Finding Peace: Winglets

Beyond the Turning/Eyes of the Moon:

The Future

It was a day Winter knew all too well would come. After all, he and Sunny had planned for it to be his last day at the Academy as her co-teacher.

In his mind, he imagined that his last day would be a silent exit. He would pack his things, scoop up Bobcat into his wings, bid farewell to any students passing him by in the halls and take to the skies and return home to Sanctuary. Then, when he was home, he and Bobcat could finally sleep in their rooms again and spend the next few days not being bothered to wake up at the moon forsaken hours in the morning.

That was before the Scavenger unit caught the Academy's curiosity and became one of the most popular ones in Jade Mountain Academy.

The entire day, Winter received visitors in his and Bobcat's cave. While the students had all been original in their questions, their questions could be boiled down to a simple premise: "Will you be coming back again to teach more about Scavengers?!" It got to the point that he needed to make a quick exit from his cave with Bobcat in between classes because his departure was constantly being stalled.

But in regards to those questions: He would give students a simple answer.

"Yes."

That was enough to make every student who talked to him excited. It was the truth, after all. The growing popularity encouraged him and Sunny to establish plans: He would return to the Academy during the Spring term and continue teaching with Sunny for a few months.

Normally, he would have preferred not coming back to Jade Mountain. He had a lot of work at Sanctuary. But, he realized, that was just an excuse to avoid the tough memories that the Academy gave him. After everything, he realized he liked being in the Academy. Not just for sharing his research with young dragons, but because he enjoyed the camaraderie with the teachers.

If it were possible, he even would have moved the preserve to The Academy. That way he could be with Swan, SilentTongue, Pagona, Lilly, Stingray, Ibex, and (when she visited) Cricket. But for now, he would have to settle with regularly traveling between the Academy and Sanctuary.

Regardless of what happened in the Academy during his stay, learning the dark secrets his former Winglet kept and the implications, he was still happy to be here. Most of all, he had been happy to see Moon.

That's why, as he walked through the now empty stone halls of the Academy, he aimed to find her before his departure.

This time, he needed to bid her farewell face to face.

The conversation with Darkstalker, or Peacemaker as he was now called himself, was somehow uplifting to him. He hated him for what he had done but seeing how Peacemaker wanted to genuinely right his wrongs made Winter realize how he had helped Moon when none of the original Jade Winglet could.

It made him realize how little he knew, all of those years ago. To this day, he did not regret what he said in the library. It had been the truth. But he would not deny how he told her had been unsympathetic, regardless of what Darkstalker was in his eyes. Darkstalker had been her first friend, long before he or Qibli became her friends.

All of this about his former Winglet's hypocrisy over magic made the situation even sadder, knowing that Moon had supported the idea and stood by it.

Walking further down the hall, Winter found the cave the study cave Moon was in. Upon him, with Bobcat, entering the cave: Winter saw Moon sitting down in the center, her head bow and her eyes staring aimlessly at her talons as if she were in deep thought. Then, her head lifted as if she heard something.

Which, he realized, she must have heard Bobcat's thoughts since he was still wearing the bracelet with the Skyfire embedded in it.

Turning to look over at the entrance of the cave, their eyes met. In contrast to the last few days, he didn't see any sadness in her eyes. Rather, she looked confused. As if she was questioning everything she knew.

"May we come in?" Winter asked.

For a moment, he wondered if she heard him. But then he saw her eyes soften with happiness as she nodded. Walking forward, Winter lowered one of his wings so his son could slide off and sit in between his forearms. The dragonet looked up at Moon with the biggest smile, which made Moon smile in return.

After removing his bag and placing it to the side, he and Moon looked at each other. Their thoughts clouded from each other.

"Are you okay?" Winter asked, genuinely concerned for his old friend.

Moon nodded silently, before taking a deep, exhausted sigh.

"I think so," She said. "I was talking to Peacemaker."

This time Winter nodded, he had discovered that based on the fact that Tsunami had reserved this study cave for a few hours. He hadn't asked at the time, but when he saw Peacemaker walking away he realized why the cave had been off-limits for an entire period.

