#wof hall

[wolfhalledits]

Thomas Cromwell, Princess Mary Tudor and Catherine of Aragon in Wolf Hall — S01E03 'Anna Regina'

[juno-the-cryptid]

açaí the fruit selling rainwing 🍒

bannana man :)

[5rcane]

Front of case: Good and Evil by Tally Hall album cover

Top of case: the three moons of Wings of Fire

[buzzkillchainsaw]

If I were to write a WOF book arc - feat. Datura, Sidewinder, Pearl, Tetra & No-one (first draft)

Indulge me for a second. It's gonna be a long second (18 pages in Google docs), so please sit down comfortably and read this if you really have time to spare. Each "book" gets progressively longer. This is your last warning. Enjoy!

Book 1: Ice

Mandatory reading: X

The arc would start with Ice and her backstory, detailing how she grew up hidden away in the Icewing kingdom. How she lost her mother to a clueless Icewing guard and how she discovered and developed her animus powers with Icebreaker's, ahem, help. There would be moments shown between Ice and Icebreaker, as the Queen would sit down with the dragonet and personally train her, making her perform grueling tasks to the point of blood and tears. Afterwards, she would strangely switch up her behavior and act kind and loving so Ice would gravitate towards her again, now that Icebreaker was her only parental figure and source of comfort.

The prologue would end right at the moment where Ice’s glowing blue shackles snapped shut and sealed her magic away, only able to cast spells if the Queen allowed it. The main purpose of this part would be to establish Icebreaker's motives and present her as a threatening antagonist for the arc. It would also paint her as a horrible, irredeemable person (dragon?).

A little time jump later we see Ice still shackled, all alone in her room. Icebreaker and a few Icewings enter and Ice is ordered to give each enough magic to cast one spell. Ice complies, because she doesn’t have much of a choice anyways. The chains stop glowing as her magic is unsealed for just that specific spell. She touches each Icewing, but hesitates at the last one. He looks familiar somehow, but she can’t put her finger on it. His face doesn’t give it away either, he’s staring ahead blankly. She goes through with it and everyone leaves the room. Later, the door suddenly opens again and Ice is surprised to see someone who’s not Icebreaker - it’s the familiar Icewing from before! He introduces himself as Tern, Ice’s father. Ice doesn’t know what to feel. She doesn’t remember him at all because Icebreaker forbade him from seeing Mesa, Ice’s mother, once Ice showed signs of magic - mere weeks after hatching, Tern explains. The only reason he was even allowed to see Ice today to get magic was probably because Icebreaker was so caught up in her extraordinary war plans that she simply forgot about his involvement. He also explains how he even ended up marrying Mesa in the first place. How Icebreaker purposefully made the captive Mesa as miserable as possible and then “accidentally” introduced her to Tern (who was kind and meek and disgustingly weak by Icewing standards, which made him Icebreaker’s least liked son). Tern of course felt bad for Mesa and tried to cheer her up in any way he could - netting Icebreaker’s approval. And so, they started talking, spending time with each other and one thing led to another. Ice is taken aback and disgusted by this story. Knowing that her mere existence was just another one of Icebreaker’s manipulations horrified her, but even more horrifying was Ice’s and Tern’s involvement in her mother’s fate. If they never existed, maybe Mesa would still be alive. Tern points out that Mesa left Ice behind during her escape, but Ice doesn’t want to hear it: Mesa had every right to run from this horrible situation. Tern understands her anger and asks what he can do to redeem himself. “Helping me escape would be a start”, Ice scoffs. Tern complies and uses his ice breath on the chain keeping her tethered to the wall, freezing the chain plate to a point where the metal shatters easily after he smashes it with a rock. However, the chains are still intact, still glowing blue and the spell isn't broken.

They flee together through the halls of the castle, alarmed guards right behind them. In a crucial moment, Tern turns back to distract the guards, allowing his daughter to narrowly escape the palace. Ice runs alone through an unbearably cold storm, her half Sandwing body barely holding itself together in the extreme temperatures. She tries flying, but the winds are too strong and her muscles are too weak from all these years she was stuck in the palace. Her arms are weighed down by the glowing blue chains dragging between her legs as she walks, a constant reminder of what Icebreaker took from her. An Icewing patrol flies above to search for her, so Ice dives into soft snow and lets the storm bury her until she can no longer hear the wing flaps of the soldiers. Only a miracle (or perhaps her Icewing half) keeps her from losing limbs to frostbite. The stars shine above as she slowly reaches a warmer climate. The snow beneath her aching feet turns to rocks, then to sand. In the dead of night, Ice reaches the Sandwing kingdom. Standing on top of a dune, the silhouette of her mother.

Book 2: Datura

Mandatory reading: 1 , 2

The next book would start with Datura's backstory and showcase her relationship with her sister. After Queen Taipan's poisoning, Sidewinder would assume the role as replacement Queen until Taipan "was back to normal". Tensions arise in the Sandwing kingdom over this decision, especially with the threat of Icebreaker's seemingly unstoppable magic army looming over them. Sidewinder and Datura argue, which results in Datura being banished from the Sandwing kingdom. She is thrown out by reluctant guards with only her glasses to protect her from the sun.

She stays in the castle's shadow until the evening, enduring her sister's taunts from above. Sidewinder even throws a piece of Datura's veil from the balcony, hoping to watch her scramble to pick it up and put it on. Datura doesn't move. As the hours pass, Sidewinder begins to regret her decision. She realizes that she has no allies left, everyone in the castle doubts her and even thinks that she poisoned Taipan to get the crown. But just as she's about to look for Datura, she finds that her sister has disappeared along with the setting sun.

In the night, Datura would run into a strange Icewing with familiar black eyes and glowing shackles. After an awkward moment of being mistaken for the Icewing's mother, Datura listens to her story and finds out that Ice is trying to find a way to get rid of the shackles to stop Icebreaker, which makes the Sandwing perk up. She asks Ice to relay exactly what she said when she cast the spell.

"I enchant these unbreakable shackles to prevent any dragon wearing them from casting any spell, unless the Queen allows it."

Datura points out that Ice didn't specify Queen Icebreaker, so theoretically any Queen should be able to give permission. She then, reluctantly, tells Ice about her own situation and agrees to ask Sidewinder, the current "replacement Queen" to try and allow Ice to cast spells. In return, Ice would use her animus powers to heal Taipan. It’s a good plan. They travel to the Sandwing stronghold and Datura infiltrates it, leaving a note for Sidewinder asking her to meet up in one of their secret childhood playing spots. Sidewinder, overjoyed that her sister has returned, immediately leaves to find her. But as soon as Ice and the plan to free her is revealed, Sidewinder feels betrayed and accuses Datura of having become a spy for the Icewings. Giving Ice her magic back would only make the Icewings even stronger, after all. Datura and Ice try to clear up the misunderstanding, but Sidewinder sounds the alarm and the two of them flee.

Ice and Datura conclude that their plan needs some work, as they can't just waltz up to a random Queen and ask her to reactivate an enemy kingdom's magic soldier maker. Maybe an even stronger animus than Ice could just override her spell with their magic and free her? Datura remembers reading about powerful Seawing animus dragons and suggests asking around in the Seawing kingdom for help. Ice thinks that it wouldn't work and wants to try asking other Queens first, really fixated on Datura's interpretation of the spell. Maybe the Rainwings were more laid back and wouldn't care about the possible implications of freeing Ice (and, let's be honest, they'd be too stupid to comprehend the consequences anyway). Datura retorts that they have no idea if asking "a Queen" would even work and not be a huge waste of time again (like the fiasco with Sidewinder, which she blames herself for). And time is the last thing they can waste right now, with Icebreaker's army on the horizon. Ice is convinced, but at least wants to try the Rainwings before throwing in the towel. They begin to journey eastwards.

In a quiet moment, Datura asks Ice what magic feels like and if the rumors about losing your soul are true. Ice doesn't know, she doesn't feel that much different than before. Before Icebreaker and her experiments. Obviously she's terrified of turning into a soulless monster. But she also points out that it was Icebreaker who seemed more and more unhinged with each enchantment she forced Ice to do, as if the damage fell upon her soul, not Ice's. But who knows, really. All that matters now is that Ice gets her magic back and stops Icebreaker before it's too late. Too late for whom? She doesn't elaborate.

*

Book 3: Pearl

Mandatory reading: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

The third book would start with Pearl's backstory, her meeting with Tetra and her eventual escape from Lamprey. Her and Tetra want to see the world together, but also find a way to cure Tetra's wing. They swim together until they reach a river that spills into the sea. This would be the only chance for Pearl to see the surface world while staying in the water. Tetra helps Pearl, who isn't a strong swimmer, to swim upstream until they reach a calmer part of the river. It's very difficult, but they manage to do it. Tetra remarks that she could just construct a harness out of grass and vines and fly, pulling Pearl along with her in the water. However, her wing is still badly injured. The two dragonets take a break, frustrated and tired. If only there was an easy fix to this situation ... Tetra suddenly remembers her father telling her a bedtime story about magic dragons called "animi" and suggests finding one to cure her wing. In the same breath, she excitedly says "and maybe they could cure you too, Pearl!" Pearl is taken aback by this, as she hasn't really considered herself in need of "curing". Sure, her inability to breathe air on land has made their journey difficult, but this is the way she was born. Should she really change such an integral part of herself with magic? Still, she nods in feigned excitement. She figures that she could still have time to think and maybe say no if they actually met one of those magic dragons. If.

The two kids continue making their way upstream, dealing with lots of difficulties, but always finding a way to make it work together. Suddenly, they run into two strange dragons. The dragons introduce themselves as Ice and Datura and tell the two kids that they're on the lookout for an animus and a Queen. Tetra excitedly proclaims that her and Pearl need an animus too and Ice reveals that she is one, but currently cannot cast spells until a "Queen" allows her to. Pearl, who cannot speak or understand "air-breather" language, is slightly put off by everyone talking over her and while she has no idea what's going on. Tetra tries her best to translate, but as soon as she flashes the words "They're looking for a Queen" in aquatic, Pearl feels terror and fear course through her body, visions of Lamprey and the cult swirling in her mind. The other dragons notice her trembling, and Datura tries approaching her to calm her down, but without Tetra's translation Pearl assumes that this huge terrifying dragon is trying to capture her. The misunderstanding gets resolved thanks to Tetra's quick thinking - speaking "air-breather" language to Datura and aquatic to Pearl at the same time to explain the situation.

Pearl agrees to try to free Ice, but doesn't tell Tetra about her doubts with the whole "curing Pearl" part. The group gathers and Pearl formally and regally tells Ice that she is allowed to cast spells - in aquatic. Nothing happens. Tetra translates her words into "air-breather" language, but it still doesn't work. The chains remain as they were, Ice is still sealed. Ice is distraught, because this is yet another "Queen" that "didn't work". As soon as Tetra (hesitantly) translates this, Pearl is overcome by anger. What was her stupid role as a "Queen" even for, if it couldn't even help one single dragon? She tells Tetra in aquatic to say the words again in "air-breather", and the little blue dragon complies. Pearl, with all her might, sticks her head far out of the water, breathes in the air and tries to replicate the sounds. However, all that comes out is painful gurgling and choking. Ice, realizing that this poor little dragonet was hurting herself because of Ice's outburst, leaps forward and splashes Pearl with a wave of water, knocking her over and causing her to slip back underwater. Pearl isn't too pleased, but remembers how Tetra had done the same that night on the beach and concludes that Ice just wanted to help. But Pearl also just wanted to help. She feels awful every time she sees Tetra wince and grimace after the slightest movement of her broken wing. She asks what she should do now. The other three dragons are quiet, thinking. Datura perks up and asks the two dragonets if they could look for an animus dragon in the Seawing kingdom, perhaps in the royal court, while her and Ice would look for the Rainwing Queen. Pearl is unsure about going back into the same ocean she just fled from. But she also knows that the entire continent is at stake. After all, from what she heard about Icebreaker, that Icewing was probably planning to freeze the oceans with magic in her pursuit of the “perfect ice kingdom”. And then, Pearl and Tetra would have nowhere to run anyways. Pearl agrees, and Tetra agrees too. Datura continues with her plan: No matter if successful or not, the two parties would meet up again during the upcoming full moon in a safe harbor between the Seawing and Rainwing kingdom. The group agrees and prepares to go to sleep and leave early tomorrow. Pearl finds a calm pocket of water in the river with not too much flow and falls asleep, dreaming of her mother.

*

Book 4: Tetra

The next book would be in Tetra's point of view as she sits around a small fire with Datura and Ice, on that very same evening. Tetra asks Ice what an animus is actually capable of and if one could even cure Pearl's condition and make her breathe air on land just like all the other Seawings. Ice shrugs and says "Couldn't see why not", but Datura questions whether Pearl actually wants to be "cured" of the way she was born. After all, Datura has a similar problem of being burnt by the sun because of her skin, but she never thought about asking an animus for different skin. Tetra retorts that she wants her own wing to be cured so she can fly again, so why shouldn't Pearl wish to be able to breathe on land? Datura is unsure of what the right answer is, but tells her to ask Pearl before doing anything. Tetra reluctantly agrees, but is still sure that her view of the problem is correct. Or is she? Datura's words had put doubt into her mind.

