Dragons Change

AN: It's finally out! A few days after I asked for help, I had an idea. A better one, in my opinion than a simple nightmare. Maybe you'll agree when you read it. Thank you to everyone who gave suggestions, though!

Anyways, there is a lot of Winter and Hailstorm brotherly bonding as well as a new character introduced...finally. I won't keep you, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Wings of Fire. My OCs Flint, Aurora and the other Spirits, and Faredir belong to me. Cataclysm belongs to her owner BizmuthTheRainwing. Hellstorm and Ashkey belong to their owner Frostbite15. Inferno belongs to his owner IceDragon07. Cover art for the story belongs to beyzul on Deviantart.

Chapter 20:

"So, um…are you still mad at me," Flint asked warily.

Winter pulled away and gave him a hard look. "Furious," he replied with an equally bitter tone. When an indescribable amount of guilt, regret, and a myriad of other emotions played across the Changewing's face and he averted his gaze away from Winter's, the Icewing sighed and his expression softened. "Do you remember the promise we made to each other?"

Flint looked up with a small spark of hope. "That we'd always watch each other's backs…no matter what?"

Winter nodded with a small smile, "I keep my promises, Flint."

The Changewing closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking right into Winter's eyes. "Thank you," he said warmly.

Winter nodded as his smile fell, "We're still going to have that talk later, and I expect you to tell me the whole truth." Flint gave a resigned sigh before nodding in acceptance. "Now put that on," he gestured to the armband still in Flint's talons. "Not to sound rude or callous, but I like you better as a Mudwing."

Flint looked down at the armband. Before he put it on, though, Winter heard him mutter something but couldn't catch what it was. He didn't comment on it, though. Instead, he gave the Changewing's shoulder a reassuring pat before walking off to find and gather the others.

He found them together with differing levels of worry or nervousness which only increased when they noticed him approaching. He rolled his eyes, "Do we have everything we need?"

"Yeah, but…Moon is missing," Cataclysm said. They probably expected him to show some signs of worry, so when his expression didn't noticeably change, he noticed a few blink in surprise. After all, he had killed for that dragoness in the past.

"She's going with Glory back to the Rainforest," he said simply.

Thankfully, they were wise enough to not ask questions. However, he could tell they were uncomfortable with the possible implications. Everyone was silent and lost in their own thoughts as their small pile of supplies was divvied up. Flint, now a Mudwing again, came and joined them a few minutes later. Winter noticed how Cataclysm stayed close to him—most likely as a way to comfort him. If anyone knows what he's going through, she does.

He sighed to himself as he hoisted his pack over his head until it sat snugly on his shoulders. It wasn't particularly heavy, so he had no problems carrying it. It was the weight on his heart that gave him pause. Learning one world-destroying truth was bad enough but to learn two in one day? He briefly wondered how he was still functioning after the emotional maelstrom he had just flown through blindfolded and with no way to know which direction was out.

Perhaps he was just getting accustomed to being in a constant state of misery. Spirits, I hope that's not the case. Living a life of constant misery would be…miserable.

"Everyone ready?" he called.

"What of Queen Ruby?" Blaze asked.

Winter paused to think just as the aforementioned Skywing Queen walked up to him. "Yes, Winter, what about me?" Her tone held a tone of slight annoyance at being forgotten in his planning.

"I suppose…it's up to you, Ruby. You can go with us to the Sea Kingdom or you can go to the Rainforest with Glory." Everyone remained quiet as she thought.

"Hmm…let's see. Go with you to continue the fight against our dangerous adversary with a possibility of coming to harm…or go to the rainforest with someone who doesn't like me to sit on my ass and do nothing." Another, shorter pause. "I think I'll choose the danger, but…I might need a bodyguard." She looked directly at Cataclysm as she spoke the last part.

For her part, Cataclysm bowed her head in affirmation. "I won't let any harm befall you, My Queen."

A genuine smile graced Ruby's face at that. "I know you won't," she replied. "My son spoke very highly of you." Cataclysm smiled and turned away, abashed. If not for her already red scales, Winter knew he would see a blush on her cheeks.

"Some of us may have our differences," Winter began as all eyes turned to him. "But in the end, I know we can put those aside because we are fighting for something greater than ourselves."

He received nods as he finished. "Well said," Ruby complimented. "You know…you have the potential to be a great King, Winter." He stared at her, stunned, and she rolled her eyes, "No, that wasn't a proposal. I was just stating an observation." She turned away before muttering just loud enough for him to hear, "Males…"

He watched her walk away before looking at nothing in particular in some other direction. He sat there in bewilderment for a few more seconds before shaking his head. "Time to go," he finally said.

