Glorious Politics

AN: I suddenly found myself with a bunch of free time, so I wrote this whole thing in one day. Speaking of which, the next chapter of Dragons Change will be out either tomorrow or the day after.

Now, before I say anything else, I want to clarify that I use the desktop site for everything. ADACLives and I were trying to PM each other, but I think we were using two different platforms. By the way, yes, you can submit OCs in a PM. I'm completely fine with that.

On the topic of OCs, the submissions are still open, so if you have a Nightwing OC you want a cameo of, feel free to leave their details in a review or a PM. The information I need is discussed in the end-of-chapter AN in the previous chapter. I've received four total submissions, and the first two appear in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Wings of Fire. My OCs Mistral, Sobek, and Diamondback belong to me. Bloodwalker belongs to SpyroAndSisuFan, and Sunscorcher belongs to Flerovium.

Chapter Eight:

After the first hour of interviews were through, Glory began to sense Mistral's frustration and urgency. The longest interview had only taken a little more than five minutes, and their average so far was sitting around four-and-a-half minutes, so she didn't know why he was so stressed. But then she decided to do a little mental math. If their average remained the same, it would take around fifteen hours to get through all two hundred interviews, and that didn't include the transition time between the end of one and the start of another or meals or suntime. Factoring all of those variables in, it would be more like eighteen hours. And if their average time increased, so would the time it took to finish.

Needless to say, that sort of schedule was totally unrealistic and unsustainable.

As the latest interviewee left the room, she decided to point that fact out to the Icewing. "If our average time remains the same, it will take fifteen straight hours to finish today."

"I know..." he admitted with a small, frustrated growl. "Perhaps I was a bit...overzealous with my estimates."

She quietly rolled her eyes at his horrendous understatement. "Haven't you done one of these before?" she asked. With how well prepared he was and how efficient he was, she had assumed this wasn't his first census, though maybe that assumption was incorrect.

He turned to glare at her for a short moment before shaking his head. "Not exactly. I have done something similar, though on a much smaller scale. Based on previous experience, I thought we could get each interview done in three minutes or less." Doing some quick mental math, an average of three minutes would reduce their time to around ten hours—a much more manageable number. "But that was with professional soldiers. I should have realized civilians wouldn't be as...succinct."

The momentary surprise from him actually admitting a mistake was immediately pushed aside. He may be prideful, but he wasn't stupid. Even he could realize and accept such a horrendous miscalculation. Although she was a bit curious what he meant by interviewing soldiers. Maybe he had served? Maybe that was the reason he seemed more stuck-up than the normal Icewing. Or part of the reason, anyway. It was probably more that he didn't like her and he was surrounded by dragons he thought inferior.

Their short exchange ended when the door opened once more and the next Nightwing interviewee came in, and when she saw who it was, Glory simultaneously groaned internally while forcing a smile on her face. The male who entered was around her age and was mostly average in appearance with his black scales, though his red eyes were rather unique for Nightwings. There was also a scar over his left eye that fortunately hadn't blinded it, and she knew that his wing scales formed the constellations Orion and Scorpio. And she knew that because she knew who this dragon was.

Bloodwalker was a highly loyal dragon. He was quiet, had an impressive memory, and she had no problems with him personally. His mother and father—Knifewielder and Deathstalker, respectively—were both retired assassins, and he had followed in his parents' clawsteps. However, Bloodwalker only ever offered his services to those he was loyal to. In this case, that meant her. The only reason she was internally groaning was because of who his cousin was and the fact he always confronted her about how she treated him.

And that was the only reason why she didn't hire him as a replacement bodyguard despite his clear qualifications for the position. Because she knew he would always bring up her least favorite dragon even if Jackass himself wasn't there.

He nodded politely at her, and she returned it as he sat down across from Mistral. Then, she just sat back while the two had their back and forth. "Name."

"Bloodwalker"

"Age."

"Eighteen."

"Point out your hut on that map." He immediately did so, and Mistral marked the number down. "Do you live alone?"

