Halt, stranger! As the description says, this story is a Spinoff from my other story, Anywhere. While you do not need to read it to understand this story, it will help fill in a lot of gaps. And this chapter spoils the ending of that story. If you are okay with this, or have already read it, then continue onward.

Pastel-like clouds swept across the horizon as two dragons flew toward them. The wind whipped at their faces, but the warm sun was almost heavenly. It soothed Blue's anxiety, which had been spiking the past few days.

"So, what did you think of Jade Mountain?" Blue turned his bright blue eyes to his companion, a four year old HiveWing named Bumblebee.

"Well, like I told Sundew, I think I'll really like it!" Bumblebee said on their way back to Sanctuary. Blue had asked what she thought of the place, mostly out of genuine curiosity. However, part of him did ask to make his mind focus on something else. "I don't know if you read that letter, though."

"I did, but I want to hear it from you." Blue smiled, his antenna fluttering in the wind as his blue-purple scales caught the sunlight. He must've looked like a jewel in the sky and tried to adjust himself so he wouldn't blind Bumblebee. According to Cricket, he had a gem-like quality to his scales. Part of the reason why she fell in love with him almost immediately.

Blue still had no idea how that happened. The thought of her made his anxiety spike again, but he kept it hidden.

"I think I get along with Peacemaker the best," Bumblebee said happily, her black ringed eyes shutting as she twirled in the air. Blue took note of her wording. It was the same inflection that Cricket had used when they first met.

Oh no, she's already got a crush… what is it with HiveWings and love at first sight? Blue thought nervously. They had a bit of that conversation with her, but not much. Cricket was planning to do it when they got back to Sanctuary.

"Why's that?" Blue instead asked.

"He's very nice! Kind of has that farmer look to him, too. Kind of like Yellowjacket. That, and he can clearly take care of himself," Bumblebee added as an aside. "Sundew says anyone who can't do that isn't worth your time."

"Sundew says a lot of things." Blue chuckled.

"Yeah, she does, but I think she's right here." Bumblebee giggled in kind. Her fuzzy yellow stripes along her black hide seemed much more vibrant than usual, and it wasn't the sun. It was as if the more she spoke about Peacemaker, the brighter she became. "I mean, I know most of them are my age and are likely just leaving their parents for the first time, but I guess I'm too used to the whole survival thing."

"Not a lot of dragonets had your experience, yes." Blue nodded. "Keep that in mind."

"I'm trying to!" Bumblebee fidgeted. "I think I may have needed more friends my age. Dusky can't be the only one."

"Yeah… sorry." Blue winced.

Living in Sanctuary for a while did not exactly lend itself to friendship opportunities for Bumblebee. Sure, there were a few her age, but they never really clicked. Plus, frequent visits to Pantala meant she moved around a lot. Sometimes, they were there for a month or two, only to go back two weeks after returning. It'd been ages since he'd seen Luna, his sister and queen of the SilkWings, though. He really should check on her.

"It's not your fault." Bumblebee rolled her eyes. "Didn't mom tell you to stop saying sorry about things you can't control?"

"Yes, she did." Blue shook his head, smiling.

"How did Sundew react to this whole thing, by the way?" Bumblebee asked as they flew over the last mountain that would overlook Sanctuary. "Just so I can be prepared."

"She… was Sundew." Blue snickered, which caused Bumblebee to do the same.

"How many things did she destroy?"

"Well, let's just say I hid everything valuable first. Granted, I don't know how that'll hold up once I tell her where Cricket went…"

"I also called her Snudoo in my letter." Bumblebee added on.

"Yes, I remember." Blue recalled the LeafWing's reaction. She just about shoved the letter in Blue's face and said that he needed to step in and be a father. She didn't mean it at all. It was just her way of interacting.

Sanctuary was a nice little village, made of dragons of all tribes. So many that Blue had never seen before stepping into Pyrrhia for the first time! Sure, a group came to their rescue, but seeing how the tribes interacted was fascinating. And it didn't feel as jarring to know that they had just come out of a war themselves. In a way, there was a comfort in knowing that everywhere, in the words of Sundew, 'sucked'.

