Hello, again my friends! I hope everyone has had a good December and that the twilight of 2019 has been treating everyone well.
Once again we have another update for Finding Peace. With this chapter, we will begin a subplot that I felt was left unresolved in Wings of Fire Arc 2. While I am eager to introduce this subplot, I am also very hesitant as it is a plotline that many fellow readers of Wings of Fire have different opinions on. I want to assure everyone before they read this subplot, that I am not seeking to undo what Ms. Sutherland did in Wings of Fire: merely to resolve areas of the subplot, I feel, were not properly tied up.
On a minor note: I have started a Tumblr account, with a majority of my posts dedicated to Wings of Fire and giving background information and previews of upcoming chapters for Finding Peace, as well as updates on the progress of upcoming chapters and storylines. If any of you are interested my username on Tumblr is the same as my username here: "warriorofspectra."
With that said: I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts and critiques on this chapter. Because of you, my readers, I gain inspiration to write and better my writing.
Now, without further ado: Let's take flight!
At first, Peacemaker dreaded the idea of attending Webs' class. Being the fifth day into the second quarter, and approximately being the mid-way point of the term, the SeaWing wanted his students to deliver a status report on each Winglet's history project. This was not a graded assignment but meant to give the rest of the class a hint at what each Winglet was covering in their semester project.
But even if it was not a graded assignment, Peacemaker still felt nervous, yet, surprisingly, excited, chill fill his throat when he, Jaguar and Ermine waited to deliver the Quartz Winglet's initial research. This would be the first time their Winglet shared their research, in any capacity, with the class.
When the Silver Winglet went up to present, Peacemaker knew that it would be his, Jaguar and Ermine's turn to present shortly. This made his heart race a bit at the thought that they would be going up next. Would Webs and the class approve of their findings? Would they need to go back and change the entire project? What would the rest of the Winglet think when he, Jaguar and Ermine gave them the news?
"You're overthinking it," Whispered Jaguar from beside Peacemaker, almost causing him to jump as the RainWing snapped Peacemaker out of his daze. "You know what you'll be presenting, right?"
"Yeah," Peacemaker nodded. "Why we chose the project."
"And why did we?" Ermine asked, looking past Jaguar, over to Peacemaker, testing him on his knowledge.
"Because little is known about Queen Anaconda's reign outside of the RainWing tribe," Peacemaker answered. The nods of approval from Jaguar and Ermine made Peacemaker feel a bit more relaxed.
He would need to say more than that, but he did not doubt that. For the Winglet, he would do well.
When the Silver Winglet finally went up to the front of the class, Peacemaker noticed that there were only two members of the Winglet present, when there should be three. It was only the MudWing and RainWing from Silver Winglet…
"Binturong, Beaver," Webs asked, raising his brow as he noticed that it was only the two of them. "Where's your partner? There should be three per Winglet."
Binturong's scales turned a pale red, which was normally yellow in color when Webs said this. Peacemaker remembered the RainWing from the Rain Forest's primary school, she normally stayed in the back of the class. Yet, despite this, she was very smart when it came to history. She just hated being in front of large groups.
The MudWing, Beaver, took charge when he noticed his clawmate grow quiet.
"Mongoose should be here, soon," Beaver said. "Gull was supposed to be here."
The mention of Gull's name made Peacemaker flinch, remembering what had happened five days ago.
Ever since he harassed Tempest and Alligator, Gull had not been present in any of the classes that he had with any of the Quartz Winglet. Whenever the teachers did roll call, Gull was nowhere to be seen to answer the teachers.
If Peacemaker were honest, he did not care that Gull was absent. But he did feel sorry for the Silver Winglet, who were all forced to pick up the slack when Gull was missing.
At hearing Beaver's explanation, Webs nodded in understanding.
"Very well," Webs said as he looked in the Quartz Winglet's direction. Peacemaker felt nervous again when he realized what the history teacher was thinking "Jaguar, Ermine and Peacemaker: You will take the Silver Winglet's place, so we can give Mongoose time."
Well, ready or not…it was time to present.
Gathering his scroll, which included the information that he would be presenting, Peacemaker walked with Jaguar and Ermine to the center of the history cave. As Jaguar and Ermine pinned their parchment upon the wooden board for the rest of the class to see, Peacemaker saw everyone look at him. Everyone seemed to know that he would be starting the presentation.
Taking a deep breath, Peacemaker opened his mouth to speak.
"So…my name is Peacemaker," He began, though he immediately kicked himself when he realized that everyone knew that. "For our Winglet's history project: we are focusing on Queen Anaconda, the queen of the RainWing tribe over two thousand years ago."
This caused some of the class to raise their brows at this information. Whether this was out of curiosity, or scrutiny at Peacemaker's words, he could not tell. Instead of worrying, Peacemaker continued.
"Not much is known about Queen Anaconda's reign, as much of the information we have on that era focused on events, like the Royal SeaWing massacre and Darkstalker," Peacemaker explained, noticing a few nods from the class, one such dragon was Shadehunter. "So we wanted to change things up, by focusing on a queen's reign that had impacts on not just the RainWing tribe, but also the rest of Phyrria."
