Well, the response to the Minterjou question last update makes me very pleased. I personally don't see it happening in this story either, but I'm very glad to know that people are open to it.

"Sanctuary really took off, huh?" Riptide asked Winter, who was hanging out in the former's office.

"You have no idea." Winter shook his head. "It's completely different from the last time you were there."

"Yeah, I would've loved to visit, but you know how it is." Riptide chuckled, taking a swig of his mug. "The instant I get a break, oops, something is happening. It's not even a fun something, it's just dealing with parent concerns and making sure Tsunami doesn't fly off the hinges."

"I do not fly off the hinges." Tsunami growled from behind them, reading through a report. Next to her, an empty mug that she taloned absently, as if preparing to throw it at Riptide. He only grinned, and she sighed with exasperation. "Okay, maybe I do."

"That's the interesting part." Riptide smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"What about humans? Do they feel safe here?" Winter couldn't help but ask. "I, admittedly, haven't gotten a chance to ask any outside Wren."

"Oh, yeah, that's never a concern." Riptide bobbed his head. "Kinda feels like a rite of passage for some to see what the dragons are up to. Most of the dragonets love them. The most negative is indifference."

"I don't like them around only because I am terrified of squishing them." Tsunami shook her head. "Like, they're not too small, but if you're in a hurry or running in the dark, oops there's a cherry stain on the floor."

Winter barked out a laugh. "They're a lot more resilient than you think."

"I'm bigger than you. I'll hurt a lot worse."

"And my scales are sharper." Winter held up his claw, where sure enough, there were some protrusions. They grew as he got older, appearing like icicles.

"That's weird." Riptide poked one of them. Winter unintentionally reacted by pulling back his claw. "Sorry. But is that a nobility thing? The IceWings here typically don't have them."

"Glacier's line has the gene. Hailstorm doesn't have it, but Icicle and Snowfall do." Winter nodded. "No idea where it came from."

"Huh. Guess it's kind of like the royal pattern?" Tsunami lit up her wings, revealing the stars and swirls that showed her status as royalty. "Although, since some don't have it in IceWings…"

"I imagine it'll be a thing a few generations down the line." Winter shrugged.

"You hoping your dragonet will have that?" Riptide elbowed him.

Winter coughed on his drink and he felt like he genuinely was about to die then and there. It took a moment for him to catch his breath as both SeaWings howled with laughter.

"First, I'm single and will likely be that way for a very long time." Winter wheezed out. "Second, I have zero desire for a dragonet."

"Well, with an attitude like that, you'll be single forever." Riptide winked. "If Peril and Turtle can get together, you have a very fair shot if you're into that."

"It's been years and I'm still wrapping my head around that one." Tsunami muttered through her work. "Winter, what do you usually do when you get a letter like this?"

Tsunami gave him a letter, and Winter immediately recognized it as a guilt trip in disguise. Something about a sick dragonet who really wants to go in the next opening. Winter recognized the manipulation from a mile away and felt disgusted that a parent would ever use their dragonet this way. Even with the best of intentions, from what was described, the dragonet may not survive even being in the building for long without proper medication.

"I can't say I get many letters like this." Winter read it over again. "Sanctuary tends to just have checkered past individuals and those who don't belong anywhere else. Deserters, criminals, anyone who wants a new beginning. So long as we have the space and they're not gonna kill someone, it's usually a non-issue."

"Well, what's your take?" She asked. Winter had a dim feeling she was testing him.

"Softscales is a very serious disease to get at a young age." Winter folded the letter and gave it back. "Even if the body fought it off, the way the dragonet is being described… I don't know if they can handle any form of illness. Even if they could, I worry about the other dragonets picking on them for missing half their scales. Not to mention physical limitations…"

"Well, we have at least one more year with these students. Would it be possible for this dragonet to be able to attend?"

"Moon's the only one who can read the future and she closed that door after what happened to her." Winter let out a small sigh. "Best I can say is to reply with your concerns and tell the parent to write again right before the new winglets are made."

"Yeah… that's about right." Tsunami sighed.

"Why did you ask my opinion?" Winter couldn't help himself.

"Why are you asking?" Tsunami raised a brow.

"Because I feel like you still don't trust me and are trying to see where my mindset is."

Riptide glanced to Tsunami, remaining quiet. Tsunami grumbled something under her breath before fully facing the IceWing.

"Yes, I was." Tsunami admitted bluntly. "There's going to be a lot of students and parents who will attempt to guilt trip you. I needed to get an idea of where you were at."

"Did the other teachers have to go through this?" Winter asked neutrally.