In the morning, Tetra goes to find Pearl, who appears to be less enthusiastic about following through with the plan than she seemed yesterday. Pearl says that she thought about it and is worried that going to the royal court might be dangerous, because her existence alone would probably be treason in the actual Seawing Queen's eyes. Tetra hurriedly looks for a reason to bring Pearl along anyway and says nobody has to know about Pearl's identity, she can just use another name while they're there. Besides, the Seawings and their Queen wouldn't listen to just one dragon's words, Pearl would be an additional witness and could confirm that Tetra was saying the truth. Even better, Tetra remarks, while they're there, they sleuth around for Pearl's mother. It will be fun! Pearl reluctantly agrees, convinced by Tetra's last argument but still worried about the potential dangers of entering Seawing territory. There is also a lingering fear of running into Lamprey again, but that would be impossible, wouldn't it?

They embark on their way to the Seawing kingdom. Pearl enjoys swimming more and more and feels herself becoming stronger. Tetra is excited for her, but feels weighed down by her doubts about the whole "curing" thing. She is about to finally break down and just ask Pearl directly, when the two kids are suddenly ambushed by a Seawing patrol who are looking for a dragonet that fits Pearl's description. When questioned why, they don't answer. The two kids try swimming away, but Tetra's hurt wing slows her down and Pearl turns around to wait for her, causing both to get captured. They try to deny that the patrol found who they were looking for, until one of the soldiers reveals that the dragonet in question cannot breathe air. One grabs a protesting Tetra while another snatches Pearl and quickly swims upward with her, leaping out of the water and letting her dangle in the air. Tetra watches helplessly while Pearl tries her best to pretend to breathe, but she starts choking quickly while calling for her mother in aquatic. Satisfied, the soldiers dump her back into the water and prepare to make their way back to the palace. Tetra tries to explain why they were here and why finding an animus was extremely important for everyone's safety, but the soldiers tell her to shut up and that a stupid kid has nothing to say worth listening to. Tetra realises that her assumption that anyone would hear them out was childish and not only put Pearl's life in danger, but the entire continent as well.

They arrive at the Seawing palace and are dragged before the Queen. The very same Queen that had sent Tetra's father to his death by drafting him into war. To both Tetra's and Pearl's surprise, a badly injured Lamprey is lounging in the throne room and the Queen asks him if "this" (pointing at Pearl), "is her". Lamprey says yes, with a proudly puffed out chest and malice radiating from his eyes. He is promptly taken away, while some other soldiers drag Pearl along with them. Tetra screams at them to not put Pearl into a cage and to not let Lamprey anywhere near her, but nobody acknowledges her. Finally, the Queen's eyes set on her. Queen Agate of the Seawings asks Tetra who she is, where she came from and what she is doing here with "that", nodding into the direction Pearl was taken away. Tetra answers truthfully, explaining every detail from the first time she met Pearl to the moment the soldiers caught them after they split up with Datura and Ice. The Queen's eyes shift, and she asks for clarification. Datura, the current Sandwing Queen's daughter? Really? Tetra realizes that she had said something of interest and elaborates, embellishing the actual deepness of her friendship with Datura a little. Yes, Datura was banished by Sidewinder, whom everyone considers to be unworthy anyway, so it doesn't really count. Besides, the goal was to get Ice to cure Taipan, and Taipan would surely take Datura's side after seeing the disaster Sidewinder's incompetence caused. And Datura would surely tell her mother about the cause and gain the entire Sandwing kingdom's support. The Queen nods and proclaims that she needs time to think and to send Tetra "somewhere safe" in the meantime. Tetra asks if she would see Pearl again, but again, no one acknowledges her.

She is locked into a barren room with not much inside, so she sits down in front of the door, peeping through the keyhole to try and catch something, anything of interest. Finally some soldiers pass by, and Tetra can briefly see one flashing "...and the traitor will be executed..." at the other in aquatic. She panics and throws herself against the door, claws at the walls and whirls around the room like a tornado – in vain. Tetra finally sits down and cries until the soldiers come back to get her.

She is taken before the Queen again, encountering a familiar sight: Pearl, on the one side of the throne, held down by guards. Lamprey, on the other side, with some guards behind him. The Queen in the middle, staring Tetra right in the eyes. She then turns to Lamprey and tells him to state his case, again.

"My name is Lamprey", he says, "and I have simply been misguided. I was told that this dragonet", he points to Pearl, "was actually the true heir to the throne, so I believed it. I am but a humble servant of the Seawing kingdom and I would hate to see it threatened by a traitor trying to get her grubby fingers all over the throne that rightfully belongs to yours truly, Queen Agate."

"He's lying!", Tetra flashes as brightly as she can, but only earns a sharp look from Queen Agate.

"And so, I watched as this false Queen accumulated a horde of poor, misguided souls and fed them lies about the kingdom. She preyed on the weak-minded, convincing them that staying in the ocean would be the best course of action, just so she could feel better about her unfortunate disability." Lamprey wipes away an invisible tear, underwater. "I only snapped out of her manipulation after she ordered her followers to attack me and I have been nothing but truthful with you ever since, your highness. I gave your soldiers the locations of each site of worship as well as the names of every dragon who participated in this farce. It is truly an unfortunate situation, my Queen, yet I will trust your judgement when it comes to that little traitor."

Silence. "I have made my decision", the Queen says. "Your are correct, Lamprey, the traitor must indeed be dealt with. " She looks at Pearl and flicks her tail, and before anyone can react, one of the Seawing guards raises a dagger and stabs Lamprey in the back. Surprised, he whips around with his mouth wide open, producing a cloud of blood. "You have mistaken my kindness for stupidity, Lamprey," the Queen continues, "You have been, for years, actively gathering an enemy faction seeking to depose me. Yet you seem to think that simply offering me the very same pawns you created would make me forgive and forget your crimes." Lamprey fights against the blade in his flesh and attempts to lunge towards the Queen, but is held back by her soldiers. The Queen comes closer and stares down at him. "I'm old, Lamprey, but not senile. And did you seriously think I wouldn't recognize Sixgill's daughter?" And with that, Lamprey is gone and his limp body is taken away. Pearl and Tetra, stricken by fear and confusion, stand there like statues.

The Queen turns to them and announces her decision: Tetra will to go to the meeting point and take Datura and Ice to Queen Agate, who would not only attempt to allow Ice to use her magic, but also gather the animus dragons in the royal court to break the spell if her word alone wouldn't suffice. Of course, Tetra's hurt wing would also be taken care of. In return, Datura must agree to take over leadership in the Sandwing kingdom, kill Sidewinder if she resists and then enter an alliance with the Seawing kingdom. With Ice freed, the two kingdoms would then lead a joint attack on Icebreaker's forces and amicably split the spoils of war between them. Ice must agree to take away the Icewings' magic and then make a magical swear to never cast magic against any Seawing. To ensure Tetra, Datura and Ice would follow this plan, Pearl would stay with the Seawing Queen until every condition of her pact was fulfilled. Besides, she wouldn't be much of use on the surface anyway. Tetra perks up, remembering her idea to cure Pearl, while Pearl seems to become smaller and smaller. The Queen gives Tetra one of her lavishly engraved and decorated armbands as proof of her goodwill, a huge thing that the small dragonet wears like a necklace. "And since you have personally witnessed what I do to those who betray me", the Queen finishes, "I trust that you will fulfill your end of the bargain swiftly and efficiently." Tetra nods, confused, excited, happy and scared at the same time. She is unsure whether she can trust Queen Agate after what she did to break apart her family, but right now, Pearl and the future of the entire continent is more important. Tetra is allowed to say goodbye to Pearl and promises her to come back soon and "fix everything". Pearl too gives her one of her armbands, this time it perfectly fits around Tetra's wrist. She is then escorted to the shore by Seawing soldiers.

*

Book 5: No-one

Mandatory reading: X

This book would start out with a very short flashback of No-one being tested with the candle and swapping places with the other hatchling, dooming them to death.

It would then jump forward in time to No-one, now appearing to be a Rainwing, hanging out at the edge of the Rainwing territory. He notices an Icewing wearing glowing shackles and a pale Sandwing accompanying her. Curious about the clearly animus-touched chains, he decides to follow them. He overhears them talking about needing to find the Rainwing Queen. Sensing an opportunity to grant some wishes, he decides to take off his earring to reveal himself as not only a Skywing, but also an animus. His instinct was right: Datura the Sandwing immediately asks him to try and break the spell on the chains with desperation in her voice. The Icewing on the other hand eyes him with distrust. No-one reveals the nature of his contract to grant a wish. Datura and Ice are taken aback, with Ice even saying how "evil" this was. Their loss, No-one says, he's not dependent on them. But they certainly are dependent on him. He asks why they wanted to visit the Rainwing Queen. Begrudgingly they tell him the rest of the story. He watches Datura closely whenever it's Ice's turn to explain and tries copying what she does: furrowing his brows at the bad parts, widening his eyes at the surprising parts and shaking his head whenever Datura does. As soon as they're done explaining, he offers to take them to the Queen in his Rainwing appearance and ask her to break Ice's spell. On one condition: once they realize that the whole ordeal was a waste of time because the spell simply won't be broken, they will make a wish with No-one. They agree, partly because of No-one's perceived confidence that he will be able to break the spell. In reality, he isn't sure at all how this will turn out. He just wants to hang around with Datura some more.

Appearing as a Rainwing, he guides the two dragons through the Rainwing kingdom, curiously watched by a few real Rainwings, but mostly ignored. Once they reach the Queen, Ice and Datura are shocked about the Rainwing custom of just letting anyone who wants to be Queen fulfill the role for a month. Still, they continue with No-one's plan. The current Queen, a spunky young Rainwing named Bloom, greets them (after they've waited in line long enough). No-one tells Bloom that Ice is an animus who will grant her a wish once her magic chains are gone. All Bloom needs to do is tell her that she's allowed to cast spells. Bloom is excited, but quickly finds that she can't decide on a wish: She wants a flower necklace that changes colors to match her scales, she wants an earring that will whisper to her where the best sun spots are, she also wants a magic satchel that will always contain the most delicious fruit whenever she reaches into it. One wish just wouldn't be enough! No-one, knowing Bloom's love for bets and games, tells her that Ice will grant all her wishes, but only on the condition that Bloom wins against Ice, Datura and No-one in a series of Rainwing games. If Bloom loses, she will only get one wish. In a sense, Bloom cannot lose at all, since she will get at least one wish granted in either outcome! Ice gets increasingly more agitated as No-one keeps deciding these things over her head. Bloom thinks for a moment, glances at Ice's chains and Datura's rigid looking Sandwing body and finally agrees. The games, clearly hand picked by Bloom to disadvantage Ice and Datura as much as possible, begin. They try to work together to win, but Ice's chains keep getting caught on every branch while climbing and Datura's wings are just too huge to beat Bloom in a gliding race through the dense rainforest. Only No-one, using his animus magic to cheat, narrowly secures the win. Ice and Datura notice, but decide to keep quiet. Bloom is disappointed but keeps up her end of the bargain, formally announcing that Ice is allowed to cast spells again. It doesn't work. Ice breaks down, unable to accept yet another failure. She screams that it obviously didn't work because Bloom isn't a real Queen since anyone can just become Rainwing Queen for a month. Three moons, why don't they try making a sloth Queen next? Or maybe a chewed-on mango? This angers Bloom and the other Rainwings. “And how come your system is the correct one?”, she naps back. “How is murdering your own family to become Queen any better, huh?” No-one tries to diffuse the situation but ultimately, the trio has to leave the kingdom.

On their way out, Ice tells No-one that she wants to make a wish with him to break the spell. Datura protests, pointing out that No-one will damage her already hurt soul even further, but Ice does not care and wants to go through with it again. Datura interjects again, saying that she will instead make a wish for No-one to heal her poisoned mother, Taipan. Taipan is, for all intents and purposes, a real Queen. No technicalities, no strange Rainwing customs, no nonsense. Ice objects, not wanting Datura to sell her soul for her. After all, Ice is too far gone anyways. Isn't it obvious? After her last outburst that would've gotten them killed if the Rainwings were just a little bit more like the other dragon tribes? Ice's soul is crumbling, so one more enchantment won't make much of a difference. Datura looks to No-one for support, but he has no idea what to say. But for some reason, he really wants Datura to think highly of him, so he agrees with her argument: They will first try Taipan and only then let No-one attempt to break the spell with Ice's appearance. But before any of that, Datura remarks, they need to meet with Tetra and Pearl in their agreed meeting spot. Maybe the two Seawings have found a better solution?

That night, they seek refuge in a small cave. As Datura is fast asleep, Ice approaches No-one and tells him to break the spell right now, no matter the cost. No-one thinks about it. On the one talon, he wants Datura's approval, and Datura said no. On the other talon, he's always up for more appearances. For some reason, another one of his favorites recently disappeared. Besides, Datura doesn't need to know, right? They can just pretend that the magic on the chains...wore off, right? Or maybe Icebreaker had choked to death on a seal bone, and that broke the spell overnight? No-one follows through with Ice's request, touches her with his earring and seals the deal. He then concentrates all his power on the chains, telling them to break, telling them to release the magic they contain, telling them to reverse Ice's spell. The chains continue to shine bright blue, not reacting to anything. No-one is secretly offended that Ice's magic seems to be stronger than his own. Ice then asks him if he can try giving her “new” powers by “making her an animus”, but that doesn’t work as well. Somehow, the chains seem to prevent any magic entering or leaving Ice’s body. Ice seems frustrated, but doesn't have another outburst like in the Rainwing kingdom. Instead, she just looks tired and defeated. Ice and No-one agree to not tell Datura about any of this, for their own reasons.