With that, he spread his wings and launched himself into the sky. He heard a flurry of wingbeats behind him as the others flew after him. "A little warning would have been nice!" Cataclysm yelled after him.

He turned to her with a small smirk. "Where's the fun in that?" She rolled her eyes in exasperation but Winter saw how she was trying to hide her smile.

Winter's plan was to lead the group south along the Diamond Spray River. When they were about halfway to the Diamond Spray Delta, they would turn east towards the Bay of a Thousand Scales. From there, it would be a straight flight to the Seawings' Summer Palace.

He just hoped that by some miracle, Turtle had been able to save his sister and root out the source of the possible infiltration by now, and they would receive a warm welcome on their arrival. I would not trust to hope, Aurora said to him sadly. It has all but forsaken these lands.

I thought you were an optimist, he replied back to her.

For the others, yes, I am. He heard her sigh before he noticed her Spirit form flying beside him. Though, I didn't want to hide the truth from you. She was silent for a moment but never once did her attention divert from the distant horizon. I fear for the fate of Pyrrhia. I fear that even the anchor won't be enough to turn the tides of war.

Is there any way to turn them in our favor? He asked. She was silent for a long while, so he tried again. Aurora?

At last she looked at him with sympathy. Shade says that more and more threads are turning to darkness, but he believes that Moon holds the key to our salvation. I'm sorry to say, but it is possible that sending her away has doomed us all.

He looked at her in surprise. So you're saying that my decision could lead to the end of the world? Her silence was the only answer he needed. How does Moon save us all?

She has Darkstalker's vessel, and only she has the ability to return his powers to him. Winter actually growled at that thought. "It's bad enough that he had to return at all. Now you're saying we have to—"

"Who are you talking to, Winter?" Hailstorm asked from beside him.

Winter looked at him confused "What do you mean, I'm—" he blinked in surprise when Aurora wasn't flying on his other side anymore. There was a reason we were talking in private, Winter. He turned back to a thoroughly confused Hailstorm and shook his head. "No one, apparently," he huffed as his mood turned dark once more.

"Are you okay?" his brother asked, slight concern detectable in his tone.

Oh yes, I'm perfectly fine! I just learned that my decision to send that conniving Nightwing back to where she belongs could lead to the end of the world! Not only that, but in order to potentially SAVE the world, we have to return a genocidal maniac's power to him and hope he doesn't decide to murder everybody! That's what he wanted to say, but instead he said with a slight growl, "Peachy."

Thankfully, Hailstorm decided to stay quiet, but his brother kept his position at his side in a silent show of support. It was appreciated after everything that's happened, and he really wished he had the courage to tell him as much.

Despite being siblings by blood, it was harder for him to open up to Hailstorm than with Flint, his adopted sibling. Icewings valued family as a means to an end, and try as he might, there were some shackles that he couldn't break free of. He was afraid to open up to Hailstorm because he didn't want to be seen as weak. It was a foolish fear but one he couldn't get past.

Then why is it so easy for you to open up to me, Winter? Aurora asked him.

The answer should be obvious for that, he replied sarcastically. She chuckled at his response but gave no other response of her own.

The group flew in silence for the remainder of the flight. Their thoughts no doubt weighed down by the fear and uncertainty of what the future held for them…or dwelling on loved ones who weren't here with them. He admired Ruby for her inner strength just as he admired Glory for hers. If only all the Queens of Pyrrhia were like them.

He had no idea what it would be like to lose a child or significant other and he didn't really want to know. Almost losing Flint to Sandwing venom was bad enough. It was rather strange…he had never thought of starting a family before as it had never seemed like the right time—what with his fragile mental state. Now though? It seemed as if his previous death and their overall impending doom had a curious way of reshuffling his priorities.

If they lost this war, he would never have the chance to settle down with the one he loved. He would never have the chance to be a father. It would be, perhaps, his greatest regret. Fantastic time to be thinking of raising a family, he thought to himself wryly.

"Actually, it is," Shade's voice spoke up. "What better reason to fight than to see such hopes and dreams fulfilled?" The Nightwing Spirit appeared on his other side and he glanced at him in confusion.

"So I have two Spirits that can read my mind now?" he asked, only slightly annoyed.

Shade chuckled. "Yes and no," he replied. "I have the ability to hear anyone's thoughts, not just yours—notice the teardrop scales," he pointed to the corners of his eyes for emphasis. Huh…I never really noticed it before. Kind of hard to see, though. "Yeah, well, my complexion is a little on the pale side," he joked.

Winter snickered at that as Hailstorm's curiosity got the better of him. "What hopes and dreams?"