Not to mention living side-by-side with humans. Cricket had almost bolted out the door the moment she heard about that to live here. She and Winter were absolutely critical in getting the small mammals to like them. It was kind of strange to think that she wouldn't have wanted to teach that at JMA. Or science. History had blurted out of her mouth, and she couldn't really backpedal from that.

Plus, it was more of them being worried about Bumblebee than anything.

Most of the homes in Sanctuary were cobbled together, but there was a sense of personal satisfaction to it. Sure, he missed the hives back home, being luxury compared to what he had now. But here, he was his own dragon, with friends and family. As much as he knew the HiveWings to be victims, it was more of the whole 'being mind controlled by a sentient plant' that got to him.

"Hold on, I need to refill this light," Blue said to Bumblebee as he hovered before a hanging lamp. The humans, with smaller frames and more dexterity, had cobbled together a wiring system that allowed the objects to hang. Strengthened by SilkWing silk, they could withstand a storm.

Blue, however, was not an ordinary SilkWing. As he opened the lamp, he placed his claw close to it, and from his wrists came a beautiful line of warm, orange silk. Flamesilk, it was called, and with it Blue served as the village's lighting source. It lasted a whole moon cycle and, if he absolutely needed it to be, could be used as defense. Blue rarely had to use it offensively, and that was okay with him.

"Anyone ever tell you that you look like a moth to a flame like that?" Bumblebee snickered.

"And I assume Sundew told you to tell me that?" Blue slid his bright blue eyes to her.

"Yep," Bumblebee grinned.

It wasn't an unfair comparison. Especially since SilkWing – and HiveWing – wings beat extremely fast, not unlike the insects they were named from.

At least he wasn't flying into windows or glass whenever a bright line shined through anymore. Him and Luna nearly broke into a store by accident on multiple occasions when they were dragonets.

And so, Blue decided to check on the lanterns on the way to Sundew and Willow's. They made a tree their home, and not a small one at that. At the edge of town, the tree in question was shaped largely like a cocoon at the top. Bark and branch kept in leaves and other objects while also protecting from the elements. Very unnatural in its shape, but both Sundew and Willow were LeafWings, with the former having Leafspeak. She could coach a tree to grow in whichever shape was needed.

Hovering, Blue knocked on the bark. Instead of a door opening, the tree itself spread to welcome them inside. It was so fascinating each time! Plus, apparently the tree had 'recognized' them, and whenever they showed up, it would both alert the two LeafWings and request permission to open. Blue didn't realize that trees could recognize anything, but he'd learned quite a bit about plants over the past few years.

Inside was comfortable and cozy, with the floor was made of wood and segmented areas in it that Willow and Sundew had grown. Books and other commodities made the living room, with a shared bed in the back. Oranges grew in the dining center from the tree itself, while smaller plants blossomed other fruits and vegetables.

Blue's eye focused on the jade frog over the entrance to the bedroom, though. From what Blue knew, that frog was the symbol of their love. While he didn't know the specifics, seeing it warmed his own heart. He didn't exactly know why.

"I keep trying to get Sundew to hang that whenever the winter solstice comes around," a pale green LeafWing came from the dining area, indicating to the frog. Willow, Sundew's girlfriend. "Called it a 'mistletoad', and Sundew threatened to throw it out the tree."

"Yeah, that sounds about right for her." Bumblebee grinned. "Where is she now?"

"Well, funny thing that." Willow chuckled. "See, it turns out we got official summons from Queen Sequoia to return to Pantala. A group of messengers from there showed up a few hours ago, asking for all of us. Queen Luna for you." Willow looked at Blue, "And Queen Jewel for Cricket. Apparently, the idea of meeting her mother again caused Sundew to go hunt."

"Really?" Blue asked. He wasn't sure what detail to focus on first. "What for?"

"Apparently, our outsider point of view is needed to settle some land disputes." Willow shrugged. "We're to act as advisors to our queens."

"Which means they're trying to make us enemies," another voice hissed as the tree opened up to allow another LeafWing in, who carried a few dead rodents.

Sundew had a lush, dark green set of scales offset by golden flecks on her face and wings. In a way, the two LeafWings were opposites of each other in appearance. Willow had light green scales, a reedy body, and a face that radiated warmth and kindness. Sundew was larger, more athletic in build, and always appeared to be angry or frowning. Yet upon sight of the three of them, it softened.

