Chapter Thirteen

"WAKE UP, MOONY!"

The shout in her ear made Moon scream, bolting up out of her nest and flinging herself away. Uncoordinated, her legs tangled underneath her, and she fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Groaning, Moon tried to put her brain back in order as her heart calmed down. She wasn't in danger, it was just the adrenaline. Groggily, she opened her eyes.

Her friends were standing over her. Kinkajou clung to the nearest perch in the wall so she could dangle upside down right into Moon's face. Qibli was conventionally closest to Moon, and biting his lip to smother a laugh. Behind him was Turtle, smiling sweetly. And in the entryway to her cave, safely away from everyone else, was Peril.

"What…" Moon tried, pulling out one foreleg so that she might push herself up. "What are you all doing here?" Her body-clock told her it wasn't noon yet. Why had they woken her up so early?

"Because, sleepy-snout, it's your hatching day!" Kinkajou cheered. Both her scales and her thoughts were a little too yellow for Moon to handle when first waking up. "We can't let you celebrate on your own."

Sitting up stiffly, Moon coiled her tail around her feet, trying not to let Kinkajou see how unenthusiastic she was. "You didn't have to…"

"Nonsense!" Kinkajou gasped as if the very idea was sacrilege. "This is your big day, and you are going to enjoy this."

"I didn't think RainWings usually kept track of hatchingdays."

"Well, we didn't. But since being around all you other tribes, and learning about hatchingdays and all the parties we can have for different things - I think that's TOTALLY something RainWings should do from now on!"

Despite herself, Moon smiled.

"Turning nine, eh?" said Qibli. "Big number!"

Peril scoffed. "Pfft, well it would be, if you followed formalities."

If all things had been normal, this would have been a big day for Moon, certainly. Nine was when a dragon of most tribes were considered to be adults that had come into their own. All apprenticeships would have been completed, a dragon could apply for jobs in more important roles (if they were qualified enough or well-connected for the job). It was the age where no one could look down on a dragon any more. It wasn't the age of maturity; that had come much earlier. Most dragonets matured into adults between the ages of six and seven, and could then choose a mate and reproduce. In fact, Moon knew of a couple of RainWings who had gone through their maturation, paired up and had since laid an egg, all within the time frame of the rebellion.

But these were not normal times. Tribes that would usually wait until their citizens were nine until they could advance within the army, were being promoted much sooner in order to fill the roles of their superiors who had died or were needed elsewhere. Because of such upheaval, Moon hadn't really given much thought to what this day might have meant. She was an adult, and had been since she'd first met the dragonets of destiny. It didn't mean that much to her.

However, she couldn't let on to Kinkajou how unsure she was about all this. The little RainWing had obviously done so much to prepare all this for Moon's sake, and it would be cruel to put down all that hard work. So she just smiled politely, nodded, and accepted the banana cake Kinkajou had 'forced' Turtle to prepare for them all.

Hatchingdays are a rather touchy subject for you, said Darkstalker. Moon was a little surprised to hear from him. She had guessed that this was the time when he slept as well. You didn't celebrate last year either. Why?

Kinkajou was singing 'Happy Hatch-Day to You!', and Moon made sure to give absolutely no indication of the bitter sweet emotions this subject roused. I suppose I never really got to celebrate them before… It was just a day of training wasted in my father's eyes. I learned quickly never to expect much. I only broke that rule once.

What happened?

It was my fourth hatching day. I hadn't seen my mother in almost two years. I had this plan, that if I tried my hardest, did everything my father asked and more, maybe I could earn some kind of reward. So I asked if I could see her again.

'Begged' was more appropriate. Morrowseer had been stone faced as always, leaving Moon to guess at his true feelings, to slowly devolve into panic. She'd tried very hard not to cry, because that usually had the opposite effect on her father. When he'd left, she'd been so sure she'd failed. But then, on her hatchingday, he'd granted her a miracle.

He let me see my mother, Moon said, smiling at the memory of her mother rushing through the treeline to sweep her daughter up in her wings. They'd laughed and cried and held each other for what seemed like hours. They'd talked and talked, never once completely letting go. All too soon, Morrowseer had announced that dawn was approaching, and so; Secretkeeper needed to return to the island before anyone noticed she was gone. Moon had clung to her mother, desperate to not be left behind again. It was with great reluctance that Secretkeeper had allowed Morrowseer to drag her away, pressing into her daughter's mind all the love and ever hopeful devotion in her heart. It was a promise: we will see each other again. And even now, Moon hung on to that wish.