Now, this got the RainWings of the class interested.
Peacemaker at Jaguar, who stepped forward to start his part of the presentation.
"At the end of the term, we plan to present Queen Anaconda's policies, how they affected the tribes around her. Believe me, when I say, there is a lot of policies she made." Jaguar said, giving a grin as he said this. Clearly proud of what he had learned of Queen Anaconda. "We'll also be focusing on her mate and spymaster, King Adder."
"Who was very active," Ermine suddenly interjected, as she knew, like Peacemaker, that Jaguar was fascinated with the king. "Courtesy of copies of letters from Queen Glory, we are able to see what some of Queen Anaconda's policies were like."
"For someone who claims to hate the subject, you appear to know a lot about my tribe's politics."
"That maybe, but I have a duty. One I take very seriously. If serving my tribe in this capacity means that my Queen and people are safe, then memorizing every tribe's politics is something I will gladly do."
"Hey, Peacemaker," Jaguar whispered to Peacemaker. A nudge from the RainWing caused Peacemaker to blink and look at his clawmate, who was gesturing back to their places in the history cave. "You just going to stand there, or you going to sit?"
They were finished, already?
Blushing, Peacemaker followed Ermine and Jaguar as they went back to their area of the history cave. Sitting down, Peacemaker felt the nervousness from before slowly subside as the Silver Winglet went back up, Mongoose having finally arrived. The nervousness, however, was replaced with confusion. The voices he'd heard…sounded so familiar. Whatever happened, he must have been standing around looking like an idiot while he listened to the voices.
He only hoped no one noticed too much, or that he had been asked a question.
"Good work up there," Ermine whispered to Peacemaker. Glancing at the IceWing, he saw that she gave him a soft smile, her lips just barely curving upward.
"Yeah, good intro," Jaguar said. "Got everyone, including the RainWings, interested."
Well, at least he hadn't let the Winglet down.
But the voices he had heard…they had been the first in almost a week since Tempest set up the wards around his mind. Were they weakening? Were the nightmares coming back?
No, no they wouldn't be. The voices weren't scary…just…confusing.
But when he and Tempest were alone, the next time he saw her, then he would inquire about the state of the wards. Just to be safe.
When the class session ended, Peacemaker split with Ermine and Jaguar as they each went to do their own separate activities during their hour break before the Quartz Winglet would meet for their last class of the day. While Ermine and Jaguar went out of the academy for a flight and hunt, Peacemaker decided it was best to go to the library. There, he hoped to find Tempest.
If he was not successful, then he could at least get caught up on studies. Professor Longhorn did mention the next unit test would be in a few days, at least he could practice before then if he could not find Tempest.
As he arrived to the library entrance, Peacemaker pulled out a book from his bag and placed it on Starflight's desk. The found of the book touching the desktop caused the librarian to snap his eyes up from the brail scroll he was reading.
"Hello?" Starflight asked, surprised.
"It's me," Peacemaker replied, immediately.
From behind the bandages over his eyes, Peacemaker's saw the older NightWing's brows raise happily.
"Ah, Peacemaker," Starflight said, picking up the book, feeling the leather cover and the thickness. "How was it?"
"Intense," Peacemaker admitted. The second installment of the Blizzard Wings series…it had ended in a way he did not expect.
Literally ending with the return of a former war hero, now desiring the destruction of the very civilization he had helped build up. Peacemaker couldn't wait to see what happened next, once his studying was finished.
"Is the third book available?" Peacemaker asked.
This made Starflight smile, as he held out a new book towards him. Taking it, Peacemaker read the title.
The Blizzard-Wings Vol 3: Return of Nikias.
Grinning, Peacemaker looked up at Starflight, happily. Even though he knew Starflight could not see his expression, he still could not help but smile at the librarian.
"Thanks, Starflight!"
"Let me know what you think," Starflight said, nodding his head as he sat back down behind the desk. "Be ready for an explosive finale."
"Oh, I will!" Peacemaker said as he slid the book into his bag. After wishing Starflight a good day, Peacemaker trotted out towards the place Tempest normally studied.
Making his way up for the second floor of the library, Peacemaker quickly walked towards the far corner. In this corner of the library was a reading area set aside for the students. Clear leaf-like windows were present to give visitors to the library a good view of Jade Mountain and the rainforest in the distance.
Tempest always liked to come here to read and study. But, today, she was not here.
Frowning, Peacemaker looked around through the different aisles of bookshelves, trying to find her.
Much to his disappointment, after five minutes of searching, he couldn't find Tempest.
Though he did see Winter and Alligator, the latter chatting with the IceWing about some books that Alligator found interesting.
On Winter's back, Peacemaker saw Bobcat attempting to climb up his father's neck in order to sit on his head. Winter, his lips curving into a smile, lowered his neck so his son could walk across and sit on his head. Once Bobcat was sitting on Winter's head, peering over the spikes, the dragonet looked completely interested in the books alligator was looking through.