The next day, they travel towards the meeting spot. No-one asks Datura what it's like to live in the Sandwing kingdom, and to everyone's surprise switches his appearance to a Sandwing. Datura, instead of being impressed or maybe even slightly more interested in No-one, accusingly asks who this is. No-one, realizing he did something bad, switches back to one of his Rainwings and explains that the Sandwing was some random bandit he stumbled upon, a really bad guy who wished for a lot of treasure because he was just so greedy. Datura, more or less convinced, drops the topic. As soon as they reach the meeting spot, they bump into Tetra just as she emerges from the ocean, not with Pearl, but with a group of Seawing soldiers. Ice, Datura and No-one are wary at first, but then Tetra explains the situation. The Seawing soldiers stay back to let them speak in private and Tetra presents the Queen's armband. Datura is worried about Pearl while Ice is angry about yet another decision that was made over her head. "So the Seawing Queen offers to release my magic, just for me to seal myself away again?" Tetra points out that she just needs to promise not to hurt any Seawings, which should be reasonable, but is interrupted by Ice who tells her that she's just a kid who doesn't understand the bigger picture. As the situation tenses up, Ice apologizes and explains how they just suffered another failure with Queen Bloom (leaving out Ice's wish with No-one) and that she's terrified of not being able to stop Icebreaker in time. Tetra seems understanding and assures her that everything will be fine with Queen Agate at their side, leaving out her own reluctance about the whole situation - her father is still on her mind. Maybe she just wants to convince herself.

Datura thinks loudly about how an alliance with the Seawings could help when it comes down to numbers. Icebreaker's army may not be big, but their magic would probably make each Icewing as dangerous as ten Sandwings. Ice agrees, painfully aware of what spells are circulating in the army, having tested most of them herself. There's also the question of Pearl: What will Queen Agate do with her if they don't agree to her conditions? After some more talking, Datura calls over the Seawings and asks them to relay a message to Queen Agate: Datura agrees to join forces with the Seawings, but urgently needs to travel back home to her sick mother first and cannot wait for a meeting with Agate. Ice will accompany her for her own safety and later meet Agate and her soldiers at the same river that Pearl and Tetra used to travel into the continent. There, the Sandwings and the Seawings will form a stand against Icebreaker's army. She leaves out their plan to heal Taipan to try and break the spell without Agate's help. And the Rainwing? Oh, that's just our forest guide. We bribed him with mangoes. He has nothing to do with this. The Seawings agree and leave to pass on the message.

Datura, Ice, No-one and Tetra are left to figure out their next steps. Tetra asks No-one to heal her wing so she wouldn't be a burden to them, and he does under Datura's and Ice's watchful eyes. She then asks if he can somehow show her how Pearl is doing, and he enchants a puddle to do exactly that, still using Tetra's appearance. Pearl seems fine, but she's surrounded by unfamiliar dragons. Tetra then tells him about her plan to heal Pearl from whatever affliction is keeping her from breathing air. Datura raises her concerns again, but is ignored by the overexcited little Seawing. Tetra raises her arm, showing No-one Pearl's armband and asks him if he can enchant it to make Pearl breathe air. He obliges, still appearing as Tetra. As for her final wish, she asks him to magically transport the armband onto Pearl's arm. He does. Looking into the puddle, they see the armband appear on Pearl, and as soon as it does, Pearl's eyes widen, her gills flutter, her little hands shoot up to her throat, bubbles gushing out of her nose and mouth. "What's wrong?", Tetra screams, realizing too late that No-one's spell was literal. No-one panics, bringing back the bracelet onto Tetra's arm. Pearl calms down, seemingly breathing normally again. No-one removes the enchantment from the puddle and reaches for Tetra's armband to do the same, but she backs away from his grasp. "I want to keep it", she says. "You do? After almost killing her with it?", Ice asks. "I want her to have the choice.", Tetra retorts and ends the discussion, not acknowledging that she has already taken that choice away from Pearl.

The group then sits down to figure out a way to get into the Sandwing kingdom, get past Sidewinder and heal Taipan. Tetra, feeling that she has to prove herself after her latest screw-up, offers an idea.

*

Book 6: Sidewinder

The last book would be from Sidewinder's perspective. A full scale war is about to break out before her doorstep and she hasn't slept properly in weeks. She tries to avoid her fellow Sandwings, because every time one runs into her, she gets barraged with more problems. The soldiers are running out of rations. The scouts still aren't back. The weapon shipment is late. Sidewinder has no idea what to do about that. About any of this. This isn't what she imagined it would be like, to finally be in charge with Datura and her mother out of the picture. Advisors pop up here and there, but their advice boils down to "step down and let an actual adult handle this" sooner or later. Her aunt Hognose, Taipan's younger sister, even insinuates that she's about to challenge Sidewinder (and Taipan, indirectly) for the throne. Taipan would have her head for this, if she knew. But Taipan isn't here right now.

Devastating news hits: a troop of Sandwings Sidewinder sent to patrol the border to the Icewing territory had been wiped out by a mere handful of Icewings. Only one survivor managed to crawl back and relay the horrors: when the Icewings attacked, they brought storm clouds and snow with them, their spears finding their way into Sandwing hearts, their scales effortlessly deflecting poisonous tail barbs as if made of diamond. "They were showing off", the survivor coughs weakly, "They didn't even use their ice breath."

Before Sidewinder can even react, more news hits: Her sister Datura was seen entering the Sandwing territory from the other side and immediately captured. Sidewinder perks up. Datura is back! Datura was smart when it came to things like this. Datura always did her history homework and sometimes stayed up late reading battle reports in the library. Datura will know what to do. Sidewinder orders her soldiers to bring Datura to the stronghold immediately and runs outside to greet her. It's a strange sight: the soldiers are dragging her limp sister forward like she weighs nothing and she doesn't even protest. She's wearing a strange golden armband Sidewinder has never seen before and she's missing her glasses and her veil. Sidewinder almost feels sorry for her and is about to bend down for a hug, until she remembers how their last meeting ended. Betrayal. "How dare you leave me like this!", Sidewinder hisses, but Datura barely acknowledges her. "How dare you leave your kingdom! Do you know how many soldiers we already lost? Do you know how hard it was to keep everything together on my own? And you just left me here to go play with your friend- wait, where is she? Where's that creepy Icewing with the chains?" Datura still doesn't answer. "Answer me, before I drive my stinger into your skull!", Sidewinder screams. Only then does Datura look up and say, with a voice that is not her own, "Wow. You really are a terrible sister."

While Sidewinder is distracted, Ice, Datura, and No-one disguised as a Sandwing sneak into the stronghold to heal Taipan. No-one assumes Datura's form to fulfill her wish and casts a spell on her mother. It seems like it doesn't work at first, but then Taipan opens her eyes. Datura seizes the moment right before her mother freaks out and explains the situation. Taipan, too weak to be angry about any of this, agrees to try and free Ice under a similar condition as Queen Agate's: Ice must make a magic oath to never use her magic against Sandwings (or Seawings) again. Ice retorts that she will take the oath in front of Taipan and Agate once they have defeated Icebreaker, which Taipan is fine with. She royally announces to Ice that she is now free to make spells, right as Sidewinder bursts in with guards. The chains don't react though, Ice's magic is still sealed. Silence falls over the room. Sidewinder stares at the two Daturas, unsure which one to scream at. The guards move forward to arrest the strange Icewing in their Queen's quarters, but are stopped by Taipan who reaffirms her authority as the ruler of the Sandwings. Sidewinder watches as the guards are dismissed, feeling her own authority slip away all the same. This is it. She's done. She's not needed anymore.

As her mother turns towards her, she anticipates a scolding for all the things Sidewinder screwed up during her "reign", if you could even call it that. Instead, Taipan thanks her and says that Sidewinder likely did the best she could do in such a situation. Bewildered, Sidewinder stares at her mother, ultimately unable to accept her affection. "Now that your favorite daughter is back, I'm clearly not needed anymore", she scoffs, "She's probably dying to tell you in great detail what a terrible leader I was, so keep your praises." With that, she storms out of the room. As she runs through the stronghold, she sees how quickly the news of the Queen's comeback has spread. Excited whispers in every corner, heads held up higher, brows furrowed and eyes shining with newfound confidence. Sidewinder feels sick. She leaps out onto a balcony, the very same one she taunted Datura from after banishing her. Sidewinder sits down to cry, but is interrupted by her sister.

She tries to antagonize Datura, but all that anger from before is gone, only sadness and exhaustion remain. The two sisters share a hug as Datura tells her that she missed her, despite everything. Sidewinder apologizes for banishing her, which Datura accepts. She tells Datura how she always felt sidelined while Taipan fussed over Datura due to her condition, as if Sidewinder didn't matter to her at all. Datura points out that whenever Taipan wasn’t fussing over her, she spent her time with Sidewinder, doing all the fun things Datura wasn’t allowed to do due to her condition: fight training in the blazing sun, hunting for food in the desert, visiting different parts of the kingdom to check on her people, and so on. After all, Taipan loves them equally, but she had to treat the sisters differently due to their different needs. Sidewinder understands. They sit in silence for a while as Sidewinder feels all the tension, hurt, anger and sleepless nights fade away, even if just for a moment. Datura then tells Sidewinder that Taipan has summoned everyone to the war room to plan the next steps, and asks Sidewinder to come. She agrees and the two sisters enter Taipan's war room, a huge space with a giant table in the middle, covered in maps and small dragon figurines. A complimentary bowl of dried lizards sits on the table. Taipan sits at the table, along with a few important Sandwing generals. Ice and No-one are also present, the latter assuming the form of a Sandwing. Sidewinder immediately notices that something is off about him, as he doesn't carry himself like a proper Sandwing would. He doesn't even curl his tail tip properly, for three moons' sake! Tetra sits in a bucket of water in the corner, shooting a glare towards Sidewinder and shaking her head at her. Sidewinder has no idea what she did wrong.

Taipan tells Datura to tell them everything, and Datura does. She retells her adventure with Ice, their meeting with Pearl and Tetra, their discovery of No-one and Queen Agate's deal. She finishes at the point where they attempted to break Ice's spell with Taipan, and formally turns to No-one to ask him to break the spell with his magic. No-one and Ice share a look that Sidewinder knows all too well: they screwed up something. Ice then explains that they already tried when Datura was sleeping, that it didn't work and that they were so sure that Taipan could break the spell that they decided to not tell Datura because they didn’t want her to be mad at them. Datura is angry that she was lied to, but doesn't push it further.. Instead, one of the generals speaks up: If those two lied to Datura about such an important thing, who are they even loyal to? That Icewing may say she’s part Sandwing to gain our sympathy, but she might as well still be loyal to the Icewings. And nobody knows who or what No-one even is, let alone what his motives are. Datura says that she's been travelling with them for weeks, that she could rely on both in difficult situations and that she trusts them. But the generals want to hear it straight out of the horse's mouth. Ice grabs her chain and slams her shackled wrists on the table. "Everything I ever did since escaping Icebreaker was to try and free myself. I want to free myself to stop Icebreaker, because this war is entirely my fault. If I never existed, Icebreaker wouldn't have a giant magic army right now. My loyalties couldn't be further away from that wretched Icewing. Or any Icewing, for that matter." Satisfied, the generals turn to No-one, who turns to Datura. Datura combines a raised eyebrow with a claw gesture, in a "go on, say something" kind of way. No-one takes off his earring, revealing to the generals (and Sidewinder) that he's a Skywing. He says that he's been on the run from the Skywing kingdom all his life, because, as everyone knows, Skywings kill animi when they're discovered. He's been travelling all over Pyrrhia since, always hiding his true identity and never making any real connections. He also admits that he never really cared about other dragons and always acted in his own selfish interest - until he met Datura. He's been helping her and Ice, at first just to gain more appearances, but then even beyond that. He could've left after Ice made a wish with him, or after Tetra’s wish, or even Datura’s wish. But he didn’t, and he wants to understand why. Sticking around and helping the Sandwings further might help him understand someday. The generals and especially Taipan are less impressed with that answer, so Taipan asks Datura to personally vouch for No-one, trusting her daughter’s judgement. Datura does, and the discussion moves on.

Since they couldn't free Ice with Taipan or No-one, it was safe to assume that Agate and her animi would likely be a bust as well. Still, they needed the additional support from the Seawing army to have any chance of winning in a fight. There was also another advantage – well, two, actually. For one, Icebreaker has no idea that the Sandwings have Ice. She may be a cruel, cruel dragon, but Ice is still her granddaughter, if that even means anything to her. If not, it's safe to assume that she'd at least want her animus maker back, because she hopefully respects her (pure) Icewing subjects too much to give Ice's role to one of them. On the other talon, they have something that Icebreaker definitely would not expect: No-one. Now they need to combine these little advantages into something tangible that could actually stop Icebreaker's conquest. Taipan calls for a break and tells everyone to get some fresh air to stimulate their brains.