Winter looked over at him, wondering if he felt comfortable enough to tell. Those old fears of his almost won out, but, in the end, his desire to have a closer bond with him—much like the one he had with Flint—gave him the courage he needed to answer. "I want to start a family one day, Hailstorm. If we lose this war…" he let that sentence hang in the air between them as his brother looked at him with a touch of understanding.

He was silent for a moment, and Winter almost thought that the end of their short conversation. He couldn't have been more wrong…

"Love is…a fickle thing, I find. You find someone who you think cares about you as much as you them, but in the end, when they leave you with nothing but a broken heart and the bitter sting of tears, you start to wonder if it ever was love to begin with." He spoke with a far-off look in his eyes, as if he was recalling a memory, and Winter could only stare at him in stunned silence.

Winter had to admit, though, Hailstorm's words held some form of truth in them. After all, isn't that what Moon had done to him…twice? "It sounds like you speak from experience," he pointed out in a soft tone.

Hailstorm looked over at him but averted his gaze shortly after. "It's not something I like to talk about, Winter. I'm sure that you of all dragons can understand that." He sighed before glancing back at their other companions. "Maybe I'll tell you about it one day…after a few drinks. Just know that I understand what that Nightwing did to you. Just don't make the same mistake I did…Don't give up. There's someone out there for all of us."

"Give up?" he decided to ask.

Hailstorm merely chuckled, "Yeah, I decided to stop looking for 'the one.' Since I never had any luck, maybe she's supposed to find me." He looked over at Winter with mirth in his eyes. "What about you? You're not the type to wait for destiny to come calling, I've seen, so why haven't you told Aurora you love her yet?"

Winter's eyes flew wide open and he choked on air. That, in turn, made him mistime his wingbeats and he lost a good bit of altitude before regaining control of himself. He caught back up with the others to notice those in the back had concerned looks while those closer to the front had smirks on their faces. Aurora was laughing like a mad-dragon inside his head.

He regained his spot and glared at Hailstorm who only smiled back as if he was completely innocent. After a moment, his attention went forward, "Okay, I'm done talking to you!"

"Oh, come on!" Cataclysm, who was flying the closest to them, pleaded. "I want to know!"

"Shut up!" he yelled back at her.

"Come now, Winter. They're only teasing," Aurora appeared and spoke with a merry tone. "Why haven't you told me yet?"

He deadpanned at her. "You know very well why!" She looked at him with her best begging look until he caved with a massive huff. "Alright fine! Aurora, I—" With that, she disappeared again. He just stared at where she was moments before with a confounded—and dumbfounded—look before facepalming. "That's why I haven't told her!" he yelled in anger.

"There's no need to get angry, Winter," Hailstorm laughed. "Do you not know what she's doing?" He just glared at his brother without answering. Hailstorm rolled his eyes at the unsuccessful intimidation attempt and continued. "She's playing hard-to-get. She's making you work for it until what she deems to be the right moment."

His glare lessened somewhat, "Why?"

Hailstorm sighed wistfully and looked forward with a small smile, "Because the first time should be special."

Winter's gaze stayed on Hailstorm for a while longer before he looked forward once more in thought. Special, huh? I wonder what he means.

"That looks like a good spot to rest!" Flint called forward. Winter looked to the area he was talking about and nodded. He could make out the coast of the Bay from this distance. The sun was just beginning its final descent, though, so it was best to rest up and finish the stretch tomorrow morning. The area Flint mentioned was a relatively clear and secluded spot next to the Diamond Spray River. They were still within the foothills of the mountains even this far away. As such a small cliff was just far enough away from the river to create a nice defensible spot to rest.

He adjusted his flight path and the others followed. He touched down on the soft grass and proceeded to assign tasks. "Flint, go find some firewood. Blaze, Hailstorm, see if you can find some food. I don't want to use our rations unless we have to."

He was about to divvy up a watch schedule when Shade interrupted. "Don't worry about that, Winter. We'll keep watch so you can all get some rest." Winter nodded at him in thanks before walking over to the riverbank. Shade followed behind him, "This is as good of a time as any to ask questions."

Winter glanced at him before focusing back on the river. He would eat anything as long as it was edible, but he was an Icewing. He liked fish best. "How did you jump out of me during the fight with Hellstorm? And why didn't I know you were…in me?"

Shade snickered with amusement as Winter carefully waded into the fast-flowing waters. "It's…difficult to explain," he started. "As you know, part of your soul is missing, so Aurora has occupied it. The reason she can reside within you is because the part of her within you is like…" He struggled with an appropriate analogy, "A doorway," he finished.

"So what, she held the door open for you?" Winter asked, with a hint of humor.

"Basically," Shade replied with a smile. "I have to say you're taking this rather well," he complimented.

