Before we begin, two shout outs:
One, to Qibli (No, not hte character, the author on ao3) for editing my story. Really opened my eyes to a lot of thing.
And two to IgnitetheBlaize, who drew a fantastic Winjou pic. Please go search it up!
Winter was miserable. His sister had fled, and now that the execution hour was approaching, he'd begun to reflect on his life. Everything he ever did, from the day he hatched to now, was about trying to be the best dragon he could be. From impressing his parents to now basically waiting to die, he realized how selfless his actions truly were.
He'd meant what he said about not expecting anyone to reward him. But once, just this once , he'd wished that he was given his due. That Icicle would have stayed with him. He saw in her eyes that she wanted to. Part of him was beyond furious at her, but the other half just… accepted it. Winter knew that taking her in was a risk. One that, he now realized, never paid off.
"We have an hour," Copper said to Winter as another wave of evacuees flew off. It was difficult to find enough to carry the wounded as well as defend themselves. Sending them all off at once would be a surefire way to attract attention.
"Yeah… yeah, I know." Winter nodded slowly. He couldn't fight in the upcoming battle, which made his mood even worse. But, he was doing what he could, overseeing the safety of those who couldn't either.
Some civilians offered to stay and fight. Copper had sent word ahead to nearby outposts, but nothing came from them yet. If they were lucky, they had about thirty or forty combat-ready dragons. The best scenario they hoped for was enough of a delay to get the wounded out. And if that ended up working, well, Winter would call that a victory.
"Winter?" Kinkajou appeared next to him, fidgeting her talons apprehensively. "Can I… talk to you?"
"Go." Copper gestured with his wing. "I can oversee this."
Winter allowed Kinkajou to lure him away, where they met in a semi-leveled home. The scent of smoke filled his nostrils. Once inside, Kinkajou turned to him with a sad smile.
"I'd tell you to run, to save yourself, but we both know you won't do that." Kinkajou chuckled. "But, we're going to be separated once the battle starts and… well, I wanted to have one last conversation with you. Before the end."
"I'd like that." Winter smiled back.
"Winter, I don't regret anything we did together." Kinkajou scooted closer, holding him in her arms. "You are the most kind, selfless dragon I've ever met, even if your attitude betrays it. For the short time we were together… I was happy. I got to live what I wanted. I wasn't too late."
"I… feel the same way." Winter returned the embrace. "You made me so, so happy. I know I didn't get a chance to prove it to you the best I could, but Kinkajou I… I love you."
Kinkajou's eyes filled with tears of happiness at his words. "You finally said it. Granted, I already knew, but hearing it… I'm so glad I got to hear them leave your lips before the end."
"I'm sorry for not saying it sooner." Winter kissed her gently. She pushed back against him, turning pink. Her cheek fins spread out in joy.
"Better late than never, right?" Kinkajou giggled when they broke the kiss. "At least we're not leaving any dragonets behind."
"What would they even look like, anyway?" Winter snorted. "I've never heard of a RainWing and IceWing hybrid."
"Shame we never got a chance to find out." Kinkajou snickered. "Probably would've been a long time before we did, but… I wouldn't have minded at all. Granted, I have no idea how to be a mother."
"And I have no idea how to be a father."
"Guess we coulda learned together." Kinkajou sighed sadly. "Oh well. Guess the world will have to wait a bit longer before we get a RiceWing."
"… RiceWing?" Winter stared.
"Yeah, RainWing and IceWing hybrid. RiceWing."
Winter laughed to the point his chest hurt. Which didn't take much. The mere idea of a RiceWing was enough to momentarily stave off the sense of impending doom. It just reminded him of why he loved her. Even with their world thrown into chaos, Kinkajou still had this weird outlook or sense of humor.
"And what would a MudWing and IceWing be called?" He asked once he caught his breath. "MiceWing?"
"Absolutely." Kinkajou grinned. "Although, I guess that makes Darkstalker a NiceWing. Didn't really live up to that name, did he?"
"No, he did not." Winter coughed out another laugh. "What would Qibli and Moon's be called? A SightWing?"
"Yes, yes it would," Kinkajou snickered. "Peacemaker's a RightWing, too. MudWing and NightWing… MightWing. Oooh, a RainWing and MudWing would be a MainWing."
