Nothing To Hide
(Edit: the italics didn't want to italic)
There was no comet on the night the war ended. No-one noticed, really. It's not like anyone would track such trivial matters such as celestial bodies during a war that has spanned almost two decades, nor would it seem imperative that it should occur that very night. No, there was no mention of a brightest night because there were only two major bodies alight, instead the darkness was filled solely by the glow of dragons' hearts. Time marched on, not one thought about a comet to light up the night because there was none, no fire to grace the sky.
Moon stepped into the mountain. It should've been a simple task, really, but her nerves were really getting to her. It was so… loud. That's it. That's the only way to describe it.
The royal seawing dragonets that were going to attend didn't seem so bad. Turtle in particular seemed like a quiet dragon and his thoughts didn't seem to signal any dislike towards nightwings, so that was a good start, ignoring the fact that they hadn't said a word to each other.
"Hello!" said a black dragon who somehow radiated sunshine, "Let me guess - you're Moonwatcher, aren't you?" the other nightwing tilted her head, waiting for a response.
"Yes." Moon replied, making the least eye-contact she could, "But, um, just call me Moon. Please." the dragon grinned.
"Okay, Moon! I'm Fatespeaker. I'm not a teacher, but I am around to help." Fatespeaker reached into a wire rack that sat next to her, shuffling through it until she pulled out two scrolls. "Here's your welcome scroll and your map."
As Moon was receiving the two scrolls Fatespeaker peered thoughtfully at her eyes.
"Oh, look! You have the silver eye-scales like me!" she noted, smiling widely, "I thought I was the only one." Moon just shrugged. "Well, anyways," Fatespeaker continued, sweeping out her wing to display the rest of the cave, "Welcome to Jade Mountain!"
Moon was currently sitting in her first class of the day with Tsunami. Not everyone was here yet; currently it was only her, Kinkajou, Carnelian and-
"... and Turtle!" Tsunami said, "Hey, everyone, this is my brother!" Turtle waved sheepishly at his three clawmates, "Can you believe I have a brother?" Tsunami continued, "Or, a million brothers, apparently. I'm just assuming Turtle's the best, since he's here right now." Turtle chuckled.
"It's true, I am." He said jokingly as Carnelian rolled her eyes, though his mind disagreed, running through all of his mistakes like not finding Snapper and failing his father and enchanting his sister and his whole family and-
Wait, what?
Turtle bit his lip as Tsunami continued talking to Carnelian and Kinkajou. Hope I can have a clean slate here…, he thought.
Moon blinked, trying to discern what she just heard and saw. Unfortunately, she spent an awfully long time staring at Turtle doing so. He noticed, eventually, and gave an awkward smile and a nod of acknowledgement. Tsunami had moved on to conversing with the last few dragons who'd shown up so she didn't notice, but Kinkajou did, looking back and forth between Moon and Turtle, a mix of yellow and lavender creeping up her neck and frills. She grinned and nudged Moon in the side playfully.
Oh, looks like Moony has a crush! So cute! Not the most handsome, but I can see the appeal.
Moon physically recoiled, stumbling backwards. Luckily, Kinkajou's actions were obvious enough in meaning that she could retort without giving away anything.
"W-what?! No! It's not like that!" Moon whispered, mortified, trying to convey as much denial without being too loud. Kinkajou just winked, feeding Moon's dread.
"Suuuure."
"Kinkajou!"
"It seems that some of you are already getting along, but let's introduce ourselves." Tsunami cut in, "Maybe it's unnecessary, but Sunny said we should. And then she said I probably wouldn't listen to her. So there. I'm Tsunami." Moon, for one, was eternally grateful for the interruption. "I was going to call myself commander of recruitment, but everyone voted that I'd be terrible at recruiting and made me the head of school instead. Any questions?"
After Moon had introduced herself Turtle seemed to do so himself, and she made sure to pay extra attention.