Winter rolled his eyes with a amused snort before taking a shot at a fish that had wandered too close. Missed! "What choice do I have? It's either this or death, and I don't want to die just yet." Another shot. Missed again! I'm out of practice, it seems. "Besides, I trust you and Aurora."

He looked up at the Nightwing Spirit and noticed that his smile had fallen. "What of the others? Do you trust them?" His tone was serious. It seemed as if his answer was important in some way.

Winter cocked his head to the side in slight confusion but answered, nonetheless. "I trust Arena and Sediment well enough. I don't think I've even spoken to Oceania or Amazonia at all…but I don't trust Stratos. Something about him seems…off."

Shade looked down with a thoughtful 'hmm' before walking closer. He placed a talon on Winter's shoulder and pinned him with a serious look. "Speak of your suspicions to no one but me, do you understand?" Winter nodded. "I share them, as well, by the way, and I fear that some of us won't survive this journey."

Winter looked at him in horror. One or more of my friends are going to die!? "Why tell me this!?" he whisper-yelled.

"Because I trust you, too," he replied simply. He turned and walked a few steps before his form disappeared. Winter looked back at the river and the fish swimming about with a distinct frown. Well, there goes my appetite, he thought dryly. He walked back to the campsite with an empty belly and a heavy heart knowing that death was in their future. Whose was yet to be seen, though.

Somehow, not knowing made it worse.

The thought of saying goodbye to someone he wasn't ready to…he actually felt himself getting sick thinking about it, so he laid down at the edge of camp and watched his companions go about their business. Flint had come back with enough wood to last the night and promptly set a nice blaze going. Cataclysm was sitting by herself next to the fire, watching their dinner cook, and Blaze and Ruby were chatting to each other. The exiled Skywing Queen was grumbling about their less-than-stellar accommodations for the night, and Blaze was trying her best to console her since she had had to adapt in the past.

Sediment, Arena, and Stratos were remaining close to their Champions yet far enough away to give them their privacy. The remaining Spirits—Aurora included—were nowhere to be seen for the moment. As he was looking for Hailstorm, he and Flint's gazes met momentarily. He made sure to narrow his eyes to make sure the Mudwing knew he was still cross with him.

Flint looked back down to the fire with a sad sigh. Darkness was beginning to envelop the world, yet their group was safe within the small sphere of illumination put out by the fire. Winter himself was near the edge, away from the others. He laid his head down and sighed. This would be the first time in a while that he would be sleeping by himself again. After the incident with her, he had been spending the nights with Flint. That wasn't an option for now, though, so—

He looked up when someone blocked the light of the fire and was surprised to see Hailstorm there. "You look like you could use some company," the older Icewing observed. "May I?"

Winter nodded and laid his head back down assuming Hailstorm would lay down where he was standing. It came as a surprise then when the light of the fire hit his eyes once again and he felt the familiar and welcomed sensation of a wing across his back.

Winter didn't move, but neither did his body tense as Hailstorm settled down next to him with a sigh of relief. "Nothing like a hard day's flight followed by a nice long rest, is there?"

Hailstorm looked to him for a reply as a few fond memories of their resident Queen resurfaced. "I can think of a few," he said with a small smile. The younger Icewing had an internal debate with himself before ultimately choosing his course of action. He moved his head until it was laying on his brother's foreleg. When Hailstorm didn't move or accost him, he released a small pent-up breath.

He fell asleep in the safety of his brother's embrace, and his dreams were peaceful…even happy. Despite their attack on 'his' city earlier, Faredir didn't haunt his dreams this night.

When he woke with the first light of dawn, Hailstorm's still slumbering form had shifted closer to him. The sleeping dragon's wing was holding him tight, as if to protect him from all outside evils. Winter smiled. It seems Hailstorm was moving past those old Icewing taboos. I guess it's not so bad…as long as the Icewing is my brother. Don't think I could be this close to anyone else.

"Hailstorm," he whispered. No response, so he tried again. "Hailstorm!" he called a bit louder. This time, the older Icewing's eyes fluttered open.

"Ugh…Winter?" He blinked a few times to clear his eyes before turning to him. "Sleep well?" he asked.

Winter chuckled, "Yes, you were a very comfortable pillow."

"Good," he smirked drowsily, "Because next time, you get to be the pillow." He removed his wing from Winter's back before getting up and stretching with Winter following suit. "On a more serious note," he continued. "Aurora told me you sometimes have nightmares when you sleep alone, so I…" he trailed off.

He didn't need to say more. Winter nodded solemnly, "She's right, I do." He looked down in shame.

Hailstorm seemed to pick up on something because he immediately replied. "I don't blame you for having nightmares. In fact, I would be more concerned if you didn't after everything that has happened. I'm not ashamed of you, Winter, and I never have been." Winter looked up at him in surprise. "You gave me the courage to leave the Ice Kingdom, after all. I told you before that I wanted to make up for all the time I wasn't there for you, so that's what I'm trying to do," he finished with a smile.

