Dragons Change
AN: IT'S DONE! And in a much more timely fashion! At least compared to the last two updates... Anyways, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, which is odd because it's mostly filler. There's no actual action, but there is a lot of important dialogue in this one.
I won't make this note too long, but I just wanted to say that I will try to get a chapter out once a month at this point. All of my classes have transitioned to an online format now that everything's gone up hell's creek without a paddle...or a boat. That means more time for me to write since I'm not stuck on campus all day, so that's good!
Disclaimer: I do not own Wings of Fire. My OCs Aurora and the Spirits, Faredir, and Flint belong to me. Cataclysm belongs to her owner BizmuthTheRainwing. Inferno belongs to his owner IceDragon07. Firkin (cameo) belongs to his owner Blackberry Avar. Cover art for the story belongs to beyzul on Deviantart.
Chapter 21:
If there was one word that could describe how Winter felt when he woke, it was 'strange'. Since waking up from his coma all those weeks ago, Aurora's presence within him had been constant. More that that, though, was how deep that connection had become since then. Now that he could no longer feel her, he felt almost…empty.
Of course, there was another feeling there now. Something—or rather someone—else was now connected to him. Whereas Aurora gave him a feeling of peace and security, the connection with Faredir made him feel…cold. Not the bitter chill caused by a blizzard or high altitudes, but rather the type of cold associated with sunbathing amidst freshly fallen snow. It felt sort of pleasant actually.
He was the last awake, apparently. Though, if Blaze and Cataclysm stretching and yawning were any indication, not by much. He noticed Aurora, Arena, Sediment, and Oceania talking quietly away from the others. When she noticed him looking their way, they immediately stopped talking. Oceania's expression was one of curiosity. Sediment seemed thoughtful. Aurora and Arena, however, looked downright hostile. They know!
He heard a chuckle in his head. Of course they know, Faredir spoke. They aren't fools.
But why are they so hostile? He asked.
Why do you think? He replied calmly. There is only one explanation for her not being able to connect with you. Winter watched as the four separated and then all but Aurora disappeared entirely.
Instead, she walked over to him with a furious expression. For the first time since meeting Aurora, he was actually intimidated by her. He tried to back away, but he halted when she bared her teeth to clearly show just how much fighting her was a bad idea. As soon as she was close enough, she placed her claws above his heart and pushed. When nothing happened, she growled. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?" she screamed at him.
All activity in the camp ceased. Even Inferno was watching the scene with wide eyes. He blinked a few times in the face of her fury, shrinking down slightly before he averted his gaze from hers, ashamed.
"What did he promise you that I couldn't give!? What reward could justify siding with our enemy!?" she continued yelling at him.
For some reason, he felt himself becoming angry. He felt the need to defend his choice, which was strange. He didn't owe loyalty to Faredir. He didn't trust the Changewing at all, but he had promised something that the Spirits couldn't guarantee. "He promised me peace," he said quietly yet defensively.
She looked away with a heavy sigh. "And you believed we couldn't?" she accused. "Is that a lack of faith in us or just a lack of faith in me?"
"It doesn't matter now," Shade interrupted before Winter could come up with a retort. "What's done is done. It's in the past and we can't change it. What matters now is moving forward."
"Perhaps," Aurora agreed. "But we need to know details first. What is your agreement with him?"
He was about to answer when he remembered Faredir's request from last night. If he didn't want anyone else to know, then he shouldn't tell them. If he was, indeed, thinking of switching allegiances, the least he could do is to try and trust Faredir's word.
Easier said than done…
Regardless he shook his head. He wouldn't tell them. Aurora's gaze narrowed, "Fine then. If you won't tell us, then I can't trust you." He looked down. That hurt a lot more than he wanted anyone to know.
"Give him a break!" Hailstorm intervened. "You've trusted him thus-far. Now that he's made a decision you don't approve of, you're just going to toss him aside?" He came and stood protectively next to Winter, and the younger Icewing was infinitely grateful to his brother at that moment.
"Nobody's being thrown aside!" Shade insisted. He gently pushed Aurora away to which she wasn't happy about but ultimately obliged the Nightwing Spirit. "You have a choice here, Winter. Speak to us, your friends, and Faredir. Get their opinions, allay your doubts, and make the choice you deem to be the right one. Whichever path you choose, we will respect it." Aurora took a deep breath before finally nodding in acceptance to Shade's advice and walking away. When she was far enough away, Shade leaned forward and whispered in Winter's ear. "I only hope you make the right one," he pulled away and walked off without another word.
I wonder what that was all about? He would take Shade's advice, though. He would talk to the others and get their opinions. He looked over to Hailstorm, "What do you think?"
Hailstorm looked at him in thought before answering. "When I went to the city to find out where Queen Ruby was being held, he knew I was coming. I spoke with Faredir personally." Winter's eyes widened in surprise. Hailstorm explained everything he had learned from his conversation with the Changewing Lord—including his 'truth' about the origins of this war. "After that, I've found it more difficult to trust Aurora. She seems the type to manipulate others to get what she wants…they both are, actually."
