"
"I believe it must have been Nightblade. From what you have described, she has been the one behind all these kills so far," Tera states. If Silverlight is right about her being an animus. She may have enchanted her body to kill just by touch.
"Not quite Tera. But a good assumption." He pauses. "Sorry. I read your theory in your mind."
"You really do have mind reading. Wow."
"It's not 'wow', exactly Tera," Moonwatcher acclaims. "It's a curse. Or a gift, as I've been told countless times. It is hard to control, and very painful."
"Tell me about it," Silverlight sarcastically replies. "Anyway. When this, WoodWing appears here, our school will be found by Darkmatter's forces. They'll take me away, and hand me over to him if we don't stop them first. They'll kill Starflight." He suddenly goes silent, giving Moonwatcher reason to finish explaining.
"You see. Everyone Silverlight is close to, is an obstacle Darkmatter will get out the way just to get to him. All of us need to protect him and those close to him. That's all of us, his friends and those very closely bonded with him. We can't let him kill us and every hybrid out there. He must be defeated! But then it all goes back to Silverlight, the only one, I believe who can. That's why Darkmatter wants him out of the way. He's a threat to his plans." Her long theory surprises even Silverlight.
"I'm a threat, to Darkmatter's plans? What makes you say that Moon?"
"It's why the prophecy is the way it is. He wants you to face him in battle, where he can kill you. What other abilities do you have? Because it seems he wants you out of his way before these abilities mature."
I… I don't, know what abilities I have. I thought I was normal, then I started reading everyone's minds and saw my future in my dreams.
There is a sudden loud yawn that fills the entire chamber, and makes Jet jump out of his scales. "Guess we can, finally sleep now," River hopefully avers, looking around at them all.
"Seriously River. Warn us when you do that! You made me jump out of my scales!" By now Jet is holding his heart and panting.
"Sorry Jet, but I'm soooooo tired."
"Yes. River is right. We all need to sleep now. It's passed midnight already. We shouldn't even be awake," Moonwatcher claims before talking with Silverlight. "Silverlight. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. I'm sorry to have caused all this."
"It was bound to happen sooner or later," Dart states jokily. "But I guess we should get back to sleep now." After saying goodnight to each other, Silverlight watches all his friends heading off back to their sleeping caves, caressing Yucca and seeing her to bed as well. He gently licks her cheek, before walking back to his own sleeping chamber where he then questions why he can talk to Moonwatcher within his mind.
Why can I talk with Moon this way? I need to ask her. Moon. I never asked. Why can I talk to you this way?
We are mind readers, so we can converse with each other just by using our minds. I'm just happy another mind reader exists. I thought I was the only one.
I really don't understand all this. Could you, maybe, teach me how to control it?
Of course Silver. I'll gladly teach you. Darkstalker taught me a lot of things about mind reading.
Thank you. I just, don't think I can handle a whole day hearing everyone's thoughts constantly.
It's a bit of a doozy, but you'll soon get used to it. I did, after a while, but that was before I knew how to control it. Anyway. Me and Kina are back in our tunnel now. I'll see you in the morning. Don't forget to tell Starflight. He needs to know.
I already planned to tell him. He's my foster dad, so he's supposed to know of these things.
I'm glad he cares about you with Fatespeaker. They'll be great parents one day. Anyway, goodnight Silver.
Goodnight, Moon. And with that conversation over, Moonwatcher's mind fades away into silence leaving Silverlight alone once more. He closes his eyes, in hope he can sleep until the new dawn without another nightmare disturbing him.
Surprisingly, Silverlight is up and awake bright and early this fine morning. Not wanting to disturb Serac after last night, he carefully clambers out of their sleeping cave trying not to brush a wing or tail against his clawmate. Strangely enough though, Serac seems to stir as he opens one eye towards him without moving from his comfortable position.
"Silver-light. Where are you going?"
"Sorry about disturbing you Serac, but I'm gonna be heading to the library."
"At this hour? Come on Silver, there's still a half hour before everyone wakes."