Winter smiled back, but his attention was diverted when a few of the others began stirring. The sun was continuing its ascent and was now peaking over the tops of the trees. They needed to get moving soon. With one last smile directed at Hailstorm, he set off to start rousing the others while the older Icewing started packing up whatever needed to be packed up.

Blaze, Ruby, and Cataclysm posed no problems when he woke them, but he paused when he tried to wake Flint. He sighed. Will things between us ever be the same? He wondered. "Wake up, Flint," he shook the Mudwing slightly and he began to rouse as well.

Winter walked away before his eyes fully opened. He caught Hailstorm watching the scene with a guilty expression. The older Icewing looked away when their gazes met momentarily. He blames himself. Aurora spoke. "I know," he whispered to the ground in shame.

There was time for that later, though…hopefully. That reminded him: he still had to have that talk with Flint, too. All in due time, I suppose. For now, we still have to make it to the Sea Kingdom in a timely fashion.

After a quick breakfast of preserved meat that they had for rations, the group took flight due east towards the shore. Provided there were no obstacles or interruptions, they could be at the Summer Palace tomorrow around midday. There were plenty of islands to stop and rest on in the Bay as well should the need arise.

The journey that day was quiet and uneventful for the most part. They didn't get as far as he wanted, either, since Ruby had to take more frequent breaks. The downside of being the Queen of the largest tribe on Pyrrhia was that she didn't get much time for herself. Hence, her lack of endurance. He hoped that wouldn't make her a hindrance in the future.

At the very least, according to Flint, more breaks meant more snack stops. The Mudwing took every opportunity he could to grab a quick fish since the rations they had didn't hold him over for long.

It was nearing sunset once more, and they were looking for a good place to land for the night when he spotted a small fire on a nearby island. That would have been fine since many Seawings live on such islands—except the dragon he saw was no Seawing.

He could see red scales from this distance—which would usually indicate a Skywing—but the wings were too small and the dragon seemed a bit more stocky than the average Skywing, too. Must be a hybrid, he thought.

He was about to pass the island to find another—he didn't want to intrude, after all—when Shade appeared beside him. "I would recommend meeting that dragon," he addressed the group. "He has a part to play in this story." He disappeared shortly afterward and Winter couldn't help but wonder…who was this dragon?

He hovered in place and looked to his companions for their input. He received shrugs from almost everyone. "Maybe a few of us should go down first to make sure its safe," Cataclysm suggested. She was hovering next to the Queen just as any good bodyguard would.

He nodded. That happened to be a good idea, actually. "Any volunteers?" he asked, only half joking. Both Flint and Hailstorm raised their claws. "Alright then, Hailstorm and I will go. The rest of you take cover until we say its safe." He didn't miss the hurt look that flashed on Flint's face nor the disbelieving and guilty expression that Hailstorm had.

There were no arguments, however, and Hailstorm followed his lead while the others turned towards a nearby island to wait for the all-clear. "I know you're still angry at him," Hailstorm began. "But does he really deserve to be brushed aside like that?"

Of course, Winter knew who Hailstorm was talking about. He sighed in response, "No…but how can I ever trust him again? …Listen, we can talk about this later."

He sighed in resignation at his brother's response but didn't answer as they were nearing the beach where the mystery dragon was…playing a guitar?

Whatever he was playing was a slow song—most likely some sort of lullaby—and the notes rang out crisp and clear. He was undoubtedly an experienced musician. The two Icewings landed on the beach not too far away but still remaining out of the firelight, and Winter was able to get a better look at him. He was indeed a cross-tribe hybrid as he could see a few muddy brown scales reminiscent of most Mudwings. Interesting pairing. There must be a story behind that.

It was only when they entered the area lit by the fire that Winter realized his eyes were closed. He was playing this song purely from memory. If the tears were any indication, this song, whatever it was, meant a lot to this dragon.

Not wanting to intrude on an emotional moment longer than necessary, Winter announced their presence. "Excuse me?" he called. The strange dragon's eyes snapped open and he fell backwards with a surprised—and terribly undignified—yelp when he noticed them.

He raised an eye ridge before looking over at Hailstorm who merely shrugged. When he had righted himself, the hybrid looked at them in thought before his eyes lit up in joy. "I know you!" he pointed at Hailstorm with a smile before it was replaced by confusion. "Or do I know you," he pointed at Winter this time. He kept looking between the two Icewings before exclaiming in frustration. "By the moons, why do you both look so similar!? I've met one of you before!"