"She never told me," he whispered. Is what Hailstorm saying true?
I did, indeed, tell him as much. Faredir replied.
Why didn't you tell me?
You wouldn't have believed me, he said simply. You trust your brother more than you trust me, which is understandable. And yes, I would be lying if I said I didn't plan to manipulate situations to my favor. The difference between Aurora and I, however, is that I just told you I would.
"So you would want me to join Faredir?" he asked Hailstorm after spending a moment digesting what Faredir had just said.
Hailstorm shook his head. "What I want is irrelevant. I'll support you whatever decision you make," he assured the younger Icewing with a smile.
Winter smiled back and decided to talk to another friend before they left. He walked over to Cataclysm, who noticed him approach. She gave him a sympathetic look, "I suppose you want to talk about what just happened?" He nodded, so she excused herself from the Queen, and they walked over to where no one could overhear them.
"If you had to choose a side, which would you pick?" he asked.
She sighed, "I'm sorry, Winter, but I already chose my side. I told you before of the atrocities I witnessed while I was among their ranks. I can't just forget that."
"Faredir said that it was another general giving those orders, and that she was more aggressive with her tactics," he replied. He didn't know if she knew, but he told her in case she didn't.
"Maybe, but do you really trust him? We're talking about the Lord of the Changewings, here. Why would he tell you the truth?" she tried to reason.
"Why would he lie?" he countered. "Especially if he wants my support."
She sighed again, "I've said my piece. You can't convince me to rejoin them, I'm sorry." She walked away to take her position by the Queen again.
He didn't think the others would listen to him after the debacle this morning, so he decided to let Flint lead for the time being. He walked over to the Mudwing who looked away from him with a frown, "Are you actually willing to speak to me again or is this just business?"
Winter froze where he stood, but he answered after a moment, "Just business for right now. I—"
Flint interrupted him before he could continue. "Then I have no wish to speak with you," he said without looking at him. Winter flinched back as if he had just been struck. "It's obvious that you'll never trust me again no matter what I say, so there's no point trying to pretend otherwise. Right?"
Winter stared open-mouthed in shock before shaking his head fervently, "No, that's not— I just need time to sort things out!"
"'How can I ever trust him again?' I believe were your exact words," Flint countered. "Hailstorm told me what you said, so don't lie to me! Eight years I stayed by your side! Eight years I was the only dragon you trusted enough to talk to! I know you better than anyone, Winter! I know your tells when you're upset. I know how to make you feel better. I know you. And I know you need me…" He had started off yelling—once again causing the activity in the camp to halt—before slowly quietening as his anger began fizzling out.
Winter was silent—as was Flint—as he removed his wristband. Within a couple of minutes, Flint's real form was standing before him. "If you can't trust Flint anymore, maybe we can just start over." The Changewing looked up with a slightly forced smile and held out a claw. "My name is Zyfis. It's nice to meet you."
Winter gave him a wan smile but clasped his talons with his own, nonetheless. "Nice to meet you, too. So does this mean…"
"What you said to me after finding out the truth made me realize that I'm tired of living as someone else. Now, I just want to be me." Zyfis looked at the wristband in his other talon before placing it upon Winter's wrist. Nothing happened when he did, so Winter looked at him confused. "A Changewing's focus only works on the Changewing who made it, but I want you to have it to remember Flint by. The real Flint died the day he gave this to me, but I think he would approve of you having it.
"And since I know what you wanted to ask me originally, I'll go ahead and answer it. Faredir loves his tribe, and he's a better dragon than the previous general. I don't know her name, but she was shrewd and aggressive. Before I left their ranks, I was captain of the infiltrators in the Mud Kingdom. I reported directly to her. I left when her methods became too brutal."
"Is that why you were really in the Rainforest?" Winter asked.
"Yes and no," he replied. "What I told you about Flint's four sisters was the truth. When he died, I took it upon myself to look after them. They really did die in an Icewing ambush, and I really was their prisoner for several months. When I returned to find out my orders had changed to something more…evil, I decided to just leave." He gave a small smile, "I'll tell you the whole story later, but we have somewhere to be, do we not?"
Winter contemplated pushing him farther but eventually nodded, "Yes, we do. I don't think the others trust me much anymore, though, so I was going to ask if…Flint could take the lead."
Zyfis shook his head. "They might not understand and they might not be happy with your choice, but they all respect you. They'll listen to you. If that isn't enough, though, you should ask Hailstorm."
Winter nodded and excused himself before going to find his brother. He found him talking with Blaze, who looked up with a relieved expression when she saw him approach. "Winter, will you please tell your brother that I am entitled to my own opinion?"
He looked at her for a moment before shifting his questioning gaze over to Hailstorm, who clarified. "I asked if she would change sides if you did, but she said she wouldn't. When I asked why, she didn't have a very good reason, so we started arguing."
