It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle Onassis

Shade's POV

The first word I'd use to describe what I felt would be suppressed. My vision was hazy and dark, my hearing was muffled, and my entire body was numb. As I fought off the fatigue I could see movement, but nothing beyond that. Knowing that I would need my strength I relaxed, drifting into a peaceful sleep. . .

A dream occurred, as I slept. Showing me the highlights of my life. Who I was, and who I became.

The first vision I saw was in a small room only big enough for two adult dragons and my infant self. But I could not see the dragon's faces.

"Hush my little snowflake, it's time for you to sleep." A voice spoke as I was nuzzled into my bed, the voice of my long lost mother. My young self apparently wasn't tired as I grabbed onto my mother's nose.

"She's a feisty one isn't she?" My father asked as he gently pulled me off.

"Something she shares with her father, Glacier." My mother replied.

Glacier, that was my father's name. Maybe there still is a chance to find a way home to my parents. But then the memories changed.

The small home from the last memory lay in ruins, smoke and war cries filled the air. My mother picked me up from the ashes of our home, flying over the battle between Apes and Dragons, carrying me to safety.

Except it wasn't safe. An arrow pierced Mom in the wing forcing her to land. She placed me in-between bushes to hide me before running off. And the Apes followed her.

That night I was calling for her, the air was cold and I was scared. But instead of my mother coming back for me, several Apes heard me crying and kidnapped me, tying me in a sack.

Next I remembered the time I was Appa's slave. How I would cry out at night for help, for the only reply to be the rattle of the chains that denied my freedom. Sometimes Appa would let me out of my chains, only to tie me up and strap a muzzle onto my face, and then humiliated me by leading me around like a pet goat.

And then, something happened. Appa became enraged; The Dark Master betrayed the apes, replacing them with Grublins. Appa escaped swearing revenge on the Purple Dragons, and I was experimented on, manipulated, cursed for that goal.

Then on that fateful day I made a break for it, running as far and fast as I could. I had hoped that I would make it to a cheetah or mole village, someone who would take pity on me. Instead I got more then I could hope for.

When I woke up from fainting I found myself in Warfang, the cities whose walls have never fallen. It was the safest place I could hope to be. The guardians made me Amber's roomate, and soon she became my first friend. We traded one secret for another.

I confessed to her, despite the fact that she could have ratted me out to the guardians about the curse. In exchange she told me about her feelings for Brian, a Night Fury.

At first the idea of a Night Fury sounded like a perfect choice for me. Having an entire night without having to worry about what people thought of you was welcome. But I refrained, it sounded too good to be true, it sounded like a lie to get in close to kill due to his dark nature, a fate with too much in common with what Appa planned for me.

It was about then when Appa tried to retake me but the humans intervened. I don't understand why so many people hold a grudge on humans; I myself have great respect for them.

Then when the fight broke out in the infirmary, and I saw Brian in action for the first time. I knew he was what I could become if I tried hard enough, I saw him as a role model. He was inspiring.

When the Dark Master attempted to size control of his mind, Brian displayed so much will power that he was able to resist! After that I straight out idolized him. He was everything I wish I was: strong, confident, and brave.

As the time passed, My curse made itself known making it impossible to deny it. And once again Brian became my personal hero, countering Appa's curse with one of his own. Better, Brian gave me a name!

A Name! My Very Own Name!

First Brian gave me safety, protecting me when I collapsed. Then he gave me hope with his presence. Freedom and Identity when he stopped the curse. Then a fresh start, a new family, and a new purpose when he made me a Night Fury.

I guess I owe Brian, just about everything. . .

Yep, a little bit of Shade's background was reviled this chapter. Including how she was captured. Poor little thing, thankfully Brian's done a good job helping her.