"Me too." he said in response to her saying that she liked scrolls. He scrunched up his snout in amusement, "At least, I like scrolls that weren't written by my mother. I've read way too many of those." He paused, thinking of anything else he might want to say. "I'm Turtle." he finished simply. And I'm an animus, he added mentally in a jokingly self-deprecating way. Moon's eyes widened.
…It was true.
It was true.
There were no falsities in the statement, no insincerity. He sounded like he regretted that fact, but it was true. Turtle was an animus dragon. As her mind was coming back to clarity she caught the tail-end of Qibli's train of thought.
…armband. Don't recognize the stones. …Why did Moon react like that?
Moon glanced in his direction, and, indeed, he was looking in her direction curiously, so she tried hastily to smoothen out the wrinkles in her expression.
Turtle was an animus.
Moon clung to the goat she had caught, feeling the texture of its fur in her claws. She was still reeling from the discovery that Turtle was an animus. What… what does she do with this information? With her curse, a breach of privacy was unavoidable, but this? He was basically doing what she was doing! She… he…
Should I tell him?
Moon's head shot up at the stray thought, appearing out of seemingly nowhere. It… was definitely hers.
No! She told herself, That's a terrible idea!
But… that small part of her whispered, isn't that the right thing to do?
She paused. Was it? This wasn't exactly a normal occurrence, what should she do? He did have a right to privacy, and it'd make it so much easier to respect his wishes if he was aware that she knew and was able to communicate what and what not he was okay with, but then she'd have to reveal her powers and also she'd actually have to talk to him. But she knew his secret curse, wouldn't it be fair if he knew hers as well? Moon grumbled and shook her head, trying to clear it. That last thought didn't make sense at all. What does fairness have to do with this? Stay secret, stay hidden, stay safe. Those were the words she lived by. That was what she was supposed to do. But that's what he's trying to do, too. You can help each other.
Moon groaned, gripped the goat harder and flapped on.
"Hey, Moon," Kinkajou said, striding up to her, brushing her wing with her own, "are you okay?" Moon looked at her, confused.
"I'm fine, why?" she asked. Kinkajou tilted her neck really far sideways, in an exaggerated motion of skepticism.
"Really? Because you've been making weird sounds and faces all morning." her expression turned mischievous, "You're not thinking about Turtle, are you?" Moon turned to her friend with indignation.
"No."
The rainwing doubled over in a fit of giggles.
"Okay," She said, recovering, scales shifting, "seriously. Are you okay?" Moon was taken aback by the abrupt change in tone, quickly trying to recompose herself.
"Y-yeah, I've just got a lot on my mind." Suddenly, Kinkajou was back to energy and sunshine.
"Okie-dokie! I'm just going to grab some fruit, sit tight!" and she was gone in a whirlwind of color and scales; Moon could only mouth the word 'okay?' in response.
"Well, she seems like a talon-full" a voice cut in behind her, causing her to jump, "Oh- sorry," Qibli said, shifting on his talons, "can- the goat, remember? I could just get a fish if you changed your mind." Really wish I don't have to. Fish is just too… slimy.
"No, no- here, Qibli" Moon quickly tore off a section of the goat and handed it to Qibli. They ate in silence for a couple moments before it was broken by Qibli.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"What?"
"Sorry- I just heard what Kinkajou said and - yeah - you were acting pretty uncomfortable back there. Sorry if it's nothing and I'm just being annoying." he was fiddling with his tail barb, peering at her with concern. Moon sighed. She didn't want to lie more than she had too, but she couldn't tell him the whole truth. She settled for the in-between.
"I… it's complicated." he tilted his head forward as she continued, "I… learned… something private about somebody and I don't know what to do…" Qibli turned to look away at the crowd and his brain raced, tumbling over responses. She's not telling the whole truth. Lying or respecting their privacy? I'll assume the latter for now.
"Okay… how bad is it?" she just closed her eyes. Oh, so, really bad, then? his mind said.
"It's… something that you'd never tell anybody if you could help it." Qibli clicked his tongue. Oof, really bad, then. He hummed in thought.