"Well, she is entitled to her own opinion," he turned to Hailstorm. "But I was wondering if you would take the lead to the Summer Palace?"
Hailstorm nodded, "Sure. You just focus on talking to everyone you want to talk to. Get your thoughts in order." He placed a claw on his shoulder and looked at him seriously, "We need you with a clear head. Okay?"
He nodded in agreement, "Okay."
"Good," the older Icewing smiled and gave him a brief hug before turning to the others in the camp. "Alright, everyone, it's time to move! Grab your stuff and let's get going!"
Winter turned to see Inferno watching the others get ready and approached him. "Why don't you come with us?" he asked.
Inferno looked at him, thoughtfully. "I'm tempted, Winter, I really am, but…" his gaze trailed over to Ruby. Winter followed his gaze then turned back to him confused. "I'm a wanted criminal in the Sky Kingdom, okay?" he whispered.
"What did you do?" he asked, surprised when he actually received an answer.
"My father attacked me, so I accidently killed him in self-defense," Inferno explained. "I didn't mean to, it just…happened."
Winter studied him for a long moment until Hailstorm called down to him. "Come on, Winter, we're waiting on you!"
He turned away, but not before saying one last thing, "Come with us or don't. It's your choice, but I won't judge you for what happened." With that, he took off—Inferno's form shrinking as the distance between grew.
Winter sighed. He had hoped Inferno would join them, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. He decided to spend the flight talking with the one dragon he had hurt more than the rest…At least he hoped she was hurt. That sounded bad, but he couldn't get Hailstorm and Faredir's words out of his head. Was Aurora just using him? If she was, then she was probably feeling more angry and frustrated that she couldn't control him rather than hurt and betrayed by his lack of trust in her.
Since part of herself was within him, she couldn't return to the Spirit World like the others could. Add to that, Faredir's blocker was preventing her from residing within that part of himself, so she was forced to remain in her ghostly form and travel alongside the others in their group. If the scowl on her face was any indication, she wasn't exactly happy about what had happened.
"Aurora?" he called, softly.
She glanced at him briefly before releasing a resigned sigh, "Yes, what is it?"
Winter thought of how to broach the subject gently and, finding none, decided to start with a compliment, instead. "You look very…fetching today."
That time, she did look straight at him. However, it was with an unimpressed expression. "Fetching?" she repeated, incredulously. "Alright, out with it. What did Faredir tell you about me that you wish to discuss?"
"That obvious, huh?" he tried joking. She didn't even crack a smile. He sighed in defeat. "Remember when you shared your memory with me?" She nodded. "That's how I learned that you killed Faredir's mother," he specified. Regret flashed across her features but still she nodded. "You didn't just kill her, did you?"
She took a deep breath before answering. "No, I didn't. If he told you that I destroyed her soul, then he wasn't lying. I did destroy her soul to prevent Urfael from resurrecting it. It is possible to resurrect the soul of the deceased—with you yourself being proof of that—but it has risks. Without proper preparations, the dragon in question could turn into an undead abomination whose only desire is to reclaim some form of life…by consuming the living.
"Could that have happened to me?" Winter asked, horrified.
She shook her head. "No. I anchored your soul to your body with my own. You have a full soul, even if part of it isn't yours. Without a full soul, a dragon is no longer truly living, but they can't be dead if they have but part of one. Such is the secret of necromancy—which Urfael is a master of."
"Why do it, though? Why kill her? Faredir said it was because you were jealous," he said, curiously.
"Jealous?" she questioned; her head cocked to the side in confusion. He nodded. "Jealous why?"
"Because she was in a relationship with Urfael…who you loved," he explained to her.
She looked at him in surprise for a long moment before returning her gaze forward to the horizon. "We were very close at one point," she started after a lengthy pause. "Perhaps closer even than Shade and I were. It's true that I considered him a very close friend. Which is why it pained me to have to kill the dragoness that he had found happiness with. Falling in love with a mortal was forbidden—we had all agreed to it—and as the leader of the Spirits—of which we had also all agreed upon—it was my duty to carry out the punishment."
"Did you know they had a son?" Winter asked when she paused.
She shook her head. "Not at first, no. It was twenty years before I encountered Faredir for the first time. I foolishly believed he was just a mortal upset with our rule—there had been a few before. When we fought, I quickly learned that he was much more than I had originally believed. He left me there, as close to death as I have ever been, but not before telling me who he was and giving me the ultimatum for the first time."
"Ah, yes. I couldn't fathom why my father feared you so much after that first little battle," a familiar voice sounded from behind them.
EVERYONE stopped flying when they heard that voice. Aurora's expression instantly transformed into one of sheer terror. When they turned around, they saw a ghostly manifestation—much like Aurora's spirit form—of Faredir's true form hovering there with a dark smirk. "How…" Aurora struggled to form words.
He chuckled. "This little trick was easy once I tried. I've been following you with this astral projection for the last little while."
"Why are you here?" Aurora instantly challenged.