"Yes." Tsunami responded with the same level of bluntness. Winter didn't detect a lie from her. "Look, if you're serious about this, I am going to be doing this a lot. This is basically like a private school and everyone wants their student to do well and pass. Big honor and all that. I've even had dragonets and parents try to seduce teachers for better grades. I don't see you ever doing that, but I'm laying the groundwork."

"Trust me, I remember." Winter groaned. "I had hoped that it would die away. But it appears not."

"Just don't blow up on them, especially the dragonets. Moment you suspect something, go to Fatespeaker."

"I'm not going to blow up at anyone. And you know why I blew up before." Winter couldn't help but frown. "Wouldn't you react the same if Riptide kept something as crucial as that from you?"

"To play defense, you did kinda explode on me for not telling you Webs was my dad." Riptide jumped in, visibly cringing as if expecting Tsunami to give him the most scathing glare.

"Nowhere near as bad. And I wasn't an adult." Tsunami shook her head.

"Yeah, you're stronger now. You can actually hurt me."

"Aren't you into that?"

"I turn my back, and you're getting Winter drunk." The clicking of talons from the entrance indicated the arrival of Moon. She was noticeably happier, the purple in her scales much more illustrious. Something clearly happened last night after their talk.

"It's not the first time I've done that." Riptide shrugged. "You want to join?"

Moon looked at the half empty keg, glanced at Winter, and shrugged before filling a canister and downing it in a single swig. All three of them stared.

"All that time in the Sand Kingdom builds your tolerance." Moon gave them a smug look. Yep, she was happy about something. "Seriously, half the drinks have alcohol in them."

"Wow." Tsunami blinked. "Never knew you had it in you."

"You never invited me." Moon winked deviously. Winter exchanged a glance with Riptide. This was the old Moon, someone Winter hadn't seen in five years.

"Well, I know to do that now." Tsunami shook her head. "Still not inviting Peril, though. Even without her Firescales, she's a destructive drunk. At least Turtle is invincible."

"Be a nice end of the semester party…" Moon turned to Winter. "By the way, before I get too distracted, I'm here because Kinkajou has agreed to let you stay. That means everyone here has given their consent."

Winter blinked. He honestly didn't expect her to say yes. Kinkajou was conflicted and it was clear she wanted nothing to do with him after that conversation. She was being kind, as she always was.

"She actually came around?" Riptide asked, surprised. "I was honestly expecting a no."

"I convinced her." Moon averted her gaze. "The Winglet is healing. Peril and Turtle came to me last night, too. It's a chance for all of us to have a new start. I'm talking to Qibli again, after all."

"Huh." Tsunami leaned back before turning to Winter. "Guess you do have a job."

"Honestly… I'm shocked." Winter admitted quietly. "I was ready to leave in the morning."

"Kinkajou is still going to be a while before she is comfortable being in the same room." Moon told all of them. "But, she agreed to give it all a chance."

"Where does she frequent? Just so I don't intrude on her." Winter asked.

"She's the gardener, so I wouldn't go there unless you are starving." Moon smiled sadly. "I don't think she'll mind too much if you go by there, but if you're not looking to startle her, best to play it safe."

"Alright." Winter got up and stretched. "I'll have to Dreamvisit Cricket and Sky, let them know what's going on. I know the latter will want to help out."

"Oh, Peril will be happy." Riptide finished his drink.

"How many students will be attending the class?" Winter questioned. "I'll need a bit of time to set things up. I don't know if I'll be ready by the time the semester starts."

"You got until the week after bare minimum." Tsunami surprised him. "It's not a class that would be done every week, I think. Gotta coordinate with the humans and all. But, I'm sure you can start teaching biology and whatnot."

"Yeah, that was what I planned." Winter turned to Moon. "Thank you, Moon, for trusting me enough to bring me here."

"Lack of trust is what caused this mess. I'm not doing it again." Moon murmured back.

The two simply looked at each other for a moment. Winter wasn't sure why he continued to stare. But, something moved within him. Something ancient. He had a good idea he knew what it was, but he quickly dismissed it. It wouldn't be proper. Not yet, anyway.

But… well, when he was ready, maybe he wouldn't wait this time.

Sandrunner didn't even make it out of the Sand Kingdom before he had a visitor. He stayed the night, as his wings were tired, but he was ready to head back to the City of Night. Only, when he went to go get breakfast, he found himself staring at a familiar hybrid waiting for him.

It was almost eerie how she stood there, as if she expected him down to the exact time. Sandrunner didn't remember Duskweaver acting like this during his time at Jade Mountain, but it was a tad… disconcerning. Yet, at the same time, she was a very welcome face. He brushed it off as him still waking up.

"What are you doing here?" Sandrunner asked awkwardly before smacking himself internally.

