Reference to book 15? In my chapter titles? Unheard of...Also, I made a cover to this story! You can see it on my twitter and deviantart under the same name as here :D
It'd taken a few days, but they were finally on their way to Pantala. Winter wasn't immediately coming back, so they had to help settle in the old mayors of Possibility. Copper and Sahara proved to be quick learners and were able to take charge. Especially since the future king of the Seawings, Riptide, came a day later, bearing three Dreamvisitors for them to keep in contact as they'd doubtlessly be separated.
"Stay safe, will you?" Riptide said to them. The Seawing looked tired, but also happier than he'd been in his entire life. It was the same look Blue doubtlessly had when Cricket blurted out her feelings to him a little after being freed. "I'd miss my drinking buddy more than I already do."
"When I get back, I'll visit the Sea Kingdom." Blue promised. "I don't think I've ever been."
"I mean, I was recently welcomed back, so that tracks." Riptide laughed. "I'll hold you to that, though. Tsunami will definitely beat us both in it, though."
"I'm not one for competition." Blue chuckled nervously, indicating to Cricket, who was shaking her head. "Although, Sundew is. She'd give Tsunami a fly for her coin."
"Is it wrong that I want to see that?"
It took three days by flight to reach Pantala. A whole route had been pathed and led by guides of the three Pantalan tribes. Blue and the others knew the route by heart, but it was better to stick with a crowd lest a sudden storm sweep in. Luckily, that did not happen, with sunny skies that warmed their backs and wings.
Admittedly, being back in Pantala was nostalgic. His family was there, as were some friends he'd made. The air itself was different, more exotic than the rainy mountains he ended up calling home now. Here, a lush savanna greeted, with animals as far as the eye could see. Some HiveWings were hunting, though, and so Blue took care to not disrupt their tracking.
The forest that housed the LeafWings had grown at least a mile in. It was a slow process, planting everything and letting it grow. Leafspeak was not something all LeafWings had, so some had to grow at their own pace. However, many LeafWings did move toward the edge, as the jungle deep down was still filled with dangerous plants. The relief many of their tribe had over not being in constant danger could be felt by Blue's empathy for days.
The letters, however, did not say where to meet. However, Blue had a good idea of where to start. Namely, the giant silk nest that had been built. It strongly resembled a giant cocoon that all SilkWings spun upon reaching maturity to grow their wings. More webbing lifted it off the ground, and as they drew closer, Blue saw wood and stone acting as the base foundations.
The Chrysalis, as it had been called as a reminder of the rebellion, served as the new home for the SilkWings. It was toward the ocean, within reasonable distance of Wasp Hive and the forest. It was also the closest destination for them to go.
"I just hope my claws don't get all sticky again." Sundew grumbled.
"I don't think that'll happen," Bumblebee said. "Just watch your step."
"Thank you, Bumblebee, I would've never thought to do that," Sundew responded sarcastically.
The landing pad had SilkWing guards, which was something Blue never thought he'd see. In prismatic armor that resembled a carapace, they wore gauntlets over their claws. They had no need for the weaponry Blue had often seen; their silk could be spun faster than most to entangle any troublemakers. Blue had learned how to do such a thing but was taxing on the body if not followed by rest.
"Has this place gotten… bigger?" Cricket asked as they stepped inside. "I feel like it's gotten bigger."
"It has." Willow confirmed. "There's a new level now."
"Oh, neat! I'd love to see what's on it. Probably more homes, though."
Inside was a spiral-like structure that led to various levels that lined the Chrysalis. Shops, taverns, and so on. SilkWings flew about their lives, free. Some HiveWings and LeafWings were beside them with no hostility. Blue remembered the talk with Cricket the other night about HiveWings but seeing them interact with no bad blood was why he wanted to move on. He didn't want to tear open these wounds, especially after overhearing an 'owner' HiveWing treating what used to be his servant with respect.
As Blue found out, many HiveWings did not like seeing themselves above SilkWings, and only did so due to society. There were even hidden romances. Hybrids of Silk and Hive had been born over the past few years, all with different features. One that flew by had glimmering black and purple scales, the latter stripe-like. Antennae, too, which HiveWings supposedly had at some point.
"Almost reminds me of a Beetlewing." Cricket mused as the hybrid flew by. "Before, you know, Clearsight bred them out."
"Where did you hear that?" Blue turned back, eyebrow raised.
"I mean, come on, we're all descendants of Clearsight? That, and I talked to Peacemaker's mother, and she's the one who brought it up."
"That's kinda funny." Blue had to admit. He never did think much about it.