He rolled his eyes at her, dismissively, before gesturing to Winter. "I wanted to see if I truly could connect with Winter here and it seems as if I can. His ability to connect with our Spirit essences is quite impressive. For a mortal to have the ability to connect with one Spirit is rare enough, but three?" He chuckled.
Winter looked at both of them, confused. "You mean it's not as easy for others as it seemingly is for me?"
Aurora turned to answer him, but Faredir beat her. "I see that's another thing you've failed to tell him. Did you also forget to mention that trying to wield the anchor could kill him if he isn't strong enough?" Winter whirled around to stare at Aurora with an incredulous look. She was glaring at the Changewing's astral projection with hatred, but when she saw him looking at her, she couldn't meet his gaze.
He chuckled again. "Do you see now, Winter? She neglects to tell you these things because you are only a tool to her—and an expendable one at that!"
"THAT'S A LIE!" she yelled with seething fury. She turned to Winter, who was staring at her with a mixture of anger, confusion, and betrayal. "Don't let him tear us apart with mere words! This is what he wants! If you side with him, he'll rip us apart, and use me to return Urfael to this world, then no one will survive!"
Faredir had a malicious grin on his face. "Desperation is unbecoming of you, Aurora. Though, I believe I have given Winter enough to think about for now, so I will take my leave. Feel free to contact me whenever you wish, Winter, I will answer any questions you have…and I do mean any questions."
With that, he was gone in a flash. There was silence but for the gentle whistling of the wind, the cawing of seafaring birds, and the steady rhythm of wingbeats. Winter turned his head to notice every single dragon in their group glaring at Aurora with varying degrees of disgust or anger.
The other six Spirits immediately appeared by their leader's side in a show of support. "Anything you want to say to me, Aurora?" Winter asked slowly.
She turned around and regarded him with a snarl. "I don't expect you to understand my methods or why I keep things from you, but my goal has always been the same. I won't allow Faredir and Urfael to destroy this world, and neither will I let you make a decision that will undoubtedly kill us all." She closed the distance between them until she was close enough to whisper in his ear. "Don't forget that it was by my power that you were brought back…and what it means should you betray me."
"Personally, I don't understand why he's still alive," Arena commented. "It's obvious his loyalty is questionable, to say the least. Why are we—"
Shade, with an impressive amount of restrained anger in his voice, cut the Sandwing Spirit off. "Because I said so! Are you going to doubt my loyalty, as well?" The two Spirits glared at each other, but Arena looked away and didn't question the Nightwing Spirit further.
Winter noticed Sediment shaking his head sadly. The Mudwing Spirit was undoubtedly upset to see his comrades and friends fighting amongst each other. He also saw Shade share a few quiet words with Oceania, and the Seawing Spirit nodded, though she didn't look happy. She looked over at him when she saw him looking and smiled at him reassuringly.
"Come on, Winter," Hailstorm called, gently. "Let's keep moving." In a whisper, he added. "I'm beginning to hope that Faredir can take Aurora's place in keeping you alive. I'm beginning to severely dislike her."
"Do you think he even would?" he asked uncertainly. Would you form that close of a connection with me?
Why wouldn't I? Faredir immediately replied. If I have to form the same connection with you that you and Aurora currently share in order to gain your support and possible friendship—not to mention save your life—I would do so without hesitation.
"Judging by the look on your face, I don't think I have to answer that question," Hailstorm said. "I'm guessing he answered you already?" Winter just nodded with a deeply pensive expression.
This peace you promised me… How would you obtain it?
He could almost hear the smile in Faredir's voice when he answered. Not me. You. You will obtain the peace in the most honest of ways imaginable… he paused for effect. By telling the truth.
Excuse me? Winter asked, both surprised and unconvinced.
You are personal friends with half of Pyrrhia's Queens. Glory, Ruby, and Thorn will listen to you when you explain the truth to them. Coral and Moorhen may not know you personally, but they respect the other three Queens enough to give you a chance to explain. Snowfall may prove to be a problem, but there is another who could claim the throne if something were to…happen to her.
At first, Winter was going to say something about Faredir's none-too-subtle reference to assassination, but he froze when he understood the true meaning behind his words. My mother…
Yes, he replied softly. But I believe that particular issue can be resolved later. Winter breathed a sigh of relief when Faredir changed topics.
Do you honestly believe it would be that easy, though? Telling the truth and hoping they believe us doesn't sound like much of a plan.
Perhaps not, he agreed. But, as of yet, I don't have a better idea to end this conflict peacefully. I was hoping you had enough influence to sway the minds of the Queens. After all, it's easier for someone to be trusted if they prove they can be trusted. Winter heard him sigh. However, unless you have decided to ally yourself with me, planning for such eventualities is a moot point, don't you agree? Winter didn't respond, but his silence was all the reply Faredir needed.