"Yes."

"Any relatives that live in one of the other Kingdoms?"

"None."

Mistral marked all of that information down before turning to get Glory's approval to make sure everything was correct. She nodded, and the Icewing dismissed Bloodwalker. However, the Nightwing stopped just before he left. "Queen Glory—"

And there it was. She knew exactly what he was going to say, so she cut him off with a raised claw. "We don't have time to talk about this right now, Bloodwalker," she informed him, her tone inviting no argument. He huffed but nodded, regardless, and then left without another word.

Mistral watched the Nightwing leave with a suspicious glare. "Former soldier?" he asked.

"Dormant assassin," she corrected, and the Icewing's suspicion only grew upon hearing that. "I'm the only dragon he's ever offered his services to, and since I have no need of them, he hasn't been active," she explained.

For the first time that day, Mistral went back to the scroll where he was writing all the information and added a small star next to Bloodwalker's name, and she could only guess that meant Bloodwalker was now a potential suspect in his investigation. She didn't even bother arguing with him about it since she knew he wouldn't believe a word she said, anyway.

A few more hours passed in the same fashion, and Mistral only marked down a couple more potential suspects during that time. All of the Nightwings that came during that time were ones she didn't know very well, so the interviews all passed by in a blur. And since all she was doing was sitting there and nodding once ever few minutes, she was positively bored out of her fraggin' mind.

It was around midday when the next dragon of special note came in. She was an older dragon with pure black scales and eyes. In fact, because of a rather rare genetic condition, she was completely black and had no other scale color. Glory knew this dragon, Sunscorcher, because of the Nightwing's friendship with Blaze. Sunscorcher went rogue from the majority of the Nightwing tribe during the war and ended up in the former Sandwing Princess' service. Because of that, the two of them either exchanged letters or visited each other. While the Rainforest wasn't her favorite place, Blaze had popped in a number of times over the years to visit, and likewise, Sunscorcher had visited the Sand Kingdom for the same reason.

As with every dragon that had come in, Glory exchanged a polite nod with her as she sat down across from Mistral. When the Nightwing's gaze met Mistral's, she recoiled in shock at the menace radiating from him. And his rather hostile glare, as well.

Or at least, that's what she thought. At first, anyway.

"Uh..." she began awkwardly. "L-Lord Mistral...what a surprise..."

Glory couldn't help her surprise at learning that these two apparently knew each other. "Wait...you know him?" she asked the Nightwing.

"N-Not by choice..." she admitted with a small stutter. "I—"

Mistal cut her off to explain the situation. "This isn't the first time I've interrogated her," he muttered for Glory's benefit. "Been in contact with your sister lately, Sunscorcher?" he asked, and she shook her head rapidly. He narrowed his gaze at her, though he didn't speak out against her answer. "If I find out you're lying to me..."

He trailed off, and the Nightwing's eyes widened in utter terror. "N-N-No, My Lord! I swear I've not heard from her since you and I last spoke!"

Mistral studied her for several tense moments before grunting and motioning for her to leave with his head. Not needing to be asked twice, Sunscorcher left the building in a rush. "You didn't ask her any questions," Glory commented as she watched the Nightwing sprinting across the Arboretum through the open door.

"Didn't need to," he replied, already marking several things down on his scroll. Sunscorcher's information was filled in, and then Mistral placed the mark indicating her as a potential suspect next to her name. "Her sister, Mystic, is wanted for acts of terrorism against the Ice Kingdom and for threats against Queen Snowfall herself. In all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if she had some part in these murders. So I know everything there is to know about Sunscorcher and get regular reports on her activity just in case Mystic tries to contact her."

Glory didn't have much time to dwell on that information—she never would've suspected Sunscorcher had an evil sister—before the door swung open gently and Diamonback poked his head in. "Apologies for the interruption, but your guests are here, Queen Glory," he informed her.