Sidewinder watches as Ice walks over to Tetra's bucket and puts her forearms into the water, clearly uncomfortable with the heat and dry air of the desert. Tetra scoops up some more water with her webbed talons and pours it over Ice's head. Meanwhile, the Sandwing army generals discuss something with Taipan, who's trying to keep up a tough appearance, but her talons shake slightly as she reaches into the lizard bowl. Datura calls over her friends (and Sidewinder) and offers to take them on a little tour of the stronghold. Sidewinder has a quiet chat with No-one, where she asks him if he really told the truth earlier. He says that he did, but he doesn’t know how else to prove it. Sidewinder tells him that whatever happens next, he should do everything in his (magic) power to protect Datura. That’s how he’ll prove it. The two then rejoin the group. Sidewinder, still thinking about how Datura wasn’t allowed to do the “fun things” as a dragonet, suggests a friendly game of “Sting-you”, a traditional Sandwing game that requires all players to cover their tail barbs with a special covering and then run around in teams to “sting” each other with their tails. Whoever is “stung” has to fall to the ground and be “dead” until a teammate arrives to help them up. Whichever team is left with the last “living” player wins. Tetra doesn’t want to play because she’d want to have Pearl on her team and would be the odd one out, so it’s between team red (Datura and No-one) and team blue (Sidewinder and Ice). Team blue narrowly wins. The group has a laugh and eventually returns to the war room, where Taipan and the generals are already studying maps on the table. Taipan greets the group and reaches into the lizard bowl.

"Icebreaker.", she says after she's done with the lizard. Even though her voice is still weak, everyone immediately turns to listen. "Based on Ice's intel and what the scouts managed to find out, she is not interested in diplomacy. She doesn't care about our territories or our resources. She just wants to unleash a second, magic-induced scorching onto Pyrrhia and rule over the ashes. Or the ice and snow, for that matter." Everyone nods in agreement.

"That's why we will kill her."

Palpable tension covers the room as soon as the word "kill" leaves her mouth. Datura, No-one, Tetra and even Sidewinder look over to Ice. "But what will happen to Ice’s shackles if Icebreaker...", Sidewinder begins, but doesn't finish the sentence when everyone turns to look at her. Ice has a strange look on her face that Sidewinder doesn't understand.

"We will have to lure her out first. I suggest we send her a message and tell her that we have Ice, and that we want to discuss a peace treaty directly with the Icewing Queen. Obviously she's not interested in peace, but she'll hopefully want to see Ice. Maybe she's already covered in all sorts of magic artifacts that protect her from harm, so she's probably feeling confident and untouchable. And this will be her mistake. You, animus." Taipan turns to No-one. "If one can give a dragon magic, one can also take it away, correct?"

"I...think?", No-one says. "I've never tried it before."

"Try it now. It is of utmost importance.", Taipan says. No-one looks around the room helplessly while every other dragon avoids his gaze like hatchlings who don't want to be called on by the teacher. Nobody wants to risk their soul for an experiment. Ice is ruled out by default, Tetra is just a kid whom nobody wants to harm, which would leave Datura and Sidewinder. Sidewinder steps up: "Make me an animus. I'll enchant something small to see if it works, then you undo everything." Datura protests, saying it's too dangerous, but Sidewinder doesn't want to hear it. "I've screwed up enough already. Just let me do one good thing here." After some discussion, No-one lays his hands on her and gives her magic. Sidewinder immediately feels a strange tingling in her claws. To see if it works, she looks around to find something small to enchant and lands on Datura's sunglasses, offering to make them unbreakable. Datura gives her the glasses and Sidewinder enchants them. She then violently throws them against the nearest wall, stomps on them and tries snapping them in half for good measure, but the glasses are unharmed. Sidewinder likes this power. But before she can do more, No-one picks up a dried lizard and enchants it to take away Sidewinder's magic if he snaps it in half. He snaps it in half (and then throws it into his mouth), and the tingling in her claws immediately stops. She feels a mix of disappointment and relief, knowing that she'd definitely be the type to quickly corrupt her soul with this kind of power. No-one suddenly makes a weird face, and his Sandwing appearance seems to phase in and out of existence, his Skywing appearance flickering underneath. He panics and reaches for his earring, shifting to one of his Rainwings instead. “What in the three moons was that?”, Taipan exclaims. No-one explains that sometimes, his appearances fade for no apparent reason. Ice asks whether it has something to do with how much he used them for enchantments or maybe how powerful the enchantments were and No-one shrugs, he’s not really keeping track of any of that. Tetra asks how many he has left and he starts cycling through 3 Rainwings, another Skywing, a Mudwing and then Ice, Tetra and Datura. “Huh”, he says, "I thought I had more left.” Tetra asks what will happen to the real versions if their appearances in his earring fade, but he doesn’t know. Taipan waves it off, they’ll deal with this later.

Now that it's proven that magic can be taken away, the planning can continue. Tetra, from her bucket, offers to meet the Seawings at the river and lead them to a spot in the Sandwing territory where they can prepare for the fight. The others agree, saying that Tetra should be kept safe and away from the Icewings (and she'd be useless in a fight anyways). Datura offers to represent the Sandwing kingdom together with Sidewinder, since Taipan is in no shape to leave the stronghold. Taipan doubts whether Icebreaker would come out of hiding if she saw that the actual Sandwing Queen isn't there to meet her, only her daughters. Maybe she'd even see it as a sign of weakness and attack immediately. Tetra holds up the armband Sidewinder saw on the "fake Datura" earlier and says that one of the sisters should use it to appear as Taipan. If it fooled Sidewinder, it would definitely fool Icebreaker. And now that No-one is on a tight budget when it comes to appearances, it would be better to work with what they already have. Datura and Sidewinder look at each other, unsure who should bear this responsibility. On the one talon, if Datura did it, she'd have to go without her veil and sunglasses, because Taipan definitely doesn't wear those and it would raise suspicion. On the other talon, Sidewinder is unsure whether she can pretend to be a convincing Queen, after her failure as "temporary Queen". Taipan flat out asks Sidewinder if she will do it, and she says yes. 

The planning continues. Taipan will send a message to Icebreaker, telling her that she has Ice, who's still wearing the magic-sealing chains, and asking her to meet. Datura and Sidewinder (disguised as Taipan) will bring Ice to the meeting spot (which will be close to the river the Seawings are hiding in), accompanied by some guards. No-one will be among them, disguised as a Sandwing guard. When Icebreaker is close enough, No-one will snap two enchanted twigs in his mouth: one will stop Icebreaker's heart (a spell that they can't test beforehand, for obvious reasons), one will take away the magic from all Icewings nearby as well as their enchanted objects. Because nobody knows how far the spell will reach, it is important to get as many Icewings as possible to be near Icebreaker, which will be achieved by placing a battalion of Sandwings in visible (but not threatening) distance away from the meeting spot. If the spell to kill Icebreaker fails, at least the magic will be gone and the Sandwing guards, all highly trained, will kill Icebreaker - with No-one's magic help, if necessary. Either way, the Seawing and Sandwing army will attack the weakened Icewings at once to push them back into their frosty habitat. Ice, Sidewinder, Datura and No-one will escape back to the castle, protected by the attacking armies. Taipan and Agate will handle the rest from there.

Taipan dismisses the group for now to begin preparations. Datura offers her friends to stay over in her room, as it’s big enough for everyone. (Tetra brings her bucket.) She also invites Sidewinder to this sleepover. The latter remembers how the two of them used to do these all the time as dragonets. Datura tells everyone to get settled while she finds some comfy rugs the other dragons can sleep on. Tetra notices that Ice looks down and asks what’s wrong, but Ice says that she’s fine. Sidewinder asks whether this is about killing Icebreaker and Ice winces. She confesses that she’s terrified of being stuck in chains and sealed away forever if Icebreaker dies. No-one suggests that killing her might also break the spell. There might be at least a tiny chance. Ice laughs and says that it doesn’t matter anyways, the decision wasn’t in her hands anymore and she’s only left to hope for a minuscule chance of gaining a happy end out of this. Sidewinder loudly reflects upon her own desire to make decisions – she wanted to become a leader so badly, but once it happened, she was suddenly making decisions that would affect an entire kingdom and that terrified her. Ice listens, and something about that seems to make her think. Tetra says that there’s still the option of Agate and her animi, but Ice just shakes her head and asks to drop the topic before Datura returns. The group has a little sleepover party with snacks and Sandwing board games before it’s time to sleep. In the dead of night, Sidewinder opens one eye and sees Ice standing at the window, staring outside with a blank facial expression. Sidewinder silently watches for a bit and then begins to fall asleep again. Just before she’s gone, she hears Ice and No-one quietly whisper something to each other.

Hard cut to the next day. Sidewinder, disguised as Taipan, stands next to Datura. In front of them lies Ice, chains wrapped around her arms and a rope tied around her snout. Behind the trio, mere steps away, five Sandwing guards, two of them looking awfully similar to each other. In the distance, a small figure leaves the sea of white spikes and wings and tails. Icebreaker, accompanied by guards of her own, walks over to them, her eyes piercing, her smile anything but warm. She breathes in deeply, and then breathes out a cold sigh that chills Sidewinder to the bone. 

“My oh my”, Icebreaker says. “What a predicament you’ve found yourself in.” The words are aimed at Ice, but somehow Sidewinder feels them hitting her own heart as well, making it skip a beat. 

Icebreaker’s gaze rises up to meet Sidewinder’s. “It’s been a while, Taipan. I hoped we’d meet again under more savory circumstances, but alas.” Sidewinder ignores Icebreaker’s deliberate omission of any kind of formality one would expect when addressing a Queen. 

“I’m here to talk about your plans.”, Sidewinder says. “You’ve been gathering an army near our border. What for?”

Icebreaker ignores the question: “Oh, but first, you gotta let me in on your secret.” 

“M-my secret?”, Sidewinder asks. Icebreaker continues: “I’ve met Sandwings your age, and they all sound so dreadfully harsh and raspy. I always assumed it’s that dry desert air. How did you manage to keep such a pleasant and youthful voice?” 

“Honey-glazed cobra cutlets”, Sidewinder answers while trying to hide her panic, “keeps the throat fresh. I would invite you to try some, but we have other matters to attend to.” Icebreaker closes her eyes and nods slowly and meaningfully. “Right, of course. I couldn’t help but notice that you have my granddaughter with you today. I hope she didn’t cause you too much trouble?” “Splendid. May I come closer to have a chat?” This is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Icebreaker makes a step, then hesitates. “Lemming”, she says with her head slightly turned towards the group of Icewings behind her. One of them jumps, then quickly stammers the following: “I enchant the enemy’s animus-touched objects to come to me!” Before anyone can react, Agate’s armband flies off Sidewinder’s arm, followed by Datura’s glasses and No-one’s earring. Lastly, the two sticks, still wet from his spit. Icebreaker’s eyes widen, then she composes herself. “Much better”, she says, studying the “new arrivals”, Sidewinder and No-one. “Taipan’s dead, isn’t she?”, she asks, “I did hear about the terrible poisoning. Why else would the Sandwings be led by these pathetic little children trying to play tricks on me?” Icebreaker steps closer. One step. Another step. So do the Icewing soldiers. They are surrounded. Datura looks to Sidewinder, who’s muscles seem to be frozen in place. Nobody moves, until –

Somehow, Ice had removed the rope from her snout and screams: “Icebreaker!!!” Her voice makes the Icewing Queen stop dead in her tracks. “You poor soul.”, she says coldly. “Have you had your share of fun running around with these creatures? Have you had enough?” 

“I have”, Ice yells, “You were right. You were right all along. Everything beyond the Icewing kingdom is just a lawless wasteland. Seawings with multiple Queens, Rainwings who let just about anyone rule without question and tyrannical Sandwings who kept passing me around like some kind of bargaining chip!” 

“Ice–” Datura says sharply, but Icebreaker interrupts her. “Oh, no, let her speak.” 

“They treated me like trash”, Ice continues, wriggling towards Icebreaker as quickly as she can with her bound limbs. “They’re enemies, all of them. None deserve to stand between you and your perfect frozen continent.” 

“Correct.”, Icebreaker says with a content smile. 

“And those items you took from them were meant to kill you!”, Ice hisses. She’s now at Icebreaker’s feet. “All this time they were plotting to end your life. But unluckily for them, I’ve been plotting too. A spell that could end this war before it even started.” “I’m intrigued.”, Icebreaker says, unable to hide her excitement about a new spell. For some reason, her Icewing subjects weren’t big fans of experimenting with magic while Ice was gone. 

“Do it. I allow it.”

Ice’s chains instantly lose their cold blue glow, appearing like regular metal chains. Ice turns towards Sidewinder, Datura and No-one. “This is for my enemy. My captor. My tormentor.

Die.” 

Icebreaker’s eyes widen, her hands shoot up to her throat. She falls to the ground, convulsing. “And you.” Ice turns towards the Icewings. “None of you Icewings will ever use magic again!” Dark clouds accumulate in the sky above them all, and thunder begins to rumble. Ice looks down at her hands, her mouth moves and the chains fall off, disintegrating into dust.