Winter flew towards their destination with Hailstorm on his left side and Zyfis on his right. Ruby and Cataclysm flew behind them with Blaze on Ruby's other side. Aurora was dragging behind, but no one cared enough to slow down or wait for her. Shade was speaking with her while the only other Spirit still flying with them, Oceania, flew to the right and slightly above the group. He could clearly see her sending curious glances his way.
"Did I just cause a civil war between the Spirits?" Winter asked no one in particular as he flew.
Both Hailstorm and Zyfis glanced at him, but it was the Changewing who answered. "It's…possible. Lord Faredir may have planned for this outcome."
"Lord?" Hailstorm looked over at the Changewing with a suspicious gaze.
"In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a Changewing, Hailstorm. Faredir wants what's best for us, and I honestly believe him. I always have." Zyfis paused in thought. "I guess you could compare him to Darkstalker."
Winter flinched visibly as Hailstorm whirled around to look at Zyfis with open hostility. "You mean the dragon that tried to wipe out my entire tribe eight years ago!?"
Zyfis looked back at him in confusion. "I was thinking the way he is now. He's changed quite a bit since his return." At Hailstorm's incredulous look, Zyfis blinked in understanding. "I wasn't supposed to tell you that, was I?"
Winter let out a deep breath before answering. "No, you weren't. I hadn't told him that part yet because I wanted to break it to him gently after they had met." Zyfis mouthed the word 'sorry' as Hailstorm was wrestling with himself.
Winter waited with bated-breath for Hailstorm's eventual verbal lashing and blinked in surprise when the older Icewing let out an explosive sigh. "Do you trust him?" he asked.
Winter thought for a moment. Before they split up in the Rainforest, Darkstalker had said he respected Winter enough to listen to him. He wasn't entirely convinced the ancient Nightwing was being completely truthful. It was doubtful that two thousand years of anger and hatred could just disappear in such a short time—even if it was, in fact, his powers that caused his descent into darkness. After a good, long period of thought, he eventually answered. "Shade trusts him. That's good enough for me to give him a chance."
Hailstorm didn't look entirely convinced but relented with a sigh and a nod. "Well, I trust you, so I'll try not to claw his face off as soon as I see him."
Winter chuckled, "Were it so easy."
The three lapsed into silence and flew for a while until Cataclysm came up to speak with Zyfis. From what he gathered from their conversation, Cataclysm was worried for his safety now that he was so brazenly leaving his true form revealed. Winter had to admit that she brought up some good points, especially considering the Rainwings' reaction to seeing him for the first time after the battle. I doubt the Seawings will react any differently.
His friends will protect him, Winter. Faredir replied to his worried thoughts. As will Sediment, I believe. Zyfis may be a Changewing, but the Mudwing Spirit isn't so black-and-white as to simply abandon his champion now that 'Flint' is no longer available. Another pause, As will I if all else fails.
You would do that? Winter asked, surprised. What about the part he's played destabilizing your plans?
Not mine, he clarified. And his willingness to show the world his true form should be proof enough of his loyalties. Even if he isn't loyal to me, he is loyal to his tribe.
Winter let that sink in for a moment as he looked ahead to the many islands that dotted the Bay. If memory served him right, they shouldn't be too far away. He probably should have dreamvisited Turtle or—dare he say it—Darkstalker to let them know they were coming to regroup so they, in turn, could let the Queen know to expect them.
It was just after midday when the sights became more familiar to him. The Summer Palace should only be another hour or so farther. They had been flying in silence for quite awhile when Zyfis decided to break it with a question. "What are you thinking about, Winter?"
The Icewing in question broke out of his ponderings to focus on the question. "I was thinking about the last time we were here. I don't think Queen Coral liked me very much."
"What makes you say that?" he asked with a grin, for he knew very well why.
The Sea Kingdom had been their last stop on their trans-Pyrrhian journey to speak with the Queens. So far, only Moorhen had been downright disinterested, and he had rather hoped it would stay that way, however unlikely a possibility that was.
Queen Coral of the Seawings had a…reputation amongst the other Queens of Pyrrhia. The Seawing Queen had changed drastically after years of having her daughters' eggs smashed and her husband being murdered—not to mention that it was by her own daughter that she thought lost—in Scarlet's arena. She was much more…eccentric compared to how she used to be.
For instance, everyone knew that she cared for her daughters and her writings more than actually ruling over her tribe. That didn't mean she was a bad Queen, per say. She just wasn't very active in the court. Most of her duties had been taken over by her council and everybody knew that they were the real leaders of the Seawings. Coral was more of a figurehead at this point. The only time that wasn't the case was when someone had personally wronged her.
For a Seawing, she was quite vindictive.
So it probably hadn't been a good idea to go before the Queen of the Seawings, waste her time talking about scavengers, and then indirectly insult her by saying Riptide—yes, Winter actually said his name—was giving them support while she 'twiddled her thumbs.'
It wasn't his proudest moment. To be fair, though, she had insulted him first. Flint actually had to physically hold him back when she said, and I quote: 'Your mission is as pointless as your position in royalty was.' How she got wind of that, Winter will never know, but it was only through shear, dumb luck that Tsunami had arrived in the throne room at that exact moment—most likely sparing him a 'pleasant' stay in the dungeons.