Still, meeting a Nightwing , whom the HiveWings were directly related to, was strange. It was like coming across a race of gods according to some HiveWings. Or meeting a living ancestor. SilkWings did not have any ancestry connected to Pyrrhia as far as he knew.
On the subject of Pyrrhia, some of those tribes were here too. Some as visitors, others having moved here. He did see a HiveWing speaking to a Nightwing, too. SilkWings with Skywings. It was a harmony Blue never thought he'd see.
But, there was a place he needed to go. Toward the top of the spire that made the center was the Queen's Throne, where Luna could oversee all. The top was a grand structure with multiple rooms for visiting queens, rimmed with shiny materials and tapestries that caught Blue's eye. Something about Luna, that previously went unnoticed, was her attraction to shiny objects. Flamesilk lanterns hung from the sides, too, as did tapestries that she wove.
Knocking on the door, a familiar dark blue face with white triangles along the snout greeted.
"Blue!" Swordtail pulled him into a tight hug, wings fluttering with joy. "Oh, I missed you buddy! Luna, too, obviously."
"Nice to see you too," Blue's voice was slightly muffled, face pressed into his chest. How vibrant his orange splotches were this close. Luna must stare at them a lot.
"Cricket! Sundew and Willow!" Swordtail released Blue to look at them. "And how could I forget my favorite niece, Bumblebee!"
"Someone's happy." Willow smiled warmly. "And I don't think it's because we're here."
"Well, that's part of it, but yes! I just got in some training, spent time with some friends, and then you showed!" Swordtail flexed his arms, showing that he indeed had become quite muscular over the years. "Gotta protect my queen and all! Peace may be here, but I will remain ready!"
"Him and Deathbringer should never meet." Cricket leaned in to whisper in Blue's ear, earning a smile that barely contained laughter. The Nightwing mate of Queen Glory was known to be… well, just like Swordtail when it came to protectiveness. Yet, Blue trusted Swordtail to guard Luna with his life, even if it was silly to witness.
Blue never forgot the days he spent looking for Luna after she was blown across the sea. If he had any doubts about his real character, that destroyed them.
"Speaking of that, we were summoned for land disputes?" Blue questioned. "Admittedly, it wasn't really clear."
"Ah, yes, that." Swordtail nodded. "It's a real pickle, I'll tell you what. Luna can explain it much better than I, but to give you a rough idea so you don't run in blind, SilkWings have no natural territory anymore. We had to make this here. Problem is, this also belongs to LeafWings, who want to regrow the forest. If they do that, they run us and the HiveWing capitol out, and there will be hundreds of displaced Hive and SilkWings. LeafWings like us and all, but again, we'll have to rebuild elsewhere."
"Yep, that'll do it." Cricket nodded, frowning. "And I'm going to assume that there is no real solution?"
"Noperino, and that's why you're here," Swordtail indicated to them all. "You five are a perfect example of intertribal friendship and relationships. You've also been away from here and seen other tribes. That's why Luna brought up the idea of having you all come back. The rest agreed."
"Let's hope it doesn't lead to more conflicts," Sundew grumbled. "I'm already expecting Belladonna's side to hate me if I remotely side with the HiveWings or SilkWings."
"She agreed to follow Queen Sequoia." Willow rubbed Sundew's shoulder tenderly.
"Do you really think she'd listen to that?" Sundew scowled. Willow gave a sad smile but otherwise didn't answer.
"Well, before we work ourselves up, let's get you a place to stay," Swordtail whipped around, nearly smacking Blue and Cricket with his tail. As unobservant as always. "Luna had the place expanded a bit to accommodate you, being guests of honor and all."
Queen Luna… that was such a weird thing to think about. For a while, they were part of the Leaf Kingdom, with a council serving as representatives. Soon, it became apparent that they needed a figurehead, and Luna was elected. Which meant that when they finally could stand on their own, she would take over as Queen. They separated a year ago.
"Where is she?" Blue asked. "I expected her to greet us."
"If the schedule is being kept to, she should be on her way back from Wasp Hive," Swordtail scratched his head. "Truthfully… I forgot what she went there for. I had it, but then I got distracted when you all arrived. Ah well."
The quarters in question were very nice, with bedding made of silky… silk. Much more comfortable than the building types. Blue wondered if some SilkWings were able to better refine now that they weren't treated as servants. And since Luna was a force of change that gave them a voice, it made sense they'd put out the best work for her.