At this point, the two Icewings were just as confused as this odd dragon no doubt was. "Umm…may I ask where you know one of us from?" Winter asked.

He squinted his eyes at Winter before making a box with his claws and looked through it. After a moment, his expression lit up again. "Winter! I knew it was you…or at least I knew one of you was you," he mumbled the last part before all but shouting the beginning of his next sentence. "SPEAKING OF WHICH, I have to ask who the double is," he gestured to Hailstorm.

Winter blinked a few times in order to try and wrap his head around this situation. Apparently this dragon knows me. How though? I have no idea who he is. He decided to merely answer the question first. "That's my brother, Hailstorm. How exactly do you know me, by the way?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, obviously not taking offense that Winter didn't remember him. "I guess I can't blame you for not remembering me since we only knew each other for like…a week, I guess. I never forget a face, though," he declared proudly before explaining who he was. "I was the replacement Mudwing for the Jade Winglet after the whole battle thing took place. My name is Inferno if you still don't remember."

Winter was thinking hard during his explanation and eventually he did begin to remember. "I remember you now. I don't think I ever spoke to you before I left…did I?"

Inferno chuckled. "You did once. When I tried to introduce myself, I believe your exact words were, 'Does it look like I care, mix-breed?'"

Winter rubbed the spot above his heart and looked away, "Yeah…that sounds like me."

"Don't worry about it, though," he continued. "I don't hold grudges and you seemed like you wanted to be anywhere else besides where you were at the time." There was a pause, "Where did your brother go?" He looked around in confusion and Winter did the same. He was here a second ago! He shrugged and Inferno shrugged back. He probably just went to get the others.

"To get the rest of our group, I expect," he replied before gesturing to a spot near the fire. "May I?"

Inferno drew his gaze away from the sky to look at Winter with a hint of confusion. When he realized what was being asked, he replied back with a smile, "Yes, of course! Make yourself comfortable. I'm afraid I don't have anything in the way of food, though." Winter shrugged before moving closer. The fire wasn't overly large, so being close felt nice rather than making him uncomfortable.

Inferno grabbed his guitar and began strumming a few simple notes while humming softly to himself. It was a different tune than the one from before, and Winter couldn't help but ask, "When did you learn to play?"

The notes stopped and a wistful sigh escaped the hybrid. "I guess you could say it was in another life," he began. Winter heard Aurora chuckle and he couldn't help the small, amused smile that appeared on his face. Inferno's own smile disappeared as he looked back up at the stars. "It was back when the war was still raging, but since I was younger everything seemed so much simpler.

"My mother, a Skywing, taught me when I showed interest. She was a musician before she left the Sky Kingdom. My father, though…Let's just say that he wasn't my biggest fan. I don't really understand why he did and said the things he did to me when it was obvious he loved my mother, but…that's all ancient history now."

He looked back down at Winter with a small apologetic smile. "I got sidetracked…sorry. I don't really talk about my past that much." He rubbed the back of his head with an awkward smile. "I taught myself a lot, too, when I…moved out here. Not much to do besides surviving and relaxing." He was quiet for a moment before asking, "Do you play?"

Winter shrugged, "A little. I write some music now and again, too, but I don't really perform for others. Most of the time I just play for myself. It helps me relax, I guess." He answered with a friendly tone, but the way Inferno talked about his past made Winter realize that he wasn't the only one with family issues. He suddenly felt bad for never giving this dragon a chance in the past.

Inferno smiled, "I know what you mean, and I have to say that I'm impressed that you can write music, too." He held out the guitar to the Icewing, but Winter just looked at it uncertainly. "Well, go on, it won't bite," he chuckled.

"You want me to play something?" Winter asked him confused. Inferno just shrugged with the same friendly smile. He hesitated still, but ultimately decided to try. Maybe I need to relax. Nobody's here, after all. He reached out to grab it just as the sound of wingbeats preceded the rest of his group landing and he stopped, bringing his empty claws back to the sand.

"Sorry I just disappeared on you, but I figured I would let you two catch up," Hailstorm explained when he walked up before stopping. "You do actually know each other…right?" Winter just nodded as he stared into the fire. He felt a gentle claw on his shoulder, so Winter looked up to see Hailstorm's slightly concerned expression. "Are you okay?"

Winter nodded with a small smile. "Yeah," he whispered. Hailstorm didn't say any more, but he felt an arm drape over his shoulders and a wing drape over his back before the owner pulled him in closer. Winter didn't think twice before closing his eyes and sighing in contentment. He vaguely heard Hailstorm introducing the group to Inferno and vice versa, but his eyes snapped open when he heard a threatening growl coming from the as-of-now civil hybrid.