"I'm wide awake though Serac. I'll be back. I just need to speak with Mr. Starflight about something."
"Okay. Don't get lost in those scrolls." He yawns revealing his sharp pearly whites, then closes his eye again before going silent once more. Silverlight just looks at him, smiling and blinking once slowly with a minute nod of his head.
'Don't get lost in those scrolls' he says. Hm. I never knew he could joke so well. Maybe when he's peaceful, he's the best dragon to be around. However, he's kinda like a huge snowdrift. When it gets disturbed, chaos ensues, just like when he gets disturbed from a nap. Anyway. Starflight is usually up right about now. I want to catch and speak with him before he gets here. He listens around the entire section of tunnels, hearing only a thought or two from the many he had expected. Then he recalls Serac saying there is still a half hour, so he can relax for this short time he is going to get.
Seriously Kuppen! Stop snoring so loud! comes an angry thought from Saffron. And now he deliberately snores louder, like he heard me!
She's so beautiful when she sleeps, comes a new thought he seems to recognise as Boto's. If only we were allowed to sleep together, I'd wake up seeing her golden face and amber eyes every morning.
Gees. He's doing it again. Staring at the female he likes when she's still asleep, Silverlight thinks with a laugh. My, my Boto. Why don't you just, tell Ostrich how you feel?
As he enters the recreation cave, their thoughts seem to quieten down, much to his surprise.
Ugh! I'm never gonna sleep with his noise now. Guess I'll head off to bathe in sile..
The way she breathes in her sleep, so, gorgeous and intri…
… glad I didn't wake her from her roost. She was up much later than me last night.
Starflight! Better hurry up and catch him. He speeds off in the direction of the library quicker than average, so he can catch Starflight heading to his Winglet's sleeping caves and finally tell him of his mind reading ability. Reaching the corridor, he sees Starflight walking out from the library chamber and calls to him. "Starflight! Hey Starflight!" He runs towards him happily.
"Silverlight?" His words sound as though he is confused. "Shh. Most of the others are still sleeping."
"I know. Sorry."
"Not to worry. So. Why are you up so early?"
"I needed to tell you something, about what happened last night."
"Last night? What do you mean? Weren't you supposed to be asleep?"
"I had a nightmare. It terrified me. Darkmatter caused it. I know he did. He was there, torturing me. Then beating on me just because he grew tired of me."
"How? That's not possible!"
"I think it's because of my, abilities."
Starflight stares astounded. "Tsunami was right?" He pauses trying to compose himself. "How did she know?"
"I don't know. But I can read minds. I can see futures. And I can't stand it!"
How is Darkmatter able to do something like this? To little Silverlight even! How could he torture my boy?!
Now I feel bad telling him about last night. He sounds upset. "I don't know how Darkmatter can do something like what he did. But the torture felt, so real Starflight." Now he sees Starflight simply stare in a loss for words at what Silverlight just said.
You really, can read minds. Silverlight nods in agreement. "I must discuss this with Fatespeaker."
"I'm coming too."
"I understand." Silverlight walks with Starflight back into the library, and then to where Starflight sleeps. Inside that very cave, Fatespeaker is still sleeping soundly. He knows Starflight does not want to wake her, but now he has no choice. Someone needs to register his Winglet for the next day, and it seems Starflight may speak with Tsunami about Silverlight's abilities now acting up, so he assumes anyway. He feels jealous in a way though, seeing them together in one sleeping cave.
Why are they allowed to sleep together? It seems unfair to me. Is it maybe because they are adults now or something? But I can be mature and responsible too you know! I've had to all my life so far!
"Fatespeaker." Starflight gently nudges his fiancé. "We need to talk. It's Silverlight." Fatespeaker begins to stir, but never wakes. "Honey! Please wake up. This is important." He starts to nuzzle her head gently, and this time she opens her eyes though sleepily.
"Huh? What?" Her voice is definitely sounding tired to Silverlight. "Starflight. What's wrong?" She slowly rises to a seating position, trying to keep her head held up.