Her friends were handing her presents. Necklaces made from colourful riverbed pebbles, or a crown of flowers. Peril had recently taken on a part time job in the forge working alongside a MudWing blacksmith. With her firescales she was naturally able to mold the metal however she pleased. She gifted Moon a small knife. Moon accepted all of their gifts with overflowing thanks, even as her mind was far away. It was the best hatchingday of my life.

Your father was a monster to treat you so cruelly. Darkstalker said with more ferocity than Moon thought warranted the situation. My father also wasn't one for Hatchingdays.

Despite her own dislike of her personal hatchingday, Moon didn't think it was fair to let others miss out. When is your hatchingday?

Midsummer.

Then Kinkajou and I will throw you the biggest party to celebrate. It's not every day you turn over 2000.

Actually, I only count my hatchingdays on brightest nights. When you look at it that way, I'm only twenty years old.

Moon sniggered. Thankfully, Qibli had just made one of his usual witty remarks so no one noticed. But it was only then that she became aware of something. "Hey, where's Winter?"

Everyone turned to Qibli. He shrugged his wings. "What? I definitely told him we'd be here. I… um, might not have specified a time… ah, snakes and stones, I'm sorry, Moon. I'm an idiot."

"That's okay," Kinkajou might have sounded sweet, had there not been a devious look on her face. "Turtle and I need to go get some more food for this party anyway. We'll find him."

Turtle smiled bashfully before trotting along after Kinkajou, his mind filled with rainbows and sunshine. Once they left, Qibli looked to Moon and wiggled his eyebrows, which made her laugh again. It was good to know she wasn't the only one who noticed.

Taking this moment of pause in the festivities, Moon excused herself for some fresh air. There was a ledge leading out of the mountain just around the corner, she wouldn't be very far. Qibli and Peril let her go. With more room to move in the cave, Peril could finally get a piece of Banana cake. Subtly with her tail, Moon slid the plate in front of Peril's claws as she passed.

Outside, spring had definitely arrived. Damp hung in the air, and dew coated every surface. It wasn't pleasant weather. Wind whipped at Moon's face, rustling the trees of the forest down the mountainside. The sky was overcast, with swollen black clouds spreading across the horizon. A storm was on its way. But the fresh air helped to clear away the lingering cobwebs of sleep in Moon's mind, and allowed her to compose herself.

She loved her friends dearly. They didn't have to do all this, and despite her discomfort, their effort to celebrate a day for her was touching. But what's more, it was new year's day. 5015 AS. Maybe it was also time for new beginnings. Her friends knew her secret yet not two days later, they'd forgiven her. If they could give her hope such as this, why couldn't she take the leap and tell Sunny and the others? No more hiding?

Heat met her mind before it met her scales. Moon turned to look back down the tunnel, and then scooched over to make room for Peril as the SkyWing joined her on the ledge. They were silent for a time, though Moon knew Peril was itching to say something. The NightWing remained quiet, letting her have her time.

"You're a daughter, right?" asked Peril.

Moon knew the question would be forcefully put, but she hadn't expected that. "Yeeesss, Peril? I would say so."

"I mean, you've got parents. You know how this is supposed to work."

"What's wrong?" Moon asked, concerned at the frustration and near panic that was able to break through the flames surrounding Peril's mind. "Did you and Soar get into a fight?"

The SkyWing shook her head. "No. It's just confusing. I don't like 'confusing'."

"What happened?"

"That's the problem, nothing's happened. He's… great." Her voice lost its usual bravado. Her claw traced blackened circles into the stone ground. "He wants to know about me, join me in my work; he's nice. And it makes me unsure. With Scarlet it was simple. When she was mad, I did things to make her not mad, and when she was happy, I knew it was because of something I did to make her happy. With Soar, I haven't done anything, I just… exist."

Moon smiled. She wanted to reach out and hug her friend. "That's love, Peril. Scarlet didn't love you, she just enjoyed what you could do."

"Clay said the same thing." those eerie blue eyes turned downcast. They glistened, and Moon watched in fascination as the moment the tears hit Peril's scales, the evaporated in a small puff of steam. "I only knew Kestrel for a day… I don't want to make the same mistake with Soar."