"I don't think that's what it means, Sundew," Willow said gently.

"Really? Because that's about the only use Belladonna has for me these days." Sundew shook her head. "She's still angry I didn't marry Mandrake. Be a warrior, lay an egg that has Leafspeak, be a good little dragonet and take the land back from the other tribes."

Willow winced at the harshness of Sundew's words. "Again, it's Queen Sequoia that wanted us, even if your mother wrote the letter."

"As if she wouldn't use it as a way to point me at everyone else!" Sundew spat. "No, I know her too well. I don't mind giving the queen my words, but I already know Belladonna is working in secret to undermine the HiveWings at bare minimum. And knowing me, I'll get angry, and oops there goes another tree war."

"We won't let that happen," Blue said firmly, using his 'dad voice' as Bumblebee called it. "I know what she's like, and Luna trusts me. Cricket does too."

Sundew calmed at Blue's words. "Thank you." A sigh escaped her. "I try not to let her rile me up, but I just wasn't expecting to hear from her directly."

"If I were to hazard a guess, Queen Sequoia is also aware of this," Blue continued. "So, once Cricket gets back, we'll put together a plan."

"Where did she go?" Sundew's gray eyes narrowed. "I know you had to pick Bumblebee up, but you neglected to tell us why."

"… So, you remember how there was an attack in Possibility…"

"She didn't." Sundew stared blankly.

"She went." Blue nodded slowly.

"I'm not sure why you're getting riled up, you'd do the same." Willow giggled. "I remember having to stop you from doing something impulsive many, many times."

"The difference is that I am a trained fighter! She is not!" Sundew hissed. "She doesn't even have stingers!"

Blue panicked at that. The fact that only some HiveWings had stingers was never really a conversational piece between him and Cricket. But now that she was going into a warzone…

From what Blue understood, a dragon named Vulture had attacked the Sky and Sand town of Possibility. Winter and a few others had gone there before the attack to discuss trade. Blue remembered getting a letter from a haunted-eyed SandWing that held what could be Winter's final letter. He was told not to go to their rescue.

And even if he wanted to go, he shortly got a letter after saying that Cricket had gone and now he had to pick up Bumblebee. In his panic, he had neglected to tell Sundew what Cricket had gone to assist in Possibility.

"She'll be okay," Willow said to both Sundew and Blue. "She survived against the Othermind and is surrounded by dragons who have also fought in wars. I have little question of her safety."

And yet, Blue noted that she too was worried. She was just trying to be the voice of reason to Sundew's anger and Blue's anxiety.

"Yeah, mom's got a stubborn streak to her," Bumblebee said proudly. How humiliating it was to be reassured by his daughter. Yet he knew that it was not a bad thing at all; he'd reassured his mothers at points, too. Yet that was just his own low self-esteem.

He really needed to work on that.

"Oh, that reminds me, I was going to say we have your letters here too." Willow gave Blue the letter from Luna, which he read:

Dear Blue,

Hello! I understand it has been some time since Swordtail and I wrote to you, and I greatly apologize for that. Life has been busy in Pantala, what with regrowing the land and discussing territories. Things are peaceful, before you worry, but unfortunately I must request your presence. Same with Cricket, Sundew, and Willow. Between your experience in Pyrrha and an outsider's point of view, I think we may be able to come with some sort of compromise.

How are you four doing, though? I understand raising a dragonet at your age must be difficult. Truthfully, I am not ready for one myself. I wish to hear all about your time in Pyrrha when I see you again. I miss you, Blue. So does Swordtail.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

-Queen Luna

"Aw, your letter was nice," Willow peaked at Blue's letter. "I didn't read them, before you ask, but it wasn't hard to figure out what each was about."

"I may as well read Cricket's, since we're together," Blue muttered, opening the letter:

Dear Cricket,

I write this as a request for your swift arrival to Wasp Hive. I am unsure if you are aware of what's been happening here, but we are at a stalemate for negotiations. I cannot bend the knee for my tribe, but at the same time, what my cousin did was reprehensible. You've seen how the other tribes interact in that town of yours. Sanctuary, was it? I request your insight into how things are run there, and if there is any way we can come to a resolution.