“Ice!”, Datura screams and leaps forward, but Sidewinder holds her back. Ice looks back at them one last time before a flash of lightning descends from the sky, striking the earth. Ice disappears, with only smoke and a black stain on the ground where she stood just moments ago. The Icewings are shocked at first, then charge into battle to avenge their Queen who has now stopped moving. Sidewinder signals the Sandwings to attack and prepares to retreat. Datura is still standing there screaming Ice’s name, so Sidewinder drags her along. No-one enchants the magic items to come back and his earring flies into his open palm while the rest of the items get trampled by the Icewing soldiers. He puts on the earring and switches to his Sandwing appearance.

The guards do their best to shield the trio from the oncoming Icewing onslaught, but are quickly overwhelmed. An Icewing aims his ice breath at Datura, so No-one spits a mouthful of fire in his face. Another tries to stab Sidewinder with a spear, she ducks underneath and buries her stinger into his throat. A group tries to cut them off, so No-one enchants the rocks beneath them to shoot upwards and launch the soldiers into the air. Datura has a hard time seeing in the harsh light without her glasses, so both Sidewinder and No-one guide her through the battlefield. The latter turns the ground behind them into quicksand, enchants the Icewing spears to turn against them and hits them with anything else he can come up with. Suddenly, his Sandwing guard appearance flickers and disappears, right as the real guard’s throat is slashed by Icewing blades. No-one switches to one of his Rainwings and continues casting spells, but soon, this one also disappears. One by one, his appearances start to flicker and fade, and he hesitates, almost getting hit by a flash of ice breath.

“Use ours!”, Datura screams as Sidewinder whips around to sting another Icewing. He catches her tail in his hand and buries his serrated talons in it. She roars and Datura spits fire in his face until he lets go. No-one switches to Tetra and fires off another enchantment, then to Ice, another enchantment, then to Datura. A spear hits him in the shoulder and ice breath grazes the tip of his tail. He heals his injuries with magic and carries on. Suddenly, an Icewing manages to rip off the earring and crush it between his teeth, destroying the illusion and revealing No-one’s Skywing form. He tries to retaliate with fire, but another soldier hits him with his weapon, throwing off his aim. Then, out of nowhere, another spear flies through the air and hits Datura straight in the throat, piercing it entirely. She lets out a silent scream that turns into a gurgle as blood spews forth. “NO!”, Sidewinder screams and No-one dashes towards Datura, ripping out the spear with one hand and closing the wound with the other - his first enchantment he did as “himself” in years. He then hurls the spear back where it came from and it pierces something, someone, creating a blue fountain. But the Icewings just keep on coming. All hope seems to be lost, when suddenly, the Seawings arrive, attacking the surprised Icewings from the side. It’s this critical moment that allows the trio to finally escape more or less unharmed.

*

Epilogue

The war between the Icewings and Sandwings (now aided by the Seawings) wages on. Queen Taipan and Queen Agate need to negotiate new terms, now that Ice has disappeared without a trace and Datura didn’t assume leadership of the Sandwings. Sidewinder aids Taipan in any way she can, gaining knowledge and confidence in the process. Tetra leaves to go find Pearl again, who has been given a new identity and reunited with her parents thanks to Agate. The two kids have a lot to discuss. No-one, scared of becoming like Ice, refuses to do any more enchantments for this war and tries to leave the stronghold in the middle of the night. He casts a spell to make Datura’s glasses reappear in his hands and plans to drop them off by her door as a goodbye gift. Before he can do that, he runs into her. She was also about to leave on an entirely different journey to find Ice (fiercely believing that she’s still alive and out there somewhere). She knows that her mother would not approve of her leaving, but what else is she to do in the kingdom? Be Queen? Sidewinder’s there for that. The two agree to leave together and send Taipan and Sidewinder messages every so often.

And that’s how it ends.

*

Thank you so much for reading through the entire thing! As noted in the title, this is just a first draft and also the first time someone other than me reads this – so of course I expect you to find plot holes, inconsistent character moments and other stuff I could improve on. If you're nice about it, maybe I'll even listen ;) (joking) No matter what, I hope this serves as a (more or less) satisfying conclusion for all my WOF characters you know (and love?).

[resident-wof-expert]

Unsorted WOF thoughts part 113:

What do you think that was like for Morrowseer though?

Morrowseer: Wake up. I'm saving your life, so Quickstrike doesn't get to bring her brat along with her to the mainland.

Slaughter, half asleep: Wtf are you talking about.

Morrowseer, already walking down the hall with him: We don't have much time to waste. As long as we- *looks back*

Slaughter: *dead*

Morrowseer: ...

Morrowseer: WHAT THE FUCK.

[sombrathedragon]

Day 7 of drawing random Wof dragons from the wiki…

Clorinde!

“Clorinde is an adult female SilkWing who was mentioned in The Flames of Hope. She formerly taught art at Silkworm Hall.” -The WOF wiki

Reblogs are appreciated!

[mythos321]

Part 3 of my WoF x Persona au!

Chapter 3: Shifting Tides

Clay and Turtle began to make quick work of the enemy shadows, with Turtle using his persona precisely as Honu took down the enemies precisely, while Clay used Obsidian to burn and blast through them.

Clay was beginning to get tired from the use of his Persona, but before a shadow could strike him Clay tackled into and knocked the shadow off guard, then swiping it with his tail and blasting it with a breath of fire to take it out.

as another shadow tried to attack Clay, he suddenly manifested in his hand a dagger and managed to slash and dissipate it, surprising even himself as the sudden weapon.

“Not bad Clay! Seems those muscles ain’t just for show either.” Turtle congratulated as he took out the last shadow using a cutlass he manifested.

“…aren’t these kinda useless since we have claws?” Clay questioned, ignoring Turtles congratulation to him

“Nah these are sharper, and less stress on the front legs!” Turtle answered, which after Clay thought about it for a moment made sense to him

As Turtle had predicted, the battle was short and easy, with him and Clay not struggling even a little.

“Forgive me for not mentioning it before, but I gotta say, your Personas pretty impressive! never seen something quite like it!”

“Is that the snake gun fire man thingy?” Clay asked

“The thing that comes out all dramatic like?” Tsunami added on

“Yep! Think of it as like a manifestation of the heart, with Clay taking his mask off showing his inner most self.” Turtle explained, with Clay suddenly reverting back to his normal self as he talked.

“Jeez! does it just time out after a moment or something???” Tsunami asked bewildered, with Clay looking even more confused than her

“It seems to be a mix of Clay not having full control over his power yet, and Whirlpool still not quite seeing him as a threat.”

“So, do you just look like that then?” Tsunami blurted out, with Clay stomping on her tail after she did

“N-no! I’m sure my real body is just fine! with normal eyes, and a lovely physique!” Turtle insisted

“Hey now, I think you look fine just the way you are, this gals didn’t mean to say that!” Clay said, trying to cheer Turtle up after Tsunamis rude comment

“Oh don’t worry, I can tell jacket girl over here isn’t the brightest!” Turtle insulted, making Tsunami visibly miffed

“Hey! stop it, both of you. Right now, we need to work together!” Clay got in between the two of them, before then turning towards Turtle. “So, is our deal still on?”

“Of course! let’s go!” Turtle lead them back to the entrance hall and down a corridor to its left.

“Finally! we can get out of this nightmare!” Tsunami said as she went to open the door, only to find it locked. “Damn it, it’s not opening! D’you trick us?!” Tsunami yelled at Turtle, who rolled his eyes

“Oh please, as if we’d take that way to get out of here! come on, I know a way out.” Turtle then lead them to a small room on the opposite side of the corridor, and in it was barely anything aside from a ventilation shaft and some supplies.

“Now then, you two know what to do next right?” Turtle turned towards them, with the two momentarily looking confused until realization struck Clay.

“We have to open the ventilation shaft and crawl through it!”

“Very good! You’re just a natural at this aren’t ya Clay! Seems Jacket Gal didn’t quite catch up on it though.”

“My name’s Tsunami you little green freak! And I was getting there, Clay just said it first!” Tsunami angrily but quietly shouted, as she then climbed over to the shaft. “So, we just have to get this metallic mesh off, right? easy! And a one, and a- WHOA” Tsunami popped the vent off easier than she expected, nearly falling off the small platform she went on and onto her back if not for Clay managing to catch her just in time.

“You alright?” Clay asked as he gently put her on the ground, making sure she didn’t put some pressure on her wings.

“Yeah, I’m fine…Crap, the guards didn’t hear us, did they?”

“Let’s not wait to find out, you two should try getting out first instead of wasting time!" Turtle yelled to them

"Wait, but what about you?" Clay asked, concerned for the little dragons safety.

"Relax, I just plan to investigate a little more! I'll be perfectly fine!" Turtle comforted

"...Okay, just make sure to keep yourself safe."

"I promise big guy, now get outta here!"

Tsunami and Clay then crawled through the vent, and out of the castle to safety."

"Those two...they seem useful, especially Clay, if my judgement is right about them." Turtle pondered, as he prepared to sneak around the castle some more.

**

As Clay and Tsunami ran from the castle, the world around them began to distort back to normal, until finally they were back in the normal world in the middle of one of the offshore cities near their school.

"Do you think we actually made it back?"

"I hope so." Clay responded back, while Tsunami began to massage her head

"I don't even know where to begin, what the hell even was that anyway? I mean, that castle, Whirlpool, and that weird Dragon with cat eyes! It just doesn't make any sense! THE HELL IS GOING ON" Tsunami began yelling, attracting the attention of two stationed Seawing guards.

"Tsunami! what are you doing out here, and why are you with a Mudwing of all things! And what's with all your yelling!" One of the guards berated, with his weapon ready at Clay, until Tsunami stepped in between.

"Put a claw in it! We were trying to get to school when we ended up in some strange castle! This guy in fact saved my life, so you better treat him with a little more respect!" Tsunami berated the guard, who become a lot meeker afterwards, which surprised Clay, wondering how Tsunami could talk like that to the guard.

"Um, Madam Tsunami, pardon me, but you wouldn't happen to be on drugs would you?" The other guard asked, which immediately made Tsunami visibly angry.

"WHAT KIND OF STUPID ASS QUESTION IS THAT???" Tsunami yelled at the guard, who backed away for a moment.

"Really, Madam Tsunami, we just need you to go to school! Otherwise, we won't have a choice but to contact your mother, The Schools head, Queen Coral!" One of the guards finally managed to get out their demand, and Clay for a moment was only slightly surprised to learn she was Queen Corals daughter, since they did have very similar scale colors, what really surprised him was how someone like Coral could mother someone like Tsunami.

Tsunami seemed to have gone silent at the threat of being faced with her mother.

"...Fine, I'm going." Tsunami then began walking away back to the school, with Clay rushing over next to her.

"So, you just gonna follow me around like some overgrown puppy?"

"Well, we do happen to be going in the same direction, so I guess it works out now, doesn't it?" Clay shot Tsunami a smile, and she almost seemed to cheer up a little, and the two continued to rush over to the school, with part of them wondering if it would still look like a castle.

When they arrived to it however, it was no longer the castle they had seen before, instead being similar to the school Clay had seen before, with multiple buildings, classrooms. and offices interconnected by trails.

"This is so weird, we came the right way didn't we? I swear we did! It was a castle just a few minutes ago! What's going on here?!" Tsunami wondered, as the two were suddenly met by none other than the toad eyed weirdo himself, Whirlpool.

"I could ask you the same thing, and, what's this about a castle?"

"Whirlpool?! The hell are you doing here, shouldn't you be doing your shitty private lessons or something?" Tsunami snapped

"Now now, no need for the hostility! I just happened to get a message from two guards about a Princess and her Mudwing companion being caught ditching school!" Whirlpool explained, and Tsunami immediately gritted her teeth as she realized those bastards snitched on her and Clay after all.

"Damn it, that's not what we were doing at all! Ugh, you've already told my mother haven't you?"

"Dawwww, Poor Queen Coral doesn't need the stress of dealing with a burden like you, just head over to the counselor so we can all get on with our day." Whirlpool smugly said, his oily voice still creeping Clay out

"...Fine." Tsunami began walking up the school steps, glaring at Whirlpool as he seemed to glare back at her, before walking into the school to the counselor.

"Oh hey, you're one of the transfers aren't you? I believe we met earlier?" Whirlpool questioned Clay, who simply nodded. "Well, I'll overlook this for today. Just remember what Queen Coral said, one slip up, and you're expelled, and put right back where things like you belong, understand." Whirlpool told Clay, who once again simply nodded.

"Good, now hurry up over to The Faculty Office, I'm sure Orcas tired of having to wait on a Mudwing of all things, good luck trying to enjoy your new school life." Whirlpool sarcastically said to Clay as he walked back into the school.

**

"Is that the criminal we heard about?"

"I can't believe trash like him is allowed to be around people."

"I heard he practically killed a dragon!"

"Better to just keep away from him, he'll probably toss you under the bus!"

"Why doesn't that stupid beast just do everyone a favor and disappear?"

As Clay walked through the school to the faculty office, he heard all of these and more, though he tried to keep a straight face on, he couldn't help but feel alone and isolated by all the voices, knowing this was how most people saw him, not just as some Mudwing, or even as some idiot, to these people, he was nothing more than a criminal. They didn't even know what he did, but it clearly mattered to none of them. The worst part of it all is Clay knows he would still do the same thing even if presented with the consequences, because he could never allow himself to let his sib be hurt.

