A New Beginning

The next few days happened rather fast or at least felt like it. Not very surprising when everyone was looking forward to the same date: 3 days later, the time of Anemone's deadline.

And Condor did not waste a single minute of that time. No, the only time he'd be truly idle was only during his sleep, other than that he'd be always doing something, be it reading the scrolls that were available and made by the island's inhabitants, or asking questions to other Sandwings, Skywings and Nightwings about Pyrrhia, the Dragonets of Destiny, and anything else of note.

Of course, he's very well aware of a lot of this being largely outdated information, but it's still better than not having it in the first place, any knowledge is important.

His father had been helping him a lot as well, they'd sit down for an hour and Vulture would tell him extremely useful information, mostly related to the Sand Kingdom, but also some regarding other places.

Hidden spots, contacts, old "friends" of his, as much information that he could give of Thorn and Qibli from 10 years ago.

Two days have passed since the arrival of the Seawing princess, and Condor had reunited with Red and Shadowhunter, although Dauber did not appear either this day or the previous one.

"Wasp is very likely holding her close until she actually has to let her go. Shadow said that his dad struggled for a while to convince her after all," Condor commented soon after meeting up today, with the others agreeing.

"Hey, what are you wearing? It's not cold today!" Red asked, pointing to something new, namely a black scarf he was wearing around his neck.

"Oh, this? I just finished sewing it. While I am proud of the work I've done for my father, I think others could find it unsettling if they know the meaning of my tattoo," he said smoothly, rubbing the covered left side of his neck. "Besides, it goes well with the cape."

"Anyway, while it is a shame that Dauber isn't present for this, she'll just have to read later, because I've got something for all of you," Condor then followed with an announcement, and from a few different pouches that he carried he brought out seven different scrolls.

"Oh? What are these about?" Shadow asked with a curious tone, while Red moved her snout in a disgusted manner, possibly imagining just what is this about.

"All of my findings about Pyrrhia and its tribes, you should read these before you leave," he said, tapping a scroll, making Red groan.

"I can't believe it, you're giving us HOMEWORK? And right now? One day before!?"

"Yep, and as for you, Red, I think I'll have to give you some quick extra lessons," he nodded.

"Huh? Why should I need more than others? Are you implying something!?" She snapped at him.

"Not at all, but it's just that your… Striking personality might be a bit much for the Pyrrhians, and we all know your mother is quite the figure over there," he replied.

"As she should," she added proudly.

"Of course, but if we want things to begin smoothly, you might have to tone down a few things, like the killer instinct, and wanting to beat up anyone that bothers you," Condor said in a matter of fact tone, and Shadow nodded in agreement.

"Urgh, this is dumb! What's the point of being free if I can't be, you know, free?"

"Physically free and not limited to an island, I'd say it's very worth it to tone things down slightly," Shadow commented.

Red let out an annoyed huff and glared at Condor. "I don't like it, but I guess I could hear what your very much not thrilling idea of behavior is like."

"Simple, to start with some basic examples for random possible situations, when stuff happens I'd like if you tried to take the boring answers or options, what you might consider boring, you take in the average," he began to explain, and Red looked baffled.

"Oh moons, I can't believe it, that wouldn't even be Red anymore! I'd be… Blue!"

"Nah, you're not a Rainwing, your scales will stay the same color," Shadow joked not even a second later, and earned a glare from her as it often happens whenever that colorful tribe was mentioned.

"Anyway that's not all, you're the daughter of Queen Scarlet, and I don't think anyone would actually believe you if you were exactly like that, so at the same time when you think of boring options, go for the second least "interesting" one instead of the one actually least.

Red only blinked in confusion as response, clearly not understanding.

"Here, simple example with multiple choices. There's a young dragonet crying loudly in front of you, so what do you do? You ask what's wrong, you give them a good hit to shut them up, or you cradle them for comfort?"

Red remained silent for half of a minute, her eyes narrowed as she thought of the options. "I guess… The first option? Just seeing what's happening, meh but not to the level of holding some random dumb dragonet."

"Correct! Good job, Red, now let's move onto yet more scenarios," he said with a sly grin, making Red groan in annoyance.

Everything has to go perfectly, this will be our only chance in life and nobody will mess up, all details have to be ironed out. I will not disappoint my father or come back with empty talons. I am a Talon of Power, father will be proud.

Shadowhunter watched their antics for some time, having fun with the thought of Red calming down in certain aspects, even if it is as an act.

If she has to practice acting a little bit nicer to not stir too much trouble, then maybe someday she could do it for real. He thought while observing.

But then, his own thoughts got interrupted by external ones, with a voice he very much recognized.

Shadowhunter, I need to talk with you.

Shadow was surprised by this, it's been a while since his dad last called him like this, but he wasn't going to keep him waiting.