Somehow, Winter doubted her opinion of him had improved over the last eight years. "You can leave Coral to me if you wish, Winter," Ruby called forward. "I know what to say to gain her cooperation."
Blaze looked at her strangely. "Blackmail?"
Ruby chuckled. "Hardly. Every Queen knows that the way to Coral's heart, and therefore her cooperation, is through her daughters. I—" She cut herself off and pointed ahead where two Seawing guards were approaching. Ruby took the lead and made sure that the guards saw her. Winter registered the surprise on their faces, but they signaled for them to follow, though he didn't like the looks they were giving Zyfis.
They were lead through the underwater tunnel leading into the palace proper where they were told to wait. Darkstalker was the first dragon Winter noticed, mostly because the Nightwing was staring directly at him as soon as he surfaced. Secondly, he noticed Kinkajou.
At least he assumed it was her. The female Rainwing in question was currently leaning against Darkstalker with her eyes closed. The last time he had seen the Rainwing, she had been extremely distrustful of their old adversary. What had happened in such a relatively short span that made her trust him now?
The Nightwing shifted and gently shook Kinkajou—who was apparently sleeping—when their group was fully in view. She awoke, but her eyelids were droopy and she seemed exhausted. She looked up at the Nightwing in confusion, but when he gestured in their direction with his head and she saw them, she visibly brightened.
She walked over, feet and tail dragging slightly and threw her arms around his neck and proceeded to let gravity take over. He wrapped his own arms around her and held her up to which she smiled, though her eyes were closed. "Hey, Sparkles," she mumbled. "You're comfy," she said even more quietly.
He looked over to the Nightwing, concerned for his friend. "What happened? Where's Turtle?" he whispered. Ruby and Cataclysm followed some guards to a destination unknown. Blaze and Zyfis shuffled around near the pool rather awkwardly.
Kinkajou shivered ever so slightly against Winter's scales, so Darkstalker reached out and took her from Winter's grasp, and she proceeded to snuggle into the new warmth. "She's exhausted," the Nightwing whispered back. "She's been staying up with Turtle, trying to keep him from doing something stupid. This whole debacle was clouding his judgment. It might have been better if you took him with you to the Sky Kingdom, but I know that wasn't an option. I'm just…worried about him."
"You? Worried?" Winter snorted in amusement. Though he had noticed when Darkstalker had come closer that he seemed a bit larger than before. Whereas Winter was only a half-head shorter than Darkstalker when he was first released; now, the Nightwing was over two heads taller than him.
Darkstalker, however, was less amused by Winter's comment. "Believe it or not, but I do have a heart," he said, seriously. "Once they were forced to actually trust me, they realized I wasn't so bad…at least, that's what I guess happened. Whatever the case, they're…my friends. I haven't had a real friend in over two thousand years unless you count Moon."
Winter blinked a few times at that before looking away in shame. He had never really thought of it like that before. To think of the loneliness that he must have felt locked in that cave for so long. And the constant hunger: he remembered the massive Nightwing being nothing but skin and bones when he was freed the first time. "She should be resting," the Nightwing said while looking down at the Rainwing in his arms. "But she wanted to be here when you arrived."
Winter furrowed his eye ridges. "How did you know we were coming?"
Darkstalker pointed at two Seawings on the other side of the room. On closer inspection, they were the same two Seawings that had lead them here. They must have seen them before, went to tell their superiors, and then came back to lead them here. "And to answer your other question, Turtle is in the Deep Palace with his mother and Anemone. They haven't left each other's side since she was found by a guard patrol early this morning."
"Was she okay?" Winter asked, but Darkstalker just shrugged. He didn't know. Hailstorm chose that moment to appear by Winter's side while looking at the Nightwing intently. Apparently it was introduction time. "Darkstalker, this is my brother Hailstorm. Hailstorm…Darkstalker."
Neither of them spoke to each other. Rather after a short pause, Darkstalker looked back down at the Rainwing in his arms. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I should get her to her room." He looked at Winter intently before turning away, "But you and I need to have a talk later."
Darkstalker nudged Kinkajou awake again and they both walked off in the direction of the guest quarters. "What now?" Hailstorm asked when they had gone.
A Seawing with teal-ish colored scales and an odd patch of lighter scales on his chest approached the two Icewings. Winter noticed the unique swirl pattern of the royal family on his wings when the Seawing bowed in greeting. "My name is Firkin, I've been assigned as your guide around the Summer Palace."
"We get a Prince as our personal guide?" Winter asked, not knowing whether to be impressed, confused, or concerned.
"Well, normally I'm a reef-house architect, but there hasn't been much of a demand for my services because of the…foreign invaders," he glanced at Zyfis when he said that last part but didn't comment further on a Changewing's presence in the Seawing's Summer Palace. "I'll show you to your rooms while the Queen is busy, but she'll be up as soon as she can. Probably tomorrow…or the day after." He shrugged apologetically and motioned for them to follow.