"You've read this one, right?" Alligator said, holding the book close to his eyes (without his glasses, Alligator had to look more closely when he read) before handing it to Winter when he was certain.
The Sanctuary Scavenger preserve founder looked at the book and his light blue eyes showed interest as he read the title on the spine of the book.
"It's come across my list a few times," Winter said. "But, admittedly, I haven't read it."
"Well, I definitely advise it," Alligator said as he looked back at the shelf and grabbed another book. "Goes over possible strategies Scavengers may have used to kill Queen Oasis while referencing current Scavenger architecture with the ones seen in the excavation sites."
Winter made a "hmm" noise as he listened to Alligator explain, fascinated as he slid the book into a carrying bag around his neck. Stepping closer to the bookshelf, Peacemaker saw the IceWing gently slide his talon over the spines of several books. Bobcat's eyes suddenly brightened as his father's talons traced one specific book.
"Cwiket! Cwiket!" Bobcat shouted happily, his little talons reaching out towards one book. Winter's eyes brightened at his son's happy outburst, and his talon quickly slid back to the desired book.
"Yes, Cricket's book," Winter said. A smile tugged on his lips as he pulled the book out for his son. Peacemaker smiled as Bobcat cheered happily.
"He can read?" Alligator asked, amazed.
"Beginning to," Winter clarified. "He's only met Cricket once, but she's told him all about her book. He recognizes it."
"Weader Momkies!" Bobcat said, grinning as he slid down his father's neck and onto the floor, where Winter placed the book. "Weader momkies!"
Peacemaker heard Winter groan as his son said this.
"Scavengers, Bobcat," Winter corrected, though Peacemaker doubted Bobcat cared as he kept repeating the same name over and over again.
Alligator laughed at this as he continued collecting books, showing them to his dragonethood hero.
Deciding it was not right to eavesdrop, Peacemaker carefully stepped away from the aisle of shelves and continued looking for Tempest. Though, to his disappointment, he could not find her anywhere inside the library.
Yet, Peacemaker decided, he would make good use of his time. He may not have found Tempest, but he could still study for Professor Longhorn's test. Besides: if he studied in Tempest's favorite, maybe she would stop by and he could ask her about the wards?
Going back to the corner of the library, Peacemaker placed his bag on the floor and sat on a seating cushion. Taking out his mathematics scroll, while making sure it was in light that shined through the window, Peacemaker unraveled it and went for the problems that Professor Longhorn had written down for the class.
Once his talon was dipped in ink, Peacemaker began to make notes on the equations he wanted to do.
Five minutes into the work scroll, Peacemaker found himself scratching his head in confusion as he got towards a very long and complication equation…somehow he could not figure out how the numbers interacted with each other.
Oh…why did HiveWing mathematics have to be difficult?
"What do the parenthesis yell?" Came a voice just behind Peacemaker.
"Do me first…" Peacemaker answered…until he recognized the voice.
A voice he had known since the day he had hatched.
Spinning around, Peacemaker could not stop the grin that crossed his lips as he looked up at a female NightWing standing behind him. The sunlight that peered through the windows shined around her black scales, with an emerald green tint over the scales. Most importantly, Peacemaker recognized her silver teardrop like scales on the corner of her eyes.
"Moon!" Peacemaker exclaimed, happily as he jumped up and wrapped his wings around his oldest friend. "Moon! It's so good to see you!"
As he hugged Moon, he felt her larger wings wrap around him in a hug.
"Oh Peacemaker, it's so good to see you," Moon said as Peacemaker looked up and met her green eyes.
"Wh…when did you get here?" Peacemaker asked, trying to keep the excitement in check, but he could not hold back the grin.
"Almost an hour ago," Moon answered as she gestured back to the cushions of the study area. Eagerly, Peacemaker sat down as she joined him. "I finished my diplomatic mission early, and the Queen gave me leave from my duties."
"How long?" Peacemaker asked, hoping Moon would not leave to soon.
But Moon's smile made him realize that he would love the answer.
"My next travel to the Sky Kingdom won't be until after your term," Moon answered. Peacemaker's grin returned, making Moon smile.
Peacemaker felt like he could do multiple summersaults in midair with this news! His best friend could visit him for the rest of the term! This was great news! He couldn't wait to introduce Moon to Cliff, Tempest and the rest of the Quartz Winglet!
"Will you be staying in the academy?" Peacemaker asked, hopeful.
Though Moon shook her head.
"No, I'll be staying in Rainforest village," Hearing this made Peacemaker deflate slightly, he wanted Moon to be closer. Clearly reading his mind, or feelings, Moon continued. "But I'll be visiting as much as possible. Remember, you aren't that far from home."
This, Peacemaker agreed with. While he wanted Moon to be closer, he knew she had other dragons to see. Especially Qibli.
Speaking of which…
Before Peacemaker could say anything, he saw Moon's expression fall slightly. While he was confused for a moment, Peacemaker realized that she had likely heard his thoughts.
"I'm sorry," Peacemaker said, not knowing what was happening between her and Qibli, but he hoped his thoughts hadn't hurt her feelings.