"Dad needs me, so I'll be seeing you soon," he quickly told his friends, who stopped their exercises for a moment to nod and wave him farewell as he left, then kept on practicing.

This time he actually made it back home quite faster than last time. He had no idea what his dad could want right now, but he was able to make some theories on the spot as he entered the tall home.

Darkstalker was in the massive living room, standing up and clearly just waiting for him while thinking of something.

"Shadowhunter, thanks for making it back this fast, and sorry if I interrupted your meeting," his father said in his usual nice tone, nodding at him when he stepped into the room.

"Oh it's not a problem, we'll be spending plenty of time together starting tomorrow after all," he casually replied.

"Of course, your big chance is coming, and it'll be great for you. Make sure to respect Moon and the others when you're there, understand?"

"Well, yeah, no reason for me to go and disrespect someone without reason, not my style."

Darkstalker nodded, and then his expression turned more serious.

"Good, however that is not the reason for me to call you, it's a more pressing matter that I had to mention before your departure."

Here it comes, what will be the big plan to take advantage of my freedom? Shadow thought while blocking off his mind, his words to his mother being likely to be proved true.

He felt his father's presence within his mind, clearly needing the most private conversation they could have.

There is something that was left behind in Pyrrhia the day Anemone brought me here, it was a scroll.

In his mind, Shadow saw an image being manifested there, that of a long scroll with a lot of writings that he recognized as his dad's, and the scroll was encased in black letter.

One of your favorite stories when you were young? A journal?

I suppose that in a way you could consider it a journal, of many of my spells through life that is. That scroll is a talisman that I made two thousand years ago, where I had placed my magic to safekeep my soul, one just writes on it and it works like a regular spell.

And you want me to find it out there.

Smart boy, that's correct. Now, the best case scenario would be that you get through the barrier then truly confirm if you have the power. But if things go wrong, I want you to know about this, so you can find it and break the barrier separating us.

Shadow could feel his blood running cold for a moment despite outwardly keeping his naturally composed expression. Well this certainly had to sour his trip to Pyrrhia, for all the outcomes that he imagined, he didn't think his father could have such a powerful object.

Immediately he didn't really want to do it, because only the moons knew just what could happen if everyone in the island was suddenly freed. Either Pyrrhia would annihilate them with their vastly superior numbers, or his father annihilated them back with a few words.

But then he'd be going against his own father, and the rest of his family would still live here.

And exactly how fast are you expecting this to be? He asked, but Darkstalker shook his head.

No need to be nervous about that part, I am very well aware that my talisman is likely being held somewhere, and if so it'd be a secret, or well guarded. I won't set deadlines on you. Besides when you leave the island then your abilities should be fully unlocked, you will be able to tell better when's the right time for something.

That was a slight relief at least, no time limit, he could perfectly spend a whole year without worrying too much because there would be the perfectly viable excuse of such a powerful tool being almost impossible to retrieve, he could still think of something.

Okay dad, I'll try.

Way to go, Shadow, I hope you enjoy school during your search.

The day had finally arrived, it's been 3 days so it meant that today a magical fish from under the waves will take the four of them to school. It almost sounded like something out of some story for dragonets.

And Red was ready for anything. Including punching the magical fish on the snout if this was some sort of sick trick all along and she was just going to magically throw them underwater the moment they left. Or if they flew outside and an army was waiting for them, she'd take them on!

Anyway, Red and Queen Scarlet flew down from the mountain by themselves, going to the same spot right below where they had the first meeting with Anemone.

Red flexed her talons while diving down, thinking of her very simple goals: Get stronger, meet with Ruby, challenge her, kill her, become queen to be able to argue for her mother's liberation, profit. Oh and even better if she can complicate things for Queen Glory.

They reached the base of the mountain, where everyone else was gathering. Vulture and Condor were already there. And at the distance and from opposite sides she saw a swarm of Hivewings approaching from one side, and a massive shape coming from the other.

"Hey, are you ready for this?" Condor asked, taking two steps closer as they landed.

"I'm always ready," Red assured, raising her snout in a confident manner.

"That's the answer I was looking for," Condor said with a nod, looking satisfied.

Meanwhile, the other half of the group had finally reached the meeting point as well. Wasp and Dauber landed with all of their soldiers around them. Then Darkstalker landed on the other side, followed by Shadow.

"It seems like it is time," Wasp said with a scoff. "Where is that princess?"

"Patience, Queen Wasp, I believe Anemone will not be leaving us hanging," Darkstalker said in a cordial tone.

"You place an awful amount of trust on her, considering she beat you," Queen Scarlet commented, glancing at the Nightwing.

"Details, besides, I can't stay mad at her for 10 years after all," Darkstalker said with a shrug.

Queen Scarlet didn't answer, just rolling her eyes at his response and then kept on waiting.