Hailstorm got Blaze and Zyfis's attention, and they fell in line behind them. He lead their group of four to the same corridor Ruby and Cataclysm and then Darkstalker and Kinkajou had entered earlier and motioned to four doors—one of which had guards posted on it. "Your friend is welcome to stay here in the Palace, but he must remain either with you or under guard at all times."
It didn't take a genius to figure out who he was referring to. Zyfis looked more than a little put down at the suspicious treatment but didn't argue as he walked into his assigned room. "The other three rooms are yours to choose from." Blaze entered the one directly across the hall from Zyfis's.
Winter looked at Hailstorm with a slightly forlorn expression to which the older Icewing replied to by draping a wing around his younger brother. "If at all possible, we'd like to share a room."
Firkin looked at him curiously but ultimately shrugged. "That's your choice, but these rooms aren't meant for two." Hailstorm looked down at Winter, and the younger Icewing sighed.
"I'll be fine," he mumbled, not really believing the words himself, as he began walking to one of the rooms.
"Wait!" Firkin called out. Winter looked back, curious as to the interruption. The Seawing Prince looked between them for a moment before sighing. "Follow me," he began walking back the way they came.
Once they were in the main room, Firkin took flight up to the fourth floor—out of five. Now that Winter thought about it, the layout was sort of similar to Ruby's Palace. Quite a few Seawings—all males—were walking around this level. They received curious glances from a few as they followed Firkin to a room on the north wall.
When they entered, Winter noticed that this room seemed lived in. Belongings such as scrolls or jewelry were strewn across the bed and parts of the floor. There were shelves filled with odd curiosities and an open chest with some more odds and ends. The desk itself was covered with blueprints and sketches. Winter understood as soon as Firkin said it. "This is my room. Pardon the mess," he said, sheepishly, as he began tidying up a bit.
"You're giving us your room?" Hailstorm asked with an incredulous expression.
Firkin looked at them solemnly, "I'm no stranger to comforting a brother that suffers from nightmares." Hailstorm and Winter shared a look before returning their attention to the Seawing who was now walking up to them with a key.
Hailstorm accepted the key from the Seawing. "Thank you," he said with a grateful smile.
Firkin smiled back at them. "It's no problem," he said while rubbing his neck with an embarrassed expression. "Turtle spoke highly of his Icewing friend, so it's the least I could do to help out."
"Where will you sleep, though?" Winter asked. He didn't want to take his room if he had nowhere else to sleep. That would be beyond rude.
He grinned mischievously. "I'll go steal Turtle's room since he isn't here to stop me. He usually stays in the Deep Palace, anyways. Make yourselves at home." With that, Firkin left the room, and the door shut with an audible click.
Winter dropped his bag on the bed for now. He'd move it later when it was time to sleep. "I'm hungry," he said simply after a moment.
Hailstorm chuckled at him. "Let's go fix that, shall we? I could go for some food myself, anyways." Hailstorm dropped the key in a pouch on his satchel before opening the door to see Firkin standing there with his talons raised to knock.
The two dragons stared at each other in surprise for a moment before the Seawing regained his senses. "I forgot to mention that the midday meal is about to be served if either of you are hungry."
"Starving," Winter commented from behind Hailstorm.
"Follow me, then," he said with a smile. Hailstorm made sure to lock the door when they had both left the room before the two of them followed their guide. They were lead to a large dining hall—more like a cafeteria than anything—on the second floor. There was a very large balcony with tables on the far end, no doubt meant for dining outside when the weather was fair like today. Already, there were quite a few Seawings out enjoying the fresh, sea air.
There was a vast assortment of seafood available to choose from, but Winter and Hailstorm merely settled for fish. Maybe he would try some of the more exotic foods later. They sat together at an empty table—their guide having left already. The others joined them not long afterwards, and so the group conversed with each other.
Winter's mind was focused on other things, however. He had until midnight tomorrow to make up his mind. He should already know his choice, though, shouldn't he? It was more difficult to choose than he expected. This is a difficult choice to make. What should I do?
No one can decide that but you. Faredir replied. Would you like more time to think about it?
The offer took Winter by surprise. Why give me the option?
Because this is a difficult decision, like you said. I don't want to rush you into choosing something you will end up regretting. Would another week be better? Faredir waited patiently while Winter thought.
Yes, he replied after a while. I promise I will have an answer in a week's time.
He chuckled. I'll hold you to that.
"Excuse me, Winter?" an unfamiliar voice broke him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see the Seawing Spirit standing next to him, expectantly. No one else was reacting to her presence. He understood immediately. Based off of this encounter and the glances she kept giving him on their flight here, Winter deduced that she wanted to talk.
