Hey, guys.

If you're wondering why I seem dead, it's because I've almost completely moved shop over to F.I.M FICTION, since that website makes this one look like a joke. My name is still Fiygon over there; I am currently writing A Fateful Flurry and Misplaced Wings. Of course, if you don't care for MLP fanfic, then those stories probably won't do it for ya (though if you like family fluff, they've definitely got it). Don't bother trying to flame me or telling me to come back to to finish any of my stories; you won't get anywhere. I'm going to write what I find fun for whatever fandom I like.

Emereri is canceled, Avery's Broken Peace was practically over anyway, and Shape Changer... maybe?

That being said, the first part of this chapter is old; if you notice a quality shift at any point, that's why. I'm not going to be pushing myself to meet word count quotas anymore or go for some expert-level saga of a story. I'm just going to simply write the story in one direction and head for a real ending. Something I can be satisfied with. The story doesn't need to be grander than life; it just needs a beginning and an end.

So, enjoy the new chapter and the probable year-long wait for the next one! Lmao.

Chapter 19

"Retrospect"

"Please!"

My ears began ringing, and the sound of the wind and flying became less noticeable to me. My vision faded blacker and my senses disappeared.

"Please help me!" The female voice called out again.

I couldn't open my mouth. But I still found myself yelling out. "Who are you? How can I help?"

I heard a whimper deep in my mind: "I… I can't tell you! He'll find out!"

"Who is he?" I asked desperately. I was now alone in the darkness as I searched every which way.

I saw a singular flash of green in my peripherals and rounded to look at it. It was a faint glow, but I could still see it. "Is that you?" I asked.

"You're not safe," the voice said.

I was growing frustrated by both my confusion and my inability to understand what they were saying. "Please just… Just give me something to go off of!" I asked desperately.

The voice sobbed, "Stay away from him, please!" The voice shouted at me. Then sobbing came, which faded slowly into the background until it was gone for good.

Just as I was able to get a better look into the darkness, A silver and green tree, much like the one I'd seen in my visions before. A small line was attached to it, and it slowly drifted into the endless void. I noticed then that I was standing under the silvery cyan tree I'd seen before I had gained my magic for the first time. Back when the voice spoke to me and told me what was wrong.

It was then that I started wondering where in the world I was. Was this the voice that helped me before? It sounded different. The last voice sounded as if it was everywhere at once. This new voice was distinctly coming from the green tree. What could I do for them, though? They were clearly warning me of something. The green tree slowly faded from my view, but not before I caught a short glimpse of a few more colors out in the darkness.

Immediately I was back in reality, gasping for breath loudly as I regained my bearings.

I felt something on my cheek and turned to see Kaali with both brows raised as she held a claw to my muzzle. "You're weird! You just started staring at nothing for like five minutes." She told me.

I didn't have any comebacks or rebuttals; my mind was filled with confusion, and I was distraught. I finished taking heavy breaths to quell the confusion. Cynder and Hunter, who was riding on her back, were deep in conversation. And I really wonder now if I should tell her. Seeing as how mom was always so worried about me, I doubted telling her before the festival would go well. I'll just keep it to myself.

It was then that the grand city of Warfang came into view again. Cynder held her paw up to the bag to keep us steady as she swooped downward, landing near the city capital once again. Kaali and I both gazed around in wonder at the decorations. I'd never seen the city so lively before.

There were streamers and lots and lots of lanterns of many colors strewn across every street lamp and house. Every type of person who could sell something had a booth open, and on the far side of the park there was a large platform decorated with the symbols for each race. The banner above read, "Welcome to Auluria!"

Yuveri, the dragoness from the council reception, noticed us immediately and came over. She was carrying a clipboard in one foreleg, and she looked heavily nervous. "Cynder! There you are, dear."

"Oh, hey!" Cynder said curiously as she helped me and Kaali out of the bag.

"We've been searching all over for you," Yuveri said in a huff. "We must get you ready to greet our guests!"

"Get me ready?" Cynder asked curiously.