Finally, Clay found the faculty office, and immediately spotted Orca, in part thanks to her dark blue eyes and recognizably depressed face.

"Ughhh, why can't the universe just give me a break...what gave you the idea you could be over half a day late on your first day? Do you have any explanation for yourself?" Orca questioned, and Clay decided to be honest with her.

"I got trapped in a castle."

"... That is positively the dumbest excuse I've ever heard, I would've sooner believed you summoned an ancient dragon from a mountain and had to kill it with a piece of fruit. Besides, from what I heard you got caught sneaking around with that dumb sister of mine."

"What do you mean by "That"?"

"Whatever, just don't get involved with her okay? She's nothing but trouble for everyone around her."

"Don't talk about her like that." Clay momentarily snapped, which surprised both him and Orca.

"...Whatever, break is almost over anyway, classes are going to end after 5th period today because of the recent accidents on the trails, I'll make sure you introduce yourself when class resumes. Now follow me." Orca then walked Clay out of the faculty office and down to her classroom. "Try and be serious about your introduction okay? Do NOT say something stupid or unnecessary." Orca instructed Clay as they continued to walk down the hall, passing by two students.

"Woah, do you think that's the guy?" "From the rumors? Probably, he definitely looks like he could beat someone down."

**

“Woah, it’s one of the mudwings from that program thing?”

“Do you think it’s the criminal one?”

“Hopefully, I met this slow Mudwing earlier so it’s either this one or whoever the hell the 3rd one is.”

“Honestly I can’t believe he had the gaul to show up late on his first day! This dude’s something else”

“Try not to look him in the eye though, he might turn into a savage again and maul you.”

“All of you, shut it.” Orca yelled out to her class, making them all shut their mouths immediately.

“Now then, allow me to introduce one of the members of The Destiny Program. Today, we…had him attend from the afternoon on since he wasn’t feeling well. Well then, Mudwing, mind saying something to the class?”

Clay was silent for a moment, before finally speaking up for his introduction. “My name is Clay…I’m looking forward to attending with all of you.”

“Huh, he seems polite, but I bet when he loses it”

“Well, didn’t he get arrested for attacking someone?”

Clay heard them clearly, and he hated that that’s what they all thought of him, but kept a neutral expression on for the time being.

“…hm, well, I think I’ll have your seat…over there, the only one open. If any of the people around him don’t mind, can you share your text books with him?” Orca asked, with the students groaning at having to help him, and Clay took his seat.

As he did however, he began to feel a strange feeling of being watched by unknown eyes, unlike the others within his class. He looked outside the window, and for a moment thought he had seen a dragon whose scales were near pitch black, before suddenly disappearing, meaning Clay was either being watched, or those guards who initially took him and Tsunami hit him harder than he thought.

“Well, anyway, there’s supposed to be some rally in a few days. Your classes all changed up, so try to use that time to get to know each other, maybe even know your fellow tribes.” Orca said, reading off of a note she made for herself. “Eh, you’re all probably just gonna hang around your friends anyway, ya little brats…Well then, let’s get class started.”

**

After the school day was over and Clay left the classroom, the trail outside suddenly shifted into a castle hall, then back to normal, constantly shifting, practically giving him a headache.

“Hey, what are you standing around for?” Orca asked as she walked out of her class to check on Clay.

“This…isn’t a castle right?”

“Wow, you really are sick today aren’t you? Try and rest after school today, I really don’t need to deal with this for more than a day. Oh, by the way, seems people already know about your little criminal past, just so I don’t have to deal with whining later, I’ll tell you now I’m not who told them. Ugh, I really can never catch a break, why am I the one who has to deal with this crap.”

“That’s rich, considering you’re not the one being isolated.” Clay thought to himself, as he prepared to fly off.

“I’d head straight home if I were you, your caretakers probably really angry at you missing so much of your first day. Also, about my little sister Tsunami, don’t get involved-” before Orca could finish her sentence, Tsunami walked over to her and Clay.

“Well, speak of the devil…What do you even want? I heard some soldiers caught you and the mudwing here skipping school.” Orca snarked

“Ugh…It was nothin’.”

“And you’re still wearing that stupid jacket.”

“Sorry ‘bout that,” Tsunami said, clearly not meaning it in the slightest, as she then whispered to Clay, “Meet me in the woods behind the eating center.” Tsunami then walked off, as Orca simply sighed

“See, this is why I don’t want you involved with her.” Orca told Clay before she began to fly off away, and Clay prepared to the do the same when he then noticed Whirlpool and Coral speaking with one another.

“Honestly it’s so disappointing you have to have that type of person in your school, My Queen. He’s already started associating with your problem child. I mean really, he’s a student with a criminal record and culprit in an assault case! At this rate, it’d be pointless how much I contribute to the school, no matter how hard I try for you…” Whirlpool melodramatically spoke, and Clay was seriously hoping someone would put soap down his throat to get rid of how oily it is, and his creepy unblinking eyes.

“Oh, Whirlpool, you poor thing! You know you’re not only my star, but the schools star! Your status and fame as apart of my council brings so much to this school. Some savage Mudwing and my foolish daughter could never ruin what you’ve made!” Coral reassured, and Clay felt like he could barf

“Oh, my Queen, you are simply to kind for this weak soul. Well, I understand. I’ll continue to do my best to answer your expectations!”

“Wonderful! Oh, and how is my daughter Anemone doing in her studies?”

“Unfortunately, she seems to be falling behind slightly, despite all my teaching and discipline, she never seems to get it, such a shame Orca turned out the way she did, she was far more brilliant than Anemone.”

“Quite true, quite true. Nonetheless, she holds special power, and she will require your guiding hand! I’m sure I will help you find a way to strengthen your teaching. In the meantime, keep doing all you can!” Coral told Whirlpool, as the two then went their separate ways, and Clay prepared to meet with Tsunami.

“I should head over the woods to meet with Tsunami…behind the eating center, I wonder where that could be?” Clay thought to himself, when he noticed a young Dragonet walking along one of the trails, she had a unique pale blue and light pink scale coloring, like one of the dolphins Clay saw when he first had to leave the delta. Clay also couldn’t help but notice she seemed to have a bruise or two, as well as a small limp as she walked.

“Hey, kid, do you know the way to the eating center? Actually, do you need me to take you to the nurse? You seem really hurt.” Clay said, as the dragonet looked momentarily jittery, before calming down.

“Um, I’m alright, thank you…and, the eating center should be that way…” The little dragonet said, and Clay gave her a smile

“Thank you so much! You’re a big help!” Clay told her, and the little Dragonet seemed to brighten up after he told her that.

“You’re welcome…my names Anemone.”

“Mine’s Clay.” Clay then gave her a small pat on the back and was on his way to the behind of the eating center to meet Tsunami. As he walked towards it he saw two other members of The Destiny Program, one being a Nightwing with black and purple scales, and what Clay assumed to be a Sandwing dragonet with golden scales, and being slightly smaller than the Nightwing. Clay could tell the two were enjoying talking with one another, and wondered if they somehow knew each other before the program.

Finally, Clay made it to the woods behind the eating center, where he saw Tsunami waiting on a rock.

“There you are…sorry calling ya up like this. I bet Orcas already gold you stuff like, “don’t get involved with her,” huh?”

“Yeah…she claimed you’re nothing but trouble.” Clay told her honestly, leaving out how he snapped at Orca when she first said it to him.

“Figures, then again, I guess we’re in the same boat. I heard you have a criminal record, everyone’s talking about it! No wonder you’re so gutsy.” Tsunami tried to compliment him, but Clay looked a mix of embarrassed and disheartened at everyone knowing about it.

“…What do you think was up with what happened? You know, how we almost got killed in a castle…It wasn’t just a dream, was it? You remember it to, yeah?”

“Yeah, I remember it.”

“well, I guess even if we both remember it it doesn’t mean much…I mean, even if it was a dream, ya not only saved me from Whirlpool, but jumped through a hallway of fire for me, so yeah…Thanks, Clay.” Tsunami said, as she smiled at Clay, who gave a small grin back

“Ah, it was nothing, like I told you before, you’d done the same for me.”

“But man, that Whirlpool we saw…You probably don’t know about them, but there’s some rumors about him.”

“Whirlpool…he’s the demeaning toad eyed guy isn’t he?”

“Yep! That asshole! No one says anything about him because not only is he practically my moms favorite person, but he’s some “respected scholar” who wrote a couple nonfiction books on animus magic, won him a bunch of awards and status in the process. The way Whirlpool was kind of that castle felt crazy real ‘cause of that…I wonder if we can go back to that castle again…Ugh, forget it. Must’ve been a dream! has to be!…Sorry I dragged you out here, you’re the only one I can talk to this stuff about.” Tsunami kept talking as she got off the rock she was on, “Honestly, you and I are pretty similar! I think we’ll get along just fine as “Troublemakers” I’m Princess Tsunami, but just call me Tsunami! I’ll come talk if I see you around. Don’t go ignoring me, alright? Well, seeya!” Tsunami said as she walked off.

“Guess that’s my cue to go back…Man, Kestrel’s gonna be pissed…I hope she doesn’t hate me cause of it, she seems like someone who’s been through a lot…” Clay thought to himself, still however feeling as though someone was watching him, as he took to the skies and flew off home…well, what he has to call home for now.

**

As Clay walked into the cavern, he saw a waiting Kestrel at her counter, her face filled with a disappointed anger.

“I got a message from some Seawing guards. I hear you ditched half a day on your first day of school!” Kestrel said sternly, as Clay looked down at the floor.

“I’m sorry, there was…complications…” Clay explained, knowing Kestrel wouldn’t believe him if he told her the full truth.

“Just when I was beginning to think you had it together this morning!…Look, just behave yourself! I’m serious, a single wrong step and your life is over. You do know what probation means, right?!” Kestrel sternly questioned him, and Clay silently nodded, and despite her best efforts Kestrels expression began to soften, it was hard to stay mad at a kid like Clay after all.

“…Good, look, just go downstairs and go to sleep already, I have someone to see in a little bit. And don’t forget to lock things up before you go to sleep, I don’t think either of us wants to deal with something like a break in.” Kestrel instructed Clay, as she prepared to head out.

Clay looked upon the old room and felt a rising sense of loneliness once again, and headed to his small resting area for him, wanting to just sleep so he could wake up and be away from this room, maybe even get a chance to properly hang out with his new friend, Tsunami, or find a way back to that castle…

“Was that castle real? Did me and Tsunami really imagine it?…I should just rest instead of wondering about this more, maybe I’ll have a more clear head afterwards…” Clay thought to himself as he fell to sleep upon the cold, stiff floor.

**

As Clay awoke, he found himself in a cell once again, with the same two little scavengers and the strange looking Nightwing that called themself “The Stonemover.”

“About time you woke up! ON YOUR FEET INMATE!” shouted the louder scavenger, who banged their baton against his cell. As it did it occurred to Clay he was somehow able to understand these two little creatures, but knew their was more pressing things to wonder about.

“Our master wishes to speak with you. Do take his words to heart for your own sake.” said the calmer scavenger, as Clay looked towards The Stonemover.

“Now, let us celebrate our reunion! It is good to see you once again, Mudwing.” The Dragon rumbled, as Clay once again felt shaken by his voice.

“Hm…? My my, you’ve awakened to your powers! And special ones at that! Now we can finally begin your rehabilitation!”

“My rehabilitation?” Clay questioned aloud, wondering what The Stonemover could mean.

“There is no meed to understand it for the time being my new friend. You will be training the newly awakened power known as Persona. Personas are, in a way, a “mask”…an armor of one’s heart when confronting the world! I have high expectations for you, Young Mudwing.” The Stonemover told Clay, who was still deeply confused by everything around him, even with the revelation of his abilities.

“Now now, there is no need to worry! You will learn soon enough…If I may ask, have you come to appreciate The Metaverse Navigator? It is your little book which appeared to you. Using it shall allow you to come and go between reality and Palaces. I have bestowed it to you as a means to train you as a thief.”

“The Navigator is a gift from our MASTER. You better make good use of it!” The louder Scavenger yelled to Clay.

“Devote yourself to training so you may become the thief which our master wishes you to be.” The calmer scavenger said.

“I can see how disheartening this may be if one is to do this on their own, and luckily for you, Young Mudwing, I am a generous man. Should there be others who would prove beneficial to your journey, I will grant them this ability as well. Know this is all for you to grow as an excellent thief, young Mudwing.” The Stonemover spoke to Clay, who began to drift away from his slumber, and soon awaken back into the real world.

[tacoma-narrows]

Tac's OC Ref Masterposts 3: Secondary OCs

See my other ref posts here: Sonas, Primaries, Tertiaries

I wanted to have a series of posts where people can find all of my characters in one place! Since I have too many to fit them all into one post, I decided to split them up based on how much I use them/how developed they are, the same way they're split up on my Toyhouse.

I wanted to have their refs here so people can find them relatively easily and not have to go digging through their Toyhouse galleries to find them lol. If anyone ever wants to draw them, you are very much encouraged to do so!! Same goes for asks about my characters! Those are always welcome as well!!

