"Your magic is not well known."

"That works to my advantage. My parents always preached that the light brings harm, while the darkness brings comfort."

"My father would disagree with that."

"Then he is a fool. As you witnessed all too well: My appearance was unforeseen, you suspected it. But I had eluded your sight."

"That's why I wanted to speak with you, what is it you want?"

"Security. For the people, I fight to protect."

"That is what I am fighting for, but on a large scale."

"If you say so."

"Where do we stand?"

"That is up to you."

When the dream ended, no noise seemed to register in Peacemaker's ears. His eyes had opened, in which he was greeted with the sight of Jaguar across the Sleeping Cave. Seconds later, he started to hear the faint snoring of his clawmates, with Jaguar snoring much more loudly than Cliff. Despite having woken up, there was reluctance in Peacemaker about getting up. Part of him wanted to go back to sleep, but the words from his dream continued to echo through his mind.

Eventually, despite the protests of his body, he forced himself to sit up. Rubbing his talons over his eyes, he took a deep breath as he thought more about the dream.

No images...just words.

For the last two nights since his return from the dream world, his dreams had been blank. This dream had been the first he'd had where anything occurred while he was asleep. It was not a bad dream, by any means. But it was still confusing.

Especially when he recognized two of the voices.

The first had been his own.

The other voice was one he recognized from a previous dream: King Adder.

"Another dream about him," Peacemaker muttered as he pressed his talons on the bridge of his snout.

Looking at the others, making sure they were asleep, he decided to get up from his sleeping area and walk out of the dark cave.

He needed some fresh air. The best place for that was near one of the entrances of the school. All he would do was take a few minutes to feel the cool mountain air, and then return to the Common Cave before the sun rose.

Walking quietly through the Common Cave, Peacemaker made sure that his talons did not make too much noise and that the slithering of his tail was quiet enough not to disturb his Winglet.

Once he had made it for the exit of the Common Cave and into the halls, Peacemaker made sure that he walked faster. To his knowledge, Clay did not patrol the halls at this time but he did not want to get caught during these hours wandering. That would mean he'd have a lot of explaining to do.

The darkness of the halls was warded off by the faint silver light of the moons that peered through the translucent leaf windows that lined the walls. This made Peacemaker feel more relaxed at the sight of the moon. It reminded him of the nights his mother would take him out into the rainforest at night. He'd be resting on her back while she picked fruit and vegetables for the RainWing and NightWing villages so she could sell them the next day.

He remembered the night creatures that chirped and howled in the darkness. Despite some noises scaring some dragonets his age, he felt safe when with his mother.

After everything that had happened, he wished he could feel that same security when he was younger.

But his mother was on Pantala now, representing their tribes. She had important things to do.

He needed to stand on his own.

Reaching the Academy exit, Peacemaker was ready to step out into the silver light of the moon and get some fresh air.

Then, as he turned the corner, he heard voices.

"She always enjoyed nights like this," Came a voice Peacemaker recognized.

"Qibli said your first date with her was at a dance in Sanctuary," Answered a voice Peacemaker definitely knew.

Moon? Peacemaker thought to himself as he peered around the corner of the Academy entrance.

Standing outside on the cliff ledge, looking out at the sight of the three silver moons that brightened the night sky, was Moon. Beside her was Winter, sitting on the ledge, looking out at the moons. He noticed that Bobcat was nowhere to be seen, leaving just the two of them.

Looking at the two, Peacemaker's eyes widened when he noticed Moon's head briefly turn to the side, as if to look in his direction. Had she heard his thoughts? Whether she did or not, she seemed to shrug them off as she looked back in Winter's direction.

In response to Moon's previous comment, Winter had made a soft chuckle.

"She was insistent on us dancing," Winter replied. "Told me to unwind, that I'd worked too hard that day."

"In the end, you two danced?" Moon asked he could see her lips tugging into a smile.

"Not immediately," Winter said, lowering his head. Despite not seeing his face, Peacemaker could have sworn he saw the IceWing chuckle. "She stopped pressuring me, said that she wouldn't push me into doing something I didn't want to do. Instead, we sat together and talked. But the more we talked, the more I felt at ease, more confident. Then: I asked her if she wanted to dance with me."

Hearing this, Peacemaker could not help but smile at the way Winter described the memory of him, and this mystery dragon he was talking about. He'd heard Winter's lectures, how he spoke in such a calm tone, and only raising his voice to regain the attention of the class if need be.