Yuveri grabbed her paw quickly and said, "Yes, we haven't got much time now. We need to make sure you're dressed in the appropriate Auluran official garments."

"Clothes!?" Cynder said this in alarm as she began getting dragged away without much room for argument towards a group of dragons who were working on the festival.

"Yes, clothes! It's tradition!" Yuveri explained

Cynder gazed back worriedly. "Wait! My hatchlings and-"

Yuveri cut her off. "Oh, don't you worry, dear. Your little friend will watch them, right?"

At that question, Cynder gazed back at Hunter with a desperate expression. Hunter just released a loud chuckle and called to her, "Don't you worry! I've got it handled!"

Cynder nodded appreciatively as they entered the door to a building that was quickly shut behind them. I huffed, but I couldn't help but feel intrigued to see my mom wearing a dress. It was rare enough to see a dragon in clothes unless they were Iraxian.

I looked up to my side at Hunter a bit curiously, and he gazed back. "What now?" I asked.

He laughed and put his paws on his hips. "Well, we've got some time. Would you mind telling me the thrilling tale of your adventures before Cynder found you?"

I shrugged leisurely and gave a smirk. "Sure thing."

I then noticed a distinct lack of complaints and innocent confusion as I looked all around me. "Wait, where's my sister?"

Hunter's eyes widened as he looked around with me in growing panic. "I swore she was right here a second ago!"

I slapped my forehead with my paw and groaned, "Kaali…"

"It seems your tale will have to wait then," Hunter said as he slid his cap to a different side of his head. "Come, young friend. We've got your sister to find."

He began walking in the direction of the stalls, and I rolled my eyes and sighed. "It's okay, Hunter; you can call her what she really is."

"What's that?"

"A nuisance."

Kenra took shaky steps as he made his way towards his next class. His head was full of conflicting emotions and panic. The main one being obvious. Each step felt like a challenge, and for a moment, he felt a ring in his ears. His vision began fading, but he quickly shook his head with a grunt before looking back up.

The dragons around him paid him barely any attention; Kenra couldn't believe what being a regular Auluran was like. Not being constantly stared at or avoided due to being considered creepy. It would be truly wonderful if he could just get past the trap of intimidation in his gut.

He swallowed his fear and took the first few steps into class. Dragonlings were wandering about speaking to friends and sitting on desks since the teacher hadn't arrived yet. Kenra walked firmly and confidently over to his usual spot, and without a single glance from anybody around, sat down without incident.

There was commotion from the back of the class as the door burst open to the likes of Vax, Gerunder, and Neuh. Kenra felt his breath hitch before remembering he would be fine. The class went a bit quieter as Vax strutted in with his ever-present superiority. Kenra couldn't hear what he was speaking so passionately about until the three had sat down in their usual spot, a few seats away.

"They really don't even look very powerful at all," Vax laughed. "I've seen third-years more intimidating than that Dvarun guy."

Neuh smiled with rolled eyes. "All of those northern drakes are just the most disgusting-looking things. Imagine having to live with hair everywhere!"

Gerunder laughed dumbly. "I could crush one. You should let me fight that Kenra loser next time, Vax."

Vax smirked and shot a glare in the direction of Kenra's chair, and his face fell in confusion with a raised brow. Kenra's breath hitched again, especially when the bully hopped off his seat and began wandering over. Kenra's mind was screaming as he was trying to calm himself. 'He doesn't know who I am. Be friendly.' He told himself internally.

Once Vax was close enough, he sneered, "Well, Kenra sure looks different." Vax leaned on the desk leisurely. "So, who're you? Where's our resident hairball?"

Trying to quell the anger, he took a deep breath and looked at Vax with confusion. "Who? I just got here yesterday evening. Am I in someone else's seat?"

Vax rolled his eyes and said, "It's not important; if that loser comes in today and tries to take this seat, tell him to take a hike. You're already better than he is."

Kenra steeled his expression and played dumb. "Wow, really? What'd he do?"

Neuh chimed in loudly, "He's a northern drake! They're so barbaric and awful, and nobody likes them!"

Gerunder chuckled. "I mean, I like talking mean to 'em."