After some extremely boring waiting period; Red's sharp eyes caught sight of a flying shape approaching their way, making her immediately turn, which told everyone else that she saw something.

A pale blue shape approached and landed on the ground some distance away, and then Anemone just casually stepped closer to the group, filled with as much jewelry as last time.

"Oh! Wow, you were all already there? Well then sorry if I kept you waiting but here I am," she said proudly, stepping into range without any worry, which felt quite insulting to Red. Everyone here was feared across either Pyrrhia or Pantala, and this fish just did not care because she's MAGICAL.

"Good morning, Anemone," Darkstalker said as he stepped closer to you.

"Good morning, Darkstalker, oh and for all of you too, I guess," she said, giving the giant dragon a bit of a sheepish smile like last time. Wasp let out a scoff at her response. "So, have all of you decided?"

"Of course, Shadowhunter here has talked to both me and his mother, and everyone in the family agreed that it's a great chance for his growth," Darkstalker replied first.

"Condor is a great dragon to have nearby, but he'd be able to set off to do even greater stuff out there. Besides, he would get to meet his nephew," Vulture said smoothly.

"Considering the way this place is split up, the island is much too small for a dragon that could reach higher heights like Red, so she's certainly going," Queen Scarlet announced.

"Dauber is going," Wasp snapped begrudgingly.

"Well that is great, so everyone is going to the academy, perfect," Anemone said with satisfaction.

"So, should we be heading towards the barrier?" Condor asked now.

"Of course, I'll just make you four able to go through when we get there," she nodded.

"Anemone, before you leave for good, remember my offer to come visit anytime it's always open," Darkstalker mentioned.

"I mean, I can do whatever of course, but I'd probably need to at least talk about it with a few others if I do that," she replied, and Darkstalker nodded.

"Of course, I wouldn't want to complicate things for you if you ever visited, take your time," he agreed, and Anemone looked thankful.

Red then stepped forward, and she saw her friends do the same, everyone being just a few steps away from the princess. Being this close, she happened to see that Shadow stood at pretty much the same height as Anemone.

"I guess we just go now…" Dauber muttered, her head turned back for a moment to see Wasp just glancing coldly, then she quickly looked forward again.

"Yep, Pyrrhia, and especially the academy itself are at quite some distance, so if I can get you there before midnight, better," Anemone nodded, spreading open her wings, making Red's group follow her example.

Before she took off, Red decided to look back as well to her own mother. Queen Scarlet was looking at her with an expression that told her enough. She was Queen Scarlet's champion, she would not fail at this. Next time she meets her mother, it will be as Queen Red.

Dauber was terrified.

Ever since she laid her eyes on Anemone she already knew that she disliked the princess. Just… Strutting like she owned the place, which… She technically does. Unbothered, unapologetic for having filled an island with people and leaving them there, and owner of a power that Dauber could barely even comprehend.

And now she was supposed to fly and follow after the sea dragon anyway, just great… Her only hopes were that if things truly took a turn for the worse, that Condor and Red with their sharp instincts might be able to stop her. Or Shadowhunter, supposedly he could have powers like Anemone and more but was limited by the island.

Shadow… She had to talk with him later, her mother had said that Darkstalker convinced her with an idea related to Shadow, and that all Dauber will do is going to be supporting him at whatever.

The five of them left the ground and flew straight ahead from where they were for about fifteen minutes until they were right at the edge of the land. Then there were a few miles of water circling around the island, and then the invisible barrier.

"So, how are we getting through?" Condor was the first to ask the very relevant question.

"Simple, each of you will put these on, and you'll be able to go through the enchantment," Anemone said, grabbing four different silver bracelets from her pouch, and Dauber immediately felt on edge.

"The bracelets have to be enchanted too… What spells do they have?" She asked warily, eyeing them.

"Absolutely nothing dangerous," Anemone simply said, making her distrust it even more. And looking back she could see that Red was glaring too.

"Hey, c'mon, it's literally the only choice we'll be given. And besides, we'll need to trust people out there too, so might as well start now," Shadow said soothingly, then was the first to pick up a bracelet, he gave Anemone a nod then put it on.

He closed his eyes for a moment then opened them back up. "Oh no, big mistake, I think it's turning me into a fish too, do I have gills now?" He said, rubbing a side of his neck with amusement, actually getting Anemone to giggle, Condor to smirk and Red to snort.

Seeing Shadow didn't die or was seemingly enchanted or fishified, Red stepped forward and just snatched another one of the bracelets from Anemone's talons in one quick motion, then put it on too, Condor followed, moving it a few times to make sure it fit well and looked at it for some moments, likely checking if it looked good on him.

Dauber hesitated, but with a defeated sigh, she picked one up too since everyone else did it, and… Well, at least she felt no different.