"I'm sorry I had to wake you dear. But we need to talk. It's about Silverlight."
"What's happened? Is he alright?" She questions a little worried, but Starflight licks her on the cheek to assure her he is fine. Silverlight wants to tell her he is fine, but feels like it would be rude to interrupt them, so he stays silent.
"He's just told me, about his abilities."
"His, abilities?" Was Flare right all along? And Tsunami. How could she have known he had certain abilities? Silverlight casually tilts his head in confusion.
"He had a nightmare last night. He just told me moments ago. He claims it was caused by Darkmatter. He said the torture he suffered was real. Then he wakes, and realises he can, read minds and, see the future."
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
"Ow!" Silverlight holds his head in pain all of a sudden, and Fatespeaker rushes to apologise.
"Silverlight? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout in your head."
"It's, okay now."
"Let me try something quickly. I'll say something in my head. Could you repeat what I say please?"
"But, why?"
Because I need to be certain you can read minds.
"'Because I need to be certain you can read minds.'" He pauses. "That's, what you said just now." He sees Fatespeaker look to him in surprise.
"What was the nightmare? And I'm sorry if it makes you upset." Silverlight then explains what his nightmare actually was, in amazing detail for them both to hear. By the end of his explanation, both of them had no words to speak. They are simply too awestruck to even aver a single statement. But after a moment, Fatespeaker manages a sentence. "And, you think this prophecy will come true?"
"I don't want it to!" He begins to tear up, but manages to stay strong. "Too many, bad things h-happened. Moonwatcher helped me. She spoke the prophecy in her sleep, then came to me hoping she could calm me down, because I asked her to help. Everyone had been alarmed and worried about me. So we, talked about it. They all know what will happen if we don't do something!" His last words are spoken more powerfully than anything he said prior.
"We must take him to Tsunami!" Fatespeaker exclaims.
"I already decided to do that Fate. I know where she'll be this morning."
"But, what about the Diamond Winglet. They'll need registering for today."
"I was hoping you could do that in my stead hun, only until I return. Talking with Tsunami shouldn't take long."
"Oh yes, of course. I had this as a VISION you know." Fatespeaker avers.
"Oh please." Starflight does not sound very amused. "Next we'll know, the truth came by when a stranger arrived."
"Vision?" Silverlight suddenly questions, wondering what she means.
"Yes my boy." Fatespeaker answers, heading to him and nuzzling him.
It's not true Silverlight. Only half of all her visions ever have been. "Anyway. Do you mind registering them in my stead, Fate dear?" Starflight asks generously.
"Not at all. I'm wide awake now." She soon starts to head off. "See you soon boys." It's been a long while since I've been asked to do something in Starflight's stead. Hope you'll be alright Silverlight. Mind reading can be a doozy.
"Come on son. We need to catch Tsunami before she moves on."
"Alright." But, I can't hear her awake yet.
...What am I going to be facing today? Tsunami questions in her mind. Better get to the Adamantine Winglet for their registration.
Oh. I spoke too soon.
It did not take them very long to find where Tsunami will be coming from, for they catch her in the corridor that leads to the Adamantine Winglet's sleeping quarters. Starflight quickly hurries to her with Silverlight following, calling out her name.
"Tsunami. Tsunami wait."
"Huh?" She stops and turns around. "Starflight and Silverlight? What's the problem? I need to get to the Adamantine Winglet, for Shadowrain, Peacemaker, Cliff and Auklet's registration!"
"We know, but we need to talk with you about something important."
"Well spit it out then! I'm all ears!" Silverlight folds back his ears and lowers his head a little distressed by Tsunami's way of talking.
"Well, you see. Silverlight, can…"
"Stop hesitating!" Three moons. How long does it take to tell a girl important news? Silverlight seems to chuckle at what Tsunami just said in her head. "Did I say something funny, Silverlight!?" She darkly glares.
"Em..." She's getting scary again. Her mean glare. No wonder Starflight is hesitating.