Vax held his paw up, and the two stopped. "We just have a particular interest in that one. None of your concerns really. What's your name?"

Kenra felt himself begin to tremble and grabbed his trembling paw before anyone noticed. "O-Oh yeah, my name is..." Kenra swallowed nervously while looking at his scales. Vax raised a brow, "It's Zeryth." Kenra said, using his grandfather's name.

Vax held a paw to his chest dramatically. "My name is Vax, and as you can see, Zeryth, I'm a big deal around here. Just a word of advice: stay out of our way. Oh yeah, these two are Neuh and Gerunder. Ignore them."

Kenra gritted his teeth and smiled widely. "Well, it's nice to meet you all."

Vax laughed with a bit of surprise. "That's a first." He patted Kenra on the back, which caused him to freeze. Thankfully, he hadn't noticed his paw phasing through his wings. "Maybe you aren't that bad. See you around." Vax said this before taking his crew and leaving.

Kenra covered his face and breathed a long sigh of relief. The class scrambled to their seats and got quiet as the teacher entered the room. Kenra was worried he'd have to explain why he was there in front of the whole class, but thankfully his teacher didn't care much or seem to notice.

It took us all of a few grating minutes to find my sister. Hunter pointed ahead towards a booth, where a rather annoyed-looking dragon had his muzzle planted into his palm. My sister, meanwhile, was pointing to every single piece of the gold and silver jewelry while sitting on the dragon's table. The crowd behind Kaali was looking ever more worried about whose child was let loose. "Ooo, and that one is pretty! It looks like a princess's necklace. Oh, and that one-"

"Kaali!" I shouted a bit angrily.

My sister flinched and shot her head in my direction instantly. She smiled and waved eagerly as Hunter and I rushed over. Hunter quickly pulled her off the table and gave a short bow and apology to the dragon, who only waved his paw dismissively. Once we had vacated the premises to a more secluded spot, Hunter placed Kaali down.

I crossed my forearms and bared my teeth as Kaali curled her tail around herself. "I-I was just looking around."

"Kaali, today isn't the right day to go wandering off like that. You know it too." I scolded annoyedly.

She nodded. "I know it's just... Momma was so upset earlier; I wanted to get her a gift to make her happier."

I had to admit that my heart melted a bit at that as I uncrossed my forearms and adopted a more sympathetic look. "That's sweet, Kaali. But what if you'd gone missing or been taken? That's mom's worst nightmare; you know how she is about us."

Hunter nodded in agreement. "And your mother had just tasked me with your safety. I'd be unable to face my friend after letting her daughter be hurt."

Kaali nodded shortly, her eyes staring at the dirt. "I'm sorry, little brother."

I rolled my eyes a bit at her insertion of 'little', but still walked forward and wrapped my forearms and wings around her, pulling her tight. I would never get used to the fact that she was bigger than me, if only by a little bit, making her remarks sting a bit more. "Don't do it again, please. You scared me; thankfully, you're the most predictable runaway ever."

She giggled. "Does that mean I can do it more?"

"No." Both me and Hunter agreed unanimously.

There was a commotion in the street as a bunch of people pointed towards Warfang's gates. I fully expected it to be the visitors already. Kaali bound forward before halting and looking back at us expectantly. "Come on! Let's go see."

Seeing as how she wasn't giving us a choice, I stayed right on her tail as Hunter kept up easily behind us. Weaving in between dragons and many others, she had me worried she would be stepped on at any second the whole way. Eventually, we popped out of the line of citizens trying to get a view. Hunter just barely squeezing in right next to us.

The large gates to Warfang opened, which was already something unexpected as it meant it wasn't the other dragon races entering but some terrestrial visitors. The large, multi-thousand-pound gate rising up was already a spectacle in itself, as it was the size of a large building in height and length.

Much of the crowd leaned forward to try and get a look as the visitors strewn in. I hadn't a name in mind for any of these races, but they must've been uncommon around here, as much of the crowd stared in awe. There was a clan of bipedal tigers that was the first to enter the city, with large caravans that they waved at others from. They very clearly hailed from some desert region, as their clothing would indicate. They wore expensive and vibrant piercings and jewelry.