Ever since Peacemaker had learned the truth, and had left the academy for days with Cliff, Moon had managed to keep herself calm. But Winter would be lying if he thought she was perfectly okay. It was during those two and a half days that she told him about Darkstalker's impact on her life.

Contrary to her demeanor during those two days, Moon seemed to be much calmer. She didn't look completely well by any stretch, but she was starting to look much better.

He didn't say anything for a few minutes, as he and Moon just sat together while Bobcat rested his head on Winter's forearm. The silence was not uncomfortable, but it felt like both wanted to say something. But, Winter admitted, he didn't know what he should say. What happened over the last few days still weighed on his mind.

Whatever was going through Moon's head, it seemed she was not sure what to say either. Yet for entirely different reasons.

After what felt like an eternity passed, she finally spoke.

"You must think I'm a terrible dragon," Moon whispered, her head dipping. Winter blinked in confusion at her sudden statement that seemed to come out of nowhere. Seeing this, Moon continued. "The lies I told Peacemaker for six years...not trusting you. I've been a horrible friend, to you both. You know it, Winter."

Did he believe she was horrible?

The fact that his old Winglet did not trust him enough with the truth about Darkstalker's fate stung like an infected wound. The thought that they would be willing to enchant someone like Darkstalker against their will was hypocritical to him after everything they saw during their travels six years ago. How Moon had lied to Peacemaker made Winter feel sympathy for him, since he was like Hailstorm in that regard.

But did that make Moon a horrible individual?

In a way, Winter knew what Moon was feeling. A year after he'd left Jade Mountain Academy, he had felt like a dragon who deserved no companionship after he felt he wasn't worthy of the friendship he had with his Winglet.

But...others convinced him he was.

Swan, SilentTongue, Cricket, Pagona, Ibex, Lilly, Stingray...Bobcat and Lynx…

They showed him his mistakes were not what defined him.

And he believed that even now as he spoke to Moon.

"I think you're someone who made a mistake," Winter answered. This caused Moon's head to snap up in confusion. Like she expected him to start berating her. Reaching out with his talons, them around her talons. "You made a mistake, Moon. A mistake that hurt others. But I don't think that makes you a bad dragon," As he spoke, her eyes blinked away tears. "You are not the first, let alone the last, dragon to make a mistake. That doesn't matter. What does: is what you choose to do after."

Though she did not say anything, it became clear to Winter that his words had an impact on Moon as the sadness in her eyes shifted to something akin to deep contemplation. He didn't know if it was enough to help her realize that she wasn't a horrible individual, but at least he told her the truth: That she could make things right, by moving forward.

Just like he did.

She let out a shaky sigh as Moon nodded.

"He helped me understand my powers," Moon said while rubbing the tears from her eyes as she spoke about Darkstalker. "Even though I tried not to be like him, in not thinking the future was mine alone to change...I realize I was like him. I focused so much on the "happy endings" in the visions I saw. I tried to dictate not just Peacemaker's futures, but everyone's' around me…even Qibli."

The thought that the two's relationship had deteriorated made Winter sad. He knew they were 'on a break' as Moon called it, but he had not known the details. He still didn't, but he knew that was not something for him to ask.

At least, not yet.

"Then, all I can say is to learn from it," Winter said, looking down at his dragonet, still sleeping soundly in front of him. "Learn from mistakes, and move forward. But do not let it weigh you down."

"You're right," Moon nodded, slowly smiling at him, the first time in days since he saw her smile...it brought a sense of warmth to his heart. "You've become so wise…"

At that, Winter chuckled in amusement.

"I'm far from the wisest dragon, Moon," He answered. "But...I've learned much from the dragons in my life, like you."

"Just as I've learned from you," She replied, that smile not wavering an inch.

By the coldest nights, that smile was always contagious.

Afterward, the two remained sitting together in silence. It felt like Moon wanted to say more, just as Winter did, but neither did.

What more could he say, Winter wondered to himself.