"It's not his fault!" Starflight suddenly blurts in an act of protecting him.
"Not his fault?! He laughed at me Starflight! Teach him to respect his elders! He's your responsibility you know?"
"Are you sure he didn't laugh at your, possible thought?" Starflight states a little anxiously.
"My thought!" What is he talking about? Silverlight can't…
"It's true miss Tsunami! I can read minds! Is that bad!?"
"You knew I was gonna say 'you can't read minds' Silverlight?"
"Yes miss. But I don't like it. Though I have had, some fun with this, ability. Mr. Flare was right all along. I do have abilities!"
"Hmm. We'll have to keep an eye on you then. Moonwatcher was the same, kinda."
"But I still feel like it's a burden on me. Why must I, have mind reading? Now it'll never leave me alone!"
"It's a good gift. Use it for the right things." She looks to them both and nods. "I thank you for letting me know of this update."
"But. How did you know I had abilities miss Tsunami?"
"Is it not, logical that you do. Your silver scales around your eyes can't exactly be missed Silverlight. Like Moonwatcher. It is just surprising that you have, three, instead of the usual one."
"I don't know why."
"Well. Now that you know Tsunami, I guess we should start our duties for the day."
"Yes. It's almost time for them to be getting up." She begins to head off but looks at Silverlight one last time. "Just be cautious Silverlight. That's all I ask."
"Alright. I will, miss Tsunami. Thanks." Silverlight heads back with Starflight towards his Winglet, as Tsunami disappears around the bend. Silverlight looks up to Starflight a little better with himself after he came with him to tell Tsunami of his worries.
As they arrive, Serac, Tera and Dart are already awake waiting for the others to stir. Silverlight casually heads to where Yucca sleeps with Tera and River, ready to greet her for the morning. He cannot help himself but smile when she starts to stir awake, then he uncontrollably blushes when she gazes at him upon waking.
"Silver?" Yucca questions, but she receives no words from Silverlight until he remembers to speak.
"You're so, beautiful Yucca." He stares at her in a supposed hex, then shakes his head rapidly to recover from it. What am I doing? He backs up to give her space to walk out, then greets her as normal with a nuzzling on her snout. "Good morning YuYu."
"Morning Silver." Silverlight gives her a lick on her snout. "It's so good to see you again."
"Be back in a jiffy guys!" Dart heads outside on the ledge, and his wingbeats soon fade away into silence. To their surprise, Jet is awake before River walks out from her sleeping chamber and not even a loud yawn manifests when she does.
Em. What is going on? Jet's up before River, and River's silent.
"Thank you Fate honey." Silverlight hears Starflight thanking Fatespeaker.
"Anything for you Starflight. I'm just surprised you made it here with time to spare."
"I'm sorry I had to ask it of you."
"Don't mention it. As long as an adult is around at all times, everything will be fine." Seeing the two nuzzle each other is always so nice to see, for it gives Silverlight hope of a better future other than the one Darkmatter is trying to destroy. Then Dart suddenly dives back inside ready to line up with everyone else.
"Back!"
"What new and wondrous thing have you seen today Dart?"
He looks to Serac very estranged by his sentence. "Where'd that come from?"
"I don't know. I'm in a good mood this morning." That is it for the entire chamber, staring completely at a loss for words at Serac smiling graciously towards them, until someone manages to speak once again.
"Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the cave this morning or something?" Tera remarks sarcastically.
"Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?" Serac questions a little hurt towards Tera.
"I didn't say that. This just... this just never happens, at all I might add."
"Well. After last night's fright, perhaps it caused me to turn over a new icicle."
Hang on! Is this a spell? Serac never says things like that.
Starflight suddenly clears his throat. "Ech em. Time for today's registration."
"But, we're all here Mr. Starflight," Yucca states.
"Yes Yucca I know. But it has to be done anyway."
"Oh. Sorry." Silverlight watches with his Winglet, Starflight marking their attendance off on the register scroll.