"Oh, they're pretty." Kaali commented.

The next race to enter was some sort of avian creature. They were bipedal with wings on their backs, but judging by the caravan, it was clear that they wished to sell goods. They had large feathers on their heads with many patterns, and every single one had a different feather type. I couldn't make out much about them, but their people seemed more reserved than the others, as they gave very short acknowledgements of their onlookers.

The avian-like race's caravan stretched far, yet finally another set of caravans entered the gate. Murmurs and surprise seemed to wrack through the crowd as me and Kaali tried to get a good look at who it was. At one point, Kaali tried to put her two front paws on my head to get a better look, but Hunter nudged her off for me pretty quickly.

As their caravans drew nearer, it was clear that there weren't many of them, as the gate closed after only a few carts entered. And from a distance, it looked to be a regular wooden caravan, with many furs draped across the tops and doors. I caught my first glimpse of one of them and was surprised to notice that they were snow leopards.

Suddenly a bubbling spark of hope arose in my chest, which I tried to seduce to quell expectations as more and more of the snow leopards streamed in. The crowd in Warfang had clearly never seen or barely knew of their existence. Yet they took it with pride and provided the warmest smiles of any of the new visitors.

"Aren't those the mountain people?" Kaali said with a tilted head.

I paid her words no mind as I scanned each and every individual as they passed. The first cart passed, and it was a no.

The second passed; no luck.

As the third cart wheeled by, I could feel my heart beating heavily in my chest. She had to be here; I just knew it. But face after face, as I scanned, I grew increasingly worried. Eventually, I had seen them all. I went over each snow leopard once again in a glance of disappointment, only to reconfirm. She wasn't here.

My head dropped, and I stared at my paws as I felt tears well up in my eyes. One of the snow leopard carts stopped, and the back of the caravan opened. "I'll be getting off here; thank you so much!" A voice called to the driver.

My ears perked, and I dared a glance up. And there she was, looking a bit odd in her more weather-appropriate garments, but she was there. She was wearing some simple leather clothes and a pack on her back. The words left my mouth quietly as I stepped forward in disbelief. "Rena?"

Rena smiled at the caravan driver and waved as he started again, and she turned towards the crowd. She looked up and around, and immediately her eyes locked on me. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Gale?"

"Rena!" I cried happily as I bounded forward and leapt towards her.

Thankfully, she was prepared, as she fell to her knees and caught me in her arms. "Gale!" She said it with tears starting to come out of her eyes.

I nuzzled into her neck as much as possible as I cried, "I didn't expect to see you!"

She nodded and squeezed me tighter. "I didn't expect to see you here either! It was supposed to be a surprise for later. But… who cares?" She said it with an amused scoff.

I pulled back to look up at her as Kaali spoke wearily from behind me. "Um, who is this, little brother?"

Not even her label of little brother could sway my mood as I looked back at Kaali and Hunter, who approached. I smiled. "This is Renallia! She saved me from death, and she kept me safe until Spyro and Cynder found me. She's like my big sister!" I announced happily.

Rena giggled and hugged me again. "Oh, I missed you, Gale." She muttered.

I could see Kaali squint angrily in a glare at Rena as Rena stood up with me in her grasp. Hunter held out his paw, and Rena took it with her own. "Hunter," he said with a short nod. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm these two's… unexpected caretaker today."

Rena hummed curiously. "I feel there's a story behind that." She commented.

Hunter leaned down and held his arm out, allowing Kaali to scramble up it and perch on his shoulder as he released a laugh. "Well, it's certainly been an exciting day. What do you all say about acquiring a meal?"

Kaali nodded vigorously as Rena smiled. "That sounds like a lovely start to my visit." She looked down at me and said, "Is that alright? Your parents won't mind?"

I smiled back, "Yeah. Mom is caught up being the Auraxian official ambassador for today. And dad is at the temple doing... important things, I think."

Rena followed Hunter, who began walking down the street as she giggled at me. "It's so cute hearing you call them mom and dad." She teased.