Blue, Cricket, and Bumblebee traveled light, so they didn't need to organize anything. Cricket did bring some of her notepads and books, though, to keep up with her work and potentially interact with the humans in Pantala. Unlike the Pyrrhian humans, though, they were a lot more reclusive and didn't interact much. More stand-offish outside a few like Axolotl. Cricket was given a free pass given her role with the Othermind, but they typically locked up when another approached.
Bumblebee all but flopped onto the other bed, her little body exhausted from such a journey. A pleasurable growl escaped from her.
"You gonna be alright laying there?" Cricket asked.
"Mhm," Bumblebee said, muffled. "I have no idea how the Jade Winglet flew so much during their adventures…"
"To be fair, they don't make frequent trips to Pantala." Blue pointed out. "You do. So you may beat them in an endurance race."
"… True." Bumblebee shifted her head to look at them with one eye. "I'll beat my Winglet claws down."
"That's the spirit." Cricket grinned. "We'll be around here if you need us." Once they walked out the door and shut it, Cricket let out a small chuckle. "So much for privacy if she's staying with us."
"As if she won't follow Sundew around whenever she goes out to hunt or something," Blue entwined his tail with hers. "Alas, it is a curse we brought upon ourselves by deciding to be parents."
"Do you regret it?"
"Nope." Blue smiled warmly as Cricket leaned on him. "You?"
"Not at all," She said happily. "Just didn't expect to have a dragonet in my life at my age."
"Ha, neither did I…" Blue and she walked the halls, seeing SilkWings bustling about. Some were royal guards, others staff. They bowed to Blue upon his passing, as Blue was technically prince of the SilkWings. That was a strange feeling to have.
As they reached the back of the 'palace', Blue noticed three SilkWings approaching. They didn't seem to notice at first, but Blue sure recognized them. His brow raised, not sure what to think of the sight before him.
The SilkWings in question were his mothers, and his father. Blue had to double take at this, as the last time he left here, they were not really all that close. Now, they were walking down the halls together? What in the world was going on?
"Blue!" His father, Admiral, noticed him first as both of his mothers were engaged in conversation. Admiral looked like a hybrid between himself and Luna, with blues and greens all over. His upbeat, happy face only intensified at the sight of his son.
"You're back!" Silverspot, one of his mothers, exclaimed and rushed forward to hug him. Cricket barely untangled her tail in time before he was pulled into the hug. Much like with Swordtail, Blue had a smushed face full of scales.
"Hi mom," Blue said, muffled once again. This got worse when Burnet, his biological mother, joined in. "Hi mom."
"Luna said she'd written, but I didn't know when you'd come," Burnet said. Blue took after her more purple hues and had her eyes. Otherwise, he looked very similar to his father. "How's Pyrrhia? We keep meaning to visit but your sister is just so busy, there's no way we can leave her here alone. But that doesn't mean we don't want to help you."
"Seriously, it's okay." Blue smiled. "I have friends there, and rebuilding a tribe is vastly more taxing than our work. I'm just happy I get to see you when I can."
"Still, we think about it a lot," Silverspot said. She looked more like Luna, which was a given. "I just hope you're telling the truth."
"I am, trust me," Blue said as they wrapped their antennae around his. It was a form of affection that came from extreme intimacy, as the antennae were very sensitive. Cricket liked to rub them and watch him squirm under the touch. He allowed it, of course.
"You still lighting the village?" Admiral approached, grinning. "Funny how we still end up with the same job! It makes me feel good knowing that I can use my silk to actually make things better rather than whatever Wasp was having us do."
"Well, I would hope so." Blue nodded. "And yes, I am."
"I'm trying to learn something else, though," Admiral babbled more. "I was thinking about thermal clothing…."
"That would be useful," Cricket chimed in. "Is there any way for you to keep the temperature going?"
"Well, that's what I am trying to find out," Admiral said. "I know we can use it for different purposes. I've been getting together with the other Flamesilks – and Luna when she can – and trying to figure out a way to use it without burning down a village or having it go out at inopportune times."
"That's… interesting, actually." Blue was impressed. His father was quite naïve when they first met, but apparently that had to do with a coping mechanism rather than actual wide-eyed wonder. Still rattled off his mouth, but he was already used to it from Cricket.
"He's not an idiot anymore," Burnet said dryly. "That's why we don't mind being in public with him."
"I was meaning to ask…" Blue shifted his eyes between them. "Are you all…?"
"Not that far along before you say anything." Silverspot narrowed her gaze. "But, we all decided to put aside any differences and work to help our daughter run the tribe."
