Opal stood with Phantomtide, watching as Clay burst out of the tunnel, his body and scale protecting Starflight from the heat and flames that burst out of the entrance into the tunnel. Phantomtide immediately went over to help the two, while Opal stayed back, eyeing the cave entrance. She looked down at the ground, knowing that whatever happened on the other side, likely didn't offer any escape for the three who had stayed behind. Metalhide, Midnight, and Morrowseer. They likely perished in the lava and flames. And seeing the back of Clay, which was slightly blackened, but he didn't seem to mind the pain, if there was any still.
That luxary did not extend to either of the three, especially since Metalhide and Midnight had armor and metal skin, which would not too much against the heat and lava. They were gone, and as much as she didn't want to believe it, she knew it in her heart that they were. All three of them. But she didn't want to cry. Not now. Metalhide had taught her to use sadness and turn it into strength, strength to fuel her resolve. She thought back to when she, Metalhide, and Midnight were still with Shadowflare and Tempo.
They were almost a family. They had acted as such. But Metalhide and Midnight decided to part from the company of the two, along with her, to travel to the Rainforest. Their reasons became clear now. They wanted to put a stop to Morrowseer, and protect the dragonets. The dragonets which she was a part of, according to the prophecy.
...I won't let their sacrifice be in vain. She thought to herself. No way I'll let it happen. I know what to do. She looked between Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny. I'll embrace my role. And I'll see what you gave up so much for, through to the end. I swear, dad, uncle. I swear this on your memory. She blinks a bit after finishing her silent promise, then saw Sunny, the last dragon she had laid her eyes on, suddenly get pulled into the trees. What?! Her expression flared, before trailing after whoever had dragged the Sandwing off. She vanished into the trees, without anyone noticing. Well, I guess I'm starting now!
(This about wraps up Opal's side-story, Once I get this point in 'Phantom of a Chance', I'll start a new story that picks up where this leaves off, titled 'Phantom of the Night Sky' Essentially merging the two stories. It'll switch POVs between Phantomtide and Opal.)