How he spoke now, it was filled with warmth. Like he was describing the happiest memory in his life.

"You and Lynx made quite a few others jealous that night," Moon added, revealing the name of the other dragon in his story.

"So Qibli says," Winter said, looking back at Moon with a smile. As he did, Peacemaker noticed his talons gently rub against the golden bracelet around his wrist. "But, I enjoyed the night."

Turning around, Winter looked like he was about to walk into the Academy. Quickly, Peacemaker ducked behind the wall. But instead of walking forward, he heard the IceWing continue to speak.

"I know we have a lot to talk about, Moon," He heard Winter said. "But, it has been good to see you…and talk."

"I've missed you, you know?" Moon replied. Her voice was low. "We all have."

"I know. Swan, Silent, Cricket, and the others helped me find my place in the world, but you and the others made me realize that there was a place for me. I just wish I hadn't shattered your trust."

"Winter, you never…" He heard Moon begin, only to grow silent. Peacemaker was tempted to look around the corner. But he knew Winter hadn't moved yet. "We trust you, you know that, right?"

Trust him with what? Why would Winter think he was not worthy of Moon and Qibli's trust?

"When you needed me most, I wasn't there," Winter whispered.

Both of them were silent for a long time. Curiously, Peacemaker peered around the corner as he heard Moon's talons click against the ground. He saw his oldest friend approach the IceWing, one of her wings draped over his own. Her dark green eyes looked into Winter's blue ones with sympathy.

"When the term is over, and you are back in Sanctuary, I promise I will visit," Moon spoke, finally, her smile returning as she spoke. "Then, I'll tell you everything that happened that night."

Whatever Moon was talking about made Winter raise his head, his eyes blinking with surprise. It was like he had heard something he was never expecting. What it was, Peacemaker could not begin to guess. But the IceWing was visibly honored by her words.

To the point, Winter's smile returned.

"Okay," Winter answered. "I guess, I could show you what we've been doing in Sanctuary since the end of the war."

"I'd like that," Moon replied.

When Winter turned his attention back to the entrance, Peacemaker quickly ducked back behind the corner.

"Sunny and I have a busy day, the first conferences are today," Winter said. "I guess I should be getting some rest."

"Good luck, Winter," Moon replied.

After that, Peacemaker heard Winter's talons click against the ground as he made his way into the Academy.

Holding his breath, Peacemaker ducked into the shadows, hoping beyond hope Winter wouldn't see him. He didn't want to get in trouble with him and, by extension, Moon. As the IceWing entered the academy, his neck and head turned in the direction of Peacemaker.

Realizing that there was no point in pretending that the IceWing didn't see him, all he could do was smile sheepishly.

Yet instead of looking down at him with disappointment, Winter instead smiled softly at him. With a gesture of his head, the Scavenger expert motioned Peacemaker to go outside. Nodding, Peacemaker walked passed the IceWing as he made his way deeper into the school.

Once he had exited the school and stepped out onto the cliff, Peacemaker felt the cool breeze of the night air brush against his scales. Smiling, he felt much more relaxed than he had been when he had first woken up. The air let him refresh his mind…to think of other things.

"Good morning," He heard Moon say as he walked closer to her beside the ledge. Her dark green eyes met his light blue ones, all while giving him the smile that he had come to love. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"Well, I was restless," Peacemaker answered, making sure to suppress his thoughts enough to keep Moon from reading about what he had been doing. "Just needed some fresh air."

"I can understand that," She said, shifting a bit so she sat closer to him. Together, the two looked out at the night sky. On the horizon, the faint glow of orange confirmed the rising of the sun in a couple of hours.

There were times Moon would take him up into the trees of the Rainforest to see the sunrise. With the NightWing village located on the forest floor, it was typically very dark during the day thanks to the thickness of the tree cover.

Up in the top of the trees, Peacemaker and Moon would watch the dawn of new days together. Together on the limbs of the trees, they would listen to the chatter of the wildlife below and the forest would come alive after a long night. Then, they would go back down to the village for breakfast, before Moon would take him to school.

Sitting here, beside Moon, reminded him of those early dragonet years. Years he would not trade for anything in the world.

Peacemaker blinked when he felt Moon's wing drape over him. Looking up at her, he could see her smiling down at him. There was no doubt she had heard his thoughts, about the memory.

"You've grown so much, you know?" Moon said.