"It's fine," Moon said, brushing her wings against his own. "Qibli is still on assignment. But last I heard from him, he is doing fine."
"Will he visit soon?" Peacemaker asked, hopeful. While he was not as close to Qibli as he was with Moon, Peacemaker still liked Qibli's company.
"I'm not sure," Moon answered, clearly sensing the hopefulness. "But he knows you're in school, and you know how he looked forward to the idea of you coming to Jade Mountain."
This was true, Qibli would always tell Peacemaker about his time in the Jade Winglet. Whenever they would talk about how Peacemaker was doing in school, the SandWing would remind NightWing/RainWing hybrid to work hard, so he could be accepted into the academy. When Peacemaker had gotten his results from his exit exams, Qibli and Moon had both been excited for him (despite his nervousness of leaving the Rainforest for the first time in his life.)
Yet, here he was, succeeding and making friends.
Peacemaker's head perked at the thought of his friends, and quickly pushed oncoming thoughts to the side as he remembered something.
This sudden shift in his thoughts caused Moon to raise her brow as Peacemaker grinned at her.
"Moon, I have someone I want you to see, someone who is in the library this very minute!" Peacemaker said, grinning with excitement.
"And you want me to see them?" Moon, accurately, speculated.
Nodding his head, Peacemaker stood up to his feet and gestured towards the section of the library that focused on Scavenger research and stories.
"Come on, this way," Peacemaker said, trying to keep his thoughts in check as to not spoil the surprise.
He could only imagine how Moon was feeling, not knowing about the surprise.
"You have me curious," Moon answered his thoughts, laughing softly as he led her to the Scavenger section. "Let's go see what you have to show me."
Together, Peacemaker walked with his oldest friend. A short while the two turned a corner towards the section, and the two were met with Alligator, who had a bag full of books.
"Alligator," Peacemaker said, causing his MudWing clawmate to turn in their direction.
"Peacemaker," Alligator replied, a smile graced his lips. "Thought I saw you a while ago…"
Even if his vision was lessened without his glasses, it still amazed Peacemaker that Alligator had seen him. Despite this, he did hope Alligator's glasses would be repaired soon, from whoever Tsunami's friend was.
Turning to Moon, Peacemaker said. "Alligator, I want to introduce you to my oldest friend: Moonwatcher."
Alligator looked in the general direction of Moon, squinting his eyes at her. When it seemed he had a good look at her, Alligator's eyes widened.
"Oh…" Alligator said, grinning as he approached the first NightWing of the Jade Winglet. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise," Moon answered, smiling politely. "Peacemaker mentioned you in his letter said you were fascinated with Scavengers."
"I am," Alligator replied, looking at Peacemaker, giving him a soft smile. "Peacemaker also helped me meet my hero."
"Your hero?" Moon asked, raising a brow.
Suddenly, the excited voice of a dragonet came from the aisle of books that Alligator had just been in.
"Swedding?"
"We'll go sledding again, Bobcat."
"YAH!"
Turning the corner of the aisle, Winter came walking out with Bobcat bouncing up and down on his father's back in excitement, giggling happily at what Witner had said. Winter, in turn, was smiling to himself at hearing the joy in his son's voice.
Yet, when Winter looked up at Peacemaker and Alligator, his light blue eyes suddenly turned towards Moon's.
Looking up at Moon with excitement, Peacemaker expected his oldest friend to show excitement and happiness at the sight of seeing an old friend from her time in the academy.
But what he saw in Moon's eyes, was nothing but shock. As if she had stepped into a future she was not expecting, a future that had completely caught her off guard.
Beneath the shocked expression, Peacemaker could have sworn he saw a hint of apprehension…even fear.
"W…Winter?" Moon began, her voice low as if the air had been sucked out of her throat.
Looking at Winter, Peacemaker saw a muted expression. However, he saw, in Winter's eyes, a hint of surprise.
Contrary to what Peacemaker had hoped, the surprise was not a pleasant one. It seemed like Winter had been hoping that he would see someone, anyone, other than Moon.
The world fell silent as the NightWing and IceWing stared at each other, both surprised. Both looked like they wanted to say something, but it looked like the words couldn't come out of their lips. Peacemaker glanced at Alligator and saw that he was nervously looking at the two.
The only one who did not appear concerned was Bobcat, who looked at Moon with curiosity, then at his father. But this curiosity slowly turned to concern in the baby's eyes as he raised his small talons to his father's neck, gently tapping Winter's neck.
"Papu?" Bobcat asked softly. "Papu?"
Hearing his son's words, Winter blinked his eyes and slowly looked down at his dragonet and gave him an assuring smile. Turning back to Moon, Winter gave the NightWing a courteous nod of his head.
"Moonwatcher," Winter said, saying Moon's full name, respectfully. "A pleasure to see you again."
Peacemaker spared a glance to Moon, and saw that her green eyes almost seemed…saddened, by Winter calling her by her full name.
"It's…nice to see you too, Winter," Moon said, giving a smile, though it did not look like the ones she gave to Peacemaker. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
Winter shrugged his wings.