It didn't feel right to not offer Peril any kind of comfort in times like this, even if touching her would be a deadly mistake. A rock protruded from the edge of their perch, just big enough for two talons. Moon put hers to one side of the rock, and waited. Peril watched her warily, as if Moon had gone mad. Then, hesitantly, as if she had no idea what she was doing but would do it anyway to try and fit in, Peril placed her talon on the other side of the rock. The heat instantly surrounded Moon where her claws came dangerously close to touching Peril's at the top.

It took the SkyWing a moment, but she seemed to understand what this meant. She smiled, and Moon smiled back. And, even more fascinating, Moon could feel the flames in Peril's mind grow calmer, allowing her to see just a little clearer inside. She chose not to, even if the temptation was strong.

When they pulled back, Moon said, "I would've thought you'd be with Soar right now. You didn't have to leave him behind to come to this party."

"He's good at keeping himself busy." At Moon's look, Peril shrugged. "I keep losing him. I'll turn my back for five seconds and then he's off exploring. And the questions! So many questions. Makes me want to burn my own ears off just to get some sleep."

Moon quirked a smile. It wasn't often Peril made jokes that actually made sense and weren't terribly morbid. To hear Peril talk about her father made the ball of anxiety Moon hadn't realised she was carrying dissipate. Her decision had turned out well. She opened her mouth, perhaps to offer some advice.

But then, Darkstalker suddenly erupted in her head. Moon! Don't do it!

For a fraction of a second, she wondered what he meant. But then, she heard it. There was a voice in her head, whose thoughts made Moon's blood run cold.

Don't have much time. Need to kill them now. The blind one. That'll be the easiest target. Have to hurry - don't have time!

The voice from the dream-visits with Scarlet. It was back, it was here, and so close. In all the commotion of her birthday surprise, Moon had almost forgotten about what she had heard last night. The traitor had until sunset to kill one of the Dragons of Destiny, and it seemed like they had taken the bait. They were going after Starflight.

Don't!

"I have to go!" was all she gave as explanation to Peril as she turned and ran into the mountain. She had to get to Starflight, had to warn him, protect him. She didn't know how she was going to do that, but she had to try. There was no time to go looking for the other Dragons of Destiny.

The voice kept up with her. They must be running almost parallel through the mountain towards the library. As Moon passed an intersecting tunnel, she felt a blast of cold along her thoughts as the thoughts then said: Don't talk to them, there's no time. I must get the NightWing, while they're all in the prey centre. I might even get the stunted SandWing too before anyone notices. Winter won't like it. But he'll understand once this is over. I must do this. For our family.

Moon almost tripped over her own feet in shock. Icicle. The traitor was Icicle.

All the pieces began to fall into place. Icicle's thoughts had always previously been shielded by her Skyfire bracelet. But then it broke that day by the lake, and it was right after that Moon had started to hear the conversations between Scarlet and the traitor. Moon had not interacted much with Icicle, and having never heard her thoughts before, she hadn't recognised her.

Moon, stop! Darkstalker's voice reverberated through her skull, and her legs almost obeyed. I can't let you go after her. Icicle will kill you.

I can't let her kill Starflight and the others!

Then send someone else-

That might take too long. She thought about the other day. She'd tried to warn them of the bomb and everyone had taken too long to respond, trying to figure things out rationally. Starflight didn't have that kind of time. I have to do something now.

There was a great shift in his mind, a sense of building pressure. Moon had no idea why, but she had the distinct impression that Darkstalker, in his urgent concern, was trying to physically force his way out of his underground prison. Their minds blended for a fraction of a second, and Moon's vision turned dark and grey. Rock pressed in all around them, making them panic with sudden claustrophobia. Pain sliced underneath their talons as they scrambled against the earth, attempting to dig their way out but to no avail. There was a strain on their back as they tried to push and lift several tons of earth, but there was no give. Their prison was unyielding, eternally confining.

Moon was shoved back into her own head as Darkstalker snarled. Oh, Stardust and moon-vomit!

The effort to keep her birthday breakfast down in her stomach was much more than Moon would've thought. Quite by accident, her and Darkstalker's mind had melded into one. She had experienced his prison as he did, and it was terrible. But what was more sickening, was that Darkstalker was so worried he was desperately fighting a futile battle to get out, to help her.

Which meant he wasn't joking when he said Icicle might kill her. This really was a life or death situation. Could she do this…? But then, could she look anyone in the eye again if she let Icicle kill Starflight or any of the others?

Winter's going to be devastated, she thought with a slice of pity. And then, she picked up her pace. There was no choice.