I blushed heavily. "That's what mom says a lot…"

Kaali scoffed, "She says it about me too!"

Hunter chuckled, "Kaali, if only you knew the praises your mother sings of you when you aren't present."

"Why doesn't she do it when I am present!?" Kaali asked with an astonished face, which caused us all to laugh.

For that moment, I felt that nothing could possibly have gone better. My mom was getting the recognition she deserved; I'd made a new friend in the way of Hunter, and I'd reunited with Rena. Life was feeling pretty good for me at that moment.

The three guardians and Spyro all made their way through the halls. With Terrador and Dvarun at the front, Spyro right behind them, and the last two guardians in the back. The tour of the temple they were currently giving was going quite well, at least if you only asked one of the guardians. Spyro was merely trying to keep his malice for the abusive father in front of him in check, and more than once did the thought cross his mind that Dvarun's back was turned. Spyro, though not recommended, could strike him down at that moment. But he thought better of it.

Dvarun's deep, rumbling voice echoed through the hall: "Your amenities are quite... structured. It's certainly interesting." He released a deep, grumbling hum. "Though I must ask, is reading books your species main… prerogative?"

Terrador chuckled, assuming a joke: "Of course not, my friend. We have plenty of combat training courses and self-defense mandatory courses."

Volteer chimed in jovially, "Ah yes, knowledge is certainly something we hold in high regard. Biology, language, and history are all incredibly important aspects of a well-rounded dragon of society!"

Dvarun glanced back slightly. "Ah yes, language and history. Two things I had to readily equip myself of your kind, before being able to be here today."

Cyril hummed, "Oh yes, you had to learn our language, didn't you? May I ask how long it took you?"

Dvarun hummed, "Long... I'm not sure how long, but I had at least seven offspring in that time."

Cyril raised a brow as Volteer laughed sheepishly. Terrador cleared his throat and took hold of the conversation once again. "You've been quite quiet, Spyro. I'm sure you have many questions, don't you?"

Spyro's ears perked up as he forced a smile, a dread falling over him at the forced mention. "Hmm? Oh, sorry. I mean not to disrespect by staying silent."

Dvarun laughed once, quite dryly, "Disrespect? Of course not, hero." Something about the way he said "hero" rubbed Spyro the wrong way immediately.

Terrador laughed and said, "It's quite alright, Spyro. However, I thought you might have questions for him, with him being a Northern Dragon and all."

"Oh? About what exactly?" Dvarun questioned, "I'm all ears." He welcomed the question patiently.

It was beginning to dawn on Spyro what Terrador may be referring to. And his breath caught in his throat. Terrador, in all his diplomatic naivety, openly began to explain, "About one of Spyro's children. One of them is-"

"Oh, yes, he's very very interested in Northern dragons! How could I forget?" Spyro interrupted loudly with a sheepish laugh. "He'd probably be jealous of me being able to have a conversation with one."

Dvarun turned with a large smirk and a glint in his eyes. "Really? Well, maybe I could meet with him. What's his name?"

Spyro's heart dropped through his stomach again as he stuttered mentally, "Oh my son… his name is Gale."

Spyro internally winced and cursed himself out in his head. 'I'm sorry, buddy; I didn't mean to throw you under the bus like that…' He thought inwardly with dread.

The three guardians were all staring at Spyro oddly and with curiosity now. But it was quickly forgotten, as their long walk had brought them to their destination. Terrador quickly stood on the pressure plate to activate the door.

"And this part of the temple is... Well, see for yourself."

The five dragons entered through the top of a large, arena-like room. With circular stands all around made of stone and brick and a large circular sand pit in the middle. Dvarun's eyes lit up immediately with intrigue as he smiled, "Ah yes, a combat room. I can certainly approve." He trailed off as he studied every part of the large room.

Terrador smiled proudly. "This is where we hold all forms of training, as well as the occasional sparring event, if you will."

Dvarun walked a bit farther ahead of him. "Combat trials for power and public executions as well, I presume?"