These will have some general information about each of my characters, but if you want to see more about them in depth, each character's Toyhouse page will also be linked! If/when I update any particular characters' ref in the future, that will be updated here as well ^^

Will also include each character's theme song because I like showing those off too :3

See my secondary OCs here below the cut!

SECONDARY OCS

These characters are ones I don't use quite as often as my primary OCs, but still have more to them than my tertiary OCs do. They have some developed personality, mainly from when I was more into Wings of Fire (all of these, as well as all of my tertiaries, are WoF OCs lol). All of these guys generally have some kind of interconnection with my other WoF OCs or a relatively well defined sort of gimmick I guess you could say lol.

Arroyo [Toyhouse Link]

SandWIng

Sometimes acts as an older brother figure to Rhazz

Higher-up at a gold mine in the desert

Ruff is stylized to look like messy hair

Theme Song: Come with Me Now by Kongos

Foxtrot [Toyhouse Link]

NightWing/SilkWing hybrid

Stage performer, performance partners with Rhazz

Loves showtunes music

Feel free to simplify his design if needed lmao

Theme Song: Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung

Magma [Toyhouse Link]

Biggest of any of my dragon characters

Veteran of some war (he never specifically says which)

Has a scar on his tail

Adoptive older brother to Sunrise

Fits the "cool uncle who brings the kids awesome gifts at their birthdays and holidays" role

Theme Song: Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi

Sundial [Toyhouse Link]

IceWing/RainWing hybrid

Girlfriend of Doppler

Makes up a weather watching/storm chasing team with Doppler and ThunderSnow

Wings show what the sky outside looks like at any given time (day/night, clear/rain/snow, etc. - think like a Minecraft clock lol)

Theme Song: Sunny Day by Abandoned Pools

ThunderSnow [Toyhouse Link]

IceWing/SkyWing hybrid

Wavy spines are a hybrid side effect

Wings are meant to look like a blizzard, icicles and lightning, all meant to tie back to his name

Storm chaser, works with Doppler and Sundial

Boyfriend of Eejanaika

Theme Song: The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

Wanderlust [Toyhouse Link]

SilkWing

Owns a safari tour business in Pantala

Sometimes wears a pith helmet at an angle as part of her tours :]

Probably has an Australian accent lol

Her catchphrase/business tagline is "Everybody needs a little more wonder in their lives!"

Theme Song: New York City by Owl City

[gnarper]

introduction!!

Hello! My name is Apollo/Cass, and my pronouns are he/they/it/xe!!

I am a minor!! PLEASE keep that in mind.

I am a polytherian (Asian small clawed otter, arctic fox, Czechslovakian wolfdog, snowy owl, Canadian lynx), fictionhearted (Gnarpy) and fictionkin!! (Funtime Freddy, Toothless, Mangle)

Things I'm a fan of: Will Wood, The Stupendium, The Outer Worlds, Lemon Demon, FPE, WOF, Regretavator, FNAF, Percy Jackson, Tally Hall, astronomy, history, rats, worms on strings, the colour green.

Trans demiboy, biromantic, aroace.

DNI: JK Rowling supporters, pro-shippers, factkin, basic DNI criteria.

Credit for the dividers: https://bunnysrph.tumblr.com/

[some-pers0n]

A Thrilling Evening

Fandom: WoF

Characters: Scarlet, Burn, Moorhen

CW: Mentions of war and consuming alcohol

Summary: Scarlet has invited her other allies to a fun little diplomatic meeting. Unfortunately, they don't seem as thrilled about it as she is.

A/N: I wrote this a while ago, but I still quite like it. My goofy brain loves writing entirely evil characters.

"It's always lovely whenever you two are over," Scarlet said, "rarely am I given a proper excuse to host a dinner party. It gives me a chance to talk with some like-minded dragons. Too few are the generals actually entertaining. Too focused on battles and fighting in the planning and war sense to be enjoyable."

"Are we not here on the basis that this is a diplomatic meeting though?" Moorhen asked.

"Well, that is true, but not all diplomatic meetings need to entirely be all strategies and planning and such. I believe you said before that these nights are more about the queens bonding and growing to trust one another than it is about the subjects we talk about, no?" She glanced at the MudWing queen.

"Just try to keep things on topic, won't you?" Burn commented, looking down at the SkyWing. "You are a pleasant host, but I have better things to talk about."

"Oh please, as though you don't find it fun to talk with us," she playfully said. Burn didn't respond, instead continuing to walk in silence. Disappointed by her lack of input, she frowned. "I suppose you can be that way then."

The trio continued before finally getting to the dining hall. Two guards opened the massive doors, revealing the inside. A sprawling hall that stretched quite a distance. A crescent-shaped marble table sat in the middle, adorned with several gems and jewels. It was lit by candlelight, both from the ones on the table and the chandeliers above. Murals were etched into the walls, depicting the rich and mythical history of the SkyWings.

"Come now. The cooks are preparing our meals. The appetizers will arrive soon, don't you worry." Scarlet slunk into her own special throne, picking up a chalice. But, as she pressed it to her lips, no drink was there.

She hissed at it. "Somebody forgot to pour the wine! Servant!"

Moments later, a scrawny young SkyWing popped out from a nearby room. On a platter were several different wines. "Terribly, terribly sorry, my queen," they apologize. "Now, which one would you like–" Scarlet didn't wait for them to finish before ripping the platter from their claws.

"We can select ourselves," she snarled. "Off with you now! Guards! Find whoever was supposed to pour the wine and throw them in the dungeon! There's no excuse for neglecting such a simple task."

She then turned back to the other queens. "Useless is what they are," she spat. "At least they brought us some quality drink, no? Here, make your choice. I personally just adore this one. It has such a rich and deep flavor." The queen held up an orange bottle, popping off the cork and letting the vibrant red liquid pour into her glass.

"Ooh, what's it called?" Moorhen inquired. "Or what winery it's from."

Scarlet shrugged. "Don't know. All I know is that it's divine. You both have to try it. It's an order, as per my rules."

"Why bother giving us a choice if you only want us to drink one wine?" Burn picked up another bottle, inspecting it.

"Hush now. You'll love it, I just know you will. Something to lighten you up! You're so serious all of the time. It's a dinner party after all, you're free to have some fun."

Burn grimaced. "Thank you for insulting me."

She scoffed. "See what I mean? I was having some light banter, and you come in and make it all grounded and unfun." She took a sip, basking in the flavors of her drink. "Either way, drink up. We've got plenty, so don't be shy."

Moorhen poured her own glass from the same fiery orange bottle. "So, how are things in your kingdoms? So many troops are coming back in mine. Many dead, several more wounded and in need of service. It's rather nightmarish."

"Yes, from your failure of a campaign against the IceWings," Burn said. "It was doomed from the start. I thought your tribe would've avoided such harsh environments due to your limited fire abilities."

The russet-brown queen sighed. "We thought that our fire wasn't all too important. I was idiotic and took a chance, believing that somehow we could claim the hold."

"Yes, it was idiotic," the SandWing continued. "The uppermost area of the continent is Scarlet's problem, isn't it? It should've been an issue she tackled with her own army as opposed to you. Valiant efforts, but that was a choice so awful I'd be ashamed for it for the rest of my life."

Moorhen's wings slunk down, clearly embarrassed. "...indeed, yes."

"It was a spectacle, I'll say," Scarlet interjected. "My scouts reported back some details from the battles. If it didn't end so fast, I would've come over to watch."

"And don't think you're free from this either." Burn glared at the SkyWing as she poured her glass. "Like you said, you knew this was happening. You should've supported her."

"It was over so quickly. Besides, it was doomed from the start. The IceWings have that area protected like–"

"Is this war some sort of game to you?" She raised her voice, slamming down her chalice a little. "I may pride myself on war, but this is far from a situation where you can afford to sit around like this. Unlike you, I would rather send my troops out to fight and die for a cause than to watch them brawl to the death in a battle in which the only reward is only temporary."

Scarlet rolled her eyes. "Here she goes again. Blah blah blah, on and on." She leaned on the table, resting one arm on the table and swirling her drink around with the other. "Darling, I am trying. We all are. It's not my fault if she loses a battle, no?"

"By all means, it is. A quick message to your outposts to aid them could've been the difference between defeat or victory."

"Ugh," she groaned. "Can't we talk about something else? We've just sat down, have we not?"

A bit of awkward silence followed before Scarlet spoke up once more, pointing her cup towards a large painting across the wall. It was a portrait of herself. Her likeness was perfectly captured in it. Her talons were resting on a small podium, smoke fuming from her nostrils and curling around her horns. Her golden yellow eyes were piercing and fierce.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Recently commissioned it. Really brings out my beauty, doesn't it?"

"Tacky."

"I'm sorry...what did you say?" She turned towards Burn.

"How much did you spend on such an obnoxious piece? I can't think of any reason as to why you'd pay for a self-centered and absorbed artwork."

"It is not obnoxious!" she said, gesturing to the giant painting of herself. "To answer your question, I paid nothing for it."

"Nothing? Then how did you commission them?" Moorhen asked.

"Well...I wouldn't say commissioned, now that I think of it. More or less threatened the artist into doing so. They were a prisoner of war. Found out through some guards that they were an artist. One thing leads to another, and look at that. Now have a gorgeous portrait to liven the room up."

The conversation dried up a bit. However, soon enough, distant talons-steps could be heard. A lot of them too. Moments later, a group of servers came through the door.

"Appetizers. They include spitfire salad, deviled eggs, and several types of cheeses and sausage," one announced while the others dished out the food. "Dinner will be ready shortly." Just as quickly as they arrived, they disappeared back into the halls of the palace.

"Thank you so much for dinner, Scarlet," the MudWing queen thanked. "It's been quite difficult recently with the famine and such to find such quality food. I pray that the spirits will tip the balance and give us rain."

"I pray the spirits will let us win one moons-forsaken battle." Burn took a bite from one of the sausage links. "It's been ages since I've had a proper win. We need one after that disaster with the IceWing hold. We've been the laughingstock of the continent. It's time we show them that we're something to be feared."

"Agreed. It's so thrilling being in that position. Who wouldn't want to be feared?"

"Well..." Moorhen spoke up. "Isn't it better to be hailed as a nice queen?"

"Soft queens get stabbed and manipulated. Intimidating ones survive the war. The only reason Blaze hasn't had her throat slit yet is because Glacier's got her on a leash. She's useless and would rather play dress-up and throw parties than partake in battle. Reminds me of somebody..."

"Oh, what? Just because I don't send in my troops the one time you're comparing me to your empty-headed sister?" Scarlet complained. "Please. Besides, we all know I'm far more stunning than she'll ever be."

"Beauty is...subjective..."

"Are you saying I'm not lavish? I'm pristine, aren't I? Dragons would kill for my looks. Look at my scales. Not a nick or scratch."

"What's wrong with scars?" Burn asked. "I find them more honorable and respectful than jewelery and crowns. They're marks. They show you've struggled and come back out on top. That, despite everything, you still roam this land. You're still here. You didn't give up. You weren't a coward. You fought and won." She pointed to a rather nasty looking scar, one that went down her entire neck to her torso. "This isn't something I'm ashamed of. This is evidence of how I am not a dragon to mess with."

The SandWing princess took a sig from her cup. "That alone is worth more than anything you have."

"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Scarlet scoffed.

"You're very welcome."

[hazel-makes-things]

The WOF soundtrack did not have to go so hard but my gosh does it slap.

Every time there's a fight scene, I feel like I'm listening to On Your Knees by Jeff Williams, Lamar Hall, and Sandy Casey.

[jewboykahl]

WoF music headcanons??

Sundew keeps her punching bag company to mostly violent rock, but these are her favorite songs

Cricket likes any mushy love song, and also songs she can relate to her predicament being an outsider in her own tribe. Tsunami is a sucker for any rock with a good guitar solo, but a good rhythm for reps is a near must.

Blue and Luna share earbuds on the subway on the way to Silkworm Hall. Blue prefers soft songs about support and understanding, and Luna likes anything about freedom and quiet happiness.

I've never actually played with anthro designs for these guys, and I'm pretty excited to try more :)

[l4v3nd3rgl0w]

☆Intro☆

☆Hello! <3 I’m Lavenderglow, or Lav / Lavenderglow for short.

This is a multi-fandom blog for WOF, Transformers, Murder Drones, (Possibly) Regretevator, and my own little project, Spectral Echoes!

☆SFW

!NSFW BLOGS AND PROSHIPPERS DO NOT INTERACT!

Info/

☆Minor

☆She/Any

☆I ship: Any canon ships from fandoms listed above, Skystar, Bananatective/Spive, Jeremy x Unpleasant, and Blacier!

☆Music: The Offspring, Three Days Grace, Lemon Demon, Tally Hall, koronba, Mother Mother, Maebi

☆I don’t do commissions but I take requests, and may draw your OC if I see you on Roblox!

☆Other Socials:

Pinterest (I use it for messages!) : @ L4V3ND3RGL0W

DWM/Draw With Me (I rarely post there) : @ Lavenderglow

☆Roblox Username: L4VENDERGL0W

Have fun on my blog! And remember;

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”

-Thomas Merton

[totallygonedark]

Someone had to write a WOF fanfic i guess

So I'm placing this at the beginning of Moon Rising, and it should align with the original storyline, give or take some liberties I took. This should extend throughout the second segment, books 6-10. I'm adding Lightscarred, a combat prodigy and easy learner. Sort of like Qibli, but more handsome and less need to prove himself. He's the only Nightwing dragonet who doesn't ostracize Moon. Have fun.