"Thank you for letting me know," she thanked him, and he nodded before returning to his post. "I'll send Moon in shortly," she addressed the Icewing, and he just grunted in response. He wasn't happy about this development, but at least he was cooperating. She left the building, having to blink a few times for her eyes to readjust to the bright sunlight, and saw...many more Sandwings than she had been expecting. Other than Diamondback, Sobek, and Qibli, there were eight other Sandwings present, and all of those were lined up in formation and at attention.

Moon walked up to her just then, whispered, "He's mad," in her ear, and then headed towards the building where Mistral was waiting. Evidently, Sobek had let her know she needed to take Glory's place in there for a few hours today.

However, she was more curious as to what Moon meant, and when she looked to the gathered Sandwings again to try and find Qibli, she ended up meeting his gaze from where he was standing...

And he looked pissed.

"Queen Glory!" he called. "Would you care to watch as I address some matters of import?"

From that, she gathered he wasn't upset with her. Rather, he seemed furious at the other Sandwings. And that's when she realized this must be the rest of his personal squad, the 52nd Wing. "Are you sure this is the appropriate place for this?" she asked him as she walked closer.

"Of course," he nodded. "These Nightwings have been here all day. I'm sure they wouldn't mind the show." He finished that with a glare to the other Sandwings and a snarl that looked rather unpleasant on his muzzle.

Understanding that the 'matters of import' he had previously mentioned was probably due to discipline, she decided to adopt a bit of formality. "Very well, Captain. You may proceed." Many of the Sandwings' expressions fell a bit at that.

Qibli nodded to her in thanks before turning his full fury on his own soldiers, though he started off quiet, almost calmly. "I talon-picked each and every one of you for the honor of joining my personal Wing. Whether it be because you had the highest number of commendations on your service record or your talents were wasted elsewhere is irrelevant. I chose you because you were the best. We've been on dozens of assignments together, and through all the blood, sweat, and tears we've sacrificed for our Kingdom, I've come to trust each and every one of you with my life."

He paused for a moment, taking a breath as his rage seemed to return full force. "So imagine my surprise when I return to the palace to reports of insubordination, unprofessional conduct, and outright laziness! Drinking on the job, refusing orders from other officers, dereliction of duty! The list goes on!" With every offense named, he counted on one of his talons to emphasis both the severity and numerous nature of the list.

"I left on a solo assignment, thinking you would perform the duties you were charged with the same dedication and integrity as when you served under me. Yet I return to numerous complaints from other Wing leaders and palace staff alike! Even Queen Thorn, the one who entrusted this position to me, confronted me about what you all did and wondered if I was still fit to keep this position! MY OWN MOTHER DOUBTS MY ABILITIES!" he roared, and while none of them broke their posture, Glory could see a lot of shame in each of their expressions. "YOU EMBARRASSED ME!"

"Because of your previous alignments during the war, none of you could ever become an Outclaw, yet I gave you the next best thing! I gave you the chance to serve directly under a member of the Sandwing royalty because I saw the potential that all of you had! And this is how you repay me!? By acting like dragonets the moment I leave you unattended!?"

At that, Qibli sighed and shook his head., disappointment radiating off of him in waves. A glance over at the assembled Nightwings showed that many of them seemed to be amused by the situation, seeing these tough Sandwing soldiers humiliated by their Captain. Although, the situation was rather poetic. They embarrassed Qibli by acting out, so he was embarrassing them in front of an audience as he chewed them out. "I cannot put in words how disappointed I am in all of you—that you chose to act out instead of being the soldiers I know you can be."

Another sigh escaped him, and he seemed genuinely upset about this whole situation. The emotion shimmering in his eyes spoke volumes to that. "But it seemed all that fame and glory got to you. And that leads me to the worst part of this whole fiasco." Glory raised her eye ridges at that, wondering how anything could be worse that what was already said. "Queen Thorn has hired an impartial third party to conduct an official investigation into everything that happened in the week I was absent. Depending on his findings, you may be facing hefty fines, demotions, and potential temporary imprisonment. Needless to say, if that last one happens to you, you'll probably also be dishonorably discharged." Another pause as Qibli studied his soldiers' expressions and postures. All of them were still at attention, yet each of them wore both shame and regret clearly on their faces. Two were even shedding silent tears. "Regardless of the findings, all of you will be receiving marks in your service records."