At this, Peacemaker couldn't help but look at the ground and smile.

"I had good teachers…I still do," Peacemaker said. "Even though I've made new friends, I still haven't forgotten our friendship."

After he said this, Moon grew silent. Her head turned away from him and looked at the moons hovering in the sky. There was a glint of emotion in her eyes, one Peacemaker was struggling to tell what it was. He could have sworn, for the briefest moment, that Moon seemed…sad?

Regretful even.

"What's wrong?" He asked, afraid he had offended her.

Quickly, Moon's expression reverted to one he knew was happy, she looked back at him and gave him one of her reassuring smiles. Those smiles that always confirmed to him that things were okay.

Yet Peacemaker felt something deep in his chest that made him doubt if things were okay.

"It's just, I've been thinking of an old friend," Moon answered him. "He made a lot of mistakes, both before and when I knew him."

Peacemaker rose a scaly brow when she said this. He had never heard of Moon talking about this friend of her's. When she spoke, he could see the sadness in her eyes. Almost like it was too painful to think about him.

"What happened to him?" Peacemaker asked.

"He died," Moon revealed. "Before you hatched. I wanted to help him, to guide him on a better path. In the end he didn't listen to anyone. Others had to make a choice and he paid the price."

"Didn't I help you?"

It happened so suddenly, his head grew light. However, he did not stumble back or falter. Instead, Peacemaker stood up, only blinking as he heard the echo of a voice in the back of his mind. One that sounded like his own.

Beside him, he heard Moon yawn. Looking up Peacemaker saw Moon press her talons to her eyelids. Suddenly, she seemed so tired.

"I guess I should be asking if you slept okay." Peacemaker said as he shook the lightheadedness out and regained his composure.

"Sorry," Moon answered, yawning one last time as she forced her eyes open. "I just felt so exhausted all of a sudden."

"Maybe, get some rest in the academy?" Peacemaker asked. "Before you head back home?"

"Actually, I was coming to the academy," Moon replied as she regained her composure, the fatigue seemingly wearing off. "First conferences are today, and I was hoping to see some old clawmates."

Like that, the mood had shifted. Once solemn, Moon's eyes had brightened again. Peacemaker supposed that the thought of old friends coming to the Academy, who had dragonets of their own attending, would make Moon excited.

"Will they all be here today?" Peacemaker asked.

"No, most will be coming in over the course of a few days," Moon answered. "I've had visions of some friends from other Winglets from my year will be coming today."

"That's great!" Peacemaker said, smiling. After she had said this, something came across Peacemaker's mind.

Before he could ask, Moon apparently already knew the answer.

"Your mother won't be arriving for another few days," Moon answered his thoughts.

Hearing this, Peacemaker felt his heart fall a second. He'd really hoped his mother would be here for the first day of conferences. But part of him had already expected that. She had told him that she would be coming to the Academy near the end of the term, but due to her travels to Pantala it was unlikely she would be arriving on the first day of the conferences.

Even though Moon told him she would be arriving in a few days, he really wanted to see her again. He wanted to tell her all the good things that had happened. All of the friends he'd made.

Most importantly: he wanted to show her how much he had grown in the few months since they last saw each other. Would she be proud of him?

"She will be," Moon answered, draping her wing over him.

At this, Peacemaker smiled. Together, the two continued looking out at the night sky.

Hours later, the academy was buzzing with activity.

Parents of the Academy students were arriving slowly but surely. Students greeted their parents. Some parents responded with hugs, while others were largely calm and acknowledged their parents with nods or verbal greetings.

In the case of Ermine, Peacemaker saw that she and Stoat were approached by two adult IceWings. One of them, a female IceWing, had similar blue markings that decorated both Ermine and Stoat's scales. While Stoat was quick to show joy at seeing his parents, Ermine was quick to stop him, and gesture to the rest of the entrance cave. In response, both Ermine and Stoat gave a courteous nod to their parents.

While the father gave an emotionless nod, their mother gave each of them the softest hint of a smile.

Instantly, from where he stood with Tempest, Peacemaker knew that both parents loved Ermine and Stoat. But IceWing culture frowned on public showers of affection. Regardless, it was still good to see the two being with their parents.

"They don't really approve of Ermine challenging tradition, but they do care about her," Tempest whispered to Peacemaker. "I think, if it were up to them, they'd let Ermine say what she wants…but IceWing politics is still a dangerous career."