Privately…
Winter excused himself from the group, claiming that he merely wanted some time alone and some fresh air to help clear his head. All but Darkstalker accepted his excuse. The Nightwing didn't say anything, but Winter could tell he knew by the look in his eyes. "I have someone I would like to talk with, as well," he said as Winter began turning around.
The two walked out of the dining hall together but split up when they left, much to Winter's relief. He walked along the scarcely populated hallways until he came upon a small balcony looking out over the rocky outcropping the Summer Palace was built on as well as the surrounding reefs. The waves crashed against the rocks, and the mist and spray cooled his scales. "I assume you wanted to talk to me," he said to the Seawing Spirit that appeared next to him.
The balcony wasn't large, but she found enough room to circle him once like a shark before settling down beside him. "Indeed," she agreed. Her voice was deep for a female and heavily accented, but that didn't diminish the authority in her voice. It was quite an exotic mix—one that he found interesting to listen to. "Shade wanted me to discuss a few things with you, but first, tell me of my Champion I have yet to meet."
"Turtle?" he asked. She nodded. "Well," he began. "He's an animus, but I'm sure you knew that already." She nodded again, but he could tell she wanted more, so he thought about what made Turtle, Turtle. "He cares deeply for his sisters, I know that. I'm not sure about his relationship with the rest of his family. He is nervous around new dragons. Not really shy…more worried about what they might think of him. He likes to be accepted—to prove himself to others. I think he has a few self-confidence issues as well."
He looked at her to see she was staring at him curiously, once again. "How so?"
"It's just little things I've either heard or noticed. He doesn't like to try new things and berates himself whenever he fails at something," he explained. She hummed in thought but didn't say anything. He spent the next several minutes describing his friend as best he could.
It was when Oceania held up a talon to signal that she had heard enough did he finally stop. "I really would like to meet him," she stated. "However, my dear friend Shade wants me to be your guardian Spirit for the next little while."
Needless to say, he was quite taken aback by that. "Why? Does Aurora know that you're taking her place?"
She smiled at him. "It's only temporary, but the reason why is because Shade believes you and Aurora need a little…break from each other. You both have said things that I'm sure you regret, so this will give you both a chance to calm down. As for taking her place, I'm not. Shade is worried about you, but he and Darkstalker are cooking up some schemes together, so he can't watch over you himself."
"So he asked you," he nodded, seeing the logic in her explanation. "What schemes, though?" he asked, curiously.
She laughed. "Shade is enigmatic at best. Nobody knows what goes on in his head—not even Aurora. Darkstalker probably does, but if so, he probably wouldn't tell anybody either. Those two are more similar than they would like to admit."
"So what exactly did he mean when he asked you to watch over me?" Winter asked, slightly miffed. He knew he was important in the grand scheme of things, but did they honestly think he needed a bodyguard? Or maybe it was because they didn't actually trust him anymore, so Oceania was here to make sure he didn't do anything to compromise their plans.
"Nothing as drastic as you're probably thinking," she commented. "Simply put: He wants you to have a friend with you at all times that you can trust. It's not because we are suspicious of you or anything. Shade truly is worried about you." She looked down with a ponderous expression. "I've never known him to trust a dragon as fast as he's trusted you. I don't know what you did, but you've made an impact on him."
"Okay… Not to sound rude or anything, but…why you?" He could rule out both Shade and Aurora for obvious reasons. If Shade didn't trust Stratos, that was another one ruled out. Arena seemed to be openly hostile against him now, so that's four ruled out. That still left the Rainwing Spirit—who he still didn't know the name of—and Sediment.
"Why?" she asked with an insulted-sounding tone. "Am I not good enough for you!?" Winter blinked at her a few times, not knowing what to say when she smirked and playfully punched his shoulder. "Ahh…I'm just messing with you!" Winter let out a small sigh of relief which, judging by how her smirk widened, she noticed. "That's a question you'll have to ask Shade, though. He doesn't tell anybody anything about his reason for doing the things he does, but we all trust him enough not to question him since things always work out in the end."
Winter was quiet for a while as the two just sat and watched the waves hitting the shore until he broke the silence with a smile. "If we're supposed to be friends, why don't we get to know each other?" She smiled back at him.
And so, the two spent the next several hours talking to each other. Oceania made for great conversation and company, and she made him laugh several times. I can't remember the last time I laughed. It was when the sun was starting its final voyage downwards that another dragon interrupted them.
"There you are," the Nightwing spoke. "I think it's time for you and I to have that talk." Winter swallowed the lump that had just invaded his throat. What could possibly go wrong?
AN: So how 'bout that? What is poor Winter going to do in this situation? What plots and schemes are Shade and Darkstalker cooking up? How does Oceania potentially play into said schemes? Who knows...
Oh wait, I do.
Before I go, I wanted to mention that Inferno has his own theme song by request of his creator:
*Savin' Me by Nickelback
Say what you will about that band, but they have a decent number of really good songs, in my opinion.
Also, I probably won't post another chapter of Brighter Future today since I posted this, but I will have it out within the next few days.
Until Next Time
AdmiralCole22
