Author's Note:

Greetings all! Before you jump into the world building of The Rising Storm, I'd like to say a few things. This story is a little bit of an AU, in which I didn't follow the exact formula of the Wings of Fire cannon timeline. This story takes place ~100 years after the ending of book 15 and I should warn you that there will be spoilers for all Wings of Fire novels. Additionally, the prologue takes place 8 years before the first chapter, so hopefully that didn't get mixed up in translation. I hope you all enjoy this first look into TRS and let me know what you think of it.

P.S. I don't have a good posting schedule, so chapters will come out at random times.

*~The Rising Storm~*
By Blizzard

To those who have asked me, "why draw dragons?"

Prologue Part One
5176 AS

Snowflake's joints ached as her spiked legs ran across the sandy, moonlit beach. Ice-cold tears streamed down her frosty cheeks. The IceWing couldn't dare to stop, there was nothing that was going to change her course of action. Nothing. Nobody. Not even–
Don't think of him, angrily thought Snowflake. She couldn't get wrapped up in his affairs, but she quickly felt remorse. There was no easy way to face change. No dragon has ever been able to rewrite their past journeys. Yet in her lifetime she dreamed of the power that could have been in her talons.

Snowflake stopped near the shoreline taking deep breaths while clutching her stomach. The sun's crevice was about to sink beneath the Harmony sea and darkness would plague Pyrrhia. Rubbing her talons, she attempted to reassure her fears that plagued her, like paint splotches that never faded. Snowflake hadn't ever expected her life to change this drastically. She thought that it would always be clear for her to see. No hidden meanings; no altered fates; just her and him. Although, a few warnings every now and then would be perfect for her. This would help prepare her for a futile effort that may turn sour in front of her own denials. But she didn't have that kind of power. Everything was to follow the timeline of life and death. Yet something happened that wasn't meant to happen; he disappeared.

Snowflake felt her life falling into shambles, but she had to be strong. Catching her breath, Snowflake walked away from the shoreline, her talons sinking into the warm sand. Each step she took made her stronger, but the farther she was from the shore was farther from him. Sighing, Snowflake arrived at her destination; A strong and sturdy palm tree, in which an "S + T" were engraved around a heart on its tan bark. Placing her palm on the engraved heart, Snowflake felt the memories of the past flash before her eyes and she knew now that everything about herself was about to change. That made her feel powerless.

Snowflake knew that she shouldn't have gone outside of the kingdom of Ice. She knew that she could be safe, but not loved. All she wanted was to be near those who cared about her, even beyond her insecurities and false faces. Running away from her problems wasn't the best option Snowflake could have made, but a pull in her heart made all that action worth it. No longer was she going to bear her life in the Ice Kingdom. Each day was as bland as the last. Snowflake's mind would wander at night of how wonderful life in Pyrrhia could be. How she would be able to cleanse her scales from the dull edges of IceWing culture.

Not everything was bad in her kingdom though. Snowflake was glad to see the gift of order was smashed to pieces by their previous queen, Snowfall. IceWings, even if they were a dominant and self-centered tribe, needed to find support in the other tribes of Pyrrhia. Which, thankfully, saved their entire existence from extinction.

Even with the dangers of the past, thinking about what occurred before helped Snowflake to calm her nerves. Yet there was one inconsistent and utterly untrustworthy SeaWing that hadn't appeared yet; He was supposed to be here. Snowflake once again found her reminiscing about her dear, sweet love.

Under the cover of darkness, Snowflake would meet up with him as often as he sent a letter to her. During their outings, Snowflake was weary of the potential war that could plague Pyrrhia at any moment, but of course, he was there to ease her worries and wrap his blue wing around her for warmth in the bitter nights by the shore. His bioluminescent scales illuminated the empty and dark space. Snowflake would always insist against light, fearful of being caught, but he brushed aside her fears, giving her his wonderful smile that she fell in love with many moons ago. Brushing aside the SeaWing's romantic gestures, Snowflake laid her tired body on his side and wished that she could stay here forever. The SeaWing would dim his scales, opening the door to darkness, while also creating a peaceful area for them to spend their lost time together. Snowflake couldn't lie to herself, the atmosphere felt just a bit more peaceful and romantic each time they met.