"My grandmother sent me here for Queen Thorn." Duskweaver gestured for him to follow her. "I just arrived, actually."

"Did something happen?" Sandrunner felt his heart thump in his chest.

"Of a sort. Your dad is fine as of a few hours ago, before you panic." Duskweaver held up her wing to reassure him. "No, we just found out that Fierceteeth's entire operation has… expanded."

"So, Queen Hope reconsidered asking for help?"

"Again, sort of." Duskweaver shook her claw in a 'so-so' manner. "See, she more needs help selling an image. Two nights from now is the founding of the new Kingdom, and Hope hopes – get it? – to draw her out with a party. So, she'll need at least Queen Glory to be there, and I am here to reach out to Queen Thorn."

"I'm sure grandma will take the chance to do something exciting." Sandrunner mused. "Still, a party?"

"Not just any party. A masquerade party." Duskweaver's eyes almost glittered with excitement. "Apparently, NightWings of old were very into that. Something about the late queen Vigilance especially loving it."

"Oh, that's a disaster waiting to happen," Sandrunner said blankly.

"Well, again, the plan is to draw out Fierceteeth. Even with all the more important dragons being there, being able to mask yourself will give her some confidence. In fact, I am almost positive she will strike at that time." Duskweaver continued on as they turned the corner.

"And if she does strike? Are there any defining features?"

"Large. Has fierce teeth."

Sandrunner rolled his eyes at her statement. She giggled at him.

"Sounds fun, though. Outside of the danger." Sandrunner stopped and looked at himself in one of the many decorative mirrors in the hall. His patch of black-purple scales across his face made it look like he was already wearing a mask.

Yet, he stared for a few seconds longer than he normally did. His father's face stared back, yet he met his mother's eyes. He looked like a paradox, and he felt himself being torn in two the longer he stared. He'd never fit in with NightWings looking as he did. He was too much of a SandWing. Yet, his conversation with Cobra only illustrated that he didn't quite fit in here.

He didn't know where he belonged. The past two weeks were absolute torment for his mind. He was a lot calmer after sleeping with Blaze, but it –

"Hold on, what!?" Duskweaver interjected, and right then and there Sandrunner remembered that she could read his mind.

"Um." Sandrunner shifted very uncomfortably. "Can you… not read my mind?"

"I normally stay out, but surface thoughts get through at times, and that one was so big I couldn't help but notice." Duskweaver stared, gobsmacked. "Um… well, I see…"

"It was a very low moment and I was desperate for affection." Sandrunner saw no point in hiding it if she was going to read his mind. "Everyone keeps bringing it up and, truthfully, I'm getting a little sick of it. It happened, I don't regret it, but I'll never do it again."

"I'm not judging you." Duskweaver quickly adjusted herself. "I'm just… surprised. You had no interest in anyone back then." She gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'll do better to stay out of your mind. But, if you ever need a friend, I'm literally right here."

"Thank you." Sandrunner nodded, genuinely grateful. Still, he had no intentions of dumping his trauma onto her. They just reconnected, and he hid it for this long.

"And if you need affection…"

"You're teasing me. And if you aren't, Peacemaker is going to break his namesake. Along with Hope."

Duskweaver winked knowingly, giggling.

They approached the throne, only to find Thorn was out and about in the Oasis. So, a quick flight was in order, and sure enough they found the queen hobbling along. Sandrunner could tell she was cursing up a storm from how awkward it was to move in sand. The former Prince, Smolder, was near her, speaking with her about something indistinct.

"…I simply think that a port for the Pantalans may be a bit more of an issue than we think," Smolder said, his voice lower than Sandrunner expected. "Sandstorms have been ravaging the coast for a while now. It's simply not feasible this season, I fear."

"How long do you think the season will last?" Thorn smacked a claw to her head with exasperation.

"Truthfully, I don't know." Smolder shrugged. "Seasons are a changin'. Sea Kingdom has a lot more Monsoons, Ice Kingdom has had record high temperatures. Not sure what it is, but according to the humans, things like this have happened before. Something about 'still being in an ice age'."

"What in the stars is an Ice Age?" Thorn raised a brow.

"Apparently, a long time ago, the world was covered in frost. We're still in it, as ice isn't… natural? I don't know. It's a lot to keep track of. I have no idea how Rose did it." He let out a quiet, sad sigh. "It's been two years, and I miss her more every day."

"Fifty-two was a long time for humans." Thorn patted his shoulder. "She lived a good life."

"Oh, I know, but I've had her for half my life." Smolder shook his head. "Sometimes, I still ring that bell, hoping she'd come. But, I digress, as we have company."