"And what about you, sir?" a brave soul spoke. Both Glory and Qibli turned to see who had spoken and saw a younger female trying her best to remain composed, yet the tear stains on her cheeks showed that she was clearly failing.

"Me?" he asked rhetorically. "Well, I'm so glad you asked." The female winced at the sarcasm, and Glory didn't blame her. "I may not have been there, yet your conduct reflects upon me, and now my abilities as a Wing leader have been called in to question by the other officers. Fortunately, my mother knows of my abilities since I've been a member of the Outclaws since before she even became Queen. The worst I'll have is a temporary relief of command, but even that is unacceptable. Isn't it?" he questioned the group sternly.

"SIR, YES. SIR!" they all chorused.

Qibli nodded at that, satisfied if not happy. "Pending the completion of the investigation, all of you are on suspension." Another pause, and he turned to nod at Diamondback, the only member of his squad that hadn't acted out while his Captain was away. In response, Diamondback placed his claws on Sobek's shoulder, shooting an apologetic glance at his companion's curious yet concerned expression. "Which is why the lot of you will be escorting Sobek back to the Sand Kingdom for his Court-Martial."

"WHAT!?" the named Sandwing yelled in horror, just as Diamondback's grip tightened and his tail poked into the younger Sandwing's ribs without penetrating the scales. Sobek froze, staring wide-eyed at Qibli. "C-Court-Martial!? But my service record—"

Qibli whirled on the slightly older Sandwing with a furious snarl, stepping into his space and making Sobek flinch back in shock. "Was the only thing preventing Queen Thorn from accepting Queen Snowfall's original demand to have you executed!"

At that, every single dragon present, either gasped audibly or their eyes flew open in shock at the severity of Sobek's punishment. Sobek's jaw opened and closed as if he had lost the ability to speak, but he quickly recovered. "I admit I made a mistake, sir, and I can understand the Court-Martial, but isn't execution a bit much!? I get he's a foreign dignitary and all, but..." he trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

Glory had to agree despite Mistral himself threatening Sobek with the same fate. Personal friend of the Queen or not, an execution seemed a bit much when there was no lasting damage of any kind. Yet the Icewing had seemed so assured he would be able to achieve that. A quick glance back at the building revealed that Mistral had left it at some point and was watching the spectacle with clear enjoyment, smirking at the Sandwing's misfortune.

No one expected the next voice to speak. "Maybe so, but Lord Mistral is more than just a foreign dignitary or friend of the Queen." Glory turned to see a familiar Nightwing striding through the crowd as he gazed at the Icewing in some sort of respect. With all eyes now on him, Jackass continued. "He also just so happens to be the future King of the Ice Kingdom."

Glory gasped, Sobek cursed himself, Qibli cursed Sobek, the other Sandwings remained at attention, though their eyes widened. As for Mistral himself, gone was his smirk, replaced by a sober expression as he looked off into the forest, not meeting anyone's gaze. The Rainwing Queen studied him curiously as the shock began to wear off. He didn't seem happy about it. In fact, he seemed rather...depressed. Shouldn't he be rubbing his position into all of their faces by now?

Something wasn't right here.

When Mistral entered the building without a word, she knew she needed to talk to him even though it was probably a terrible idea to ask about his private affairs. Moon left soon after, looking a bit shaken. First things first, though. She had a few things to take care of out here. "Greatness!" she called, and the named Nightwing ran up to her. By the looks of it, she seemed more surprised than most of the others, and Glory had to wonder if that had anything to so with that secret she was holding onto. "How many interviews have we done so far?" she questioned.