Sincerely,

Queen Jewel of the HiveWings

"Surprised she didn't try and fluff it up." Sundew rolled her eyes. "Well, I'll tell you what, I'm going to give Cricket a day at most to either send a letter or show up back here. If she isn't, I'm flying out, and none of you are going to stop me."

"Winter asked us to stay," Blue reminded her.

"Winter is not the boss of me," Sundew retorted. "Not when it comes to those I tolerate."

"She means to say she cares about you all deeply," Willow translated, causing Sundew to roll her eyes again.

Morning came, and still no Cricket. Now Blue was scared. They've been separated for a while before, so that wasn't anything new, but going to a warzone? Now he really knew what she felt like leaving him behind to be mind controlled. Wondering every minute where he was, if he was safe.

No letters. Nothing. Blue was torn. He wanted to fly out to Possibility, which was half a day away, and check on her. He glanced down at the flame-like glow on his wrists. He had flamesilk. He'd be able to defend himself by creating a net. Cricket had suggested making a whip of it at one point, but he wasn't entirely sure why she requested that.

And so, he paced around his home, which was akin to a nest. Silk held together wood and rock, cocooning them in. His own flamesilk would heat the place up nicely, but it wasn't terrible out today. The den where said fireplace would go had four separate hexagonal doors, two of which leading to bedrooms. One went to the dining room/kitchen, and the last went to a study where he and Cricket would work. Blue on his budgeting, Cricket with human relations.

He entered the study, seeing the unfinished work Cricket had begun. An overwhelming sense of anxiety came over him as his mind whispered dark things.

This may be the only thing left of her, it said. She might be gasping her last breath, wondering where you are. Why didn't you come?

Blue's claw curled. No. He wouldn't listen to that voice. Winter had ordered him to stay here, yes, but Sundew had a point. His mate was in danger. He'd never forgive himself if he never tried.

There was a knock on the door, and Bumblebee answered.

"Hi Snudoo!" Came her happy little voice followed by an exasperated sigh.

"Is Blue here?" Sundew asked through a groan.

"What's going on?" Blue asked. "Did Cricket return?"

"Nope, and that's why I'm here." Sundew shook her head. "I'm disobeying our 'orders' and flying out there. I wanted to see if you were joining."

"Yes." Blue nodded. Sundew grinned at his answer.

"I knew you wouldn't just lay there." Sundew laughed. "This is the Blue I know."

"Bumblebee," Blue lowered his head to her level, "if you need anything, go see Willow. If we're not back in two days and you haven't gotten a letter, go to Jade Mountain and tell Sunny. She'll know what's happening one way or another."

"Wow, you're… trusting me to go alone?" Bumblebee replied, surprised.

"I'm trusting Sundew's training." Blue slid an eye to the LeafWing. "If she's the one who taught you survival skills, then you'll be okay. But if you don't feel up to it, ask Willow to join you."

"She'll be fine." Sundew waved her wing reassuringly. Blue glared. "Okay, yes, tell Willow if you don't feel up to it."

"I will!" Bumblebee puffed her chest pridefully. "Bring her home."

"We will." Blue made his way for the door, stepping out with Sundew before launching into the sky.

"Anyone ever tell you that you actually can look intimidating when you're serious?" Sundew's grin grew wider.

"No," Blue admitted. He never liked being that serious, but this was a serious matter.

"Really? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's a good look. You should do it more often. Nobody will threaten you that way."

"Thanks, Sundew." Blue smiled. "I'm glad you decided to go, too. I was about to head out myself."

"I… care about you all." Sundew turned away, her voice barely audible. "You guys are one of the few who actually put up with me. I'm not going to let any of you get hurt if I can help it."

"We all know," Blue said reassuringly.

The rest of the flight was quiet, filled with silent anticipation and dread. No messenger dragons came past them. It wasn't a terribly long flight, either, and they cleared the distance in about four or five hours. It felt like ten days. Part of Blue didn't want to know the answer, for good or ill, as he was afraid of the latter.