At this Peacemaker nodded, at least her parents cared about her. He wouldn't want to be a part of IceWing politics, but he knew Ermine was fully confident in that field.

"Are your parents arriving?" Peacemaker asked Tempest. At that question, Tempest frowned.

"Doubtful," Tempest answered, looking at him she continued. "My dad, as someone who mastered his Somnus magic, is always traveling. My mom is always making sure that the affairs of Adderin are in order. So the idea of them arriving is slim to none…"

As she said this, from the corner of his eye Peacemaker caught a large aqua green figure approaching the two of them. Surprised, both he and Tempest looked up at the new arrival. He was an adult SeaWing, about twenty. His scales were like Tempest's, aqua green (though, Peacemaker noted that they were a darker green than Tempest's.)

Glancing at Tempest he saw that her eyes were wide with shock mixed with just as much joy. She looked as she was about to jump up to the ceiling.

"Dad!" Tempest shouted, a grin rising on her lips as the single word escaped her lips. It seemed she was about to leap up and wrap her wings around the older SeaWing, but stopped when he glanced around the cave. Slowly, Tempest calmed down and said. "I mean…father, it's good to see you."

Peacemaker noticed that while her father, Surf, maintained a stoic expression there was a small glint in his eyes. For the briefest moment, he could see that Tempest's father missed her. Whether he maintained this expression for the sake of professionalism, or if he was always distant with Tempest, he could only guess.

But the love both had for each other was obvious.

"Daughter, it's been too long," Surf replied. Approaching Tempest, he draped a wing over her shoulder. "Your mother says you've been doing well…" Surf's gaze fell on Peacemaker's, who gave the older SeaWing a small smile. "And this must be the hybrid you've mentioned in your letters. Peacemaker, I believe?"

"Yes sir," He answered, trying not to sound nervous in front of the dragon. By no means was he intimidating. But the way he carried himself and spoke showed he was a very serious dragon. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

At this, Surf gave a respectful nod.

"So da…I mean, father, mom said you were in the Sand Kingdom, doing business in the capital?" Tempest said, getting her father's attention again. "Did everything work out?"

Her father's attention returned to Tempest, and he gave her a curious look with his green eyes. For a moment, he glanced around the cave, before turning his attention to Tempest again.

"That is a topic for after my meeting with your instructors," Surf answered. "In private."

That was directed at him, Peacemaker realized. From this answer, it was apparent that the SeaWing was referring to something regarding Somnus magic. Given how much Tempest's family wanted to keep the secret of their bloodline's magic, Peacemaker tried to appear curious in an attempt to feign ignorance.

"Yes, of course…" Tempest replied, a bit hesitant at first. She looked back at Peacemaker, giving him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Peacemaker, but can I speak with my father alone? I'll catch up with you and the others later."

"Ye…yeah, sure." Peacemaker nodded, trying to seem confused. "See you later."

Slowly he made his way towards the center of the cave, trying to find anyone from his Winglet to be with. But so far, he only saw Ermine and Hyena being with their parents (the latter of whom was being scolded at by her parents, he could only imagine what the letters they had received about Hyena challenging teachers and stealing stuff.) He tried to look around for Cliff but was unable to find his best friend anywhere in the group.

Instead, he bumped into someone.

"Oooof…oh! Hi Peacemaker!" Came a cheerful voice of a NightWing that he had become familiar with.

"Sorry about that, Shadehunter," Peacemaker apologized, giving a sheepish grin as they picked themselves up to their feet. "Just, looking for Cliff."

"Take it not much luck?" The NightWing asked, looking around the cave a bit. "Been hoping my dad would be here."

Well, that was something he could relate with. Even though Moon had told him earlier that his mother wouldn't be arriving at the academy for another few days, he still kind of hoped that her vision was wrong. The excitement of telling his mother everything really made him excited!

From what he'd seen of Shadehunter and her father's relationship whenever he visited their smith shop in the NightWing village, they were very close. While her father would make stuff from his forge, Shadehunter would be bouncing from the front door of the shop to greet customers and racing back to her father in order to give him requests.

It seemed they were in the same situation.

"Well, my mom won't be coming here for a few days," Peacemaker replied. "Moon says she hasn't reached Pyrrhia's western shoreline just yet."

"Sorry to hear about that," Shadehunter said, giving him a sympathetic nod. "Guess we dragonets of important dragons are in the same wind current?"

