Ow... Ugh, my head... whe-where am I? Why is it warm. Is Moon okay! By the stars I hope she is okay... A-and Qibli! W-what about the rest of my friends!
Winter's eyes slowly fluttered open, at first his vision was blurry, the colours of the grass, flowers and water were all blurred together, his hearing seemed affected too as he was struggling to make sense of the sounds of rushing water and crickets; which confused him greatly. He started to lift his head, his motions were slow and his head was swimmy as he tried to collect himself, though, after a few seconds, his vision slowly came into focus, he suddenly let out a hiss as the pounding pain of a headache hit him like a tree trunk.
Looking around at where he was, the young Icewing prince first noticed he was in a rather large clearing with short grass, near him was a still smouldering campfire. The next thing he noticed was the countless colourful trees around him, they seemed almost alien to him.
Unlike the green pine and oak trees he was used to, these trees had what seemed to be bioluminescent leaves, accompanied by long thick tendrils which dangled from their branches, a soft glow of reds, greens, purples and blues came from them, basically all the colours of the rainbow.
B-by the stars... where is this place? It's like a-a place I... Have never seen it?
He mumbled within his mind, still unsure what to make of his current situation. Slowly he started to get up, stumbling a bit as he struggled to regain his footing, his tail swished about lazily. His forelegs spread apart slightly while letting out soft pants of tiredness, when suddenly, pain shot through his head like a dagger, his white-blue tail swished behind him slightly while his heavy wings unfurled and drooped in an unroyally manner, though he didn't care for that as he brought a forepaw up to his head, only to press a single talon against the shallow wound on his forehead. "Ow, that hurts!" The young Icewing dragonet growled to himself, hissing out in pain as he bowed his head slightly, suddenly closing his mouth, for he was not sure if there were any fellow dragons nearby to hear him complain of pain. Of Pain! He knew his parents would berate him for showing weakness.
Once he had regained enough of his composure, Winter, slowly, and with a few stumbles here and there, made his way towards the campfire. He noticed the heat coming from it, a clear indication it had only been lit a few hours ago, he also noticed a few bones off to the side, they looked like deer bones.
"Huh, that's... uhh... interesting" He commented before picking one of the bones, turning it slowly within his grasp as he examined it. He first noticed that the bone was rather light, his eyes glancing over the texture of its surface, looking for any sort of teeth marks, after a while of turning it over and over in forepaws, he concluded with a snort and a flick of an ear, that an icewing couldn't have eaten this; for he noticed that the teeth marks he found didn't match Icewing teeth, though the biggest give away was Icewings much preferred raw meat to cooked meat.
After examining the few bones dotted around the large campfire, Winter glanced about the area he was in, noticing a few long logs around the campfire, as if, more than one dragon was here. He was about to check one of the sitting logs when the dead full carcass of a deer suddenly came from above, slapping down onto a large pile of leaves a few meters from the campfire area. Red blood splattering across the ground as the same blue and yellow bipedal dragon landed heavily onto the ground, kicking up dust that obscured Winter's vision.
Winter raised his forepaws to shield his face whilst closing his eyes, though, after a few seconds he slowly brought his paws away from his face, looking at the towering dragon who stood in front of him. Brilzrar by now had got back up onto his two large feet, letting out a loud snort as the dust slowly cleared.
Winter was still just a dragonet, 5 years old to be exact, yet, he looked tiny compared to this unknown bipedal dragon.
"Who are you!" Winter questioned with a hiss, his eyes narrowed as he stood his ground, his Icewing instincts driving him to act brave.
A few leaves had become stuck on his serrated talons as Winter moved backwards a few steps, the bipedal dragon turned around before he bent down to scoop the deer in his large hand, his yellow talons digging into the corpse, blood spilling down his clawed hand while he started to make his way over to where Winter stood. He then dropped it in front of the Icewing prince, the young Icewing glancing down at it when suddenly, the dragon blew frost breath from his nostrils which quickly dispersed in the air, which startled Winter slightly.
"Eat" Winter heard Brilzrar speak, his voice was deep, authoritative, and held enough power to put anyone in their place, he brought a forepaw up to his snout, tapping a single serrated claw against his chin, a thoughtful expression upon his face when the larger dragon suddenly spoke again, this time, a small growl coming from him while his large blue and yellow wings fluttered slightly while stamping a clawed foot down upon the ground, kicking up some leaves and dust as this very motion shook the ground slightly.