"Oh, okay," Blue said as Admiral winked to him while his mothers weren't looking. Blue had to keep a straight face. Cricket almost failed.
"Where's Bumblebee?" Silverspot asked.
"Resting. These flights tire her," Cricket answered. "She'll be running around later. Likely after Sundew."
"Aye, it sounds like a long distance for a dragonet." Admiral nodded understandingly. "Hard to believe that my granddaughter is a HiveWing, though! Not that it's a bad thing. I just never expected it!" He looked at Blue and Cricket, brow furrowing. "Hm, I wonder if Flamesilk can be passed down to HiveWings. If you ever have an egg, let me know!"
"And like that, we're leaving." Burnet sighed loudly as Cricket snickered. Blue's face darkened. "Taking him into public always ends this way."
"And yet, you put up with me." Admiral grinned. "I'm really curious, though!"
"Uh, well, if that happens, you'll be the first to know…" Blue said quietly as Admiral was dragged away by his mothers.
"Well, that was eventful." Cricket giggled. The sound was music to Blue's ears, even if this time it embarrassed him. "I'll have to admit, for scientific purposes, I'm quite curious myself."
"If we run into a hybrid, we'll have to see if they can make silk first," Blue indicated out the window. "If that happens, then theoretically, Flamesilk should transfer over."
"That's a good point." Cricket nodded. "I'd love to study some of the hybrids. See what transfers over, what doesn't. Such as Leafspeak for LeafWing hybrids. What would that be like? I'm afraid to bring it up to Sundew for obvious reasons."
"Mmm…" Blue slid an eye to her. "When are we going to tell her, by the way?"
"I haven't the faintest how to bring that up." Cricket let out a huffing sigh. "It's like finding out my sister was in fact my mother. Except, y'know, painful ."
"Of course, we could always be wrong." Blue winced. "But there's no way Belladonna would carry a whelp if it wasn't hers…"
"Time of peace, and she's still prepping for war." Cricket shut her eyes, bristling. "At least she isn't the leader of the LeafWings. Knowing her, she'd exile Sundew for not marrying Mandrake." Her wings fluttered in anger. "Sorry, I just… really want to smack her."
"Do we want to bring it up?" Blue asked again.
"After the meeting with Luna. We don't need Sundew flying off in a rage."
Luna arrived two hours later, flanked by a guard of SilkWings. One of which was Io, who was ecstatic to see Blue again. Both she and Luna pulled Blue into a hug, thankfully not smushing his face this time.
His half-sister was almost the opposite of him in personality. Outgoing, determined, fearless. Always willing to jump into the fray to protect the ones she loved. Blue always took the pacifist approach if he could, but Luna would blitz her way through no matter what. Unlike Sundew, however, she did not rely on anger and instead was able to wind her way around her foes.
Physically, they were a lot more similar, which made more sense. Green instead of blue, but with a similar facial structure. On her wings, she had a pattern that resembled flames and moons. They were gorgeous, and it only emphasized her royal status. Not to mention the shiny, chitin-esque crown upon her head and jewelry filled with burning Flamesilk.
"I'm so glad you came as quickly as you did!" Luna wrapped her antennae around his. "How's Pyrrhia? I want to visit there one day again, but alas, I am stuck here."
"Well… it's at peace, for the most part," Blue said. "Although, something tells me that they'll be needing our help right after we're done here."
"Why's that?" Luna's face grew serious.
Along the way to the throne, Blue explained what happened in Possibility. He'd heard from Winter right before they left about animus, some sort of external force that some dragons could use, potentially being revived. There wasn't much they could do on the matter, being called to Pantala. But they pledged to offer their services upon return.
"Jeez, you weren't kidding about it being more violent than here," Luna muttered. "Kind of feels like their political stuff is settled, but not violence. It's vice versa here. Again, peaceful, but I can tell that something's going to happen soon. It's why I suggested you all come back."
"Any idea of what?"
"No, but my antennae are always raised. It's like a sixth sense."
Cricket and the others awaited them in the throne room, which was relatively small. It had a throne made of iridescent insect-like carapace, ordained with more Flamesilk jewelry. Really eye catching, too, especially when Luna rested upon it. Swordtail immediately stood beside her, the two sharing a loving kiss before returning to a business face. It was so weird seeing Swordtail, well, serious.
"So, I'll get right to it," Luna said. "SilkWings have no natural home. The HiveWings, under Queen Wasp, saw to that. They also nearly committed genocide against the LeafWings. I'm not even sure where the SilkWings were before all of this. But my point is this; we're essentially in LeafWing territory according to the old maps. They allowed us to build here, but I can tell some of them aren't too happy. HiveWings, for better or worse, have also expanded here. If we force them to leave, that's hundreds of displaced dragons that had no control over their actions."