Sandrunner and Duskweaver landed next to the Queen as she eyed them with curiosity. "Apologies for the interruption," Sandrunner said, "but Duskweaver has a message from Queen Hope."

"Oh?" Thorn turned her full attention to Duskweaver. "Nothing bad, I presume?"

"Not at all!" Duskweaver responded with a shake of her head. "Sandrunner told you about the situation back home, yes?" Thorn confirmed her question. "Well, as I said to Sandrunner, two days from now, we are having a celebration party for the NightWing's separation. Queen Glory is expected to attend, and since you have been most helpful, my grandmother has extended an invitation to you."

"There's more to the story, isn't there?" Thorn asked flatly.

"Of course! We also plan to draw out Fierceteeth and her larger than expected rebellion. It's a masquerade party, too." Duskweaver frowned slightly. "I fear Fierceteeth may have gone insane, though. She appears to be speaking to a ghost of Darkstalker, or at least someone pretending to be him."

"Oh, perfect, just what we need." Thorn grumbled under her breath. "Okay, if that's what's really going on, I'll be there with Stonemover. I know he wanted to go back. He totally doesn't deserve it after leaving me for a mountain, but I suppose he has earned some time outside the kingdom."

Duskweaver snickered at her words while Sandrunner chuckled. It reminded him of the old, playful griping that his parents had with each other.

Actually… would his mother want to go there? She never did get a chance to live among the NightWings. Would this entice her? It was a tad early for both his parents being in the same room… and the reaction to Qibli dating Sunny now – it was painfully obvious – may not be good.

Yet, Hope and Peacemaker were very good friends of Moon. So, maybe? Either way, it'd be a good idea to ask. He hadn't been able to spend a lot of time with his mother these days.

"What are you thinking about?" Duskweaver asked him.

"Do you think we can stop by Jade Mountain before we go back?" Sandrunner asked. "Well, actually, you may have to go back. But I'm probably going to go and ask my mother if she wants to go."

"So long as we're back before the party, grandma won't care."

"I do question how the mask party is going to work with this." Thorn held up her prosthetic leg. "Ah well, it'll be fun to not be a queen for one night. Haven't had a break like that in years."

"Really, I don't understand why she didn't just wait six months." Duskweaver shook her head. "Blackest Night supposedly blocks out any and all NightWing powers. Meaning my mind reading won't work. No idea about animus, but I know I'm not the only one my grandmother has who can read minds."

Sandrunner forced himself to not think of her father, storing that little bit of information away for later. "Guess she's impatient."

"That sounds about right from what I heard of her."

"Her loss." Thorn shrugged. "I'll get things squared away here and head off."

"Alright, we'll meet you there then." Sandrunner spread his wings. "Actually… uh… don't kill my dad, will you?"

"Depends on if he mated her already."

Blocking that mental image out of his head, Sandrunner leaped into the sky with Duskweaver. As he did, he realized that Winter would be with his mother. Although he didn't fancy meeting the IceWing again, he had to make peace with the fact that Winter would be around. He just hoped that his mother wouldn't be dating him.

That felt like a recipe for disaster if she did.

A gentle knock on Qibli's door alerted him to the presence of Sunny. He was catching a light nap, as all the excitement of earlier wiped him out. It was a perfect capstone to this week. Qibli felt the hurt flow from Moon's departure, but even the moon faded to sunny days.

"I hope you didn't forget our talk earlier." Sunny poked her head in. Qibli tilted his head, confused. "You said you were depressed. I wanted to check on you."

"Oh." Qibli now remembered. "Uh, well… can you blame me for being that way?"

"Nope." Sunny fully stepped in, gently shutting the door behind her. "Especially since this isn't a blame game."

"Figure of speech." Qibli chuckled. She gave him a scowl. "I know, I know… but, look, of course I'm depressed. Don't get me wrong, I'm moving forward – with you especially – but… well…"

"You still want her." Sunny nodded understandingly.

"I don't want you to feel second place, though." Qibli sat up to look her in the eye. They were like an ocean he could get lost in, and in that too brief second, he felt like he was floating. "I just… it's going to take a while."

"I'm not threatened." Sunny shook her head, sitting before him. "I knew the risks when I did what I did. Like I said, there was affection before all of this. It's not you rebounding."

"I'm more worried about Sandrunner, truthfully." Qibli averted his gaze. "I feel like it may be too soon for him. This was hardest on him. Imagine waking up, seeing that your father is gone, and you have no idea why. Your mother is a depressed wreck, and having to explain that some dragons just don't work out. I think something broke in him that day, and I don't know how to fix it."