"Sunny asked me to help her teach a unit on Scavengers," Winter explained.
At this, Moon's smile brightened a little.
"She chose right, you know?" Moon said. "You are the expert."
Winter's only response was the faintest chuckle under his breath as Moon said this. Though he seemed touched by her words, it looked like he wanted to leave.
"Uhh…Want me to take the books to Sunny?" Alligator asked Winter, interrupting the silence.
"No, we can take them," Winter said, looking at Alligator. "I'm sure she would appreciate the materials for next week's course."
As Winter said this, the IceWing began to walk away with Alligator, only giving Peacemaker a nod as the IceWing left. Alligator looked back at Peacemaker, giving his friend a concerned look, before following after Winter to deliver the books to Sunny.
Turning back to Moon, Peacemaker saw his friend continue to stare after her former clawmate. It looked like she wanted to call after him. But she remained silent as Winter and Alligator went down the stairs to the ground floor of the library.
"He…still has it," Moon said to herself.
"Has what?" Peacemaker asked, confused. What was she talking about?
Moon, looked down at Peacemaker, blinking in surprise, almost like she had forgotten that he was standing beside her.
"It's..." Moon began, she visibly thought more on what she wanted to say, though Peacemaker guessed that whatever she wanted to say was lost to her with the sudden appearance of an old friend. "Nothing," She said, finally regaining her composure. "I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting to see Winter here."
Peacemaker nodded. Though he felt sorrier for her, that he had brought her over to see Winter. He was expecting an entirely different reaction. They hadn't seen each other in years, shouldn't they be happy to see each other?
"It's nothing you did, Peacemaker," Moon said, once again, reading his thoughts. "Winter is still a friend, it's just that we have not seen each other in such a long time."
"Okay," Peacemaker said, giving her an assuring smile. "Well…I do hope you get the chance to catch up."
Moon did not say anything after that, confirming to Peacemaker that there was more going on than what Moon was telling him.
But he would not pry.
After all, she had just arrived: He still had much to show her.
"Well, come on!" Peacemaker said, urging Moon to follow him. "I have a few minutes before class, I can't wait to show you my Winglet."
After saying that, Peacemaker felt the mood between him and Moon lift as she smiled at him with that genuine smile. The smile that always brought brightness to his day when he was a younger dragonet.
"I would love that," Moon said as she followed after Peacemaker.
Grinning, Peacemaker gestured with his wing to follow him.
The rest of the day went with a blur.
For the final class of the day, that was a good thing: as he would be in class with most of his Winglet, with the exception of Hyena and Tempest, who both had a class on the other side of the academy, then he could go to the Prey Center and spend more time with Moon! Once the class had, finally, ended: Peacemaker was quick to walk out of the art cave and speed-walked down through the tunnels leading to the Prey Center.
Most of Quartz Winglet trailed behind, talking amongst themselves. Though Peacemaker heard someone catch up beside him and place one wing over his head, playfully.
"I heard they have some good food tonight," Came Cliff's voice beside Peacemaker, the SkyWing prince giving him that contagious grin. "But I have a feeling you're not rushing over for the food."
Peacemaker grinned at his friend, excitedly. "Moon's come to visit! She'll be visiting much more for the rest of the term!"
Hearing this, Cliff nudged Peacemaker.
"That's great," Cliff said, eyes brightening. "Glad to hear you have an old friend visiting you," Cliff frowned for a bit. "Just wish Peril could visit, but she's staying in the Sky Kingdom for…whatever reason."
"Well…" Peacemaker thought for a moment, trying to think of ways to help his friend feel better (part of him wished he hadn't said anything, not wanting Cliff to feel left out.) But an idea came to mind. "Want to have dinner with both of us?"
At this, Cliff's eyes blinked once.
"You sure that's a good idea?" Cliff wondered aloud. Surprisingly, he did not sound as confident as he normally did. "I don't want to get in the way of you both."
"Nonsense," Peacemaker said, placing a wing over his friend's shoulder. "Cliff, I would like it if you met Moon."
"Well..." Cliff said, his smile returning. "I've already met her…but I can't say I actually talked with her when Peril took me to Sanctuary." After a moment of thinking the SkyWing prince nodded. "Sure, I'd like to meet her, officially."
Grinning, Peacemaker gestured his friend to follow him as they entered the Prey Center. Sure enough, Moon was eating by herself in one of the corners of the cave. In her talons was a book that she was reading intently. When he and Cliff got closer, Moon lowered the book and smiled softly at them.
"How was class?" Moon asked.
"Fast," Peacemaker said as he said down across from Moon. Glancing to his side, Peacemaker noticed that Cliff had yet to sit down. Glancing at the ground, Peacemaker encouraged the SkyWing Prince to sit, which he did after a moment of realizing. "Moon, this is Cliff."
"Queen Ruby's son," Moon said as Cliff sat down beside Peacemaker. "Last I saw you, you were just a small dragonet."
"You remember?" Cliff said, surprised. "I mean…we never spoke much during the trip to Sanctuary."