The first thing he saw was Inferno glaring at someone in the group with a snarl. The second thing he saw was Flint staring back with disinterest—as if Inferno was below his care. His muscles, however, were tense. "I sense a story here," Cataclysm piped up with a hint of concern.

"There's no story," Flint replied with a trace of anger in his voice. "He's just being petty."

Almost everyone in the group was staring at the Mudwing as if he had just grown a second head. "Petty!?" Inferno snarled. "You stole my dragoness!"

Flint rolled his eyes, "She was never yours! She threw you away like bad meat the moment she found someone…better." Murder gleamed in Inferno's eyes and he stalked forward.

Winter was preparing to intervene when someone beat him to it. "Alright, that's enough!" Cataclysm yelled. "I don't know what in the name of the stars is wrong with you—both of you," She gave a pointed look to Flint on that second part. "But we have enough enemies without adding each other to the list!"

She glanced at Winter and he nodded in thanks before asking, "Who was it?"

Both Flint and Inferno looked over to him and Flint's expression seemed to soften a bit. "It was Amber. And to be fair, she's a Mudwing just like me. We're not known for keeping the same partners. So I didn't steal her…she chose me," he verbally jabbed back to the hybrid.

"Whatever," he huffed before laying down. "I already gave Winter my permission for you guys to stay, but I want you gone in the morning. My life is miserable enough without being verbally assaulted by an old rival." He all but mumbled the last sentence as he closed his eyes.

Without anything better to do and not wanting to wake their host, the others laid down to sleep as well. He stayed in Hailstorm's embrace again for the night, but before he closed his eyes, his sight lingered on the guitar laying by the hybrid. It would feel good to play again…he thought as he drifted off to sleep.

As soon as his eyes closed, they opened again, and Winter looked around in confusion at his surroundings. He had just been on an island in the Bay of a Thousand Scales…so why was he on the snowy plains outside of the Icewing city? "How did I get here?" he whispered to himself.

"What is it that you feel when you look upon this place?" a familiar voice asked. Winter whirled around to see a large Icewing standing there. He was slightly more muscular than Winter himself was, and he held himself regally. His expression was one of deep pondering. Though Winter had never met this Icewing before, Winter immediately recognized the fiery red eyes.

"Faredir," Winter breathed the name with no small amount of fear evident in his slightly shaky voice.

The Icewing glanced at him upon hearing his name but continued with his question. "This is the place where you have always wanted to belong but never wanted to be. What do you feel now I wonder?" Faredir looked at him fully when Winter still didn't answer, "Well?" he pressed.

"W-why do you care?" Winter asked.

"Because I underestimated you, Winter," he said before walking closer. His posture was completely relaxed as if he had no intention of attacking, but Winter was acutely aware that Faredir didn't need to attack him physically to harm him. "In order to avoid that in the future, I wish to know you better." Upon noticing Winter's discomfort, he stopped and sat down. His piercing gaze locked onto his. "You do not need to be afraid, I have no intention of harming you…tonight."

"Then why are you here?" Winter asked, his voice low and tinted with anger.

"To talk," the large Icewing replied simply. "To give you and I the privacy needed for this conversation. I wanted to give you one more chance to do the right thing."

"Right thing?" he scoffed, incredulously. "You are kidnapping innocent dragons for some bid at world domination! How is that the right thing!?"

Faredir was silent for a while and Winter didn't dare say anything else to possibly anger the dragon before him. When he did answer, it was once again in his thoughtful tone, "You believe in differing perspectives, don't you?" When Winter nodded, he continued, "What would have happened if I had found you first? If I had told you a story to gain your sympathy? If I had said that the Spirits you seem so fond of were the true enemies? Would you have believed me?"

Winter was silent for an even longer time. He wrestled with himself for an answer that he already knew. He wanted to believe that he would always choose the Spirits—choose Aurora—but he couldn't say that for certain. Compassion was Winter's greatest strength and weakness. If Faredir had indeed found him before Aurora, this journey might have been much different. "Possibly," he whispered at last.

Faredir grinned, "Not too prideful to simply defend your choice, I see. Good." He nodded to himself. "Then perhaps you might listen, after all. Do you know why this war between my father and the Spirits started?"

"Yes," Winter nodded. He remembered Aurora's memory-vision that she had shared with him. "Aurora kill your mother."

Faredir's expression immediately darkened and Winter was worried that he might have overstepped his bounds, but his fears were allayed when the large dragon replied. "Not just killed…Aurora destroyed her very soul." Winter gasped in horror. "When a mortal dragon dies, their soul would journey to the Spirit World. Your precious Spirit made sure that wouldn't happen in case my father would revive her soul. Do you understand now why she deserves death?