As he felt the urge to get up and get ready to leave with Bobcat...he realized he didn't want to. There was a long road ahead of them both, and it felt like that road would diverge once again. This time he hoped it wouldn't be long before their paths intersect. But when would they see each other again?

He didn't know…

"Winter," Moon said, suddenly. Looking at her, he saw the reluctance and sadness enter her green eyes. "Can I...walk with you?"

Surprised, Winter felt his body freeze as if his scales, already cold as ice, had frozen him in place. Emotions surged in his chest...he knew what he wanted to say, but how?

Then, he decided to just say it.

"I would like that."

And then, they were both up. With Bobcat on his back again and his pack slung over Winter's neck, he and Moon walked out of the cave and into the halls leading to the Entrance Cave. Together, the two friends walked in silence...but enjoying the presence of each other.

When they finally reached the cave, Winter was greeted by the sight of Sunny, Tsunami, Starflight, and Clay all waiting for him.

"Were you hoping we'd let you have a quiet exit?" Tsunami asked, a playful smirk on her lips as she stepped ahead of the others.

He couldn't help but playfully roll his eyes at the teacher who used to yank his tail during his brief attendance at the Academy. At the time he had found these jabs annoying from the SeaWing princess. But he was older now, and matured enough to appreciate the playfulness of his former teacher.

"Didn't want to disrupt the Academy any further, besides: I have lots of work to do at home," Winter said after chuckling a moment. All the while he felt Bobcat climb up his neck and rest his chin on his head. Sunny walked up and smiled at the dragonet.

"Going to miss you both," Sunny said to Bobcat.

"Wiss ou to Sunsun!" Bobcat said.

Winter smiled, appreciating that in their time here how Bobcat had loved spending time with all of the teachers.

"We'll see you soon, I hope?" Clay asked. "It would be nice to have you stay longer."

"We will," Winter nodded. "But for now, I need to take care of things."

"Then...we'll see you then," Sunny said, the two clasping their talons together. "I look forward to when you come back."

At this, Winter couldn't agree more.

Bidding one last farewell, Winter made his way to the exit of the Academy and stepped out onto the cliffside overlooking a beautiful valley. The sun was at the highest point now, and hardly any clouds filled the air.

Despite this, Winter felt a familiar chill in the air: The changing of the seasons from Autumn to, ironically, Winter itself, the season he was named after. The season IceWings favored.

Taking a deep breath, he let the cold air enter his lungs and refresh him.

Then, he felt Bobcat tap his neck.

"Papu! Woon!" Bobcat said, excitedly.

Turning back to the entrance: True to his son's statement, Moon was stepping out onto the ledge after speaking with the four former Dragonets of Destiny and stood beside him.

For a moment, the two stood side by side without saying anything. Both enjoying the cool autumn breeze. Then, they faced each other.

"What will you do now?" Winter asked, knowing full well Moon had many things to do now. "Will you be going back to Possibility?"

Moon nodded, her eyes showing a hint of uncertainty. But there was no small amount of courage. This was something she needed to do, he realized.

"After everything that's happened with Peacemaker, and my visions...I need to see Qibli," Moon admitted. "The last time we saw each other, it was not on good terms. But I need to say things to him. Maybe I can't mend our relationship...but I need to try."

"He's lucky, you know?" Winter said. He knew this was true. Even if Winter had not seen the two together for the longest time, he knew they made each other happy.

As their friend...Winter wanted what was best for them. He genuinely hoped things between them would improve. Knowing they were happy, was what was important to him.

Moon said nothing, only nodding.

"When things settle...can I...we... still come to see you in Sanctuary?" Moon asked. "It's been so long…"

At this, Winter felt warmth and excitement race through his heart. The thought of having Qibli and Moon in Sanctuary, this time talking with each other without having the past held over their heads.

He nodded, smiling.

"I would want nothing more, Moon," Winter whispered.

Smiling, Moon looked at the ground and closed her eyes.

"Winter…" She began, before opening her eyes. All uncertainty vanished at that moment as he saw confidence surge through her. "You are a good dragon, one of the best I know." Smiling, she held out her talons. "Thank you."