"See! It isn't that bad...right?" smugly, but anxiously, would say the SeaWing. Snowflake would keep her gaze off of him, hoping to hide her growing blue blush that began to appear on her cheeks.

"Not at all, love. Not at all," softly snickered Snowflake, finally having the courage to smile back at the plump SeaWing.

Snowflake knew that this was wrong; conversing with another dragon with romantic intentions when you're already betrothed to another dragon. Yet she didn't want her parents to decide her future nor did she want to marry that sickly arrogant IceWing either.

Snowflake continued to show her defiance–and to cleanse her lovesick heart–and met up with the SeaWing every half moon cycle. Snowflake knew that their friendship was rare–war over hybrids could occur at any moment!–but she hoped that they could be more than just friends.

During many sleepless nights on a block of ice, Snowflake would wonder about what could happen. What should happen. What is meant to occur with her and her love. But through all of these wants, Snowflake thinks about if he truly wants to have a life with her.
Does he love me? Is he the one? Would this cause a shift of balance of peace between our two tribes?
 These questions came into Snowflake's mind fairly often. There was no doubt that her love would be forbidden if she ever told her parents about him. Snowflake wouldn't dare expose him to her own problems. He was perfect for her. Thinking about the possible outcomes made her whole body shiver. There was no other way out of her predicament.

Snowflake knew what she wanted to do, but would he reciprocate her feelings? She knew without a doubt that she had fallen for the SeaWing many moons ago, but had he fallen for her as well? Snowflake quickly stood up, pacing around the array of palm trees, but focusing on their engraved love tree. Snowflake knew that she had to wait in hopes that he would come, but whether he does show up or not, she has something–no, someone–more important to deal with. Snowflake heard wingbeats in the far distance, her entire body tensed up under the noise.

More battalions and scouts are showing up...I bet mother has something to do with this.

Snowflake stayed low to the ground, hoping that the darkness was enough to hide her blue scales from the patrol. Snowflake counted each second in her head. One; a mumbled conversation. Thirty; two dragons fly by, one arguing to the other about scrolls and books. Sixty; the night was silent once again.

Exhaling, Snowflake had a feeling. She knew that tonight was special and nothing would stop her. Looking down at her talons, she attempted to figure out what was planned for her. Yet her talons gave no reassurance or help. Snowflake knew that tonight was the last chance she had to see him. This would be the final night as an innocent IceWing. Through this uneasiness, Snowflake remembered the first time she had found her love, Tide.

10 Years Ago…[Around 5166 AS]

Tide was sitting alone on a shore near the Harmony Sea. The SeaWing was all alone and looked like he needed space. Even though she didn't hesitate, Snowflake was scared for her life.

What if he's an enemy? What if he attacks me? Oh, to the three moons please don't let this be a mistake.

Snowflake scouted the surrounding area first. She was not risking her life just to be thrown into a SeaWing prison. Upon thorough inspection, she flew down to the SeaWing. Funnily enough, he didn't even notice her sudden appearance. He just sat there, silently. Without a given queue, Snowflake called out to the grey-blue SeaWing.

"What are you doing here, SeaWing?" demanded Snowflake, her spiked tail slithering along the sand.

Within a second, the SeaWing jumped in surprise and looked fairly startled. His frills flowed in the night as he shook his head to clear himself. He clearly wasn't going to attack her, but would he call his SeaWing friends to come get her for himself? There was no explanation to what this SeaWing was doing, but Snowflake had to find out.

"I-I uh….none of your business, SeaWing stuff that has nothing to do with you, IceWing!" The SeaWing said, but not very confidently. His talon was curled around his tail. Snowflake stared at the SeaWing with a confused expression.

Why is he keeping secrets?

The SeaWing was a bit plump with these sweet and adorable eyes. His talons were shaking, but his eyes were focused on her.

"What is your name?" asked the SeaWing.

Snowflake contemplated if she should or shouldn't tell who she was to this SeaWing. There were many clear outcomes that could come out of this interaction. To name a few: imprisonment, death, interrogation, or torture. Snowflake shivered, that was definitely not going to happen to her, but could she trust him?
Enough of this, I want to see the world for who they are, not what my stupid tribe tells me about them.