"There. Ah yes. We have a new update from today." He pauses making sure the seven dragonets are listening. "Instead of Miss Grandeur's Pottery Class today, you have Glassblowing and Glassworking with Mr. Flare. He is setting up his cave now, so no visits please." Silverlight sees Starflight seem to look in his direction as he speaks, like he knew Silverlight intended to visit him before lesson.
Silverlight sighs. Well. So much for that question I needed to ask.
"Glassblowing? Glassworking?" all seven of them question in unison.
"Yes. From today, and throughout the rest of this semesta, when you have Pottery one day, you have Glassblowing and Glassworking the next and so forth. Am I being clear for you?"
"Yes, Mr. Starflight." They all reply in unison once again.
"Very well. Now go on. Be ready for class by 9am sharp. You each have one hour." Starflight then heads off after petting Silverlight on his head and face, back towards the library with Fatespeaker right beside him, each of them with one of their wings placed over the other's back, and a forearm interlinked as they balance themselves to walk together. They share their breaths and place a snout against the other, before disappearing around the corner of the tunnel.
Silverlight!
Moon? He wonders why Moonwatcher suddenly wants to speak to him now, then remembers that she was going to help him control his mind reading before their first class of the new day.
I'll meet you in the healing chamber.
Okay Moon. See you shortly. Without question, he heads to the NightWing healing waters for his early morning bathe.
As Silverlight enters the cave where the NightWing healing waters are, he is reminded of the day two years ago when he was brought here by Clay and Starflight to heal like he always does. But this time, the only other dragon there is Moonwatcher, already sitting in the healing waters, submerged up to her chest in the bubbling water and sporting a relaxed look he has only seen on her face one other time, when she was taking a mud bath in the healing chamber with Qibli.
"Hello, Moon," Silverlight says as he dips one talon in the water to check the temperature, decides it is perfect, and slides in without question. He swims over to Moonwatcher and sits up beside her, feeling a little uneasy about the idea of being so close to a female who is not Yucca, but the relaxing feeling the water gives helps Silverlight get over that uneasy feeling.
"Hello Silver," Moonwatcher answers softly, rising up so they are at the same level. Silverlight has never heard her speak softly as long as he has known her, so he knows she must still be disturbed by his nightmare.
"Is there, er, a reason you wanted us to meet here? Did you, um, want to, bathe with me?" Silverlight feels awkward asking this, but none of Moonwatcher's thoughts tell him why she wanted him to come here so all he can do is ask, even if it makes him feel awkward.
Moonwatcher giggles. "No, no. As much as I like you, I didn't ask you here to take a bath with me before I help you control your ability. This is how we will do it. Darkstalker, who you may know better as Peacemaker from the Adamantine Winglet, once taught me that to help control this ability, I have to imagine the sound of rain." She pauses. "Now, close your eyes and just relax. Block out all the thoughts of other dragons you hear and forget all the noises. Just make yourself hear rain falling. That is the first step to controlling your ability."
Silverlight does as Moonwatcher says and closes his eyes. He feels Moonwatcher gently brush a wing against his own and then grasp his left talon in her right, which actually helps him feel even more relaxed than the warm water did, much to his surprise.
Listen to the rain falling, Silverlight, Moonwatcher thinks, and he hears her clearly. Hold onto my talon like you are and block out all other sounds and thoughts until you only hear the sound of rain. Only then can I take you onto the next step of controlling your mind reading powers, if you think you need to.
I will, Moon, Silverlight thinks back to her. I will.
He takes a deep breath, holds Moonwatcher's right talon a little tighter, and lets his body relax as much as his mind has. At first, he still hears the distant thoughts of Starflight and Fatespeaker that are about each other, and Tsunami as she is instructing Auklet, Peacemaker, Cliff, Shadowrain and the other dragonets in the Adamantine Winglet, whose names he has not yet learned, for today's registration, but even those thoughts soon fade away. For a second, Silverlight hears nothing, not even Moonwatcher's calming mental voice, then he thinks to himself, Is it, raining? It immediately dawns on him. By the moons, it's working! I only hear the rain! All the thoughts, they're, gone!