Winter shook his head. "The world's not ready for this."
"Well, certainly not with that attitude."
"Hey, Winter!" Qibli shoved his face through the window, breaking the tender moment. "You… may wanna come see this."
"Are they already here?" Winter paled.
"Nope, but someone else is." Qibli grinned. "Come on, you're gonna love this."
"May as well see what it is." Kinkajou shrugged. "Not like things can get worse."
Winter stepped outside and followed Qibli back to where the refugees were to see… an army of humans. Winter's jaw slacked. There were about three dozen, all clad in light armor and carrying weaponry. Not to mention spare parts for siege craft. Winter couldn't believe his eyes.
"What?" Winter couldn't help but ask.
"There's the one my sister spoke so highly of! Well, Sky did, and Wren tolerated you." One of the humans stepped forward. He had short, fluffy hair and dark skin. Frame was tall, thin, but also somewhat muscular.
"Who are you?" Winter asked, still dumbfounded.
"Leaf, Wren's sister," the human introduced himself. "Happened to be in Valor, when this giant score of dragons flew over us and landed nearby. They said something about their town being blown up, and how a 'nice IceWing oversaw their escape'. Well, there was only one IceWing known to me that was decent, and here you are. No way I could let one of the reasons why we humans aren't on the menu die alone, could I?"
"And these humans? They'd… fight for us?" Kinkajou gawked as well.
"Your queen Thorn has been nice to the humans in Valor. Rose communicates often," another human said. She had long, dark hair. Winter noted a band around her finger that matched the one on Leaf's. "Figured we'd show how grateful we were for not eating us. This is all we could muster, but hey, dragons tend to underestimate us."
"Any help you have is appreciated," Qibli said brightly. "I'm Queen Thorn's son, so if we ever make it through this, believe me when I say that she will be grateful."
"Good, good." Leaf nodded, turning back to his comrades. "Alright men, you know the drill! We got dragons to save and not a lot of time. Ivy, oversee the ballista on that building." Leaf turned back to the dragons, a smile on his face. "Think they can get a lift?"
Icicle flew across the desert. Each beat of her wings grew heavier than the last. But, her heart raced. She felt energized. So what was dragging her down? She'd only been flying for about three hours; that was nothing!
An evil dragon doesn't do that. So, despite everything, I'm not giving up on her…
That line repeated in her mind the entire flight. She shoved it into the back of her mind, able to ignore it until it became a roaring crescendo. Icicle had to stop and hover, holding her head to get her brother's voice out.
Yet, it didn't. It only grew worse. An unknown emotion ran through her heart. It made her feel horrible, terrified, and filled with an overwhelming sense of despair, Feelings she hadn't known since Scarlet whispered in her dreams.
The hatred that blinded her was melting away, being replaced by something else. Something she was afraid of.
"Leave me alone…" she whispered to the voice in her head. "I won't die for him! I won't die for anyone! I'm not good enough to lay my life down for another, especially when we can't even win!"
'Doing good is not about recognition or fame. It is standing up for your beliefs, without witness or without reward.' So I ask you, again, what are you willing to die for?
"Not for that!" Icicle snapped at her mind.
What are you willing to die for?
The question repeated in her head. She was ready to die for Hailstorm, to get him back. She did depraved things to get him back. Killed a NightWing. Or was it two? She couldn't keep track. It swam in a sea of negativity that persisted in the back of her mind.
Icicle was justified in her actions! She was trying to save her brother! She'd do anything for family, even if that meant…
…even if that meant dying for them…
Winter did everything in his power to save her. He didn't have to do anything. She would've been executed or left to rot away forever. The mask had slipped off during their conversation before she fled like a coward. And yet, despite all of that, she ran. She ran away from the only one who gave a damn about her and her wellbeing.
WHY!?
Why did she run!? What was the point? She wouldn't win the battle, she was certain, but then what did she have to live for? She'd be a fugitive. Even if she wasn't, the guilt and hypocrisy would consume her. Winter was right, he failed as a noble and as an IceWing.
But… she had, too. She was no longer a princess. Her quest had failed. She thought back to her actions, to the evil she'd committed to save Hailstorm. She was certain that she wouldn't win, but she did it anyway .
Her claws curled and she turned to the direction she came. She wouldn't make it in time. She'd probably die before she got there if this Vulture was anything like he was described.