"So it would seem," He nodded.

After saying that, Peacemaker wasn't sure about what he should say to Shadehunter. While they got along well, he only interacted with her on rare occasions. Then there was the fact Moon had told him a secret about Shadehunter.

That she had feelings for him.

Part of him wanted to ask her about that, but the other half of him was reluctant to mention it in a random conversation. Then there was the fact that he wondered if Moon was right if he should consider being better friends with her? Maybe something would spark between them?"

In the end, he felt himself at a stalemate. Not sure how to proceed. Instead, he remained silent about it.

At least until Shadehunter had spoken.

"You know, I saw your friend the other day. Moonwatcher," Shadehunter said, all the while looking at him with a glint of excitement in her eyes. "We had an amazing chat."

"Really?" Peacemaker asked, admittedly he was curious about what Moon had to say to the NightWing. It wasn't uncommon for dragons from across the continent, even as far as Pantala, to come to Moon for advice on the future. "What did you two talk about?"

The excitement in her eyes spread to the rest of her face. With a wave of her talons, she quickly gestured him to follow her down one of the halls that connected to the entrance cave. Admittedly, he was glad that she did that as the cave was becoming a bit too crowded and noisy from all the dragons waiting to begin the conferences across the Academy.

Following her towards one of the empty study caves, Shadehunter made doubly sure that no one was inside as she faced Peacemaker. For a moment, she was silent, it seemed she was trying to compose herself. Eventually, after a minute, it seemed she had finally found the words.

"Well, she and I met in the library, I had a lot of scrolls and books I needed to carry back to the Copper Common Cave. As I tried to carry it all in my bag, Moon offered to take some," Shadehunter began, smiling at the memory.

"That sounds like Moon," Peacemaker replied. She was always like that, wanting to help others.

"Yeah. Not much was said at first," Shadehunter continued. "But eventually we started talking about one of my favorite stories, coincidentally being one of her favorites as well. From there, we just started talking about so much. Even after I got back to the Common Cave, our conversations bounced from one topic to another."

Something in Shadehunter's eyes changed as she spoke. It changed from excitement, to complete adoration. This adoration, however, didn't seem directed at Moon. Rather, it was when she looked at Peacemaker.

This made him think back to what Moon had said…about her having feelings for him.

In the back of his mind, he felt both honored. And guilt. Honored that someone possibly had feelings for him. But the guilt that he did not have any feelings to give in return.

"What else did she say?" Peacemaker asked, wanting to know where the conversation headed.

That's when he noticed Shadehunter grow nervous. It did not seem like she was afraid, the happiness and joy were still in her eyes. Rather it seemed like the words she wanted to say wouldn't come out.

He could even see a scarlet tint cross her normally black scales.

"Well, she mentioned that one of the books we both enjoyed would be a favorite of my future dragonets," She muttered. This did not surprise Peacemaker, but what she said next was another story. "Stories I would read to them at night after they had snatched some strawberries from their father's garden."

Hearing this, made Peacemaker's eyes almost grow wide. On its own, Moon telling Shadehunter her future like this was not surprising. Not even the fact that Shadehunter's future mate, and father of her dragonets, would dedicate a garden to strawberries. There were many NightWings who grew strawberries.

No, what made this surprising to him: Was how everything seemed to line up so perfectly with what Moon told him a few days ago. That Shadehunter had feelings for him.

"Did she…say my name?" Peacemaker asked, recovering from the shock that still vibrated through his body.

Shadehunter shook her head.

"No, but how she mentioned my mate would be leading the strawberry harvests, I couldn't help but think of you!" Shadehunter said, smiling at him. Walking forward, she placed his talons over his. Her scales felt warm and soft…they made him feel so at ease. "It just sounds so beautiful. The future, our future."

It was beautiful. He did not know what Moon had seen entirely but he did not doubt her or Shadehunter.

It had always been his dream to one day be in charge of the Strawberry harvests. To lead gatherers into the forest and help supply his tribe with a delicious fruit. To sing songs to brighten everyone's day.

Then, someday, teach his dragonets everything he knew so they could teach others.

This vision would be everything he had dreamed of his entire life.

And, if he were honest, he would love to share that future with someone like Shadehunter.

But in the back of his mind, the more he thought about it, the more uncertain he became. Even though he trusted Moon's visions, he was aware of how they changed. They were never set in stone. The future would always change just like the dragons in the world.