Moon continued on her run through the mountain. Unfortunately, it was near enough lunchtime, so the tunnels were starting to fill with dragons as they moved from their quarters or separate duties to the prey centre. A couple of RainWings walked out in front of her from another entryway. They saw her coming, squealed and threw themselves aside to avoid being trampled.

A flash of sandy yellow and icy blue to the left. Warm and cold thoughts intertwined rolled over her. Winter and Qibli. Qibli must've left and found Winter before Kinkajou. The pair must've noticed her coming. The SandWing's ear twitched and he turned to her direction.

He smiled and waved a wing. "Hey, Moon! Look who I found!"

Winter and Icicle might not have the best sibling relationship, but Moon knew that it would hurt Winter deeply to see his sister as a traitor. And a smaller part of her whispered sinisterly, would he side with Icicle? IceWings were hyper-focused on duty. If Icicle ordered him to, for the good of their family, would he join her?

But someone needed to be warned of the danger. And what if Darkstalker was right, and she was running straight to her death?

"I'm sorry!" she yelled as she skidded to avoid colliding with them. "I've got to go! Find Tsunami! Tell her to go to the library!"

She was away again before she had a chance to read their reactions in their minds. Up a curving incline, around a tight bend. The library was just ahead. The chill of Icicle's thoughts lured Moon closer - she hadn't managed to get ahead of her but she could at least try to stop her.

Moon was running so fast she couldn't stop her momentum in time to enter the library in a controlled manner. She crashed into the cave-mouth, trapping her wing painfully against her side. With the pain and her hysteria, a shrill sound burst out of her throat and formed into words. "Starflight, get down!"

Icicle, ready to pounce, froze and spun at the alarm. Starflight, sat by a table and sorting through his scrolls by touch, froze. Of course he wouldn't immediately move, since he'd lost his sight, it was always his first response. Icicle's mind was alive with questions about Moon's presence, but she ignored them in favour of leaping into action. Moon went to try and stop her but wasn't fast enough.

The IceWing tackled Starflight, shoving him to the ground in such a rough manner that Moon feared she'd break him! Out of instinct, Starflight kicked and clawed wildly, but Icicle was a trained and accomplished soldier. She had him pinned in less than two seconds, a back foot on his wing and wrenching his body away from it to stress the joint. Her serrated claws dug in his arms and neck. With a quiet rattle, she summoned her frost breath into the back of her throat, a warning, right beside his ear.

Both Starflight and Moon froze. What were they supposed to do now?

"Leave, NightWing," hissed Icicle. "This doesn't concern you."

Moon clenched her talons into the ground to try and hide how badly she was shaking. "I won't let you kill him."

"Kill me?!" Starflight shrieked. He struggled, bucking to try and loosen Icicle's grip. The IceWing whipped her long tail, the spikes at the end sliced deep through his thigh. Starflight cried out.

The blood spurred Moon to move. She rushed forward, to try to do something, but Icicle jerked herself back, dragging Starflight with her. "Take another step, and I'll add some frostbite scars to match his burns."

"Icicle, think about what you're doing," said Moon, remaining where she was. "If you go through with this, you'll jeopardize Queen Glacier's alliance."

"Glory and Tsunami won't forgive-" Starflight's words were cut off as Icicle's talons wrapped around his throat and squeezed.

She scoffed. "Am I supposed to care about an army of silly RainWings?"

The situation was getting more out of Moon's control. She had to try and get through to Icicle, at least enough to lessen her grip! "No! B-But you believe a true IceWing puts their duty first. The Dragons of Destiny will make sure Blaze never gets the SandWing throne if you kill one of them. All of your Queen's hard work, everything your tribe has sacrificed - will be for nothing."

Indecision marred Icicle's expression as she processed those words. Her claws relaxed on Starflight's throat just enough for him to gulp air. Once he got his breath back, he croaked: "Stand down. And we'll forget this."

The princess grit her teeth. "I don't have a choice-!"

"Whatever Scarlet promised you," Moon capitalised on the opening. "It isn't worth it!"

But that was the wrong choice of words. Icicle's eyes blazed with outrage. "Isn't worth it? How would you know-" She froze, focusing on Moon as if truly seeing her for the first time. "How do you know all this?! Conniving NightWing, I should have known never to be complacent around your kind!"

"I know Queen Scarlet's been visiting you in your dreams. She wants you to kill the Dragons of Destiny before sunset."

Stunned silence. It's not possible…

"Icicle, whatever she's promised you, it will be a lie."