"Uh...eighty-six," came her reply.

Glory nodded. "Tell the last fifty to head back home. There's no way we'll be able to see them today. And from now on, limit the number per day to one hundred fifty." It would take longer than the original estimate, but one fifty seemed like the max they could do in one day. Greatness nodded in understanding before heading off to tell the lucky fifty to head home. Next, Qibli approached her, and she looked over his weary expression with a sympathetic look. "You okay?" she asked. He just shrugged before turning to his squad and nodding. With that unspoken command, they all broke formation and surrounded Sobek, who surrendered without further argument. The defeated expression on his face made her feel horrible since she was the one who sent that letter to Thorn. "Maybe you should spend a few moments with Moon," she suggested. "She looks like she needs some comfort, too."

Qibli looked up to see how upset his wife looked and nodded. "I think I'll do that," he mumbled. Glory watched him go and embrace her Nightwing friend, though she looked away with a small spike of jealousy when they kissed.

Then, with nothing else left to do except send a glare at Jackass for being tactless, she went to the building Mistral disappeared into. She stopped outside with a sigh, nervous for what might happen, and knocked before opening the door slowly. Mistral was sitting in the position he had been in for the majority of the day when she entered, staring off into space. That sober look hadn't left him, and his entire posture seemed to be deflated from the strong poise he normally had. "So you're going to be a King?"

He sighed at that. "Evidently so." Another sigh, "...Unfortunately."

"Unfortunately?" she asked, genuinely confused. "I thought Icewings only cared about increasing their rankings? And if Queen Snowfall is your best friend, then wouldn't that make your marriage all the better?" she trailed off, letting the question hang in the air.

"Except for the fact that I don't wish to marry her," he snapped. Glory remained silent, sensing that he had more to say. "She is my best friend, but that is all I feel for her. I do not love her the way she has come to love me. I thought accepting this assignment and creating distance between us would eventually dissuade her, yet...it appears as if I was wrong."

She was surprised that he was laying all of this out for her. He had no reason to, and he had already said he didn't like her, so why? Did he just need to get it off his chest, and she just so happened to be the one to ask? Whatever the case was, her surprise only grew when words sprang unbidden from her mouth. "I know what that's like..." Her eyes widened when she realized what she had admitted.

Mistral, however, didn't seem to believe her if his angered snarl was any indication. "You know nothing, Rainwing!"

Surprise made way for anger, and just as before, words she normally would never say sprang forth from her maw. "Nothing!? I know exactly what it's like to fall in love with someone only to find out they don't feel the same! I've been in Snowfall's talons before!" She took a calming breath, "So don't tell me I don't understand. Because I absolutely do."

Mistral looked away in thought before nodding. "So you do..." he admitted. "And it's Queen Snowfall to you," he corrected her half-heartedly. "Now...barring any more interruptions, let's get this over with." His rather quiet attitude was a far cry from what she was used to.

Glory nodded, glad they could finally agree on something. Once these interviews were over, she would talk to Qibli to find out more about Sobek's situation because she wasn't going to let him take all the blame for what happened. She knew Mistral had been antagonistic, so he deserved to take some of the heat. Yet, this new revelation stuck with her throughout the rest of the day. For the first time since she met him, Mistral had actually opened up—even if briefly. She still couldn't fathom why he had, but because he had, she actually found his current situation to be relatable.

Wasn't going to stop her from giving him what he deserved, though.

AN: So yeah, Mistral finally has a moment where he's not a complete ***. That's probably important, right?

To anyone who didn't have their OC appear: they will appear eventually. To those whose OCs were in the chapter: let me know if I got any details wrong or you would like something changed regarding their scenes.

And before I leave, I recently acquired Wings of Fire Roblox, so if anyone wants to join me or wants me to join them, my profile name is AdmiralCole22 (Original, I know). I plan to be on every Saturday from at least 6-7 pm Central US time. I may be on longer depending on if I'm doing anything.

Until Next Time

AdmiralCole22