"Eat it Ice dragon!" Winter glanced upwards, seeing the bipedal dragon glance down at the dead deer before returning his gaze to him, his stare made a shiver run up his spine. Even though he was an Icewing, he thought it best to listen to this bipedal dragon. He began to lower his head, slowly opening his maw before taking a chunk out of the hind right thigh of the deer, raw meat and blood filled his maw, his hunger suddenly pushing him to take as big of a bite as he could, all the while the bipedal dragon sat down on one of the large logs, watching Winter eat the whole time.
Brilzrar kept his eye on the pale blue dragon, shuffling his wings while his long furred tail flicked side to side in a slow calm manner, he had been told to be patient with this dragon by the Spirits and to also be gentle with him, since Winter was still young, not even an adult dragon yet. Brilzrar understood not to harm the young dragon.
He suddenly looked down at his own two hands, turning his palms to face upwards as he fell into deep thinking.
He knew he wasn't from this planet, yet, he couldn't quite remember on Who he was in his 'past' life. The Spirits, or, as he called them, his Teachers. Hadn't told him anything of his past life. This bothered him, but not that much, he then looked back up to where Winter was, seeing the young Icewing still gorging himself on the remainders of the deer.
Suddenly the sound of small rocks falling from the entrance to the underground Rainforest made him stand up and take a defensive stance. Winter's ears perked up as he stopped eating, red blood was plastered all over his snout while Brilzrar made his way past Winter. "Hey, where a-" He was cut off when Brilzrar turned around and said while pointing at the ground with a single talon. "Stay here Ice Dragon" Yet Winter licked his lips and proceeded to follow up, this caused Brilzrar to turn around and growl softly, pointing at the ground with a claw. "Stay!... Here" He said in a slow way, making sure Winter got the message, he even bared his teeth slightly, hoping that would be enough to make Winter back down and wait.
"Fine" Winter snorted, his tail flicked in annoyance while Brilzrar turned back around and walked back to where he had come from, before leaping upwards through the hole at an impressive speed, Winter felt his wings droop slightly as the only sound he heard now was a rushing stream that was not that far from him, and the sound of birds.
He sighed, turning around before making his way over to the river, one of the Spirit Elders suddenly appeared out of the water, splashing a bit of water on the Icewing Prince as she climbed out of the water, shaking her body like a canine, flicking water from her body before she glanced over at Winter.
Winter then noticed she started to slowly circle him while his eyes took in her features.
Her eyes were strong, cutting, seemingly stared right into his soul when his gaze locked onto hers.
"Hello Prince Winter of the Icewings, My name is Astarte and I am the Seawing Spirit. I understand you might have some qu-" Winter suddenly cut her off. "Woah woah, hang on a second, I just woke up and finished my meal that... that... Dragon brought, but I do have some questions, starting with... What on three moons is going on!" He growled out, tail lashing behind him in an agitated manner, his wings flared out, trying to make himself appear bigger than he really was, though that wasn't really working since the Seawing Spirit was a lot larger than he was.
Astarte shook her head, her long and powerful tail swished calmly, her body was dominated by shades of cyan and greens, her bioluminescence had a soft blue glow to it, her eyes had both blues and greens mixed in, and her talons were the purest of whites while a pair of magnificent horns crested her head.
"Prince Winter, don't you know that it's rude to interrupt someone, surely someone with your... status would surely know that" a soft smile on her lips while waving a forepaw around before pointing a sharp talon at him.
"Now now Astarte, that's no way to treat Winter here" Came another feminine voice, Winter looked over to his left, noticing an Icewing Spirit, Nightwing Spirit, Rainwing Spirit, Skywing Spirit and Sandwing Spirit, his eyes widened when he looked at the Icewing, muttering out "By the great ice dragon" the Icewing Dragoness chuckled while she, along with the rest of the Spirits sat down upon the log seats.
Winter just stood there, completely gobsmacked from events that had just happened, feeling the need to know what was going on, he shook his head and cleared his mind before making his way over to where the Spirits now sat.
"Well, aren't you going to join us young one?" The Nightwing Spirit called out to him, all of them focused on Winter, seeing if he would join them or not.