He didn't know what he'd do without her. He'd never abandon Bumblebee, but it'd be misery just getting around. Blue never had to bury anyone he loved. There would be a day, sure, but not now. Not like this.

The devastation of Possibility was jaw dropping. Blue had been here a few times when the five of them took a year of exploring Pyrrhia after the war. He didn't know anyone from the town, but it was still whiplash to see it as nothing more than a smoldering ruin of itself. Winter did not lie when he described the devastation.

The battle was over, so that was a good sign, especially as Skywing soldiers were flying around with non – hostile Sandwings.

"Hold!" A Sandwing flew up to them. "This area is off limits for pretty obvious reasons."

"My mate is in there," Blue said. "She came to help."

"True as that may be, we can't have dragons flying in here," the Sandwing said sympathetically. "What's their name? I may be able to find them."

"She's a HiveWing named Cricket."

"Cricket, Cricket…" the Sandwing's eyes flashed in recognition. "Oh! You must be Blue and Sundew! From Sanctuary, right?"

"Yes," Blue nodded hopefully.

"Alright, you are special cases. Queen Thorn has you on a 'free travel' list," the Sandwing gestured behind him. "Just… temper your expectations. We have a lot of bodies to account for and damage to assess. I don't recall seeing any HiveWing bodies, but I only got here not that long ago."

That was a good sign. Both Blue and Sundew exchanged glances, conveying both worry and hope.

Upon landing, Blue felt a chill run down his spine and was glad that Bumblebee hadn't followed secretly. She didn't need to see bloated bodies being piled. Blood in the streets that flood toward the river. Broken, burned homes that could never be repaired. For as bad as it was back in Pantala, Blue had never lain eyes upon this level of destruction.

"To think I wanted to do this to the HiveWings…" Sundew murmured to herself. Blue doubted he was intended to hear this, but he did anyway.

Sundew, when they first met, wanted to destroy the tribe by burning it to the ground. But, she had mellowed over the years. At least, with that. Seeing first-claw what that type of attack could do must have been sobering. Especially since dragonets were caught in the crossfire. Survivors wailed over the corpses. The image of a mother saying their last goodbye to their offspring would haunt Blue forever.

"I can't let Belladonna do this." Sundew's claw dug into the ground. "Not even to HiveWings. I won't let her."

"We both won't." Blue brushed his wings with hers. "I promise."

"I know." Sundew smiled thinly. "Let's just… find Cricket and get out of here."

A welcome distraction, however, came in the form of humans. The little critters had decided to help out in the battle, from what Blue overheard. Apparently, both Winter and Cricket had earned a name for themselves amongst the humans, and so they decided to help after hearing the former was here. It was good to see his and Cricket's work paying off; his heart swelled with pride and adoration of her.

But, the Sandwing was right; no HiveWings amongst the corpses. Blue couldn't tear his vision away as they walked past another pile. Being controlled by the Othermind was horrible, but there was little bloodshed on their journey. Most came out relatively unharmed, at least physically. Mentally, that was another story. It took Blue a year to get over it.

"We're not going to rebuild," Blue overheard a Skywing say to their Sandwing mate. "There's nothing to go back to. We'll… just have to move. Again."

"At least we didn't have much…" the Sandwing chuckled weakly.

Similar sentiments were shared by others. Some stared at what remained of their homes as if just hoping it were a nightmare. Others sat to themselves, traumatized. It was just like when everyone woke up from the Othermind's infection. Their sense of self and identity, unraveled.

"At the same time, I now see why the PoisonWings want to reclaim everything," Sundew said, continuing from her previous thoughts. "From what I was told, this is exactly what the LeafWings went through. It's a cycle."

"You've changed," Blue said not unkindly. "The Sundew I met would've taken no sympathy."

"This is what happens when you're forced to be around other tribes," she deflected.

And then, he heard a familiar voice. One that was scientific and swift but had a sense of wonder and determination that no other had. The accent was also distinctly HiveWing. Both he and Sundew bolted to the source, happy that Cricket was alive. But was she uninjured?

They got their answer, as Cricket was sitting inside a building with two humans on her shoulders. The beautiful yellow with black splotches HiveWing was scrawling calculations on parchment, golden eyes slitted in focus behind her spectacles. Blue doubted she even heard the humans chatter on her shoulders, much less them entering.