"Shadehunter, do you have feelings for me?" Peacemaker asked bluntly as he looked up into her grey eyes.

The question was not immediately answered by Shadehunter. After he had asked her, she had opened her mouth to speak only to slowly close it after a few seconds. Her eyes looked into Peacemaker's. Only the distant chatter of dragonets and their parents could be heard in the distance. All the while, Shadehunter was deep in thought, as was Peacemaker.

The question he'd asked was just as much a question for himself. Was there the possibility that he had feelings for Shadehunter? He didn't know. But when he thought of her, it was not in the same way he thought of his Winglet.

When he thought of her, he always looked forward to speaking with her.

But when he thought of Tempest, Cliff, Alligator, Jaguar, Ermine, and Hyena? The excitement he felt was always greater. At the beginning of the day, he always wondered what new experience would there be with them? Whether it was good or bad, he looked forward to facing those challenges with the others.

When he was around Cliff and Tempest…these emotions were at their strongest.

He wondered if Shadehunter was thinking the same about her own Winglet.

After minutes of contemplation, Shadehunter sighed.

"I don't know…" Shadehunter said, her wings falling to her side briefly. "I guess, hearing my future, knowing it's good, just got me excited."

"It is a good future," Peacemaker smiled, touching her talons. "But Moon's visions change. They can be accurate, but nothing is set in stone." Shadehunter raised her head and her mood seemed to brighten. "Maybe, someday we will have feelings for each other. Maybe we will share a future. But, even if we know the future…we shouldn't force ourselves to change. We have to focus on our lives in the present, right here, right now."

The more he spoke, the more he noticed her smile return. Excitement had been tempered, but she was happy again. She knew he was not denying the future.

"We take it day by day, right?" Shadehunter asked. At this, Peacemaker nodded.

"Then, we can see what happens," Peacemaker finished.

With that said, Shadehunter's mood had finally returned to what it had been, her eyes full of life.

"Then, that's what we'll do," She replied. Removing her talons from Peacemaker's, she began to walk outside of the cave. Pausing at the entrance she looked back at him. "I have a feeling you and Moon have a lot to talk about?"

Speaking of Moon made him think of his oldest friend. Indeed, there was much he needed to ask her. Especially regarding her insistence on him speaking to Shadehunter a few days ago.

"We do," He nodded. But to make sure their conversation ended on a high note, he added. "Thanks, Shadehunter, good luck with conferences, okay?"

At that Shadehunter smiled brightly, nodded, and left the cave.

A few minutes after she left, Peacemaker left the cave to go find Moon.

By now the academy halls were crowded as parents and their dragonets went to various classrooms. Conferences would go until dinner, so the next few hours the Academy would be bustling with dragons. Despite this, Peacemaker knew exactly where Moon would be.

Just as she knew his habits, having cared for him since his hatching, Peacemaker knew Moon's habits like the back of his talons. Back home at this time of day, she would be in the NightWing village library. Where she would spend hours reading or studying. She always spoke highly of the Academy library, so it was no secret that while the school was crowded: she would escape for the library to enjoy some peace and quiet.

It pained him that he would disrupt her reading, but he needed to know.

When he reached the library: it was seemingly empty, not even Starflight was at his desk or organizing the shelves. Despite this, he knew where to find Moon.

Making his way to the far corner of the library's first floor, he found the dragon he was looking for. In her talons, Moon was reading a scroll intently.

"Moon?" Peacemaker thought, loudly.

This made Moon raise her head from the scroll she was reading and directed her attention to Peacemaker. Seeing him, her smile crossed her face as he could only imagine how happy she was to see him.

Slowly, however, her smile began to flatten as he allowed his thoughts to freely circulate. Specifically the recent memories he had of his and Shadehunter's conversation. For the briefest moment, her eyes widened as he thought about what Shadehunter had said, especially the bit where she revealed what Moon had told her.

As she reached the end of the memories of his conversation with Shadehunter, Moon looked down at her scroll.

"I didn't want you to find out like that, either of you." Moon muttered. Her voice sounded nervous. As if she wasn't expecting how he would react even as she read his thoughts.

In response, Peacemaker asked. "Is that why you to wanted me to spend time with Shadehunter?"

"I wanted you to have more friends outside of your Winglet, that is true," Moon answered. "But yes, I guess I just wanted to see you two together…soon."