All of the guardians' faces went pale as Spyro held back his glare and growl. Volteer laughed and said, "No, no, we've forgone things such as that a long time ago. More brains, more knowledge!"

Cyril nodded in agreement. "Our species is still recovering from the reign of Malefor and his atrocities. Overall, we've had far lower criminal activity than ever before. We believe in helping those who seem desperate rather than locking them up or...executing them."

Seeming to realize what he said wasn't taken very well, Dvarun released a quick, sharp laugh. "Of course, of course. That was simply a joke." Spyro couldn't hold back his glare this time, staring a hole through the back of the dragon's head.

Terrador nodded and cleared his throat. "Well... you're free to watch our premier combat classes this evening, if you'd like."

Dvarun nodded steadily, finally turning to look at them all and saying, "What a great idea."

Spyro once again found himself searching for what to do. 'Kenra's in those classes.' He thought wearily, 'I cannot let Dvarun see him.' He thought inwardly a while longer and finally made a decision: "Oh, I'm very sorry, my friends, but I forgot that I promised to make an appearance in Norruth's class in a few minutes."

"You did?" Terrador asked surprisingly.

Spyro nodded quickly, taking a few steps away from the group. "He said a few of his students were having a hard time grasping their fundamentals. That a quick flight demonstration by me would be a great help!" Spyro put on the widest smile he could.

Volteer hummed, "That sounds interesting; should we follo-"

"No!" Spyro said quickly, with their eyebrows raising, and coughed nervously, "I mean, we wouldn't want to distract the students more than they need be. I don't want them to grow nervous and all."

Surprisingly, Dvarun was the first to nod and wave his paw in a continuing gesture. "Of course, hero. You have your duties; it's quite alright."

Terrador nodded slowly in agreement. "Well, by the time that's up, we should be having lunch. You're free to join us afterward, of course."

Spyro nodded and bowed his head. "Thank you." He stood again and backed farther away. The other three guardians locked themselves into another conversation, but Dvarun continued to stare at him. As Spyro turned his head around and jogged away, he could clearly feel the burn of Dvarun's eyes on his back.

As soon as Spyro was outside of the arena, he felt a shudder rack his spine as he glanced back again, 'Creep. No wonder Kenra hates him.' He thought idly as he continued to speed-walk away. 'Just gotta find Kenra and send him home for today.'

All four of us were seated at a small table in the corner of the restaurant, next to a window. With me and Kaali sitting across from each other in booster seats for hatchlings. The waiter had already brought us water, and I was currently regaling both Hunter and Rena with the tales of my exploits.

"And then Mom comes crashing through the ceiling! Like- Bwahhhooosh!" I said dramatically, trying to explain Cynder's heroic acts in that small coastal town.

Hunter laughed as Rena nervously furrowed her brow. "But she got there in time, right?" She said worriedly, "Before he hurt you?"

I waved my paw, "Oh yeah, I was fine." I said with a half-hearted chuckle.

"Didn't he punch you in the mouth like... three times?" Kaali said deadpanning at my story.

I laughed sheepishly as Rena gasped, grabbing hold of my face and inspecting it. "He did not!" She said angrily with a growl. "Cynder better have given him everything he deserved, that bast-"

She stopped herself and sighed, realizing my face was just fine. She wrapped her arms around my neck again. "I'm just happy you're safe now." She said contentedly.

I giggled and wrapped my paws around her, nuzzling into the hug. "I missed you, Rena."

I heard footsteps approaching as we broke the hug. The cheetah waiter reappeared again. "Have you decided upon a meal for this fine evening, my friends?"

Hunter nodded quickly. "Ah yes, I'd love to try your..."

I drowned out Rena and Hunter ordering as Kaali wouldn't stop incessantly tapping my paw. I finally glared at her. "What?" I whispered harshly.

She smirked devilishly and said, "You're trying to show off to Rena."

"Am not." I defended with crossed forelegs.

"Are too."

"Nope."

"Totally are!"

We were butting heads quite literally as Rena and Hunter pulled each of us back into our seats, respectively, both crossing our arms and huffing as we closed our eyes. The waiter hummed, "And for your two dragon children..?" She said confusingly.