Blinking in surprise, he looked at Moon's outstretched talons for a moment. His body grew numb as he felt emotions swirl in him. He couldn't tell what they were, but he knew that they were not painful. They all made him happy.

Holding out his talons to her's, he clasped his around her's. He felt the warmth of her palm meets the coolness of his. Time seemed to slow as they stood there…

And an explosion of emotions he had thought was long dead entered his heart.

Suddenly, he edged his head forward...and felt his forehead press up against Moon's as she did the same. Squeezing his eyes shut, tears streaming down his cheeks, he felt the emotions he had felt for her six years ago surge through him with no restraint.

It was the same feelings he and Lynx expressed for each other when she was alive, and the same he felt for Qibli. They were feelings he thought he'd never experience after Lynx's passing.

Despite everything, he still cared about Moon.

He still thought the world of her and Qibli.

Together, they remained standing there on the cliff, foreheads pressed against each other as tears streamed down their cheeks. He heard Moon hold back a sob in her breath. He wanted this moment to happen forever...to just be here with Moon. To go to Possibility with her and see Qibli again.

But they needed to do something. They both did.

And they knew neither could go with each other...not yet.

Opening his eyes, Winter saw Moon's green eyes peering into his with tears falling from the corners of her eyes. With great reluctance, it was Winter who pulled his head away from Moon's. His talons still wrapped around her own.

Slowly, he nodded his head to her. Through the tears, Moon nodded, managing a smile on her lips.

Then...he pulled his talons from her's and turned away as he walked towards the edge of the cliff with his wings unfurled.

As he walked away, he realized that while he and Moon would go down separate paths again: This time was not goodbye. This time, nothing had been left unsaid. They would see each other again, someday.

The last of his doubts dissolved as he felt Bobcat's arms wrap around his neck, and he felt him nuzzle it. With a smile, Winter realized that he would not be alone until then. With a flap of his wings: The IceWing took to the clear skies, and flew him and his son home, to Sanctuary.

Six years ago, he left Jade Mountain for Sanctuary because he felt he had nowhere he belonged. But this time: He was leaving Jade Mountain to return to his home, and the family he had made there.

All the while knowing that, someday soon, he would reunite with the two dragons who helped him realize he had a place in the world, outside of the Ice Kingdom.

Moon watched as the IceWing took to the skies, his white scales reflecting the sunlight as he flew into the distance with his son on his back.

A tear slowly slid down her cheek, but this time it was out of happiness. Knowing that this time she was not saying farewell to Winter. Knowing that, somehow, she could mend the relationships that had weakened.

She had made mistakes, many mistakes.

But she had a chance to make things better.

She had a chance to mend not only her relationship with Peacemaker but Qibli as well. Maybe those relationships would never be as strong as they once were. Maybe the future would be negative, and she couldn't be repaired.

Like Peacemaker, she was still willing to try. Even if all of the futures pointed otherwise, she would forge her path. Her powers were a part of her, but she would not let them dictate how she interacted with the dragons in her life. She loved her friends, and they were worth fighting for.

As Winter vanished in the distance, Moon wiped the tears from her eyes and looked out at the sun as its rays of light shined down on her black and silver scales.

Unfurling her wings, her silver star membranes reflecting the light of the sun, Moon took to the sky and flew to Possibility.

As Jade Mountain Academy became distant, Moon felt a weight leave her heart.

Even though the future was uncertain to her, the truth was: For the first time in years, she felt free. The future was not just her responsibility. It was everyone's.

With this knowledge: She returned home...where Qibli waited for her.

With this, we reach the end of The Winglets for Finding Peace. All perspectives I wanted to explore outside of Peacemaker's have been visited. There are definitely more stories to tell from other dragons in this AU, but for now: The ones directly relating to Finding Peace have been fleshed out.

My next, and last update, for the year, will be the Epilogue of Finding Peace. In that chapter, we will finally see the conclusion of a long journey.

Until that time, I want to thank all of the readers who have been with me as I explored the multiple points of view in The Winglets. Each, and every, one of you, my viewers, is amazing.

Stay safe, my friends. And see you next time!