With cautious steps, Winter made his way over, albeit at a slow pace, his tail swishing from side to side as he made his way around the smouldering campfire to the opposite side from where the Spirits were sat. He then took a seat, regaining his royal posture in the process, yet Polaris, who was the Icewing Spirit and was their leader, gave a shake of her head.
"No need to act like that Prince Winter, all you need to do is relax, we mean you no harm, for we are the Spirits of Pyrrhia" She, along with the other spirits all held their heads up high, similar to that of a Queen or leader.
Winter found himself still stunned, quickly diverting his gaze towards the smouldering campfire, slipping deep into thought, he was so confused right now, wanting to ask a million questions, yet, he felt his Icewing pride threatening to creep back in. Shaking his head, he lifted his gaze up to look at the Spirits once more, his throat felt dry yet managed to force himself to ask a question.
"if... I may ask, why am I here?" he focused on the Icewing's expression carefully, studying her as she thought for a few seconds before replying.
"The reason why Brilzrar brought you here was due to me" Polaris raised a heavy forepaw and placed it upon her white chest. "I found you to be the most... Interesting dragon Winter, you have changed for the better ever since you have been around other dragons besides Icewings" She paused for a few seconds, a soft purring sound emanating from her before she continued. "And so I told Brilzrar to go and collect you, you're trustworthy, you show great leadership properties and you don't act like the typical snobby royal" She finished with an exaggerated eye roll, her blue tongue flicking out for a moment as her beautiful icy glacial blue eyes gazed at him.
"So... Is this like a new prophecy or something?" He questioned, tilting his head slightly, his ears twitching while he became more calm, his tail curled around his lower half, when suddenly, Brilzrar flew down from the large hole, landing down upon the ground with a heavy thud. Winter then realized that Brilzrar was a quadrupedal dragon now, which not only surprised the prince, but made him very confused. He also noticed that he was carrying something within his right forepaw.
Winter frowned at this, as he suddenly felt alarmed from Brilzrar's entrance.
He jumped from his sitting position, quickly taking a defensive stance as he gazed at the larger dragon with narrowed eyes, letting out a huff of frost breath from his maw, his light blue wings stretching out to their max as he sized up Brilzrar. Which wasn't working too well due to him still being a dragonet.
"Winter!, please do calm yourself. There is no need to act like that!" the Nightwing Spirit said with a huff, she was sat beside the Sandwing Spirit as she too gave a nod of agreement. The Sandwing's tail swished about, her barb curled up as to not hurt anyone while Winter refused to back down. Polaris rose from her laying position, her claws digging into the dirt underneath her as she made her way slowly around the large fire, her large heavy wings shifting slightly against her sides while her tail flicked about in an S pattern, her paws moving gracefully upon the ground, the dirt being displaced by her weight with each step she took. She was large, even for an adult Icewing.
Winter snapped his gaze to Polaris, his eyes trailing over her form before he focused on her face. He felt that since Brilzrar hadn't made a move to attack him yet, slowly, he stood down. Yet, his Icewing military training was screaming at him to keep his defensive state in check, not wanting to give this larger dragon a chance to attack him.
Brilzrar let out a snort, frost breath escaping from his maw while he remained still, for he knew that it was best for their Spirits to deal with this. He suddenly changed into his Bipedal form. A cloud of energy surrounding him while he changed
"Winter" Polaris suddenly spoke up, having stopped beside Brilzrar while she gazed at the smaller Icewing prince. "Brilzrar is here to be your protector... Well... Royal protector, for he may grow attached to some of the females". She smirked while side eyeing Brilzrar. The human she had picked to be Pyrrhia's Guardian.
At this remark Brilzrar let out an irritated snort, shaking his head from side to side at the same time as he then glanced at Polaris whom was to his right. She was now quite smaller than him due to him being in the Bipedal form. "I doubt any female could capture my attention, after all, you all are not interesting". He smirked, for what he had said wasn't meant to be hurtful in any way. In fact, it was of a playful side to him.
"wh.. How rude!". Polaris huffed with mock hurt while flaring her wings out slightly, placing a forepaw upon her chest in an exaggerated manner, wrinkling her snout while the Rainwing Spirit snickered.
Winter watched the banter with confusion, with a hint of interest. His tail swished about in a slow manner while his wings remained tucked neatly against his sides, tilting his head while Brilzrar and the spirits started to talk about the reason as to why Winter is here.