"Oh, I remember," Moon chuckled to herself. "You sang very well for Peril."
Hearing this, Peacemaker saw the scales around Cliff's cheeks turn a darker shade of red than they normally were. This made Peacemaker chuckle, though he had listened to his friend's singing. It was one of the best he'd heard, a lot better than anything Peacemaker could do.
"You sing well," Moon answered his thoughts. "Your harvest song is very good."
"Harvest song?" Cliff asked, looking at Peacemaker with a grin. "Had no idea my buddy was a singer as well."
Now it was Peacemaker's turn to blush, he wished Moon hadn't said that. Indeed, he liked to sing, but it was a pass time hobby. Not something he wanted to make a lifestyle around.
"Well, when I was little, I wanted to make a song for the annual strawberry harvest the NightWing village held," Peacemaker revealed. "But I stopped working on it, instead I focused on botany."
"I still think you should work on it," Moon said, once again insisting that he work on the song. "I know the village would love it."
Peacemaker shook his head. While he would like to finish it, Peacemaker felt that botany was a better pursuit. At least he could help the NightWing village that way.
"Maybe someday," Peacemaker shrugged.
"Only when you feel up to it," Cliff said, nudging his friend's shoulder. "Maybe I could give you pointers, eh?"
This made Peacemaker smile at the offer. Maybe he would consider it.
The next half hour: Peacemaker, Cliff and Moon spoke, all the while waiting for dinner to be brought into the Prey Center. The conversations ranged from talks about Moon's travels across Phyrria as a diplomat of Queen Glory. Sometimes it would steer towards how Peacemaker and Cliff's studies were.
Finally, when dinner was ready, the conversation was put on hold as three got their food and went back to the corner of the Prey Center they had been originally. As the three sat, Moon looked up from her meal of fruit and looked at Peacemaker's own meal, which consisted of some fish, some fruit and a small number of strawberries.
Raising a brow, Peacemaker asked. "What's wrong, Moon?"
Moon blinked a moment before looking up at Peacemaker.
"Oh, nothing…it's just that, I remember how you would pile your plate up with strawberries," Moon said. Yet, as she said this, Peacemaker noticed concern in her eyes.
"Well," Peacemaker began, picking up an apple and eating from it. "I like strawberries, but it's not all I eat."
"I know…it's just," Moon frowned as she stared at his meal. But whatever she was going to say, she shook her head. "Nevermind, just so used to the dragonet who had to be told not to grab so many strawberries."
Peacemaker shrugged at this. "Well, we grow up some time, I guess?"
This made Moon nod in agreement, though Peacemaker could not shake the feeling that she was concerned for him. Why? What would diversifying his tastes have to with anything concerning?
"Oh, Peacemaker!" Came a voice from behind him, turning his head back. Peacemaker saw Tempest enter the Prey Center with Hyena, who went to join Alligator and the others.
Grinning, Peacemaker stood up and walked up to Tempest.
"Tempest, how was class?" Peacemaker asked.
The SeaWing shrugged her wings but smiled back at him.
"Well, you know, numbers…lots and lots of numbers," Tempest answered as his gaze trailed towards Moon. "Oh…" Tempest said, blinking for a moment when she realized who Peacemaker and Cliff had been spending time with. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to intrude…"
"You weren't intruding," Peacemaker said, holding out one talon so he could grab hers, to keep her from leaving. "Would you like to meet my oldest friend?"
Tempest thought for a moment, not sure if she wanted to intrude. But with a nod, Tempest walked forward towards where the three had been sitting.
"Moon, this is Tempest," Peacemaker said. "She's in my Winglet."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Moonwatcher," Tempest said with a small bow of her head.
Moon looked up at Tempest, giving her a courteous nod. As she opened her mouth to speak, however, Moon suddenly released a yawn. It was not a small, passing, yawn instead it was a long one as if she had not slept in days.
Peacemaker glanced at Tempest, who looked at him, confused.
"Uh, Moon?" Peacemaker asked. "Are you…tired?"
Finally, Moon stopped yawning, while rubbing her eyes with the tips of her talons.
"Forgive me," Moon apologized as she regained composure. "Must be from my travels…I haven't slept since I arrived." After she rubbed her eyes for a few moments, Moon looked back up at Tempest. "It is nice to meet you, Tempest."
Hearing this, Tempest's smile returned as she took a seat beside Cliff. When all three were sitting, Peacemaker noticed Moon looking at each of them. Seeing Peacemaker with, in his view at least, his closest friends made the older NightWing smile.
"Thank you, both, for being friends to Peacemaker," Moon said. "I admit…I was worried for him when I first learned he was accepted into the academy." Reaching out with her own talons, she touched Peacemaker's. "Three Moons know it took me some time to open up with my own Winglet."
With a nudge from Cliff's wing, the SkyWing said. "He's a great friend. Still think we should be in the Jade Winglet, top of the list for the top dragons."
Tempest laughed out loud at hearing this.
"You're still on about that, Cliff?" Peacemaker asked, raising a playful brow.
"Just saying, Peacemaker," Cliff laughed at his response.