"That's not something you can fix, Qibli." Sunny took his claws in hers. How small and delicate they were. Soft, too. "He needs to do it himself."

"I know, I know, but you're not a parent. Yet." He added with a joking wink. She rolled her eyes. "It is the worst feeling in the world seeing your dragonet struggle and being unable to help them." He sighed. "And really, that's the crux of my depression. Just seeing everyone fall apart and being unable to help them."

"You and I are the same way." Sunny chuckled quietly. "It's why I decided to let my feelings grow. Empathic to a fault at times."

"No kidding. Worst fault ever. If I was like my mother, then at least I wouldn't be upset." Qibli shook his head.

"If you were like your mother, you wouldn't be happy, either."

"It's a joke, don't worry." Qibli smiled reassuringly. "Although… I do see her hovering around lately. I sincerely doubt she'll ever change her ways, and it's definitely more curiosity than anything maternal, but it's… strange seeing her try and be more involved."

"You consider that being involved?" Sunny asked skeptically.

"Uh, well, considering how she was when I was a dragonet…" Qibli ran a talon along his nose scar. Sunny's expression darkened at the action. "Yeah, exactly. Literally gave me away for basically nothing. Killed Sicciro without any remorse. Even I hesitated before I killed Rattlesnake."

"If you're worried about screwing up Sandrunner like she did for them, don't," Sunny said firmly. "He's troubled, but he's kind deep down." She paused. "He just needs to find himself like I had to."

"What do you mean?"

"I was a SandWing born with no barb. A deformity. I didn't know who I was, or why I was born without it." Sunny flicked her tail, emphasizing the lack of barb. "Plus, my eyes aren't SandWing. Same with my face. Then, I found my mother and my father, and everything just kinda clicked together. I embrace both sides of me." She paused again. "Actually, it would be really fun to dress in NightWing style for the party! I never really got a chance to."

"What, you gonna paint your scales black, too?" Qibli nudged her teasingly.

"Maybe." Sunny smiled impishly. "It'd be fun to wear moons. I'm all bright and sunny – ha ha – so it'd be a nice contrast."

"I'm gonna stick out. Still, maybe I can do something to make it less obvious I'm a SandWing…" Qibli trailed off as a thought entered his mind. "Oh. Right. Your mother is coming."

"Don't worry about her." Sunny waved off his concern. "She expected this, remember?"

"Yeah, but as you said, you're still her little Beetle."

"True." Sunny shrugged her wings. "I doubt she'll cause a scene. Like I said, you're kinda the only one she would approve of. I remember hearing some expecting me to get with Smolder. Like, ew."

"Who would…?" Qibli stared blankly.

"Higher ups who want to make sure the bloodline doesn't die out. Guess I'm SandWing enough for them." Sunny shook her head. "Never mind the fact that the Eye of Onyx doesn't care about bloodline."

"Speaking of that, I haven't seen Onyx around lately. Was told to keep an eye on her, but she straight up disappeared." Qibli was suddenly reminded of her after the talk of Smolder. "Still can't believe you guys let her attend JMA when she was like… 20?"

"It didn't have an age restriction at the time." Sunny glanced away sheepishly. "Kinda what I need to talk to the others about if we're going to have a successor to the Dragons of Destiny."

"Well, Glory is going to be here…"

"Exactly." Sunny grinned. "If I can whisper in her ear, the others will likely fall in line. Tsunami is going to be the only one who will be hard to convince. There isn't a successor to JMA right now."

"Ah, yeah, that'll be an issue…" Qibli's brow furrowed. "Turtle or Riptide would honestly be my best bets."

"Was kinda thinking the same. But, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Sunny said brightly. "Not sure what we'll call it though. Dragons of Destiny will be a weird one."

"I'm really bad at names, so I can't help you there."

"Guess we'll come up with it if we get that far." Sunny stood up and stretched. "But, are you doing okay now?"

"Hard to remain dark and broody with your sunny personality." Qibli winked, forked tongue sticking out slightly. "Tell me, am I more than you bargained for yet?"

"Bold of you to assume I bargained for anything. But, if you like my sunny personality, then I guess I'll have to sleep in your bed tonight." Sunny grinned back deviously. Qibli coughed at her forwardness. "Not like that, Qibbles."

"Damn." Qibli pretended to pout as Sunny curled up next to him. "Ah well, always tomorrow night."

"Keep telling yourself that."

Qibli let out a quiet laugh as he lay next to her, wing extending over her. She snuggled up closer. Her warmth, indeed, did burn away at the darkness that consumed his mind. In that moment, he had nothing but sunshine in his head.

I'm on a roll with this story. I just passed the halfway mark in terms of writing and I cannot wait for everyone to read it.