"And I'm supposed to trust you? It was your tribe that started all this mess!" Her gaze flickered around the room momentarily, and as it did, Moon heard in her mind: That's it, the window. I can slice his throat and be out of the window-

Before she could think better of it, Moon dashed in front of the window, spreading her wings to block the escape route. Icicle hissed and backed up away from her. For a moment, Moon thought she'd attack, her knees wobbling. But Icicle kept her shield close and dug her claws in. Starflight whimpered, and Moon couldn't stand it. "Don't hurt him!"

"You are letting me leave," Icicle demanded, "or I kill him right now!" And then in her mind: That's it. Just a little closer. One, two -

Seeing the plan coming, Moon only barely had time to dodge as Icicle opened her mouth and unleashed her frostbreath. The NightWing dove towards the centre table, pouncing on one end to upend it and hold it like a shield. Icicle's frostbreath hit the table with such force, Moon feared it would splinter. The air turned cold and Moon's fingers quickly went numb. It was difficult to stay alert for what was coming, yet keep on top of Icicle's thoughts to know her plan of attack. Not to mention the way Moon's heart was pounding out of her chest was -

There was a yell, and Moon flinched as something came flying past her hiding spot. It was Starflight! He hit the wall behind her, his head smacking back onto the stone with a horrible crack. Moon's stomach clenched with nausea. Starflight's body slid down to the ground in a limp heap. He didn't move. Moon reached out for him, scared to find -

Her table was ripped out of her fingers. Icicle hefted it up and threw it aside. Moon's shield crashed into the wall, large, jagged pieces flying out in all directions. The IceWing reared above her, jaws wide and talons outstretched. Moon tried to kick her away, scrambling back, but she couldn't find purchase.

MOON! Darkstalker roared through her brain.

Abruptly, Icicle shrieked and stumbled back, clutching her head. Moon stared in disbelief. The princess was dazed. Her father's battle training shouted out from her memory, and Moon took the opportunity. She struck with her back legs, hitting Icicle squarely in the chest and launching her backwards. Icicle stumbled back, hitting into a bookcase and going down with it.

Scrabbling to regain her footing, Moon waited, breathing laboured, to see if Icicle would come right back at her. Nothing. Spinning, Moon hurried over to Starflight. Her talons shook as she checked him over, trying to find a pulse and failing. The terror of feeling that blank nothingness of death in his mind nearly made Moon heave. But she had to know, had to be sure -

A flutter in his head. A haze of consciousness barely stirred in his mind. He was out cold, but he was alive.

Relief made Moon teary eyed. Thank the Great Dragon!

Moon, came Darkstalker's voice in alarm. She's coming for your left flank!

She turned just in time to see Icicle sprinting across the library towards her. Moon screamed and dove out of the way. Serrated claws grazed Moon's tail, making her wince. As she landed, her ears pricked at that now familiar chilling rattle of an IceWing summoning its frost. Moon's own throat constricted as heat swam to her call. She twisted back to Icicle and let loose her fire.

Fire met ice. Icicle's frost instantly evaporated before it had a chance to leave her maw. The steam emitted from the blast clogged in the princess' mouth, and she choked. Swinging her tail, Moon tried to batter the princess back, keeping her away from Star-

Those cold talons caught Moon's tail and pulled her in close. Moon tried to fight her, but Icicle was too strong, and her talons sank into Moon's flesh with ease to get a good grip. The NightWing clawed at Icicle's chest, kicked at her stomach, but though she inflicted damage, causing streaks of blue blood, her opponent would not be deterred. A cold grip closed around Moon's throat and squeezed.

She tried to swallow air, but it was gone! Her claws tried to tear at the grip squeezing the life out of her. Lungs burned; the more she moved, the more she needed the air. Pressure built in Moon's brain, her heartbeat so loud in her ears she almost could hear Darkstalker shouting her name. Darkness was creeping in…

"Moon?!"

The voice took both dragonesses by surprise. Icicle looked up, grip slackening just enough for Moon to suck in air. She tried to twist her head to look to the tunnel. Who had come for her?

Qibli. He stood tall, wings and chest puffed out with horror at the sight before him. His golden-brown eyes looked from Moon to Icicle, before they narrowed. Moon had never seen him look so furious before. And then, a moment later, Winter came running to join him. He stared onto the scene with shock.

And then he marched towards his sister, teeth bared and blue eyes seeming to glow with righteous fury. Qibli was right behind him, tail raised threateningly. And Winter shouted: "What in Pyrrhia is going on here?!"