"My name is Snowflake."

Without a second thought, the SeaWing put out his talon in a friendly gesture. "Ah...uh...I thought you would just fly away. But…W-well, my name is Tide," Tide shifted a talon nervously in the sand. The darker and cooler sand emerged from the ground and Tide picked up some within his talons. Snowflake was interested in this SeaWing-he wasn't like anybody she had ever met. She knew that this would be a one-of-a-kind friendship, but with all that had happened, would it be worth the risk? Looking back at Tide, she noticed how his gaze didn't drift away from her. His cloudy grey eyes were now looking at hers. Snowflake looked away, blushing. She had no intention to let someone she just met see her blush. Fortunately, Tide quickly had a response to leave.

"Hey uh, it was nice meeting you and all...but I-uh, I need to get back to the palace. Will I see you again?"

Snowflake got herself together and looked back at Tide. He didn't look like someone who would be a fighter. Snowflake hoped that she wouldn't see him again on the battlefield. That might even break her. That didn't matter though because she knew that she wasn't going to fight anyway. Snowflake's intentions were to stay as far away from the war as thought about her options, but there was always one that kept coming up.

Do I want to see him again? Is this the right decision? Would risking our lives find a way to bring peace to Pyrrhia once again?

Snowflake took Tide's talons in hers and she knew that she wanted to know more about him. He does seem like an interesting and sweet dragon to know.

"Maybe I'll see you around soon," said Snowflake, "Let's see if our paths cross once again."

Tide's eyes widened in surprise.

He really wants to see me again? Why me out of all his wonderful SeaWing friends?

"Can I possibly see you again here in two day's time? Maybe at midnight?" asked Tide.

Snowflake looked up at Tide and said, "Are you asking me out on a date, mister Sea dragon?"
Tide's eyes widened once again and he flinched backwards. Snowflake found that adorable.

"If you want to call it one...I guess?"

Snowflake laughed at the dragon, she definitely didn't want to give up with him. This was worth the risk and Snowflake was prepared for whatever was to occur.

1576 AS

As the months came and went, Snowflake grew closer to Tide. They would share stories about their families and their hopes for the world. Snowflake knew she couldn't let Tide go and that is a problem itself. She could clearly remember Tide's unsure and anxious expression when he brought flowers to her many months ago. That was the day he asked if she wanted to run away with him and live a life together...not just as friends, but as partners.
Snowflake left the IceWing kingdom at the break of dusk, breathing in the fresh air. Flying away from the palace was a blessing in disguise. Snowflake was able to escape from her family's torture and see her best friend. They had met almost ten years ago now, but it felt like yesterday that Tide came crashing into her life. Her love towards Tide was flawed, but she would risk the world to be with him...however everything might start to crash with news of something else. They were together for a few months now, but Snowflake always wondered if that was all for them; lovers who are flawed by a world against them. They are fighting in a war of a raging storm that will not spare any dragon in its way.

Snowflake shook those thoughts off of her mind and found their hidden meet up spot. The area was secluded enough to where Snowflake could wait for Tide while staying away from SeaWing patrols during the night. Every moment made Snowflake's icy spikes shake, sending shivers down her spine. She didn't like being without him, but he was worth the wait. Snowflake couldn't find a way to calm herself down. She looked down and found herself holding a talon on her stomach. Snowflake knew that she had to tell Tide about their dragonet, but would they be able to keep them safe? Snowflake hadn't told Tide about their dragonet to keep himself safe and without question; to keep suspicion of him away from his family. She came up with many names for their dragonet, but every name she thought of came with its own flaws.

Tundra? No, not that one. Snow? No. Ice-Storm? Nope.

Snowflake sighed. It was well past midnight and Tide still wasn't there. He promised to be here tonight. Yet the last time he was in a rush to get back to the palace. Something must have happened to let him become more particular about when he has to leave. Snowflake knew that she couldn't tell him about their dragonet and that was one of the many reasons why.