Peacemaker frowned. On the one talon, he was touched by how much she wanted him to have more friends. As always she was looking out for him.

On the other talon, however? She tried to manipulate the future she saw for him, so it happened sooner.

"I did not do it to be manipulative!" Moon stated, her voice rising defensively. Hearing the way she spoke surprised him stunned him. She had never raised her voice at him in such away. Realizing how she came off, Moon visibly calmed. "Peacemaker," She began, standing up to be in front of him. "It's just…your future, it's so bright! If you could see, what I see, then…you would understand why I would love to see it happen."

Indeed he was curious to know what his future was. He'd love to see the dragonets he would have with Shadehunter. He'd love to see it all.

But as he thought more about the future, the more his mind wandered back to his present: To Cliff and Tempest, specifically.

"Are…they in my future?" Peacemaker asked, letting his thoughts focus on the SkyWing and SeaWing who had become his closest friends.

Moon's prolonged silence and the frown that made her way onto her face were all the answer he needed before she spoke again.

"I haven't seen that many futures with them," Moon answered.

"Then what futures have you seen?!" Peacemaker answered, wanting to know exactly what she was talking about.

Moon shook her head, pacing in front of him.

"Some show your friendships with them, and your Winglet, growing distant. Others, I can't see at all," Moon replied as her attention turned out to the window. "Your friendship with Tempest…is even more uncertain."

"What?" Peacemaker blinks.

"I can't see her, in any future," Moon clarified. "I see your Winglet, I see you laughing with them, but I can't see her. Anywhere."

The idea that he could possibly lose contact with his winglet made his heart grow heavy. What would make him become distance himself from his friends in the future? He knew dragons changed all the time, but he thought his friendship with the Quartz Winglet would last for a long time.

However, as he thought more about what Moon had said, he realized something about Tempest. Moon hadn't seen her in the visions. It reminded him of what he'd told Shadehunter, how the visions were not set in stone.

"But they are still strong possibilities," Moon pointed out, kneeling down in front of him so their eyes were even with each other. "Peacemaker…I just want you to have the best future you can have. With Shadehunter all the signs point to it."

"But the visions can change," Peacemaker insisted, looking at Moon with as much resolve as he could muster. "I can still have a good life."

"You can, but…"

"I can still make my own choices," Peacemaker cut her off, stepping closer just a step. Moon's eyes widened after he interrupted her. He felt nervous, he did not like being this way, his entire body telling him to relax and just listen to Moon. Yet he knew he was right. That's why he would not back down, not about this. "Maybe my friends and I will grow distant, maybe Shadehunter and I will get married. But Moon, it's my decision! I need to be the one to make the first step, not guided down that path by others."

His oldest friend made no response, instead, her dark green eyes were filled with shock and confusion. It was clear she had not anticipated him not listening to her, that he would heed her advice, like he always had done, and change his life now in order to appease her visions later.

In truth, he always valued her guidance. But that was all it was: guidance. He needed to make his own decisions. Moon regularly met with all of Phyrria's queens, who would seek her counsel. But they ultimately needed to decide how to rule their kingdoms and reach that good future she predicted.

With all of these thoughts rushing through his mind, he saw Moon dip her head slightly. Sadness filled her eyes. He couldn't tell if she was disappointed in him, or if she was sorry for trying to push him.

The only response he could think of was to sit beside her and wrap one wing around her.

"You've always looked out for me, Moon," Peacemaker said, trying to get her attention. "But please, it's my future. Let me decide what I want to do with it."

After he said this, he felt her wing slowly wrap around him, and pull him close to her into a hug. Slowly her head nodded as a small smile crept its way up her lips. In the corner of her eyes, Peacemaker could have sworn he saw them water.

"Okay," Moon answered, finally. Her voice cracked momentarily but smoothed out. "Okay, I understand." She looked down at him. "I still think you should be with Shadehunter, but I know it's your life. In the end, I know you will do what's best for yourself, Peacemaker."

In response, Peacemaker could only smile. Hugging her again, he sat beside his oldest friend. Letting her know that things between them were okay. Feeling her wing tighten around him, he knew that their friendship was still strong despite this disagreement.

"Now," Moon said, pausing for a moment to wipe her eyes. "I need to finish some reading, I will see you later, okay?"

"Of course," Peacemaker answered, giving her a smile as he reluctantly broke the hug. Despite walking away, he spared a glance back at her. When their eyes met, he gave her one last smile before leaving the library.