Stand with me, Icicle. That's all I ever wanted from you. You're my sister, and despite everything, I care about you.
Icicle wanted to stand with him. She'd meant it. And she ran away. No… no more would she run from this. No more would she try to be someone she never was. She doubted she'd ever be kind or caring like Winter was, but she was lying to herself whenever she denied her affection for him over the past few months. He cared about her. He stood up for her.
Icicle made the choice. She turned away from her freedom, from being alive, and began the flight back to Possibility.
She'd stand with her brother… even if he never knew.
The humans proved to be remarkable creatures once again, Qibli mused. It was amazing how their technology allowed them to carry such powerful weapons in pieces before assembling them mere minutes. They barely came up to his chest at most, and yet they simply kept showing off their ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Qibli doubted they would do much to stop his grandfather's approach. But any help was worth it, and for a bit, he felt hope. Hope that he'd hold Moon in his arms again. Hope that he'd celebrate with his mother over a decisive victory against Vulture. He knew that the instant she knew what he did, nothing would stop her crusade to bring the villain down.
If he squinted, he thought he saw draconic shapes across the horizon. But it was difficult to tell, especially with the sun poking out and starting to spread pink talons through the sky. Qibli's heart thumped in his chest, but he kept calm.
Doing this was betraying the motto he had grown up with: Act smart, stay alive, stick together – but don't be an idiot.
Well, the smart thing to do would've been to flee. It would've filled the second part of the motto, too. Stick together, yeah, he was doing that. Don't be an idiot, though? Oh, he was a massive one right now. Outclaw instinct was to torch and run before the enemy could capture you.
But nope, his stupid good heart wouldn't allow him to run out on these defenseless dragons or his friends. Even if he died here today, he was certain Thorn would've been proud of him. Same with Moon. Honestly, challenging a horde of evil dragons without hope kinda sounded like one of those heroic last stand moments from stories. The most poignant scenes.
Ha, if only Moon could read his mind now…
"The traps are set." Sora hovered next to him. "Doubtlessly, they'll be landing to try and attack. Or, at least, flying low. The wind should set off the switches on them."
"Good, good." Qibli nodded.
"Tell me." Sora smiled thinly. "Jade Academy… was it worth going to, in the end?"
"Yes, it absolutely was." Qibli laughed. "Never regretted a moment of it."
"I'm glad I didn't ruin it for you." Sora let out a sigh of relief. "When this is over… I'll be standing trial for what I did. Not for this, I know I was controlled, but I wasn't for the two I killed."
"I know." Qibli shut his eyes solemnly. "There's nothing we can do for the fallen. But you staying here… I think that'll go a long way, especially for Queen Ruby. In the end, your true colors showed. And the one you tried to kill abandoned us when we needed her. So, you're already better than Icicle."
"Low bar, but I'll take it." Sora chuckled.
"Hey, there are dragons coming from behind!" a human cried out. "I thought they were coming from the other way!"
Qibli snapped his head around, seeing dragons flying from SkyWing territory. About a dozen, wearing gleaming armor. All SkyWings. A smile grew on his face. More reinforcements!
"They're on our side." Qibli reassured the humans who were trying to turn their ballista around. "Looks like SkyWing soldiers."
"Oh, good." The human who'd shouted breathed a sigh of relief. "SkyWings are good ones, right?"
"These ones look like it."
The SkyWing soldiers landed near the gathering area, which was about a block from where Qibli and Sora were. The two of them raced over, seeing that the SkyWings carryied supplies alongside additional armor and weaponry. None of it would fit Qibli, but it'd be useful for the SkyWings who had stayed behind.
And leading the platoon was none other than the grouchy SkyWing Qibli had come to know as Flame. His crimson scales were darker than most SkyWings, and he had a stance of rigid duty. The scar on the side of his face gave him a fierce, aggressive look that doubtlessly struck fear into his targets.
"We were delayed." Flame bowed his head to Copper. "Between scrounging for supplies and dealing with an influx of displaced SkyWings, we could not immediately rush over."
"Honestly, I'm just happy you're here now ." Copper laughed. "Even if it was just one of you, it's more than we had before."
"Indeed, and these soldiers are the best I could – " Flame stopped himself short, snapping his head to Sora. "YOU! Soldiers, arrest that MudWing!"