"She killed my mother for falling in love with my father, but now she is committing the same sin…with you. I wonder if she even realizes her hypocrisy…or maybe she is just using your feelings for her to string you along and keep you focused on her mission…just like Moon did." When he stopped speaking, Winter was silent as he thought deeply about the possible truth in Faredir's words. "We don't have to be enemies, Winter," he continued after a pause. "You could join me. Everyone you care about would be granted amnesty, even the other Champions if you could convince them.

"I would take you to see those you have thought lost. Qibli, Deathbringer, Thorn…all of them are alive and well. We aren't monsters, Winter. We Changewings just want our place in this world, but Aurora and the other Spirits won't allow that, so we had no choice but to do so by force. This is a war between divine forces. My father and I wanted to keep it that way, but it was Aurora who forced our claws. It was her that began involving mortals in our affairs."

"She found me," Winter whispered.

Faredir nodded in understanding. "All of this pain and misery this journey has caused you could have been avoided. I never wanted this, Winter. All I wanted is a future for my tribe." There was a small pause and then Winter felt a comforting paw on his shoulder. "I know this is a lot to think about, but I want you to make the right decision, and no matter what choice you make I will respect it."

"Why?" Winter asked, confused.

"Because I kill my enemies, Winter. I do not hate them…with one exception," he added after a moment. "But I don't want to kill you unless I have to. You are a rare individual, one that I'm sure my father would like. It would be a shame to waste your potential."

Winter was silent for several minutes, then several more. He was trying to find any deception in Faredir's words, but he could sense only sincerity. So far they had only met as enemies—and a fearsome enemy he was—but could he truly be a friend? Would he even want him as a friend? When nearly twenty minutes had passed and Faredir had shown no signs of rushing his decision, he decided to ask, "How long will you give me to think about it?"

A small, genuine smile appeared on Faredir's expression before he answered. "How about two days. It is the same time I gave you previously, but I have to ask you not to share the details of this conversation with anyone—especially Aurora."

Winter looked at him with a raised eye ridge, "And how do you expect me to do that? Our souls are connected. I can't hide anything from her."

Faredir looked down in thought before seemingly coming to a conclusion. He raised a talon into the air before a purple orb of energy appeared floating above his digits. "This will act as a temporary block between your soul and Aurora's. She will not be able to communicate with you telepathically or reside within you as I have seen her do on occasion. It will disappear when you time limit is up in two days. If at any time you wish to contact me, simply reach out to communicate like you would with Aurora. I will be all too happy to clear up any doubts or answer any questions you might have."

"What if I choose her?" Winter asked suddenly.

"As I said, I will respect your decision, and the block will be removed regardless, but I hope you don't. I could use a dragon as influential as yourself to help my tribe integrate into Pyrrhia's society peacefully. Are there any other questions you have before I send you back?"

"What of Hellstorm, or the dragon who replaced Qibli, did you order them to commit such atrocities? Did you order 'Deathbringer' and 'Raven' to kill me?" he asked, hotly.

"No on all accounts. There is another Changewing leader here that was in charge of our forces before I arrived. She is quite…aggressive with her strategies, but they produce results. I have only been on this plane for a little over two weeks." Another small pause, "And I have heard of your other group of friends causing problems for her infiltrators in the Sea Kingdom. I believe one of her hostages is your friend Turtle's sister?" Winter nodded. "I will order her release and make sure all Changewings leave the Sea Kingdom alone for now…as I suspect that is where you are headed. Think of it as an act of goodwill."

Winter nodded and looked down in thought. I can't believe I'm actually doing this. "Alright, place the block and send me back."

Faredir nodded before placing his claws directly above Winter's heart. A cold shiver raced along his spine as the orb was absorbed into him, but then everything returned to normal. He actually couldn't tell a difference. Faredir stepped back and disappeared before his eyes. Then, he felt his eyes getting heavy. He laid down to sleep, closed his eyes…

And awoke upon the spot he had last fallen asleep. The fire had died down, but the stars were shining brightly in the night sky. As he laid his head down to return to sleep, he spied Aurora watching him from the other side of camp with narrowed eyes.

He looked away as doubt began worming its way into his head. Why was she looking at me like that? Was Faredir right? Is she just using me? Does she know already?

What am I supposed to do?

AN: Okay, what did you think? Should Winter accept Faredir's offer? I have ideas for both directions, but I want to know what you guys think. I have no idea when the next chapter will come out because of my atrocious school schedule, but I have Spring Break the week after this one, so I might be able to work on it quite a bit.

I don't really know. A new chapter for A Brighter Future Ahead will come out on Tuesday if I don't get around to it today. Homework, you know. I have Phat Tuesday off for Mardi-Gras, so I'll be able to work on it then with no problems...if I don't get to it today.

Anyways,

Until Next Time

AdmiralCole22