Looking back at Moon, Peacemaker was about to say more to her, until he noticed that she stood up and cleaned her eating area. Raising a brow, Peacemaker glanced in the direction behind him, where Moon was looking.
In the distance, he saw that Winter, carrying Bobcat, had left the teacher's eating area and was leaving the prey center. Moon picked up the mess from her meal and moved to throw them away.
"I will see you tomorrow, Peacemaker," Moon said as she walked passed them. Before he could protest, Moon interrupted him. "I need to get home and rest, I promise I will see you later."
Even though he did not want Moon to leave, her reasoning was accurate. She needed rest, in a familiar place, that was comfortable to her.
Yet, how she looked at Winter, there was something she was not telling him. And she knew that he was suspicious, but she clearly ignored his thoughts as she walked away and threw her mess away before following after Winter.
"That was…rushed," Cliff muttered.
"Well, she was tired," Tempest mused aloud, though she seemed curious. "Was she tired before I came over?"
Peacemaker looked at Cliff, and both shook their heads at one another, both not noticing Moon seeming tired before Tempest arrived. She looked like she had been wide awake.
"That's…strange," Peacemaker wondered. "Maybe it was your…magic?"
Tempest frowned and shook her head.
"My Somnus abilities only affect dreams and the mind," She explained. "I can put people to sleep…but I can only do it intentionally and if I am touching someone or if they are already very fatigued. My father can do it at will from long distances, but only because he had more experience than I do."
"This is confusing," Cliff said, huffing. "All this talk of Animus, Somnus and hocus pocus…"
"Cliff," Peacemaker muttered to his friend, elbowing him.
But to Peacemaker's surprise, Tempest nodded in agreement.
"I don't know everything," Tempest admitted. "And it's confusing to me as well…" Looking back to Peacemaker, Tempest's gaze softened when she looked at him. "How are you, Peacemaker?"
With that question, Peacemaker suddenly remembered what he had originally wanted to ask Tempest.
"I'm fine," Peacemaker began, though the way he said it conveyed to Cliff and Tempest that there was more he wanted to say. "I've…been having these…weird dreams lately."
"Bad? Cliff asked, his tone suddenly showing concern.
"No," Peacemaker added, quickly, in order to calm down both of his friends. "But, I don't know, they are just very…strange."
"Describe them," Tempest said, walking up to him and placing her talons over his own. "Please."
The next few minutes, Peacemaker described to his two friends the recurring dreams he'd been having. Of the black and white dragonet, the beach…and voices. He described the emotions he felt around the black and white dragonet, and how every time he left the dreams, he would miss her.
Then the voices, such as from Webs' class. One sounded familiar, yet the other was a complete mystery to him.
"May I check the wards?" Tempest asked, holding out her talons. When Peacemaker nodded, she placed them over his head and closed her eyes.
Suddenly, Peacemaker felt a warmth enter his mind. As if he were submerged in a lake that was warm thanks to the summer air. In the back of his mind, he felt…movement? But it felt familiar, the presence was relaxing and comfortable. It dawned on him that the movement he sensed was Tempest, actively checking the wards.
Shortly after she initiated this contact, the warmth left his mind and Tempest opened her eyes, frowning.
"They are still in place…" Tempest said. "Maybe, you've just been stressed?"
"Are you sure these 'wards' are working?" Cliff asked, raising a brow at Tempest. "Maybe there are cracks in them or something?"
"Trust me, Cliff, they are working," Tempest explained, patiently. "Nothing from the realm of dreams is affecting Peacemaker…sometimes, dreams just happen because of our own minds."
Peacemaker frowned but nodded in agreement with Tempest's logic. Looking at Cliff, he nodded in appreciation at his friend, for looking out for him.
"Okay," Cliff muttered, he did not seem completely satisfied. "Just as long as you are good with this, Peacemaker."
"I am," Peacemaker said as he looked down at his meal.
He was disappointed that Tempest hadn't found anything, but he was glad the dreams he had were not nightmares. Weird dreams, he could live with.
These other dreams, he needed to find out on his own what they meant.
Noticing that Cliff and Tempest were both looking at him with concern, Peacemaker decided to change the topic.
"Let's finish up dinner, and head back," Peacemaker said, plucking a strawberry up and eating it. "Lot's to talk about today, especially about the project!"
After saying this, Peacemaker saw an uplift in the moods of his two friends as they continued to eat their meals. Despite there being concerns for them, he was just glad that they could continue talking like they normally did.
"Please…this is not what it looks like!"
"Shut your mouth," Peacemaker commanded to the cowering NightWing, who walked in front of him against his will.
Suddenly, the NightWing's mouth shut, and all that was heard was a whimper from the sealed lips. Yet, after all this, the NightWing continued walking in front of Peacemaker, as if he was entranced.
The two of them were walking through the streets of the city that was built into the cliff sides, the same place Peacemaker remembered from his dreams. While Peacemaker pitied the NightWing in front of him, he found that his body was moving on a will of its own. The same with his feelings.