"Well, I don't have much experience in this situation, but it would probably be best to tell them. Unless the private thing is 'planning to hurt a bunch of dragons', then you might want to tell the teachers." he gave her a smile at the last statement, trying to lighten the mood. Moon sat quietly, pondering over his advice. He was thinking more generally, due to her not giving all the details, but by his reasoning, if Turtle wasn't going to harm anybody, she should tell him. She rubbed her face; she was hoping she wouldn't have to confront him about this, but now her conscience was going to get in the way with her literally being told to do so.
"Right… I guess I have to do that, then." Moon sighed, for what felt like the tenth time that day.
"Don't we have history together next, Sora? Our winglets together?" Turtle asked, gesturing with his talon.
"Oh…" Sora replied lamely. Moon couldn't hold it in much longer, she was itching where she stood. If she waited any longer she was going to think about it more and probably die of anxiety. Sure, just randomly saying something to him was also something that would normally make her nervous, but it was far outweighed by the other option.
"Um, Turtle, would you mind coming to the library with me? I-if it's not a bother, that is…" Turtle tilted his head to the side, surprised.
"Oh, okay. Sure."
She caught a couple of thoughts on their way out from Clay, Kinkajou and Icicle.
They're getting along well. It's nice to know the winglets are getting to know each other.
HAH! You go, Moon! Didn't know you were so bold!
Hm. Wonder what that's about. The nightwing trying to suck up to royalty?
They walked in silence for most of the trip to the library.
"So, Moon, why did you ask me to come with you to the library?" Moon didn't look up at him, keeping her eyes on the stone floor.
"I need to talk to you." she said. He nodded.
"Okay."
As they entered the library they were greeted by Starflight.
"Hello?" he asked, looking in their general direction. Turtle raised his head to respond, making his voice clear.
"Hi, Starflight. It's Turtle and Moon." Starflight smiled.
"Oh, Turtle, Moon. Welcome back to the library. Any particular reason you're here?" Turtle glanced at Moon who just shrugged.
"Nah." he replied, "Just browsing, I guess." Starflight nodded.
"Okay, just call if you need anything, okay?" Moon led Turtle to a relatively private corner of the library, a cozy spot hidden by two scroll shelves and a wall with a window. It seemed intentionally secluded with a couple of cushions lining the floor in a circle. Moon sat down and Turtle followed in suit.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" he asked. Moon took in a deep breath and exhaled, lowering her voice.
"Please, don't freak out." she whispered. Turtle tensed up slightly, his thoughts buzzing.
"About what?" he said, concerned. Moon took in another breath, looking away, biting her lip. When she spoke her voice was breathy and barely audible, probably for the best.
"I know you're an animus."
His reaction was a bit surprising - his eyes widened, shoulders and wings tensing up, but he also deflated, seeming somewhat defeated. Guess that's it, then. So much for a new start. He dipped his head, processing.
"Oh." was all he said, laughing emptily, a sound closer to a sob. "I… how… how did you find out?" Before she could think she was already speaking.
"I can read minds." Moon's eyes lit up in horror and she quickly covered her mouth with her talons whilst Turtle's head shot up.
"What?" he said. It's too late now. Just tell him. So, slowly she removed her talons. Still slightly dazed, she replied in a light voice.
"I can read minds." Turtle took a step back, apparently standing up. His face was cycling through a variety of emotions and his mind was, too.
"I- What?" he said again, "I thought nightwings didn't have powers anymore?" Moon shook her head.
"They don't. As far as I know, It's just me."
What is going on? Is this a dream?
"No. It's not a dream." Turtle's eyes somehow grew even larger at that. He took another step back. Moon shot up to stand and grabbed his talons before he could pull away. "Please, Turtle, don't tell anyone. I don't- I don't want them to hate me." His gaze softened at that and he relaxed slightly.
She's just like me.
"Okay" he replied, voice still raw, and Moon collapsed into the cushions in relief, "But." he said, immediately snatching her attention, "You're explaining everything first."
Another vision of the burning cave raked through her brain - fire and death and screams and burning scales, smoke suffocating everything - making her stumble once more, being caught in Turtle's arms.