Blue recognized one of the humans to be Wren, though. Suspiciously without Sky. She had a warrior's look to her, with light armor and a pointed blade that could piece dragon scales with ease. Her curly hair was tied and messy. Did she battle, too?

"The cost alone would be staggering, but I think we can make it work if we sheer wood down to a tenth," Cricket muttered under her breath. "Granted, this is going off the average weight of a caravan. We never know what is in them."

"Cricket." Wren tapped her head. "Your boyfriend's here."

Cricket's head snapped up and immediately turned to where Blue and Sundew stood. Blue was in a state of relief, whereas Sundew was blinking dumbly.

"Oh!" Cricket exclaimed happily.

"Oh?" Sundew replied blankly. "That's all you have to say? You couldn't have written a letter saying you were okay?"

"Erm…" Cricket's tail encircled herself nervously. "I… kind of got sidetracked with everything here."

"Why am I not surprised?" Sundew huffed loudly. "All this worrying for nothing!"

"Not for nothing!" Cricket stood up as the two humans jumped off her. "It's good that you did! Because now you're here! I'm going to need a lot of help and…" Her gaze narrowed. "Wait, didn't Winter tell you both to stay put?"

"As I told Blue, he's not the boss of me," Sundew said flatly.

"He's a friend, but he's not going to hold me back from checking on you," Blue added on. "You flew off to a warzone, Cricket! How could we not come?"

"Right, um… well, I didn't exactly plan this, you know," Cricket said with some defensiveness. "I just knew everyone was in trouble and I had to help."

"Nobody's faulting you for that," Blue said gently, approaching. "I just… would've liked a letter."

"I know, I know, I should've written." Cricket shook her head. "But there was just so much to do! Winter and the others went to the Stronghold while Queen Thorn took off after Vulture. I decided to stay and help and just got overwhelmed. Queen Ruby is going to be here tonight or tomorrow, and I need to get numbers for her as well as figure out how we're going to possibly make this a trade route again."

"I'm just glad you're okay." Blue nuzzled her cheek. Cricket leaned into the touch. "But… we have some news."

"Oh no, what now?" Cricket groaned.

"Our queens want us back in Pantala," Sundew said bluntly. "It's not a 'oh hey can you come' it's a 'get here now' thing. They want us to provide outsider point of view since we basically have been living here for a few years and they think we can settle territorial disputes."

"Well, hardly the worst thing they could've asked for us." Cricket sighed and adjusted her spectacles. "Just ill timing."

"When do you think you'd be ready to go?" Blue asked. "I don't mind helping."

"Can you look over these sheets for me? I'm ninety nine percent sure I did it right, but you're better at math than me."

For the next few hours, Blue assisted Cricket run over calculations and whatnot. Sundew had elected to try and regrow some of the plant life nearby and use them as makeshift bridges. Blue felt better being around his mate and felt drained the moment the two were alone together. He could barely keep his eyes open after a while from how tired he was.

"You must've worried a lot." Cricket murmured, wrapping her left wings around him. "But, I'm okay. I promise. I showed up after the fighting was over."

"I just know almost exactly how you feel when you had to leave me behind." Blue leaned onto her shoulder. "Sitting there, waiting for you to come home… and then going to find you."

"At least you didn't have to wait almost a week." Cricket laid her head atop his, their tails entwining. "How'd Bumblebee take it?"

"She's strong, but I could tell she was worried," Blue said. "I told her that if we're not back in two days to go to Jade Mountain."

"Mmm, well, we'll head out in the morning then," Cricket said. "You're in no condition to fly, and I'm exhausted from doing this all day. Sundew won't admit she's tired, too."

"I'd rather not take up room here." Blue looked around. "Feels… not great to be sleeping in a place where refugees or soldiers may need."

"Most of the refugees are gone, and the soldiers here aren't an army," Cricket said. "There's a mostly untouched tavern near here that I stayed in last night."

Blue nodded and together they stood, gathering Sundew along the way to the tavern. Sure enough, it wasn't in a bad state. The bottom floor had off duty soldiers drinking or eating, with the owner giving out free meals. Ten rooms, even if they were tiny, were more than enough for them to rest. The beds weren't entirely terrible, either. Blue had most certainly slept in worse.