While he pitied the NightWing, he also felt…disgust, like the dragon in front of him, was the worst dragon he had ever seen and that he wanted bad things to happen to this dragon.
And that made Peacemaker feel guilty.
But he continued walking behind the NightWing, walking through the streets as a NightWings all returned to their homes as the sun rose. Eventually, Peacemaker found himself and the dragon walking away from the city, and out towards a valley below the mountains. The more they approached, the more the NightWing began to panic and make whimpering noises.
The NightWing attempted to look back at Peacemaker, making a pleading expression.
"Stop looking at me," Peacemaker snapped. "And stop whimpering."
The NightWing did just that…
Finally, the two dragons reached the valley, and the NightWing stopped. Standing in place.
With a raised brow, Peacemaker stared at the NightWing.
"Where is he?" He asked. "Speak."
Suddenly, the NightWing's mouth opened, and the dragon gasped for air.
"He's here…" Was all the NightWing said, in between gasps.
Glaring away from the dragon, Peacemaker looked around him…as if searching for something…or someone.
And then, he felt it…a tiredness in the back of his mind.
Then, he heard the sound of talons clicking on the ground a few feet away. Looking in the direction of the noise, Peacemaker could not see the origin of the noise…
Until he appeared out of thin air.
A RainWing, fifteen years of age, dispersed his camouflage and stood several feet from the two NightWings. Peacemaker noticed the scale pattern of the RainWing: brown, with a red diamond-like pattern that started from his snout and went down the middle of his head, spine, and tail.
His eyes stared at Peacemaker with a neutral gaze, as if unimpressed with him.
"Your majesty!" The NightWing sobbed to the RainWing. "Forgive me…he said he would…"
"It's fine, Dusk," The RainWing said, raising one talon, attempting to comfort the NightWing. "Do not worry…I will handle this."
After saying this, Peacemaker saw that the NightWing visibly relaxed after hearing this…as if it was the thought that the RainWing would be displeased with him that he was worried about. Not that Peacemaker had threatened him…with whatever it was he had threatened him with.
Hearing this, Peacemaker felt himself smile at the RainWing, though he felt a sense of maliciousness behind the smile.
"Decided to stop hiding behind other dragons?" Peacemaker asked, a playful tone masking the anger he, strangely, felt towards the RainWing.
The RainWing simply smirked at Peacemaker. The way the RainWing smirked made Peacemaker angry…he could not describe why, exactly, but he had a feeling it was because the RainWing was not impressed, or intimidated, with him.
"Pieces in a game you have no idea how to start playing." The RainWing said. "Indeed, you are a powerful dragon. But your confidence in your own skill means very little."
"You realize, I have the upper talon," Peacemaker said. "All it would take is a few words."
At this, the RainWing chuckled.
"I know about the scroll," He said…at this, Peacemaker felt his eyes widen.
A…scroll? But whatever his dream self knew, it scared him.
"Better look after your "soul."" The RainWing said as he stepped forward. "Dusk and I will be going now."
"I don't think so," Peacemaker said, stepping forward. "I…I…" He wanted to say more, but his mind suddenly felt foggy. "What…"
"My mind does not play by your rules," The RainWing said, as he stepped forward and gently touched Dusk's shoulder, nodding at him with a kind smile. "Find your family, you know where to go."
"Thank you, your majesty!" Dusk said, gratefully as he took to the sky and flew back to the city.
Peacemaker glared up at the RainWing as Peacemaker's body grew heavy. His head and neck felt like they had weights on them.
"What…are you?" Peacemaker asked. While frustrated…Peacemaker felt a sense of…admiration for the RainWing. For his intelligence.
"I am but a simple King," The RainWing replied, his smirk lessened. "If you wish to speak to me…then I advise not pursuing me."
"A…King?"
"My name, is King Adder, of the RainWings."
Then, the RainWing rose his talons up and snapped two talons together…
The dream ended, and Peacemaker felt his eyes open, feeling the sensation of scroll parchment under his head. Raising his head, Peacemaker found himself laying in the middle of the Quartz Winglet's common cave. It was empty, everyone in the Winglet had gone to their sleeping caves, while Peacemaker wanted to stay up, studying.
And he had fallen asleep…and had another dream again.
But this dream? This dream was like the others, but felt…different, with the appearance of King Adder.
Looking down at his scroll from the faint light of the embers in the fire pit, Peacemaker said the equations he had been writing.
Frowning, he rolled up the scroll and looked towards Tempest and Ermine's sleeping cave. Building up courage, Peacemaker walked towards the sleeping cave.
Both Tempest and Ermine were sleeping quietly, not hearing him enter.
Entering, he walked quietly over to Tempest's sleeping platform, trying not to wake a quietly sleeping Ermine.
Hesitantly, Peacemaker tapped Tempest's shoulder. With a groan and a mutter, the SeaWing opened her eyes…her green eyes blinking as she looked at him.
"Pe…Peacemaker?" Tempest looked out the window, and only saw the silver moons light peer through. "Three mo…what's wrong?"
Peacemaker took a deep breath and asked the question that was on his mind.
"Was…King Adder a Somnus?"