Rena and Hunter both laughed nervously, sharing quick denials about the proposition. Kaali huffed again. "I am a princess!" She announced. Much to the added confusion of everyone around.

I opened my eyes and sighed. "I can order for myself." I said sourly.

The waiter just smiled and held her notepad up. "Then what would you like, little one?"

I looked up at her and asked, "Do you have chicken legs?"

She smiled widely and nodded. "Would you like them uncooked, cooked, or fried?"

My mouth almost watered at the idea of getting them fried. Cynder barely let me get anything fried because she read that it was unhealthy for hatchlings in some sort of parenting book. "Fried please!" I chirped.

"And for the little lady?" She questioned her, glancing over at her.

She smiled proudly and put on some sort of distinguished and proper act, which was as childish as you can imagine. "I will also have chicken legs, uncooked, as they are much healthier for you."

I growled a warning across the table, and Kaali shot me a superior look, "Because I listen to momma." She added at the end to rile me up.

"You're going to be listening to the dirt after we eat." I said grumpily.

"I'm gonna tell momma you said that."

Hunter snapped his fingers and said, "Hey, my friends, this is not the time to argue."

"Yes sir…" Me and Kaali both mumbled out.

The waiter laughed nervously and nodded. "Alright, two hatchling-sized orders of chicken legs for the little ones, one fried, one raw. Your orders will be right out!" She said, walking off.

There was a long bout of silence as me and Kaali stared away from each other, still brooding in our own anger. Rena gently held her paw over my back. "Are you okay?" She asked quietly, and I simply nodded.

She sighed. "Why are you two fighting?"

My anger came back in full force. "She starts it!" I defended, pointing at her with my claw, "She always acts better than me! She gets angry when I don't act like her. She bosses me around all the time!"

Kaali sat up in her seat, glaring right back. "You always disobey momma! Plus, I'm the older sister, so I get to boss you around!"

"Friends," Hunter said quickly, "calm down, look at me." Begrudgingly, me and Kaali stopped glaring daggers at each other and looked towards him.

He smiled, first looking at me. "Gale, you love your parents, correct?" I nodded, and he continued, "I do not know if what Kaali says is true, but you should heed your parents' word. I know you may feel you can make these decisions yourself, but she likely tells you them for your own safety."

I sighed and looked down, crossing my paws. I did have a tendency to do things Cynder told me not to. I know Cynder understands why I do, since I'm older mentally, but she still worries every time.

"Now that's not to say you can't have fun and give yourself a little freedom, but next time Kaali tells you to heed your mother's words, maybe give it an extra thought, alright?" I nodded slowly.

Kaali started laughing, and Hunter quickly looked at her, "And young Kaali." She hummed and tilted her head. "To truly be an older sibling is not to mock or antagonize your younger siblings. I understand they may annoy or even anger you, but you must keep a level head if you truly want them to listen to your words. In desperate times, they may look to you for guidance and love."

Kaali's brow furrowed, and she seemed deep in thought as Hunter continued more: "And you could certainly provide that guidance in a much nicer way. Siblings need to always have each other's backs; trust is important. Therefore, being mean will break said trust." Kaali sighed and nodded.

He looked between us both and said, "Now you see, the constant bickering is unbecoming of the mood of today. With new and old friends returning and your mother being the representative of your people, you should both be proud and excited."

Kaali and I both hung our heads low. "Sorry," I muttered.

"Sorry, Hunter," Kaali replied as well.

He smiled and waved his paw. "I'm not the one to apologize to."

Kaali lifted her head and gazed at me. "I'm sorry, little brother."

I sighed and, after a moment, lifted my head and gave her a sincere smile, "Me too." We both stood and nuzzled each other from over the table.

Rena smiled. "Well said, Hunter." She said with intrigue as her gaze stayed on him for a while longer.

She looked down at me as she ran a paw over my head. I would usually resent being petted, but if it was Rena, then it was more than welcome. "Now, how about the rest of that story?"

I nodded eagerly. "So after that, Cynder fought him! And..."