Silverlight immediately snaps out of the meditation, feeling joyous even though he startled Moonwatcher a little, based on the noise she had made when he came back.
"Based on how happy you look now, I'm going to assume it worked," Moonwatcher says with a smile. He realizes she is still holding his talon in her own, but now he feels a lot more confident about it and decides not to let go. It makes him feel so relaxed having this sort of contact with Moonwatcher, but maybe that was still in part due to the warm waters around them. Other than with Yucca, he has never really been big on physical contact with other dragons, not even Moonwatcher and she is one of his best friends. "Now we can move onto the next part, if you aren't hearing so many thoughts and only rain falling in your mind, for the most part," she adds.
Silverlight nods at her. "I am ready."
Moonwatcher releases his talons. He looks down just in time to see her slipping her bracelet off her wrist and onto his own. "What, is this?" Silverlight asks.
"This may look like a simple bracelet," she explains, "but look closely. See the piece of stone embedded in the middle?" He peers at it for a moment, then nods as he looks back into Moonwatcher's eyes. I never realized how beautiful they are. Everything about Moonwatcher is so, relaxing, like the water. I hope she doesn't think I'm falling in love with her, he mentally jokes, and Moonwatcher actually giggles in response to it, surprising him. "That is Skyfire. It is one of a few pieces Turtle gave each of us in the Jade Winglet three years ago so if they ever wanted to keep their thoughts private from me, they could just keep their piece of Skyfire in the pouches we all wear around our necks." She pauses. "But now, we each have one of these bracelets to hold the Skyfire. Well, Qibli, Turtle, Kinkajou and I do anyway. Pheasant says she doesn't mind if I can hear what she's thinking and Peril can't wear the bracelet due to her firescales, but her mind is full of a lot of fire so it's impossible to read anyway. The one time I've heard her think anything, it was 'MUSHROOMS AND MONGOOSES!' anyway, so I don't think she has to fear me hearing anything that may slip through the flames." She pauses again and Silverlight chuckles at what she said. "But you see? Right now, I have no idea what you are thinking now that you're wearing the bracelet tightly. Your mind has gone silent."
Silverlight gives her the bracelet back and she slips it back over her wrist again. "I can still hear your thoughts, Moon," he says unexpectedly. Moonwatcher blinks at him in surprise, then looks down to make sure she still has her bracelet on and she does. He knows that was not what she had expected him to say.
"But, how?" Moonwatcher asks. "You shouldn't have been able to hear me thinking anything." She stops herself there and decides to test him another way. If you can hear what I am about to think, please repeat it outloud Silver. She lets out a deep breath, then thinks, Three moons, this water feels so good around my body.
"You just thought, 'Three moons, this water feels so good around my body'," he says.
"I can't believe it," Moonwatcher gasps. "I have never met another mind reader who can still read minds in spite of Skyfire." Can he hear the thoughts of Qibli, Turtle, and Kinkajou too? she wonders.
Silverlight looks back into her eyes, for he had been staring hard at her bracelet. "Yeah, I can. Even being far from your sleeping tunnel, I can hear everything they are thinking as if they are right next to me. Qibli is thinking about how beautiful your, erm, rear end is. Kinkajou is thinking about fruit, sleeping, and Turtle. Turtle is thinking about if he had dragonets with Kinkajou, what they may look like. Peril's thoughts, now that the rain has doused her fire, are about Clay right now. I won't go into anymore details though. Her thoughts are quite, strong about him indeed."
"Three moons, Silver," Moonwatcher gasps in total surprise. "I, don't know how this is possible!"
Not taking his eyes off her, Silverlight places a talon in each of Moonwatcher's talons to think for a moment or two before he finally says in a low voice, "I think I know why Skyfire doesn't work on me." He pauses. "It may be, because I am a hybrid, of a dragon no one here even knows about." But I don't even know what kind of dragon that is. All I've known is NightWings. What possible dragon am I a hybrid of?