"Wait!" Qibli flew in front of Sora. "She's helping us. We would've never known Vulture was coming if it wasn't for her."
"Are you kidding !?" Flame spat. "A few of the refugees described a MudWing just like her setting off some of the bombs! And you're defending her!?"
"She was animus controlled." Qibli quickly explained. "I know you know what that feels like, Flame."
Flame hesitated, but the fire in his eyes never dimmed. His mouth turned into a nasty snarl, and he glared venomously at Sora.
"I'll stand trial for what I did at Jade Mountain after this," Sora said to him. "I'm not running from that anymore."
"I will hold you to that," Flame hissed. "For if I see you running away after this fight, the bounty will turn from capture to death."
"I won't, don't worry."
Satisfied with the outcome, Qibli took one last opportunity to check in with Winter. The injured IceWing was putting on a brave face, but Qibli could see the trembling from sheer agony in his legs. He was trying his best to give directions to a group of survivors and tie a knot on the pack of another.
"Here, let me." Qibli swooped in, gently nudging Winter out of the way and taking over.
"I had it." Winter scowled.
"I know, but you need to sit down." Qibli indicated to the bandages. "Catch your breath. We'll need that frostbreath of yours to keep these civilians safe if they get past us."
"About the only thing I'll be able to do." Winter sighed. "Still can't believe humans decided to help us, though."
"And you were worried about not making a huge difference." Qibli teased, finishing the knot. "Guess it's hard to see your accomplishments when you're afraid of it all falling apart."
"Indeed." Winter nodded slowly. "I couldn't reach Icicle, but at least I could convince humanity. That's better than nothing."
"Icicle was kind of a lost cause anyway." Qibli rolled his eyes. "You made the effort, it didn't pan out. Proud of you for trying, though, because I'm not sure if I would've extended the same courtesy to my family."
"Your siblings will likely be in the battle," Winter said as if he'd only just now realized this. "Are you ready for that?"
"I knew they'd come." Qibli laughed hollowly. "Words would've never worked, and now this? This… this is abominable. I won't try to kill them, so they are served justice, but if it comes down to it, I won't hesitate to strike them down to save one of you."
"Guess we'll just have to see how this turns out." Winter looked over the next wave of survivors. "Good luck. I wish I could've joined you."
"You're doing important work here." Qibli lightly placed his claws on Winter's shoulders. "This battle isn't going to be worth it if there's no one to save. Even in the Outclaws, we had dragons who couldn't fight but were excellent at leading. That's what you and Copper are doing. Don't minimize your role."
"Yeah, I know." Winter moved away from Qibli to lead the citizens toward the back. They weren't supposed to fly until outside the town, as Vulture's forces may see them quicker. "Go. I'll be fine."
"Where's Kinkajou, by the way?" Qibli asked.
"On one of the buildings near here. She's better at ambushing, so if any try to attack the civilians, she'll fight them off."
Nodding, Qibli took off toward his post from before. Umber was there, who gave him a silent nod. A SkyWing soldier stood guard near the human weaponry, too, chatting to one of the engineers. Qibli allowed himself a small smile at the sight.
"This is it." Umber sighed. "Thank you for taking me seriously, by the way."
"Trust me, I've seen that level of panic before." Qibli flashed a reassuring smile. "You're like Clay in that you have difficulty lying, I feel."
"I wish I could see him one last time." Umber shut his eyes. "I miss him and the rest of my sibs."
"He missed you, too," Qibli said. "Winter wrote a letter to JMA, and knowing him, he'll be on his way to help us."
"Well, that would be an excellent reinforcement." Umber chuckled, ruffling his wings. "I'll just have to hold out long enough to apologize."
"Do more than that." Qibli gave Umber a serious look. "Live long enough to make amends."
"Yeah… yeah, if we make it through this, that's what I'll do."
"Incoming!" Someone shouted, and Qibli snapped to attention just as a large projectile smashed into the building where they stood. Part of the structure collapsed, but none of them were injured.
Whipping his head around, Qibli saw dozens upon dozens of SandWings rushing at them. And right behind were weaponry he'd seen humans use known as trebuchets. The sky was loaded with molten rock as they fired, the SandWings swooping down alongside the projectiles.
Next up, Vulture appears for real...