Where is he? thought Snowflake with great intensity. Have we been caught? Three moons I knew my mother was right…I shouldn't interact with other tribes.
"Do you not love me anymore, my dear Tide?" Snowflake murmured out loud. She was hiding under the palm trees, only feet away from where Snowflake hoped Tide would appear. She held onto her snowflake earring gifted by Tide. At least this was something that could calm her nerves when waiting for him. Snowflake's fears were bouncing wildly in her mind.

Hours went by, agonizing moments of pain, worriness, and hopelessness. Tide wasn't coming and Snowflake hoped that that wasn't true. She thought deeply about the times Snowflake had with Tide. Every chance she had to leave the palace, she would take it. There was nothing stopping her from seeing the one dragon who gave her happiness. Happiness was something that didn't come easily for Snowflake.

Time was limited as her parents grew more and more suspicious of her antics. Maybe her time with him was a factor to its slower ticks. Time seemed to slow down whenever Tide came into her life, but once she left everything sped up. Snowflake was challenged with the choice between safety and happiness.

Safety was something that Snowflake always had. Nodragon traveled to the Ice Kingdom because of its cold, icy tundra atmosphere. However, happiness didn't come easy to her. Yet Tide was able to bring it to her every time she was with him. Snowflake was lost in thought when all of a sudden a loud splashing came out of her right ear.

Water splashed upwards as a dragon flew out of the sea. Out of the tidal wave emerged Tide. Tide looked more muscular than last time, but he still came out of the water with a thump, breathing heavily. Tide had an uneasy expression and his eyes were looking around in search of something. Snowflake guessed that he hoped that she wasn't long gone, which she wasn't. Snowflake came out of their secret safe haven and Tide saw her immediately. Tide sighed, his body relaxing. He walked towards her and accidentally tripped on a submerged rock. Snowflake giggled at Tide's sudden fall. Tide finally reached Snowflake and took her talons in his.

"Oh thank goodness...you're still here," Tide said breathlessly. With his talons in hers, Snowflake looked up at Tide. He was late, but more unexpected was that she would be furious with him. Snowflake's anger grew inside of her and she was not prepared to yell at him.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" roared Snowflake, "I've been waiting hours for you!" Tide's face shifted from relief to anguish. "I thought that we agreed to be here on time so that we wouldn't worry one another." Snowflake took a deep breath, feeling refreshed to be able to release her growing anxiety. "I-I thought that you were taken and that I would never be able to see you again…" Yet Snowflake began to feel ashamed for yelling at him.

"Oh Snowflake, I'm so sorry. Mother has kept a closer eye on me ever since I came back late a few weeks ago...I fear that she might keep me enclosed soon," Tide whispered. Snowflake felt disappointed in herself for yelling at her true love. However, Snowflake knew she shouldn't mess with Tide's family and their family traditions. Tide spoke about his family frequently. Tide's mother wanted them to stick to tradition and ensure their family line was not tainted. Emphasis on tainted because Snowflake knew that Tide being with her was tainting their pure SeaWing blood. Yet this is ironic because they already have IceWing ancestry.

Everything was about to change and Snowflake knew it. This was the point in her life in which she had to make the most important decision. Have a life with Tide or give it all away for safety. She couldn't make that decision easily, but her heart was pulling her towards what she wanted the most. Snowflake was prepared for what was to come, but courage was not in her blue blood. She felt her heart beginning to beat faster. Slowly breathing in and out, she hoped to calm her nerves. Yet one very late SeaWing was having a hard time keeping his talons from shaking vigorously. Through his trembles, Snowflake noticed that Tide was holding onto something behind his back. Tide attempted to hide what he was holding, but Snowflake knew that he was not the best dragon at keeping secrets or keeping something concealed. Tide noticed Snowflake's eyes looking behind his back and took his chance to ask her what he was wanting to ask for months now.

"Snowflake," he began, ushering her to their tree engraved with their initials, "Ever since I met you, you have been the one who has always been here for me. You have shown me things that nobody else was able to. You bring me happiness and serenity. Your beauty is something that I cannot look away from. Snowflake of the IceWings, with all my love that I can give, will you come with me to grow old together, share memories together, have dragonets together, and be more than just friends?"
Snowflake began to tear up at Tide's love-felt speech. Snowflake knew that this day would come and she knew what she was already going to say.