Jade Mountain Academy was nothing like Moon expected. It was a place of bustling young dragonets, some nervous like Moon, others relaxed and in their own groups. Above all, it was the perfect place for dragonets, the new generation, to learn about other cultures and socialize with other tribes. It also was where Moon felt the most alone. She felt abandoned by her mother, who left her to rot in this place where the well connected dragons win and the others are left behind. Even her own tribe, save Lightscarred, shunned her out of their jealousy of her quaint upbringing in the rainforest instead of the volcano. And as an added bonus, she had to hide her mind reading abilities. Coupled with the loud conversations and shuffling of talons, the voices Moon heard inside her head were giving her a headache. Things eased out a little when she saw Lightscarred there, not looking so happy. But at least it was a friend? Maybe not. Someone she knew and didn't feel uncomfortable with. Yes.

When dragonets were assigned into Winglets, aka squads, she saw that dragonets of the same tribe weren't in the same winglet. "Remember", Sunny had said. "The point of this school is to learn about other tribes, not just stick with your own." Her winglet was the Jade Winglet: Her, Kinkajou, Winter, Qibli, Carnelian, and Turtle. She hadn't ever heard of these people, other than Prince Winter of the Icewings, a menacing and very unfriendly figure. Moon looked down. Lightscarred was in an extra winglet called the Obsidian Winglet, obviously composed of leftover dragonets since there were only 2 dragons there: Lightscarred and a Skywing named Talonhearth.

The first voice she heard was Kinkajou's: "Hi! You must be Moonwatcher! I'm Kinkajou! Rainwing and best friend of Queen Glory herself!" Moon was getting a headache listening to her thoughts. If only there was some way I could tune out. That was when she heard it. Moon. Huh? Hello, little Moonwatcher. Who are you? Think of me as a friend. A friend who can also mind read. What's your name? That isn't important. I can teach you to control your mind reading. And perfect it. How do I-- Talk to you later I think. Someone approaching unfortunately interrupted the conversation. It was Tsunami. "Moonwatcher, get to class. Down the hall, take a right, first room on the left. You're late." Moon hurriedly rushed to the room, where Webs was in the middle of teaching. "--now, after this scavenger stabbed Queen Oasis, which was Blister's plan all along, the 3 sisters began-- Moonwatcher, take a seat."

Moon scanned the room. The only open seat was between Winter and Qibli. When she sat down, she heard, "You're late, weirdo". Fearless. She said it scathingly, even hatefully. "Leave her alone." Moon turned to her right. Qibli and Lightscarred, who sat behind Qibli, had spoken in unison. Qibli said it more forcefully, while Lightscarred did his usual thing of taking everything lightly. Fearless looked at Qibli confusedly, and then turned to Lightscarred. "Why do you care, you're one of us. She isn't." "Well, I'm worried then, since more than 80% of the school isn't one of us. You gonna treat them like this as well?" Qibli laughed, then shut himself up when Webs turned around. "Qibli, perhaps you can tell us then, where Burn's stronghold was located?" "Of course I can, I've been there. It's near the Scorpion's Den." "Hmm. Fine. Just shut up back there." Qibli grinned at Moon, but stopped when he saw her staring at Lightscarred. Meanwhile, in Moon's head, there were thoughts circling around. These kids don't respect me, but honestly, I don't like it much here. Wish Queen Coral would take me back so I can get out of here: That was Webs. Gods, Moonwatcher doesn't deserve to have all her fancy rainforest treatment. Does she think she's better than me? And that Sandwing, what's his problem?: Fearless. I get why Nightwings don't like Moon, but you'd think they'd have gotten over it by now. When's lunch? Damn, still 30 minutes left in class.: Lightscarred. How can I get her to pay me some attention? Jokes, or defending her? What makes Lightscarred so interesting to her? Is it that they know each other more? He doesn't seem to be that close to her. Should I ask?: Qibli. "Moonwatcher. Why didn't Burn beat Blaze on her territory?" Is this child spacing out? Not on my watch. Moon was a little frustrated with being called out, but she could see the answer in Webs' mind. "Kingdom of Ice was too cold", she said, in a hushed voice. "Sorry, couldn't hear you. Speak up, child." "Kingdom of Ice was too cold." She said that a bit louder and Webs looked away. The bell rang.

Moon left in a hurry, with Qibli following to get to know her better. She was distracted by a commotion. A scavenger had gotten loose and dragonets were fighting to catch it. Winter had stormed after it. She had to protect it, she could hear some semblance of panicked thoughts, and that was enough to compel her to defend the poor life form. She got there in time to whisk the scavenger away and pull it away from Winter. "Excuse me, Nightwing, that's my pet." "Don't hurt it." "Queen Glacier let me keep this one. Give it back right now." "But what if it gets loose again?" "I will tear off your head if you don't return my pet." Qibli stepped in. "Sorry about my Icewing friend there. He gets antsy without his scavenger. How about you give back the pet and we forget about this?" Lightscarred yawned. "Shut up, Qibli. I want to see the Icewing prince act like a hatchling over a scavenger. Where's tough guy now, your highness?" Winter snarled, and drew in a breath. Uh oh, that's the frost breath coming. Lightscarred rolled out of the way, then dove for Winter's legs and bowled him over. "Pretty immature if you ask me, mister prince."

Author's Note: I'm too lazy to go over the Moon-Darkstalker convos, so I'm skipping to when Icicle, Winter, and Moon get in that very awkward confrontation about trying to kill Sunny and Starflight. See ya or something.

"It doesn't have to be like this. We can work together and find Scarlet." "You were always weak. Even for Hailstorm. You put some stupid dragons and a Nightwing over your own family. You're a disgrace." Moon could feel Winter's mental anguish. To be told such horrible things by your own sister. It was then that Lightscarred crept out of the shadows, where he was apparently hiding, and barreled into Icicle, knocking her out. "Nice speech, Winter. Kept her distracted. Smart, almost like you read my mind." Was it just in Moon's head or was he looking at her? "What should we do?" "Take her back to the Ice Kingdom. My aunt will know what to do." "Or... Never mind, take her back. Probably the best thing to do." Qibli showed up. "Woah. What happened? Don't answer, I can guess." "I always knew you had it in you to guess, Qibli." Moon could pick out Qibli's thoughts, just as Darkstalker showed her. I get why Moon finds Lightscarred interesting, at the least. His nonchalance paired with his abilities make for a unique personality. It's not about trying for him. He just assumes he's the best and goes from there. Moon thought about that for a second. He's right. "Alright, so when do we leave?" Talonhearth, Lightscarred's winglet partner, had slipped into the room. "Now, or do you need some time?" "Let's go." Go? Go where? Should we follow them? Would Moon follow them? What are Lightscarred and Talonhearth up to? Moon conceded with Qibli's thoughts. Good question. What are they up to?

Thanks for reading part 1. Part 2 coming up later, if requested enough.

[xxl1zardb3ansxx]

More WOF fanfic b/c I finished another chapter! T/W angst

A new topic?

Star was in art class, listening as the teacher Turtle was explaining some history about Pyrriahan art. 

“Around 1,000 years after the scorching, dragons began making pottery and jewelry. Most of the jewelry pieces were little pendants, made with sea glass, and colored sand. The pendants were for people of high power, or gifts for a dragon’s loved one. These could include friends, crushes, or spouses. This is the first part of our new topic. If you choose to do the pottery section you will learn blah…blah…blah…blah” Star had started zoning out after the pendant part. I could make one for Blizzard. Star then didn’t even pay attention, she just pictured what she would make for Blizzard. 

~~~Later~~~

Star was on her ledge during the rest period, She was sketching the design of the pedant in her sketchbook. It would be a blue crescent moon with little white specs of colored sand. Star decided to use a gold cord, to point out Blizzard’s beautiful white scales. Star couldn’t help but draw Blizzard in the margins of her sketchbook. Just then, Vermillion walked in, right behind Star.

“Whatcha’ drawing?” Vermillion said, leaning over her shoulder. Star slammed her sketchbook shut and glared at him.

“It’s for art class. We’re making pendants. Out of uh, sea glass, and stuff.” Star said, going a little fast to get it over with.

“Oh? Can I see your sketchbook then?” Vermilion asked, with an awful smile.

“No. I uh, don’t wanna show you.” Star said, moving her sketchbook away a little. It was too late. Vermilion had reached over and snatched the sketchbook from Star’s hands. He opened it and began flipping through the pages. Blizzard walked into the room and turned her head a bit in confusion.

“What’re you doing?” She asked, looking at Vermilion.

“Hey, get a look at this.” Vermillion said, turning the sketchbook towards Blizzard.

“No, don't!” Star shouted. But it was too late. Blizzard saw the page. The page with almost a million little doodles and sketches of her. “Heh-heh. Looks like somebody has a little crush.” Vermillion snickered. Blizzard’s expression was unreadable. Confusion? Surprise? Disappointment? It didn’t matter. Star ran out of the room. Her talons clacked on the floor. Tears flew off her face. Hide. HIDE. Star ran, hearing Blizzard call after her. Luckily there were no other dragons in the halls there to whisper and gossip about her. Star forgot about hiding within the school and spiraled into the chilling evening air. She flew north, so that some of the mountains could hide her. Star landed in a little grassy area and dashed into a cave. Tears were still streaming down her face. Stupid! Stupid! You should’ve known you can't have things like that. You should’ve known it would happen. It always does. Star pushed herself into a corner and slammed her talons on her head, over, and over.

[strange-creature-222]

HELLO, WELCOME, WHY DON'T YOU TAKE A SEAT? RELAX, GET COMFORTABLE, TAKE A SECOND IF YOU NEED TO

Here's my little blog site thingy, I'd recommend using it while viewing my blog, so the posts aren't annoying white blocks

Y'all can call me Creature, Archivist, or scourge , I go by it/they pronouns, as well as any neopronouns

MORE INFO BELOW [warnings, interests, tags, blinkies, and is that a playlist of songs I like?]

One: GENERAL WARNING FOR INSECTS, ARACHNIDS, AND OTHER CRITTERS IN THIS BLOG

I SHOULD ALSO ADD THAT IM REALLY INTERESTED IN JUST ABOUT ANY OTHER ANIMAL THAT PEOPLE FIND SCARY

Two: this is my only account, I don't have a side blog or art blog right now, if you specifically want to see my art you can use my art tag (tags listed below)

Three: I block freely so I'm not writing a big dni, don't interact if you fall under basic dni criteria (racists, pedos, nazis, etc. You know who you are), terfs don't interact (although I don't see why you decided to come here in the first place)

Four: WARNING FOR EYESTRAIN!!!! I LIKE BRIGHT COLORS!!!! Oh and eyes, A lot of eyes

I tend to avoid flashing lights, they don't cause me pain but they're really annoying

If I should start tagging stuff as warnings just ask <3 I might not be amazing at it but I'll try

SOME STUFF IM INTERESTED IN

Wings of fire*

Will wood*

Warrior cats*

Wander over yonder

Lemon demon*

Animaniacs

Ride the cyclone

Hamilton

The beetlejuice musical

The Jekyll and Hyde musical*

Tally hall

Miracle musical

Jack stauber

Lackadaisy

Gravity falls

Across the spider-verse

Birds (mainly birds of prey)

Sea Creatures

Bugs

animals that people find scary in general

Fossils

history

Space

Rats

My chemical romance*

The owl house

The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde*

The glass scientists*

The Magnus Archives*

A bunch of other things

*starred interests are ones I mainly post about*

MUSIC

MY TAGS

MY ART POSTS

#creature draws : this one has my art!

#creatures neon dragons : this one has some simple brightly colored sketches of dragons on a black background (im not sure I'm continuing this, all posts here are old)

#super cool art : other peoples art that I reblog

#creatures comic collection: comics that I reblog, I will still also put comics in the art tag

MY TEXT POSTS

#creatures ted-talks / #creatures ted talks : these have my text posts, stuff where I talk (I don't do so very often)

#creature answers : this one has my answers to asks and responses to tags

MY REBLOG STUFF

#creature rambles In someone else's post : self explanatory, I talk in someone else's post

#very important post (vip) : this one has posts I find important, nowadays I stick to things with helpful links

#creatures faves : posts I really like

#creatures faves² : posts I really really like

#creatures saved files : this one has things I want to save for later

#creatures saved files art edition : art tips and color palettes I wanna save

INTERESTS

#wee woo : will wood related stuff

#silly music people doing silly things : other musician related stuff (where you'll find lemon demon and mcr posts grouped together, yaaayy!!)

#casualdejekyll and formaldehyde : Jekyll and Hyde related stuff

#Normal British archives : The Magnus Archives related stuff

#wof of fire : wings of fire related stuff

#warrior kitty cats : warrior cats related stuff

(edit 2/20/24 THEY TOOK THE YELLOW TEXT AWAY WHAT THE FUCK)

Any now for a collection of blinkies and banners (credits in tags)

HERE'S MY PRONOUNS PAGE, THIS HAS MY NAMES, PRONOUNS, WHAT WORDS YOU SHOULD CALL ME, AND OTHER QUEER STUFF