Cricket snuggled closer to him, the heat of her body warming him better than any blanket. He was so lucky to have a mate like her. Never in a million years did he imagine a HiveWing to be so enamored with him. But here she was, in his arms, and they even adopted a dragonet together. The relationship went at lightning speed at first, but it was these slow moments that Blue relished.

"You remember when we first had to sleep next to each other?" Cricket asked, her eyes closed and spectacles off. "Basically shoving you in that crevice?"

"How could I forget?" Blue chuckled.

"Hard to believe that we came so far from that." Cricket smiled softly. "From being on the run, to serving as ambassadors to a multi-tribe village. I never thought my life would be this way, but hey, life enjoys blowing things up. As a scientist, I feel the same."

"Yeah, I remember when you first built a catalyst for fun to set it off." Blue laughed at the memory. "Bumblebee and Sundew enjoyed it almost as much as you."

A small silence came over them. "Blue, can I ask you a serious question?"

"You never have to hold back with me."

"The HiveWings." Cricket's eyes opened, staring into his. He could get lost in the golden gaze she held. "After everything, could you really forgive and move on? Because while you have 'good' HiveWings like myself, Lady Scarab, and Queen Jewel… many more willingly did horrible things without mind control. You have a big heart, and that's part of the reason I love you, but I wouldn't blame or stop you from demanding what you deem necessary."

Blue held up his palm, where three initials were carved. His name, and the names of his parents. For most of his life, he was treated as a slave or worse. He had accepted it. Been brainwashed in a way by indoctrination. If this rebellion had not happened, he and Luna would've been sent to the pits to serve forever. He'd never see his friends again.

Not a lot of HiveWings treated him well. Cricket was right, there. He had a forgiving nature, especially since many bought into the propaganda. Cricket was also right in them not needing to be as cruel, yet they were anyway.

"I don't know," Blue admitted. "I want all the tribes to get along, but there are scars that won't ever heal. I want to see the best in dragons, but even I know that it'll be years before this settles. I don't even know what the SilkWings had for a home; that was wiped from our history. And even if we can reclaim that… who's to say that it's even sustainable? Sure, there are efforts to regrow, but the ecosystem is forever changed."

"Yeah. I know you don't blame me in the slightest, but I can't help but feel shame for the actions of my tribe." Cricket averted her gaze. "Yes, I had nothing to do with it. I was never mind controlled. But my friends, my family… they bought into it. I'm not sure if I can ever look them in the eye again and forget what happened."

"I suppose I can answer, then, this way." Blue held her closer, "I want to, at least, move on. This cycle of hatred and violence will only end when one side says 'no'. Everyone will want justice and they deserve it. But then there's the problem of taking too much and… ugh."

"Mhm." Cricket nodded slowly. "I'm not sure what the outcome will be. But I want the same thing. Something that's fair for all of us."

"Sundew thinks it's a way of trying to turn the tribes against us or make us enemies."

"Heh, she would think that…" Cricket laughed quietly. "But, that won't happen. I won't ever let that happen. You all are too important to me to let tribes get in the way. And I am sure I'm not the only one to feel that way."

"There will be many new types of hybrids in the future."

"I wonder what that'll look like." Cricket placed a claw under her chin, thinking. Then, her eyes slid to Blue, lidding seductively. "I suppose you and I should find out one day."

"M-maybe when Bumblebee moves out…" Blue stammered, not expecting her to say such a thing.

"Of course. I said one day, not now." Cricket giggled. "But if we wanna get back to Bumblebee, we should rest." She kissed him lightly. "Goodnight, Blue."

"Goodnight, Cricket."

Yes, I know there was a committee or council or whatever at the end of book 15, and I have an explanation as to why Luna is queen now. Anywho, I'm not sure when the next chapter will be, but probably not too long. Just gotta edit it all end etc. I mostly wanted to throw this out here for two reasons:

1) to show I am not dead

2) to also say I have a discord server about WoF! It's a 16+ server, but not nsfw. The link is here, and if it does not show up (I know links are funky, especially on ) feel free to note me! /mVZqEU3eSU