"YES!" squeaked Snowflake, "A million times yes, Tide! Of course I'll be with you until our end," Snowflake sobbed out. Tide took his chance and gave Snowflake the bouquet of flowers he had prepared for her. They were a mix of blues, purples, and cyans. It was beautiful. Snowflake noticed that he specifically picked these flowers because they reminded him of her scales. Snowflake moved towards Tide and nuzzled him affectionately as their tails entwined with each other. They sat there together in the darkness of night, until Tide lit up his bioluminescent scales. Tide pulled away and looked at Snowflake with ambition.

"We need to leave, we aren't safe," breathed Tide, "Please come with me Snowflake. We can run away together and live the life I have promised you."

Snowflake hesitated. She wasn't prepared for him to ask to run away from the only life she had this quickly. Yet she could create a new life for herself. With him. Snowflake looked away from Tide, eyes facing the moon-lit sand. She picked up sand, watching it slowly escape through her talons. Snowflake was taught to never show your emotions, prove you are worth something, show you are powerful. She wasn't able to conceal those feelings, everything felt as if she was being pushed down by the world. Snowflake was sobbing, she couldn't bear to go back to the IceWing kingdom. She knew she was supposed to marry the most noble IceWing, Frost. Tide slowly approached Snowflake, worry in his wonderful eyes. Tide took her talons in his. Snowflake wouldn't dare to look up, she wasn't ready to leave her only home.

"Oh Snowflake...I'm sorry for everything, I knew this was wrong to love you, I know we can't be together, but my heart always pulls me to see you every day." Snowflake looked up at his eyes. Tide stroked a talon across her tear stricken face.

"Please don't ever be sorry!" Snowflake sobbed, "You don't deserve to feel wrong about loving me...I feel as if everyone is against us..but I-I don't..." Snowflake stopped, feeling lost in what to say next.

"Maybe not everything will go exactly as planned," stated Tide, "We can build our story together-"

"Forever," replied Snowflake. Snowflake didn't know exactly what was to come, but she knew her story was just starting. "I hope our adventure will take us to new places... maybe even to Pantala," Snowflake whispered.

I'll always be here for you, Tide, thought Snowflake.

"Are you sure we can do this?" asked Tide, his glowing scales illuminating off the waves of the Dragon Sea. Snowflake removed her talons from his.

"We will do this adventure together, forever...even if a storm starts to rise," whispered Snowflake into his ears. Snowflake was prepared to tell him about their dragonet. This was her opportunity. "Our dragonet will live the best life we can give them." Snowflake smiled at Tide and he grinned back. Tide's facial expression drastically changed from high joy and love to shock within a second.

"OUR DRAGONET?" Tide roared in shock, his pupils dilating, "YOU'RE WITH EGG?" Tide sat down on the sand, placing a talon on his forehead. His entire body felt like a dragon had just landed on him. "Three moons, this is absolutely wonderful...but they'll look different, a hybrid...they're not accepted…" Tide looked down, feeling as if his life flashed between his eyes.

"I will love our dragonet, no matter how they look," said Snowflake, "I will protect them with my life."

Tide opened his mouth to speak and said, "Maybe...maybe we can live off the radar, keep our dragonet safe and happy," said Tide, looking directly towards Snowflake. Snowflake took Tide's talons, placing it on her stomach.

"Our dragonet will be loved forever, they will be our little warrior, our hope to their acceptance, our rising storm," Snowflake said, looking out towards the ocean. Snowflake placed her head on Tide's shoulder. She twined her tail around his and they sat there, wing-in-wing. "I love you," whispered Snowflake.

"I love you too, my love," Tide whispered back. Tide's eyes were now looking out towards the ocean. Snowflake knew what he was thinking: he would be leaving his life in the sea in exchange for a life with her.

"Ready?" questioned Tide, his calm and vibrant eyes looking into hers.

Snowflake took one last look out to the ocean. Everything wasn't going to go as planned, but she held her head high and gave a brave face. Snowflake no longer feared the future and she knew that with Tide, they could do anything. Snowflake grabbed Tide's talons in hers, squeezing his with great intensity.

"Always."