"Can someone please tell me why I'm here?" Winter let out a huff, folding his wings against his sides while he waited for a reply from the larger dragons.
Brilzrar looked at the smaller Icewing, his pupils narrowing slightly in thought before he he slowly got onto one knee. Winter moved back a few steps while Brilzrar started to explain.
"As Polaris explain. I am here to be your protector, for you are not who you believe you are" Winter stared down at the soft ground for a bit. Taking in what Brilzrar had said as he then asked. "B..but I am only a Prince of the Icewings. A prince who is a failure to his parents" He seemed to deflate while sitting down onto his haunches.
"You are not just an ordinary Icewing Prince. For you are a Special Icewing. You are but a part of a new prophesy. Yet you are not the only one, for each dragon from each kingdom is part of the prophesy. I know you know them. For you go to that school with them" He finished while glancing at Winter. Standing back up as Polaris piped up.
"Brilzrar is right Winter. The world is in your paws now. Though to make sure that the prophesy can be fulfilled. Each dragon from each kingdom must be part of the team!"
Winter let out a loud huff. looking down at his paws once more as he thought for a few seconds. His eyes flicking about as his mind whirled.
If I do this, I may never see my Kingdom, family or friends ever again. Though If I don't, then the world will End. Though who are the other dragons who are meant to be part of the prophesy
Raising my head, he looked up at the spirits and dragon who waited for his response. A look of desperation in their eyes as he finally spoke. "I'll do it, though first, I want to know who the other dragons are" Brilzrar shook his head, about to speak when Astarte spoke up.
"You know who they are. I believe they are part of your Winglet. Am I right?" She tilted her head to the right slightly. a soft smile spreading along her snout while Winter stared in utter shock.
"You...you mean Qibli, Moon, Kinkajou, Peril, Umber and Turtle!" He backed up slightly, his wings flaring out slightly in surprise while his tail suddenly stopped moving, as if it had become frozen.
Brilzrar took a step forwards before getting back onto one knee, since he towered over Winter's smaller form. opening his left hand to show Winter a small white, light pale blue, along with veins of light pale purple which ran along the blade of the knife. "Take this, you will need it for at times i wont be able to defend you"
Winter glanced at Brilzrar, before his eyes flicked down at the knife, he then flicked his gaze back up to Brilzrar, repeating the process a few times before moving forwards slowly, making sure it wasn't a trap as he rose a forepaw. Slowly grabbing the the knife, finding it was rather long as he turned the blade around in his forepaws. Admiring it as his gaze roamed over the beautiful blade.
"Stunning" He mumbled before he swung it a few times. Feeling the beautiful balanced weight to it, allowing him a very comfortable grip and movement to it.
"Only use this blade in self defence. Your winglet members will get difference defence weapons once we meet them" Astarte said as she was now in a laying position, her bioluminescence flashing as like ripples flowing down the length of her body.
Winter continued to examine the blade before looking back up to the Spirits. "Am I allowed to go back to my winglet?" He asked Polaris, tilting his head to the side slightly as he waited for an answer.
Polaris let out a huff, her talons digging into the soft ground slightly before she spoke. "You may, though Brilzrar will keep watch over you, for he can become invisible" She glanced towards Brilzrar, seeing him give a nod before he turned completely invisible. Winter's eyes widening slightly before relaxing himself after a few seconds.
"A-alright...Wait, how will I hide this?" He raised the knife up, letting Polaris and the other spirits see it as Polaris then spoke while Brilzrar became visible once more. "The blade can become Invisible on command, all you have to do is think the word... become invisible. If you want to make it visible. You think the word. Visible" She explained As Winter listened to her. Giving a nod of acknowledgement as he and Brilzrar started their way towards the entrance of the underground forest. Looking back at the spirits, only to notice they had all vanished into thin air.
"Winter, come now, it's time to head back" Brilzrar said, his voice deep while he glanced back at Winter, waiting for Winter while standing under the large entrance.
Winter let out a sigh, looking down at the knife as he though. I wish for this knife to become invisible He watched in awe as it vanished in his paw, though still felt it in his grip as he then looked up at Brilzrar.
"Lets go" He and Brilzrar then flew up, leaving the cave as they made their way back to the school.