"That did not stop them from acting the way they did outside of mind control." Sundew growled lowly. "I'm well aware that there are 'good' HiveWings, but what about the ones that abused not just us, but your tribe?"
"Yes, and Queen Jewel has been dealing with it accordingly," Luna revealed. "There are those who willingly went along with the subjugation. 'Under orders' is the common excuse, and sometimes that is true. But the top of the top knew better. Those are the ones who we must target first and work our way down."
"And let me guess, there have been spats about how land is owed?" Cricket added on. Luna nodded. "Queen Jewel is reluctant to give it up, yes?"
"Yes, as you can imagine." Luna nodded again slowly. "Again, she understandably does not wish to displace so many dragons. But the fact of the matter is that LeafWings cannot feasibly exist in a mile of forest, even if it is wide. They have the right to expand and repopulate. Not to mention the southern side of Pantala that the HiveWings could move to. However, building a Hive there required SilkWings. Naturally, our tribe does not do free labor anymore. Many, rightfully, do not want to do anything to help HiveWings at all."
"So, they're stuck there." Willow frowned. "And I imagine the LeafWings do not want to spare trees to make another hive?"
"Correct." Luna sighed. "Under Queen Wasp, they took and took and took. There are those who are willing to pay for reparations. I've seen HiveWings helping LeafWings replant the forest and help here. But there are others who see what they had before as orderly. So it's convincing them to move. And Queen Jewel can hardly force the move without a revolt."
"Where do we come in, then?" Blue questioned. "Because I don't really see how we can make that kind of difference. I can't ask anyone to put aside years of hostility, much less tell Queen Jewel to move her tribe. Cricket can't, either."
"No, but you all are prime examples of what can happen in the future." Luna leaned forward, smiling brightly. "Before all of this even happened, we had a SilkWing working alongside LeafWings and a HiveWing. There's not one bit of hostility between you. Even Belladonna can't deny that Sundew and Willow act as the perfect mending of the separation between LeafWings. You all are role models, and your efforts in saving Pantala earns you respect. Your words carry so much weight."
The four dragons looked at each other. Luna had a point. Blue was mated to a HiveWing and two of his best friends were a Leaf and PoisonWing. Not to mention they left all this behind to visit Pyrrhia. They were not influenced by any of this.
"I'm not looking for all of you to have a magic solution, before you say anything," Luna continued. "But your presence can get the conversation flowing. At the very least, it can settle a good part of the unrest that's coming from all three tribes. The peace is holding, but if there's not a resolution soon…"
"War will break out again." Sundew hissed. "I already know Belladonna will lead that charge and probably rope in the SilkWings."
"Yes, Queen Sequoia is aware of your mother's tendencies." Luna smiled sadly. "But we lit the flames of hope. The fire has not burned out. I'm sure we can come to something that benefits us all."
Blue once again looked to his tattooed claw. He'd never forget what happened to him. Luna watched him, and he knew then and there that she never would either. Blue did not want to punish every HiveWing. He did not want to create more suffering. The cycle of enslavement and violence had to end.
But that meant a side would lose. And as Luna implied, neither wanted to be that losing faction. Would it be the SilkWings, who had been slaves or worse? The LeafWings, who were forced to retreat to a hazardous jungle? Or would it be the HiveWings, who had their lives taken ahold of by the former queen and the Overmind and fed propaganda? Their society had crumbled, doubtlessly.
"You're right," Blue said. "The flames haven't been burnt out. We'll make it work."
"And there's the brother I know." Luna's smile intensified. "I've missed that ability to look at the brighter side you have."
"I suppose I can pitch in," Sundew said begrudgingly. "I… don't hate every HiveWing. I know what it's like to be forced from a home."
"She's grown in her time away." Willow giggled. Sundew growled, but was quelled by Willow entwining their tails. "We'd be glad to help."
"Agreed." Cricket grinned. "I'm not entirely sure what I can add, being a HiveWing who was never mind controlled or bought into the propaganda, but I'll try."
"And that's all we ask," Luna said. "Cricket, Queen Jewel wants you to come to her as soon as possible. Same with Queen Sequoia, Sundew and Willow. But, given you had a long journey here, I think they can wait until morning," She added with a wink.
A calm chapter, but given what Blue and Cricket talked about... I imagine Sundew won't be taking the news well. Find out in two weeks, as I am alternating between Moons and this.