Frute wasn't sure what was harder to think about. His sibs fighting, or the idea that at least half of his problems stemmed from Russet. Another quarter was caused by his parents, while the remaining bit was caused by his sibs.
The morning came faster than he thought it would. Mye had fallen asleep, and from the looks of it, she wasn't planning on getting up any time soon. Frute would have to do this himself, then.
The door opened again, although this time Russet didn't step inside. She just stood by the doorway, blocking the only way to get out.
"So?" She said. "Have you thought of anything?"
"I realized that if you didn't watch over Mother, I would be happy with my sibs. Moons, maybe Mallow would still be bigwings, too."
"But you wouldn't have met your butterfly-winged friend."
"You did more harm than good. I understand why you did it, but I don't get how you wanted to do it. You presented Mother with a question she couldn't answer. Then you killed Father for simply being there. I know you're the bigwings and you have to watch out for your sibs, but killing their mate, even from a different tribe, is a little bit too far."
Russet just looked at him. Frute shuffled uncomfortably at the pressure of her glare. "Do you think I wanted to kill your father?"
"It sounds like it, yes." Frute replied. "You didn't sound particularly mournful when you mentioned killing him."
"Look, I was trying to protect my troop." Russet protested.
"By killing the dragon who your sister loved?" Frute asked. "That sounds more like torturing than protecting."
"Slate was already dead."
"How about I put it this way: Would you have killed Father if Mother was still alive? Do you think she would approve of your choice to end his life? I would rather have a RainWing father that I barely knew, than the MudWing aunt that killed him."
"You're being unreasonable. You stopped stating the facts and started stating your own biased opinions."
"You wanted my thoughts. Your's are just as biased as mine. You think you did the right thing—whereas I feel like so much could've just been a little brighter if you had just…stayed put."
Frute wasn't sure why he was on the verge on tears. From the sound of it, Russet was faring no better. Frute shuffled a little closer to Mye, to lean on her for encouragement. He was doing well so far. Memories of his sibs were replaced by fantasies of what it could've been like without Russet messing everything up. She had a point—Frute wouldn't have met Mye if it weren't for the MudWing. But if he had to choose, which one would he pick? A close friend, or peace within his troop? He didn't really want to think of it too much.
Russet let out a deep sigh. "Do you have anything else to say?" She asked.
"…No, I think I've spoken enough." Frute replied. He watched as his aunt stepped out of the way. He expected to be cloaked in darkness again, but Russet didn't shut the door. "What are you doing?" Frute asked.
"Giving you and your friend an opportunity to escape." Russet replied briefly. "You better take it before I change my mind."
Frute stood up and nudged Mye. "What is it?" Mye asked quietly.
"Come on, Russet's letting us go." Frute said.
Mye sat up and blinked. Her talons twitched when she saw the open door. She looked from the doorway to Frute, excitement in her eyes. "Come on, let's go!" She said. She ran towards the door. Frute followed her as fast as he dared.