"You're done doubting now? Great, then follow me," Anemone said with a clear smug tone that Dauber disliked as she kept on flying forward with the rest following.

She wasn't certain of the exact location of the barrier, after all… it's invisible, but at least she knew that it should only be a few minutes away, and only a few minutes later Anemone had turned to them and very casually revealed "We just got through the barrier."

Everyone else immediately stopped, Dauber staring at her friends, then right behind them… It actually happened? So easily they had done what no other resident of the island managed… They were free.

"... Hmph, I expected freedom to feel much more incredible," Red muttered.

"Well, we're literally five seconds away from our no-freedom zone, and with just a bunch of sea below us, it'll take a while to settle in," Condor pointed out.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling great," Shadow said, doing a twirl in the air, extending his large wings further. "Our new chance in life is right there, just some hours away."

But then, Shadow appeared to be in thought about something as he extended a talon to the air and focused for a moment, before slowly pulling his leg back and looking at Anemone, who was glancing at him with interest.

And a moment later… Shadow brought his talon to the bracelet and tried to pull it down, but to Dauber's shock, it didn't move an inch.

Everyone else was quick to react, with Condor raising his tail and pointing his stinger forward, with Dauber doing the same, and Red letting smoke escape from her nostrils as she looked ready to charge.

"There's no reason to enchant these so they can't be taken off, so what did you do to us?" Condor asked, his sultry voice immediately replaced by a cold, threatening one, but Anemone didn't even flinch.

"Oh you're all exaggerating, I told you, it's nothing dangerous," she replied, but Dauber saw her raising one of her legs covered by probably enchanted jewels.

"I should have visions and prophecies swirling in my mind, and 50% to have magic, but just like on the island, I don't feel any of that. These have the same spell as the barrier, don't they?" Shadow said, and for once he actually sounded a bit wary.

"Smart, that's exactly it, and that's the only extra spell added to the bracelets," Anemone confirmed, raising her snout,

Shadow let out a short sigh and shook his head, and Dauber pitied him.

Poor Shadow… I'm sure he's been looking forward to seeing the extent of his abilities, and he might just never get to…

"But this isn't permanent, right?" Condor asked, his tone calculating, but his tail slightly lowered. "Of course it makes sense, limiting the most powerful abilities in this group considering everything. But I'm rather sure that you could have warned us beforehand and Shadow would still accept. And also, the whole point of this is to prove ourselves, isn't it? It wouldn't make sense to punish Shadow when he shows he's as reliable as any."

Anemone appeared to be considering it for a moment at least, then she gave a shrug. "Sure, I guess? I can't say he gave me the most ideal first impression though," she said, and Shadow actually looked momentarily embarrassed at the reminder.

"Hey, I was just trying to be smooth and cool to the princess visiting us that day," he protested.

"Anyway, it was decided by the queens for everyone's safety, maybe give it a few years when you won't just be the son of the terrifying Darkstalker, and we can discuss removing the spell," Anemone settled, and Shadow rubbed his head for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, deal. I can't say I'm disappointed I won't get to summon cookies wherever like I just tried to, but if it helps my case then it's okay, really," he added the last part while looking at Red and Dauber, both still pointing their pointy ends at Anemone. Dauber reluctantly lowered her stingers while Red needed a few moments to do it.

"Cookies? That was going to be your first ever spell?" Anemone questioned, a bit baffled and raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, you haven't tried them, but the cookies at Dauber's place are the best thing on the island, so I thought a few to celebrate with everyone would be a worthy spell."

Dauber shook her head a bit to this, classic Shadow, it wasn't even unusual to see just him visiting the Hive to buy some treats, both him and Clearsight were always up for these.

At least this whole thing appeared to amuse Anemone a little. "Okay, then how about this? As a sign of goodwill and to celebrate you're all out, I'll get all of you a cookie and we just go without more arguments."

She didn't even say anything else, and a moment later, Dauber had found herself just suddenly holding a cookie on her talons and it looked just like the ones at her Hive, and looking around she saw that everyone else got one too.

"And before anyone asks, no, I did not give them any enchantments, because if I really wanted to enchant you so badly I don't even need you to eat something," she quickly added, rolling her eyes.

Shadow immediately devoured his treat, but Red did it even faster, unsurprising considering that Skywings almost never get the goods from Wasp Hive, then Condor gave it a few bites after sniffing it, but Dauber, despite feeling as hungry as always, decided she still did not trust it and would eat it later.

And finally, after everything appeared to be calming down, Anemone kept on flying forward at a rather high speed, basically forcing everyone else to follow after without any more arguments.

Dauber shot one last sad glance at the island they were leaving, unsure of what the future might bring, or if all four of them would even survive their first week outside, but all she could do right now was hope.

Together… We'll stick together, and we'll get the lives we deserve. We have to.