"Don't go in?" Carnelian snapped, "Why not?"
"Uh…" Qibli said, uncertainly, "It needs to air out first?" She made a move to enter anyway.
"You're an idiot, sandwing-"
"Carnelian." Turtle interrupted, calm, not looking at her, "Don't go in there."
"You too-" Carnelian was cut off again by the cave exploding, shaking the walls and floor. Unfortunately, just as that happened Moon realized that Tamarin was still burning in her vision and that meant that she was already in there. She jumped forward, pushing past Turtle, only to be met with the rapidly expanding wall of fire which threw her against the nearest wall. After that, the room exploded - metaphorically.
Dragons were scrambling, shouting, panicking and it was so loud, so loud and there was fire and heat and debris and-
"Moon. Moon, are you okay?" Turtle was crouching over her worriedly, inspecting her for injuries.
"I-" she tried. Turtle glanced at her face before returning to what he was doing.
"Nevermind, don't answer that. Just nod or shake your head, okay?" she nodded. "Can you breathe?" She nodded. "Okay…" he said to himself.
"Tamarin…" she managed, before being shushed by him.
"Don't talk; you need the oxygen. She'll be fine. Clay's in there already with Peril." Already? Hadn't it only been a few moments? Turtle noticed her confused expression and answered, "You blacked out for a bit. Besides, everything's a blur for me, too."
Winter walked to the mouth of the cave, taking in a deep breath before expelling a cool wave of frostbreath over the burning material. Clay put his claw over the neck of the nightwing he pulled out of the cave and looked over to Tamarin.
He's alive, he thought, relief flowing over him, They're both alive. Moon released a breath and stood up shakily, Turtle eyeing her like he didn't completely trust her to walk on her own yet. They were alive.
Stay secret. Stay hidden. Stay safe. Well, that was all out of the window now. They knew. They all knew. Despite Turtle's attempts to make up a believable excuse - he didn't have to do that - she had to confess her powers in the end. And they were gone. It was just her and Turtle in the cave now.
"Hey." Turtle nudged her, "It'll be fine. Come with me."
"I can't believe I've missed everything!" Kinkajou cried with mock betrayal before snapping into genuine, unfiltered praise, "You're totally heroes! Although I'm kind of confused because Sora what but Icicle was totally scary BUT saving her brother, so I get it, but attacking my winglet! My best friend! Not okay!" Moon tilted her head, a small smile growing on the edges.
"Best friend?" she asked, "You're not mad at me, Kinkajou?" Kinkajou stuck out her tongue.
"I was, but that was yesterday."
Carnelian snorted. "I'm not one to let go of that sort of stuff so easily, but you saved my life. So I guess I owe you one."
"Um, thanks?" Moon replied, "Where's Winter? I'd like to explain everything to him." Qibli coughed nervously.
"About that, I have some bad news. He's gone. Bandit's cage is missing, too."
"What? Oh no!" Kinkajou cried, "Where'd he go?" Turtle scratched his neck.
"I saw Winter heading toward the forest, but I thought he was just going hunting. Sorry." Moon shook her head, resolved.
"I'm going to find him." Turtle looked like he very much wanted to object, then he shrugged it off.
"You're not going alone." he said at the same time as Kinkajou exclaimed, "Yay! Me too!" Carnelian face-taloned.
"Idiots, we tell the teachers, obviously." she said.
"Um," Qibli started, causing Carnelian to look at him, "I was planning on going, too." Carnelian threw up her wings and arms.
"Fine! I guess I'm going. You." she pointed at Moon, "Don't expect any more favors."
"... No-one's forcing you to go," Moon said.
"Shut up."
So then, they all took off to find Winter. Surely that's all that expedition will end up being, right?
Moon chuckled. Right, like she's ever that lucky. She glanced at the dragons flying with her.
Okay, she's sometimes that lucky.
A/N. So, no comet means:
-No Skyfire
-Palm lives
-Darkstalker doesn't wake up
-Turtle reveals his powers much earlier because point 1
I might be missing a few things, but what I've listed is still pretty significant.
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